Point awarding system, point awarding method, and program

Abstract

Sufficiently raise user awareness of points. [Solution] The point awarding system (1)'s point receipt operation determination unit (101) determines whether a user has performed a point receipt operation to receive points during the point receipt period related to the user's use of or application for a predetermined service. The point awarding unit (102) awards points to the user based on the determination result of the point receipt operation determination unit (101).

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a point awarding system, a point awarding method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a point service in which points are awarded to a user in response to the use or application of a predetermined service has been known. For example, in Patent Document 1, an information processing apparatus that automatically awards points corresponding to the price of a product purchased by a user who has purchased a product using an e-commerce service, which is an example of a predetermined service, after a predetermined period has elapsed since the user purchased the product is described.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document ①, when a user purchases a product using an e-commerce service, points are automatically awarded even if the user does not particularly notice the points, so the user's awareness of the points may decrease. This is the same for services other than the e-commerce service as in Patent Document ①. The same also applies to points awarded in response to a user's application for a predetermined service. In the conventional technology, the user's awareness of points could not be sufficiently enhanced.

[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to sufficiently enhance the user's awareness of points.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The point awarding system relating to this disclosure includes a point awarding operation determination unit that determines whether a user has performed a point awarding operation to receive the points during the point awarding period for the use or application of a predetermined service by the user, and a point awarding unit that awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the point awarding operation determination unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure can significantly raise users' awareness of points. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a points awarding system. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a screen displayed on a user's terminal. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the functions implemented in the points awarding system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a points database. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a service database. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the process performed by the points awarding system. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a function that can be achieved through modification. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of the receiving operation screen for Modification Example 1. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of the receiving operation screen for Modification Example 2. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of the receiving operation screen for Modification Example 3. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed on the user terminal in Modification Example 4. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the usable period in Modification Example 5. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed on user terminal 0 in variation 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [1. Hardware configuration of the point awarding system] An example of an embodiment of the point awarding system, point awarding method, and program related to this disclosure will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the point awarding system. For example, the point awarding system 1 includes a point awarding server 10, a service provision server 20, and a user terminal 30. Each of the point awarding server 10, the service provision server 20, and the user terminal 30 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN. Note that there may be multiple units of at least one of the point awarding server 10, the service provision server 20, and the user terminal 30.

[0010] The point awarding server 10 is a server computer. For example, the point awarding server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes at least one of volatile memory such as RAM and non-volatile memory such as flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0011] The service provider server 20 is a server computer. For example, the service provider server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively.

[0012] The user terminal 30 is the user's computer. For example, the user terminal 30 is a smartphone, a tablet, a personal computer, or a wearable terminal. The user terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The hardware configurations of the control unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the communication unit 33 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 34 is an input device such as a touch panel or a mouse. The display unit 35 is a display such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL.

[0013] Note that the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32 may be supplied to the point awarding server 10, the service providing server 20, or the user terminal 30 via the network N. Further, at least one of a reading unit (for example, a memory card slot) that reads a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (for example, a USB port) for inputting / outputting data to / from an external device may be included in the point awarding server 10, the service providing server 20, or the user terminal 30. For example, a program stored in the information storage medium may be supplied to the point awarding server 10, the service providing server 20, or the user terminal 30 via at least one of the reading unit and the input / output unit.

[0014] Also, the computers included in the point awarding system 1 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. The point awarding system 1 may include at least one computer. For example, the point awarding system 1 may include only the point awarding server 10. In this case, the service providing server 20 and the user terminal 30 exist outside the point awarding system 1. The point awarding system 1 may include the point awarding server 10 and other computers not shown in FIG. 1. The point awarding system 1 may include only other computers not shown in FIG. 1.

[0015] [2. Overview of Point Awarding System] In this embodiment, the service providing server 20 provides a predetermined service in which points are generated according to the use or application by the user. Points are a privilege for the user's use or application of the predetermined service. Points can also be said to be a privilege having a monetary value. The user can use points for any settlement. The point granting server 10 provides a point service that enables the use of points for the settlement of affiliated stores.

[0016] In this embodiment, as an example of the predetermined service, an e-commerce service will be described. The predetermined service is not limited to the e-commerce service. The predetermined service may be other services other than the e-commerce service. For example, the predetermined service may be a travel reservation service, a communication service, a financial service, a settlement service, an online free market service, an e-book service, a public service, or an administrative service. The predetermined service can also be said to be a service that joins the point service. The point service itself may correspond to the predetermined service.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 30. For example, when the user operates the user terminal 30 to search for a desired product, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 2, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display a product screen SC1 showing products that the user can order. In the example in the upper left of FIG. 2, the product screen SC1 shows the title, image, description, price, and point reduction rate of the product. The process by which the user orders a product may be the same as that of a known e-commerce service.

[0018] For example, when the user performs an operation to order a product from the product screen SC1, as shown in the upper right of FIG. 3, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display an order completion screen SC2 indicating that the order has been completed. When predetermined conditions are satisfied after the order is completed, points corresponding to the price and reduction rate are granted. In this embodiment, the case where the user's reception operation during the reception period corresponds to the predetermined condition will be taken as an example.

[0019] The redemption period is a period after the time the user uses the service or the time the user applies for the service. The redemption period can also be said to be a period determined based on the time of use or application. In this embodiment, we take the example of a case where points expire if the user does not perform the redemption operation within the redemption period. Therefore, the redemption period is the period during which the user can receive the points without them expiring. The redemption period may also be a period during which the redemption operation is possible. The redemption period may be of any length. The start time of the redemption period may be the same as the time of use or application, or it may be a time later than the time of use or application.

[0020] The receiving operation is an operation performed by the user to receive points. The receiving operation may be any operation that the user can perform from the user terminal 30. For example, the receiving operation may correspond to an operation in which the user selects a part of the user interface (e.g., a button, a slider bar, an icon, or text), an operation in which the user selects a predetermined component of the operation unit 34, an operation in which the user selects a link included in a notification such as an email, a voice statement made by the user, or any other operation.

[0021] In the upper right example of Figure 2, the redemption period is two months, the month following the month in which the user ordered the product and the month after that. For example, when a user logs into the e-commerce service during the redemption period, the user terminal 30 displays a redemption operation screen SC3 on the display unit 35, as shown in the lower left of Figure 2, to accept the redemption operation. In the lower left example of Figure 2, the user performs the redemption operation by selecting button B30. Once the redemption period has elapsed, button B30 is grayed out or removed, and the user cannot select button B30. After the redemption period has elapsed, the redemption operation screen SC3 may indicate that the redemption period has expired and the points have been forfeited.

[0022] For example, when a user performs a claim operation during the claim period, the user terminal 30 displays a claim screen SC4 on the display unit 35, showing the points awarded as a result of the claim operation, as shown in the lower right of Figure 2. Points may be awarded immediately after the claim operation is performed, or they may be awarded after a certain amount of time has elapsed since the claim operation was performed. Users may also choose to perform a claim operation within the claim period each time they order a product using the e-commerce service, in order to receive the points generated from that order.

[0023] For example, if points are awarded automatically, users receive points without having to consciously think about them, which may lead to a decrease in user awareness of points. In this respect, the point awarding system 1 of this embodiment awards points to the user when a receiving operation is performed during the receiving period, so users can become aware of points by performing a receiving operation during the receiving period. For this reason, the point awarding system 1 can increase user awareness of points. The details of the point awarding system 1 will be described below.

[0024] [3. Functions implemented by the point reward system] Figure 3 shows an example of the functions implemented in the point awarding system 1. The components implemented in the point awarding system 1 of this embodiment can be configured by combining them into a single device or by further distributing them among multiple devices. Figure 3 shows an example of the functions implemented by the point awarding server 10 and the service provision server 20.

[0025] [3-1. Functions implemented by the point awarding server] For example, the point awarding server 10 includes a data storage unit 100, a receipt operation determination unit 101, and a point awarding unit 102. The data storage unit 100 is implemented by a storage unit 12. The receipt operation determination unit 101 and the point awarding unit 102 are each implemented by a control unit 11.

[0026] [Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 100 stores various types of data related to the point service. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores the point database DB1.

[0027] Figure 4 shows an example of a points database DB1. The points database DB1 is a database that stores various information about points managed by a points service. For example, the points database DB1 stores user identification information, point holding information, and point accrual information. The information stored in the points database DB1 is not limited to the example in Figure 4. Other information may be stored in the points database DB1. For example, the points database DB1 may store receipt history information regarding the history of points received by the user, and usage history information regarding the history of points used by the user.

[0028] User identification information is information that can identify a user. For example, user identification information may be a user ID, login account, email address, telephone number, or other information. In this embodiment, we take the example of a case where the user ID for the points service and the user ID for the e-commerce service are the same. If other user identification information other than the user ID exists, that other user identification information may also be the same for the points service and the e-commerce service.

[0029] Note that the user ID for the points service and the user ID for the e-commerce service may be different. If the user ID for the points service and the user ID for the e-commerce service are different, a correspondence database showing the correspondence between the user IDs for the points service and the user IDs for the e-commerce service is stored in the data storage unit 100. The correspondence database may be stored on a computer other than the point awarding server 10 (for example, the service provision server 20) or on an information storage medium. Based on the correspondence data, which user corresponds to which user ID is identified.

[0030] The points information refers to information about the points a user possesses. The points a user possesses can also be said to be the points that have been awarded to the user. For example, the points information shows the balance of points. If a points service uses multiple types of points (for example, two types of points: limited-time points with a set usage period and regular points with no set usage period), the points information may show the balance of each of the multiple types of points. For example, when a user uses points, the points awarding server 10 updates the points information so that the balance of points decreases by the amount used. When points are awarded to a user, the points awarding server 10 updates the points information so that the balance of points increases by the amount awarded.

[0031] The generated points information refers to information about points generated through the use or application of a service, such as an e-commerce service. It can also be described as information about points before the user performs a redemption operation (points before they are awarded to the user). For example, the generated points information may include the recipient ID, the redemption period, the number of points to be redeemed, a redemption flag, or a combination of these. The generated points information may also include information that identifies the service that caused the points to be generated. Furthermore, the generated points information may include other information necessary to award points to the user if a redemption operation is performed during the redemption period.

[0032] The Receivable ID is information that can identify the points subject to the receiving operation. In this embodiment, points subject to the receiving operation are generated each time a user orders goods using the e-commerce service, so the Receivable ID can also be said to be information that can identify the user's order. That is, the Receivable ID is information that can identify the use or application for the service. The Receivable Flag indicates whether or not the user has received the points. The Receivable Flag can also be said to indicate whether or not points have been awarded to the user. For example, the Receivable Flag may show a first value indicating that the user has not received the points, or a second value indicating that the user has received the points. The Receivable Flag may also show a third value indicating that the points have expired.

[0033] In this embodiment, we take as an example the case in which the service provision server 20 generates point information and sends it to the point awarding server 10. The point information stored in the point database DB1 may also be stored in the service database DB2, which will be described later. For example, when a user uses or applies for a service, the service provision server 20 issues a recipient ID.

[0034] For example, the service provider server 20 determines the redemption period based on the time of use or application. The service provider server 20 may determine the redemption period to be the period from the current date and time to a predetermined time after that date. The service provider server 20 may also determine the redemption period to be the period from a date and time later than the current date and time to a predetermined time after that date. The service provider server 20 determines the number of points based on the price of the product and the point redemption rate.

[0035] For example, the service provider server 20 generates point information including the recipient ID, receiving period, number of points, and receiving flag. The initial value of the receiving flag is the first value. The service provider server 20 stores the point information associated with the user ID of the user who placed the order in the service database DB2, which will be described later. The service provider server 20 sends the user ID of the user who placed the order and the point information to the point granting server 10. The point granting server 10 stores the point information associated with the user ID in the point database DB1.

[0036] Alternatively, the point awarding server 10 may generate the generated point information instead of the service provision server 20. In this case, the point awarding server 10 obtains the information necessary for generating the generated point information from the service provision server 20. For example, the point awarding server 10 obtains information such as the user ID of the user who placed the order, the price of the product ordered by the user, the point redemption rate, and the order date and time from the service provision server 20.

[0037] For example, the point awarding server 10 determines the redemption period based on the current date and time. The point awarding server 10 may also determine the redemption period to be the period from the current date and time to a predetermined time after that date. The point awarding server 10 may also determine the redemption period to be the period from a date and time later than the current date and time to a predetermined time after that date. The point awarding server 10 calculates the number of points based on the price and redemption rate. The point awarding server 10 generates the generated points information and stores it in the point database DB1 in association with the user ID of the user who placed the order. The point awarding server 10 transmits the user ID and the generated points information to the service provision server 20. The service provision server 20 stores the generated points information in the service database DB2 in association with the user ID.

[0038] Furthermore, the point awarding server 10 may determine a portion of the generated point information, while the service providing server 20 determines the remaining portion. For example, the point awarding server 10 may determine only the period for receiving the generated point information, while the service providing server 20 determines the remaining portion. The generated point information may also be generated by computers other than the point awarding server 10 and the service providing server 20.

[0039] Furthermore, the data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 100 only needs to store the data necessary for the processing described in this embodiment. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store data necessary for displaying the award screen SC4 or other screens. The data storage unit 100 may also store data indicating the point redemption rate. The data storage unit 100 may also store data indicating the point calculation formula. Based on this data, the points awarded to the user may be calculated.

[0040] [Receipt Operation Determination Unit] The receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a user has performed a receipt operation to receive points during the receipt period for points received in response to the user's use or application for a predetermined service (e.g., an e-commerce service). Points received in response to the use or application for a service are points that are generated as a result of using or applying for the service. The number of points received in response to the use or application for a service may be calculated by a predetermined formula or may be a fixed value. In this embodiment, the number of points is calculated by multiplying the amount of service used by the reward rate.

[0041] For example, the receiving operation determination unit 101 communicates with at least one of the service provision server 20 and the user terminal 30 and obtains generated point information, including the recipient ID of the points subject to the receiving operation, from the generated point information stored in the point database DB1. Based on the information obtained through communication with at least one of the service provision server 20 and the user terminal 30, and the obtained generated point information, the receiving operation determination unit 101 determines whether or not a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period.

[0042] In this embodiment, the service provider server 20 displays the receipt operation screen SC3 on the user terminal 30. If a receipt operation is performed during the receipt period, the service provider server 20 sends a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10 indicating that a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period. The receipt operation notification is data in a predetermined format indicating that a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period. For example, the receipt operation notification may include the recipient ID of the points that were the subject of the receipt operation. If the user is scheduled to receive points multiple times (i.e., if the user repeatedly uses or applies for the service), the receipt operation notification may include information indicating which points the receipt operation corresponds to (for example, an ID that can identify the order or application).

[0043] For example, if no receiving operation is performed during the receiving period, or if a receiving operation is performed outside the receiving period, the service provider server 20 does not send a receiving operation notification to the point awarding server 10. The receiving operation determination unit 101 determines whether or not a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period by determining whether or not it has received a receiving operation notification from the service provider server 20. If the receiving operation determination unit 101 determines that it has not received a receiving operation notification from the service provider server 20, it determines that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. If the receiving operation determination unit 101 determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, it may update the receiving flag of the generated point information to a second value. The updating of the receiving flag may be performed by the point awarding unit 102.

[0044] Furthermore, the service provider server 20 may send a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10 when a receipt operation is performed, regardless of whether the current time is within the receipt period or not. When the point awarding server 10 receives a receipt operation notification from the service provider server 20, the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether the current time is within the receipt period based on the generated point information, including the receipt target ID indicated in the receipt operation notification. If the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines that the current time is not within the receipt period, it determines that no receipt operation was performed during the receipt period. If the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines that the current time is within the receipt period, it determines that a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period.

[0045] Alternatively, the point awarding server 10 may display the point redemption operation screen SC3 on the user terminal 30. In this case, the point redemption operation determination unit 101 can directly communicate with the user terminal 30 to identify the target ID of the points for which a redemption operation has been performed, and determine whether or not a redemption operation was performed during the redemption period. For example, the point awarding server 10 does not have to display the point redemption operation screen SC3 on the user terminal 30 to accept a redemption operation for a certain point once the redemption period for that point has expired.

[0046] For example, the point awarding server 10 may display a point redemption operation screen SC3 on the user terminal 30 to accept the operation to redeem points once the redemption period for those points has expired. In this case, when the point awarding server 10 receives a notification from the user terminal 30 indicating that a redemption operation has been performed, the redemption operation determination unit 101 determines whether the current time is within the redemption period. If the redemption operation determination unit 101 determines that the current time is not within the redemption period, it determines that no redemption operation was performed during the redemption period. If the redemption operation determination unit 101 determines that the current time is within the redemption period, it determines that a redemption operation was performed during the redemption period.

[0047] The receipt operation determination unit 101 may periodically or irregularly determine whether the receipt period has elapsed without a receipt operation being performed, based on the generated point information stored in the point database DB1. For example, the receipt operation determination unit 101 may determine whether the receipt period has elapsed without a receipt operation being performed by determining whether the receipt period indicated by the generated point information for which the receipt flag is a first value (a value indicating that no receipt operation has been performed) has elapsed. The receipt operation determination unit 101 may update the generated point information so that the receipt flag indicated by the generated point information for points for which the receipt period has elapsed without a receipt operation being performed becomes a third value (a value indicating that the points have expired).

[0048] [Point Awarding Department] The point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101. Awarding points by the point awarding unit 102 means that the point awarding unit 102 increases the point balance. Awarding points by the point awarding unit 102 can also be described as the process by which the point awarding unit 102 associates points with user identification information. In this embodiment, since the point database DB1 stores the point information of the user, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to a user by increasing the balance indicated by the user's point information.

[0049] In this embodiment, the point awarding unit 102 does not award points to the user if it determines that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, and awards points to the user if it determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. That is, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user on the condition that it is determined that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. For example, the point awarding unit 102 updates the held points information so that the balance indicated by the held points information associated with the user ID of a user who performed a receiving operation during the receiving period increases by the number of points to be received. The point awarding unit 102 updates the generated point information so that the receiving flag indicated by the generated point information of the points to be received becomes a second value. The point awarding unit 102 may share the updated generated point information with the service provision server 20.

[0050] For example, if the point awarding unit 102 determines that no receipt operation was performed during the receipt period, it will expire the points that were to be received. The process for expiring points may be the same as that of known point services. If there are points for which the receipt period has expired without a receipt operation being performed, the point awarding unit 102 may update the receipt flag indicated by the point information for those points so that the receipt flag becomes a third value. The process for expiring points may be performed by the point awarding unit 102 or by the receipt operation determination unit 101.

[0051] Note that the processing performed by the point awarding unit 102 is not limited to the examples of this embodiment. The point awarding unit 102 may also perform the processing described in Modifications 11 and 12. The point awarding unit 102 awarding points to the user based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101 may be performed by the processing exemplified in this embodiment, the processing exemplified in Modification 11, and the processing exemplified in Modification 12. The processing performed by the point awarding unit 102 may be a concept that encompasses these processing.

[0052] [3-2. Functions implemented by the service provider server] For example, the service provision server 20 includes a data storage unit 200, a receiving operation request unit 201, and a receiving operation acceptance unit 202. The data storage unit 200 is implemented by a storage unit 22. The receiving operation request unit 201 and the receiving operation acceptance unit 202 are each implemented by a control unit 21.

[0053] [Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 200 stores various types of data related to the e-commerce service. For example, the data storage unit 200 stores the service database DB2.

[0054] Figure 5 shows an example of a service database DB2. The service database DB2 is a database that stores various information about services that users use or apply for, which generate points. For example, the service database DB2 stores user identification information, basic user information, status information, and point generation information. The information stored in the service database DB2 is not limited to the example in Figure 5. Other information may be stored in the service database DB2. For example, the service database DB2 may store historical information regarding the usage history or application history of e-commerce services.

[0055] User basic information is information registered with the e-commerce service. For example, user basic information may be the user's personal information, demographic information, or other information. Status information is information about the user's use of or application for the e-commerce service. For example, status information shows information about the goods or services the user has ordered. Status information may also show the status of the user's application. Status information is updated by the user's use or application. The occurrence point information stored in the service database DB2 may be consistent with the occurrence point information stored in the point database DB1.

[0056] The data stored in the data storage unit 200 is not limited to the examples above. The data storage unit 200 only needs to store the data necessary for the display control described in this embodiment. For example, the data storage unit 200 may store the data necessary for displaying the product screen SC1, the order completion screen SC2, the receipt operation screen SC3, or other screens.

[0057] [Receipt Operation Request Unit] The receiving operation request unit 201 requests the user to perform a receiving operation. For example, the receiving operation request unit 201 requests the user to perform a receiving operation by sending display data of the receiving operation screen SC3 to the user terminal 30. The display data is the data necessary for displaying the receiving operation screen SC3. The display data may be the entire data of the receiving operation screen SC3, or it may be a part of the data of the receiving operation screen SC3. The display data may be in any format. For example, the display data may be data in a markup language format such as HTML, or data in an image format such as JPEG. The receiving operation request unit 201 may also request the user to perform a receiving operation by sending other data, such as an email, instead of the display data of the receiving operation screen SC3.

[0058] For example, when the receipt operation request unit 201 receives a request to display the receipt operation screen SC3 from a user terminal 30 of a user whose receipt flag, indicated by the point generation information stored in the service database DB2, is a first value, it requests the user to perform a receipt operation by displaying the receipt operation screen SC3, which accepts the receipt operation for the points indicated by the point generation information, on the user terminal 30. The request to display the receipt operation screen SC3 may be sent from the user terminal 30 to the service provision server 20 when any link in the e-commerce service (for example, a link to select a specific point from a screen showing a list of points for which a receipt operation has not been performed) is selected.

[0059] [Receipt Operation Reception Desk] The receipt operation reception unit 202 receives receipt operations from users. For example, when a user performs a receipt operation on the receipt operation screen SC3, the user terminal 30 sends receipt operation information to the service provision server 20 indicating that the user has performed a receipt operation. The receipt operation reception unit 202 receives the receipt operation information from the user terminal 30 and accepts the receipt operation from the user. For example, when the receipt operation reception unit 202 accepts a receipt operation from a user, it sends a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10 indicating that a receipt operation has been performed. The receipt operation reception unit 202 may determine whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period based on the generated point information stored in the service database DB2, and if it is determined that a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period, it may send a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10.

[0060] [4. Processes executed by the point awarding system] Figure 6 shows an example of the processing performed by the point awarding system 1. In Figure 6, the processing related to awarding points is shown among the processing performed by the point awarding system 1. The processing in Figure 6 is performed by the control units 11, 21, and 31 executing the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32, respectively. The steps in Figure 6 are an example of a point awarding method.

[0061] As shown in Figure 6, the service provider server 20 performs a process (S1) with the user terminal 30 for the user to order goods using the e-commerce service. In S1, the product screen SC1 and the order completion screen SC2 are displayed on the user terminal 30, and the service provider server 20 generates status information based on the goods ordered by the user and stores it in the service database DB2.

[0062] The service provider server 20 performs a process to generate point information in communication with the point awarding server 10 (S2). In S2, the service provider server 20 determines the delivery period based on the time of the product order, determines the number of points based on the price of the product, and generates point information. The service provider server 20 sends the point information, along with the user ID of the user who placed the order, to the point awarding server 10. The point awarding server 10 receives the point information and stores it in the point database DB1. Note that the point information may be generated by the point awarding server 10 and shared with the service provider server 20.

[0063] The service provider server 20 performs processing to display the receipt operation screen SC3 with the user terminal 30 (S3). The service provider server 20 performs processing to accept the receipt operation with the user terminal 30 (S4). In S4, when the user selects button B30, the user terminal 30 sends receipt operation information to the service provider server 20. The service provider server 20 accepts the receipt operation by receiving the receipt operation information from the user terminal 30. When the receipt operation is performed during the receipt period, the service provider server 20 sends a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10 (S5). In S5, the service provider server 20 sends a receipt operation notification to the point awarding server 10, conditional on the receipt operation being performed during the receipt period.

[0064] The point awarding server 10 determines whether a point redemption operation was performed during the redemption period by determining whether or not it has received a redemption operation notification from the service provision server 20 (S6). If it is determined in S6 that no point redemption operation was performed during the redemption period (S6:N), this process ends. The point awarding server 10 updates the point redemption information so that the points expire for points that have passed the redemption period without a redemption operation being performed. If it is determined in S6 that a point redemption operation was performed during the redemption period (S6:Y), the point awarding server 10 awards points to the user (S7), and this process ends. In S7, the point awarding server 10 updates the user's point information so that the points held by the user increase by the amount of points for which a redemption operation was performed. The user terminal 30 may also signal to the user that points have been awarded by emitting a predetermined sound or vibrating the user terminal 30 when points are awarded.

[0065] [5. Summary of Embodiments] The point awarding system 1 of this embodiment determines whether or not a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. Based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101, the point awarding system 1 awards points to the user. As a result, the user is more likely to be aware of the points by performing a receiving operation during the receiving period, and the point awarding system 1 can increase the user's awareness of points. For example, the point awarding system 1 can prevent a decrease in user awareness due to points being awarded automatically, and can give the user awareness of points through the receiving operation performed by the user.

[0066] Furthermore, the point awarding system 1 will not award points to the user if it is determined that no redemption operation was performed during the redemption period. The point awarding system 1 will award points to the user if it is determined that a redemption operation was performed during the redemption period. As a result, since users cannot receive points unless they perform a redemption operation during the redemption period, the point awarding system 1 can more effectively raise users' awareness of points. For example, the point awarding system 1 can give users a sense of urgency that points will expire if they do not perform a redemption operation during the redemption period, thus more effectively raising users' awareness of points.

[0067] [6. Variant] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. This disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0068] Figure 7 shows an example of a function realized by a modified example. For example, the point awarding server 10 includes an interest mode setting acquisition unit 103, an available period determination unit 104, a notification unit 105, a relief condition determination unit 106, a relief processing execution unit 107, a user information acquisition unit 108, a receipt period setting unit 109, and a mode selection acceptance unit 110. Each of the interest mode setting acquisition unit 103, the available period determination unit 104, the notification unit 105, the relief condition determination unit 106, the relief processing execution unit 107, the user information acquisition unit 108, the receipt period setting unit 109, and the mode selection acceptance unit 110 is realized by a control unit 11.

[0069] [6-1. Variation 1] For example, a user may repeatedly use a service such as an e-commerce service. In this case, each time the user uses the service, points that can be received are generated when the user performs a receiving operation. Since it would be time-consuming for the user to perform a receiving operation for each individual point, Modification 1 describes a case where the user performs a receiving operation to receive all points at once.

[0070] Figure 8 shows an example of the receipt operation screen SC3 in Modification 1. As shown in Figure 8, when a user uses the service multiple times, the receipt operation screen SC3 shows the details of each use, along with the points earned for each use. For example, if a user uses the service 5 times, the receipt operation screen SC3 shows the details of each of the 5 uses. The user does not perform a receipt operation for each time they use the service, but rather performs one receipt operation for multiple uses. In the example in Figure 8, button B30 is shown on the receipt operation screen SC3 for the user to perform one receipt operation for 5 uses.

[0071] The receipt operation determination unit 101 in Modification 1 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period to allow the user to receive all the points accumulated each time the service is used, when the user repeatedly uses the service. In Modification 1, the receipt operation is a single operation performed for the points accumulated for each of the multiple uses. In the example in Figure 8, the operation in which the user selects button B30 corresponds to the receipt operation. As explained in the embodiments, the receipt operation is not limited to the selection of button B30.

[0072] For example, when a user selects button B30, the user terminal 30 notifies the service provider server 20 that the user has performed a receiving operation. When the service provider server 20 receives the notification from the user terminal 30, it updates the receiving flag of the point information where the receiving flag is currently within the receiving period to the second value (a value indicating that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period).

[0073] For example, the service provider server 20 sends a point awarding server 10 a point acceptance notification that includes the user ID of the user who performed the acceptance operation and the recipient ID of the generated point information for which the acceptance flag has become the second value. In the modified example 1, points generated for each of multiple uses are accepted together, so the point acceptance notification includes multiple recipient IDs. The point acceptance determination unit 101 determines whether or not a point acceptance notification has been received from the service provider server 20, thereby determining whether or not a point acceptance operation for a user to accept points together was performed during the acceptance period.

[0074] In addition, similar to the embodiment, the point awarding server 10 may determine whether a user performed a point redemption operation to receive points in a lump sum during the redemption period by communicating directly with the user terminal 30. For example, the point redemption operation determination unit 101 may determine whether a user performed a point redemption operation to receive points in a lump sum during the redemption period by determining whether it received a notification from the user terminal 30 during the redemption period indicating that a single point redemption operation was performed for multiple uses.

[0075] In Modification 1, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user in a lump sum based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101, for each use of the service. For example, if the point awarding unit 102 determines that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, it does not award points to the user. If it determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, it awards points to the user in a lump sum for each of the multiple uses. In the example in Figure 8, since the points generated from five uses are received all at once with a single receiving operation, the point awarding unit 102 updates the user's point balance so that the point balance increases by the total number of points generated from the five uses.

[0076] The point awarding system 1 in Modification 1 determines whether a user has performed a point awarding operation during the awarding period to receive all the points generated each time they use the service, when the user repeatedly uses the service. Based on the determination result of the point awarding operation determination unit 101, the point awarding system 1 awards all the points generated each time the service is used to the user in a lump sum. As a result, the user does not need to perform the point awarding operation multiple times, so the point awarding system 1 can reduce the operational burden on the user. For example, if a point awarding operation is required for each individual service use, the user may forget to perform the point awarding operation for some of the uses, resulting in points expiring, but the point awarding system 1 can prevent such point expiration.

[0077] [6-2. Variation 2] For example, in Embodiment and Modification 1, one service such as an e-commerce service was given as an example, but the point is that it may support multiple services. In Modification 2, when a user uses or applies for each of the multiple services, points are generated for each service according to the use or application for that service. The user may perform a point redemption operation for each service.

[0078] The point-granting system 1 in Modification 2 includes multiple service-providing servers 20. That is, the point-granting system 1 includes a service-providing server 20 for each of the multiple services. For example, if three services such as e-commerce services, payment services, and travel booking services support points, the point-granting system 1 includes a service-providing server 20 for each of these three services. Points are awarded to the user regardless of which of the three services they use or apply for.

[0079] Figure 9 shows an example of the receiving operation screen SC3 of Modification 2. As shown in the upper left of Figure 9, when the user activates the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 displays its menu screen SC5 on the display unit 35. In the example in the upper left of Figure 9, icons for each of the following apps are displayed: an e-commerce service (e.g., "AAA Market"), a payment service (e.g., "AAA Pay"), and a travel booking service (e.g., "AAA Travel"), where points are generated upon use or application. The user uses or applies for each service by selecting one of these icons. The process by which points are generated when the user uses or applies for each service may be the same as in Embodiment or Modification 1.

[0080] In Modification 2, the user terminal 30 communicates with the service provider server 20 for each service to display the point redemption screen SC3 on the display unit 35. For example, when a user selects an e-commerce service app on the menu screen SC5, the user terminal 30 displays the e-commerce service point redemption screen SC3 on the display unit 35, as shown in the upper right of Figure 9. The user redeems points earned from using or applying for the e-commerce service by selecting button B30 on the e-commerce service point redemption screen SC3. Note that when the user selects button B30, the user terminal 30 may accept the point redemption operation by another method instead of redirecting to the point service. For example, the user terminal 30 may display a half-modal window to accept the point redemption operation and accept the point redemption operation within the half-modal. The user terminal 30 may also accept the point redemption operation through a user interface other than a half-modal.

[0081] For example, when a user selects a payment service app on the menu screen SC5, the user terminal 30 displays the payment service receipt operation screen SC3 on the display unit 35, as shown in the lower left of Figure 9. The user performs the operation to receive points generated from using or applying for the payment service by selecting button B30 on the payment service receipt operation screen SC3. When a user selects a travel reservation service app on the menu screen SC5, the user terminal 30 displays the travel reservation service receipt operation screen SC3 on the display unit 35, as shown in the lower right of Figure 9. The user performs the operation to receive points generated from using or applying for the travel reservation service by selecting button B30 on the travel reservation service receipt operation screen SC3.

[0082] The receipt operation determination unit 101 in Modification 2 determines, for each of the multiple services, whether a point receipt operation corresponding to the use or application for that service was performed during the receipt period, when the user has used or applied for each of the multiple services. The method for determining each individual service may be the same as in Embodiment and Modification 1. The receipt operation determination unit 101 should determine for each of the multiple services whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period in the same manner as in Embodiment and Modification 1.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 9, since a point redemption operation is required for the use or application of each of the e-commerce service, payment service, and travel booking service, the point redemption operation determination unit 101 may determine whether a point redemption operation was performed for each service during the redemption period by determining whether or not it has received a point redemption operation notification from each of the service provision servers 20 for the e-commerce service, payment service, and travel booking service. Alternatively, the point redemption operation determination unit 101 may determine whether or not a point redemption operation was performed for each service during the redemption period by communicating with the user terminal 30.

[0084] In Modification 2, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user for each service based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101. For example, if the point awarding unit 102 determines that no receipt operation was performed for a certain service during the receipt period, it does not award points to the user, but if it determines that a receipt operation was performed for that service during the receipt period, it awards points to the user. The point awarding unit 102 can perform similar processing for each service and award points in the same manner as in Embodiment or Modification 1.

[0085] In the modified version 2, the point awarding system 1 determines, for each service, whether a point redemption operation corresponding to the use or application for that service was performed during the redemption period, when the user uses or applies for each of multiple services. The point awarding system 1 awards points to the user for each service based on the determination result of the redemption operation determination unit 101. This allows the point awarding system 1 to increase the user's awareness of points for each service, even if points are associated with multiple services. For example, if three services such as e-commerce services, payment services, and travel booking services are associated with points, the point awarding system 1 requires the user to perform a redemption operation for each of these three services, making it easier for the user to be aware of the points generated from the use or application for each individual service.

[0086] [6-3. Modification 3] For example, while Modification Example 2 describes a case where a receiving operation is required for each individual service, points may be awarded for multiple services with a single receiving operation. In Modification Example 3, a points service is provided to the user in which points earned from each of multiple services are managed collectively. For example, the user terminal 30 stores a points management application for managing points in the points service (the application indicated by the "AAA Points" icon in the upper left example of Figure 9). When the user performs a receiving operation using the points management application, points are awarded for multiple services with a single receiving operation.

[0087] Figure 10 shows an example of the point redemption screen SC3 of Modification 3. For example, the point redemption screen SC3 in Figure 10 is displayed on the point management application. As shown in Figure 10, the point redemption screen SC3 shows the points generated from the use or application of each of the multiple services. By selecting button B30 on the point redemption screen SC3, the user can receive the points generated from the use or application of each of the multiple services all at once. The user terminal 30 displays the point redemption screen SC3 by communicating with the point awarding server 10. For example, the point awarding server 10 identifies the specific details of the points generated from each of the multiple services based on the point information of the user who is logged into the point service, and displays the point redemption screen SC3 showing those details on the user terminal 30.

[0088] In Modification 3, the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether, when a user has used or applied for each of the multiple services, a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period to allow the user to receive points for each of the multiple services in a lump sum. In Modification 3, the receipt operation is a single operation performed for points generated from the use or application of each of the multiple services. In the example in Figure 10, the operation in which the user selects button B30 corresponds to the receipt operation. As explained in the embodiments, the receipt operation is not limited to the selection of button B30.

[0089] For example, when a user selects button B30, the user terminal 30 notifies the point awarding server 10 that the user has performed a point redemption operation. The point redemption operation determination unit 101 determines whether a point redemption operation was performed during the redemption period by determining whether or not it has received a notification from the user terminal 30. The point redemption operation determination unit 101 may also determine whether or not a point redemption operation was performed during the redemption period by determining whether or not it has received a point redemption operation notification from another computer, such as the service provision server 20.

[0090] In Modification 3, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user in a lump sum based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101, corresponding to the use or application for each of the multiple services. For example, if it is determined that no receipt operation was performed during the receipt period, no points are awarded to the user. If it is determined that a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period, the points generated from the use or application for each of the multiple services are awarded to the user in a lump sum.

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 10, since the points generated for each of the three services are received all at once in a single receiving operation, the point granting unit 102 updates the user's point balance so that the point balance increases by the total number of points generated for each of the three services. The point granting unit 102 updates the receiving flag of the generated point information whose receiving flag is a first value (a value indicating that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period) to a second value (a value indicating that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period), for the generated point information that is currently within the receiving period.

[0092] The point awarding system 1 in Modification 3 determines whether, when a user uses or applies for each of multiple services, the user has performed a receiving operation during the receiving period to receive points for each of the services used or applied for. Based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101, the point awarding system 1 awards points to the user for each of the services used or applied for all at once. This eliminates the need for the user to perform receiving operations multiple times, thus reducing the operational burden on the user. For example, if a receiving operation is required for each individual service, the user may forget to perform the receiving operation for some of the services used, resulting in points expiring, but the point awarding system 1 can prevent such point expiration.

[0093] [6-4. Modification 4] For example, the point awarding server 10 may offer the user an interest mode in which interest is added to the points. Modification 4 describes a case where the user can freely set the interest mode on or off. When the interest mode is off, no interest is added to the points held by the user. When the interest mode is off, the user can use the points they hold at any time. When the interest mode is on, interest is added to the points held by the user. When the interest mode is on, the user can withdraw and use the points they hold.

[0094] Furthermore, if a user holds both limited-time points and regular points with no set expiration date, the regular points may be included in the interest mode, allowing interest to accrue on the regular points after a certain period. The interest mode may be one in which points are automatically added to the point interest when regular points are awarded. In addition, the points held by a user may be the sum of points available for use, points included in point interest, and points being invested by the user. In interest mode, interest may accrue on the points included in interest.

[0095] The point awarding system 1 of Modification 4 includes an interest mode setting acquisition unit 103. The interest mode setting acquisition unit 103 acquires an interest mode setting specified by the user, which relates to whether or not an interest mode that awards interest to points is applied. The interest mode setting is an on / off setting for the interest mode. For example, the interest mode setting indicates either a value that indicates the interest mode is on, or a value that indicates the interest mode is off. When the user changes the interest mode setting, the interest mode setting switches to these values.

[0096] Figure 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in Modification 4. For example, when a user logs into the points service and performs an operation to specify the interest mode setting, the user terminal 30 displays the interest mode setting screen SC6, which accepts the specification of the interest mode setting, on the display unit 35, as shown in Figure 11. The interest mode setting screen SC6 includes a button B60 that allows the user to switch the interest mode setting on or off. The specification of the interest mode setting may also be accepted by user interface parts other than button B60 (for example, other buttons other than button B60, checkboxes, sliders, icons, or text).

[0097] For example, when a user operates button B60 to specify an interest mode setting, the user terminal 30 sends the user-specified interest mode setting to the point awarding server 10. The interest mode setting acquisition unit 103 acquires the interest mode setting from the user terminal 30. The interest mode setting acquisition unit 103 stores the interest mode setting in the point database DB1, associating it with the user's user ID. The interest mode setting acquisition unit 103 can acquire the interest mode setting stored in the point database DB1 at any time.

[0098] For example, when the point awarding server 10 encounters an interest accrual timing, it refers to the point database DB1 and identifies users whose interest mode setting is ON. The interest accrual timing can be any predetermined timing. It may be a predetermined date and time each month, or a predetermined date and time each year. The cycle of the interest accrual timing can be any cycle. The data indicating the interest accrual timing is stored in the data storage unit 100. Based on this data, the point awarding server 10 determines whether or not the interest accrual timing has arrived.

[0099] For example, the point awarding server 10 calculates interest by multiplying the number of points indicated by the point information of a user whose interest mode setting is ON by a predetermined interest rate. The interest rate may be the same for all users or may differ depending on the user. The interest rate data indicating the interest rate is stored in the data storage unit 100. The point awarding server 10 identifies the interest rate by referring to the interest rate data. The point awarding server 10 updates the user's point information so that the number of points increases by the amount of interest. For users whose interest mode setting is OFF, this series of processes is not executed.

[0100] Furthermore, if there are two types of points—limited-time points with a defined usage period and regular points without a defined usage period—only the regular points may be subject to interest mode. Similarly, if there are three or more types of points, only some of them may be subject to interest mode. If there are multiple types of points, all types of points may be subject to interest mode. The point awarding server 10 should calculate the interest based on the balance of the types of points subject to interest mode and a predetermined interest rate. When a user with interest mode enabled uses points, the point awarding server 10 may allow the user to use the points on the condition that the user performs a withdrawal operation.

[0101] Furthermore, the point awarding server 10 may share the user's interest mode setting with the service provision server 20. For example, when a user specifies an interest mode setting, the point awarding server 10 sends the user's user ID along with the user's specified interest mode setting to the service provision server 20. When the service provision server 20 receives the user ID and interest mode setting from the point awarding server 10, it stores the interest mode setting in the service database DB2 in association with the user ID. If the interest mode setting is specified on the service side provided by the service provision server 20, the service provision server 20 may share the user's interest mode setting with the point awarding server 10.

[0102] In Modification 4, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101 when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, and awards points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101 when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied. "Interest mode is applied" means that the interest mode setting is ON. "Interest mode is not applied" means that the interest mode setting is OFF.

[0103] In Modification 4, when the interest mode setting is ON, the receipt operation request unit 201 does not request the user to perform a receipt operation. When the interest mode setting is ON, the receipt operation acceptance unit 202 does not accept a receipt operation by the user. As shown in the upper right of Figure 11, the receipt operation is not guided on the order completion screen SC2. For example, when the interest mode setting is ON, no receipt operation is performed, so the receipt operation determination unit 101 does not determine whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period by a user with the interest mode setting ON. Since the receipt operation determination unit 101 does not determine whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101. The point awarding unit 102 automatically awards points to the user even if the user does not perform a receipt operation. The process by which the point awarding unit 102 automatically awards points may be the same as that of a known point service.

[0104] For example, if the interest mode setting is off, the receipt operation request unit 201 requests the user to perform a receipt operation. As shown in the lower right of Figure 11, the receipt operation is guided on the order completion screen SC2. The processing of the point granting server 10 and the service provision server 20 when the interest mode setting is off may be the same as in the embodiment and modifications 1 to 3. Even if the interest mode setting is on, if time-limited points are generated, the order completion screen SC2 may indicate that a receipt operation for the time-limited points is required. If both regular points and time-limited points are generated, the order completion screen SC2 may indicate that the regular points are automatically granted and a receipt operation is required for the time-limited points. The flow of the receipt operation for time-limited points may be the same as in the embodiment and modifications 1 to 3.

[0105] The point-granting system 1 in Modification 4 acquires the interest mode setting specified by the user. If the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, the point-granting system 1 grants points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101. If the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied, the point-granting system 1 grants points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101. As a result, users to whom the interest mode is applied do not need to perform a receipt operation during the receipt period, so the point-granting system 1 can improve the convenience for users to whom the interest mode is applied. For example, since users to whom the interest mode is applied are already highly conscious of points, the point-granting system 1 can prioritize convenience by not requiring a receipt operation during the receipt period and focus on raising awareness among users to whom the interest mode is not applied.

[0106] [6-5. Variation 5] For example, points may have an expiration period set for them, which is the period during which a user can use those points. Users can use points with an expiration period during that period. Users cannot use points with an expiration period outside of that period. Modification 5 describes a case where the expiration period of points is set based on the timing of the redemption operation.

[0107] The point granting system 1 of the modified example 5 includes an availability period determination unit 104. The availability period determination unit 104 determines the availability period during which the user can use the points based on the receiving operation. For example, the availability period determination unit 104 determines the availability period during which the user can use the points based on the receiving operation timing, which is the timing at which the receiving operation is performed. The availability period determination unit 104 determines the period from the receiving operation timing to a predetermined time after the receiving operation timing as the availability period.

[0108] Figure 12 shows an example of the available period in Modification 5. Figure 12 shows the relationship between the redemption period and the available period. In the example in Figure 12, the redemption period is two months from the date the service that caused the points to be generated was used or applied for. If the redemption period started on March 1, 2025, the redemption period would end on April 30, 2025. The data indicating the length of the redemption period is stored in the data storage unit 100. The point awarding server 10 determines the redemption period based on this data.

[0109] For example, if the receiving operation determination unit 101 determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, the availability period determination unit 104 acquires the current time as the receiving operation timing and determines the period from the receiving operation timing to a predetermined time later as the availability period. In the example in Figure 12, the receiving operation timing is March 25, 2025. If the availability period is 3 months, the availability period determination unit 104 determines the period from the receiving operation timing to 3 months later as the availability period. The data indicating the length of the availability period is stored in the data storage unit 100. The availability period determination unit 104 determines the availability period based on this data.

[0110] Note that the method for determining the available period is not limited to the example in Figure 12. The available period determination unit 104 can set the available period based on the receipt operation. For example, the available period determination unit 104 may determine the period from a timing after the receipt operation timing to a predetermined time after that timing as the available period. The length of the available period can also be any length. The length of the available period is not limited to the example in Figure 12. The length of the available period may be the same as the length of the receipt period, longer than the length of the receipt period, or shorter than the length of the receipt period.

[0111] In Modification 5, the point granting unit 102 grants points with a determined validity period to the user. For example, the point granting unit 102 updates the points held information to show information identifying each point that makes up the balance, the amount of the points, and the validity period determined by the validity period determination unit 104. The validity period may be shown in other information different from the points held information. In this case, the point granting unit 102 stores other information indicating the validity period of the points in the points database DB1. The point granting server 10 identifies the validity period of the points by referring to the points held information or other information, and executes processing for the user to use the points, provided that the current time is included in the identified validity period. The processing for using points with a set validity period may be the same as known processing.

[0112] The point-granting system 1 in Modification 5 determines the period during which the user can use the points based on the receiving operation. The point-granting system 1 grants the points to the user with the determined period of use. As a result, the user can use the points within the period of use corresponding to the receiving operation, and the point-granting system 1 can improve user convenience. For example, if the period of use is the same as the receiving period, if the user performs the receiving operation just before the end of the receiving period, the period of use may become very short. In this respect, the point-granting system 1 can prevent the period of use from becoming very short, thus preventing the user from missing the opportunity to use the points.

[0113] [6-6. Variation 6] For example, as explained to some extent in Variation 5, the collection period may be shorter than the availability period. In the example in Figure 12, the collection period is one month shorter than the availability period. The difference between the collection period and the availability period is not limited to one month. The difference between the collection period and the availability period may be any length. For example, the difference between the collection period and the availability period may be less than one month, or it may be longer than one month.

[0114] In Modification 5, the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during a receipt period shorter than the available period. Data indicating the receipt period and the available period may be stored in the data storage units 100 and 200. Based on this data, the receipt operation determination unit 101 may determine whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period. Although this differs from the embodiment in that the receipt period is shorter than the available period, the determination method by the receipt operation determination unit 101 may be the same as in the embodiment. Similarly, the receipt operation request unit 201 may request a receipt operation during the receipt period based on the above data.

[0115] The point-granting system 1 in Modification 6 determines whether the redemption operation was performed during a redemption period shorter than the available period. As a result, users perform the redemption operation during a relatively short redemption period, and the point-granting system 1 can effectively increase the user's awareness of points.

[0116] [6-7. Variation 7] For example, when a user uses or subscribes to a service such as an e-commerce service, the user may forget to perform the point redemption operation during the redemption period. Therefore, Modification 7 describes a case in which a notification regarding point redemption is given before the redemption operation is performed, so that the user does not forget to redeem the points. The point awarding system 1 in Modification 7 includes a notification unit 105. The notification unit 105 gives the user a notification regarding point redemption before the redemption operation is performed.

[0117] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 30 in the modified example 7. As shown in Figure 13, when the notification unit 105 sends a notification to the user, the user terminal 30 displays a notification screen SC7 indicating the notification from the notification unit 105 on the display unit 35. In the example in Figure 13, the case where the notification is by email is given as an example, but the notification unit 105 may send notifications using any notification means. For example, the notification unit 105 may send notifications to the user based on the notification function of a messaging app, SMS (Short Message Service), SNS (Social Networking Service), e-commerce service app, point service app, user terminal 30's notification function, or other means.

[0118] For example, the notification unit 105 generates notification data based on the generated point information stored in the point database DB1 and sends the notification to the user terminal 30. The notification data represents the content displayed on the notification screen SC7. The notification unit 105 may generate the notification data so that the notification includes information such as the receiving period and points indicated by the generated point information. Information about the recipient of the notification, such as an email address, is assumed to be stored in the point database DB1. The notification unit 105 should then send the notification data generated as described above to the user terminal 30 based on the recipient information.

[0119] In Modification 7, the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period after a notification has been made. For example, the notification unit 105 may make a notification before the start of the receipt period. In this case, the receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period that occurs after the time the notification was made. The notification unit 105 may also make a notification after the start of the receipt period. For example, the notification unit 105 makes a notification to users who have not performed a receipt operation even when the start of the receipt period arrives. The receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a user who has not performed a receipt operation at the time the notification was made performed a receipt operation during the receipt period. The processing of the point granting unit 102 after the determination by the receipt operation determination unit 101 may be the same as in Embodiment and Modifications 1 to 6.

[0120] In the modified version 7, the point awarding system 1 notifies the user about receiving points before the receiving operation is performed. After the notification, the point awarding system 1 determines whether or not the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. This makes it less likely for the user to forget to perform the receiving operation due to the notification, thus improving user convenience.

[0121] [6-8. Variation 8] For example, a user may not perform the redemption operation during the redemption period for some reason. Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 7 described cases where points that were not redeemed during the redemption period expire, but Modification 8 describes cases where points that were not redeemed during the redemption period are remedied. Remedy means that points that would normally expire do not expire, or points that would normally be reduced are not reduced.

[0122] The point awarding system 1 of Modification 8 includes a relief condition determination unit 106 and a relief processing execution unit 107. The relief condition determination unit 106 determines whether the relief conditions for relief for not performing a receipt operation have been met when it is determined that a receipt operation was not performed during the receipt period. The relief conditions are the conditions that serve as the basis for determining whether or not relief will be granted. The relief conditions may be any conditions. For example, the relief conditions may be an abnormality occurring in the point service, an abnormality occurring in a service such as an e-commerce service, an abnormality occurring in the user terminal 30, circumstances occurring that prevent the user from performing a receipt operation, or other conditions. The data indicating the relief conditions is stored in the data storage unit 100. The relief condition determination unit 106 determines whether or not the relief conditions have been met based on the said data.

[0123] For example, the relief condition determination unit 106 can acquire data corresponding to the content of the relief condition and determine whether the relief condition has been met. If the relief condition is that an abnormality occurs in the point service, the relief condition determination unit 106 can determine whether the relief condition has been met (i.e., whether an abnormality has occurred in the point service) by determining whether data indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the point service is stored in the data storage unit 100, or by determining whether such data has been received from the terminal of the point service administrator.

[0124] For example, if the occurrence of an abnormality in the e-commerce service constitutes a remedy, the remedy condition determination unit 106 can determine whether the remedy condition has been met (i.e., whether an abnormality has occurred in the e-commerce service) by determining whether data indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the e-commerce service is stored in the data storage unit 100, or by determining whether such data has been received from the terminal of the e-commerce service administrator. Similarly, for other remedy conditions, the remedy condition determination unit 106 can determine whether the remedy condition has been met based on data received from a computer such as the user terminal 30.

[0125] In the modified example 8, the relief processing execution unit 107 executes relief processing after the receipt period has elapsed, if it is determined that the relief conditions have been met. The relief processing is a process that grants points to the user that would otherwise expire, or a process that grants points to the user without any reduction that would otherwise be reduced. The relief processing execution unit 107 executes the relief processing on the condition that it is determined that the relief conditions have been met. The relief processing execution unit 107 may also execute the relief processing on the condition that it is determined that the relief conditions have been met and that the user performs a receipt operation after the receipt period has elapsed. If it is determined that the relief conditions have not been met, the relief processing execution unit 107 does not execute the relief processing.

[0126] In the modified version 8, the point awarding system 1 determines whether the relief conditions have been met if it is determined that the receipt operation was not performed during the receipt period. If the point awarding system 1 determines that the relief conditions have been met, it executes the relief process after the receipt period has elapsed. As a result, the user is relieved even if they were unable to perform the receipt operation during the receipt period for any reason, thus improving the convenience of the user.

[0127] [6-9. Modification 9] For example, in Embodiments and Variations 1-8, the case where the length of the receiving period is the same for all users is given as an example, but the length of the receiving period may differ depending on the user. Variation 9 describes a case where the receiving period is set based on user information about the user. User information can be any information about the user. For example, user information may be the user's rank in a service such as an e-commerce service, the usage history of the service, the user's rank in a points service, the usage history of the points service, the user's personal information, the user's demographic information, or other information.

[0128] The point awarding system 1 in Modification 9 includes a user information acquisition unit 108 and a point redemption period setting unit 109. The user information acquisition unit 108 acquires user information about users. Modification 9 takes the case where user information is stored in the point database DB1 as an example. The user information acquisition unit 108 acquires user information from the point database DB1 for users who are subject to the point redemption period setting (users who have used or applied for the e-commerce service). The user information acquisition unit 108 may also acquire user information from other databases other than the point database DB1 (e.g., the service database DB2), other computers other than the point awarding server 10 (e.g., the service provision server 20), or information storage media.

[0129] In the modified example 9, the receipt period setting unit 109 sets the receipt period based on user information. Relationship data showing the relationship between user information and the receipt period is stored in the data storage unit 100. Based on the relationship data, the receipt period setting unit 109 sets the receipt period associated with a user's user information as the receipt period for that user. The receipt period setting unit 109 stores the occurrence point information indicating the receipt period in the point database DB1. The receipt period setting unit 109 may share the receipt period determined based on user information with the service provision server 20.

[0130] For example, if user information indicates a rank, the payment period setting unit 109 sets the payment period so that the higher the rank indicated by the user information, the longer the payment period. If the rank increases the more the user uses e-commerce services or point services, the payment period setting unit 109 sets the payment period so that the more the user uses e-commerce services or point services, the longer the payment period. If user information indicates the amount spent on e-commerce services or point services, the payment period setting unit 109 may also set the payment period so that the higher the amount spent by the user, the longer the payment period.

[0131] The receipt operation determination unit 101 in Modification 9 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period set by the receipt period setting unit 109. This differs from the embodiment and Modifications 1-8 in that the receipt period set by the receipt period setting unit 109 is used in the determination, but the method for determining whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period may be the same as in the embodiment and Modifications 1-8. The receipt period setting unit 109 may share the receipt period determined based on user information with the service provision server 20. The service provision server 20 may send a receipt operation notification to the point granting server 10 if a receipt operation is performed during the shared receipt period.

[0132] The point-granting system 1 in Modification 9 acquires user information. Based on the user information, the point-granting system 1 sets a redemption period. The point-granting system 1 determines whether or not a redemption operation was performed within the set redemption period. As a result, users can perform the redemption operation within a redemption period that corresponds to their user information, thus improving user convenience. For example, users with a high rank in the e-commerce service or point service can perform the redemption operation within a more generous redemption period. By differentiating the redemption period for different users, the point-granting system 1 can promote the use of the e-commerce service or point service.

[0133] [6-10. Variation 10] For example, Embodiments and Modifications 1-9 describe a case where the user performs a receiving operation during the receiving period, but the user may be able to receive points automatically even without performing a receiving operation during the receiving period. Modification 10 describes a case where the user can choose between an automatic receiving mode, in which points are automatically received without the user performing a receiving operation, and a manual receiving mode, in which the user performs a receiving operation to receive points. The user may be able to specify the setting of the automatic receiving mode on a campaign basis or on a service basis. The user may also be able to specify when automatic receiving should occur as a setting for the automatic receiving mode.

[0134] The point awarding system 1 of the modified example 10 includes a mode selection reception unit 110. The mode selection reception unit 110 accepts a selection by the user from between automatic receiving mode and manual receiving mode. For example, when a user logs into the point service and performs an operation to specify automatic receiving mode or manual receiving mode, the user terminal 30 displays a receiving mode screen on the display unit 35 that accepts the selection of automatic receiving mode or manual receiving mode. On the receiving mode screen, the selection of automatic receiving mode or manual receiving mode may be accepted by any user interface part (for example, a button, checkbox, slider bar, icon, or text).

[0135] For example, if a user specifies automatic or manual receiving mode, the user terminal 30 sends a receiving mode setting to the point awarding server 10 indicating the mode specified by the user. The mode selection reception unit 110 obtains the receiving mode setting from the user terminal 30. The mode selection reception unit 110 stores the receiving mode setting in the point database DB1 in association with the user's user ID. The mode selection reception unit 110 can obtain the receiving mode setting stored in the point database DB1 at any time. The mode selection reception unit 110 may also share the receiving mode setting with the service provision server 20.

[0136] The receipt operation determination unit 101 of the modified version 10 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period when the user has selected manual receipt mode. The receipt operation determination unit 101 determines whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period for users whose receipt mode setting indicates manual receipt mode. The receipt operation determination unit 101 does not determine whether a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period for users whose receipt mode setting indicates automatic receipt mode. The receipt operation request unit 201 does not request a receipt operation for users whose receipt mode setting indicates automatic receipt mode.

[0137] In Modification 10, the point awarding unit 102 awards points to the user based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101 when the user selects manual receiving mode, and automatically awards points to the user when the user selects automatic receiving mode. The process of automatically awarding points to the user may be the same as that of known point services. The point awarding unit 102 targets users whose receiving mode setting indicates manual receiving mode and executes the process of awarding points to the user based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101. For users whose receiving mode setting indicates automatic receiving mode, the receiving operation determination unit 101 automatically awards points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101.

[0138] Furthermore, users who select automatic receiving mode may receive fewer points than users who select manual receiving mode. For example, users who select automatic receiving mode may have a lower point redemption rate than users who select manual receiving mode. Users who select automatic receiving mode may be awarded a predetermined number of fewer points than users who select manual receiving mode. When the point awarding server 10 or service provision server 20 calculates the number of points for a user, it may calculate the points based on the user's receiving mode setting and differentiate the number of points between users who select automatic receiving mode and users who select manual receiving mode.

[0139] The point-granting system 1 of the modified version 10 accepts a user's selection from an automatic receipt mode and a manual receipt mode. When the user selects the manual receipt mode, the point-granting system 1 determines whether or not a receipt operation was performed during the receipt period. When the user selects the manual receipt mode, the point-granting system 1 grants points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit 101, and when the user selects the automatic receipt mode, it automatically grants points to the user. As a result, the user can choose either the automatic receipt mode or the manual receipt mode, thus improving user convenience.

[0140] [6-11. Variation 11] For example, Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 10 describe a case in which points expire if the user does not perform a receiving operation during the receiving period. The process by which the point awarding unit 102 awards points based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit 101 is not limited to the examples in Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 10. In Modification 11, the point awarding unit 102 awards a first amount of points to the user corresponding to the use or application of the e-commerce service if it is determined that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, and awards a second amount of points, which is less than the first amount, to the user if it is determined that a receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period.

[0141] The first quantity is the full amount corresponding to the use or application for the e-commerce service. For example, the first quantity is the value obtained by multiplying the amount of use eligible for points by a predetermined redemption rate. The first quantity is the full value of points generated by applying for the e-commerce service. The second quantity is the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined amount from the first quantity. The second quantity may also be a value calculated based on a redemption rate obtained by subtracting a predetermined rate from the redemption rate used in calculating the first quantity. The data indicating the predetermined amount and rate used in calculating the second quantity is pre-stored in the data storage unit 100. The point awarding unit 102 should calculate the second quantity based on this data.

[0142] For example, if the point awarding unit 102 determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, it awards the user a first amount of points calculated using the same calculation method as in the embodiments and modifications 1 to 10. The method of awarding points in this case may be the same as in the embodiments and modifications 1 to 10. If the point awarding unit 102 determines that a receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, it calculates a second amount by subtracting a predetermined amount from the first amount calculated using the same calculation method as in the embodiments and modifications 1 to 10, and awards the user the calculated second amount of points. The point awarding unit 102 calculates the second amount based on a redemption rate obtained by subtracting a predetermined rate from the redemption rate used in calculating the first amount, and awards the user the calculated second amount of points.

[0143] Furthermore, when Modification 11 and Modification 12 described later are combined, the point awarding unit 102 may award the user a third amount of points, as described later, if it is determined that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, and award the user a second amount of points if it is determined that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. Also, in Modification 11, if it is determined that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, the point awarding unit 102 may determine the points to be awarded to the user based on the length of time from the end of the receiving period to the time when the receiving operation was performed. In this case, the longer the length of time, the fewer points the user may be awarded. Also, in Modification 12 described later, if a receiving operation is performed during the receiving period, the point awarding unit 102 may conduct a predetermined lottery and award the third amount of points to the winning user. The lottery may be conducted each time, after a predetermined number of receiving operations, or after a predetermined number of points have been received.

[0144] The point-granting system 1 of Modification 11 grants a first amount of points to the user if it is determined that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. If it is determined that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, the point-granting system 1 grants a second amount of points, which is less than the first amount, to the user. This makes users more aware of points by performing the receiving operation during the receiving period when they can earn more points, so the point-granting system 1 can increase user awareness of points. For example, if a user does not perform the receiving operation during the receiving period, their points will be reduced, so the point-granting system 1 can motivate users to perform the receiving operation during the receiving period in order to avoid such reductions.

[0145] [6-12. Variation 12] For example, as in Modification 11, instead of points being reduced if the user does not perform a receiving operation during the receiving period, points may be increased in the form of a reward if the user performs a receiving operation during the receiving period. In Modification 12, the point awarding unit 102 awards a first amount of points to the user according to the use or application for the service if it is determined that a receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, and awards a third amount of points, which is greater than the first amount, to the user if it is determined that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period.

[0146] The meaning of the first quantity may be the same as in the modified example 11. The third quantity is the value obtained by adding a predetermined amount to the first quantity. The third quantity may also be a value calculated based on a redemption rate obtained by adding a predetermined rate to the redemption rate used in the calculation of the first quantity. The data indicating the predetermined amount and rate used in the calculation of the third quantity is to be stored in advance in the data storage unit 100. The point awarding unit 102 should calculate the third quantity based on this data. The third quantity may not be calculated on the spot when the number of points is calculated, but may be predetermined. The redemption rate required for the calculation of the third quantity may also not be calculated on the spot, but may be predetermined.

[0147] For example, if the point awarding unit 102 determines that a receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, it awards the user a first amount of points calculated using the same calculation method as in Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 11. The method of awarding points in this case may be the same as in Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 11. If the point awarding unit 102 determines that a receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, it calculates a third amount by adding a predetermined amount to the first amount calculated using the same calculation method as in Embodiments and Modifications 1 to 11, and awards the user the calculated third amount of points. The point awarding unit 102 calculates the third amount based on a redemption rate obtained by adding a predetermined rate to the redemption rate used in calculating the first amount, and awards the user the calculated third amount of points.

[0148] In the modified version 12, the point awarding system 1 awards a first amount of points to the user corresponding to the use or application of the service if it is determined that no redemption operation was performed during the redemption period, and awards a third amount of points, which is greater than the first amount, to the user if it is determined that a redemption operation was performed during the redemption period. As a result, users are more likely to be aware of their points by performing the redemption operation during the redemption period in which they can earn more points, and thus the point awarding system 1 can increase users' awareness of points.

[0149] [6-13. Variation 13] For example, the processing may differ depending on the user information if the user does not perform the receiving operation during the receiving period. The point awarding system 1 of Modification 13 includes a user information acquisition unit 108. The user information acquisition unit 108 may be the same as that of Modification 9.

[0150] The point awarding unit 102 in Modification 13 is a point awarding process related to awarding points to a user, and it determines that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, and the point awarding process is varied according to the user information. The point awarding process may be the process of the point processing unit described in the embodiment, the process of the point processing unit described in Modification 11, the process of the point processing unit described in Modification 12, or other processes. Relationship data showing the relationship between user information and point awarding processes is stored in the data storage unit 100. Based on the relationship data, the point awarding unit 102 sets the point awarding process associated with a user's user information as the point awarding process for that user.

[0151] For example, if user information indicates a rank, the point awarding unit 102 executes the point processing unit described in Modification 11 or Modification 12 as the point awarding process if the rank indicated by the user information is above a threshold. In this case, the points will not expire even if the user does not perform a claim operation during the claim period. If the rank indicated by the user information is below a threshold, the point awarding unit 102 executes the point processing unit described in the embodiment as the point awarding process. In this case, the points will expire if the user does not perform a claim operation during the claim period.

[0152] For example, if user information indicates the amount spent on an e-commerce service or a points service, the point granting unit 102 executes the point processing process described in Modification 11 or Modification 12 as the point granting process if the user's spending amount is above a threshold. In this case, the points will not expire even if the user does not perform a claim operation during the claim period. If the user's spending amount is below a threshold, the point granting unit 102 executes the point processing process described in the embodiment as the point granting process. In this case, the points will expire if the user does not perform a claim operation during the claim period.

[0153] The point awarding system 1 in Modification 13 acquires user information. The point awarding system 1 performs a point awarding process for users, and if it is determined that no receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, the point awarding process is differentiated according to the user information. As a result, users can perform a point awarding process according to their own user information, and the point awarding system 1 can improve user convenience. For example, for users with a high rank in the e-commerce service or point service, more points may be awarded or no receiving operation may be required, so the point awarding system 1 can promote the use of the e-commerce service or point service by differentiating the receiving period depending on the user.

[0154] [6-14. Other variations] For example, the above variations may be combined.

[0155] For example, the functions described as being implemented by the point awarding server 10 may be implemented by the service provision server 20, the user terminal 30, or other computers. The functions described as being implemented by the point awarding server 10 may be shared among multiple computers.

[0156] [7. Addendum] For example, a points system can also be configured as follows:

[0157] (1) A receiving operation determination unit determines whether the user performed a receiving operation to receive the points during the receiving period for receiving points in response to the user's use or application for a predetermined service, A point awarding unit awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, A point reward system that includes this. (2) The point awarding unit determines that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period and does not award the points to the user, and determines that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period and awards the points to the user. (1) The point awarding system described above. (3) The receipt operation determination unit determines whether, when the user repeatedly uses the service, the receipt operation for the user to receive all the points that are generated each time the service is used was performed during the receipt period. The point awarding unit awards the points generated each time the service is used to the user in a lump sum, based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit. (1) or (2) The point awarding system described above. (4) The receipt operation determination unit determines, for each of the multiple services, whether the receipt operation for the points corresponding to the use or application for that service was performed during the receipt period, when the user has used or applied for each of the multiple services. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user for each service based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (3). (5) The receipt operation determination unit determines, when the user has used or applied for each of the multiple services, whether the receipt operation for the user to receive the points corresponding to the use or application for each of the multiple services was performed during the receipt period. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user in a lump sum, based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, corresponding to the use or application for each of the multiple services. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (4). (6) The point awarding system further includes an interest mode setting unit that acquires the interest mode setting specified by the user, which determines whether or not an interest mode is applied to the points, and which determines whether or not an interest mode is applied to the points. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, and awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied. A point accrual system as described in any of (1) to (5). (7) The point awarding system further includes an availability period determination unit that determines the period during which the user can use the points based on the receiving operation, The point awarding unit awards the points whose validity period has been determined to the user. A point accrual system as described in any of (1) to (6). (8) The receiving operation determination unit determines whether the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period which is shorter than the available period. (7) The point awarding system described above. (9) The point awarding system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user about the receipt of the points before the receipt operation is performed, The receipt operation determination unit determines whether the receipt operation was performed during the receipt period after the notification has been made. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (8). (10) The aforementioned point awarding system is If it is determined that the receipt operation was not performed during the receipt period, the relief condition determination unit determines whether the relief conditions for relief for the failure to perform the receipt operation have been met, If it is determined that the aforementioned relief conditions have been met, a relief processing execution unit executes the relief processing related to the relief after the receipt period has elapsed, A point-granting system described in any of (1) to (9), further including the above. (11) The aforementioned point awarding system is A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information about the aforementioned user, A receipt period setting unit sets the receipt period based on the user information, It further includes, The receiving operation determination unit determines whether the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period set by the receiving period setting unit. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (10). (12) The point awarding system further includes a mode selection receiving unit that accepts the user's selection from an automatic receiving mode in which the user automatically receives the points without performing the receiving operation, and a manual receiving mode in which the user performs the receiving operation to receive the points. The receiving operation determination unit determines whether the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period when the manual receiving mode was selected by the user. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit when the user selects the manual receiving mode, and automatically awards the points to the user when the user selects the automatic receiving mode. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (11). (13) The point awarding unit awards a first amount of points to the user corresponding to the use or application for the service if it determines that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, and awards a second amount of points, which is less than the first amount, to the user if it determines that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (12). (14) The point awarding unit awards a first amount of points to the user corresponding to the use or application for the service if it determines that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, and awards a third amount of points, which is greater than the first amount, to the user if it determines that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (13). (15) The point awarding system further includes a user information acquisition unit that acquires user information relating to the user, The point awarding unit performs a point awarding process for awarding points to the user, and when it is determined that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, it performs the point awarding process differently according to the user information. The point accrual system described in any of (1) to (14). [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1 Point Granting System, 10 Point Granting Server, 11,21,31 Control Unit, 12,22,32 Storage Unit, 13,23,33 Communication Unit, 20 Service Provisioning Server, 30 User Terminal, 34 Operation Unit, 35 Display Unit, 100,200 Data Storage Unit, 101 Receipt Operation Determination Unit, 102 Point Granting Unit, 103 Interest Mode Setting Acquisition Unit, 104 Available Period Determination Unit, 105 Notification Unit, 106 Relief Condition Determination Unit, 107 Relief Processing Execution Unit, 108 User Information Acquisition Unit, 109 Receipt Period Setting Unit, 110 Mode Selection Acceptance Unit, 201 Receipt Operation Request Unit, 202 Receipt Operation Acceptance Unit, B30,B60 Buttons, DB1 Point Database, DB2 Service Database, SC1 Product Screen, SC2 Order Completion Screen, SC3 Receipt Operation Screen, SC4 Granting Screen, SC5 Menu Screen, SC6 Interest mode setting screen, SC7 notification screen.

Claims

1. A receiving operation determination unit determines whether the user performed a receiving operation to receive the points during the receiving period for receiving points in response to the user's use or application for a predetermined service, An interest mode setting relating to whether or not an interest mode in which interest is charged on the aforementioned points is applied, comprising an interest mode setting acquisition unit that acquires the interest mode setting specified by the user, A point awarding unit that awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, and awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied. A point reward system that includes this.

2. The point awarding unit determines that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period and does not award the points to the user, and determines that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period and awards the points to the user. The point awarding system according to claim 1.

3. The receipt operation determination unit determines whether, when the user repeatedly uses the service, the receipt operation for the user to receive all the points that are generated each time the service is used was performed during the receipt period. The point awarding unit awards the points generated each time the service is used to the user in a lump sum, based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit. The point awarding system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The receipt operation determination unit determines, for each of the multiple services, whether the receipt operation for the points corresponding to the use or application for that service was performed during the receipt period, when the user has used or applied for each of the multiple services. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user for each service based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit. The point awarding system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The receipt operation determination unit determines, when the user has used or applied for each of the multiple services, whether the receipt operation for the user to receive the points corresponding to the use or application for each of the multiple services was performed during the receipt period. The point awarding unit awards the points to the user in a lump sum, based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, corresponding to the use or application for each of the multiple services. The point awarding system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The point awarding system further includes an availability period determination unit that determines the period during which the user can use the points based on the receiving operation, The point awarding unit awards the points whose validity period has been determined to the user. The point awarding system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The receiving operation determination unit determines whether the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period which is shorter than the available period. The point awarding system according to claim 6.

8. The point awarding system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user about the receipt of the points before the receipt operation is performed, The receipt operation determination unit determines whether the receipt operation was performed during the receipt period after the notification has been made. The point awarding system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A receiving operation determination unit that determines whether a user has performed a receiving operation to receive points during a receiving period related to the receiving of points in response to the use or application of a predetermined service by the user, A point awarding unit awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, If it is determined that the receipt operation was not performed during the receipt period, the relief condition determination unit determines whether the relief conditions for relief for the failure to perform the receipt operation have been met, If it is determined that the aforementioned relief conditions have been met, a relief processing execution unit executes the relief processing related to the relief after the receipt period has elapsed, A point reward system that includes this.

10. A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information relating to the rank or usage history of a user who uses a predetermined service, A receipt period setting unit sets a receipt period for points received in response to the user's use of or application for the service, based on the user information. A receiving operation determination unit determines whether the user performed a receiving operation to receive the points during the receiving period set by the receiving period setting unit, A point awarding unit awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, A point reward system that includes this.

11. A mode selection receiving unit that accepts a selection by the user from an automatic receiving mode in which the user automatically receives points in accordance with the use or application of a predetermined service without the user having to perform a receiving operation to receive the points, and a manual receiving mode in which the user performs the receiving operation to receive the points, When the manual receiving mode is selected by the user, a receiving operation determination unit determines whether or not the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period for receiving the points, A point awarding unit that, when the user selects the manual receiving mode, awards the user the points based on the determination result of the receiving operation determination unit, and when the user selects the automatic receiving mode, automatically awards the user the points. A point reward system that includes this.

12. A receiving operation determination unit that determines whether a user has performed a receiving operation to receive points during a receiving period related to the receiving of points in response to the use or application of a predetermined service by the user, A point awarding unit that, if it is determined that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, awards the user a first amount of points corresponding to the use or application for the service, and if it is determined that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, awards the user a second amount of points less than the first amount. A point reward system that includes this.

13. A receiving operation determination unit that determines whether a user has performed a receiving operation to receive points during a receiving period related to the receiving of points in response to the use or application of a predetermined service by the user, A point awarding unit that, if it is determined that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, awards the user a first amount of points corresponding to the use or application for the service, and if it is determined that the receiving operation was performed during the receiving period, awards the user a third amount of points that is greater than the first amount. A point reward system that includes this.

14. A receiving operation determination unit that determines whether a user has performed a receiving operation to receive points during a receiving period related to the receiving of points in response to the user's use of or application for a predetermined service, A user information acquisition unit that acquires user information about the aforementioned user, A point granting unit that determines that the point granting process for granting the points to the user differs depending on the user information when it is determined that the receiving operation was not performed during the receiving period, A point reward system that includes this.

15. A computer, A receipt operation determination step that determines whether the user performed a receipt operation to receive the points during the receipt period for receiving points in response to the user's use or application for a specified service, An interest mode setting relating to whether or not an interest mode in which interest is charged on the aforementioned points is applied, comprising an interest mode setting acquisition step of acquiring the interest mode setting specified by the user, A point awarding step in which, if the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, the points are awarded to the user without regard to the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, and if the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied, the points are awarded to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit; A method for awarding points to execute this process.

16. A receipt operation determination unit determines whether the user performed a receipt operation to receive the points during the receipt period related to the receipt of points in response to the user's use or application for a predetermined service. An interest mode setting relating to whether or not an interest mode in which interest is charged on the aforementioned points is applied, wherein the interest mode setting acquisition unit acquires the interest mode setting specified by the user. A point awarding unit that, when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is applied, awards the points to the user without relying on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit, and when the interest mode setting indicates that the interest mode is not applied, awards the points to the user based on the determination result of the receipt operation determination unit. A program that makes a computer function.

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