JPH09212741A - Point card system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform point service for every shop at a low cost and to reduce the time and labor in the case of sales by cards. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a card provided with a data recording area where at least the individual identification data of membership number or the like are recorded, and usable in plural shops in which the payment of a charge is able to be performed without cash by reading the data in the data recording area at the time of shopping, a card transaction terminal equipment 2 provided with a read means 5 for reading the data in the data area for inquiring of a host computer 1 through a communication channel about the propriety of the sales by the card and a personal computer 3 connected to the card transaction terminal equipment 2. Then, points corresponding to the money amount of the sales authenticated in the host computer 1 and the sales by the cash are recorded in the personal computer 3 based on the individual identification data or added to the points recorded in the personal computer 3 based on the individual identification data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a card which enables cashless payment by reading data in a data recording area when shopping, and which can be used at a plurality of stores (for example, The present invention relates to a point card system which enables a point service for each store by using a credit card, a bank card, etc.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As is well known, in retail stores and restaurants, in order to secure customers and increase sales volume, points are awarded to customers according to the amount of sales, and when the accumulated points exceed a certain level, There is a point service that provides services such as free gifts and discounts.

[0003] In the point service, before, a ticket for points corresponding to the amount of sales is given to a customer, the customer attaches the ticket to a predetermined mount, and the accumulated points of the tickets attached to the mount have a predetermined number of points. In the above cases, it was common for the customer to bring the mount to the store and receive the service in exchange for the mount, but in this case, it takes time to attach the ticket to the mount, and it is easy to lose the ticket. There was such a problem.

Therefore, recently, a point card system using a magnetic card, an IC card or the like is becoming popular. In this system, points are recorded on a magnetic card or IC card with a machine and handed to the customer. When the customer makes the next purchase, the points recorded on the card are read by the machine and points newly added to this point. If the accumulated points do not reach the prescribed number of points, the points are recorded on the card, and if the accumulated points are equal to or greater than the prescribed number of points, customers are offered services such as discounts to settle the points, I try to write the extra points on the card.

In the case of this system, not only the above problems can be solved, but also the cumulative points can be notified to the customer on the spot and the service can be performed immediately, so that the customer's willingness to purchase can be improved and sales can be effectively increased. Contribute to.

[0006]

However, in order to issue such a point card, a large amount of money is required, and it is difficult to carry out at a small-scale store. Note that credit cards and bank cards cannot be used for this system because writing of data is prohibited.

Further, the card and equipment used in this system are exclusively for point services, and in the case of sales by credit card etc., processing of the point card is required in addition to processing of that card, which is troublesome. There was a problem that it took.

[0008] Although credit companies provide a point service that gives points according to the amount of sales, since points are not aggregated for each store, it is possible to secure customers at individual stores and increase sales. It did not contribute effectively.

The present invention was devised in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to realize a point service for each store at a low cost and to reduce the time and effort required for sales by card. To provide a card system.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the point card system of the present invention has a data recording area in which personal identification data such as a membership number is recorded, and the data recording area is provided at the time of shopping. A card which enables cash payment by reading the data of the card, which has a reading means for reading the data in the data area of the card, which can be used at a plurality of stores, A card transaction terminal device for inquiring of a host computer through a communication line whether or not the sale is possible, and a personal computer connected to the card transaction terminal device. The amount of sales authenticated by the host computer and sales in cash. Based on the personal identification data, the points according to are recorded in the personal computer. It is characterized in that it has to be added to the points stored in the personal computer on the basis of the personal identification data.

Although the type and format of the card are not particularly limited, for example, a credit card, a bank card, a prepaid card or the like can be used.

[0012]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The point card system shown in FIG. 1 uses a credit card, and a card transaction terminal device 2 connected to a host computer 1 via a telephone line, and an RS card in this card transaction terminal device 2.
A personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as a personal computer) 3 connected in real time via the -232C and the like, and a printer 4 connected to the personal computer 3.

On a magnetic stripe as a data recording area of a credit card, personal identification data such as name, member number and password are magnetically recorded, and data such as credit data indicating a credit line is magnetically recorded.

The card transaction terminal device 2 includes a card reader 5 as reading means for reading data magnetically recorded on a magnetic stripe of a card, and a CPU 6 for executing various processes.
A ROM 7 in which programs used by the CPU 6 for various processes are stored; a RAM 8 for storing data read by the card reader 5 and execution results of various processes; sales data such as sales amount and payment method; , Sales registration, input operation unit 9 for inputting various instructions such as inquiries on whether or not sales can be made with a card, a display 10 for displaying input contents of the input operation unit 9 and execution results of various processes, and issuing a slip Printer 11 and a modem 12 that controls communication between the CPU 6 and the host computer 1.

The personal computer 3 includes a CPU 13 for executing various processes, a ROM 14 in which programs used by the CPU 13 for various processes are stored, and a work R.
AM15, a keyboard 16 for inputting various processing instructions and various data, a display 17 for displaying input contents of the keyboard 16 and execution results of various processing, a floppy disk device 18, and given according to sales amount A hard disk 20 having a customer information file 19 for recording the points to be recorded for each individual identification data.

The host computer 1 is provided with a control device 21 for controlling the whole thereof and a storage device 22 for storing credit card owner data, sales data transmitted from each terminal device, and the like. The control device 21 is connected to a plurality of card transaction terminal devices via a telephone line, and is also connected to the storage device 22.

Next, the processing procedure when the point service is provided by the above point card system will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the case of card sales will be described. When the operator presses the system start key of the input operation unit 9 of the card transaction terminal device 2, the card transaction terminal device 2 is connected to the personal computer 3, and the display 10
Is switched to the point confirmation screen, and the preset point conversion rate and the store points given at the store are displayed on the display 10 (step # 5). If there is no change in this set value, the confirmation key of the input operation unit 9 is pressed. When changing the set value, the change is made on the personal computer 3, and if the changed set value displayed on the display 10 is not changed, the confirmation key is pressed (steps # 10, # 1).
5).

Display 1 by pressing the confirmation key
0 is switched to the process selection screen as shown in FIG. 3, and various menus are displayed. When a menu for adding points is selected from among these, the display 10 is switched to a screen for selecting whether the payment method is card or cash. In this case, a payment method using a card is selected (step # 2)
0). Next, the card reader 5 is caused to read the data recorded on the magnetic stripe of the credit card (step # 25), and sales data such as the sales amount and the payment method are input from the input operation unit 9 (step # 30). These data are stored in the RAM 8 and transmitted to the personal computer 3 in real time.

When the data necessary for sales registration such as sales data and personal identification data are prepared, the card transaction terminal device 2 sends the data to the host computer 1 via the telephone line by the modem 12. The host computer 1 judges whether the card can be sold or not based on the data transmitted from the card transaction terminal device 2 and the card holder information stored in the storage device 22 in advance, and the judgment result is determined by the telephone line. Is transmitted to the card transaction terminal device 2 via (step # 35).

When the sales are authenticated by the host computer 1, the sales data is recorded in the storage device 22 of the host computer 1. And in the personal computer 3, the CPU
13 retrieves whether or not points are recorded in the customer information file 19 based on the personal identification data, and if recorded, the points are read into the RAM 15. And the point according to the amount of sales is RAM1
5 is added to the points stored in 5, and the points up to the previous time, the points by the current sales, and the accumulated points are displayed on the display 10 of the card transaction terminal device 2.
If the personal identification data is not recorded in the customer information file 19, the points up to the previous time are not displayed (steps # 40, # 45).

Then, when the operator presses the confirmation key of the input operation section 9, the points recorded in the customer information file 19 are updated to the accumulated points displayed on the display 10. If the personal identification data is not recorded in the customer information file 19, it is newly recorded based on the personal identification data (step # 5).
0). Finally, the printer 11 of the card transaction terminal device 2
In addition to the normally printed data such as name, member number, credit company name, sales amount, etc., a voucher that prints the current points and cumulative points is issued (step # 5).
5). If the host computer 1 does not authenticate the sales, the display 17 indicates that the transaction is not possible, and the processes of steps # 45 to # 55 are not performed (step # 60).

Next, the case of sales by cash will be described. The processing from step # 5 to step # 15 is the same as in the case of card sales. When the point addition menu is selected on the process selection screen of FIG. 3, the screen switches to a screen asking whether the payment method is card or cash. In this case, cash is selected (step # 20).

When the card reader 5 is made to read the data of the card (step # 65), the CPU 13 of the personal computer 3
Is the customer information file 19 based on the personal identification data.
Whether or not the points are recorded is searched. If the points are recorded, the points are read into the RAM 15 and displayed on the display 10 of the card transaction terminal device 2 (step # 70). If the personal identification data is not recorded in the customer information file 19, it is not displayed on the display 10. When the sales amount is input from the input operation unit 9 of the card transaction terminal device 2 (step # 7
5) The points according to the sales amount are added to the points stored in the RAM 15, and the points by the current sales and the accumulated points are displayed on the display 10.
(Step # 80).

Then, when the operator presses the confirmation key of the input operation section 9, the points recorded in the customer information file 19 are updated to the accumulated points displayed on the display 10. If the personal identification data is not recorded in the customer information file 19, it is newly recorded based on the personal identification data (step # 5).
0). Finally, the printer 11 of the card transaction terminal device 2
A voucher with the sales amount, current points, and total points printed is issued (step # 55).

When the accumulated points reach or exceed the specified value and the customer desires to exchange for services such as discounts and premiums,
The point exchange menu is selected on the process selection screen of FIG. When the card reader 5 is caused to read the card data, the CPU 13 of the personal computer 3 reads the current valid points from the customer information file 19 into the RAM 15, and the points are displayed on the display 10 of the card transaction terminal device 2. If you input points for exchange on the input operation unit 9,
The display 10 displays points obtained by subtracting service points from the current valid points. When the confirmation key of the input operation unit 9 is pressed, the data in the customer information file 19 is updated, and the printer 11 issues a slip in which the exchange points and the points after settlement are printed.

To confirm the current valid points, select the point inquiry menu on the process selection screen of FIG. When the card reader 5 is made to read the data of the card, the valid points and the expired points are displayed on the display 10. When the input key of the input operation unit 9 is pressed,
The printer 11 issues a slip in which the valid points are printed.

In the case of giving the visit point, the menu of the visit point is selected on the process selection screen of FIG. When the card reader 5 is caused to read the card data, the current point is displayed on the display 10. Then, when the determined visiting point is input, the visiting point and the accumulated points are displayed on the display 10. When the confirmation key of the input operation unit 9 is pressed, the data in the customer information file is updated and the printer 11 issues a slip with the accumulated points printed.

When the work of the day is completed, the data recorded on the hard disk 20 is recorded on the floppy disk stored in the floppy disk device 18. In this way, even if the personal computer 3 breaks down, the data up to the previous day will not be lost. Further, the data for today is stored in the RAM 8 of the card transaction terminal device 2 and does not disappear until the power of the card transaction terminal device 2 is turned off. Therefore, almost complete data backup can be performed, and the loss of data due to the failure of the personal computer 3 can be reliably prevented.

The personal computer 3 is used for product analysis, customer management,
It can also be used for sales promotion. For example, based on the data recorded in the customer information file 19, a customer list by point level (by region, age, gender) and a customer visit record table by customer are created, and when the customer purchases the product or sends a direct mail. To be used as a reference when making a record, to record customer's date of birth, hobbies, family composition, etc. in the customer information file 19 and to introduce birthday services, customer hobbies, products according to the family, etc. Can be considered.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a plurality of card transaction terminal devices 2 are connected to the personal computer 3, and whichever card transaction terminal device 2 is used, the points recorded in the personal computer 3 are added, and the accumulated points are added to the card transaction terminal device. It is possible to know it on the display 10 of 2. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. This system is applied to, for example, a store having a plurality of cash registers.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the card transaction terminal devices 2 of a plurality of stores are connected to a personal computer 3 installed at the headquarters via a telephone line or the like, and no matter which store the card transaction terminal device 2 is used, the personal computer 3 records the data. The added points are added and the accumulated points can be known on the display 10 of the card transaction terminal device 2. Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. This system is applied, for example, to a case having a plurality of chain stores.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, a plurality of stores each have a plurality of card transaction terminal devices 2, and each card transaction terminal device 2 has a personal computer 3 installed in each store by a personal computer 23 installed in each store. Connected to the card transaction terminal device 2 of any store, the points added to the personal computer 3 are added, and the accumulated points can be known on the display 10 of the card transaction terminal device 2. ing. This system is applied, for example, in the case of having a plurality of large chain stores.

[0034]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since there is no need to issue a new card and the system configuration is extremely simple, point services for each store can be realized at low cost. Further, in the case of sales by card, the processing of the card and the processing of the points can be linked with each other, so that the labor can be reduced. Furthermore, the personal computer can be used for customer management and product analysis.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a point card system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when a point service is performed using the point card system of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display (process selection screen) of the card transaction terminal device.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 host computer 2 card transaction terminal device 3 personal computer 5 card reader (reading means)

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A card which has a data recording area in which personal identification data such as a membership number is recorded and which enables cashless payment by reading the data in the data recording area at the time of shopping. And a card transaction terminal device that can be used in a plurality of stores and that has a reading means for reading data in the data area of the card, and that inquires the host computer through the communication line whether the card can sell. A personal computer connected to the card transaction terminal device,
The points according to the amount of sales and cash sales authenticated by the host computer are recorded in the personal computer based on the personal identification data, or the points recorded in the personal computer based on the personal identification data are recorded. A point card system characterized by adding up. 2. The point card system according to claim 1, wherein the card is a credit card.