Point Management System Linking E-Commerce Points to Physical Cards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point service systems do not allow users to utilize points earned in electronic commerce transactions before membership registration at physical shops, limiting the flexibility and usability of these points.
Innovation Solution
A point system that enables the storage and linking of user identification information with membership card information, allowing points earned in electronic commerce to be used after registration, through a system that includes point storage, link request reception, link information registration, and point use permission mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temporary point card is issued at an actual shop before membership registration, then points can be imparted in electronic commerce, but the points cannot be used at the actual shop after registration
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides point management into separate storage areas: one for points earned in electronic commerce and another for points earned at actual shops. The point card stores only the user identifier initially, while the server maintains separate point balances. This segmentation allows flexible usage rules for different point sources without complicating the physical card structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The server acts as an intermediary that links the point card identifier with the user account. When a point use request is made at an actual shop, the server mediates by checking if the user has completed registration and if they have sufficient points from electronic commerce transactions. This intermediary role enables point usage without requiring complex information to be stored on the card itself.
2Reliability
If points are stored only after membership registration, then system security is maintained, but points earned before registration are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing the point card and enabling electronic commerce point accumulation before membership registration is complete. The card is activated for earning points in advance, and the server temporarily holds these points in association with the card identifier. Once registration is completed, the system automatically enables point usage without requiring user intervention to recover or transfer the pre-earned points.
3Reliability
If the system requires membership registration before point usage, then fraud is prevented, but user flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts point usage permissions based on the user's registration status. Initially, the point card is configured to allow only point accumulation in electronic commerce while preventing usage at actual shops. After registration completion, the system automatically transitions the card state to permit both accumulation and usage. This dynamic configuration maintains security while providing flexibility without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A point storage unit stores points, which are imparted to the user in an electronic commerce, in association with user identification information. A link request receiving unit receives a link request for linking user identification information and membership card identification information for identifying a membership card for receiving points imparted at an actual shop. In a case where the link request is received, a link information storage unit stores link information indicating a link between the user identification information and the membership card identification information. In a case where a point use request with a designation of the membership card identification information is received, a use permission unit permits use of the points stored in association with the user identification information linked to the membership card identification information.