JP7512548B2 - Refueling System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refueling system.

Goods, services, etc. are purchased using a variety of payment methods. In other words, payment methods have diversified to include cash, credit, magnetic prepaid cards, electronic money, and two-dimensional code payment. In this modern age where payment methods have diversified, even when selling fuel at a gas station (SS: fuel service station), customers specify their payment method when filling up their own tank by inputting information into a POS terminal for the tank, or by using a dedicated card for each payment method.

When purchasing fuel, you must specify the type and quantity of oil you wish to purchase. There are several ways to do this, including specifying a full tank, directly specifying the amount of oil, or specifying the purchase price, and in principle these must be specified each time you make a purchase.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the complexity of operations for customers, some systems link and store the customer's regular refueling details (i.e., the details they usually specify) to their unique identification information (member number, card number, etc.), allowing the customer to refuel with their "usual specifications" (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "usual refueling" or "usual refueling information") simply by inputting the identification information by some means.

Furthermore, by using the customer's personal identification information (referred to as customer ID as appropriate), methods of customer retention and sales promotion can be realized, such as setting discount rates and setting the rate of points to be awarded according to the customer's personal attributes, such as whether or not they are a member of the service station, their past purchase history (fuel history, payment history, etc.), products purchased at the same time, and their birthday.

Payment systems that use personal information include the following:

JP 2018-124839 A

However, for example, you may be able to get a cheaper fuel charge by paying in a way other than your "usual payment method."

For example, with the recent emergence of payment methods using two-dimensional codes on smartphones, the shift to cashless payment has rapidly progressed as payment methods have become more diverse, and payment system providers are frequently offering promotional discounts and point awards.

For example, when refueling at a gas station, there are an increasing number of cases where the discount rate for the fuel unit or the point allocation rate varies depending on personal attributes such as membership registration and payment method, due to regular or limited-time campaigns.

The information on discounts and point awards is huge, as it may be available at each affiliated store headquarters (such as credit card companies or oil refiners) or at each gas station, or it may be seasonal. It is difficult for individual customers to extract what they need from this vast amount of information and choose the method that is most beneficial for them (highest discount rate, most points awarded, etc.).

Therefore, we provide a payment method presentation method and a refueling system that provide useful information to customers.

A fuel supply system having an ID center that manages history information including a customer's fuel supply history and payment history, payment means and point means owned by the customer, and personal attribute information including information on the attributes of the customer, a fuel supply device having a POS terminal and a fuel dispenser, and a POS main unit that cooperates with the POS terminal, the ID center acquires payment discount information regarding discounts for each payment means and point information regarding point allocation for each point means, the POS main unit transmits the personal identification information of the first customer to the ID center when it recognizes the visit of a first customer, the ID center generates usual fuel supply information including a payment means and point means corresponding to the personal identification information of the first customer when it receives the personal identification information of the first customer, generates recommended payment information including a payment means and point means based on the personal attribute information of the first customer, the payment discount information, and the point information, and transmits the usual fuel supply information and the recommended payment information to the POS main unit.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fuel supply system using personal identification information according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence of a basic information collection process. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of payment discount information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of point information. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of individual discount information. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of purchase element information. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related). FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information of a customer and recommended payment information in the first example. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information of a customer and recommended payment information in the second example. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information of a customer and recommended payment information in the third example. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information of a customer and recommended payment information in the fourth example. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related) in the fourth example. FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen for reselecting a payment method and a point means, and shows a case in which only registered methods are displayed. FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen for reselecting a payment method and a point means, showing a case in which unregistered payment methods and point means are also displayed.

The following describes the embodiments with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are provided for the purpose of understanding the present invention, and the application of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of protection also extends to the claims and their equivalents.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described.

<Configuration example of refueling system 100>
1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a refueling system 100. The refueling system 100 has a gas station, an ID center 3, a points management center 4, a credit center 5, a two-dimensional code payment center 6, an affiliated store headquarters 7, and an operating store 8.

The SS is a refueling service station, and has a refueling device 1 equipped with a refueling machine 11 and a POS terminal 12, and a POS main unit 2. The refueling device 1 and the POS main unit 2 are connected wirelessly or by wire and can communicate with each other. Customers operate the screen displayed on the POS terminal 12 to refuel.

When the POS main unit 2 receives information from the POS terminal 12, such as the insertion of a customer's membership card or the input of a customer's membership number and password, it obtains the customer's identifier (personal identification information: for example, a membership number) and transmits it to the ID center 3.

The ID center 3 centrally manages customer IDs (customer identifiers) linked to information such as payment methods used at the service station (payment history including which payment method was used), fuel supply specifications (fuel supply history including the type of fuel used and the amount of fuel supplied), and discounts. The ID center 3 is connected to the points management center 4, credit center 5, two-dimensional code payment center 6, affiliated store headquarters 7, and managed stores 8 via a network NW such as the Internet.

The point management center 4 manages points given to customers. Points are, for example, equivalent to cash or money that can be used at specific locations (e.g., 1 point is 1 yen), or represent benefits such as being able to be exchanged for prizes depending on the number of points. The point management center 4 may be one that issues points by the gas station or operating company, or by other card companies or organizations. There may be multiple point management centers 4 for each type of point.

The credit center 5 is, for example, a credit card company or a publication company that disseminates information on credit cards. The credit center 5 distributes discount information, point redemption information, and the like for each credit card payment to other servers or publishes it on the web. Note that there may be multiple credit centers 5.

The two-dimensional code payment center 6 is, for example, a two-dimensional code payment company or a publication company that disseminates information on two-dimensional code payments. The two-dimensional code payment center 6 distributes discount information, point redemption information, and the like for each two-dimensional code payment to other servers or publishes it on the web. Note that there may be multiple two-dimensional code payment centers 6.

The affiliated store headquarters 7 is, for example, an oil refinery that sells kerosene and gasoline to the gas station or operating company, and is an affiliated store of a credit card company, issuing affiliated credit cards. In addition, since the affiliated store headquarters 7 is an oil refinery, it may also act as an intermediary in trade between the operating company and exporters, such as when importing crude oil.

The operating store 8 is the headquarters of the operating company of the SS, and is the parent company of the SS. The SS sells products according to the instructions of the operating store 8. For example, when the SS offers discounts, it does so with the permission of the operating store 8 or within the limits permitted by the operating store 8.

The ID center 3 acquires and manages discount information and special offer information from the point management center 4, credit center 5, two-dimensional code payment center 6, affiliated store headquarters 7, operating stores 8, and SS. The ID center 3 acquires and updates information periodically or when the information is updated, thereby always managing the latest information.

For example, when the ID center 3 receives a customer identifier from the POS main unit 2, it generates the customer's usual refueling information and recommended payment information based on the personal attribute information registered in correspondence with the personal identification information, and passes them on to the POS main unit 2. The POS main unit 2 displays the usual refueling information and recommended payment information on the POS terminal 12 as necessary.

<Displaying recommended payment information>
The POS terminal 12 displays recommended payment information entitled "savings information" on a screen in addition to usual refueling information related to usual refueling. The screen is, for example, a touch panel, and is the screen that the customer operates when refueling.

Figure 2 shows an example of a display screen. The POS terminal 12 recognizes that a member or frequent customer has come to refuel, for example, by inserting a membership card or inputting a membership ID (identifier). When the POS terminal 12 recognizes the customer, it displays a display screen D1 showing the customer's usual refueling information based on the customer's information managed by the ID center 3.

Screen D1 displays usual refueling information on the left side. The usual refueling information displayed includes, for example, "payment method," "points," and "refueling information."

"Payment method" refers to the payment method, and includes, for example, cash, card type (such as card company name), type of 2D code payment (nickname for 2D code payment or company name), as well as the price when paid with that payment method (for example, price per liter).

"Points" are points accumulated with each payment, and include the type of points (for example, points unique to the service station, or the name of the company or service providing the points) and the point allocation rate (number of points allocated per fee).

"Fueling information" includes the type of fuel (regular, premium gasoline, etc.) and the amount of fuel filled (full tank, number of liters, etc.).

Usual refueling information is, for example, the "payment method," "points," and "refueling information" that the customer uses frequently (more than a specified frequency). Also, usual refueling information is, for example, the "payment method," "points," and "refueling information" that the customer used last time. In other words, usual refueling information is the "payment method," "points," and "refueling information" that are assumed to be highly likely to be selected by the customer.

Furthermore, screen D1 has a refueling information change button B1, a special offers button B2, and a refueling button B3. All of these buttons are soft buttons displayed on the touch panel, and touching them indicates that the button has been pressed.

The change fuel information button B1 is a button for changing the fuel information. If the customer wishes to change the content of the fuel supply (such as the type of oil or the quantity), the customer touches the change fuel information button B1. When the change fuel information button B1 is touched, the screen transitions to a screen for changing the fuel supply, and the customer can change the fuel supply information by operating the screen.

The refueling button B3 is a button that starts refueling according to the usual refueling information (approval) or, if changes have been made, according to the changed refueling information. The customer touches the refueling button B3 (S2) to start refueling.

The bargain information button B2 is a button that the customer touches when requesting a payment method other than the usual refueling information and points, or when requesting point acquisition. An icon I1 indicating that there is advantageous information is displayed at a position adjacent to the bargain information button B2, at a position that overlaps with the bargain information button B2 in part or in whole, or near the bargain information button B2. The icon I1 may be displayed at a position adjacent to the usual refueling information, at a position that overlaps with the usual refueling information in part or in whole, or near the usual refueling information, as shown by the dashed line, to indicate that the usual refueling information is the most advantageous information. In this case, the icon I1 may not be displayed on the bargain information button B2, and the bargain information button B2 may be set to inoperable. This allows the customer to recognize that there is more recommended information (more advantageous for the customer). When the bargain information button B2 is touched (S1), a comparison display screen D2 between the usual refueling information and the recommended payment information is displayed.

Screen D2 displays regular refueling information on the left. The regular refueling information is the same as the regular refueling information on screen D1. Screen D2 displays recommended payment information on the right. The contents displayed as recommended payment information are, for example, "payment method," "points," and "refueling information," which are the same display items as the regular refueling information. The recommended payment information is information that has advantages such as a higher discount rate or a larger amount of points earned than the "payment method" and "points" of the regular refueling information. For example, the payment method with the highest discount rate (discounted amount) and the point type that allows the most points to be earned are displayed. The refueling information displayed is the same as the refueling information of the regular refueling information.

Screen D2 displays refueling buttons B4 and B5 below the usual refueling information and the recommended payment information, respectively. When the customer touches the refueling button B4 (S3), refueling begins with the details displayed in the usual refueling information. On the other hand, when the customer touches the refueling button B5 (S4), refueling begins with the details displayed in the recommended payment information.

In addition, the special information button B2 may not be displayed, and both the usual refueling information and the recommended payment information may be displayed in parallel from the beginning.

<Creating recommended payment information>
In creating the recommended payment information, two processes are executed: collection of information that is the basis of the recommended payment information (hereinafter, may be referred to as basic information) (hereinafter, may be referred to as basic information collection process), and extraction of the recommended payment information by comparing the basic information with personal attribute information (hereinafter, may be referred to as recommended payment information extraction process). Each process will be described below.

<1. Basic information collection and processing>
3 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of the basic information collection process. In the basic information collection process, the ID center 3 acquires basic information from various communication devices. It is assumed that the POS main unit 2, the ID center 3, the points management center 4, the credit center 5, the two-dimensional code payment center 6, the affiliated store headquarters 7, and the operating store 8 are each a communication device such as a computer or a server machine having a communication function. The ID center 3 communicates with each communication device to acquire the basic information. The process described below is realized by a processor in each communication device loading a program stored in storage into memory and executing the loaded program.

The ID center 3 acquires affiliated store campaign information from the affiliated store headquarters 7 (S11). The affiliated store campaign information includes, for example, information on campaigns for cards issued by the affiliated store headquarters 7 and campaigns such as point increases. Hereinafter, credit cards issued by the affiliated store headquarters 7 may be referred to as affiliated store cards.

The ID center 3 acquires managed store campaign information from the managed store 8 (S12). The managed store campaign information includes, for example, information about discount and point redemption campaigns run by the managed store (SS headquarters). Note that points here include points associated with prepaid cards run by the managed store and membership cards run by the managed store. Credit cards issued by the managed store 8 as an affiliated store of a credit card company may hereinafter be referred to as managed store cards.

The ID center 3 acquires store campaign information from the POS main unit 2 (S13). The store campaign information includes, for example, information about campaigns such as discounts and increased points implemented at the store (SS) where the POS main unit is installed. In addition, the store may collect campaign information implemented by credit card companies or affiliated store headquarters, rather than information about campaigns implemented by the store itself, and provide this information to the ID center 3. Note that points here include points associated with prepaid cards and membership cards operated by the operating store. Note that the store campaign information includes recommended payment information evaluation criteria unique to each store or in accordance with instructions from the operating store 8 or affiliated store headquarters 7. The recommended payment information evaluation criteria include information that serves as a standard indicating the policy to be followed when creating recommended payment information, which will be described later.

The ID center 3 acquires point campaign information from the point management center 4 (S14). The point campaign information includes, for example, information related to campaigns such as increasing the amount of points. Note that the points here include points associated with prepaid cards operated by the operating store and membership cards operated by the operating store. The points here may also include points issued by entities other than the operating store, such as points on generally available point cards.

The ID center 3 acquires credit card campaign information from the credit center 5 (S15). The credit card campaign information includes, for example, information about campaigns such as discounts for using the credit card and increases in associated points. Note that points here refer to points associated with a credit card.

The ID center 3 acquires two-dimensional code payment campaign information from the two-dimensional code payment center 6 (S16). The two-dimensional code payment campaign information includes, for example, information about a campaign such as discounts for using the two-dimensional code payment and an increase in the associated points. Note that the points here refer to the points associated with the two-dimensional code payment.

The ID center 3 updates the basic information (S17) each time it acquires the basic information from each communication device (S11 to S16).

<1.1 Basic information for creating recommended payment information>
The basic information will be described. The basic information includes, for example, payment discount information, point information, personal discount information, and purchase element information. Each piece of information will be described below. In addition, although it is not basic information, there is personal attribute information as information to be compared with the basic information. The personal attribute information will also be described.

<1.1.1 Payment discount information>
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of payment discount information. Payment discount information is information about discounts that a customer may receive depending on the payment method. Information elements of payment discount information include "payment method used,""discountamount/rate,""applicationperiod," and "application conditions."

"Payment method used" indicates the customer's payment method, and includes credit card or two-dimensional code payment. "Payment method used" includes specific payment methods, such as the name of the credit card company, the name of the credit card, the name of the two-dimensional code payment, etc.

"Discount amount/rate" indicates the discount amount or discount rate when the payment method in question is used, and includes an amount or a percentage. "Discount amount/rate" is, for example, the discount amount relative to the unit price of refueling.

The "applicable period" indicates the period during which the discount for the payment method used is applied, and includes the entire applicable period and the period. Note that, for example, if only the discount currently applied is stored in the payment discount information, the applicable period does not have to be included. The same applies to the applicable period for the following information.

"Applicable conditions" indicate the conditions for receiving a discount when using the payment method in question. "Applicable conditions" include, for example, "none" if the discount is applied unconditionally, or the amount of fuel filled if the discount is applied depending on the amount of fuel filled.

The ID center 3 obtains payment discount information, for example, from the credit center 5 and the two-dimensional code payment center 6. The ID center 3 may also obtain payment discount information relating to cards issued by the store (SS) itself, cards issued by the operating store 8, and cards issued by the affiliated store headquarters 7 from the POS main unit 2, the operating store 8, or the affiliated store headquarters 7. Credit cards issued by a store (SS) as an affiliated store of a credit card company will hereinafter be referred to as store cards, as appropriate.

<1.1.2 Points Information>
5 is a diagram showing an example of point information. Point information is information about points that a customer may receive depending on the point card used. Information elements of point information include "point means,""pointamount/rate,""applicationperiod," and "application conditions."

"Point means" indicates the type of point card used by the customer. "Point means" includes information such as the name of the point card, whether it is a store-specific point card, or a managed store point card.

"Points awarded amount/rate" indicates the amount or rate of points awarded when the point means is used, and includes the point amount and ratio. "Points awarded amount/rate" is, for example, the amount of points awarded relative to the cost of refueling.

"Applicable period" refers to the period during which points are awarded by the point means, and includes the entire applicable period and the applicable period.

"Applicable conditions" indicates the conditions for receiving points when using the point means.

The ID center 3 obtains point information, for example, from the point management center 4. The ID center 3 may also obtain point information relating to points for cards issued by the store (SS) itself, cards issued by the operating store 8, and cards issued by the affiliated store headquarters 7 from the POS main unit 2, the operating store 8, or the affiliated store headquarters 7. Furthermore, the ID center 3 may obtain point information relating to points related to credit cards and two-dimensional code payments from the credit center 5 or the two-dimensional code payment center 6.

<1.1.3 Personal discount information>
6 is a diagram showing an example of personal discount information. Personal discount information is information regarding discounts that a customer may be able to receive depending on personal attributes. Information elements of personal discount information include "attributes" and "contents."

"Attributes" refers to the attributes of a customer. "Attributes" include personal attributes such as address and gender, as well as past purchase history.

"Content" indicates the discount content, applicable period, applicable conditions, etc. "Content" indicates, for example, the discount content for customers with specific attributes.

The ID center 3 obtains individual discount information, for example, from the POS main unit 2, the operating store 8, and the point management center 4.

1.1.4 Purchase Item Information
7 is a diagram showing an example of purchase factor information. Purchase factor information is information regarding discounts that a customer may be able to receive depending on the method of purchase (e.g., the amount of fuel filled). Information elements of purchase factor information include "type,""applicationperiod," and "content."

"Type" indicates the type of gasoline being filled. Examples of "type" include regular and premium gasoline.

"Applicable period" refers to the period during which the discount applies, including the entire applicable period and the applicable period itself.

"Content" indicates the discount content, applicable conditions, etc. "Content" includes, for example, the amount of fuel filled and the corresponding discount amount.

The ID center 3 acquires purchase element information, for example, from the POS main unit 2 and the operating store 8.

<1.1.5 Personal attribute information>
8 is a diagram showing an example of personal attribute information. The personal attribute information includes attributes such as an individual's gender, past purchase history, etc. Information elements of the personal attribute information include "personal identification information,""name,""address,""birthday,""gender,""creditcard,""two-dimensional code payment,""points,""fuelhistory," and "oil non-product purchase history."

"Personal identification information" is information (identifier) that identifies a customer, and includes, for example, a membership number or a My Number. In addition, "personal identification information" may be a random number or character string assigned by the ID center 3.

"Name," "Address," "Birthday," and "Gender" indicate the customer's name, address, birthday, and gender, respectively. Note that "Address" may be just the prefecture, as in Figure 8, or may include the city, town, village, and street address.

"Credit card" is information about the credit card held by the customer. "Credit card" may include commonly used credit cards, store-specific credit cards, etc.

"Two-dimensional code payment" is information regarding two-dimensional code payment that the customer possesses. "Two-dimensional code payment" may be, for example, a common name for two-dimensional code payment such as "D Pay," or it may be the name of the company that provides the two-dimensional code payment.

"Points" is information about point cards held by customers. "Points" may include so-called commonly used point cards and point cards unique to a store. In addition to point cards, "points" may also be point applications installed on smartphones or tablet devices.

"Fueling history" indicates the customer's past fueling history. As shown in Figure 8, "fueling history" may be limited to a period such as the past month, or may be limited to a number of times such as a specified number of times in the past.

"Non-oil product purchase history" indicates the customer's past purchase history of products other than refueling. As shown in FIG. 8, the "non-oil product purchase history" may be limited to a period such as the most recent three months, or may be limited to a number of times such as a specified number of times in the past. In addition, the "non-oil product purchase history" may be the average value of all past purchase amounts, etc.

The ID center 3 acquires and updates the personal attribute information, for example, each time the customer fills up with gas or purchases a product. The ID center 3 also acquires and updates data registered by the customer as personal attribute information. That is, the personal attribute information is acquired when the customer makes a past payment, or by having the customer register the information. In any case, any method can be used to acquire or update the personal attribute information, and what is required here is that the personal attribute information is always kept up to date.

2. Recommended payment information extraction process
The recommended payment information extraction process will be described. The recommended payment information extraction process is a process of comparing payment discount information and point information with personal attribute information and extracting matching information. Note that whether or not there is a match, or whether or not to extract recommended payment information, is based on the recommended payment information evaluation criteria.

9 is a diagram showing an example of the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related). The ID center 3 extracts the payment method of the customer's recommended payment information according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related). According to the evaluation criteria in FIG. 9, the ID center 3 extracts the most advantageous discount among the credit cards registered in the "personal attribute information" for the fuel type and fuel amount specified by the customer on the day of refueling. The ID center 3 also extracts the most advantageous discount among the two-dimensional code payments registered in the "personal attribute information" for the fuel type and fuel amount specified by the customer on the day of refueling. The ID center 3 then compares the discount amounts of the extracted credit cards and two-dimensional code payments, and extracts the advantageous one (e.g., the one with the larger discount amount) as the payment method of the recommended payment information of the customer. Note that, when the discount amounts are the same, the ID center 3 preferentially extracts the credit card. Also, when there are multiple credit cards or two-dimensional code payments with the same maximum discount amount, the ID center 3 may select one of them, or may extract all of them. Two-dimensional code payments may also be extracted with priority.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (point related). The ID center 3 extracts points of the recommended payment information of the customer according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (point related). According to the evaluation criteria of Figure 10, the ID center 3 extracts the most advantageous points from among the points of the store cards registered in the "personal attribute information" for the type of fuel and the amount of fuel specified by the customer on the day of refueling. The ID center 3 also extracts the most advantageous points from among the points of the commonly used point cards registered in the "personal attribute information" for the type of fuel and the amount of fuel specified by the customer on the day of refueling. The ID center 3 then compares the points of the extracted store card with the points of the commonly used point cards, and extracts the advantageous one (the one with the larger amount of points) as the points of the recommended payment information of the customer. Note that, when the points are equal, the ID center 3 preferentially extracts the points of the store card. It is also possible to preferentially extract the points of the commonly used point cards. Additionally, if there are multiple commonly used point cards with the maximum point award amount, the ID center 3 may select one of them or extract all of them.

Each case will be explained below. In the following cases, unless otherwise specified, each piece of information will follow the payment discount information in FIG. 4, the points information in FIG. 5, the personal discount information in FIG. 6, the purchase element information in FIG. 7, and the personal attribute information in FIG. 8. In the following cases, unless otherwise specified, each piece of evaluation criteria will follow the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related) in FIG. 9, and the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related) in FIG. 10.

2.1 First Case
11 is a diagram showing an example of the personal attribute information and the recommended payment information of a customer in the first example. The first example is an example in which a customer, Kazuo Ichiyama (sometimes referred to as the customer in the first example), refuels 30 L (liters) of regular gasoline on Sunday, July 5, 2020. Note that refueling 30 L of regular gasoline is assumed to be the refueling content of the customer's usual refueling information.

The ID center 3 compares the customer's personal attribute information (personal attribute information in FIG. 11) with the credit card held by the customer and the credit card in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. Furthermore, the ID center 3 compares the customer's two-dimensional code payment held by the customer and the two-dimensional code payment in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. The ID center 3 extracts "A Card," "B Card," "C Card," "Affiliated Store Card," and "D Pay."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted payment methods those payment methods that have discounts that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the payment discount information. The ID center 3 excludes "B Card" and "Affiliated Store Card" from the application period, and re-extracts "A Card", "C Card", and "D Pay".

ID Center 3, in accordance with the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related), compares "A Card", which offers the largest discount among credit cards, with "D Pay", the only two-dimensional code payment method, and as they offer the same discount (3 yen off the unit price), prioritizes the credit card and determines that "A Card" is the payment method for the recommended payment information.

On the other hand, the ID center 3 compares the point means held by the customer with the point means in the point information based on the customer's personal attribute information, and extracts those that match. The ID center 3 extracts "store points" and "G points."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted point means those point means that have points that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the point information. The ID center 3 re-extracts "store points" and "G points".

The ID center 3 determines that "G Points," which offers the largest amount of points (amount of points awarded per fee), is the point method for the recommended payment information according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related).

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the individual discount information. The ID center 3 determines that the "birthday" and "fueling history" in the individual discount information match, and furthermore, if the gas station is located in Tokyo, the "address" also matches, and extracts that there is a 3 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the purchase element information. The ID center 3 determines that "regular gasoline" matches the purchase element information, and extracts that there is a 1 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

In summary, the ID center 3 determines that the customer's recommended payment information is "A Card," which offers a 3 yen discount on the unit price of refueling, and "G Point," which offers 1 point for every 200 yen spent on refueling. The ID center 3 then further extracts that the personal discount information offers a 3 yen discount on the unit price of refueling, and the purchasing element information offers a 1 yen discount on the unit price of refueling, totaling a 4 yen discount on the unit price of refueling. Note that the discounts based on the personal discount information and purchasing element information are discounts that are also applied to refueling based on regular refueling information, and therefore may be extracted when regular refueling information is generated.

2.2 Second Case
12 is a diagram showing an example of the personal attribute information and the recommended payment information of a customer in the second example. The second example is an example in which a customer, Nihon Nigo (sometimes referred to as the customer in the second example), fills up with 20 L of high-octane gasoline on Monday, August 10, 2020.

The ID center 3 compares the customer's personal attribute information (personal attribute information in FIG. 12) with the credit card held by the customer and the credit card in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. Furthermore, the ID center 3 compares the customer's two-dimensional code payment held by the customer and the two-dimensional code payment in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. The ID center 3 extracts "A card," "B card," "operated store card," "store card," and "E-pay."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted payment methods those payment methods that have discounts that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the payment discount information. The ID center 3 excludes "A Card" and "Operated Store Card" from the application period, and "B Card" from the application conditions, and re-extracts "Store Card" and "E-Pay".

The ID center 3 determines that "E-Pay," which offers the largest discount, is the payment method for the recommended payment information according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment-related).

On the other hand, the ID center 3 compares the point means held by the customer with the point means in the point information based on the customer's personal attribute information, and extracts any matches. The ID center 3 extracts "store points" and "H points."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted point means the point means that have points that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the point information. The ID center 3 re-extracts "store points" and "H points".

The ID center 3 prioritizes store points according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related) because the points awarded are the same, and determines that "store points" is the point method for the recommended payment information.

Then, the ID center 3 extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the individual discount information. From the individual discount information, the ID center 3 extracts that "gender" and "non-oil product purchase history" match, and that there is also a 2 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the purchase element information. The ID center 3 determines that "high octane gasoline" matches the purchase element information, and extracts that there is a 1 yen discount on the unit price of refueling.

In summary, the ID center 3 determines that the payment method recommended for the customer is "E-Pay," which offers a 2 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, and the point method is "store points," which awards 1 point for every 300 yen spent on fuel. The ID center 3 then further extracts that the personal discount information offers a 2 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, and the purchasing element information offers a 1 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, resulting in a total discount of 3 yen on the unit price of fuel.

<2.3 Third Case>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of payment discount information, customer personal attribute information, and recommended payment information in the third case. The information in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 is assumed to be the same. In the third case, the "store card" in the payment discount information has a larger discount amount and application conditions (shaded portion of the payment discount information in FIG. 13). The added application condition is "female and age 50 or older" and the condition for the amount of fuel filled is 10L or more. The application condition "female and age 50 or older" is related to the "age" and "gender" of the personal attribute information, and therefore may be managed as personal discount information.

The third case is an example in which a customer, Nihon Nitako (sometimes referred to as the "customer" in the third case), fills up with 20 liters of high-octane gasoline on Monday, August 10, 2020.

The ID center 3 compares the customer's personal attribute information (personal attribute information in FIG. 13) with the credit card held by the customer and the credit card in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. Furthermore, the ID center 3 compares the customer's two-dimensional code payment held by the customer and the two-dimensional code payment in the payment discount information, and extracts any matches. The ID center 3 extracts "A card," "B card," "operated store card," "store card," and "E-pay."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted payment methods those payment methods that have discounts that can be applied to the customer today based on the applicable period and applicable conditions of the payment discount information. The ID center 3 excludes "A Card" and "Operated Store Card" from the applicable period, and further excludes "B Card" from the applicable conditions, and re-extracts "Store Card" (applicable conditions: female and age 50 or older, and "fuel 10 liters or more") and "E-Pay".

The ID center 3 determines that the "store card" with the largest discount amount is the payment method for the recommended payment information according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related).

On the other hand, the ID center 3 compares the point means held by the customer with the point means in the point information based on the customer's personal attribute information, and extracts any matches. The ID center 3 extracts "store points" and "H points."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted point means the point means that have points that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the point information. The ID center 3 re-extracts "store points" and "H points".

The ID center 3 prioritizes store points according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related) because the points awarded are the same, and determines that "store points" is the point method for the recommended payment information.

Then, the ID center 3 extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the individual discount information. From the individual discount information, the ID center 3 extracts that "gender" and "non-oil product purchase history" match, and that there is also a 2 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the purchase element information. The ID center 3 determines that "high octane gasoline" matches the purchase element information, and extracts that there is a 1 yen discount on the unit price of refueling.

In summary, the ID center 3 determines that the payment method for the customer is a "store card" with a 6 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, and the point method is "store points" with 1 point awarded for every 300 yen spent on fuel. The ID center 3 then extracts that the personal discount information provides a 2 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, and the purchasing element information provides a 1 yen discount on the unit price of fuel, resulting in a total discount of 3 yen on the unit price of fuel. Note that because the customer is a woman, she will receive both the discount from the store card and the discount from the personal discount information. Therefore, for example, it may be possible to prevent the customer from receiving the discount from the personal discount information, which provides a smaller discount amount.

<2.4 Fourth Case>
Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of payment discount information, customer personal attribute information, and recommended payment information in the fourth case. The information in Figs. 5, 6, and 7 is assumed to be the same. Note that in the fourth case, payment discount information in Fig. 14 that includes a mixture of discount rate, discount amount, and awarded points is used. Also, in the fourth case, the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related) in Fig. 15 is used.

Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (payment related) in the fourth case. According to the evaluation criteria in Figure 15, the ID center 3 extracts, from among the credit cards registered in the "personal attribute information," the one that offers the most advantageous discount or points for the type of fuel and amount of fuel specified by the customer on the day of refueling. In addition, the ID center 3 extracts, from among the two-dimensional code payments registered in the "personal attribute information," the one that offers the most advantageous discount or points for the type of fuel and amount of fuel specified by the customer on the day of refueling.

The fourth case is an example in which a customer, Mita Saburo (sometimes referred to as the "customer" in the fourth case), fills up with 30 liters of regular gasoline on Saturday, July 10, 2021.

When the discount is either a fixed rate (discount rate) based on the unit price of fueling or a fixed amount (discount amount) based on the unit price of fueling, the ID center 3 multiplies the fixed rate by the unit price of fueling on that day to convert it into an amount, and compares and extracts the more advantageous option (the one with the larger discount amount).

Furthermore, when the discount is based on the unit price of refueling or when points are awarded at a fixed rate based on the total refueling fee, the ID center 3 multiplies the unit price of refueling for that day by the specified amount of refueling to calculate a provisional refueling fee, and multiplies the provisional refueling fee by the point award rate to calculate the number of points (awarded points). Meanwhile, the ID center 3 calculates the total discount amount based on the same specified amount of refueling. Then, from each of the calculated number of points and total discount amount, the ID center 3 extracts the most advantageous option (the one with the largest total discount amount and the largest number of points).

The ID center 3 extracts two-dimensional code payments in the same way as credit cards. In addition, if the discounts are the same, the ID center 3 prioritizes two-dimensional code payments.

The ID center 3 compares the customer's personal attribute information (personal attribute information in Figure 14) with the credit card held by the customer and the credit card in the payment discount information, and extracts any that match. Furthermore, the ID center 3 compares the customer's two-dimensional code payment held by the customer and the two-dimensional code payment in the payment discount information, and extracts any that match. The ID center 3 extracts "A Card", "B Card", "C Card", "Affiliated Store Card", "D Pay", "E Pay", and "F Pay".

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted payment methods those payment methods that have discounts that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the payment discount information. The ID center 3 excludes "member store card" from the application period, and re-extracts "A card," "B card," "C card," "D pay," "E pay," and "F pay."

The ID center 3 determines the payment method as follows. The ID center 3 calculates the unit price of regular gasoline at 100 yen per liter.

The ID center 3 calculates the total discount amount or the points awarded for each payment method. The calculation results are as follows:
・"A Card"
Total discount amount = 100 yen x 3% x 30L = 90 yen - "B Card"
Total discount amount = 1 yen x 30L = 30 yen - "C card"
Points awarded = 100 yen x 30L x 4% = 120 points - "D Pay"
Total discount amount = 100 yen x 3% x 30L = 90 yen - "E-Pay"
Total discount amount = 1 yen x 30L = 30 yen - "F Pay"
Points awarded = 100 yen x 30L x 2% = 60 points The ID center 3 extracts the largest total discount amount and the most awarded points from each of the credit card and two-dimensional code payment. The ID center 3 extracts "A Card" with a total discount amount of 90 yen for credit cards and "C Card" with 120 points for awarded points. The ID center 3 also extracts "D Pay" with a total discount amount of 90 yen for two-dimensional code payment and "F Pay" with 60 points for awarded points. The ID center 3 finally extracts "C Card" for point awarding. Then, since the total discount amounts are the same, the ID center 3 prioritizes two-dimensional code payment and extracts "D Pay".

In the above, the ID center 3 calculates the total discount amount and the points to be awarded based on the assumed amount of fuel filled, but it may also calculate and compare the discount and points to be awarded based on the unit price of filling 1 liter of fuel.

In the fourth example, two payment methods are extracted. Although one piece of recommended payment information is displayed on screen D2 in FIG. 2, the two extracted payment methods may be displayed. In this case, for example, on screen D2 in FIG. 2, "recommended payment information 1" and "recommended payment information 2" are displayed, and a refueling button is displayed below each of the recommended payment methods.

Furthermore, the ID center 3 may compare the awarded points with the total discount amount and extract the more advantageous one. For example, the comparison can be made by converting the points into an amount, such as 1 point = 1 yen.

On the other hand, the ID center 3 compares the point means held by the customer with the point means in the point information based on the customer's personal attribute information, and extracts those that match. The ID center 3 extracts "store points," "G points," and "H points."

The ID center 3 re-extracts from the extracted point means those point means that have points that can be applied to the customer today based on the application period and application conditions of the point information. The ID center 3 re-extracts "store points" and "G points".

The ID center 3 determines that "G Points," which offers the largest amount of points (amount of points awarded per fee), is the point method for the recommended payment information according to the recommended payment information evaluation criteria (points related).

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the individual discount information. If the SS is located in Chiba prefecture, the ID center 3 determines that the "address" in the individual discount information matches, and extracts that the discount is a 1 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

The ID center 3 then extracts the discount that will be applied to the customer today from the purchase element information. The ID center 3 determines that "regular gasoline" matches the purchase element information, and extracts that there is a 1 yen discount on the unit price of fuel.

In summary, the ID center 3 determines that the payment methods recommended for the customer are "C Card" and "D Pay" and the point method is "G Point." The ID center 3 then further extracts that the personal discount information provides a 1 yen discount on the fuel unit price, and the purchasing element information provides a 1 yen discount on the fuel unit price, resulting in a 2 yen discount on the fuel unit price.

In this embodiment, the ID center 3 presents payment methods other than the usual refueling information to the customer as bargain information. The ID center 3 generates the bargain information based on collected payment discount information and point information, and can therefore present the most advantageous (or a number of advantageous) recommended payment information for the customer on that day. This allows the customer to easily refuel using the usual refueling information, as well as recognize that there is information that will benefit the customer, and the customer can select a payment method in accordance with the presented recommended payment information, resulting in cheaper refueling and more points.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, one or more payment methods and points in the recommended payment information of the bargain information are displayed. In the first embodiment, the most advantageous payment method and point means are extracted (except for the fourth example), but in the second embodiment, a plurality of payment methods and point means, such as the number that can be displayed on the screen, are selected.

Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of a payment method and point means reselection screen. When the customer touches the special information button B2, the screen transitions to a payment method reselection screen D3 or a point means reselection screen D4. The screen transition may be, for example, from screen D3 to screen D4, or from screen D4 to screen D3. The trigger for transitioning from screens D3 and D4 to the next screen is, for example, the customer reselecting the payment method or point means (touching the button for the payment method or point means to be used). After the customer reselects the payment method and point means on screens D3 and D4, the screen returns to screen D1, and the payment method and point means reselected on screen D1 are displayed.

The payment reselection screen D3 displays the top four most advantageous payment methods among the credit cards and two-dimensional code payments held by the customer. Here, the top four are used, but any number can be displayed. Screen D3 also displays the currently selected payment method (the initial state is the usual payment method for refueling information) in a different way from unselected payment methods, such as with a different color, a bold frame, or shading. In screen D3 of Figure 16, "Card B," which is displayed with a bold frame, is currently selected. Note that, for example, on screen D3, the payment methods may be sorted in order of the largest discount amount.

The point means reselection screen D4 displays the top four most advantageous point means among those owned by the customer. However, if there are less than four point means, only the number that exist (two in FIG. 16) are displayed. Screen D4 then displays the currently selected point means (initial state is the point means for regular refueling information) in a different way from unselected point means, such as with a different color, a bold frame, or shading. In screen D4 in FIG. 16, "store points," which is displayed with a bold frame, is currently selected. Note that, for example, in screen D4, the point means may be sorted in descending order of the point award rate.

This screen configuration allows customers to select from multiple payment methods and point methods. For example, if a customer wants to select a payment method or point method based on factors other than the discount amount or points awarded, this screen configuration allows the customer to select the payment method or point method they want, improving customer satisfaction.

Figure 17 is a diagram showing an example of a reselection screen for payment methods and point means. In Figure 16, the credit cards, two-dimensional code payment, and point means owned by the customer are displayed on screens D3 and D4. However, in the example of Figure 17, payment methods and point means that the customer does not own (are not recorded in the personal attribute information) are also displayed. Note that, for example, a payment method or point means that the customer does not own is displayed if it is more advantageous than the most advantageous payment method or point means that the customer owns.

The payment method reselection screen D5 displays the "affiliated store card" that the customer does not have. To make it clear to the customer that they do not have it, for example, the button is surrounded by a dotted line to differentiate it from other payment methods. The same is true for the point means reselection screen D6.

For example, the credit card, two-dimensional code payment, and point means stored in the personal attribute information are not necessarily the latest. After updating the personal attribute information, the customer may have acquired new ones, or there may be ones that the customer has not registered. Therefore, by configuring the screen as shown in FIG. 17, the customer may be able to select a more advantageous payment method or point means, improving customer satisfaction. It may also be an opportunity for the customer to acquire (join) a new payment method or point means.

[Other embodiments]
Other embodiments will now be described.

A customer may not be able to receive the discount based on the purchase element information if he or she uses the amount of fuel in the usual fuel supply information. Therefore, the ID center 3 may display a message to a customer who uses 20 liters of fuel, such as "If you use 30 liters of fuel, you will receive a 1 yen discount per unit," to inform the customer that he or she can receive a discount by using more fuel.

In addition, the ID center 3 may display the details of discounts based on personal attribute information as information accompanying the usual refueling information.

1: Fueling device 2: POS main unit 3: ID center 4: Point management center 5: Credit center 6: Two-dimensional code settlement center 7: Member store headquarters 8: Managed store 11: Fueling machine 12: POS terminal 100: Fueling system NW: Network

Claims (12)

A refueling system comprising: an ID center that manages history information including a customer's refueling history and payment history, a payment means and a point means owned by the customer, and personal attribute information including information related to the customer's attributes; and a refueling service station that has a refueling device including a POS terminal and a refueling machine, and a POS main unit that cooperates with the POS terminal,
The ID center acquires payment discount information regarding discounts for each payment means and point information regarding point allocation for each point means,
When the POS main unit recognizes the visit of a first customer, it transmits personal identification information of the first customer to the ID center;
A refueling system in which, upon receiving the personal identification information of the first customer, the ID center generates usual refueling information including a payment method and a point method corresponding to the personal identification information of the first customer, generates recommended payment information including a payment method and a point method based on the personal attribute information of the first customer, the payment discount information, and the point information, and transmits the usual refueling information and the recommended payment information to the POS main unit. The refueling system of claim 1, wherein the ID center determines the payment method with the largest discount amount among the payment methods registered with the ID center by the first customer and for which a discount is applied in the payment discount information as the payment method of the recommended payment information. The refueling system of claim 1, wherein the ID center determines the point means that has the largest point amount among the point means that the first customer has registered with the ID center and that awards points in the point information as the point means of the recommended payment information. The fuel supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the payment means includes a credit card and a two-dimensional code payment. The fuel supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the ID center determines the payment method and the point method in the recommended payment information based on an evaluation criterion that is an index for determining the payment method and the point method. 2. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the POS main unit displays the payment means for the recommended payment information and the payment means for the usual refueling information side by side on a screen of the POS terminal. the ID center extracts a first number of registered payment means from among the payment means registered in the ID center by the first customer in descending order of discount amount;
The refueling system of claim 1, further comprising: extracting a second number of registered point means from among the point means registered with the ID center by the first customer in order of the amount of points awarded; and determining the extracted registered payment means and registered point means as the payment means and point means of the recommended payment information. The POS main body includes:
a first screen that displays the payment means of the recommended payment information and the payment means of the usual refueling information side by side on the same screen of the POS terminal, allowing the customer to select either of the payment means;
The refueling system of claim 7 sequentially displays a second screen that displays the point means for the recommended payment information and the point means for the usual refueling information on the same screen of the POS terminal, allowing the customer to select either of the point means. The ID center further comprises:
extracting a third number of unregistered payment means in descending order of discount amount from among payment means which are not registered by the customer at the ID center and for which a discount is applied in the payment discount information;
extracting a fourth or less number of unregistered point means in descending order of the amount of points awarded from among point means that are not registered by the customer at the ID center and to which points are awarded in the point information;
determining the extracted unregistered payment means and unregistered point means, together with the registered payment means and the registered point means, as the payment means and point means of the recommended payment information;
9. The fuel supply system according to claim 8, wherein the POS main body displays the unregistered payment means and the unregistered point means on the screen in a display manner different from that for the registered payment means and the registered point means. The refueling system of claim 1 , wherein the ID center generates the usual refueling information based on the history information of the first customer. The refueling system according to claim 1 , wherein, when contents related to the regular refueling information corresponding to the first customer are registered, the ID center generates the regular refueling information based on the registered contents. The refueling system of claim 1, wherein when the payment discount information includes a first payment means that implements a discount based on the amount and a second payment means that implements a discount by awarding points, the ID center determines the payment means among the first payment means that offers the largest discount amount and the payment means among the second payment means that offers the largest amount of points as the payment means of the recommended payment information.

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