JPS6232592A - Service stamp card system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Technical Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to a system for providing various services provided by a store to a customer at the time of buying and selling products, and the present invention relates to a system for providing various services provided by a store to a customer at the time of buying and selling products. The present invention relates to a service stamp card system that records service stamp data and provides services according to the cumulatively recorded service stamp data.

(Technical background of the invention and its problems) The retail industry has traditionally provided various services to acquire customers. Among them, a relatively easy method is that the retail store issues specified service coupons or service stamps (hereinafter referred to as stamps) according to the customer's payment amount, and when the customer collects a specified number of these stamps, the customer receives the stamps in exchange. A widely used method is to provide a predetermined service such as a discount or a gift. Here, these stamps range from small-scale stamps issued independently by each retail store to those that are jointly issued by retailers forming a federation to issue stamps and provide services. Some are even done by large companies that specialize in services. As in the above example, in a service system using stamps issued by a federated organization, company, etc., each member store pays a fee to the issuing entity to receive the stamps, and the customer receives the stamps. Every time a customer makes a purchase at a member store, the member store provides stamps according to the customer's payment amount, and the customer collects the provided stamps and affixes them to a designated mount. Once the number of stamps has been reached, the stamps will be sent to the above-mentioned issuing entity, and this issuing entity will confirm the number of L stamps and provide services such as premiums requested by the customer in accordance with the number on behalf of each member store. ing.

However, in such a service system using stamps, (A) the cost of the stamps and the mounts on which the stamps are affixed is high;

(B) It takes time for the customer to organize the stamps and affix them to the mount, and since the stamps are made of small stamp-like pieces of paper, they are easily lost.

(C) When buying or selling products, member stores must count the small and difficult-to-handle stamps mentioned above and provide a predetermined number of stamps according to the payment amount, which not only puts a great burden on store staff but also overloads the cash register. Difficult to flow smoothly.

(D) When a customer receives a designated premium or other service, the issuing entity must accurately confirm the quantity of stamps affixed to the mount sent by the customer, and must also collect In order to erase the value of stamps, it is necessary to destroy or incinerate them, which is very time-consuming.

(E) Furthermore, it is impossible for the issuing entity and member stores to accurately grasp the number of stamps collected and shopping trends of each customer, and it is impossible to perform detailed management of the customers.

There are many other problems.

(Object of the invention) This invention was made under the above circumstances,
The purpose of this invention is to use a card with a memory instead of the above-mentioned stamps and record service stamp data in the memory section of this card, thereby reducing the effort of customers, member stores, and issuing entities, and enabling detailed customer management. Our goal is to provide a service stamp card system that allows you to:

(Summary of the Invention) When assigning value during commercial activities, this invention checks the authenticity of magnetic cards distributed to customers with identification numbers recorded in advance, and cumulatively records predetermined value data. The date and time data at the time when the value data reached a predetermined value are also recorded, printed and output, and the value corresponding to the cumulatively recorded predetermined value data is provided to the customer.

(Embodiments of the Invention) FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an overview of a service providing method using the service stamp card system of the present invention.

In the same figure, one issuing body is made of, for example, a magnetic card, and issues a mask card with a predetermined number of service stamps written and recorded in its magnetic recording part (Step SlO).
This recorded mask card is distributed to each member store affiliated with the above service system (step Sit).

Each member store pays the price (step 52G),
Receive the above mask card.

In addition to this mask card, each member store must also have a stamp terminal that has been lent or purchased from the above issuing entity (
(described later) is equipped with a stamp terminal, which reads the number of stamps recorded in the magnetic recording section of the mask card by inserting the mask card into the stamp terminal, and stores the data in the memory section of the stamp terminal. At the same time as recording this data (step S21), the data in the magnetic recording section of the master card is erased (step S22) to disable reuse of this mask card.Meanwhile, each member store stores, for example, a magnetic card. It has a magnetic recording section that can record an identification number, the number of service stamps provided, etc. as a customer memory, and a customer card (described later) with an identification number recorded in the magnetic recording section for each customer. (Steps S23 and S24)
).

Each time a customer makes a purchase, he/she brings a customer card with this identification number recorded on it, and when the clerk (operator) inserts this card into the stamp terminal (step S25), this terminal operates as described below. Read the characteristics of the above card and check its authenticity.

Then, when the operator inputs the number of service stamps corresponding to the shopping amount using the numeric keys on the terminal, the number of service stamps stored in the memory section of the stamp terminal is insufficient compared to the number of stamps entered from the numeric keys. If the number of service stamps cannot be subtracted (step 52B), the process returns to step S21 and the number of service stamps is re-stored in the memory of this terminal by inserting a new master card as described above. If the number of service stamps stored is sufficient in S28, the stamp terminal subtracts the input number of service stamps from the number of service stamps stored in its memory and stores it again. Step 527): Add the number of service stamps input by the operator from the numeric keypad to the issuance method service stamp number data recorded in the magnetic recording section of the customer card and re-record the data to update the service stamp number data. At the same time (step S30), the number of stamps is displayed on the display to notify the customer. Furthermore, as will be described later, each time the number of service stamps recorded on the magnetic recording section of this customer card reaches a predetermined number of layers, the date is recorded on the magnetic recording section of this customer card, and at the same time, the cumulative total at that point is If the number of stamps is printed out and returned to the customer along with the card, the customer will know the JI calculation of the number of stamps he/she has collected.

Then, when this date is recorded a predetermined number of times (the number of service stamps reaches a predetermined number).

The customer receives a new customer card, and also sends the customer card on which the number of service stamps has reached the predetermined number of prize exchanges to the issuing entity, and can enjoy services such as predetermined prizes (step S+3.S31
).

In steps 525-327 and S30, as described later, when the customer card is inserted into the stamp terminal, the customer's identification number is read along with the service stamp number data recorded on the customer card. If data on the number of service stamps corresponding to the purchase amount and the identification number of the affiliated store are transferred and stored in a personal computer (PC) etc. externally connected to the stamp terminal, the issuer and each Affiliated stores can use this stored data to understand customer shopping trends, etc., and based on this data, each affiliate store can develop new sales strategies and perform fine-grained customer management.

That is, in the service stamp card system of the present invention, the above-mentioned services can be provided using only data magnetically recorded in the magnetic recording part of a magnetic card like the customer card, without using pieces of paper like the above-mentioned stamps. From the issuance and provision of service stamps to the exchange of them for prizes, the above-mentioned issuing entities and member stores will reduce the burden on customers, and by carefully managing this data, they will be able to provide services that are equivalent to or better than before. This is something that can be provided.

Here, the structure and operation of the stamp terminal used in the above-described service stamp card system, the customer card made of a magnetic card, and its counterfeit card checking mechanism will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) show external views of the stamp terminal 100 and its customer display 200 used in the present invention, and the internal configuration thereof is as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the stamp terminal 100 is driven by inserting and operating a key owned by the operator into the key switch 114, and the stamp terminal +00 is operated by the CPU l
l0 performs overall control. This CP
U110 has an RO that stores programs, etc.
l, has an area for storing the number of stamps read from the mask card and an area for storing the customer identification number and the number of stamps provided on that day for every customer each time the customer shops; RAM 112 that stores data necessary for information processing such as dates
A magnetic card is used to write and record necessary data such as an identification number when issuing a customer card consisting of a magnetic card, to read data on the customer card when shopping, and to write data such as the number of service stamps. A card association reader/writer lO (described later) inserts the customer card l inserted into the insertion/exit port 104 into the magnetic card reader/writer lO.
A card transport mechanism 115 is connected to carry the card into O and eject (return) the card to the insertion/export port 104. Also, C.P.
ll 110 includes a keyboard 101 for inputting data such as the number of service stamps to be provided to the customer, a keyboard 101 for inputting data such as the number of service stamps to be provided to the customer, and displaying data such as the number of service stamps input manually with the customer display 21200, which is read from the mask card and stored. A built-in display bag consisting of a liquid crystal display, lamp, etc. that also displays data such as the number of service stamps that can be issued, etc.A103. Prints at a predetermined time and issues a record to notify the customer of the number of service stamps, etc. A printer 102 is connected.
To is connected to a buzzer 113 that sounds an alarm such as "card reading OK", "reading failure", "insufficient number of service stamps", etc., and also connects to an externally connected personal computer or center computer. An interface 11B that exchanges information in batch processing once a day is connected. Furthermore, the CPU
110 is a counterfeit card check sensor (described later) 2 for checking forgery of the inserted customer card 1;
0 is connected, and the above-mentioned devices and the like are mutually connected via a pass line 117.

By the way, in this invention, even if the affiliated store does not provide printed service stamps as in the past, service stamps can be provided by magnetically recording service stamp number data on the magnetic recording section of the customer card 1. I'm trying to get it. Therefore, in the present invention, the provision of the service stamp as described above is realized by software in the configuration as described above.

That is, first in step S21 in FIG.

For example, when a mask card (not shown) made of a magnetic card such as the customer card 1 shown in FIGS. The card is transported to the magnetic card reader/writer IO, and as described later, the authenticity of this master card is checked by the counterfeit card check sensor 20, and then the service stamp recorded in the magnetic recording section of this master card is stamped. The number is 10 magnetic card reader/writers.
and stored in the RAM 112.

At this time, if the number of service stamps is already stored in this RAM 112, it will be added to that data and stored again. In step S22 of FIG. 1, after reading the data, the reader/writer 10 erases the data in the magnetic recording section of the master card and performs an invalidation process, such as drilling a hole, to make it unusable. It can also be discharged from the insertion/export port 104.

Next, when the operator inserts the customer card 1 into the insertion outlet 104 at the time of shopping payment shown in steps S25 to S27 and S30 in FIG. Read card specific data and use magnetic card reader/writer 10 at the same time
The identification number and the total number of service stamps recorded in the magnetic recording section of this customer card 1 are read, and the authenticity of this card 1 is checked by performing the processing described below.
If it is "false", that fact will be displayed on the display devices 103 and 200, and a warning will be issued by the buzzer 113, and the card will be ejected (returned).If it is confirmed that it is "true", then the above-mentioned procedure will be carried out. On the other hand, if the number of service stamps corresponding to the shopping amount input by the operator from the keyboard 101 is within the number of service stamps stored in the RAM 112, this RAM
Subtract the number of stamps manually entered with this key from the data of 112 and store it again, and add the number of stamps manually entered with this key to the service stamp number data recorded in the 51-key record section of the customer card l. The above reader/writer
At the same time as writing and re-recording at R, these data are displayed on the display devices 103 and 200 for confirmation by the customer, and then discharged (returned) from the insertion exit 104.
If the number of service stamps stored in AM +12 is insufficient compared to the number of stamps manually entered by the above key,
Displays and issues an alarm to that effect only to the operator, prompts the operator to input data from the mask card as described above, and
The data of the customer card as described above is transmitted to an externally connected personal computer or the like via the interface 11B, and is separately aggregated, analyzed, and utilized as described above.

Here, each time the number of service stamps recorded on the card 1 exceeds a predetermined number, for example 100, the stamp terminal 100 stores the date counted by a clock circuit (not shown) in the RA) 1112, and also stores the date on the card 1. The information is recorded on the magnetic recording section 2 of 1. As a result, even when using the stamp terminal offline, by collecting the magnetic data of the customer card when exchanging prizes,
You can get the customer's shopping frequency data. Furthermore, by printing out the date and the number of service stamps using the printer 102 and handing it to the customer, it is possible to inform the customer of the number of stamps he or she owns. Furthermore, when the number of service stamps a that can be recorded on the card l reaches a predetermined number, a new customer card can be issued.

Next, a customer card and its counterfeit card checking mechanism will be explained. Figures 4(A) and 4(B) show the shape of a customer card made of a magnetic card used in this invention, with Figure 4(A) showing the front side and Figure 4(B) showing the back side. There is. In FIGS. 4(A) and (B), 1 is the above-mentioned customer card, and a magnetic recording section 2 is provided along the longitudinal direction at the upper center of the front side, and a longitudinal magnetic recording section 2 is provided at the lower center of the back side. Along the direction, an invisible light distinguishable recording section consisting of a timing mark 3 and a card-specific data mark 4 is provided. In FIG. 4, the invisible light identification recording section and the magnetic recording section 2 are arranged on the reflective surface of the card, but they may be the same. Alternatively, it is similar to full-surface magnetism, and records variable data such as each customer's identification number, number of service stamps, security data, etc. The invisible light identification recording section has two types of marks,
That is, it consists of a timing mark 3 and a card-specific data mark 4, and these data are recorded by printing using invisible light absorbing ink.

Figure 5 shows the spectral characteristics of invisible light absorbing ink, and 5 is an ink that absorbs in the invisible light region, that is, the infrared region with a wavelength of 700 #Lg or more, such as IR-750 manufactured by Kuchiki Kayaku 111. , 770, 840, etc. in a vehicle, and this ink 5 is used to print and record the timing mark 3 and card-specific data mark 4 in FIG. 4(B) at predetermined positions on the card surface. . The illustrated ink 5 has some light absorption even in the visible range, so the mark 3.4 is visible, so in order to hide it, cover printing is performed on the mark 3.4 using a visible light absorbing ink 6. This visible light absorbing ink 6 needs to have low absorbency in the infrared region. In the infrared region, there is no clearly distinguishable difference in properties between Biped Inks 5 and 6, according to mark 3.4 above.
This is because it cannot be read.

FIG. 6 shows how to print the timing mark 3 and card-specific data mark 4 shown in FIG. Then, ink 6 with low absorption (high reflectance) in the invisible light region is printed on it in order to hide the mark 3.4. Printing for concealment can be done by printing on the entire surface, but if you print an irregular JIQ arbitrary pattern, the effect of concealing the mark is even more remarkable. Mark 3 is not visible, and therefore the presence of marks 3 and 4 is not clearly recognized.The mark recording surface of card 1 is irradiated with infrared rays by a projector, and the infrared reflected light from the card surface is reflected. The mark 3.4 can be read by detecting it with a light receiver.

FIG. 7 shows the spectral characteristics of the light projector and light receiver, where A is that of the light receiver and a to C are those of the light projector. The characteristic of the receiver is that the peak is approximately 800 laps, and the emitter has a 700JL layer, 300L 1 and 1
Three types with a peak of 000 μL are shown, but in reality, the one with a peak of 900 μL is considered to be the best.

FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) conceptually show the flow of data regarding the writing of data to the magnetic recording section 2 of the customer card 1 consisting of a magnetic card and the reading of data from the card 1. It is. Stamp terminal 100 above
To show an example of writing magnetic data such as the identification number and the number of service stamps to the customer card 1, first, when writing to the customer card 1, as shown in FIG. 8(A), Predetermined card-specific data read from the mark 3.4 that has been printed and recorded in the mark recording section of the card L in advance, and variable data to be newly recorded in the magnetic recording section 2, for example, the number of input service stamps, 20. After converting it into security data according to the algorithm, the magnetic recording section 2
The variable data is written to the magnetic recording section 2 as it is, and the data is read from this method 1 as shown in FIG. 8 CB).
Among the data read from the magnetic recording section 2, the variable data is converted into security data according to a predetermined algorithm together with the card-specific data read from the mark recording section, and compared with the security data read from the card I. This determines whether the read card 1 is a genuine customer card or a counterfeit card.

FIG. 9 shows a magnetic card reader/writer IO for writing data to and reading data from the magnetic card 1 shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), and printing on the card 1. This figure shows the configuration of a counterfeit card check sensor 20, etc., which reads the above-mentioned unique data and checks counterfeiting. In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a magnetic card reader/writer for writing data into the IjiX recording section 2 of the customer card 1 and reading data from the magnetic recording section 2; magnetic reader rad 12
．． Magnetic data writing circuit 13 and magnetic data reading circuit 14
has. Further, 20 is a counterfeit card check sensor, and a floodlight 21. Photoreceiver 22 and unique data reading circuit 2
It has 3. Furthermore, 30 is an MPU section formed by a microprocessor, etc., and 40 is an external unit. It is located at c.

To write data to the magnetic recording section 2 of the customer card l in the magnetic card reader/writer 10 of the stamp terminal 100 having such a configuration, first, the unique data of the card 1 is read by the counterfeit card check sensor 20 and the card l is checked. Check authenticity. Furthermore, the magnetic card readout 12 is transferred from the magnetic recording unit 2 to the magnetic card reading reader/writer 10.
reads the service stamp number data recorded on the card l, obtains the service stamp number data stored in the RAIII 112 and the service stamp number data input from the keyboard 101, and then outputs the service stamp number data to MPUP4O.
10 subtraction processing is performed to create variable data to be written, and MPUP4O10 security data is created from the previously read card specific data and the variable data. Then, the variable data and security data to be newly written are magnetically written into the magnetic recording section 2 of the card L using the RAD 11.
write to.

When the customer card 1 with data written in this way is applied to the magnetic card Φ reader/writer 10, the card l is sent in the scanning direction by a scanning mechanism (not shown) and is read by the magnetic card reader/writer 10. Both variable data and security data are read by the RAD 12 and sent to the MPUP 4O10 via the magnetic data reading circuit 14. On the other hand, in the counterfeit card check sensor 20, the surface of the magnetic card is illuminated by the light projector 21, and the reflected light is detected by the light receiver 22 and sent to the MPUP 4O10 via the unique data reading circuit 23. MPUP4O10, the variable data and unique data read from the above card 1
The 4pu unit 30 converts the data into security data according to a predetermined algorithm, and the security data read from the card I is also provided to the MPUP4O10.

The security data obtained by MPUP4O10 conversion is compared with the read security data, and depending on whether the two match, an output is generated indicating whether this card is a genuine customer card or a counterfeit card. death,
The authenticity of this card 1 will be checked.

(Modified example of the invention) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the operator inputs the number of service stamps according to the customer's shopping amount by operating the keyboard of the stamp terminal at the time of shopping. If the stamp terminal is connected to an electronic cash register or POS system via an interface and the number of service stamps issued for the shopping amount is stored in advance in the memory section of the stamp terminal, the number of service stamps issued for the shopping amount will be input into the electronic cash register or POS system when the customer pays for shopping. According to the purchase amount data, the stamp terminal can automatically write and record the number of service stamps to be issued on the inserted customer card.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as a method for the customer to know the number of service stamps provided, each time the number of stamps reaches a predetermined value, the customer prints out the stamps and provides them. , may be printed, filled in, or punched.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each member store paid a fee and received a mask card with a predetermined number of service stamps recorded from the issuing entity. If the stamp terminal is connected online, the issuing entity can detect the number of service stamps issued by the affiliated store without using the mask card, and may bill for the price later.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, an example was shown in which a service stamp is provided when a customer goes shopping, but this is not limited to shopping, but can be used in a broader sense, such as when developing a film or using an amusement park. Needless to say, it can be used to distribute value when buying and selling products or during commercial activities.

Additionally, in the above-described embodiment, a large-scale example was shown in which the issuing entity performs the service provision work on behalf of the retail store, but it goes without saying that the retail store can directly perform the service provision work.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a magnetic card was used as a memory medium for recording data regarding a mask card and a customer card.
It goes without saying that the C card can also be used in the same way.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, according to the service stamp card system of the present invention, (A) A magnetic card with a memory function is used as a customer card, and when shopping, a stamp terminal stores data in the memory section according to the shopping amount. Since the number of service stamps is simply recorded magnetically, the above-mentioned stamps and the mounts on which these stamps are affixed are unnecessary, making it economical.

(B) The customer does not need to organize the stamps and affix them to the mount, and since the customer card is a suitable size, for example, the size of a cash card, there is no need to worry about losing it.

(C) At member stores, when a customer pays for their shopping, they can provide a predetermined number of service stamps according to the purchase amount with a simple operation of inputting from the keys on the stamp terminal, and there is no burden on each store employee, and there is no burden on the cashier. It will flow smoothly.

(D) When a customer receives a service such as a specified premium, the issuing entity simply reads the data recorded in the memory section of the customer card sent by the customer with a magnetic card reader/writer. Since the number of stamps can be accurately confirmed and the card can be invalidated at the same time after being read, there is no need to discard or incinerate the card.

(E) In addition, since each customer's identification number is recorded on the customer card as described above, by simply reading this identification number together with the number of service stamps provided at the time of shopping payment, the issuing entity and member stores can It is possible to accurately capture the number of service stamps collected by each customer and their shopping trends, and it is possible to perform fine-grained management of customers, and it is possible to digitize and systemize the entire service provision system, including the exchange of prizes. .

(F) Also, this invention rewrites and records the cumulative number of service stamps 81a in the memory section of the customer card, and
By recording the date when the cumulative number of stamps reaches a predetermined amount in the memory section of this card, the data in the card memory can be collected when exchanging prizes even if the stamp terminal is used as a standalone. This allows data on customer shopping trends to be collected and customer management to be performed at low cost.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Figure 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the service stamp card system of this invention, Figures (A) and (B) are external views of a stamp terminal and its customer card used in this invention, and Figure 3 is an external view of this stamp terminal. 4(A) and (B) are a diagram and table diagram of a customer card used in this invention, and FIGS. 5 to 9 are a forgery prevention system for customer cards. FIG. l...Customer card, 2...Magnetic recording section, 3...
Timing mark, 4...Card specific data mark,
IO...Magnetic card reader/writer, 20...Counterfeit card check sensor, +00...Stamp terminal. 2nd mouth 3rd figure 4 figure 5 figure L 6 figure 1 wavelength (μm) stone 7 figure

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) When assigning value during commercial activities, predetermined value data is cumulatively recorded on a memory card distributed to the customer in advance, and value corresponding to the predetermined value data that has been cumulatively recorded is provided to the customer. A service stamp card system that is characterized by: (2) The service stamp card system according to claim 1, wherein an identification number is recorded in advance when distributing the memory card. (3) The service stamp card system according to claim 1, wherein the authenticity of the memory-equipped card is checked when predetermined value data is cumulatively recorded on the memory-equipped card. (4) When predetermined value data is cumulatively recorded on the memory-equipped card, date and time data at the time when the value data reaches a predetermined value are recorded on the memory-equipped card and printed and output. The service stamp card system described in Scope No. 1.