Gift management system, gift management device, gift management method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a gift management system, gift management device, gift management method, and program that streamline the activation of physical electronic gifts and enable flexible operation. [Solution] The system includes a storage unit 120 that stores first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, a URL included in a code written on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift; an acquisition unit 131 that receives first identification information corresponding to the managed object; and an activation unit 132 that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gift management system, a gift management device, a gift management method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic gifts (e-gifts) have been widely used as URL-ized electronic tickets and transmitted via email, SNS (Social Networking Service), etc.

[0003] On the other hand, there is also a demand to distribute such electronic gifts in the form of physical cards (referred to as "e-gift cards" or "gift cards") or catalog gifts by physical means such as handing them over.

[0004] However, in many conventional physical e-gift cards, the expiration date of the electronic gift is set at the time of card manufacturing (i.e., the time of issuing the URL printed on the card). In this case, the expiration date progresses even during the period when the card is stored as inventory in a store, etc., and there is a problem that the expiration date is shortened at the time when the user purchases (or receives) it.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for validating authentication information for accessing electronic content (such as the end part of a book or an interview) attached to a book when purchasing the book at a bookstore.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 merely facilitates a one-to-one transaction between purchasing books and activating electronic content, and does not solve the problems associated with the distribution of electronic gifts themselves, particularly the inventory management and mass distribution of physical gift cards.

[0008] One of the challenges with traditional e-gift cards is that when a large number of e-gift cards need to be activated during shipping from the warehouse or when they are sold in stores, each card must be scanned individually, resulting in extremely low work efficiency.

[0009] Furthermore, if e-gift cards are packaged in boxes or envelopes for shipping or sale, scanning the QR code requires opening the packaging, scanning it, and then repackaging it, which is a significant hassle.

[0010] Furthermore, in cases where physical gift cards are distributed, such as in subsidy programs by local governments or as high-value contract incentives in the financial and insurance industries, it is desirable to avoid the risk of distributors carrying high-value (activated) gift cards by not activating the cards at the time of distribution (remaining in a "piece of paper" state), and instead having an administrator (for example, a local government official) activate them later based on distribution reports from the distributors. However, this system presents a challenge in that it is difficult to systematically prevent fraud, such as distributors falsely reporting that they distributed cards when they did not.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a gift management system, a gift management method, and a program that streamline the activation of physical electronic gifts and enable flexible operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The gift management system relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, a URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift; an acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the managed object; and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. Furthermore, the gift management system relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on a managed object, a URL contained in a second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information that uniquely identifies an electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift; an acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the managed object; and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

[0013] The gift management device relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, a URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object, and second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift; an acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the managed object; and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. Furthermore, the gift management device relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on the managed object, a URL contained in a second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and second identification information that uniquely identifies an electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift; an acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the managed object; and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

[0014] The gift management method relating to this disclosure includes the steps of: a computer receiving first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object to be distributed as an electronic gift; and a computer referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. Furthermore, the gift management method relating to this disclosure includes the steps of: a computer receiving first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on a managed object to be distributed as an electronic gift; and a computer referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in a second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

[0015] The program relating to this disclosure is a program to be executed by a computer having a storage unit and a processing unit, and causes the computer to perform the following: a process of receiving first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object that is distributed as an electronic gift; and a process of referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in a code written on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. The program according to the present disclosure is a program for causing a computer including a storage unit and a processing unit to execute a process of receiving first identification information held by a first optical code indicated on an object to be managed that is circulated as an electronic gift, and referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL included in a second optical code indicated on the object to be managed, and second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and causing the computer to execute a process of validating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a gift management system, a gift management method, and a program that can streamline the validation of physical electronic gifts and enable flexible operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gift management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram of a gift management server according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a database according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a functional block diagram of a user terminal according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a functional block diagram of a reading terminal according to each embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a gift management system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the screen display of a first reading terminal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a computer. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gift management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a functional block diagram of a gift management server according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a database according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a gift management system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a screen display example of a fourth reading terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a screen display example of a second user terminal according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the gift management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the gift management system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, the same reference numerals are assigned to common components, and repeated explanations are omitted.

[0019] <First Embodiment> <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a gift management system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] The configuration of the first embodiment mainly assumes a use case for efficient inventory management and batch activation in the manufacturing and distribution processes of physical management objects (such as gift cards). The gift management system 1 includes a gift management server 100, a first user terminal 200, and a reading terminal 300, which are connected via a network NW.

[0021] These devices are connected to each other via a network (NW) that enables communication. The network (NW) is a wired or wireless communication network, including, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a dedicated line, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public wireless network such as 5G (Fifth Generation Mobile Communication System), or any combination thereof.

[0022] The gift management server 100 is an information processing device that centrally executes various processes related to the generation, management, and activation of electronic gifts according to this embodiment.

[0023] The first user terminal 200 is a terminal device operated by the first user (gift recipient), who is the gift user. The first user accesses the URL (for example, printed as a QR code) indicated on the managed item (gift card) using the camera or other means on their terminal to use the electronic gift. The first user terminal 200 is mainly assumed to be a smartphone or tablet with a camera, but it may also be a PC equipped with a webcam or similar.

[0024] The reading terminal 300 is a terminal device operated by a second user, such as a gift seller or gift shipper. The second user may be, for example, a cashier at a retail store that sells gift cards, an employee at a gift card manufacturing plant or warehouse that stores them, the entity that operates the gift management server 100, or an employee at a shipping center. The reading terminal 300 has the function of reading RF tags (Radio Frequency Tags) on managed items without contact. The reading terminal 300 also has the function of reading the RF tags of multiple (numerous) managed items (gift cards) to be sold or shipped, either in bulk or individually.

[0025] The reading terminal 300 may be a UHF band RFID reader or an NFC reader (such as a smartphone). The batch reading function is realized, for example, by a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band RFID reader / writer or a gate-type antenna device. The reading terminal 300 may be, for example, a smartphone, tablet device, or dedicated handheld terminal equipped with an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader function.

[0026] The gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, the reading terminal 300, etc., are information processing devices each configured as a computer 900 as shown in Figure 9. The configuration of computer 900 will be described later.

[0027] <Function of each component> Next, with reference to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the gift management server 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The gift management server 100 comprises a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130 as functional blocks.

[0028] The communication unit 110 has the function of sending and receiving various data with external devices such as the first user terminal 200 and the reading terminal 300 via the network NW.

[0029] The storage unit 120 stores the program 121 and a database 122 that stores various information necessary for managing electronic gifts. The storage unit 120 also stores electronic gift information, including first identification information held by the RF tag on the managed object, a URL contained in the code written on the managed object, second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift.

[0030] Herein, the main terms used in this embodiment will be explained. "Managed object" refers to a physical medium to which the value of an electronic gift or the means of accessing that value is linked. Managed objects are distributed as electronic gifts. Managed objects may include, for example, physical "electronic gift cards," "gift certificates," "coupon vouchers," or cards or booklets in the form of "catalog gifts (gift catalogs)," and in some cases, "employee ID cards" or "membership cards." Managed objects can also be referred to as "physical goods," "card media," or "certificates."

[0031] "RF tags" are a general term for IC tags that use radio waves (electromagnetic waves) to read and write information without physical contact. Examples include "NFC tags" (a type of HF band RFID tag), which are short-range wireless communication standards, and "UHF band RFID tags" that can communicate over longer distances (several meters). They may also be called "wireless tags," "IC tags," or "contactless IC chips."

[0032] "Primary identification information" refers to information recorded on an RF tag that uniquely identifies each individual managed object. For example, this could be a unique ID (TID: Tag ID) written during the manufacturing of the RF tag, or an EPC (Electronic Product Code), or a unique ID written in the user memory area. It can also be referred to as "tag identifier," "RFID," or "individual identification information."

[0033] The "URL included in the code" refers to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) that is visually displayed (e.g., printed) on the surface of the managed object for the user of the managed object (first user) to access using their own device (first user device 200). Before the electronic gift is activated, this URL indicates the destination to a page (activation URL) that notifies the user of the activation process or that the gift is not yet activated. It can also be referred to as the "access URL," "first URL," or "activation URL." The code is typically implemented as a "two-dimensional code" that can be easily read by a smartphone or similar device.

[0034] "Electronic gift information" refers to the value information that constitutes the electronic gift itself, or the information on accessing that value, as well as information indicating its status. It may also be referred to as "gift data," "e-gift information," or "value information."

[0035] "Second identification information" refers to information used to uniquely identify the electronic gift (for example, the webpage on the gift certificate) that the user actually uses after activation. In most cases, second identification information is implemented as a unique URL, i.e., the "e-gift URL." It can also be referred to as the "second URL" or "gift body URL."

[0036] "Status information" refers to information indicating whether an electronic gift is usable or not. For example, it includes flags indicating the status such as "not activated," "activated," "invalid," "used," or "expired," as well as specific date and time information for the expiration date (start date, end date). It can also be referred to as "validity information," "status flags," or "usability information."

[0037] The processing unit 130, as a functional unit realized by executing the program 121, mainly comprises an acquisition unit 131, an activation unit 132, and a gift setting unit 133.

[0038] The acquisition unit 131 has the function of receiving various information from an external device via the communication unit 110. For example, the acquisition unit 131 receives first identification information corresponding to the managed object from the reading terminal 300. The acquisition unit 131 may also receive read information from the reading terminal 300 that includes the first identification information corresponding to the managed object.

[0039] The activation unit 132 has the function of switching the electronic gift to a usable state, that is, activating it. Specifically, the activation unit 132 activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information received by the acquisition unit 131. This activation process includes, for example, changing the status information corresponding to the first identification information stored in the storage unit 120 from the "not activated (a form of invalidity)" state to the "activated (a form of validity)" state. The activation process also includes changing the expiration date information, which is part of the status information corresponding to the first identification information, from the "not set" state to the "set" state, which includes the start date and / or end date of the expiration date. As a result, the expiration date is not set (not set) during the gift card manufacturing and inventory period, and is only set (set) at the time of activation, thus preventing the expiration date from being unnecessarily shortened during the inventory period.

[0040] The activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100 of the gift management system 1 has the function of activating multiple electronic gifts corresponding to each of the multiple first identification pieces included in the read information all at once.

[0041] Furthermore, the activation unit 132 may set the start date of the expiration date in the status information to a date after the date of receipt of the first identification information, for example. This allows for flexible setting of the activation timing (date of receipt of the first identification information) and the actual start date of use. For example, if the activation is to start from the activation timing, the "receipt date" is set as the start date. Also, to more flexibly meet the need for activation with a time lag after distribution (e.g., the next day or the next week), it is possible to perform the activation process (receipt of the first identification information) first, and then set the actual start date of use (start date) to a specific day after the "receipt date" (e.g., the 1st of the following month).

[0042] The gift setting unit 133 has the function of accepting changes to the gift content of an electronic gift (for example, the product to be exchanged, the available amount, the design of the gift certificate, a message, etc.). This makes it possible to flexibly change the content of the corresponding electronic gift even after the managed item has been manufactured. In addition, the gift setting unit 133 has the function of restricting (prohibiting) changes to the gift content of electronic gifts that have been activated by the activation unit 132, thereby ensuring the reliability of the system.

[0043] Next, a specific example of the configuration of the database 122 stored in the storage unit 120 of the gift management server 100 will be described based on Figure 3. The database 122 may be managed by a relational database management system (RDBMS) and may consist of multiple data tables such as a "gift management table," a "user management table," an "activation management table," and a "gift content table."

[0044] The "Gift Management Table" manages individual managed items (gift cards) and linked them with electronic gift information. This table's main fields (columns) include a "Management ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies the record, "First Identification Information" read from the RF tag, "Activation URL," "Second Identification Information (e-gift URL)," "Status Information," "Expiration Start Date," "Expiration End Date," "Gift Content ID" (foreign key to the Gift Content Table), and "Managed Item Group ID," among others.

[0045] The "User Management Table" manages information about various users who use the Gift Management System 1. This table's main fields include "User ID" (primary key), "User Type" (e.g., "User," "Manufacturer," "Seller," etc.), "Username," "Affiliated Organization," "Login Information" (e.g., hashed password), and "Access Permission Information" for each function.

[0046] The "Activation Management Table" is primarily used to manage the activation process for electronic gifts. This table includes, as its main fields, "Management ID" (a foreign key to the Gift Management Table), "Activation Operation Status," "Operator ID" (the ID of the person who performed the activation operation), and "Activation Date and Time."

[0047] The "Gift Contents Table" is a master table managed by the Gift Settings Unit 133 that defines the specific contents of an electronic gift. This table includes, as its main fields, "Gift Contents ID" (primary key), "Gift Name," "Gift Type" (e.g., "Amount Specified," "Product Specified," "Catalog Type"), "Amount," "List of Exchangeable Products," "Gift Certificate Design Template Information," and "List of Available Stores" (not shown).

[0048] Next, the configuration of the first user terminal 200 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The first user terminal 200 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The first user terminal 200 comprises a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220, a control unit 230, a display unit 240, and an input unit 250, which are connected via a bus 260.

[0049] The control unit 230 is a CPU, etc., and executes programs such as the OS and web browser stored in the memory unit 220. The memory unit 220 is RAM, storage, etc. The communication unit 210 is an interface for connecting to a network NW. The display unit 240 is an LCD, etc., and displays the web browser screen. The input unit 250 is a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, camera, sensor, etc., and accepts input from the user, camera, sensor, etc.

[0050] Next, the configuration of the reading terminal 300 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the reading terminal 300. The reading terminal 300 is a terminal that, in response to the operation of a second user, wirelessly reads the first identification information of the managed object and transmits it to the acquisition unit 131 of the gift management server 100. This makes it possible to read the first identification information without contact, even for managed objects that are in a packaged state. In addition to a communication unit 310, a storage unit 320, a control unit 330, a display unit 340, an operation unit 350, and a bus 360 connecting them, the reading terminal 300 further includes a reading unit 370 for reading RF tags, etc.

[0051] The reading unit 370 is a device that reads and writes information to a contactless IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, and may be, for example, an NFC reader / writer compatible with the NFC short-range wireless communication standard, an HF (High Frequency) band RFID reader / writer, or a UHF band RFID reader / writer capable of longer-distance communication. Alternatively, in the modified version described later (corresponding to claim 2), the reading unit 370 may be a camera (image scanner) for optically reading two-dimensional codes, etc.

[0052] <System Operation> Next, we will explain the operation of the activation process of the gift management system 1 using a flowchart.

[0053] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation flow for efficient inventory management and batch activation (e.g., at warehouse shipment, at store sale) in the manufacturing and distribution process of gift cards, corresponding to the gift management system 1.

[0054] In step S101, the gift management server 100 registers (links) the information of each card in the database 122 prior to the manufacture of the managed items (gift cards). Specifically, the processing unit 130 of the gift management server 100 (or another terminal operated by the administrator) generates a first identification information (ID written to the NFC tag), an activation URL (a card-specific URL printed as a two-dimensional code on the surface of the card), and a second identification information (an e-gift URL that becomes accessible after activation) to be assigned to each card. Then, a record is created in the "gift management table" that associates these three pieces of information (first identification information, activation URL, and second identification information) with the initial "status information" (= "not activated") and the "gift content ID" indicating the gift content (e.g., "50,000 yen grant").

[0055] In step S102, the managed object (gift card) is manufactured. For example, a manufacturing device such as an NFC printer writes the first identification information to the RF tag (NFC tag) inside the physical card (or registers the tag's unique TID with the server) based on the information received from the gift management server 100, and also prints a two-dimensional code including an activation URL on the surface of the card. At this point, the card is not yet activated and has no value (it is in a "piece of paper" state).

[0056] In step S103, the manufactured managed items (gift cards) are stored as inventory in a warehouse or similar location (under the management of the fourth user) while remaining in an inactive state ("Status Information" = "Inactive", "Expiration Date" = Not Set). At this time, the gift cards may be packaged in containers such as cardboard boxes. In this state, the cards have no value, so there is no need to strictly manage them as monetary vouchers, and the burden of inventory management is greatly reduced.

[0057] In step S104, an operational branching occurs regarding whether or not to perform the activation process at a predetermined time, such as when the product is shipped from the warehouse or when it is delivered to a retail store and sold.

[0058] Step S105 is the route for batch activation at the time of shipment (YES route). The warehouse staff, who are the second user, operate the reading terminal 300. The second user operates the "Start Reading" button D121 on the batch activation screen D100 (Figure 7). The reading unit 370 (UHF band RFID reader) of the reading terminal 300 emits radio waves and reads multiple primary identification information from RF tags of multiple managed objects (e.g., 100 cards in a cardboard box) within the scan range contactlessly and in a batch. The list of read primary identification information is displayed in the reading result list D122. When the user confirms the contents and operates the "Activate (Set Expiry Date)" button D123, the reading terminal 300 transmits the reading information, including these multiple primary identification information, to the gift management server 100. The acquisition unit 131 of the gift management server 100 receives this reading information (TID list). The activation unit 132 uses all the first identification information included in the received list as a search key to update multiple corresponding records in the "gift management table" in a batch. Specifically, it changes the "status information" of each record from "not activated" to "activated," sets a predetermined date and time (e.g., the date of receipt as the start date) in the "expiration date_start date" and "expiration date_end date" of each record in a batch, and stores it in the storage unit 120. The gift management server 100 returns the processing result (e.g., "Successfully activated 100 IDs") to the reading terminal 300 and displays it in the status display area D125. This allows a large number of gift cards to be efficiently activated while still in their packaging. The activated cards can then be shipped or sold.

[0059] Step S106 is a route where the item is not activated at the time of shipment (NO route). In this case, the managed item (gift card) is shipped in an unactivated state and moves to the next distribution point, such as a retail store.

[0060] In step S107, when the gift cards delivered via the route in S106 are sold at a retail store's cash register, the activation process is performed. The cashier, who is the second user, uses a reading terminal 300 (for example, an RFID reader or NFC reader connected to the cash register) to read the RF tag of the gift card to be sold (individual reading is also acceptable in this case). The reading terminal 300 transmits the read first identification information to the gift management server 100. The gift management server 100 receives the first identification information, and the activation unit 132, similar to step S105, searches for the record in the "gift management table" corresponding to the first identification information and performs the activation process (status change, expiration date setting).

[0061] <Screen example> Next, an example of the configuration of the screen (user interface) displayed on the reading terminal 300 in the gift management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7.

[0062] (Bulk activation screen) Figure 7 shows an example of the "bulk activation screen" D100, which is operated by a second user on the reader terminal 300. The bulk activation screen D100 is used to activate multiple, especially a large number of, managed items (gift cards) in a single batch while they are still in their packaging.

[0063] At the top of the batch activation screen D100 is a header area D110, where the screen title (e.g., "Batch Activation (UHF RFID)") is displayed.

[0064] The main area D120 below that contains functions for batch processing.

[0065] When the "Start Reading" button D121 is pressed, the control unit 330 of the reading terminal 300 activates the reading unit 370 (UHF band RFID reader) and reads the first identification information of all RF tags within the scan range (for example, inside a cardboard box in front of you) contactlessly and simultaneously.

[0066] The "Reading Results List" D122 is a text area or list box that displays the reading results. It shows the number of items read (e.g., "Number of reads: 100") and a list of the first identification information that was read (e.g., "ID: 12A3B4C5D6E7", "ID: 23A3B4C5D6E7", etc.).

[0067] The "Activate (Set Expiry Date)" button D123 is used to send a batch activation request (read information) to the gift management server 100, targeting all first identification information displayed in the read result list D122 for activation. When a user operates this button D123, the ID list in list D122 is sent to the acquisition unit 131, and the activation unit 132 activates the electronic gifts corresponding to each of the multiple first identification information items included in the list in a batch. At this time, the activation unit 132 also sets the expiration date (start date and end date) for each electronic gift.

[0068] The "Clear" button D124 erases the contents of the reading results list D122, allowing for another reading (retry).

[0069] The "Status" display area D125 is where the processing result returned from the gift management server 100 after the activation button D123 is pressed is displayed (e.g., "Activation of 100 IDs was successful").

[0070] The "Save and Return to List" button D126 is used to complete the process and return to the previous screen (for example, the task menu screen).

[0071] The batch activation screen D100 allows warehouse and store staff to activate large quantities of gift cards extremely efficiently without opening the packaging (corresponding to S105 and S107 in Figure 6).

[0072] According to the gift management system 1 of the first embodiment described above, by using RFID in the UHF band in particular, it becomes possible to read multiple tags at once or even through packaging materials such as cardboard boxes. For example, in a warehouse or store, a large number of managed items (gift cards) can be read and activated in a batch, rather than one by one. This eliminates the challenges of processing each item individually and the hassle of opening and repackaging, which were issues with conventional two-dimensional code scanning, and dramatically improves the efficiency of activation work at each manufacturing, shipping, and sales location.

[0073] <Basic Computer Configuration>

[0074] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 900. Computer 900 includes a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an input unit 904, and an output unit 905. The control unit 901, storage unit 902, communication unit 903, input unit 904, and output unit 905 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 910.

[0075] The control unit 901 includes processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a group of processors combining multiple such processors. It controls various parts of the computer 900 and reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 902.

[0076] The storage unit 902 includes a main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk, and is a device that stores various programs for running the operating system and various applications of the computer 900, as well as data used by these programs. The process shown in the flowchart above is realized by the control unit 901 of each computer constituting the gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, and the reading terminal 300 executing the programs stored in their respective storage units 902.

[0077] The communication unit 903 is a device for communicating with external devices and sends and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 901. Each computer constituting the gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, and the reading terminal 300 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0078] The input unit 904 is a device that receives input from an external source and supplies it to the control unit 901, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and camera. The output unit 905 is a device that outputs the processing results of the control unit 901 to the outside, and includes, for example, a display and speaker.

[0079] <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the gift management server 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0080] The gift management server 100 is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each component of the gift management server 100 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902 in the form of a program. The control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902, loads it into the main memory of the storage unit 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The control unit 901 also reserves a storage area in the main memory of the storage unit 902 corresponding to the storage unit 120 described above, according to the program.

[0081] Specifically, the program for the activation process causes the computer 900 to perform the following steps: receive first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object to be distributed as an electronic gift; and refer to a storage unit 120 that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in the code written on the managed object, and second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift, as well as status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activate the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information.

[0082] The auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902 is an example of a tangible medium that is not temporary. Other examples of tangible mediums that are not temporary include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory connected via the input unit 904. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via the network NW, the computer 900 that receives the program may load it into the main memory of the memory unit 902 and execute the above processing.

[0083] Furthermore, the program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. In addition, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that implements the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902.

[0084] According to the gift management system 1 of the first embodiment described above, the activation of physical managed items (gift cards) can be managed based on first identification information held by RF tags. RF tags can read information contactlessly using radio waves. In particular, by using UHF band RFID, it is possible to read multiple tags at once or even through packaging materials such as cardboard boxes. For example, in a warehouse or store, a large number of managed items (gift cards) can be read and activated in a batch, rather than one by one. This eliminates the hassle of processing each card individually and opening and repackaging, dramatically improving the efficiency of activation work at each manufacturing, shipping, and sales location. In other words, it streamlines the activation of physical electronic gifts and allows for flexible operation.

[0085] <Second Embodiment> <System Configuration> Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the gift management system 1A according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. The differences from the gift management system 1 of the first embodiment will be mainly described below.

[0086] The configuration of the second embodiment is intended for use cases where it is necessary to separate the authority of the distribution person and the approval person, such as in subsidy programs by local governments or the distribution of high-value incentives by companies. As shown in Figure 9, the gift management system 1A comprises a gift management server (gift management device) 100A, a first user terminal 200, a reading terminal 300, and a fourth user terminal 400, which are connected via a network NW. The gift management server 100A, the first user terminal 200, the reading terminal 300, and the fourth user terminal 400 are information processing devices configured as computers 900 as shown in Figure 9.

[0087] The first user terminal 200 is a terminal device operated by the first user (gift recipient), who is the gift user. In the second embodiment, the first user uses the electronic gift by accessing the URL indicated on the managed item (gift card) distributed by the third user using the camera or other means on their terminal. The URL is printed, for example, as a two-dimensional code. Also in the second embodiment, the first user performs identity verification using the first user terminal 200 as part of the electronic gift activation process. The first user terminal 200 is mainly assumed to be a smartphone or tablet terminal with a camera, but it may also be a PC equipped with a webcam or the like. The hardware configuration of the first user terminal 200 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0088] In the second embodiment, the reading terminal 300 is a terminal device operated by a third user who is the gift distributor. The third user is, for example, a visitor or dispatched staff member in a local government's subsidy program, or an incentive distribution person in a company, and is responsible for distributing physical objects (hereinafter, as a specific example, sometimes referred to as "gift cards") to the gift recipient, the gift user (first user). The hardware configuration of the reading terminal 300 is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0089] The fourth user terminal 400 is a terminal device operated by the fourth user, who is the activation approver. The fourth user is a different entity from the third user, who is the gift distributor, such as a local government official or a company administrator, and has the authority to supervise the third user's distribution activities and ultimately approve the activation of the electronic gift. The fourth user terminal 400 can be implemented by an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), notebook PC, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The hardware configuration of the fourth user terminal 400 is the same as that of the first user terminal 200 in the first embodiment.

[0090] <Function of each component> Next, with reference to Figure 10, the functional configuration of the gift management server 100A according to the second embodiment will be described in detail. The gift management server 100A includes a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130A. The processing unit 130A includes an acquisition unit 131, an activation unit 132, a gift setting unit 133, and an authentication unit 134. The main difference from the gift management server 100 of the first embodiment is the inclusion of the authentication unit 134.

[0091] In the second embodiment, the acquisition unit 131 receives first identification information corresponding to the managed object from the reading terminal 300 via the communication unit 110, and also receives consent information regarding the activation of the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information from the fourth user terminal 400. The acquisition unit 131 in the second embodiment further receives information regarding the authentication of the first user from the first user terminal 200.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the activation unit 132 performs activation based on one or more conditions, such as receiving the first identification information, receiving consent information from the fourth user terminal 400, and successful authentication of the user by the authentication unit 134. For example, the activation unit 132 may activate the electronic gift of the managed object corresponding to the first identification information when the gift management server 100A receives the first identification information from the reading terminal 300 and the consent information corresponding to the first identification information from the fourth user terminal 400. Alternatively, the activation unit 132 may activate the electronic gift of the gift card corresponding to the first identification information when the gift management server 100A has satisfied all of the following conditions: receiving the first identification information from the reading terminal 300, receiving consent information corresponding to the first identification information from the fourth user terminal 400, and successfully authenticating the first user.

[0093] The authentication unit 134 determines whether the authentication of the first user is successful. The authentication unit 134 receives an authentication request from the first user terminal 200, which accesses the URL described in the managed object, and executes the authentication process to determine its success or failure. As for methods of authentication, for example, the use of an external public personal authentication service linked to My Number Card, one-time password authentication using SMS (Short Message Service), biometric authentication (fingerprint authentication, facial recognition), or conventional ID / password input can be used. This makes it possible to incorporate authentication by the gift recipient (third user) themselves into the electronic gift activation process.

[0094] Next, a specific configuration example of the database 122A stored in the storage unit 120 of the gift management server 100A will be described based on Figure 11. The database 122A of the second embodiment has a "distribution and approval management table" instead of the "activation management table" of the first embodiment.

[0095] The "user management table" in the second embodiment has the same fields as the "user management table" in the first embodiment, but the options stored in "user type" include "distributor" corresponding to the third user and "approver" corresponding to the fourth user.

[0096] The "Distribution and Approval Management Table" is primarily used to manage the distribution and approval processes for the activation of managed items. The "Distribution and Approval Management Table" includes, as its main fields, "Distribution Management ID" (primary key), "Management ID" (foreign key to the Gift Management Table), "Distributor ID" (identifier of the third user who distributed the managed item), "Distribution Date and Time," "Distribution Status," "Authentication Status" by the first user, "Approval Status," "Approver ID" (identifier of the fourth user who performed the approval operation), and "Approval Date and Time," among others.

[0097] <System Operation> Next, the operation of the activation process for the gift management system 1A, which has the configuration and functions described above, will be explained using a flowchart.

[0098] Figure 12 shows an example of the operation flow of the activation process in a use case requiring high security (e.g., distribution of subsidies by local governments, see Reference Material 03) corresponding to the gift management system 1A.

[0099] Steps S201 and S202 are substantially the same as S101 and S102 in Figure 6.

[0100] In step S203, the third user (gift distributor, e.g., visitor) operates the reading terminal 300 when distributing managed items (gift cards) to the first user (gift recipient, e.g., benefit recipient). The third user, for example, taps the "Confirm Distribution" button D221 on the gift distribution report screen D200 (Figure 13), which will be described later, and reads (scans) the RF tag of the gift card to be distributed with the reading unit 370 (NFC reader) of the reading terminal 300, and obtains the first identification information held by the RF tag. The reading terminal 300 adds the obtained first identification information, along with the distribution date and time, to the distributed gift list D222. When the third user operates the "Send Report" button D223, the reading terminal 300 sends the listed distribution record information (a pair of first identification information and distribution date and time) to the gift management server 100A. The acquisition unit 131 of the gift management server 100A receives the distribution record information, creates a record corresponding to the first identification information in the "distribution / approval management table," and records the "distribution status" as "distribution confirmed."

[0101] In step S204, the first user (gift recipient) reads the two-dimensional code (activation URL) printed on the received managed item (gift card) using the camera or other means of their first user terminal 200 and accesses it using a web browser. The first user terminal 200 sends a request to the gift management server 100A to access the activation URL. The gift management server 100A refers to the record in the "gift management table" corresponding to the URL and confirms that the "status information" is "not activated". Next, the gift management server 100A determines whether the electronic gift corresponding to the gift card is configured to require user authentication (e.g., linked to the "distribution / approval management table"). If user authentication is required, the gift management server 100A sends a screen to the first user terminal 200 via the authentication unit 134 requesting user authentication (personal authentication). The first user performs user authentication on the first user terminal 200 according to the instructions (e.g., launching the My Number Card linked application, entering the SMS authentication code, etc.). The authentication unit 134 may determine the success or failure of authentication in cooperation with an external authentication system or the like. If authentication is successful (an authentication result of successful authentication is obtained), the authentication unit 134 records the result (successful authentication) as "Completed" in the "Author Authentication Status" field of the corresponding record in the "Distribution / Approval Management Table".

[0102] In step S205, the fourth user (activation approver, e.g., local government official) operates the fourth user terminal 400. The fourth user accesses the activation approval screen D300 (Figure 14), described later, at a predetermined time (e.g., the end of the day). The gift management server 100A extracts records with an "Approval Status" of "Not Approved" from the "Distribution / Approval Management Table" and displays the report reception list D330 on the fourth user terminal 400. The fourth user checks the report reception list D330 and confirms that the "Responsible Person" (third user), "Distribution Date," and "Personal Authentication" status for each distribution report are "Completed." The fourth user selects the checkboxes for the records they deem approving and operates the "Activate Checked RFID" button D390. In response to the fourth user's actions, the fourth user terminal 400 sends "Acceptance Information," including a list of selected first identification information, to the gift management server 100A. The gift management server 100A receives acceptance information from the fourth user terminal 400.

[0103] In step S206, the activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100A refers to the "distribution / approval management table" again for each first identification information included in the acceptance information, and confirms that the "distribution status" of the corresponding record is "distribution confirmed" and the "identity authentication status" is "completed" (and the "approval status" is "not approved"). If it is determined that all of these conditions are met (AND condition), the activation unit 132 updates the record in the "gift management table" corresponding to the first identification information. Specifically, it changes the "status information" from "not activated" to "activated", sets the "expiration date start date" and "expiration date end date" to a predetermined date and time (for example, the day after the approval date as the start date), and stores it in the storage unit 120. This completes the activation of the electronic gift.

[0104] According to this flow, three different entities are involved: the gift recipient (first user), the gift distributor (third user), and the gift activation approver (fourth user). Furthermore, activation cannot be performed without a systemic check (identity verification). Therefore, it is extremely effective in preventing fraudulent use (especially by the distributor absconding or making false reports) when distributing high-value gift cards.

[0105] <Screen example> Next, an example of the configuration of the screen (user interface) displayed on the reading terminal 300 or the fourth user terminal 400 in the gift management system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14.

[0106] (Gift distribution report screen) Figure 13 shows an example of the "gift distribution report screen" D200, which is operated by a third user (gift distributor) using a reader terminal 300 (for example, a smartphone with NFC functionality). This screen is used by the third user to report to the gift management server 100A that they have distributed managed items (gift cards) to the first user (gift recipient).

[0107] At the top of the screen is a header area D210, which displays the screen title (e.g., "Gift Distribution Report (NFC)") and the identification information of the currently logged-in user (third-party user) (e.g., "User: AA001").

[0108] The main area D220 below it contains the primary functions for operation.

[0109] The "Confirm Distribution (Tap to Scan)" button D221 is the primary input method operated by the third user. The third user taps this button D221 immediately before or after distributing the gift card. This causes the control unit 330 of the reading terminal 300 to activate the reading unit 370 (NFC reader) and prompt the user to bring it close to (tap) the RF tag of the managed object (gift card). Once the RF tag is read, the first identification information held by the RF tag is acquired.

[0110] The "Distributed Gift List" D222 is a list area that displays the scanned primary identification information in chronological order. Each row displays the "RFID (Primary Identification Information)" (e.g., "23A3B4C5D6E7"), "Status" (e.g., "Not Distributed" or "Distribution Confirmed"), and "Distribution Date and Time" (e.g., "2025 / 11 / 10 15:10"). This allows third-party users to visually check their distribution history.

[0111] When a third user operates the "Send Report" button D223 at the bottom of the screen, distribution performance information, including the "Distribution Confirmed" record (list of first identification information and distribution date and time) accumulated in the distributed gift list D222, is sent to the gift management server 100A via the network NW through the communication unit 210. The gift management server 100A receives the distribution performance information and records it in the "Distribution / Approval Management Table" (corresponding to S203 in Figure 12).

[0112] (Activation approval screen) Figure 14 shows an example of the "Activation Approval Screen" D300, which is operated by the fourth user (activation approver) on the fourth user terminal 400. The Activation Approval Screen D300 is used by the fourth user to confirm the distribution report from the third user and the results of the first user's identity verification (if applicable), and to approve the activation of the electronic gift.

[0113] At the top of the screen is a header area D310, where the screen title (e.g., "Activation Approval") is displayed.

[0114] Below that, in the main area D320, the "Report Reception List" D330 is displayed. The Report Reception List D330 is a table that lists records that are recorded as "Unapproved" in the "Approval Status" of the "Distribution / Approval Management Table" based on distribution performance information sent from multiple third-party users.

[0115] The report reception list D330 includes information reported from the gift distribution report screen D200 in Figure 13, such as "person in charge" (identification information of the third user), "RFID" (first identification information), and "distribution date."

[0116] Furthermore, the report reception list D330 may include a "Personal Authentication" column. This column displays a status (e.g., "Not yet" or "Completed") indicating whether the first user (gift recipient) accessed the activation URL associated with the gift card and whether the authentication (S204 in Figure 12) was successful.

[0117] At the far right of each row in the report reception list D330, there is a checkbox for selecting which records to activate. The fourth user reviews the contents of the report reception list D330 (for example, that the "distribution date" is valid and "personal authentication" is "completed") and checks the checkbox for the records that they decide should be activated.

[0118] When the "Activate Checked Items" button D390 at the bottom of the screen is operated, "acceptance information" regarding the activation of the electronic gift corresponding to the record (first identification information) selected in the checkbox in the report reception list D330 is sent to the gift management server 100A via the communication unit 310. Based on the receipt of this acceptance information, the activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100A activates the corresponding electronic gift (updates status information, sets expiration date) (corresponds to S205 and S206 in Figure 12).

[0119] According to the gift management system 1A of the second embodiment described above, the activation of a physical managed object (gift card) can be managed based on the first identification information held by the RF tag. A third user, who is the gift distributor, can use the reading terminal 300 to read the first identification information of the gift card contactlessly and easily, and report that the gift has been distributed. Furthermore, the distribution of gifts (read by a third-party user) and the approval of their activation (confirmed by a fourth-party user) can be separated both systemically and manually. This prevents, for example, the distribution of high-value benefit cards or incentive gifts from being fraudulently activated by the distributor (third-party user) at the time of distribution. Instead, activation is only permitted after being checked by an approver with administrative authority (fourth-party user), thus achieving a highly secure operation (separation of duties). In other words, it streamlines the activation of physical electronic gifts, allows for flexible operation, and reduces the risk of fraud.

[0120] <Variation> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted.

[0121] (Example 1: Configuration of the reading terminal) The reading terminal 300 in the above embodiment is not limited to a smartphone or a dedicated handheld terminal. For example, the reading terminal 300 may be an RFID reader (NFC reader or UHF band RFID reader) incorporated into a retail store's POS (Point of Sale) register system. In this case, the second user (cashier) only needs to scan the managed item (gift card) as with other products, and the POS system can acquire the first identification information, transmit it to the gift management server 100 in conjunction with the accounting process, and perform the activation process (S107 in Figure 6).

[0122] (Variation 2: Means of identity verification) The means of authentication in the second embodiment described above are not limited to My Number Card linkage or SMS authentication. For example, the authentication unit 134 may acquire location information from the first user terminal 200 using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and perform authentication (or part thereof) by determining whether the location information is included in a predetermined geographical area (for example, within a specific city or town) that is set in advance as the distribution area for the managed object. Alternatively, authentication may be performed by determining whether the first user terminal 200 can receive radio waves from a predetermined Wi-Fi access point or Bluetooth® beacon.

[0123] (Variation 3: Combining identification information and URL) In the above embodiment, we mainly described an example in which the managed object has both an RF tag (first identification information) and a code (URL), but these may be used interchangeably. For example, if the managed object is equipped with an NFC tag (HF band RFID tag), the activation URL string itself may be recorded in the memory area of ​​the NFC tag in addition to the first identification information. In this case, in the second embodiment, the third user (gift distributor) reads the first identification information by NFC tapping (S203 in Figure 12), and the first user (gift recipient) can also access the activation URL without scanning a two-dimensional code by NFC tapping the managed object with their smartphone (first user terminal 200 with NFC functionality).

[0124] (Modification 4: Form of the first identification information) In the above embodiment, the first identification information was held in the RF tag, but it may also be provided as an optical code. An "optical code" refers to a "visual code" or "printed code" that can be optically read by a camera or scanner, and includes, for example, a "one-dimensional barcode," a "two-dimensional code," or a string of characters for "OCR (optical character recognition)." In this case, the storage unit 120 stores a combination of the first identification information held by the first optical code written on the managed object, a URL (activation URL) included in the second optical code written on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information (e-gift URL) that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift. The first optical code may also serve as the second optical code, and the first optical code may hold the first identification information and the activation URL. This may reduce the manufacturing cost of the managed object (gift card).

[0125] (Variation 5: Batch activation) As a variation of the first embodiment described above, a configuration is also possible in which multiple electronic gifts can be activated simultaneously with a single RF tag. In this case, the storage unit 120 of the gift management server 100 of the gift management system 1 stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by one RF tag attached to a group of managed objects including multiple managed objects, multiple URLs (activation URLs) contained in the code written on each managed object in the group of managed objects, and second identification information (e-gift URLs) that uniquely identify multiple electronic gifts corresponding to each managed object in the group of managed objects. Specifically, the storage unit 120 stores as electronic gift information the first identification information ("representative ID", "parent ID") held by one RF tag (representative RF tag) attached to a group of managed objects including multiple managed objects (for example, one box containing 100 gift cards, a "gift set", a "lot"), multiple URLs ("individual URL", "child URL") contained in the code written on each managed object (individual card) in the group of managed objects, and multiple second identification information (e-gift URLs) corresponding to each managed object. Then, the activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100 activates multiple electronic gifts based on the first identification information of the managed items group. Based on the reception of the first identification information (representative ID) of the managed items group, the activation unit 132 "activates in bulk" ("bulk activation") multiple electronic gifts (for example, 100 electronic gifts) associated with the representative ID. In other words, instead of attaching an RF tag to each managed item (gift card), bulk activation becomes possible by simply attaching one representative RF tag to a box or bundle containing multiple cards (managed items group). This has the potential to reduce the manufacturing cost per card.

[0126] (Variation 6: Activation trigger) In the first embodiment described above, the trigger for activating the electronic gift was, for example, the user selecting the "Activate (Set Expiry Date)" button D123 on the batch activation screen D100. However, the trigger may also be the reception (acquisition) of the first identification information by the gift management server 100. That is, the activation unit 132 of the first embodiment may activate the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information by triggering the reception of the first identification information by the gift management server 100. "As a trigger" means that the subsequent activation process is automatically started "as a trigger," "as an opportunity," or "immediately upon receiving" the event of receiving the first identification information. This enables rapid processing, such as when a retail store's cash register (reading terminal 300) reads the RF tag of the gift card just like a product, and the activation is completed immediately, making it available for use by the user.

[0127] (Note) The features of the above-described embodiment are noted below. (Note 1) A storage unit that stores first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, a URL contained in a code written on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, An acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the object to be managed, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information, A gift management system equipped with [features / equipment]. (Note 2) A storage unit that stores first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on the managed object, a URL contained in a second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and electronic gift information including second identification information that uniquely identifies an electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, An acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the object to be managed, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information, A gift management system equipped with [features / equipment]. (Note 3) The system further includes a reading terminal that reads a plurality of first identification pieces corresponding to each of the plurality of objects being managed in a contactless manner, generates read information including the plurality of first identification pieces read, and transmits it to the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit acquires the read information, The activation unit activates a plurality of electronic gifts corresponding to each of the plurality of first identification pieces included in the acquired read information. The gift management system described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The activation unit changes the status information corresponding to the received first identification information from invalid to valid and stores it in the storage unit. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The activation unit changes the expiration date included in the status information corresponding to the acquired first identification information from an unset state to a set state and stores it in the storage unit. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 4. (Note 6) The activation unit changes the expiration date included in the status information corresponding to the received first identification information from an unset state to a state that includes the start date and / or end date of the expiration date, and stores it in the storage unit. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 5. (Note 7) The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information as a trigger upon receiving the first identification information. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 6. (Note 8) The aforementioned electronic gift further comprises a gift setting unit that accepts changes to the gift contents of the electronic gift. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 7. (Note 9) The gift setting unit restricts changes to the gift content of electronic gifts activated by the activation unit. The gift management system described in Appendix 8. (Note 10) The storage unit stores a combination of first identification information held by one RF tag attached to a group of managed objects including multiple managed objects, and a combination of multiple URLs contained in a code written on each managed object in the group of managed objects and a combination of multiple electronic gifts corresponding to each managed object in the group of managed objects. The activation unit activates the plurality of electronic gifts based on the first identification information of the group of managed objects. The gift management system described in Appendix 1. (Note 11) The storage unit stores a combination of first identification information held by a first optical code attached to a group of managed objects including a plurality of managed objects, and a combination of a plurality of URLs contained in the code inscribed on each managed object in the group of managed objects and a plurality of electronic gifts corresponding to each managed object in the group of managed objects, The activation unit activates the plurality of electronic gifts based on the first identification information of the group of managed objects. The gift management system described in Appendix 2. (Note 12) The object under management is a physical electronic gift card or a physical gift catalog. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 11. (Note 13) The aforementioned URL is information contained in the two-dimensional code printed on the object being managed. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 12. (Note 14) The activation unit sets the start date of the expiration date in the status information to a day after the date of receipt of the first identification information. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 13. (Note 15) The reading terminal is capable of reading the first identification information of the managed object in its packaged state without contact. The gift management system described in Appendix 3. (Note 16) A reading terminal that reads the first identification information of the object to be managed in a non-contact manner and transmits it to the acquisition unit, A user terminal that transmits consent information regarding the activation of the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information to the acquisition unit, Furthermore, The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information based on the acquisition unit's acquisition of the first identification information from the reading terminal and the subsequent acquisition of the consent information from the user terminal. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 15. (Note 17) The system further includes an authentication unit that determines whether authentication is successful or unsuccessful for user authentication related to the user terminal that accesses the aforementioned URL. The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information based on the success of the user authentication. A gift management system as described in any of the appendices 1 through 16. (Note 18) A storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by an RF tag on an object to be distributed as an electronic gift, a URL contained in a code written on the object to be distributed, and second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, An acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the object to be managed, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information, A gift management device equipped with the following features. (Note 19) A storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on the managed object, a URL contained in a second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, An acquisition unit that receives the first identification information corresponding to the object to be managed, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information, A gift management device equipped with the following features. (Note 20) The computer receives first identification information held by an RF tag on an object to be distributed as an electronic gift, The computer refers to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in the code displayed on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. A gift management method that includes [specific features / features]. (Note 21) The computer receives first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on a managed object that is distributed as an electronic gift, The computer refers to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in the second optical code inscribed on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activates the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. A gift management method that includes [specific features / features]. (Note 22) The process involves receiving the first identification information held by the RF tag attached to the managed object being distributed as an electronic gift, and The process involves referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL included in the code displayed on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. A program that causes a computer to execute something. (Note 23) A process for receiving first identification information held by a first optical code inscribed on a managed item distributed as an electronic gift, The process involves referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, a URL contained in the second optical code indicated on the managed object, and a second identification information that uniquely identifies the electronic gift and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, and activating the electronic gift corresponding to the received first identification information. A program that causes a computer to execute something. (Note 24) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program described in Appendix 22 or 23 is recorded. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1,1A: Gift Management System 100: Gift Management Server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing Unit 131: Acquisition Department 132: Activation Section 133: Gift Settings Department 134: Authentication Department 200: First user terminal 300: Reading terminal 400: Fourth user terminal NW: Network

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, an activation URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object corresponding to the first identification information, a gift body URL for uniquely identifying the electronic gift and accessing the value information of the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, An acquisition unit that receives a plurality of first identification pieces corresponding to each of the plurality of managed objects from the RF tags of the plurality of managed objects, An activation unit that identifies a plurality of electronic gift information corresponding to each of the plurality of first identification information received, and changes the status information of each of the identified plurality of electronic gift information from invalid to valid and stores it, thereby making the gift body URL accessible to the user via the activation URL, Equipped with, Gift management system.

2. The system further includes a reading terminal that reads a plurality of first identification pieces corresponding to each of the plurality of objects being managed in a contactless manner, generates read information including the plurality of first identification pieces read, and transmits it to the acquisition unit. The acquisition unit acquires the read information, The activation unit activates a plurality of electronic gifts corresponding to each of the plurality of first identification pieces included in the acquired read information. The gift management system according to claim 1.

3. The electronic gift information includes information relating to the expiration date corresponding to the first identification information, The activation unit changes the information regarding the expiration date corresponding to the acquired first identification information from an unset state to a set state and stores it in the storage unit. The gift management system according to claim 1.

4. The electronic gift information includes information relating to the expiration date corresponding to the first identification information, The activation unit changes the information regarding the expiration date corresponding to the received first identification information from an unset state to a state that includes the start date and / or end date of the expiration date, and stores it in the storage unit. The gift management system according to claim 1.

5. The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information as a trigger upon receiving the first identification information. The gift management system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned electronic gift further comprises a gift setting unit that accepts changes to the gift contents of the electronic gift. The gift management system according to claim 1.

7. The gift setting unit restricts changes to the gift content of electronic gifts activated by the activation unit. The gift management system according to claim 6.

8. The storage unit stores a first identification information held by one RF tag attached to a group of managed objects including a plurality of managed objects, and a combination of a plurality of URLs included in the code written on each managed object in the group of managed objects and a plurality of electronic gifts corresponding to each managed object in the group of managed objects, The activation unit activates the plurality of electronic gifts based on the first identification information of the group of managed objects. The gift management system according to claim 1.

9. The object under management is a physical electronic gift card or a physical gift catalog. The gift management system according to claim 1.

10. The aforementioned URL is information contained in the two-dimensional code printed on the object being managed. The gift management system according to claim 1.

11. The electronic gift information includes information relating to an expiration date corresponding to the first identification information, The activation unit sets the start date of the expiration date of the expiration date information to a date on or after the date of receipt of the first identification information. The gift management system according to claim 1.

12. The reading terminal is capable of reading the first identification information of the packaged object without contact. The gift management system according to claim 2.

13. A reading terminal that reads the first identification information of the object to be managed in a non-contact manner and transmits it to the acquisition unit, A user terminal that transmits consent information regarding the activation of the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information to the acquisition unit, Furthermore, The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information based on the acquisition unit's acquisition of the first identification information from the reading terminal and the subsequent acquisition of the consent information from the user terminal. The gift management system according to claim 1.

14. The system further includes an authentication unit that determines whether authentication is successful or unsuccessful for user authentication of a user terminal that accesses the aforementioned URL, The activation unit activates the electronic gift corresponding to the first identification information based on the success of the user authentication. The gift management system according to claim 1.

15. A storage unit that stores electronic gift information including first identification information held by an RF tag on a managed object distributed as an electronic gift, an activation URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object corresponding to the first identification information, a gift body URL for uniquely identifying the electronic gift and accessing the value information of the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift. An acquisition unit that receives a plurality of first identification pieces corresponding to each of the plurality of managed objects from the RF tags of the plurality of managed objects, An activation unit that identifies a plurality of electronic gift information corresponding to each of the plurality of first identification information received, and changes the status information of each of the identified plurality of electronic gift information from invalid to valid and stores it, thereby making the gift body URL accessible to the user via the activation URL, A gift management device equipped with the following features.

16. The computer receives multiple first identification pieces of information held by RF tags on each of the multiple managed objects that are distributed as electronic gifts, The computer refers to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, an activation URL contained in a code displayed on the managed object corresponding to the first identification information, a gift body URL for uniquely identifying the electronic gift and accessing the value information of the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, identifies a plurality of electronic gift information corresponding to each of the plurality of received first identification information, and changes the status information for each of the identified plurality of electronic gift information from invalid to valid and stores it, thereby making the gift body URL accessible to the user via the activation URL. A gift management method that includes [specific features / features].

17. A process for receiving multiple primary identification information held by RF tags on each of the multiple managed objects distributed as electronic gifts, The process involves referring to a storage unit that stores electronic gift information including the first identification information, an activation URL contained in the code displayed on the managed object corresponding to each of the first identification information, a gift body URL for uniquely identifying the electronic gift and accessing the value information of the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift, identifying a plurality of electronic gift information corresponding to each of the plurality of received first identification information, and changing the status information for each of the identified plurality of electronic gift information from invalid to valid and storing it, thereby making the gift body URL accessible to the user via the activation URL, A program that causes a computer to execute something.

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