JP4177650B2 - Unique number generation device, generation method, generation program and recording medium thereof, and application processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a system for a purchaser to apply for a campaign through the Internet in a campaign accompanying product purchase, and more particularly to a method for generating a unique number used for application.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In campaigns associated with product purchases and the like, a system is known that performs application and point registration for purchasers through the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Specifically, a campaign organizer or the like generates an application number and attaches the application number in a form such as a seal to a product such as a can or bottle of soft drink. The purchaser of the product accesses the designated application reception site via the Internet from a personal computer or mobile terminal, etc., enters the application number printed on the sticker attached to the product, etc. to apply for the campaign or register points Do.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-230389 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above application processing system, a technique of including a check digit of several digits in the application number has been adopted as a countermeasure against forgery or unauthorized use of the application number. In other words, by hiding a few digits check digit in the application number affixed to the product, and accepting the application from the purchaser, by checking the consistency of the check digit in the application number entered by the purchaser, The validity of the application number was confirmed.
[0006]
However, in this method, it is not impossible for a malicious person to obtain a plurality of application numbers generated with the same logic and analyze the relevance of the application numbers to find out the logic. In other words, if the logic of the application number is clarified, it becomes possible to generate an application number illegally and apply without purchasing the product.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and by randomly setting a numerical value that can be generated within the number of digits of the number to be issued, the regularity of the number generation is removed, and the number is generated illegally. The purpose is to provide a number generation method that makes it impossible and an application processing system using it.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In one aspect of the present invention, the unique number generation device includes a random number generation unit that generates a random number, and the random number into a random number of N digits (N is a predetermined integer) of X digits (X is a predetermined integer). Conversion means for converting, and among the random numbers, A random number that includes a part where the same letter or number continues three or more timesInappropriate random numberAsExclusion means to exclude,Storage means for storing a unique code conversion table prepared in advance and converting the random number for each digit;Refer to the unique code conversion table for the random numbers that are not excluded by the exclusion means.Every digitUnique number generating means for converting to a unique number.
[0009]
According to the unique number generating apparatus, first, random numbers without repetition or bias are generated by the random number generating means, and the random numbers are generated by converting the random numbers into X-digit N-ary numbers. Note that the values of X and N take a predetermined integer value. Next, out of the obtained random numbers, those that are inappropriate as unique numbers that are unique numbers are excluded. Then, the remaining random number is converted into a unique number with reference to the unique code conversion table. In this way, an appropriate unique number can be obtained. Since this unique number is randomly generated regardless of specific logic, it cannot be illegally generated based on a plurality of unique numbers. For example, it can be suitably used as an application number in a campaign or the like. it can.
[0010]
  Also,The exclusion means can exclude a random number including a portion in which the same letter or number continues three or more times as the inappropriate random number. Assuming that the unique number is used as an application number and the applicant inputs the number, the applicant tends to make an input error in a portion where the same letters or numbers continue. Therefore, by excluding the random number including such a part, it is possible to generate a unique number that is unlikely to cause an input error.
[0011]
In another aspect of the unique number generating apparatus, the excluding unit can exclude a random number including a portion in which a combination of the same letters or numbers continues several times as the inappropriate random number. Assuming that the unique number is used as an application number and the applicant inputs it, the applicant is liable to make an input mistake in a portion where the same combination of letters or numbers is repeated a plurality of times. Therefore, by excluding the random number including such a part, it is possible to generate a unique number that is unlikely to cause an input error.
[0012]
In another aspect of the unique number generation device, discontinuous means for converting each of a plurality of consecutive random numbers out of the random numbers into discontinuous random numbers can be further provided. Thereby, when using a unique number as an application number etc., it can prevent making an illegal application by inputting the number which continues to one unique number which the applicant acquired legally.
[0013]
In another aspect of the unique number generation device, the discontinuity unit can calculate a check digit for each of the plurality of consecutive random numbers and insert it into a predetermined digit. Even when there are two consecutive random numbers, the numbers after insertion are discontinuous by calculating the check digit for each and inserting it in a predetermined row. Therefore, it is not necessary to find and remove consecutive numbers by collating a plurality of numbers with each other, and it is possible to easily remove consecutive numbers using a check digit.
[0014]
In another aspect of the unique number generation device, the unique code conversion table may define a correspondence between each numerical value of the predetermined decimal number and a predetermined character or number. Thereby, the obtained random number can be converted into a corresponding numerical sequence based on a predetermined conversion table, and a unique number can be generated. In addition, the unique code conversion table creation method makes it possible to generate an appropriate unique number depending on the situation, for example, not using an alphabet so as to be suitable for input with a mobile phone.
[0015]
In another aspect of the unique number generation device, the unique code conversion table may not include characters or numbers belonging to a predetermined combination of characters and numbers having similar shapes. Thereby, when using a unique number as an application number etc., it becomes possible to prevent an input mistake of an applicant.
[0016]
In another aspect of the unique number generation device, the conversion means may convert the random number into the N-ary number in excess of X digits, by the number of digits exceeding X digits. Remove random letters or numbers. As a result, a multi-digit random number can be easily converted into an X-digit random number.
[0017]
In another aspect of the present invention, in the application processing system, the above unique number generation device, an application number storage device that stores a plurality of unique numbers generated by the unique number generation device as application numbers, and the unique number generation A means for assigning a plurality of unique numbers generated by the device to individual products as application numbers, and the application number input by the purchaser of the products are compared with the application numbers stored in the application number storage device, and they match. Application receiving means for receiving only the applied application number.
[0018]
According to the above application processing system, the unique number generated by the unique number generating device is stored and assigned to individual products. The purchaser of the product purchases the product and knows the application number, and enters the application number on the website and others. The input application number is collated with the application number stored in the application number storage device, and if the application numbers match, the acceptance process is performed as a correct application.
[0019]
In one aspect of the above application processing system, it may further include a printing device that prints the application number assigned to the individual product on an accessory to be attached to the product or a package of the product. Thereby, an application number can be attached to an individual product.
[0022]
  In another aspect of the present invention, the unique number generation program includes:A random number generating means for generating a random number by being executed on a computer; a converting means for converting the random number into a random number of an N-digit number (N is a predetermined integer) of X digits (X is a predetermined integer); An exclusion means for excluding a random number including a portion in which the same letter or number continues three or more times from among random numbers as an inappropriate random number, a table prepared in advance and converting the random number for each digit. Storage means for storing a unique code conversion table, unique number generating means for converting the random number not excluded by the exclusion means into a unique number for each digit with reference to the unique code conversion table, Make it work.
[0023]
  In another aspect of the present invention, the unique number generation program can be recorded on a recording medium.
[0024]
By executing this program on a computer, the above-described unique number generating apparatus can be realized.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present invention relates to a system that enables application acceptance of campaigns via the Internet, and is characterized by a unique number generation method that can be suitably used as an application number to be affixed to a product to be campaigned.
[0026]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a campaign organizer's integrated management server 10, reception server 8, and application number print server 9 are connected to the Internet 1. In the present embodiment, the Internet 1 is used, but it is of course possible to use other networks.
[0027]
A user (product purchaser) can communicate with the reception server 8 through the Internet 1. The user connects to the reception server 8 using a device that can be connected to the Internet, such as the personal computer 2, the portable terminal 3, and the mobile phone 4. When the portable terminal 3 or the cellular phone 4 is used, a connection to the Internet 1 is established via a predetermined relay station 6 or the like.
[0028]
The integrated management server 10 creates an application number and includes a unique number DB (database) 11 as a storage area. The reception server 8 includes an application number DB 12 for confirmation of reception. Further, the print server 9 includes a print application number DB 13.
[0029]
Next, the overall flow of the campaign using this system will be outlined.
[0030]
First, the organizer generates an application number using the integrated management server 10 and stores it in the unique number DB 11. The method for generating the application number will be described in detail later. The generated application number is downloaded by the printing server 9 and recorded in the printing application number DB 13. The application number stored in the application number DB 13 for printing is printed as a sticker or a tag and attached to the product 7. For example, for soft drinks, you can use methods such as printing the application number on a sticker and sticking the sticker on a can, or printing the application number on a shrink label on the outside of a PET bottle. .
[0031]
On the other hand, the reception server 8 also downloads the application number from the unique number DB 11 provided in the integrated management server 10 in a predetermined format and stores it in the reception application number DB 12. The downloaded application number is used as an application reception check to determine whether the application number entered when the user applied is appropriate. In other words, the application number input by the user and the application number in the reception application number DB 12 are collated, and if they match, it is determined that the application is correct.
[0032]
The user purchases the product 7 at a store or the like and knows the application number. The product 7 is printed with the application number and access information for the website of the organizer, such as the URL of the reception server 8. The user accesses the organizer's website using the personal computer 2, portable terminal 3, mobile phone 4, etc. illustrated in FIG. 1, performs user registration, etc., enters the application number, and applies. To do. After that, the organizer performs a lottery on the application, and the prize is provided to the user.
[0033]
Next, a method for generating an application number by the integrated management server 10 will be described.
[0034]
What should be considered in the generation of the application number is that it is required to eliminate unauthorized application by a person who has not actually purchased the product. For example, if the application number is generated with sequential numbers including alphanumeric characters, it will be possible to apply even if the numbers before and after the application number attached to the purchased product are used. An illegal application will be made.
[0035]
In order to avoid this, conventionally, application numbers are generated by inserting multiple digits of check digits into numbers generated with a certain regularity, and the number entered by the user matches the rules. I was confirming its validity. However, even in this method, the application number is generated with some regularity, so it is not possible to find the number generation logic by obtaining multiple numbers with the same regularity and analyzing them. It was not possible.
[0036]
On the other hand, in the application number generation method in the present invention, a random number is generated by generating a random number, and the regularity included in the conventional application number itself can be eliminated.
[0037]
First, the generation method will be described with reference to FIG. 2 showing the functions of the integrated management server 10. The integrated management server 10 includes a random number generator 21 for generating random numbers. The random number generation device 21 may be any device such as a general-purpose random number generation board or a random number generation program that can generate random numbers that do not include bias and repetition.
[0038]
The random number generated by the random number generation device 21 is converted into an X-digit N-ary number (hereinafter referred to as “random number”) in the random number creation unit 22. Note that the values of X and N are both predetermined integers. The X-digit N-ary number is designated in advance by the person in charge of generation when executing the application number generation. FIG. 3C shows an example of the setting screen. Since the random number generator 21 generates a random number in an internal format such as a 64-bit integer, for example, it is designated as a rule for converting it into a number format intended by the organizer. For example, “10-digit decimal number” can be designated. The number of digits is adjusted by truncating the extra digits, but it is possible to arbitrarily select whether the digits to be discarded are upper digits, lower digits, or intermediate predetermined digits.
[0039]
In addition, when the random number converted into the X-digit N-ary number is inappropriate as the application number, the random number creation unit 22 does not use the number as the application number.
[0040]
An example of an inappropriate number as an application number is a number in which three or more of the same letters and numbers (here, the number “2”) appear consecutively, such as “1222258”. When such a number is input by the user, there is a high possibility that the number of times the number “2” is input will be mistaken. Another example of a number inappropriate as an application number is a number in which a character string of the same pattern “23” appears continuously a plurality of times, such as “23232325”. Such a number also has a high possibility that the number of times “23” is input by the user when inputting the application number.
[0041]
In addition, numerically consecutive numbers (serial numbers) may be included as inappropriate numbers as application numbers. In this way, by specifying a pattern that is considered inappropriate as an application number in advance, numbers that are considered inappropriate such as numbers that are prone to input mistakes by buyers or numbers that are easily guessed by fraud (hereinafter referred to as “ It is called “inappropriate number”).
[0042]
In addition, the random number creation unit 22 calculates a check digit. The check digit in the number generation method of the present invention has the following two roles.
[0043]
One is that the application number entered by the purchaser is used to determine whether or not it can exist as a valid application number, in the same way as the purpose of using a normal check digit. Whether or not it exists as an application number can be understood by searching the application number DB 12 for acceptance, but the DB itself is subjected to a considerable unnecessary load by the process of searching for a number that does not exist. In other words, it is checked whether or not the number can exist in the check digit, and if the check digit does not match, it is determined that the number is an illegal number. If all the numbers entered by the purchaser are searched, the application number DB 12 is searched. This eliminates the need to reduce the processing burden when accepting applications.
[0044]
Another role of the check digit is to eliminate the presence of consecutive numbers (sequential numbers) in all application numbers. You can find out if there are sequential numbers among the many generated application numbers by checking all application numbers after creating all application numbers, and then finding consecutive application numbers. Can be eliminated. However, the number of application numbers required for such campaigns is often in the hundreds of millions. In such a case, it is not efficient to check the existence of sequential numbers for all the application numbers. On the other hand, if a check digit is inserted in any digit of all the application numbers, for example, the least significant digit, the serial number inevitably does not exist. In other words, even if two application numbers are serial numbers before check digit insertion, the check digit generated for each is different, so if you insert them into any digit of each application number, check digit The two application numbers that were serial numbers before the insertion of are no longer serial numbers. In order to quickly generate hundreds of millions of application numbers according to the campaign schedule, this method of eliminating sequential numbers by adding a check digit can be said to be very efficient. The elimination of the serial number is a process required to eliminate the case where the applicant has been able to apply if the next number is entered as a trial when inputting the application number.
[0045]
The random number creation unit 22 adds the management number, which is a sequential number for management, to the random number (X-digit N-ary number) generated in this way and the check digit, and stores it in the random number table 25. . FIG. 3A shows an example of the contents stored in the random number table 25.
[0046]
The unique number creation unit 23 is a part that generates a unique number that can be used as an application number from a random number. Specifically, the unique number generation unit 23 first determines each random number of X-digit N-ary numbers stored in the random number table 25 based on the unique number generation rule described with reference to FIG. The corresponding check digit is inserted to generate a random number with the check digit inserted. Next, the unique number creation unit 23 refers to the unique code conversion table 26 prepared in advance, and generates a unique number by code-converting the random number into which the check digit has been inserted. FIG. 3B shows an example of the contents of the unique code conversion table 26.
[0047]
The unique code conversion table 26 can be regarded as a table in which the decimal notation is uniquely set. For example, taking a hexadecimal number as an example, the hexadecimal notation is usually 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, F. Although represented by characters, it is the role of the unique conversion table 26 to encode this notation with a unique conversion table. The content of the unique code conversion table 26 can be set arbitrarily, but it is desirable to set it in consideration of the campaign implementation environment and the like. For example, when creating a mixed number of letters and numbers, the number “0 (zero)” and the letter “O (o)” are characters that are difficult to distinguish from each other, leading to an input error by the applicant. It's easy to avoid using both of them. In addition, for example, if it is assumed that the purchaser often uses a mobile phone as a terminal used for application work, the number required for the mobile phone can be configured by using only numbers and predetermined symbols. It is possible to consider reducing the load of switching between the input mode and the alphabet input mode. In this way, the unique number creation unit 23 generates a unique number from the random number with the check digit inserted, and stores it in the unique number DB 27. The unique number stored in the unique number DB 27 is a unique number obtained by removing serial numbers or numbers that are likely to cause an input error by the user, and is preferably used as an application number in the application system.
[0048]
The encryption unit 24 converts the unique number (used as an application number) stored in the unique number DB 27 into a format required by the reception server 8 and encrypts it as a reception application number file. As an example of the encryption method, the application number is encrypted with the public key of the person who has the authority to download the application number from the integrated management server 10, such as the person in charge of the operation of the reception server 8. In this way, only those who have the proper authority can decrypt the acceptance application file using their own private key.
[0049]
Similarly, the encryption unit 24 converts the application number stored in the unique number DB 27 into a format required by the print server 9 and encrypts it as a print application number file. As an example of the encryption method, the application number is encrypted with the public key of the person who has the authority to download the application number from the integrated management server 10 such as the person in charge of the operation of the print server 8. In this way, only those who have the proper authority can decrypt the application file for printing using his / her private key.
[0050]
Note that the contents of the file creation process accompanying the format conversion performed by the encryption unit and the encryption process can be changed as appropriate according to the implementation environment. In the implementation environment shown in FIG. 1, there is one print server 9, but in another aspect, for example, it is assumed that two printing companies share printing of half the total number of application numbers. In such a case, it is possible to create and encrypt half of the application numbers in the unique number DB 27 as a file for one printer, and create and encrypt the remaining application numbers as a file for the other printer. It is.
[0051]
Next, the process until a unique number is created as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 showing the flow of generating a unique number and FIG. 5 showing an example of generating a unique number. In the following unique number generation process, the integrated management server 10 shown in FIG. 2 executes a unique number generation program prepared in advance, and functions as a random number generation unit 22, a unique number generation unit 23, an encryption unit 24, and the like. It is realized by doing. As shown in FIG. 5, in this example, it is assumed that a 7-digit decimal number is generated as a rule for generating a unique number (that is, X = 7 and N = 12).
[0052]
First, a random number is generated by the random number generator 21 (step S41). In this example, it is assumed that the generated random number is “166374554” (see (1) in FIG. 5).
[0053]
Next, the random number creation unit 22 converts the generated random number into a decimal number according to the unique number generation rule (step S42). In this example, when “166374554” is converted into a decimal number, “2A6578749” is obtained (see (2) in FIG. 5).
[0054]
Next, the random number creation unit 22 checks the number of digits (step S43). The number of digits after the conversion to the decimal number is 8 digits. However, according to the rule for generating a unique number, it is necessary to make this 7 digits. Therefore, the upper digits exceeding 7 digits are truncated to be “A6578749” (FIG. 5- (See (3)). In this example, the upper digit is rounded down, but it is also possible to have a specification in which the lower digit is rounded down.
[0055]
Next, the random number creation unit 22 checks whether or not the generated X-digit N-ary number (7-digit decimal number in this example) corresponds to a predetermined inappropriate number (step S44). When it corresponds to an inappropriate number, the random number creation unit 22 stops the subsequent processing, acquires another random number from the random number generator again, and repeats the same processing (steps S41 to S43). In this example, since “A6578749” does not have the same character string and does not have the same character string, it is determined that it does not correspond to an inappropriate number (see (4) in FIG. 5).
[0056]
If it does not correspond to an inappropriate number, the random number creation unit 22 calculates a check digit (step S45). In this example, the check digit “A6578749” is calculated, and “9” is calculated (see FIG. 5-5). Then, a management number is added to the generated random number and check digit and stored in the random number table 25 (step S46). The management number is a number added to manage the generated random number. Therefore, the management number may be a unique number, and may be a sequential number or the like as shown in the example of FIG.
[0057]
Next, the unique number creation unit 23 refers to the random number table 25 and inserts a check digit into the random number (step S47). In this example, a check digit “9” is inserted into the least significant digit of “A6578749” to obtain “A65787499” (see FIG. 5-6). In this example, the check digit is inserted in the first digit, but the position of the check digit can be designated in advance on a screen as shown in FIG.
[0058]
Subsequently, the unique number creation unit 23 checks one character or one character of the random number after inserting the check digit with the pre-conversion code of the unique code conversion table prepared in advance, and replaces it with the matched post-conversion code (step S48). . In this example, when the check digit inserted random number “A65787499” is converted by the unique code conversion table illustrated in FIG. 3B, “EB37J7A66” is obtained, and thus the unique number is completed (see FIG. 5-7). ). Then, the unique number creation unit 23 stores the generated unique number in the unique number DB 27 (step S49). The necessary number of unique numbers can be generated by repeating the above processing. The unique number stored in the unique number DB 27 can be used as an application number for the campaign.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a purchaser of a product can apply for a campaign through the Internet. In addition, the campaign organizer can create a unique number without regularity and use it as an application number in a campaign or the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from making an illegal application by analyzing the regularity of the application number, and to appropriately carry out the campaign.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an application processing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the integrated management server shown in FIG.
FIG. 3A is a content example of a random number table.
(B) It is an example of the content of a unique code conversion table.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a unique number generation process according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a specific example of generating a unique number according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Internet
2 Personal computer
3 Portable terminal
4 Mobile phones
8 reception server
9 Print server
10 Integrated management server

Claims (10)

Random number generating means for generating a random number;
Conversion means for converting the random number into a random number of N digits (N is a predetermined integer) of X digits (X is a predetermined integer);
Excluding means for excluding a random number including a portion in which the same letter or number continues three or more times from among the random number as an inappropriate random number;
Storage means for storing a unique code conversion table prepared in advance and converting the random number for each digit;
A unique number generation device comprising: a unique number generation unit that converts the random number that has not been excluded by the exclusion unit into a unique number for each digit with reference to the unique code conversion table. 2. The unique number generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the excluding unit excludes a random number including a portion in which a combination of the same letter or number is repeated a plurality of times as the inappropriate random number. Discontinuity means for converting each of a plurality of consecutive random numbers out of the random numbers into discontinuous random numbers,
  The unique number generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the discontinuity unit calculates a check digit for each of the plurality of continuous random numbers and inserts the check digit into a predetermined digit. 4. The unique number generation device according to claim 1, wherein the unique code conversion table defines a correspondence between each numerical value of the N-ary number and a predetermined character or number. 5. .   5. The unique number generation device according to claim 1, wherein the unique code conversion table does not include characters or numbers belonging to a predetermined combination of characters and numbers having similar shapes. . When the number obtained by converting the random number into the N-ary number exceeds X digits, the conversion means removes characters or numbers constituting the random number by the number of digits exceeding the X digit. The unique number generating device according to claim 1, wherein the unique number generating device is a unique number generating device. The unique number generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
  An application number storage device that stores a plurality of unique numbers generated by the unique number generation device as application numbers;
  Means for assigning a plurality of unique numbers generated by the unique number generating device to individual products as application numbers;
  An application processing system comprising: an application receiving unit that compares the application number input by a purchaser of the product with an application number stored in the application number storage device and receives only the application number that matches. . The application processing system according to claim 7, further comprising a printing device that prints the application number assigned to the individual product on an accessory to be attached to the product or a package of the product. By running on the computer,
  Random number generating means for generating a random number;
  Conversion means for converting the random number into a random number of N digits (N is a predetermined integer) of X digits (X is a predetermined integer);
  Excluding means for excluding a random number including a portion in which the same letter or number continues three or more times from among the random number as an inappropriate random number,
  Storage means for storing a unique code conversion table which is prepared in advance and is a table for converting the random number for each digit;
  The random number that has not been excluded by the exclusion means is converted into the unique code change. A unique number generation program for causing the computer to function as unique number generation means for converting each table into a unique number with reference to a conversion table. By running on the computer,
  Random number generating means for generating a random number;
  Conversion means for converting the random number into a random number of N digits (N is a predetermined integer) of X digits (X is a predetermined integer);
  Excluding means for excluding a random number including a portion in which the same letter or number continues three or more times from among the random number as an inappropriate random number,
  Storage means for storing a unique code conversion table which is prepared in advance and is a table for converting the random number for each digit;
  A program for causing the computer to function as a unique number generating unit that converts the random number that has not been excluded by the excluding unit into a unique number for each digit with reference to the unique code conversion table is stored. Storage medium.

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