JP2000076554A - How to handle cards that perform multiple functions - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Object] The present invention relates to a card processing method which eliminates troubles associated with processing cards having multiple functions. When a card having a plurality of functions is processed, information on the plurality of functions recorded on the card is read as preset information, and when the card supports a plurality of functions, processing on the plurality of functions is normal. When the process is completed, a normal receipt is issued, and when an error occurs during processing, an abnormal receipt is issued.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for processing a card for advantageously executing each function of a card having a plurality of functions, such as a credit card, a prepaid card, a card for a stamp service, etc., with one card. And a card processing device.

[0003] In recent years, various prepaid cards, credit cards, and the like have become widespread, and applications according to their functions have been expanding. These cards are issued by department stores and large stores independently or in cooperation with credit companies and the like, and specialty stores and small stores are issued by chains, groups or affiliates. Also, the number of cases issued by the store association is increasing.

[0004] In such applications, in addition to the original credit transaction, as a part of means for improving the service to the card user and promoting use, it is possible to use the service in completely different fields or incorporate other additional service functions. Such new functions are often added.

For example, instead of the conventional stamp service for cash transactions, a predetermined point is given according to the amount of use and the number of uses, and a bonus present is provided when the point reaches a certain value. Services are also widespread.

[0006] In such a card having a plurality of functions, it is necessary to store information corresponding to each function, and the amount of information is remarkably increased and the contents are complicated. Therefore, if the contents of the card are destroyed for some reason, serious damage may occur.

[0007]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, in a single card having a plurality of functions, a processing device for using a certain function and a processing device for another function read / write specific information. It is configured as follows. However, if an erroneous operation occurs for any reason such as erroneous operation, device failure, power failure, etc., there is a concern that not only the function but also the information of the entire card is destroyed.

[0008] When such a trouble occurs, the more the card has a plurality of functions, the larger the amount of stored information and the greater the damage caused. Such damage caused by an error in the card often makes it impossible to execute all the functions as well as the function concerned, and is an obstacle to adoption of a multi-function card.

Further, such multi-function processing is independent of each other, even if the functions are not closely related functions, but are closely related such as credit transaction and associated service point processing. Independently, after one function is completed, the card is ejected once, and then inserted again to execute another function process.

[0010] In this kind of card, there are many unskilled handlers, and an excessively complicated processing method is a cause of troubles with customers, and thus a solution is required.

[0011] Further, it is also conceivable that the service point issuance rate is changed according to the usage mode, and in such a case, more complicated processing is required. For example, when adding a service point due to the use of a card, there is a request to change the delivery rate according to cash payment and credit payment, collective payment and installment payment of the same credit, and revolving payment.

In such a case as well, it is often troublesome to change the delivery ratio after one function has been completed, to make another input for point delivery, and to perform subsequent processing.

As described above, in the card according to the prior art which exerts a plurality of functions, each function often needs to be processed separately, and a processing method for eliminating the complexity of the duplication processing is required. I was

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, a simple and quick card processing method capable of coping with situations while eliminating troubles caused by processing in a card exhibiting a plurality of functions. It is an object to provide a processing device.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a card processing terminal device for processing a card having a plurality of functions according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a central processing unit (CPU). ) To control the attached circuits and peripheral devices.

In such a control, in addition to the processing function, information of another function which is not processed at that time is to be stored in a predetermined range, or the information of the other function follows a specific function processing. This includes performing the processing as it is or changing the conditions.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a memory, which generally has a ROM or a non-volatile memory for storing a program for operating the apparatus, and a RAM for storing data. In the memory 2, data on the processing function is added.
Processing procedures necessary to execute other functions and data necessary for these processes are stored.

Reference numeral 3 denotes a card reading / writing device which reads data held by the card and writes necessary data to the card in accordance with operations of the CPU 1, the memory 2, and the like. Normally, magnetic processing is performed, but a magneto-optical card using laser light can be used. Also, visual means such as perforation and printing for notifying the usage limit can be used in combination.

Reference numeral 4 denotes an input device for inputting necessary information by an operator, and may be a keyboard, a bar code reader or the like. The input device 4 is used to input required data and conditions relating to the processing function, a request relating to processing of a plurality of functions, a request for data restoration, and the like.

Reference numeral 5 denotes a display device, which can be a CRT or a liquid crystal display, and visualizes and displays necessary information to both or one of an operator and a user, and notifies transaction contents and other information.

The display device 5 also displays that data has been destroyed during the processing of the function and, if the contents are preset, data on other functions.
Therefore, the contents destroyed card can be repaired or reissued based on the displayed contents. Further, after executing the first function, it is possible to display that another function is to be interlocked.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a printing unit that prints required data and prints contents that can be delivered to a user. The printing unit 6 prints the same content as the display device 5 on a receipt, a small card, or the like. With such print contents, the card whose data has been destroyed can be repaired or reissued, or the contents of the linked processing can be visually confirmed.

Each of the components shown in FIG. 1 can be selectively used in known configurations, but the external shape and dimensions are appropriately selected in consideration of the installation location and the manner of use.

[0024]

In this configuration, when a card to be used is inserted into the read / write device 3, data stored in the card is read in accordance with a program stored in the memory 2.

The data includes, for example, a user ID, a usage balance in the case of a prepaid card, a cash service usage limit, an expiration date, and a type code of an available system. Among these data, not only data necessary for the processing function but also data of another function set in advance are read.

For these contents, the operator inputs necessary data through the input means 3. This data includes, for example, transaction amounts and payment conditions, types of goods or services, which are data necessary for the function to be initially processed, and then instructions related to the function to be processed in conjunction therewith.

In this case, it is possible to use not only a keyboard but also an automatic reading device such as a bar code reader for reading a bar code added to a product or displayed in a list.

All or a necessary part of the data read from such a card and the input contents from the input means 3 are displayed on the display device 5 and can be confirmed to either or both of the operator and the user. Is displayed as follows.

The display contents include, in addition to the display relating to the processing function, a display relating to a function to be subjected to an interlocking process, a display notifying that an abnormality has occurred in the contents of the card or that the interlocking process will be executed from now. .

Further, the printing unit 6 can print all or a part of the display contents on the display unit 5, or date and other necessary data on a receipt or the like which can be issued to the user. The print content can be, for example, a processing result related to the processing function, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the card, the content of the cooperative processing of a plurality of functions, the result thereof, and the like.

It should be noted that such processing contents are performed by transmitting and receiving data to and from a host device (not shown) by a common means via a communication line, and collectively connecting terminal devices of the same series via the host device. Can be controlled.

[0032]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of a software configuration for implementing the present invention. In this embodiment,
A, B,
Although it is assumed that the three functions C can be processed, the number of functions may be more or less.

In the read / write processing of the card 14, data reading 14 A, storage of target data 1
4B, data storage 14C necessary for other functions, and data update 14D are performed. In this case, the types and contents of data necessary for guaranteeing other functions can be preset, so-called preset.

Data storage for such other functions 1
The processing of 4C is not executed in the prior art, but is first introduced in the present invention.

In this case, when the function A is selected as the actual processing content, data required for the prepaid function is stored as the function A in reference numeral 14B. Reference numeral 14C means that data required for functions B and C as other functions, for example, a service point giving function and a credit function are stored.

Reference numeral 15 denotes an input process in which necessary data is input by a keyboard or other input means.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a printing process on a receipt or a printing card or the like.
A is performed. Further, printing control 16B of other function data
Is performed. The contents are executed as reading of a preset file 16B1 and preset determination 16B2.

Such other function data is not handled by the control according to the prior art.

Reference numeral 17 denotes display processing, and display control 17A of the target processing function is performed. Further, display control 17B of other function data is performed. The contents are the preset file reading 17B1 and the preset judgment 1
7B2.

As in the case of the above-described printing, the processing relating to such other function data is not performed by the control according to the prior art.

In such a configuration, it is natural that data required for the processing of the function A is necessary, but necessary data for other functions, in this case, functions B and C are also read together. What data is required can be set in advance. These preset contents are to be displayed and printed.

Here, if an error occurs during execution of the function A for some reason such as physical deformation of the card, power supply abnormality, abnormality of storage contents, etc. Data is also destroyed. In this case, in addition to the data relating to the processing function, data of other preset functions are also written and printed on the card.

Therefore, based on the print result, the card is restored by bringing the error receipt and the card to the service counter or the like, including not only the processing function but also data of other functions that have been preset. Can be.

In this case, if an abnormality occurs in a state where writing is not performed at the time of use, the card can be restored based on a print result at the time of the last use. Similarly, the data can be confirmed by the operator and the user on the display.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing contents in this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that a function related to the prepaid function selected as the function A and a function related to the stamp service function as the function B are performed.

At the start of the process, the data held in the inserted card is read (step S).
1). Next, the operator inputs a transaction amount (step S2).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the card is a multiple transaction function card by comparing the in-card information and the card issuing company table (step S3). If it is determined that the card is not a multiple transaction function card, a process of printing information on the card relating to the use function on a receipt is executed (step S4).

If it is determined that the card is a multiple transaction function card, in addition to the information in the card relating to the use function,
It is determined whether or not to perform a data printing process for another function (step S5). If the printing process for the other function is not preset, the printing process of only the information in the card related to the used function is executed (Step S).
4).

In the case where a preset process is performed to print and display data relating to other functions in addition to the use function, processes such as printing and displaying information in the card are performed in accordance with the preset contents. (Step S6).

After such printing and display processes are performed, a card update process such as subtraction of the usage amount, addition of points, and the like is performed (step S7).

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred (step S8). If it is determined that there is no error in a normal state, a normal receipt is issued (step S9), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that an error has occurred, an abnormal receipt is issued (step S10), and the process ends.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the information area of a card that exhibits a plurality of functions of providing a prepaid card as function A and a stamp service as function B.

The prepaid information area includes the issue amount, usable amount, latest update date, member number, and the like of the card.
The stamp information area includes the accumulated points up to the present, the date of birth of the user, gender, member number, and the like.

FIG. 5 shows an example of display contents displayed in the processing method according to the present invention.
Card balance 2600 yen, stamp points total 250
Here is an example of a point.

In the display for the operator, in addition to the data of the transaction, here, the data relating to the prepaid transaction, data relating to other functions, here, the stamp service can be displayed. On the other hand, in the display to the user, only the data related to the use function, here, only the data related to the prepaid transaction is displayed in the normal state.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an issuance receipt.
Under normal conditions, the same receipt is used to subtract the predetermined usage amount (2600-1000-1600) and the addition processing result of the stamp service (250 ten), which is another processing function, as a feature of the interlocking processing, as shown in FIG. Print out on top.

On the other hand, when an abnormality occurs, data (2600-100) which can be written at that time as shown in FIG.
In addition to 0), the fact that an error has occurred (an ok error) is printed out on the same receipt.

When such an error is notified, the data stored in the card is destroyed and cannot be used. Therefore, tell the user to that effect,
Attached to the card and an error receipt printed with (Kakikomi error), a service counter or the like performs necessary processing such as issuing a new card and refunding the remaining balance.

FIG. 7 is an external view of an apparatus suitable for executing processing of a card having a plurality of functions according to the present invention. The same elements as those in the block diagram of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

To execute the processing, the power switch is turned on, and the card is inserted into the card slot for reading / writing the card. The present device and a host device (not shown) recognize the card, display a required message on the display device 5, and then input required data from the input device (keyboard) 4. The contents and the processing result are displayed on the display device 5, and the processing result is printed out as a receipt in the printing unit 6.

FIG. 8 is a software configuration diagram showing the processing operation of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the function A executes the credit transaction processing 20 and the function B executes the stamp service processing 30.

In the card processing program, when the processing program 20 relating to the credit transaction is performed, a reading process 22 is performed upon insertion of the card. In accordance with the read content, it is determined whether or not the stamp service interlocking process as the process of another function is possible. This interlocking process 21 is executed when the read data includes a flag relating to the multiple function process.

When the interlocking process is required, a stamp service program 30 to be described later is started after executing a predetermined credit service process.

In the credit processing program 20, after the card reading processing 22, the preset table processing 2
3. Data comparison processing 23A is performed. Then, in the input processing 24, the transaction amount input 24A, the procedure input 24B
Is performed. These inputs are made with a keyboard, barcode reader or other input device.

In these processing contents, a communication processing 25 is performed for a host device (not shown). As a part of this, a message editing process 25A is performed to edit and exchange required data.

If the interlocking of the stamp service program 30 is specified during these processes, the card is not ejected after the credit processing, and the card is obtained by the process of the function A in accordance with the stamp service standard. A required point issuing process 31 is performed in accordance with the transferred data. If no card exists in the apparatus, a message prompting insertion of a card having point data is displayed.

The point issuance processing includes a data read / write operation 31A with the card, a preset point take-out processing 31B, and an input processing 31
C, arithmetic processing 31D, determination 31E of the activation source, and the like are performed. The determination 31E of the activation source is, of a plurality of functions,
This is to determine which function was started.

Thereafter, according to a normal processing program,
A cancellation process 32, an addition process 33, a purchase process 34, a setting process 35, and the like are executed, and a point issuance process is performed.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are processing flowcharts for interlocking the credit transaction as the function A and issuing the stamp service points as the function B, and simplifying the complicated processing procedures involved in the execution of both functions.

When a card is inserted in the credit transaction, credit data is read (step S11). Along with this, the card data and the table are compared (step S12), and if they do not match, the process is stopped as a registration error (defective card) (step S13).

If there is a matching company in the comparison of the card data and the member number, reciting number, etc. in the table of the card issuing company, it is then determined whether or not the card can perform a plurality of functions in an interlocked manner (step S14). ). If the card is capable of interlocking processing, for example, after reading point area data from the third track of JIS1 (step S15), it is determined whether or not a point area exists (step S16).

It is determined whether or not the interlocking process is possible (step S1)
If it is determined in 4) that interlocking is impossible, or if it is determined that there is no point area even if interlocking processing is possible, the flag for controlling the interlocking processing is stopped because interlocking processing is not possible. (Step S17).

Next, input processing for function A is executed (step S18). The input contents are contents corresponding to the function, for example, a product category, a transaction amount, a tax and a commission amount, a payment method, and the like necessary for the credit transaction.

Inquiry processing is performed with the host device according to the input contents (step S19). As a result of the inquiry, the validity period of the card, the password, the pass / fail of the transaction series, and the like are determined, and it is determined whether or not the transaction is completed based on the result (step S20).

If the transaction has been established, it is determined whether or not the interlocking process is being performed (step S21). As a result, if it is not the interlocking process, the ending process of the function A (step S22)
Is performed, the card is ejected (step S23), and the process ends.

If the transaction is unsuccessful, a message indicating that the transaction is unsuccessful is displayed (step S24), the card is discharged (step S23), and the process is terminated.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the interlocking process is being performed (step S21), the program of the function B is started (step S30).

At the start of the program of the function B, it is determined whether or not the activation is from the function A (step S3).
1). When the activation is not performed from the function A, since the processing is the sole processing of the function B, insertion of a card for the function B is requested (step S32), and point processing as a stamp service is performed (step S33).

If the activation is from function A, the function A
The point data associated with the transaction is read (step S34). Next, a point issuance calculation process and a point update process as a stamp service of the function B are performed (step S35), and the card is ejected (step S3).
6), end the process.

Although these processes can be performed by the terminal device, the contents can be included in an inquiry message via a communication line, and can be executed by the host device.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a credit company table. In addition to the various data, a flag is set to determine whether or not to perform the interlocking process for a plurality of functions, and it is determined whether to perform the interlocking process or the single process according to the state of the flag. This credit company table is stored in the host device, and is transferred to the terminal device by an inquiry process.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example of credit card data. In addition to the various data of the card, a flag is set to determine whether or not to perform the interlocking process of a plurality of functions, and it is determined whether to perform the interlocking process or the single process according to the state of the flag. Reading and processing of these data are performed by inquiry with the terminal device and the host device.

FIG. 13 shows a process in which the point issuance rate in the stamp service represented as function B in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8 can be changed according to the type of transaction, each trading company, each payment condition, and the like. FIG. 3 is a software configuration diagram showing a method.

The change of the point delivery rate shown here can be performed by reading the point delivery rate set in the credit company table. FIG. 13 is almost the same as FIG. 8 except that the credit processing program 40 performs the data extraction processing 43B in the preset table processing 43.

The stamp service program is different from the stamp service program in that a credit table setting process 55B is performed in the setting process 55.

FIG. 14 shows a credit transaction as a function A,
It is a flowchart which shows the processing procedure of other Example which performs point issue of a stamp service interlockingly as function B.

When a card is inserted for credit transaction processing, credit data is read (step S41). Along with this, the card data is compared with the table (step S42), and if there is no card data, the processing is stopped as unregistered company (step S4)
3).

If the registered companies match in the comparison between the card data and the table, then the point issuance rate is extracted from the card (step S44). Thereafter, condition input of function A is performed (step S45). This condition is data necessary for a credit transaction, for example, a product category, a transaction amount, a payment condition, and the like.

Inquiry processing is executed with the host device according to the input contents (step S47). As a result of this inquiry, the expiration date of the card, the password, the pass / fail of the transaction series, and the like are determined, and it is determined whether or not the transaction is completed based on the result (step S47).

If the transaction is not successful, a message indicating that the transaction is not successful is displayed (step S48), the card is discharged (step S49), and the process is terminated.

If the transaction has been established, the point processing is continued (step S50). Thereafter, point data reading (step S51), point issuing processing calculation (step S52), point data card writing (step S53) are performed, and the processing ends.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation for setting a point issuance rate. From the point service program, a point grant rate setting program process is started by appropriately operating the function keys (step S61). Next, a grant rate setting process is selected (step S63).

In accordance with this selection, the point grant rate data is displayed (step S64). Necessary input processing is performed with reference to this display (step S65). This input includes rank, product category, transaction type, season,
It may be different depending on the time zone, holidays and weekdays.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not a stop key has been input, and if it has been input, the process is terminated. If the input key has not been input, it is determined whether or not the end key has been input (step S67). If the input key has not been input, then it is determined whether or not the company capable of interlocking processing has ended. (Step S68).

If not completed, the processing after the display of the delivery rate data is repeated. On the other hand, if the end key is input, or if it is determined that the processing of the company that can perform the interlocking processing has been completed, the credit company table is updated (step S69), and then the processing is ended.

As shown in FIG. 16, the credit company table in this embodiment is different from the embodiment in FIG.
The data of the point grant rate is added.

In using the actual point issuance rate, assuming a fixed point issuance reference value, for example, 10 or 100 points with respect to the transaction amount, 0 <k <1 for this issuance reference value. The actual point value is determined by multiplying the point delivery rate k.

In this case, the point issuance rate k has a significance as a weighting coefficient for the point issuance reference value. For example, in the case of cash transaction and in the case of credit transaction, and in the case of goods such as clothing and precious metals. The issue points are set differently due to differences in

The point issuance rate k can be set for each operation terminal device or issuing company. In the calculation of the point issuance points, the point issuance rate k is determined by multiplying a point value determined by the point issuance reference amount and the transaction amount.

Therefore, it is possible to issue appropriate points that meet the individual conditions such as the geographical situation of the issuing company or the terminal device, the transaction form, the transaction product, and the like.
Improvements in customer service and sales efficiency can be achieved.

[0102]

According to the card processing system of the present invention which performs a plurality of functions, a plurality of functions can be continuously performed, and the card can be ejected and reinserted, and the data input operation of the operator can be performed. It is possible to reduce the time-consuming uneconomics associated with the flicker. In addition, it also helps to reduce congestion at the cash register at the time of store congestion, which can contribute to improving services.

As a countermeasure in the event that card data is destroyed for some reason in the processing of such a card exhibiting a plurality of functions, necessary data is added to display and receipt data in addition to the processing function data. It can be set in advance so that the printing process is performed.

When a trouble that actually destroys the card data occurs, a new card can be quickly issued based on the previous receipt and the card, thereby improving customer service. .

In the case of processing a card exhibiting a plurality of functions, if one of the functions is a function for adding points, this point addition rate can be appropriately set to improve customer service. For example, it is possible to change the delivery point according to a store opening commemorative sale, a seasonal event, or the like, which can be used for sales promotion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a terminal device suitable for implementing a card processing method that exhibits multiple functions according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a software configuration example of a first embodiment of a processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of the first embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a prepaid information area and a stamp information area in the first embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a display example of the display device in the first embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2B is an example of a display for a user.

FIG. 6 is an output example of an issued receipt in the first embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 6 (A) shows an example of a normal receipt and FIG. 6 (B) shows an example of an abnormal receipt.

FIG. 7 is an external view of a card processing apparatus suitable for implementing the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a software configuration diagram of a second embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the second embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (continued) showing the processing operation of the second embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a credit company table in a second embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of card data in a second embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a software configuration diagram of a third embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a third embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of changing a point grant rate in a third embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a credit company table in a third embodiment of the processing method according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Central processing unit (CPU) 2 Memory 3 Card reading / writing device 4 Input device 5 Display device 5A Operator display 5B User display 6 Printing unit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method of processing a card having a plurality of functions, wherein information on a plurality of functions recorded on the card is read as preset information, and when the card supports a plurality of functions, A card processing method comprising: issuing a normal receipt when processing relating to a function is completed normally; and issuing an abnormal receipt when an error occurs during processing. 2. A method of processing a card having a plurality of functions, wherein information on the plurality of functions recorded on the card is read as preset information, and when the card supports a plurality of functions, A processing method for a card, comprising outputting, when an error occurs during processing of a function, preset information relating to another function together with processing information of the one function. 3. A card processing device for reading information from a card and executing a predetermined process based on a result of the reading, a reading unit for reading information from the card, and executing a process based on the information read from the reading unit. A storage unit for storing information read from the card as preset information, and when the card supports a plurality of functions, the control unit Reading the information on the plurality of functions from the card and storing the information in the storage unit, and when the processing on the plurality of functions ends normally, issues a normal receipt from the output unit, and an error occurs during the processing. The card processing device operates so as to issue an abnormal receipt from the output unit in the case where the error has occurred. 4. A card processing device for reading information from a card and executing a predetermined process based on a result of the reading, a reading unit for reading the information from the card, and executing a process based on the information read from the reading unit. And a storage unit in which information read from the card is stored as preset information. When the card supports a plurality of functions, the control unit performs the plurality of functions from the card. And reading the information about the function into the storage unit. If an error occurs during the processing of one of the plurality of functions, along with the processing information of the one function,
A card processing device operable to output preset information relating to another function.