Information processing system

Abstract

To assist in fostering customer loyalty with respect to a service station, such as a gas station.SOLUTION: When a user selects a support service station from among a plurality of service stations (SS) related to a company, a service management system 62 stores the above information. If the user has already selected the support service station, a sales management system 64 charges the user the amount discounted based on a first discount rule from an ordinary price of a commodity purchased by the user in the service stations related to the company.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to data processing technology, and particularly to an information processing system.

Background Art

[0002] When fueling a vehicle lent from a car rental operator to a renter of a car rental contract at a service station using the renter's own credit card, a service that offers a discount on fuel costs has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] [[ID=I34]] For an operator who sells products at a service station such as a gas station, it is important to foster customer trust and loyalty (so-called customer loyalty) towards the service stations related to the operator. The present disclosure has been made in view of such problems, and one object is to provide a technology for supporting the fostering of customer loyalty towards service stations such as gas stations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above problems, an information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first storage unit in which information indicating that a user has selected a support service station is registered when the user selects a support service station from a plurality of service stations related to a certain operator, and a billing unit that bills the user an amount discounted based on a first discount rule from the normal price of products purchased by the user at a plurality of service stations when the user has selected a support service station.

[0006] Furthermore, any combination of the above components, or any conversion of the expressions of this disclosure between devices, methods, computer programs, recording media on which computer programs are recorded, etc., are also valid forms of this disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] This disclosure can help foster customer loyalty to service stations such as gas stations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of a fuel sales system related to the technology. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the fuel sales management system. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of fuel sales information stored in the fuel sales information storage unit. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the configuration of the fuel sales system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the service management system. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of a sales management system. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the configuration of the fuel sales system in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the configuration of the fuel sales system in the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the configuration of the fuel sales system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the structure of user information stored in the user information storage unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The subject of the apparatus or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a computer program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the computer program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the computer program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs, LSIs, etc.). The computer program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The computer program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0010] The technology of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting to the invention, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the invention. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the scale and shape of each part shown in each drawing are set for convenience to facilitate explanation and are not to be interpreted restrictively unless otherwise specified. In addition, when terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used in this specification or claims, they do not represent any order or importance unless otherwise specified, but are used to distinguish one configuration from another.

[0011] First, the relevant technologies related to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described, and then the embodiments will be described. <Related technologies> First, let me explain the overview of the related technology. Traditionally, a service has been proposed in which a discount on fuel costs is available when a vehicle leased by a car leasing company to a car lease contract holder (hereinafter also referred to as "user") (hereinafter also referred to as "leased vehicle") is refueled using the contract holder's own credit card. However, the fuel cost discount was limited to leased vehicles. Furthermore, since it is a violation of the credit card agreement for someone other than the user to refuel using the user's credit card, the user had to refuel themselves in order to receive the fuel cost discount.

[0012] In the related technology's fuel sales system, the scope of fuel price discounts will be expanded to apply to the entire household of the car lease contract holder (user household, as described below). Specifically, the fuel price discount will not be limited to refueling using the user's own credit card (hereinafter also referred to as the "user card"), but will also apply to refueling using a family card associated with the user card. A family card is an additional card issued linked to the user's user card based on the user's application, and is used by the user's family members (for example, the user's spouse, children aged 18 or older, or retired parents). Normally, usage of a family card is treated as an integral part of the user card.

[0013] For example, if a family member of the user, rather than the user who signed the car lease agreement, refuels the leased vehicle at a service station using a family card, they can receive a fuel discount even without the user present. This enhances convenience for car lease users.

[0014] A service station (hereinafter also referred to as "SS") refers to a store that sells energy sources as commodities. An energy source refers to a resource used to drive a power source, and is provided, for example, to drive a moving body such as an automobile. Energy sources include vehicle fuels (such as gasoline, light oil, hydrogen, etc.), and also include kerosene and electricity. Examples of service stations include gas stations, hydrogen stations, charging stands, etc. A commodity refers to any tangible or intangible thing that is traded, either有偿 or无偿, and is a concept that includes the provision of services. In related technologies, an example of purchasing vehicle fuel at a service station is shown, but the technical idea of the present disclosure is widely applicable to the purchase of commodities (such as various energy sources as described above) sold at service stations.

[0015] Also, in the fuel sales system of related technologies, the target vehicles for fuel price discounts are not limited to leased vehicles. For example, when the user himself who has concluded a car lease contract uses his personal card, and when the user's family member uses a family card, the fuel price discount is not limited to refueling leased vehicles, but also applies to refueling vehicles other than leased vehicles (for example, vehicles owned by the user's household, hereinafter also referred to as "non-leased vehicles"). This further enhances the convenience for users of car leases. Also, in addition to leased vehicles, the frequency of non-leased vehicles coming to the SS increases, so it is possible to realize an expansion of opportunities for fuel sales and non-fuel sales at the SS.

[0016] The details of related technologies will be described. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a fuel sales system 10 of related technologies. The fuel sales system 10 includes a store system 20, a fuel sales management system 22, a car lease management system 24, and a billing management system 26. These devices are connected via a communication network including a LAN, WAN, Internet, etc.

[0017] In the households of users who have concluded a lease contract with a lease company, leased vehicles 12 and non-leased vehicles 14 are used. The user holds a personal card 16, and the user's family members, namely the spouse and children, hold family cards 18a and 18b respectively (collectively referred to as "family card 18" when mentioned together). The user, spouse, and children use their respective credit cards (personal card 16, family card 18a, family card 18b) to purchase fuel for leased vehicles 12 and non-leased vehicles 14 at SS.

[0018] At SS, a store system 20 is installed. The store system 20 is an information processing system for managing sales and other operations at SS. The store system 20 transmits refueling data regarding fuel purchased by the user using the personal card 16, or refueling data regarding fuel purchased by the user's family using the family card 18, to the fuel sales management system 22. Although Figure 1 depicts one SS (store system 20), the actual fuel sales system 10 includes multiple SSs (store systems 20).

[0019] At the lease center, a lease management system 24 is provided. The lease management system 24 is an information processing system that executes data processing regarding lease contracts and fuel privilege applications. The lease management system 24 transmits fuel privilege information regarding fuel privilege applicants who have applied for a fuel privilege (in other words, a fuel price discount privilege) to the fuel sales management system 22.

[0020] At the credit card company, a billing management system 26 is provided. The billing management system 26 is an information processing system for managing the billing to the contract holders of credit cards.

[0021] The fuel sales management system 22 is an information processing system that manages information related to fuel sales at gas stations, in other words, information related to customers who purchase fuel at gas stations, and also manages the billing of fuel costs to these customers. The fuel sales management system 22 transmits fuel billing data to the billing management system 26 in order to bill the user for the fuel purchased by the user and their family in a lump sum.

[0022] There are no restrictions on the physical configuration of the store system 20, fuel sales management system 22, car lease management system 24, and billing management system 26 shown in Figure 1. For example, each system may be implemented by a single information processing device, or by the cooperation of multiple information processing devices.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the fuel sales management system 22 shown in Figure 1. The fuel sales management system 22 comprises a control unit 30, a storage unit 32, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 30 performs various data processing. The storage unit 32 stores data that is referenced or updated by the control unit 30. The communication unit 34 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The control unit 30 sends and receives data to and from the store system 20, the car lease management system 24, and the billing management system 26 via the communication unit 34.

[0024] The storage unit 32 includes a fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​and a discount rule storage unit 38. The fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​stores fuel sales information. The fuel sales information includes information about the user's personal credit card, which is the credit card of the user who entered into the car lease agreement, and information about family cards linked to that personal card. Figure 3 shows an example of fuel sales information stored in the fuel sales information storage unit 36. The fuel sales information is information associated with the customer number, parent number, credit card number, date of birth, fuel purchase quantity, and fuel purchase amount.

[0025] The customer number, also known as the customer identification number, is a unique number for each individual (for example, the user and each member of their family). It can also be described as a unique number for each individual. The customer number of the car lease contract holder (the primary cardholder) and the customer numbers of their family members (family cardholders) differ in the last digit, but the other digits are the same. The parent number is information used to link the primary cardholder and family cardholders; specifically, it is the customer number of the primary cardholder corresponding to the family cardholder. Records 50 and 56 in Figure 3 are records relating to the car lease contract holder (primary cardholder). On the other hand, records 52, 54, and 58 in Figure 3 are records relating to the car lease contract holder's family (family cardholders).

[0026] The credit card numbers are the card numbers for both the primary card and the family card. The date of birth is the date of birth for each individual. The fuel purchase quantity is the quantity of fuel (in liters) purchased by each individual using either the primary card or the family card. The fuel purchase amount is the purchase price (in yen) for the fuel purchased by each individual using either the primary card or the family card. The fuel purchase quantity and fuel purchase amount may be cumulative values ​​for unbilled fuel charges and may be cleared when the fuel charges are billed.

[0027] Returning to Figure 2, the discount rule storage unit 38 stores discount rule A regarding fuel costs for the user's household (in other words, the user and their family) who have entered into a car lease agreement. Discount rule A stipulates that the discount applies to the total amount of fuel purchased using the user's card and the amount of fuel purchased using family cards, up to a predetermined upper limit. The upper limit is, for example, 100 liters.

[0028] The control unit 30 includes a card information receiving unit 40, a fuel supply data receiving unit 42, a fuel benefit information receiving unit 44, a billing amount calculation unit 46, and a billing unit 48. The functions of these multiple functional blocks may be implemented in a computer program. This computer program may be stored on a recording medium, or installed on the storage of the fuel sales management system 22 via that recording medium. Alternatively, the computer program may be installed on the storage of the fuel sales management system 22 via a network. The CPU of the computer in the fuel sales management system 22 may perform the functions of the multiple functional blocks of the control unit 30 by reading the computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0029] The card information receiving unit 40 receives card information relating to credit cards issued by credit card companies, transmitted from the credit card company's equipment. The card information includes customer number, parent number, credit card number, and date of birth, as information relating to the primary card and family cards. The card information receiving unit 40 stores the received card information in the fuel sales information storage unit 36.

[0030] The refueling data receiving unit 42 receives refueling data transmitted from the SS store system 20, which includes information indicating that fuel for a vehicle was purchased using the customer's own card or a family card. The refueling data includes various data read from the customer's credit card by the SS information terminal, and includes at least the customer number, the quantity of fuel purchased (also known as the quantity of fuel sold), and the amount of fuel purchased (also known as the amount of fuel sold). The refueling data receiving unit 42 refers to the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​to identify the fuel sales information record that includes the customer number indicated by the refueling data, and increases the values ​​of the quantity of fuel purchased and the amount of fuel purchased in the identified record by the amount of the quantity of fuel purchased and the amount of fuel purchased indicated by the refueling data.

[0031] The fuel benefit information receiving unit 44 receives fuel benefit information transmitted from the car lease management system 24 of the car lease center. The fuel benefit information includes information about each car lease contract holder who should receive a discount on fuel costs, and in related technology, includes a set of customer number, date of birth, and discount rule B. Discount rule B may include a discount rate or discount amount. For example, discount rule B may stipulate a discount of 5 to 10 yen per liter of fuel. Discount rule B may also include different discount rates or discount amounts for each car lease contract holder (in other words, each customer number).

[0032] The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives the billing amount for fuel charges for each car lease contract holder. The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives the total amount of fuel purchased by the primary card and the family card stored in the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​(hereinafter also referred to as "household fuel purchase quantity") for each user household (a pair of primary card and family card). The billing amount derivation unit 46 also derives the total amount of fuel purchased by the primary card and the family card stored in the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​(hereinafter also referred to as "household fuel purchase amount") for each user household (a pair of primary card and family card).

[0033] The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives the amount of fuel billed to the user for each user's household, according to the household fuel purchase quantity, the household fuel purchase amount, discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 38, and discount rule B indicated by the fuel benefit information.

[0034] The billing unit 48 executes the process of billing the user for the amount of fuel charges derived by the billing amount derivation unit 46. Specifically, the billing unit 48 transmits fuel charge billing data, which includes the credit card number of the user's personal card and the amount of fuel charges for that user derived by the billing amount derivation unit 46, to the billing management system 26.

[0035] The operation of the fuel sales system 10 with the above configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 1. The user applies to a credit card company for the issuance of credit cards (a primary card and family cards), and the credit card company issues a primary card 16 for the user, a family card 18a for the user's spouse, and a family card 18b for the user's child. The user enters into a car lease agreement with a car leasing company and applies for fuel benefits (fuel price discount benefits) at the same time. The user's household is provided with a leased vehicle 12 based on the car lease agreement. In addition, the user's household owns a non-leased vehicle 14 separate from the leased vehicle 12.

[0036] The credit card company's device transmits card information regarding the issued primary card 16, family card 18a, and family card 18b to the fuel sales management system 22. The card information receiving unit 40 of the fuel sales management system 22 receives the card information and stores the contents of the card information (for example, customer number, parent number, credit card number, date of birth) in the fuel sales information storage unit 36.

[0037] The user purchases fuel at a gas station using their personal card 16 and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user also purchases fuel at a gas station using their personal card 16 and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14. Similarly, the user's spouse (or child) purchases fuel at a gas station using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user's spouse (or child) also purchases fuel at a gas station using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14.

[0038] Each time fuel is purchased at a gas station (SS), the SS store system 20 transmits refueling data, including the quantity of fuel purchased, the amount of fuel purchased, and card information (customer number, etc.) used for the purchase, to the fuel sales management system 22. The refueling data receiving unit 42 of the fuel sales management system 22 receives the refueling data and identifies the record in the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​that is identified by the card information indicated by the refueling data. The refueling data receiving unit 42 adds the values ​​indicated by the refueling data to the values ​​of the quantity of fuel purchased and the amount of fuel purchased in the identified record.

[0039] Record 50 in Figure 3 is a record relating to the user in Figure 1 (Personal Card 16). Record 50 indicates that 50L of fuel was purchased using Personal Card 16 for 7000 yen. Record 52 in Figure 3 is a record relating to the user's spouse in Figure 1 (Family Card 18a). Record 52 indicates that 30L of fuel was purchased using Family Card 18a for 4200 yen. Record 54 in Figure 3 is a record relating to the user's child in Figure 1 (Family Card 18b). Record 54 indicates that 40L of fuel was purchased using Family Card 18b for 5600 yen.

[0040] The car lease management system 24 of the car lease center periodically transmits fuel benefit information regarding those eligible for fuel price discounts (car lease contract holders in related technologies) to the fuel sales management system 22 at predetermined intervals. The fuel benefit information receiving unit 44 of the fuel sales management system 22 receives the fuel benefit information. This fuel benefit information includes the customer number of the user shown in Figure 1, and also specifies a discount of 10 yen per liter as discount rule B.

[0041] The billing amount deriving unit 46 of the fuel sales management system 22 derives the household fuel purchase quantity for each user's household (corresponding pair of personal card and family card), which is the sum of the fuel purchase quantity using the personal card and the fuel purchase quantity using the family card stored in the fuel sales information storage unit 36. The billing amount deriving unit 46 also derives the household fuel purchase amount for each user's household (corresponding pair of personal card and family card), which is the sum of the fuel purchase amount using the personal card and the fuel purchase amount using the family card stored in the fuel sales information storage unit 36.

[0042] The billing amount derivation unit 46 identifies the user household shown in Figure 1 as eligible for the discount based on the user's customer number shown in Figure 1, as indicated by the fuel discount information. The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives 120L as the household fuel purchase quantity for the user household shown in Figure 1, which is the sum of the fuel purchase quantities for records 50, 52, and 54 in Figure 3. The billing amount derivation unit 46 also derives 16,800 yen as the household fuel purchase amount for the user household shown in Figure 1, which is the sum of the fuel purchase amounts for records 50, 52, and 54 in Figure 3.

[0043] Here, discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 38 of the fuel sales management system 22 stipulates that the discount applies to a maximum of 100L of fuel. The billing amount derivation unit 46 determines that 100L of the 120L of fuel purchased by the user household in Figure 1 will be subject to the discount. As previously mentioned, the discount unit price determined by the fuel benefit information is 10 yen / L. The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives 15,800 yen as the billing amount to the user in Figure 1, which is the amount obtained by deducting 1,000 yen (i.e., discount unit price of 10 yen / L × 100L) from the household fuel purchase amount.

[0044] Note that record 56 in Figure 3 corresponds to the personal card of the car lease contract holder (not shown in Figure 1), and record 58 in Figure 3 corresponds to the family card of the car lease contract holder's family. In this case, the billing amount derivation unit 46 derives 70L as the household fuel purchase quantity for the car lease contract holder, and 9800 yen as the household fuel purchase amount. The billing amount derivation unit 46 applies a discount to the entire household fuel purchase quantity (70L). The billing amount derivation unit 46 derives 9100 yen as the billing amount to the car lease contract holder, which is the amount obtained by deducting 700 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 10 yen / L × 70L) from the household fuel purchase amount.

[0045] The billing unit 48 of the fuel sales management system 22 transmits fuel billing data, including the user's personal card 16 credit card number and the billing amount to the user derived by the billing amount derivation unit 46, to the credit card company's billing management system 26. The billing management system 26 then processes the user to bill them for the total amount indicated by the fuel billing data, plus other billing amounts based on the usage of the personal card 16 and family cards 18.

[0046] According to the related technology fuel sales system 10, the fuel price discount will be applied even when a family member of the car lease contract holder purchases fuel using a family card, and will also be applied to refueling of non-leased vehicles. This will further enhance convenience for car lease users. It will also reduce the risk of violations of credit card terms and conditions when someone other than the car lease contract holder uses the car lease contract holder's credit card, in other words, it will reduce the risk of misuse or fraudulent use of the car lease contract holder's credit card. In addition, as the frequency of non-leased vehicles visiting gas stations will increase in addition to leased vehicles, it will be possible to expand opportunities for fuel sales and non-fuel sales at gas stations. Furthermore, by setting a limit on the amount of fuel purchased to which the discount will be applied, it will be possible to prevent the discount from being applied indefinitely and ensure the feasibility of fuel price discounts.

[0047] Next, we will explain the process when the user in Figure 1 enters into multiple car lease agreements (here, a first car lease agreement and a second car lease agreement). In the fuel sales system 10, a first personal card and a first family card are issued corresponding to the first car lease agreement, and furthermore, a second personal card (a different personal card from the first personal card) and a second family card (a different family card from the first family card) are issued corresponding to the second car lease agreement. The fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​of the fuel sales management system 22 stores information regarding the first personal card and the first family card, and information regarding the second personal card and the second family card. For example, the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​stores two sets of records corresponding to records 50, 52, and 54 in Figure 3.

[0048] The billing amount derivation unit 46 of the fuel sales management system 22 derives a first billing amount to the user based on the sum of the fuel purchased using the first primary card and the fuel purchased using the first family card, and according to discount rules A and B. The billing amount derivation unit 46 also derives a second billing amount to the user based on the sum of the fuel purchased using the second primary card and the fuel purchased using the second family card, and according to discount rules A and B. In other words, for each car lease contract, the billing amount derivation unit 46 applies a discount up to a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 100L) to the fuel purchases made using the primary card and family card corresponding to each contract.

[0049] The billing unit 48 of the fuel sales management system 22 transmits first fuel charge billing data, including the credit card number of the first user card and the first billing amount, to the billing management system 26. The billing unit 48 also transmits second fuel charge billing data, including the credit card number of the second user card and the second billing amount, to the billing management system 26. As a result, the user is billed for the discounted amount for fuel purchases made using the first user card and the first family card, and for the discounted amount for fuel purchases made using the second user card and the second family card.

[0050] In this configuration, car lease users can enjoy larger fuel discounts the more car lease contracts they enter into. For example, if the fuel discount for one car lease contract is 100L, the discount increases to 200L if two car lease contracts are entered into. This provides users with an incentive to enter into multiple car lease contracts, thereby promoting the use of car leasing.

[0051] A modified example is described below. In the above-mentioned related technology, when a user enters into multiple car lease agreements, a discount is applied to fuel purchases made using the user's primary card and family card corresponding to each car lease agreement, up to a predetermined upper limit. As a modified example, even if a user enters into multiple car lease agreements, the user may only have one set of primary card and family card held by the user's family. In this case, the discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 38 may stipulate that the upper limit of the fuel purchase quantity eligible for the discount is increased according to the number of car lease agreements entered into by the user.

[0052] In this modified example, the fuel benefit information transmitted from the car lease management system 24 of the car lease center to the fuel sales management system 22 may include the number of car lease contracts concluded by the user. The billing amount derivation unit 46 of the fuel sales management system 22 may increase the upper limit of the fuel purchase quantity eligible for discounts as the number of car lease contracts concluded by the user, as indicated by the fuel benefit information, increases. For example, the upper limit may be 100L when there is one car lease contract, 200L when there are two car lease contracts, and 300L when there are three car lease contracts.

[0053] For example, if a user has two car lease contracts and their household fuel purchase quantity is 200L, the billing amount deriving unit 46 may apply a discount to the entire household fuel purchase quantity (200L). The billing amount deriving unit 46 may also deduct 2,000 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 10 yen / L × 200L) from the user's household fuel purchase amount. In this modified fuel sales system 10, the more car lease contracts a car lease user enters into, the greater the fuel price discount they can enjoy. This provides an incentive for users to enter into many car lease contracts, thereby promoting the use of car leases.

[0054] Let me explain another variation. In the above related technology, discount rule A is stored in the discount rule storage unit 38 of the fuel sales management system 22, and discount rule B is set in the fuel benefit information transmitted from the car lease management system 24 to the fuel sales management system 22. However, the location (device, area) where discount rules A and B are stored or set is not limited to this. Discount rules A and B only need to be stored or set in a location (device, area) that can be referenced by the billing amount derivation unit 46 of the fuel sales management system 22 when deriving the billing amount. For example, both discount rule A and discount rule B may be stored in the discount rule storage unit 38 of the fuel sales management system 22.

[0055] <First Example> The first embodiment of this disclosure will be described focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned related technologies, with explanations of common points omitted as appropriate. The features of the first embodiment can be combined with any combination of the features of the above-mentioned related technologies and their modified versions. Components of the first embodiment that are identical or corresponding to those of the above-mentioned related technologies will be appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals in the description.

[0056] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment. In the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, similar to the fuel sales system 10 of related technologies, the price of fuel purchased at a gas station by customers (hereinafter also referred to as "users") who use mobility services (hereinafter also simply referred to as "mobility services") provided by a predetermined company is discounted. Mobility services can also be called vehicle provision services, and are services in which a vehicle and the right to use (or ownership) of it are provided to the user, and a fee is paid by the user. Mobility services include, for example, car leasing services, vehicle sales services with residual value setting credit, and used car sales services.

[0057] Similar to related technologies, the user's household in the first embodiment also uses a leased vehicle 12 and a non-leased vehicle 14. The leased vehicle 12 in the first embodiment means a vehicle provided to the user through a mobility service, and is not limited to a car lease; it may also be a vehicle sold to the user through a vehicle sales service with residual value setting credit, or a vehicle sold to the user through a used car sales service. The non-leased vehicle 14 means a vehicle acquired by means other than using a mobility service, for example, a vehicle purchased or rented by the user without using a mobility service.

[0058] The fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment differs from the fuel sales system 10 of the related technology in terms of fuel price discount conditions. In the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel price discount is applied when the content of the ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle provided to the user by the mobility service meets predetermined discount conditions. The ancillary procedures are not procedures related to the use of the vehicle itself, but rather additional procedures such as vehicle registration and maintenance. In the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel price discount conditions are that both the user has entered into a maintenance package contract and the user has applied for fuel benefits as part of the above ancillary procedures.

[0059] The fuel sales system 60 includes a store system 20, a service management system 62, a sales management system 64, and a billing management system 26. These devices are connected via a communication network including LAN, WAN, and the Internet.

[0060] The service management system 62 corresponds to the related technology, the car lease management system 24. The service management system 62 is installed in a mobility center, which is an organization / facility that manages mobility services. The service management system 62 manages information about users who utilize mobility services. The sales management system 64 corresponds to the related technology, the fuel sales management system 22. The sales management system 64 manages the sale of goods (fuel in the first embodiment) at a service station.

[0061] By linking the service management system 62 and the sales management system 64, an information processing system 66 is realized that provides users with the benefit of discounts on fuel prices. The service management system 62 and the sales management system 64 may each be implemented by a single computer, or by multiple computers working together. Similarly, the information processing system 66 may also be implemented by a single computer, or by multiple computers working together.

[0062] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the service management system 62. Each block shown in the block diagrams of this specification can be realized in hardware terms by components such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, as well as electronic circuits and mechanical devices, and in software terms by computer programs, etc. However, here we are depicting functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these components. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combinations of hardware and software.

[0063] The service management system 62 comprises a control unit 70, a storage unit 72, and a communication unit 74. The control unit 70 performs various data processing. The storage unit 72 stores data that is referenced or updated by the control unit 70. The communication unit 74 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The control unit 70 sends and receives data to and from the sales management system 64 via the communication unit 74.

[0064] The storage unit 72 includes a user information storage unit 76. The user information storage unit 76 stores multiple user information relating to multiple users who use the mobility service. Each user information includes a customer number, which is the user's identification number. Furthermore, each user information includes the details of ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle provided to the user by the mobility service, as information for determining whether or not a fuel price discount is applicable. The details of the ancillary procedures include (1) information indicating that a maintenance pack contract has been concluded, (2) information indicating that a vehicle damage compensation service contract has been concluded, (3) information indicating that vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate by the mobility service has been completed, and (4) information indicating that an application for a fuel benefit has been made.

[0065] (1) The maintenance package is a service that includes, for example, vehicle inspection, regular maintenance, oil change, and replacement of consumables. (2) The vehicle damage compensation service is a service that compensates for vehicle damage up to a predetermined amount (for example, 50,000 yen) by paying a fixed monthly amount (for example, 100 yen). (3) This is information that is registered when the vehicle registration procedure on the vehicle inspection certificate (for example, the procedure at the Land Transport Bureau) is carried out by the mobility service (the person in charge of the service) and the vehicle registration is completed.

[0066] The control unit 70 includes a user information registration unit 80, a discount determination unit 82, and a discount information provision unit 84. The functions of these multiple functional blocks may be implemented in a computer program. This computer program may be stored on a recording medium, or installed on the storage of the service management system 62 via that recording medium. Alternatively, the computer program may be installed on the storage of the service management system 62 via a network. The CPU of the service management system 62 computer may perform the functions of the multiple functional blocks of the control unit 70 by reading the computer program into main memory and executing it.

[0067] The user information registration unit 80 stores user information based on data entered from the operator's terminal (not shown) at the mobility center in the user information storage unit 76. The discount determination unit 82 determines whether the content of the ancillary procedures indicated by the user information stored in the user information storage unit 76 satisfies the conditions for a discount on the price of goods at the service station.

[0068] The discount information provision unit 84, acting as a notification unit, notifies the sales management system 64 of the discount information regarding the user if the discount determination unit 82 determines that the contents of the above-mentioned ancillary procedures meet the discount conditions. The discount information includes the same contents as the fuel benefit information described in the related technology. For example, the discount information includes the customer number, date of birth, and discount rule B set of the user for whom the fuel price should be discounted.

[0069] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional blocks of the sales management system 64. The sales management system 64 comprises a control unit 90, a storage unit 92, and a communication unit 94. The control unit 90 performs various data processing. The storage unit 92 stores data that is referenced or updated by the control unit 90. The communication unit 94 communicates with external devices according to a predetermined communication protocol. The control unit 90 sends and receives data to and from the store system 20, the billing management system 26, and the service management system 62 via the communication unit 94.

[0070] The storage unit 92 includes a sales information storage unit 96 and a discount rule storage unit 98. The sales information storage unit 96 corresponds to the fuel sales information storage unit 36 ​​of the related technology fuel sales management system 22 and stores fuel sales information in the configuration shown in Figure 3. The discount rule storage unit 98 corresponds to the discount rule storage unit 38 of the related technology fuel sales management system 22 and stores discount rule A.

[0071] The control unit 90 includes a card information receiving unit 100, a fueling data receiving unit 102, a discount information receiving unit 104, a billing amount derivation unit 106, and a billing unit 108. These functional blocks correspond to the card information receiving unit 40, fueling data receiving unit 42, fuel benefit information receiving unit 44, billing amount derivation unit 46, and billing unit 48 of the related technology fuel sales management system 22, and perform the same functions as the corresponding functional blocks.

[0072] For example, the sales information storage unit 96 stores fuel sales information, including information about the user's credit card. The refueling data receiving unit 102 receives information indicating that goods at the gas station have been purchased using the user's credit card. When the billing amount deriving unit 106 receives notification of discount information about the user from the service management system 62, it derives the amount to be billed to the user based on the quantity of goods purchased at the gas station using the user's credit card and the predetermined discount rules. The user's credit card mentioned above may be a credit card belonging to the user's household, that is, it may include both the user's own card 16 and family cards 18.

[0073] More specifically, the sales information storage unit 96 stores fuel sales information including information about the user's own credit card (user card 16) that uses the vehicle provision service, and information about additional cards issued in conjunction with the user's user card 16 that are used by the user's family (family card 18). The refueling data reception unit 102 receives information (refueling data) indicating that goods at the service station have been purchased using the user card 16 or family card 18. When the billing amount derivation unit 106 receives notification of discount information regarding the user from the service management system 62, it derives the billing amount to the user based on the sum of the amount of goods purchased at the service station using the user card 16 and the amount purchased at the service station using the family card 18, and according to predetermined discount rules (discount rule A and discount rule B).

[0074] The operation of the fuel sales system 60 with the above configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 4. Users acquire vehicles using mobility services provided by designated companies. Various ancillary procedures may be carried out in connection with the vehicles provided to users through mobility services (hereinafter referred to as leased vehicles 12). Information indicating that these ancillary procedures have been carried out (e.g., application forms and copies of vehicle registration certificates) is sent from the user or service station to the mobility center.

[0075] For example, a user may enter into a maintenance package contract for a leased vehicle 12. When an application form indicating that a user has entered into a maintenance package contract arrives at the mobility center, the operator at the mobility center enters the contents of the application form into the service management system 62 from their terminal. The user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 stores user information indicating that a maintenance package contract has been entered into the user information storage unit 76.

[0076] In addition, the user may enter into a vehicle damage compensation service contract for the leased vehicle 12. When an application form indicating that the user has entered into a vehicle damage compensation service contract arrives at the mobility center, the operator at the mobility center enters the contents of the application form into the service management system 62 from their terminal. The user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 stores user information indicating that a vehicle damage compensation service contract has been concluded in the user information storage unit 76.

[0077] Furthermore, the mobility service may perform the procedure (proxy service) for registering the leased vehicle 12 on the vehicle registration certificate. When the mobility center receives a copy of the vehicle registration certificate indicating that the vehicle registration of the leased vehicle 12 has been completed by the mobility service, the operator at the mobility center enters the contents of the copy of the vehicle registration certificate into the service management system 62 from their terminal. The user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 stores user information indicating that the vehicle registration of the leased vehicle 12 on the vehicle registration certificate has been completed by the mobility service into the user information storage unit 76.

[0078] In addition, users may apply for fuel benefits when using mobility services (in other words, when acquiring a leased vehicle 12). When a fuel benefit application form arrives at the mobility center, the operator at the mobility center enters the contents of the application form into the service management system 62 from their terminal. The user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 stores user information indicating that a fuel benefit application has been made in the user information storage unit 76.

[0079] As described in the related technologies section, the user applies to a credit card company for the issuance of credit cards (a primary card and family cards), and the credit card company issues a primary card 16 for the user, a family card 18a for the user's spouse, and a family card 18b for the user's child. Similar to the related technologies section, card information regarding the primary card 16, family card 18a, and family card 18b is notified from the credit card company to the sales management system 64 and stored in the sales information storage unit 96 of the sales management system 64.

[0080] The user purchases fuel at the gas station using their personal card 16 and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user also purchases fuel at the gas station using their personal card 16 and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14. Similarly, the user's spouse (or child) purchases fuel at the gas station using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user's spouse (or child) also purchases fuel at the gas station using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14. As described in the related technology, each time fuel is purchased at the gas station, refueling data (including the customer number) is sent from the gas station's store system 20 to the sales management system 64. The refueling data receiving unit 102 of the sales management system 64 adds the fuel purchase quantity and fuel purchase amount to the record of the user (or the user's spouse or child) in the sales information storage unit 96 based on the refueling data.

[0081] The discount determination unit 82 of the service management system 62 periodically (for example, once a month) determines whether the contents of the ancillary procedures recorded in each of the multiple user information records corresponding to multiple users stored in the user information storage unit 76 satisfy the conditions for a fuel price discount. The discount determination unit 82 identifies users who satisfy the discount conditions as users eligible for a discount. In the first embodiment, if the user information records that (1) the user has entered into a maintenance package contract and (2) the user has applied for a fuel benefit as an ancillary procedure, the discount determination unit 82 determines that the conditions for a fuel price discount are met and extracts the user indicated by the customer number in the user information as a user eligible for a discount.

[0082] When the discount determination unit 82 extracts a user eligible for a discount, the discount information provision unit 84 of the service management system 62 transmits discount information, including the customer number, date of birth, and discount rule B of the user eligible for the discount, to the sales management system 64.

[0083] The discount information receiving unit 104 of the sales management system 64 receives discount information transmitted from the service management system 62. The billing amount derivation unit 106 of the sales management system 64 derives the billing amount for each user for each household of multiple users (corresponding pairs of personal cards and family cards), similar to related technologies. Furthermore, for users eligible for discounts indicated by the discount information, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives the billing amount for the eligible user according to the household fuel purchase quantity, household fuel purchase amount, discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 98, and discount rule B indicated by the discount information. Detailed billing amount derivation methods and billing processing for users have already been explained in related technologies, so they are omitted here.

[0084] According to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the user is provided with a fuel discount as a benefit, taking into account the details of ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle provided to the user through mobility services such as car leasing. This can foster a sense of belonging among users to the mobility service and effectively promote the continued use of the mobility service.

[0085] Furthermore, the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment provides the same effects as the fuel sales system 10 of the related technology. For example, in the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel price discount is applied not only to the user of the mobility service themselves, but also when their family members purchase fuel using the family card 18, and also to refueling non-leased vehicles 14. This further enhances convenience for households using the mobility service.

[0086] <Second Example> The second embodiment of this disclosure will be described focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned related technologies and the first embodiment, with explanations of common points omitted as appropriate. It goes without saying that the features of the second embodiment can be combined with the features of the above-mentioned related technologies, the first embodiment, and modified examples in any way. Components of the second embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to components of the first embodiment will be appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals in the description.

[0087] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the fuel sales system 60 of the second embodiment. Similar to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel sales system 60 of the second embodiment also discounts the price of fuel purchased at a gas station by a user utilizing a mobility service provided by a predetermined company. Also, similar to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel sales system 60 of the second embodiment also discounts the price of fuel if the content of the ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle (e.g., leased vehicle 12) provided to the user through the mobility service meets predetermined discount conditions.

[0088] However, the fuel price discount conditions in the fuel sales system 60 of the second embodiment differ from those of the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment in that, as an ancillary procedure, both the user's conclusion of a vehicle damage compensation service contract and the user's application for fuel benefits were performed.

[0089] The functional blocks of the service management system 62 in the second embodiment are the same as those of the service management system 62 in the first embodiment. Similarly, the functional blocks of the sales management system 64 in the second embodiment are the same as those of the sales management system 64 in the first embodiment.

[0090] The discount determination unit 82 of the service management system 62 determines that the conditions for a fuel price discount are met if the user information in the user information storage unit 76 records, as an ancillary procedure, (1) that the user has entered into a vehicle damage compensation service contract and (2) that the user has applied for a fuel discount. The unit then extracts the user indicated by the customer number in the user information as a user eligible for a discount. Other processes are the same as in the first embodiment and are therefore omitted from the explanation. The fuel sales system 60 of the second embodiment also produces the same effect as the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment.

[0091] <Third Example> The third embodiment of this disclosure will be described focusing on the differences from the above-mentioned related technologies and the first embodiment, with explanations of common points omitted as appropriate. It goes without saying that the features of the third embodiment can be combined with the features of the above-mentioned related technologies, the first embodiment, and modified examples in any way. Components of the third embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to components of the first embodiment will be appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals in the description.

[0092] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the fuel sales system 60 of the third embodiment. Similar to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel sales system 60 of the third embodiment also discounts the price of fuel purchased at a gas station by a user utilizing a mobility service provided by a predetermined company. Also, similar to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel sales system 60 of the third embodiment also discounts the price of fuel if the content of the ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle (e.g., leased vehicle 12) provided to the user through the mobility service meets predetermined discount conditions.

[0093] However, the conditions for a fuel price discount in the third embodiment are that both of the above-mentioned ancillary procedures are met: the vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate of the vehicle (e.g., leased vehicle 12) is completed by the mobility service, and the user has applied for the fuel discount. In this respect, it differs from the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment.

[0094] The functional blocks of the service management system 62 in the third embodiment are the same as those of the service management system 62 in the first embodiment. Similarly, the functional blocks of the sales management system 64 in the third embodiment are the same as those of the sales management system 64 in the first embodiment.

[0095] The discount determination unit 82 of the service management system 62 determines that the conditions for a fuel price discount are met if the user information in the user information storage unit 76 records that (1) the vehicle registration of the leased vehicle 12 on the vehicle inspection certificate has been completed by the mobility service, and (2) the user has applied for a fuel discount. The unit then extracts the user indicated by the customer number in the user information as a user eligible for the discount. Other processes are the same as in the first embodiment and are therefore omitted from the explanation. The fuel sales system 60 of the third embodiment also has the same effect as the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment.

[0096] The present disclosure has been described above based on the first to third embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0097] In the first embodiment, the discount conditions were that the user entered into a maintenance package contract and applied for a fuel discount. However, as a variation, the discount condition may be that only the user entered into a maintenance package contract. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the discount conditions were that the user entered into a vehicle damage compensation service contract and applied for a fuel discount. However, as a variation, the discount condition may be that only the user entered into a vehicle damage compensation service contract. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the discount conditions were that the vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate was completed by the mobility service and the user applied for a fuel discount. However, as a variation, the discount condition may be that only the vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate was completed by the mobility service.

[0098] <Fourth Example> The fourth embodiment of this disclosure will be described focusing on the differences from the above-described related technologies and each embodiment, with explanations of common points omitted as appropriate. It goes without saying that the features of the fourth embodiment can be combined with the features of the above-described related technologies, each embodiment, and modified examples in any way. Components of the fourth embodiment that are the same as or corresponding to components described previously will be appropriately denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0099] The outline of the fourth embodiment will now be explained. For companies that conduct energy businesses, such as selling fuel at service stations (SS) (hereinafter referred to as "energy businesses"), it is important to cultivate customer loyalty to the SS associated with their company. The fourth embodiment proposes a technology that supports the cultivation of customer loyalty to a specific energy business's SS, and ultimately, a technology that effectively promotes the use of vehicle provision services (car leasing, etc.) provided by the energy business. Note that an energy business can also be called a fuel sales company.

[0100] Figure 9 shows the configuration of the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment. Similar to the fuel sales system 60 of the first embodiment, the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment also discounts the price of fuel purchased at a gas station by a user utilizing mobility services provided by an energy company, provided that predetermined discount conditions are met.

[0101] In the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, the condition for a discount on fuel prices is that a user utilizing mobility services provided by an energy company registers a specific service station (SS) from among several service stations (SS) related to the energy company as a support service station (hereinafter referred to as "support SS"). The multiple service stations related to the energy company are service stations operated under the energy company's brand. A support SS is a service station arbitrarily selected by the user as their so-called "regular" service station. It is generally thought that service stations located in convenient locations for the user are often selected as support SSs.

[0102] Furthermore, in the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, in addition to registering a support service station, if the content of the ancillary procedures carried out in relation to the vehicle (e.g., leased vehicle 12) provided to the user through a mobility service provided by the energy company meets certain conditions, a larger discount will be given than in the case of registering a support service station alone. The content of the ancillary procedures that meet the certain conditions is one of the following, as described in the first to third embodiments: the conclusion of a maintenance package contract by the user, the conclusion of a vehicle damage compensation service contract by the user, or the completion of vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate for the vehicle (e.g., leased vehicle 12) through the mobility service.

[0103] The configuration of the fuel sales system 60 in the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the fuel sales system 60 in the first embodiment. The functional blocks of the service management system 62 that constitute the information processing system 66 are the same as the functional blocks of the service management system 62 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 5. Similarly, the functional blocks of the sales management system 64 in the fourth embodiment that constitute the information processing system 66 are the same as the functional blocks of the sales management system 64 in the first embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0104] The user information storage unit 76 of the service management system 62 stores, as a first storage unit, information indicating that a user has selected a support service station from among several service stations related to the energy provider. The user information storage unit 76 also stores, as a second storage unit, the details of ancillary procedures performed in relation to the vehicle provided to the user through the mobility services provided by the energy provider.

[0105] Figure 10 shows the structure of user information stored in the user information storage unit 76. User information includes multiple information items, such as a customer number as a user ID, service type used, support service station information, and incidental procedure information. The service type used is information indicating the type of mobility service the user uses (in other words, contracts for). For example, the service type used may include information indicating a car lease service, a vehicle sales service with residual value setting credit, or a used car sales service. Support service station information is information indicating that the user has selected a support service station, and includes identification information of the support service station selected by the user.

[0106] Ancillary procedure information includes information indicating the content of ancillary procedures performed in connection with the vehicle provided to the user by the mobility service. For example, ancillary procedure information may include at least one of the following: (1) information indicating that a maintenance package contract has been concluded, (2) information indicating that a vehicle damage compensation service contract has been concluded, and (3) information indicating that vehicle registration on the vehicle inspection certificate by the mobility service has been completed. As previously stated, the ancillary procedures indicated by the information in (1) to (3) above are ancillary procedures that are conditions for fuel price discounts, and are collectively referred to below as "specific ancillary procedures."

[0107] The billing unit 108 of the sales management system 64 charges the user the amount discounted from the regular price of the goods purchased by the user at multiple service stations (SS) related to the energy provider, based on the first discount rule, if the user has selected a support SS. A user has selected a support SS if the user information stored in the user information storage unit 76 of the service management system 62 contains information about the support SS. Furthermore, the multiple service stations related to the energy provider include both service stations selected as support SSs and service stations not selected as support SSs.

[0108] Furthermore, if the user has selected a support service station (SS) and the details of the ancillary procedures related to the user's vehicle meet the prescribed conditions, the billing unit 108 will bill the user for an amount discounted from the normal price of the goods purchased by the user at multiple service stations related to the energy provider, based on the second discount rule which is more beneficial to the user than the first discount rule.

[0109] Furthermore, the sales information storage unit 96 of the sales management system 64 stores, as a third storage unit, information regarding the user's personal card 16 used by the user himself and information regarding the family card 18 used by the user's family. The fueling data receiving unit 102 of the sales management system 64, as a receiving unit, receives information indicating that fuel has been purchased at multiple service stations (SS) related to the energy provider using either the personal card 16 or the family card 18. If the user has selected a support SS, the billing unit 108 of the sales management system 64 bills the user for the total amount of fuel purchased using the personal card 16 and the amount of fuel purchased using the family card 18, plus the discounted amount based on the first or second discount rule.

[0110] In the fourth embodiment, both the first discount rule and the second discount rule are discount rule B included in the discount information transmitted from the service management system 62 to the sales management system 64. Both the first and second discount rules may include at least one of a discount rate and a discount amount. The second discount rule may include at least one of a discount rate greater than that of the first discount rule and a discount amount greater than that of the first discount rule. In the fourth embodiment, the first discount rule is discount rule B (first level), and the second discount rule is discount rule B (second level). For example, discount rule B (first level) may stipulate a discount of 10 yen per liter of fuel, and discount rule B (second level) may stipulate a discount of 15 yen per liter of fuel.

[0111] The operation of the fuel sales system 60 with the above configuration will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Users acquire vehicles using mobility services provided by energy providers. Various ancillary procedures (e.g., maintenance package contracts) may be carried out in connection with the vehicles provided to users through mobility services (hereinafter referred to as leased vehicles 12). Information indicating the use of mobility services and ancillary procedures (e.g., application forms and copies of vehicle registration certificates) is sent from the user or service station to the mobility center. In response to input operations by operators at the mobility center, the user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 stores user information, including the user's customer number, type of service used, and ancillary procedure information, in the user information storage unit 76.

[0112] Furthermore, the user selects a support service station (SS) from among several service stations (SS) related to the energy provider that provides the above-mentioned mobility service (these SS are collectively referred to as "target SS" below). Information on the support SS selected by the user (e.g., application form) is sent from the user and the SS to the mobility center. In response to input operations by the mobility center operator, the user information registration unit 80 of the service management system 62 adds the support SS information selected by the user to the user information. Note that the target SS includes both the support SS selected by the user and SS other than the support SS.

[0113] As described in the related technologies, the user applies to a credit card company for the issuance of credit cards (a primary card and family cards), and the credit card company issues a primary card 16 for the user, a family card 18a for the user's spouse, and a family card 18b for the user's child. Similar to the related technologies, card information for the primary card 16, family card 18a, and family card 18b is notified from the credit card company to the sales management system 64 and stored in the sales information storage unit 96 of the sales management system 64.

[0114] The user purchases fuel using their personal card 16 at the designated gas station and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user also purchases fuel using their personal card 16 at the designated gas station and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14. Similarly, the user's spouse (or child) purchases fuel using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) at the designated gas station and refuels the leased vehicle 12. The user's spouse (or child) also purchases fuel using their family card 18a (or family card 18b) at the designated gas station and refuels the non-leased vehicle 14.

[0115] As described in the related technologies section, each time a user purchases fuel at a target gas station (SS), refueling data is sent from the SS's store system 20 to the sales management system 64. The refueling data receiving unit 102 of the sales management system 64 adds the fuel purchase quantity and fuel purchase amount to the user's record stored in the sales information storage unit 96 based on the refueling data. Also, each time a user's spouse (or child) purchases fuel at a target gas station, refueling data is sent from the SS's store system 20 to the sales management system 64. The refueling data receiving unit 102 of the sales management system 64 adds the fuel purchase quantity and fuel purchase amount to the spouse's (or child's) record stored in the sales information storage unit 96 based on the refueling data. The fuel purchase amount can be said to be the normal price or initial price of the fuel sold at the target gas station.

[0116] The discount determination unit 82 of the service management system 62 periodically (for example, once a month) determines whether the contents of each of the multiple user information items corresponding to multiple users stored in the user information storage unit 76 meet the fuel price discount conditions. The discount determination unit 82 determines that the first level discount conditions have been met for a user if the user has selected a support service station, but the contents of the ancillary procedures related to the user's vehicle do not meet the predetermined conditions for discounts. Furthermore, the discount determination unit 82 determines that the second level discount conditions have been met for a user if the user has selected a support service station and the contents of the ancillary procedures related to the user's vehicle meet the predetermined conditions for discounts.

[0117] Specifically, the discount determination unit 82 determines that the discount conditions are not met if the support service information is not recorded in the user information. The discount determination unit 82 determines that the first level discount conditions are met if the support service information is recorded in the user information, but the supplementary procedure information indicating that a specific supplementary procedure has been performed is not recorded in the user information. Furthermore, the discount determination unit 82 determines that the second level discount conditions are met if both the support service information and the supplementary procedure information indicating that a specific supplementary procedure has been performed are recorded in the user information.

[0118] The discount determination unit 82 identifies users who meet the first level discount conditions and users who meet the second level discount conditions. When referring to both users who meet the first level discount conditions and users who meet the second level discount conditions collectively, they are called "discount-eligible users".

[0119] When the discount determination unit 82 extracts users eligible for a discount, the discount information provision unit 84 of the service management system 62 transmits discount information, including the customer number, date of birth, and discount rule B set for each eligible user, to the sales management system 64. The discount information provision unit 84 sets discount rule B (Level 1) as the discount rule B for users who meet the Level 1 discount conditions. The discount information provision unit 84 also sets discount rule B (Level 2) as the discount rule B for users who meet the Level 2 discount conditions.

[0120] The discount information receiving unit 104 of the sales management system 64 receives discount information transmitted from the service management system 62. The billing amount derivation unit 106 of the sales management system 64, similar to the billing amount derivation unit 46 of the related technology, derives the billing amount for each user for each user's household, in other words, for each user's personal card and family card pair. Furthermore, for users eligible for discounts indicated by the discount information, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives the billing amount for the user's household according to the household fuel purchase quantity, household fuel purchase amount, discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 98, and discount rule B (first level or second level) indicated by the discount information.

[0121] A specific example of how the billing amount is derived will be explained. The billing amount derivation unit 106 identifies the user household in Figure 9 as eligible for the discount based on the user's customer number in Figure 9, as indicated by the discount information. The billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 120L as the household fuel purchase quantity for the user household in Figure 9, which is the sum of the fuel purchase quantities in records 50, 52, and 54 in Figure 3. The billing amount derivation unit 106 also derives 16,800 yen as the household fuel purchase amount for the user household in Figure 9, which is the sum of the fuel purchase amounts in records 50, 52, and 54 in Figure 3. The household fuel purchase amount can be said to be the normal price or initial price of the fuel purchased by the user household in Figure 9 at the target gas station.

[0122] Here, discount rule A stipulates that the discount applies to a maximum of 100 liters of fuel. The billing amount calculation unit 106 determines that 100 liters of fuel out of the 120 liters of fuel purchased by the user household in Figure 9 will be subject to the discount. Furthermore, the discount unit price stipulated by discount rule B (Level 1) is 10 yen / liter, and the discount unit price stipulated by discount rule B (Level 2) is 15 yen / liter.

[0123] If the user in Figure 9 is a user who meets the first level discount conditions, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 15,800 yen as the billing amount for the user in Figure 9, which is the amount obtained by deducting 1,000 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 10 yen / L × 100L) from the household fuel purchase amount. On the other hand, if the user in Figure 9 is a user who meets the second level discount conditions, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 15,300 yen as the billing amount for the user in Figure 9, which is the amount obtained by deducting 1,500 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 15 yen / L × 100L) from the household fuel purchase amount.

[0124] Note that record 56 in Figure 3 corresponds to the personal card of a car lease contract holder different from the user shown in Figure 9 (referred to as the "second user"), and record 58 in Figure 3 corresponds to a family card of the second user's family. In this case, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 70L as the household fuel purchase quantity for the second user and derives 9800 yen as the household fuel purchase amount. The billing amount derivation unit 46 makes the entire household fuel purchase quantity (70L) eligible for a discount. If the second user is a user who meets the first level discount conditions, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 9100 yen as the billing amount to the second user, which is the household fuel purchase amount discounted by 700 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 10 yen / L × 70L). If the second user is a user who meets the conditions for the second level discount, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives 8,750 yen as the billing amount to the second user, which is the amount obtained by deducting 1,050 yen (i.e., a discount unit price of 15 yen / L × 70L) from the household fuel purchase amount.

[0125] The billing unit 108 of the sales management system 64 bills the user for the amount to be charged, which has been derived by the billing amount derivation unit 106, via the credit card company. As previously described, the amount to be charged to a user who meets the first level discount conditions is the amount discounted from the normal price of the fuel purchased by the user at the target gas station based on the first discount rule (in the fourth embodiment, discount rule B (first level)). The amount to be charged to a user who meets the second level discount conditions is the amount discounted from the normal price of the fuel purchased by the user at the target gas station based on the second discount rule (in the fourth embodiment, discount rule B (second level)).

[0126] The billing unit 108 transmits fuel charge billing data, including the user's personal card 16 credit card number and the billing amount to the user derived by the billing amount derivation unit 106, to the credit card company's billing management system 26. The credit card company's billing management system 26 then processes a request to bill the user for the sum of the billing amount indicated by the fuel charge billing data and other billing amounts based on the usage of the personal card 16 and family cards 18.

[0127] According to the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, when a user registers a specific service station (SS) as a supported SS from among several SSs associated with an energy company, the price of fuel purchased at those SSs is discounted. This helps to foster customer loyalty to SSs associated with the energy company. Furthermore, by limiting the users eligible for the discount to those who use the mobility services provided by the energy company, the use of those mobility services can be promoted.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, if, in addition to registering a support service station, prescribed ancillary procedures are carried out in relation to a vehicle provided to a user through a mobility service provided by an energy company, a larger discount will be offered than in the case of registering only a support service station. This makes it possible to more effectively promote the use of mobility services provided by energy companies.

[0129] Furthermore, the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the fuel sales system 10 of the related technology. For example, in the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, the discount on fuel prices is applied not only to the user of the mobility service themselves, but also when their family members purchase fuel using the family card 18, and also to refueling non-leased vehicles 14. This further enhances convenience for households using the mobility service.

[0130] As previously mentioned, it is generally assumed that a support service station (SS) located in a convenient location for the user is selected from among several service stations (SS) associated with the energy provider. According to the fuel sales system 60 of the fourth embodiment, by increasing the user's sense of belonging to a support service station located in a convenient location, it becomes easier to encourage users to continue refueling, maintaining, and repairing their vehicles at the support service station. As a result, energy providers can easily accumulate various information about the user's vehicle (e.g., maintenance history, refueling history, etc.). By analyzing and utilizing this accumulated information, energy providers can implement activities that effectively enhance user convenience, such as providing useful information to users.

[0131] The present disclosure has been described above based on the fourth embodiment. This embodiment is illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of each processing process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0132] A modified example relating to the fourth embodiment will now be described. The billing unit 108 of the sales management system 64 may bill the user for an amount discounted from the regular price of the goods purchased by the user at the target SS, based on a predetermined discount rule (for example, the first discount rule in the fourth embodiment), if the user has selected a support SS and the contents of the ancillary procedures related to the user's vehicle meet predetermined conditions. In this modified example, a discount is applied if both (1) the user has selected a support SS and (2) specific ancillary procedures related to the user's vehicle have been performed, while no discount is applied if at least one of (1) and (2) is not met.

[0133] Specifically, the discount determination unit 82 of the service management system 62 may determine that the discount conditions are not met if the support SS information is not recorded in the user information of the user information storage unit 76. The discount determination unit 82 may also determine that the discount conditions are not met if the support SS information is recorded in the user information, but the ancillary procedure information indicating that a specific ancillary procedure has been performed is not recorded in the user information. The discount determination unit 82 may determine that the discount conditions are met only when both the support SS information and the ancillary procedure information indicating that a specific ancillary procedure has been performed are recorded in the user information. These discount conditions may be the first level discount conditions of the fourth embodiment. In this modified example, the second level discount of the fourth embodiment may not be performed.

[0134] The discount determination unit 82 may identify users who meet the discount conditions as eligible users for discounts. The discount information provision unit 84 of the service management system 62 may transmit discount information regarding eligible users (for example, discount rule B (first level) as discount rule B) to the sales management system 64. As a result, the billing unit 108 of the sales management system 64 bills users who have selected a support service station and are using a vehicle for which the prescribed ancillary procedures have been carried out, for the discounted amount based on the first discount rule (i.e., discount rule B (first level)).

[0135] According to this modified fuel sales system 60, in addition to registering a support service station (SS), the price of fuel purchased at the SS is discounted when certain ancillary procedures are carried out in relation to a vehicle provided to the user through a mobility service provided by an energy company. This makes it possible to more effectively promote the use of mobility services provided by energy companies.

[0136] Another modification relating to the fourth embodiment will now be described. In the fourth embodiment, both the first discount rule and the second discount rule are discount rule B specified in the discount information sent from the service management system 62 to the sales management system 64. However, as a modification, both the first discount rule and the second discount rule may be discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 98 of the sales management system 64. In this case, the first discount rule may be discount rule A (first level), and the second discount rule may be discount rule A (second level). For example, discount rule A (first level) may set the upper limit of the fuel purchase quantity eligible for the discount at 100L. Also, discount rule A (second level) may set the upper limit of the fuel purchase quantity eligible for the discount at 150L, ​​which is larger than that of discount rule A (first level).

[0137] In this modified example, the discount information provision unit 84 of the service management system 62 sets a common discount condition B for users who meet the first level discount conditions in the discount information it transmits to the sales management system 64, and also sets information indicating that the first level discount conditions have been met. Furthermore, in the discount information, the discount information provision unit 84 sets a common discount condition B for users who meet the second level discount conditions, and also sets information indicating that the second level discount conditions have been met.

[0138] The billing amount derivation unit 106 of the sales management system 64 derives the billing amount for users who meet the first-level discount conditions indicated by the discount information, based on the household fuel purchase quantity, household fuel purchase amount, discount rule A (first level), and common discount rule B. For example, a discount of 10 yen / L is applied to a maximum of 100L of the household fuel purchase quantity. On the other hand, for users who meet the second-level discount conditions indicated by the discount information, the billing amount derivation unit 106 derives the billing amount for users based on the household fuel purchase quantity, household fuel purchase amount, discount rule A (second level), and common discount rule B. For example, a discount of 10 yen / L is applied to a maximum of 150L of the household fuel purchase quantity. In this way, because the upper limit of the fuel purchase quantity eligible for the discount is greater for discount rule A (first level), users who meet the second-level discount conditions can be provided with a greater fuel price discount benefit.

[0139] This modified fuel sales system 60 also produces the same effects as the fourth embodiment. For example, if, in addition to registering a support gas station, certain ancillary procedures are carried out in relation to a vehicle provided to a user through a mobility service provided by an energy company, a larger discount can be offered than in the case of registering only a support gas station, thereby more effectively promoting the use of mobility services provided by energy companies.

[0140] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, examples of purchasing vehicle fuel at a gas station were shown. However, similar to related technologies, the technical concepts described in the first to fourth embodiments can be broadly applied to the purchase of goods sold at gas stations (e.g., gasoline, diesel fuel, hydrogen, kerosene, electricity, and various other energy sources).

[0141] As previously described, the technical concepts described in the related technologies are applicable to the first to fourth embodiments. That is, the discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 98 of the sales management system 64 may stipulate that the discount applies to the total amount of goods purchased at the service station using the customer's card and the total amount of goods purchased at the service station using family cards, up to a predetermined upper limit on the purchase quantity. Furthermore, the sales information storage unit 96 of the sales management system 64 may store information regarding a first personal card and a first family card corresponding to a first car lease contract concluded by the user, and information regarding a second personal card and a second family card corresponding to a second car lease contract concluded by the user. The billing amount derivation unit 106 of the sales management system 64 may derive a first billing amount to the user based on the sum of the quantity of goods purchased at the service station using the first personal card and the quantity of goods purchased at the service station using the first family card, and in accordance with the discount rules. At the same time, the billing amount derivation unit 106 may also derive a second billing amount to the user based on the sum of the quantity of goods purchased at the service station using the second personal card and the quantity of goods purchased at the service station using the second family card, and in accordance with the discount rules. Furthermore, the discount rule A stored in the discount rule storage unit 98 of the sales management system 64 may stipulate that the upper limit of the purchase quantity of discounted SS products will be increased according to the number of car lease contracts concluded by the user.

[0142] In the related technologies and each embodiment, (1) data associated with the primary card is identified (or identified) based on the customer number of the primary card, and data associated with the family card is identified based on the customer number of the family card. As a variation, (2) both data associated with the primary card and data associated with the family card may be identified based on the customer number of the primary card. Also, (3) both data associated with the primary card and data associated with the family card may be identified based on the customer number of the family card.

[0143] Let's explain the examples in (2) and (3) above. (A) Application forms containing the customer number of the car lease contract holder (for example, fuel benefit application forms or support SS registration application forms) may be transmitted from the SS to the Mobility Center. The customer number transmitted to the Mobility Center may be the customer number of the primary cardholder or the customer number of a family cardholder. (B) The operator of the mobility center may register the contents of the above application form (customer number, date of birth, etc.) in the service management system 62. (C) The service management system 62 may transmit information to the sales management system 64 including the customer number, date of birth, and benefit code (the benefit code corresponds to the discount rules of the embodiment) of the person eligible for the discount. This information corresponds to the fuel benefit information of the related technology and to the discount information of the first embodiment. (D) After receiving the customer number from the service management system 62, the sales management system 64 may automatically link the fuel purchase data from the primary card or family card associated with that customer number and apply a discount to all credit card usage (fuel purchases) in the household of the car lease contract holder. This makes it possible to apply a discount on fuel costs without obtaining the customer number of the primary card holder or the customer number of a family card holder other than the car lease contract holder. (E) The discounted amount as described in (D) above may be shared with the credit card company, and the credit card company may then bill the car lease contract holder for the credit card usage charges.

[0144] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present disclosure. The new embodiments resulting from such combinations will possess the combined effects of the respective embodiments and modifications. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the functions to be performed by each component described in the claims can be achieved by each component shown in the embodiments and modifications individually or in combination thereof. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0145] 60 Fuel sales system, 62 Service management system, 64 Sales management system, 76 User information storage unit, 82 Discount determination unit, 84 Discount information provision unit, 96 Sales information storage unit, 102 Fueling data reception unit, 106 Billing amount derivation unit, 108 Billing unit.

Claims

1. A first storage unit stores information indicating that a user has selected a support service station from among multiple service stations. If the user has already selected a support service station, the billing unit derives a discounted billing amount from the regular price for the goods purchased by the user at the support service station, An information processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The billing unit, when the user has selected a support service station and applied for a fuel discount, derives a billing amount that is discounted from the regular price for the goods purchased by the user at the support service station. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system further includes a second storage unit that stores the details of ancillary procedures performed in connection with the vehicle provided to the user through a vehicle provision service provided by a designated business operator. If the user has selected a support service station, the billing unit derives a billing amount for the goods purchased by the user at the support service station, which is the regular price discounted according to the first discount rule. The billing unit, if the user has selected a support service station and the contents of the ancillary procedures meet the prescribed conditions, derives a billing amount discounted from the regular price of the goods purchased by the user at the support service station based on a second discount rule that is more beneficial to the user than the first discount rule. The information processing system according to claim 1.

4. The system further includes a second storage unit that stores the details of ancillary procedures performed in connection with the vehicle provided to the user through a vehicle provision service provided by a designated business operator. The billing unit, if the user has selected a support service station and the contents of the ancillary procedures meet the prescribed conditions, derives a billing amount for the goods purchased by the user at the support service station that is discounted from the regular price. The information processing system according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned user is a user of a vehicle provision service provided by a designated business operator. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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