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

Abstract

This invention provides a gift management method, gift management server, gift management system, and program that prevent the fraudulent use of physical electronic gift cards and other similar items, and enable safe and efficient gift management. [Solution] The server 100 has a storage step in which it stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned; an activation request acquisition step in which the server 100 acquires activation request information including the second user identifier and the activation URL of the second user from a second user terminal 300 used by the second user; and an activation step in which the server 100 activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, electronic gifts (e-gifts) have been widely used as URL (Uniform Resource Locator)-formatted electronic tickets transmitted via e-mail, SNS (Social Networking Service), and the like.

[0003] On the other hand, when such electronic gifts are used in subsidy programs by local governments, campaigns by companies, and the like, there is also demand for distributing them through physical means such as hand delivery in the form of physical cards (referred to as "e-gift cards" or "gift cards") or catalog gifts, while taking advantage of the convenience of electronic gifts.

[0004] For distribution using such physical media, a mechanism has been proposed in which the card does not have value as a gift at the time of distribution (inactivated state), and is activated through a predetermined procedure after distribution, in order to ensure the reliability of distribution or from the perspective of inventory management (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in conventional electronic gift activation technologies, a configuration in which the gift distributor (for example, a store clerk or a delivery company worker) performs the activation process on the spot has been common.

[0007] In contrast, in cases where large grants or incentives are distributed, it is necessary to reduce the risk of fraud by those responsible for distribution (for example, by pocketing the funds themselves and activating them instead of distributing them) or loss. With the technology described in Patent Document 1, the distributor and the entity that performs the activation are substantially the same, or the activation is completed immediately by the distributor's operation, which presents a challenge in that it is difficult to systematically prevent fraudulent use by the distributor.

[0008] Furthermore, conventional technologies were unable to adequately address requests such as the need to confirm that distributed gifts had definitely reached the recipients before activation, or the need for administrators to control the timing of activation.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a gift management system, a gift management method, and a program that prevent the fraudulent use of physical electronic gift cards and other similar items, and realize safe and efficient gift management. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The gift management method relating to this disclosure includes: a storage step in which a server stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned; an activation request acquisition step in which the server acquires activation request information including the second user identifier of the second user and the activation URL from a second user terminal used by the second user; and an activation step in which the server activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information.

[0011] The gift management system relating to this disclosure includes a storage unit that stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned, an acquisition unit that acquires activation request information including the second user identifier of the second user and the activation URL from a second user terminal used by the second user, and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information.

[0012] The gift management device relating to this disclosure includes an acquisition unit that acquires activation request information, including the second user identifier and the activation URL of the second user, from a second user terminal used by the second user, and an activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information.

[0013] The program relating to this disclosure causes a computer, which includes a storage unit and a processing unit, to perform the following processes: storing gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned; obtaining activation request information including the second user identifier of the second user and the activation URL from a second user terminal used by the second user; and activating the electronic gift based on the obtained activation request information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to provide a gift management system, a gift management method, and a program that prevent the fraudulent use of physical electronic gift cards and other similar items, and realize safe and efficient gift management. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the gift management system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a functional block diagram of the gift management server according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the database configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a functional block diagram of the user terminal according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows an example of the operation of the activation process, including the acceptance of receipt, according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the activation process, including authentication, according to this embodiment. [Figure 7]It is a diagram showing an example of screen display of a first user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of screen display of a second user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example of screen display of a third user terminal according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, a gift management system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing the embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0017] <System Configuration> FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of the gift management system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The gift management system 1 is a system that mainly manages a series of life cycles from issuance, distribution, activation and use of electronic gifts. As shown in FIG. 1, the gift management system 1 includes a gift management server (gift management device) 100, a first user terminal 200, a second user terminal 300, and a third user terminal 400. The gift management system 1 of the present embodiment is characterized by management of electronic gifts distributed in the form of physical media such as gift cards, paper coupons, and the like. In particular, the system is designed on the premise that three entities with different roles and authorities are involved: a "first user (gift distributor)" who physically distributes electronic gifts, a "second user (activation approver)" who has the authority to approve activation of the distributed electronic gifts, and a "third user (gift user)" who finally receives and uses the electronic gifts. Accordingly, by separating the operations of each entity on the system and allowing mutual checks, the risk of unauthorized use in the distribution process is reduced, and safe and efficient gift operation is realized.

[0019] These devices are connected to each other via a network (NW) that enables communication. The network (NW) is a wired or wireless communication network, including, for example, the Internet, an intranet, a dedicated line, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public wireless network such as 5G (Fifth Generation Mobile Communication System), or any combination thereof.

[0020] The gift management server 100 is an information processing device that centrally executes various processes related to the issuance of electronic gifts according to this embodiment, management of each user's information, tracking of distribution status, activation processing, acceptance consent processing, authentication processing, and management of usage status.

[0021] The first user terminal 200 is a terminal device operated by the first user, who is the gift distributor. The first user is responsible for distributing the physical medium of the electronic gift (hereinafter, as a specific example, it may be referred to as a "gift card") to the recipient, the gift user (third user). The first user is, for example, a "visitor" in a local government's subsidy program (public health nurse, welfare commissioner, delivery staff of a contracted company, etc.), a "sales representative" for a life insurance company, or a "booth manager / incentive distributor" at a company's promotional event. The first user terminal 200 is an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, handheld terminal, or notebook PC. The first user terminal 200 may also have a function (camera or reader) to read identification information (strings of characters such as serial numbers, barcodes, two-dimensional codes, RFID tags, etc.) attached to the gift card. The first user terminal 200 has an application dedicated to distribution work installed, or it accesses the distribution management system via a web browser. The first user uses this terminal to send "distribution report information" to the gift management server 100, indicating which gift card (activation URL) was distributed to whom.

[0022] The second user terminal 300 is a terminal device operated by the second user, who is the activation approver. The second user is, for example, a local government official or a company administrator, an entity with different authority than the first user regarding the activation of electronic gifts, and has the authority to supervise the first user's distribution activities and ultimately approve the activation of electronic gifts. The second user terminal 300 can be implemented by an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC), notebook PC, smartphone, or tablet terminal. The second user logs into the management screen using the second user terminal 300, checks the distribution report list from the first user, selects the items to be activated, and sends "activation request information" to the gift management server 100. The second user receives a report that the first user has physically distributed the gifts, and if the second user determines that the content is legitimate, they perform the operation to activate the electronic gifts on the system. This prevents the first user from embezzling gift cards or submitting fictitious distribution reports.

[0023] The third user terminal 400 is a terminal device operated by the third user, who is the gift recipient. The third user is the "gift recipient" who receives the distributed gift card and uses the electronic gift linked to the gift card. Specific use cases include "residents" receiving benefits (pregnant women, families with children, etc.), "customers" who have entered into insurance contracts, and "attendees" of events. The third user terminal 400 is mainly envisioned to be a smartphone or tablet with a camera, but it may also be a PC equipped with a webcam, etc. The third user accesses the activation URL written on the physical medium (gift card) of the electronic gift distributed by the first user and, as part of the electronic gift activation process, performs operations such as "agreement to receive" and "identity verification" as needed. After these operations, the electronic gift is activated and becomes available for use (redirection to the gift URL or display of the code).

[0024] The gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, the third user terminal 400, etc., are information processing devices each configured as a computer 900 as shown in Figure 9. The configuration of computer 900 will be described later.

[0025] <Function of each component> Next, with reference to Figure 2, the functional configuration of the gift management server 100 according to this embodiment will be described in detail. The gift management server 100 comprises a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a processing unit 130 as functional blocks.

[0026] The communication unit 110 has the function of sending and receiving various data with external devices such as the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, and the third user terminal 400 via the network NW.

[0027] The storage unit 120 stores the program 121 and a database 122 that stores various information necessary for managing electronic gifts. The storage unit 120 also stores electronic gift information, including the URL (activation URL) contained in the identification code written on the physical medium of the electronic gift, the gift URL that uniquely identifies the electronic gift, and status information regarding the validity of the electronic gift.

[0028] Here, we will explain the main terms used in this embodiment. "Physical medium of an electronic gift" refers to a physical medium to which the value of the electronic gift or the means of accessing that value is linked. The physical medium of an electronic gift can be distributed as an electronic gift. The physical medium of an electronic gift may include, for example, a physical (substantial) "gift card," "voucher," "coupon," or "catalog gift (gift catalog)," or in some cases, "employee ID cards" or "membership cards." The physical medium of an electronic gift can also be referred to as a "physical product," "card medium," or "certificate." By deliberately distributing an electronic gift as a physical "thing," it is possible to reach people who are unfamiliar with digital devices and create opportunities for face-to-face communication (such as checking on someone's well-being or sales activities) through handing over the gift. There is also the advantage of being able to give a gift to someone whose email address is unknown.

[0029] The "URL included in the identification code" refers to the URL that a user of the physical medium of the electronic gift (third user) can read from the identification code visually displayed (e.g., printed) on the surface of the physical medium of the electronic gift in order to access it on their own device (third user device 400). Before the electronic gift is activated, this URL indicates the destination of a page (activation URL) for accepting the activation process or notifying the user that the gift is not yet activated. This can also be referred to as the "access URL" or the "first URL".

[0030] The "Activation URL" contains an identifier that uniquely identifies each electronic gift. The Activation URL itself does not have access to the gift's value initially (or will display as "invalid" if accessed).

[0031] "Electronic gift information" refers to the value information that constitutes the electronic gift itself, or the information on accessing that value, as well as information indicating its status. It may also be referred to as "gift data," "e-gift information," or "value information."

[0032] The "gift URL" is information used to uniquely identify the electronic gift (for example, the webpage on the gift card) that the user actually uses after the electronic gift has been activated. It can also be referred to as the "second URL" or "gift body URL".

[0033] "Status information" refers to information indicating whether an electronic gift is usable or not. For example, it includes flags indicating the status such as "not activated," "activated," "invalid," "used," or "expired," as well as specific date and time information for the expiration date (start date, end date). It can also be referred to as "validity information," "status flags," or "usability information."

[0034] The processing unit 130, as a functional unit realized by executing the program 121, mainly comprises an acquisition unit 131, an activation unit 132, an authentication unit 133, and an output control unit 134.

[0035] The acquisition unit 131 has the function of receiving various information from external devices via the communication unit 110. The information acquired by the acquisition unit 131 includes, for example, "distribution report information" transmitted from the first user terminal 200, which indicates which electronic gift was distributed to whom; "activation request information" transmitted from the second user terminal 300, which instructs the activation of a specific electronic gift; "received consent information" transmitted from the third user terminal 400, which indicates the intention to receive an electronic gift; and "authentication information" for verifying the identity of the third user. The acquisition unit 131 acquires this information and formats it into a format that can be used by the processing unit 130.

[0036] The activation unit 132 performs an activation process that switches the electronic gift to a usable state by granting it monetary value or usage rights, i.e., it activates it. Specifically, the activation unit 132 activates the electronic gift corresponding to the activation URL included in the activation request information acquired by the acquisition unit 131. This activation process includes, for example, changing the status information of the electronic gift information corresponding to the activation URL stored in the storage unit 120 from "not activated (a form of invalidity)" to "activated (a form of validity)". The activation process also includes changing the expiration date information, which is part of the status information of the electronic gift information corresponding to the activation URL, from "not set" to "set," which includes the start date and / or end date of the expiration date. As a result, the expiration date is not set (not set) during the gift card manufacturing and inventory period, and is only set (set) at the time of activation, thus preventing the expiration date from being unnecessarily shortened during the inventory period.

[0037] The activation unit 132 may perform activation not only upon receiving activation request information, but also based on one or more conditions, such as receiving confirmation of receipt from a third-party user or the result of successful authentication.

[0038] Furthermore, the activation unit 132 may set the validity period (expiration date) in the status information of the electronic gift. This expiration date may be dynamically set, such as "180 days from the activation date," with the activation date and time as the starting point. The activation unit 132 may also set the start date of the expiration date to a day after the date of receipt of the activation request information, for example. This allows for flexible setting of the activation timing (date of receipt of the first identification information) and the actual start date of use. For example, if it is to "start from the activation timing," the "receipt date" of the activation request information is set as the start date. In addition, to more flexibly meet the need for "activation with a time lag after distribution (e.g., the next day or the next week)," it is also possible to perform the activation process first and set the actual start date of use (start date) to a specific day (e.g., the 1st of the following month) "after the date of receipt of the activation request information."

[0039] Furthermore, the activation unit 132 generates a new "gift URL" for actually using the gift, which is different from the activation URL, in conjunction with the activation process, and stores it in association with the electronic gift and the activation URL.

[0040] The authentication unit 133 performs an authentication process to confirm that the recipient of the electronic gift is the legitimate rightful owner. The authentication unit 133 requests authentication when a third user accesses the activation URL from the third user terminal 400. There are various authentication methods, including, for example, knowledge authentication that requires the input of personal information such as the date of birth of the user or their relatives, or a pre-set password or serial code; SMS authentication that sends a one-time password to the user's mobile phone number; social login (OAuth authentication) using the user's SNS account; and even strict identity authentication (public personal authentication) using the electronic certificate of a My Number Card (Individual Number Card). The authentication unit 133 has the function of performing authentication processing in cooperation with external systems such as an external public personal authentication service infrastructure or an SMS gateway, and obtaining the authentication result (success or failure). This makes it possible to incorporate authentication by the recipient of the electronic gift (third user) themselves into the electronic gift activation process. The specific level of authentication can be set according to the nature of the electronic gift being distributed. For large grant payments, strict authentication methods such as reading the IC chip on a My Number card or driver's license can be used, while simpler authentication methods can be used for smaller incentives. This allows for an optimized balance between security and usability.

[0041] The output control unit 134 has the function of generating screen data and the like for display on each user terminal based on the results of various processes in the processing unit 130 and information stored in the database 122, and outputting (transmitting) it via the communication unit 110.

[0042] For example, the output control unit 134 provides a user interface (a gift distribution report screen, described later) to the first user terminal 200 for displaying a list of gift cards distributed by the first user and for performing a distribution report operation. The output control unit 134 also provides a user interface (an activation approval screen, described later) to the second user terminal 300 for displaying a list of distribution reports from the first user and for performing an activation request operation. If the activation condition includes obtaining acceptance consent information from a third user, the output control unit 134 provides a user interface (an acceptance consent operation screen, described later) to the third user terminal 400 used by the third user who accesses via the activation URL for accepting acceptance consent operations.

[0043] Furthermore, the output control unit 134 transmits data to the third user terminal 400 to display the activated gift certificate and its usage status. When the third user accesses the gift URL from the third user terminal 400, the current gift certificate is displayed along with information such as "Used" and "Expiration Date: Until Month Day". This allows the current value status to be dynamically communicated to the user, unlike paper gift certificates.

[0044] Furthermore, the output control unit 134 sends a reminder notification to the second user terminal 300, etc., when predetermined conditions are met. For example, if the output control unit 134 has not received the acceptance confirmation information even after one week has passed since receiving the distribution report information, it may display an alert as an "unreceived list" on the dashboard of the second user terminal 300. Alternatively, if the contact information (email, etc.) of the third user is known, the system may be configured to automatically send a reminder email directly to the third user saying, "Please perform the gift acceptance operation."

[0045] Furthermore, if the activation condition includes obtaining the result of successful authentication, the output control unit 134 provides a user interface to the third user terminal 400 used by the third user who accesses via the activation URL, requesting authentication from the third user and accepting the authentication operation.

[0046] Next, a specific example of the configuration of the database 122 stored in the storage unit 120 of the gift management server 100 will be described based on Figure 3. The database 122 may be managed by, for example, a relational database management system (RDBMS) and may consist of multiple data tables such as a "gift management table," a "user management table," a "distribution and approval management table," and a "gift content table."

[0047] The "Gift Management Table" manages the link between the physical medium (gift card) and the electronic gift information of each individual electronic gift. This table includes, as its main fields (columns), a "Gift Management ID" (primary key) that uniquely identifies the record, "Activation URL", "Gift URL", "Status Information", "Expiration Start Date", "Expiration End Date", and "Gift Content ID" (foreign key to the Gift Content Table), among others.

[0048] The "User Management Table" manages information about various users who use the Gift Management System 1. This table's main fields include "User ID" (primary key), "User Type" (e.g., "Distributor," "Approver," "User," "Manufacturer," "Seller," etc.), "Username," "Affiliated Organization," "Login Information" (e.g., hashed password), and "Access Permission Information" for each function.

[0049] The "Distribution and Approval Management Table" is primarily used to manage the distribution reporting and approval (activation request) processes. This table includes, as its main fields, "Distribution Management ID" (primary key), "Gift Management ID" (foreign key to the Gift Management Table), "Distributor ID" (the ID of the person who performed the distribution operation), "Recipient" (information to identify the recipient of the electronic gift, a third-party user), "Distribution Date and Time," "Distribution Status," "Authentication Status," "Approval Status," "Approver ID" (the ID of the person who performed the approval operation), and "Approval Date and Time," among others.

[0050] The "Gift Contents Table" is a master table that defines the specific contents of an electronic gift. This table includes, as its main fields, "Gift Contents ID" (primary key), "Gift Name," "Gift Type" (e.g., "Amount Specified," "Product Specified," "Catalog Type"), "Amount," "List of Exchangeable Products," "Gift Card Design Template Information," and "List of Available Stores" (not shown).

[0051] Next, the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, and the third user terminal 400 will be described. These user terminals are information processing devices used by users with different roles. Specifically, devices with communication functions and web browser functions (or dedicated application execution functions), such as smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers (PCs), notebook PCs, and handheld terminals, are used.

[0052] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the basic hardware configuration common to the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, and the third user terminal 400. The user terminals are equipped with communication units 210, 310, 410, storage units 220, 320, 420, control units 230, 330, 430, display units 240, 340, 440, operation units 250, 350, 450, and reading units 270, and are connected via buses 260, 360, 460 for communication.

[0053] The communication units 210, 310, and 410 are interfaces for communicating with external devices such as the gift management server 100 via a network (NW), and include, for example, a Wi-Fi module or a mobile communication module (5G / LTE, etc.). The storage units 220, 320, and 420 consist of ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc., and store the OS, various applications, and data. The control units 230, 330, and 430 consist of a CPU, etc., and execute programs stored in the storage units to control the operation of the entire terminal. The display units 240, 340, and 440 consist of liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, etc., and display information and operation screens received from the gift management server 100. The operation units 250, 350, and 450 are devices for receiving operation input from the user, and include, for example, a touch panel integrated with the display units 240, 340, and 440, physical buttons, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The reading unit 270 is a device for reading information attached to a physical medium, and includes, for example, a camera for capturing images of a two-dimensional code or a reader / writer for reading RFID / NFC tags. It is preferable that the reading unit 270 be provided in the first user terminal 200 or the third user terminal 400.

[0054] <System Operation> Next, the operation of the activation process for the gift management system 1, which has the configuration and functions described above, will be explained using a flowchart.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the flow when the third user's (gift recipient's) consent to receive the gift is a condition for activation.

[0056] In step S101, the gift management server 100 stores electronic gift information related to electronic gifts to which an activation URL has been assigned in the database 122 (gift management table).

[0057] In step S102, a gift card is manufactured based on the electronic gift information.

[0058] In step S103, the first user distributes a gift card to the third user.

[0059] In step S104, the first user performs a distribution report operation on the first user terminal 200. The first user terminal 200 sends distribution report information, including the activation URL and the first user identifier, to the gift management server 100. The gift management server 100 receives the distribution report information from the first user terminal 200 and records it in the distribution and approval management table of the storage unit 120.

[0060] In step S105, the output control unit 134 of the gift management server 100 provides the second user terminal 300 with a gift distribution report screen as illustrated in Figure 7, based on the distribution report information.

[0061] In step S106, the second user selects the item to request activation for on the gift distribution report screen of the second user terminal 300 and confirms the selection. The second user terminal 300 sends activation request information, including the activation URL of the item and the second user identifier of the second user, to the server. The gift management server 100 obtains the activation request information from the second user terminal 300 and records it in the distribution and approval management table of the storage unit 120. In other words, the gift management server 100 obtains activation request information for the electronic gift identified by the activation URL included in the distribution report information selected by the second user terminal 300 from the distribution report information.

[0062] In step S107, the third user accesses the activation URL on the third user terminal 400 and performs the acceptance consent operation. The third user terminal 400 sends the acceptance consent information to the gift management server 100. The gift management server 100 receives the acceptance consent information. The gift management server 100 may also send a reminder notification to the second user terminal 300 if it fails to obtain the acceptance consent information within a predetermined period for an electronic gift for which it has obtained activation request information.

[0063] In step S108, the activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100 activates the gift card (changes its status to "active") when it receives both the activation request information and the acceptance consent information. The activation unit 132 issues and assigns a unique gift URL to the gift card (stored in the gift management table of the storage unit 120). The activation unit 132 may also set an expiration date for the gift card. Once the electronic gift is activated, the output control unit 134 of the gift management server 100 can output the usage status of the activated electronic gift to the third user terminal 400 via the gift URL, in response to a request from the third user.

[0064] If the activation condition is limited to receiving activation request information, step S107 can be omitted.

[0065] Figure 6 shows the flow when the activation condition is successful authentication by the third user (gift recipient).

[0066] Steps S201 to S206 are the same as steps S101 to S106 in Figure 5.

[0067] In step S207, when the third user accesses the activation URL, the authentication unit 133 of the gift management server 100 requests authentication. The third user performs an authentication operation (such as reading a My Number Card) using the third user terminal 400 and sends the authentication result to the gift management server 100. The gift management server 100 receives the authentication result.

[0068] In step S208, the authentication unit 133 of the gift management server 100 determines whether authentication is successful or not based on the received authentication result. If the authentication result is a failure (NO), the process terminates or the user is prompted to retry. If the authentication result is a success (YES), the process proceeds to step S209.

[0069] In step S209, that is, if the authentication result in step S208 is successful (YES), the server activates the gift card based on the activation request (approval) in S206 and the result of successful authentication. At this time, for example, if the "Authentication Status" in the distribution and approval management table in Figure 3 is updated to "Completed" and the "Approval Status" is "Approved", then activation is performed.

[0070] If the activation condition is limited to receiving activation request information, steps S207 and S208 can be omitted.

[0071] <Screen example> Next, an example of the configuration of the screen (user interface) displayed on the user terminal in the gift management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8, and 9.

[0072] (Gift distribution report screen) Figure 7 shows an example of the "Gift Distribution Report Screen D100" operated by the first user (gift distributor) on the first user terminal 200. This screen is used by the first user to report to the second user (activation approver) the fact that the first user has distributed the physical medium (gift card) of the electronic gift to the third user (gift recipient).

[0073] At the top of the screen is a header area D110, which displays the screen title (e.g., "Gift Distribution Report") and the identification information of the currently logged-in user (User 1) (e.g., "User: AA001").

[0074] The main area D120 below it contains the primary functions of the operation.

[0075] The "Distributed Gift List" D121 is a list area that displays the gift cards distributed by the first user. Each row displays "Selection," "Recipient" (e.g., C001 CCC DDDD), "Activation URL" (e.g., 12A3B4C5D6E7), "Status" (e.g., "Not Distributed" or "Distribution Confirmed"), and "Distribution Date and Time" (e.g., "2025 / 11 / 10 14:30"). Each record in the "Selection" column has a checkbox. As shown in Figure 7, the checkboxes, from top to bottom, indicate the unselected, selected, and confirmed states. This allows the first user to visually confirm their distribution history.

[0076] The "Confirm Distribution" button D122 is used to confirm the distribution of the gift card selected in the "Selection" column of the distribution gift list D121. Before and after distributing the gift card, the first user selects the recipient record (by selecting the checkbox) and taps the "Confirm Distribution" button D122 (operation unit 250). Confirmation of distribution may be conditional on reading the activation URL displayed on the gift card. In this case, the control unit 230 of the first user terminal 200 activates the reading unit 270 and prompts the user to read the activation URL on the physical medium (gift card) of the electronic gift. When the activation URL is successfully read, the checkbox for that record changes to the confirmed state.

[0077] When the first user operates the "Send Report" button D123 at the bottom of the screen, the contents of the distributed gift list D121 are sent to the gift management server 100 via the network NW through the communication unit 210. The acquisition unit 131 of the gift management server 100 receives this information and records it in the "Distribution / Approval Management Table".

[0078] (Activation approval screen) Figure 8 shows an example of the "Activation Approval Screen D200" operated by the second user (activation approver) on the second user terminal 300. This screen is an administrative screen used by the second user (activation approver) to confirm the distribution report from the first user (gift distributor) and the acceptance consent from the third user (gift user), and to approve the activation of the electronic gift.

[0079] At the top of the screen is a header area D210, which displays the screen title (e.g., "Activation Approval") and the logged-in approver (e.g., "BB001").

[0080] Below that, in the main area D220, the "Report Reception List" D230 is displayed. The Report Reception List D230 is a table that lists records that are recorded as "Unapproved" in the "Approval Status" of the "Distribution / Approval Management Table" based on distribution reports sent from multiple first users.

[0081] The report reception list D230 includes information reported from screen D100 in Figure 7, such as "person in charge" (identification information of the first user), "activation URL," and "distribution date."

[0082] Furthermore, the report receipt list D230 may include a "Consent to Acceptance" column indicating whether or not a third-party user has performed the consent to accept the gift. The "Consent to Acceptance" column displays a status (e.g., "Not yet accepted," "Accepted") indicating whether or not the third-party user (gift recipient) has accessed the activation URL associated with the gift card and performed the consent to accept the gift.

[0083] At the far right of each row in the report receipt list D230, there is a checkbox for selecting which records to activate. The second user reviews the contents of the report receipt list D230 (for example, that the "distribution date" is valid and the "acknowledgment of receipt" is "completed") and checks the checkbox for the records they decide should be activated.

[0084] When the "Activate Checked Items" button D290 at the bottom of the screen is operated, "activation request information" regarding the activation of the electronic gift corresponding to the record selected in the checkbox in the report reception list D230 is sent to the gift management server 100 via the communication unit 310. Based on the receipt of this activation request information, the activation unit 132 of the gift management server 100 performs the activation process for the corresponding electronic gift (updating status information, setting expiration date).

[0085] (Consent and Acceptance Screen) Figure 9 shows an example of the acceptance confirmation screen D300 that is initially displayed when a third user (gift recipient) who has been distributed a gift card as one form of benefit accesses the activation URL via the third user terminal 400.

[0086] The acceptance confirmation screen D300 includes a header area D310 and a main content area D320.

[0087] The header area D310 displays the logo or name of the municipality implementing the benefit program (e.g., "XYZ City" D312). The header area D310 may also contain a back button D311 and a menu button D313.

[0088] The main content area D320 displays a button D321 for a third-party user to indicate that they agree to the benefit conditions area D322 and the notes area D323 and wish to receive the benefit (agree), the benefit conditions area D322 which lists the conditions for receiving the benefit, and the notes area D323 which lists other notes. These words (text) may reflect customized content for each local government that is providing the benefit. When the third-party user operates button D321, the third-party user terminal 400 sends "received consent information" to the gift management server 100.

[0089] <Basic Computer Configuration> Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the basic hardware configuration of computer 900. Computer 900 includes a control unit 901, a storage unit 902, a communication unit 903, an input unit 904, and an output unit 905. The control unit 901, storage unit 902, communication unit 903, input unit 904, and output unit 905 are electrically connected to each other via a communication bus 910.

[0090] The control unit 901 includes processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a processor), MPU (Micro Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or a group of processors combining multiple such processors. It controls various parts of the computer 900 and reads and executes various programs stored in the storage unit 902.

[0091] The memory unit 902 includes a main memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and an auxiliary memory such as a hard disk, and is a device that stores various programs for running the operating system and various applications of the computer 900, as well as data used by these programs. The process shown in the flowchart above is realized by the control unit 901 of each computer constituting the gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, and the third user terminal 400 executing the programs stored in their respective memory units 902.

[0092] The communication unit 903 is a device for communicating with external devices and sends and receives data according to instructions from the control unit 901. Each computer comprising the gift management server 100, the first user terminal 200, the second user terminal 300, and the third user terminal 400 uses this communication unit 903 to communicate with other devices, including the network NW shown in Figure 1.

[0093] The input unit 904 is a device that receives input from an external source and supplies it to the control unit 901, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, and camera. The output unit 905 is a device that outputs the processing results of the control unit 901 to the outside, and includes, for example, a display and speaker.

[0094] <Program> Here, we will describe the programs for realizing each functional unit of the gift management server 100 according to this embodiment.

[0095] The gift management server 100 is implemented in the computer 900. The operation of each component of the gift management server 100 is stored in the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902 in the form of a program. The control unit 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device of the storage unit 902, loads it into the main memory of the storage unit 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The control unit 901 also reserves a storage area in the main memory of the storage unit 902 corresponding to the storage unit 120 described above, according to the program.

[0096] The program according to this embodiment is a program to be executed by a computer 900 which includes a control unit and a storage unit, and the program causes the computer to execute the following: a process of storing gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned; a process of obtaining activation request information including the second user identifier of the second user and the activation URL from a second user terminal 300 used by the second user; and a process of activating the electronic gift based on the obtained activation request information.

[0097] The auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902 is an example of a tangible medium that is not temporary. Other examples of tangible mediums that are not temporary include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memory connected via the input unit 904. Furthermore, if this program is distributed to the computer 900 via the network NW, the computer 900 that receives the program may load it into the main memory of the memory unit 902 and execute the above processing.

[0098] Furthermore, the program may be intended to implement some of the functions described above. In addition, the program may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that implements the functions described above in combination with other programs already stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory unit 902.

[0099] According to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, the activation of an electronic gift is triggered by a request from a second user. In other words, unlike conventional POSA cards, which are automatically activated at the time of purchase (passing through the POS register) at a retail store, the gift is activated when a specific person (second user), such as an administrator, intentionally interacts with the system. This prevents unauthorized activation by third parties or those who simply know the URL. Furthermore, by allowing a second user to proactively request activation, it becomes possible to check the distribution and inventory status and transform the electronic gift into something valuable at the appropriate time, significantly reducing the risk of loss or misuse before distribution. Furthermore, the "activation request information" may include not only information about which gift (URL) to activate, but also information about who (second user ID) is making the request. The server will perform authentication and permission checks based on this second user ID, and will only execute the activation process if the request is from a legitimate administrator. This enables strict gift management under organizational control.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, in addition to the activation request by the second user, the condition for activation can be "acceptance of receipt" from the "third user" who actually receives the gift. This process ensures that the physical medium is reliably delivered to the third user and that the third user has accessed it, thus allowing for highly reliable confirmation of the completion of distribution. This prevents fraud and errors such as the first user (distributor) falsely reporting that they have distributed a gift when they have not, leading to the second user mistakenly activating it. In addition, by clearly indicating the recipient's intention to accept the gift, it is possible to avoid forced distribution and problems caused by misdistribution, and to ensure reliable receipt confirmation (reconciliation).

[0101] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, a flow can be realized in which a second user selects items to be activated based on reports from a "first user" who actually distributes physical media. With this mechanism, the second user can perform approval work with a single click or the like based on reports from the first user, without having to manually enter individual URLs, making it practical to use even in large-scale distribution projects (thousands or tens of thousands of items). As a result, even when many distributors (first users) are working individually, administrators can efficiently issue activation instructions by simply checking aggregated reports on the system and selecting items using checkboxes or the like. This allows for seamless linking of on-site activities (distribution) and administrator activities (approval) on the system, achieving both operational efficiency and control.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, the expiration date can be set (started) for the first time at the time of activation of the electronic gift. This ensures that even if the gift card is stored in inventory for a long period from the time of manufacture to distribution, an expiration date of a predetermined period (e.g., 6 months) can be secured from the time of distribution (time of activation). For the recipient, this has the advantage of guaranteeing the period of use after receiving the gift, and for the issuer, it has the advantage of preventing losses (disposal losses) due to expiration during the inventory period.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, when activated, a "gift URL" is issued and assigned, which is different from the activation URL and is the destination for accessing the value itself. This separates the distribution URL (entry point) from the URL for actual value use (exit point), thereby enhancing security. In addition, since the gift URL does not exist (or is inaccessible) until activated, it is possible to prevent fraudulent use through URL guessing attacks, etc.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, when receiving and activating an electronic gift, strict "authentication" can be made mandatory, not just URL access. This prevents unauthorized use by a third party who finds the gift card or by family members, and ensures that only the rightful recipient (third-party user) can reliably receive the gift. This is particularly important in distributions of a public nature, such as government subsidies. Moreover, by performing "identity verification" to confirm that the recipient is a specific individual, it is possible to ensure that the gift is paid to the intended recipient. This also contributes to preventing name matching and duplicate payments.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the gift management system 1 of this embodiment described above, it is possible to detect a "neglected state" where the third user has not accessed (or agreed to receive) the gift for a long period of time despite the second user having requested activation, and to notify the administrator. This allows the second user to follow up by instructing the first user to revisit the third user or contacting the third user, leading to the early detection of missed payments or distribution problems. In other words, it is possible to prevent the fraudulent use of physical electronic gift cards and other similar items, thereby enabling safe and efficient gift management.

[0106] <Variation> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be adopted.

[0107] (Example 1: Recipient of distribution report information) In the above embodiment, the distribution report information from the first user terminal 200 was sent to the gift management server 100, but it may also be sent directly to the second user terminal 300. That is, the second user terminal 300 may obtain the distribution report information, including the activation URL, from the first user terminal 200 used by the first user. For example, this can cover cases where the first user terminal 200 and the second user terminal 300 exchange data via short-range communication (such as Bluetooth), and the second user uploads it to the server in bulk, or cases where offline operations are mixed, such as the first user sending a CSV file to the second user via email, and the second user downloading it to their own terminal, checking it, and then sending instructions to the server.

[0108] (Variation 2: Means of identity verification) The means of authentication in this embodiment are not limited to My Number Card linkage or SMS authentication. For example, the authentication unit 133 may acquire location information from the third user terminal 400 using GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like, and perform authentication (or part thereof) by determining whether the location information is included in a predetermined geographical area (for example, within a specific city or town) that is set in advance as the distribution area for the physical medium of the electronic gift. Alternatively, authentication may be performed by determining whether the third user terminal 400 can receive radio waves from a predetermined Wi-Fi access point or Bluetooth® beacon.

[0109] (Variation 3: Combining identification information and URL) In the above embodiment, the activation URL was displayed on the gift card, but the physical medium of the electronic gift may also include an NFC tag (HF band RFID tag) containing the activation URL information. That is, the activation URL information may be recorded in the memory area of ​​the NFC tag. In this case, the first user (gift distributor) and the third user (gift user) can read the activation URL with the first user terminal 200 or the third user terminal 400, which has an NFC tag reading function, and access the activation URL. This allows multiple activation URLs to be read at once. Furthermore, the activation URL can be read even if it is not visible when it is packaged and printed. In other words, the convenience of reading is improved, and the flexibility of gift card packaging is increased.

[0110] (Modification 4: Conditions for activation) In the above embodiment, three patterns were described as conditions for activation: (1) activation by the gift management server 100 receiving activation request information only, (2) activation by receiving activation request information and acceptance consent information, and (3) activation by receiving activation request information and authentication success. However, (4) the condition for activation may also be that the recipient receives all of the following: activation request information, acceptance consent information, and authentication success.

[0111] (Variation 5: Conditions for activation) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the gift management server 100 obtains activation request information when the second user selects the electronic gift they wish to activate on the activation approval screen displayed on the second user terminal 300 and requests activation. However, instead, the gift management server 100 may obtain activation request information when the second user attaches a predetermined electronic file (such as a CSV file) containing one or more activation URLs to the activation approval screen or sends it via email. With this configuration, the second user can make activation requests by uploading an electronic file such as a CSV file in order to process a large number of distribution reports in a batch. This makes it possible to efficiently process tens of thousands of data entries in large-scale mass distributions, reducing the administrative burden.

[0112] (Example 6: User Identifier) In the above embodiment, the distribution report information included the user ID of the first user as the first user identifier, but the terminal identifier of the first user terminal 200 (e.g., telephone number) may be used as the first user identifier. Similarly, in the activation request information, the terminal identifier of the second user terminal 300 may be used as the second user identifier.

[0113] (Note) The features of the above-described embodiment are noted below. (Note 1) The server performs a storage step in which it stores gift information related to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned, The server obtains activation request information from the second user terminal used by the second user, including the second user identifier of the second user and the activation URL; The activation step involves the server activating the electronic gift based on the activation request information it has obtained, A gift management method that includes [specific features / features]. (Note 2) The server further includes a step of obtaining consent to receive the electronic gift from a third user terminal connected to the server via the activation URL, The activation step is a step in which the server activates the electronic gift in response to having obtained the activation request information and the acceptance consent information. Gift management method as described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The server further includes a distribution report acquisition step that acquires distribution report information, including the activation URL, from the first user terminal used by the first user. The activation request acquisition step is a step in which the server outputs the distribution report information to the second user terminal and acquires the activation request information for the electronic gift identified by the activation URL included in the distribution report information selected by the second user terminal from the distribution report information. Gift management method as described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) The second user terminal further includes a distribution report acquisition step that acquires distribution report information, including the activation URL, from the first user terminal used by the first user. The activation request acquisition step is a step in which the server acquires the activation request information for an electronic gift identified by the activation URL included in the distribution report information selected at the second user terminal from the distribution report information. The gift management method described in one of the appendices 1 to 3. (Note 5) The activation step includes the server setting an expiration date for the electronic gift. The gift management method described in one of the appendices 1 through 4. (Note 6) The activation step includes the server assigning the electronic gift a gift URL with an expiration date set. The gift management method described in one of the appendices 1 through 5. (Note 7) The server further includes an authentication step in which it requests authentication from a third user terminal connected to the server via the activation URL and obtains the authentication result of identity verification or multi-factor authentication of the third user using the third user terminal. The activation step is a step in which the server activates the electronic gift in response to obtaining the activation request information and the authentication result of successful authentication. The gift management method described in any of the appendices 1 through 6. (Note 8) The authentication step involves requesting authentication of the third user using the third user terminal and obtaining the authentication result. Gift management method as described in Appendix 7. (Note 9) The aforementioned authentication step involves requesting at least one of the following as authentication: personal information such as the date of birth of the individual or a relative, a serial code, SNS authentication, email authentication, or SMS authentication, and obtaining the authentication result. Gift management method as described in Appendix 7. (Note 10) The authentication step is a step in which the server obtains the result of the authentication of the person from an external public personal authentication service. Gift management method as described in Appendix 8. (Note 11) The server further includes a notification step of sending a reminder notification to the second user terminal if it is unable to obtain the acceptance consent information within a predetermined period for the electronic gift for which the activation request information has been obtained. Gift management method as described in Appendix 2. (Note 12) The physical medium, which is circulated as an electronic gift and holds the activation URL, further comprises a distribution step in which it is distributed to a third user. The gift management method described in one of the appendices 1 through 11. (Note 13) The server further includes a usage status output step that outputs the usage status of the activated electronic gift to a third user terminal via the gift URL. Gift management method as described in Appendix 6. (Note 14) The activation URL is a code displayed on the physical medium. Gift management method as described in Appendix 12. (Note 15) The activation request acquisition step includes acquiring the activation request information in a predetermined electronic file containing one or more activation URLs. The gift management method described in one of the appendices 1 through 14. (Note 16) A storage unit that stores gift information related to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned, An acquisition unit that acquires activation request information, including the second user identifier and the activation URL of the second user, from the second user terminal used by the second user. An activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, A gift management system equipped with [features / equipment]. (Note 17) A storage unit that stores gift information related to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned, An acquisition unit that acquires activation request information, including the second user identifier and the activation URL of the second user, from the second user terminal used by the second user. An activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, A gift management device equipped with the following features. (Note 18) The process involves storing gift information related to an electronic gift to which an activation URL has been assigned, and A process to obtain activation request information, including the second user identifier and the activation URL of the second user, from the second user terminal used by the second user. A process to activate the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, A program that causes a computer to execute something. (Note 19) A computer-readable recording medium on which the program described in Appendix 18 is recorded. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1: Gift Management System 100: Gift Management Server 110: Communications Department 120: Storage section 130: Processing Unit 131: Acquisition Department 132: Activation Section 133: Authentication Department 134: Output Control Unit 200, 300, 400: User terminals NW: Network

Claims

1. A storage step in which the server stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL containing an identifier for uniquely identifying the electronic gift has been assigned, a first user identifier, and a second user identifier different from the first user identifier. The server obtains distribution report information, including the activation URL, from the first user terminal identified by the first user identifier. The server presents the distribution report information to the second user terminal identified by the second user identifier. The server obtains activation request information from the second user terminal, including the activation URL included in the distribution report information; The activation step involves the server activating the electronic gift based on the activation request information it has obtained, A gift management method having, The activation step includes, as a process for activating the electronic gift, generating a gift URL for using the electronic gift that is different from the activation URL, and associating it with the activation URL included in the electronic gift and the distribution report information. Gift management methods.

2. The server further includes a step of obtaining consent to receive the electronic gift from a third user terminal connected to the server via the activation URL, The activation step is a step in which the server activates the electronic gift in response to having obtained the activation request information and the acceptance consent information. The gift management method according to claim 1.

3. The activation request acquisition step is a step of acquiring the activation request information for an electronic gift identified by the activation URL included in the distribution report information selected at the second user terminal from the distribution report information. The gift management method according to claim 1.

4. The second user terminal further includes a distribution report acquisition step of acquiring distribution report information, including the activation URL, from the first user terminal used by the first user. The activation request acquisition step is a step in which the server acquires the activation request information for an electronic gift identified by the activation URL included in the distribution report information selected at the second user terminal from the distribution report information. The gift management method according to claim 1.

5. The activation step includes the server setting an expiration date for the electronic gift. The gift management method according to claim 1.

6. The activation step includes the server assigning the electronic gift a gift URL with an expiration date set. The gift management method according to claim 1.

7. The server further includes an authentication step in which it requests authentication from a third user terminal connected to the server via the activation URL and obtains the authentication result of identity verification or multi-factor authentication of the third user using the third user terminal. The activation step is a step in which the server activates the electronic gift in response to obtaining the activation request information and the authentication result of successful authentication. The gift management method according to claim 1.

8. The authentication step involves requesting authentication of the third user using the third user terminal and obtaining the authentication result. The gift management method according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned authentication step involves requesting at least one of the following as authentication: personal information such as the date of birth of the individual or a relative, a serial code, SNS authentication, email authentication, or SMS authentication, and obtaining the authentication result. The gift management method according to claim 7.

10. The authentication step is a step in which the server obtains the result of the authentication of the person from an external public personal authentication service. The gift management method according to claim 8.

11. The server further includes a notification step of sending a reminder notification to the second user terminal if it is unable to obtain the acceptance consent information within a predetermined period for the electronic gift for which the activation request information has been obtained. The gift management method according to claim 2.

12. The distribution step further includes the distribution of a physical medium that is circulated as an electronic gift and holds the activation URL to a third user. The gift management method according to claim 1.

13. The server further includes a usage status output step that outputs the usage status of the activated electronic gift to a third user terminal via the gift URL. The gift management method according to claim 6.

14. The activation URL is a code displayed on the physical medium. The gift management method according to claim 12.

15. The activation request acquisition step includes acquiring the activation request information in a predetermined electronic file containing one or more activation URLs. The gift management method according to claim 1.

16. A storage unit that stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL including an identifier for uniquely identifying the electronic gift has been assigned, a first user identifier, and a second user identifier different from the first user identifier, An acquisition unit that acquires distribution report information including the activation URL from a first user terminal identified by the first user identifier, and acquires activation request information including the activation URL contained in the distribution report information from a second user terminal identified by the second user identifier, The second user terminal includes an output control unit that displays the distribution report information, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, Equipped with, The activation unit, as a process for activating the electronic gift, generates a gift URL for using the electronic gift, which is different from the activation URL, and associates it with the activation URL included in the electronic gift and the distribution report information. Gift management system.

17. A storage unit that stores gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL including an identifier for uniquely identifying the electronic gift has been assigned, a first user identifier, and a second user identifier different from the first user identifier, An acquisition unit that acquires distribution report information including the activation URL from a first user terminal identified by the first user identifier, and acquires activation request information including the activation URL contained in the distribution report information from a second user terminal identified by the second user identifier, The second user terminal includes an output control unit that displays the distribution report information, An activation unit that activates the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, Equipped with, The activation unit, as a process for activating the electronic gift, generates a gift URL for using the electronic gift, which is different from the activation URL, and associates it with the activation URL included in the electronic gift and the distribution report information. Gift management device.

18. A process for storing gift information relating to an electronic gift to which an activation URL including an identifier for uniquely identifying the electronic gift has been assigned, a first user identifier, and a second user identifier different from the first user identifier, A process for obtaining distribution report information including the activation URL from a first user terminal identified by the first user identifier, The process of presenting the distribution report information to the second user terminal identified by the second user identifier, The process of obtaining activation request information, including the activation URL included in the distribution report information, from the second user terminal, A process to activate the electronic gift based on the acquired activation request information, A program that causes a computer to execute, The activation process includes, as a process for activating the electronic gift, generating a gift URL for using the electronic gift that is different from the activation URL, and associating it with the activation URL included in the electronic gift and the distribution report information. program.

Images