Privilege management system, privilege management device, commodity sales data processing device, and program

Abstract

To effectively improve the performance of stores as the use of a commodity collection device becomes more active.SOLUTION: A privilege management system is configured to include collection-related information output means for outputting, from a commodity collection device, collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection corresponding operation to cause the commodity collection device to collect a commodity, transaction-related information output means for outputting, from a commodity sales data processing device, transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to accounting-related processing executed by the commodity sales data processing device, and privilege granting means for granting, when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information and the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information match, a privilege to the customer indicated by the matched customer identification information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a privilege management system, a privilege management device, a product sales data processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An empty container recovery device is known that realizes a direct deposit system of money return by returning money through a money return mechanism when it is determined that an empty container from a specific vendor has been deposited based on the barcode of the empty container (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-175789 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With an empty container recovery device such as that described above, users can use the empty container recovery device to receive cash on the spot as a deposit return, making it possible to increase usage of the empty container recovery device itself. However, article recovery devices, including the empty container recovery device described above, are generally installed within the premises of a store, such as a convenience store, supermarket, etc. The store that provides the installation space for such article recovery devices hopes that the use of the article recovery devices by customers will result in a synergistic effect, which will lead to improved sales and other results.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has an object to effectively improve the performance of stores by increasing the use of article recovery devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a reward management system that includes a collection-related information output means for outputting from the item recovery device collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have the item recovery device collect an item, a transaction-related information output means for outputting from the product sales data processing device transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a reward management device that includes a collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have an item collected by an item collection device, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process executed by a product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that includes: collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have an item collection device collect an item; and an operation time at which the customer operated the item collection device; input means for inputting customer identification information that identifies a customer; and transaction-related processing means for executing processing related to a transaction corresponding to the customer identification information input by the input means, and a bonus granting means for granting a bonus to customers identified by the same customer identifier when the time from the operation time included in the collection-related information acquired by the collection-related information acquisition means to the transaction time corresponding to the processing related to the transaction executed by the transaction-related processing means is within a predetermined range.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a reward management device in a reward management system having an item recovery device and a product sales data processing device to function as a recovery-related information acquisition means for acquiring recovery-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a recovery operation to have the item recovery device recover an item, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the recovery-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively improve the performance of a store by increasing the use of the article recovery device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a PET bottle collection system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view of a plastic bottle recovery device in a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a collection history information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the PET bottle recovery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a member information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS register according to a first embodiment; [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS register according to a first embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS register in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the plastic bottle collection system in the first embodiment in relation to adding points. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of point change information in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for adding points, which is executed by a store management server in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a point increase notification screen in a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 15] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by the POS register of the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a PET bottle collection system (an example of a reward management system) according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plastic bottle recovery device 100 is installed for each of a plurality of stores ST. The plastic bottle recovery device 100 may be installed inside the building of the store ST, or may be installed in a place facing the outdoors, such as under the eaves, within the premises of the store ST.

[0013] The stores ST in the figure are, for example, stores in the same chain. As a specific example, the stores ST in the figure are convenience stores in the same chain.

[0014] The PET bottle recovery machine 100 functions as a collection facility for PET bottles as recyclable items. A customer C who visits a store ST inserts an empty PET bottle, for example, after drinking a beverage, into the PET bottle recovery machine 100. The PET bottle recovery machine 100 of this embodiment reduces the volume of the inserted PET bottle and then stores it.

[0015] The PET bottle collection machine 100 is also connected so as to be able to communicate with the collection management server 200, the store management server 500, and the like via the network NT. The PET bottle collection machine 100 may be configured to communicate with the network NT via, for example, a mobile phone communication network. This allows the PET bottle collection machine 100 to communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need to connect a cable for a network, which increases the degree of freedom in installation, for example. Although the figure shows an example in which one plastic bottle recovery apparatus 100 is installed in one store ST, the number of plastic bottle recovery apparatuses 100 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

[0016] The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information about the collection of PET bottles by the PET bottle collection device 100. The collection management server 200 is operated by a company that provides the PET bottle collection device 100, for example. Specifically, the collection management server 200 manages collection history information indicating the history of collection of PET bottles at the PET bottle collection device 100 of each store ST. Then, the collection management server 200 derives the performance (collection performance) of customer C regarding cooperation in collecting PET bottles using the PET bottle collection device 100, and notifies customer C of the derived collection performance. The collection performance is notified to customer C by displaying information regarding the collection performance on the customer terminal device 300 of customer C.

[0017] The customer terminal device 300 is a terminal device owned by the customer C. The customer terminal device 300 may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The customer terminal device 300 can communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network NT.

[0018] Also, customer C in the figure is registered as a member of store ST. Customer C, who is a member of store ST, possesses a membership card CD. The card information recorded on the membership card CD includes a membership identifier. The membership identifier is also a card identifier that is assigned to be unique to each membership card CD. Since one membership card CD is provided for each customer C who is a member, the card identifier that is unique to each membership card CD is treated as a membership identifier that uniquely identifies customer C who is the owner of the membership card CD and is a member.

[0019] The membership card CD can be used as a prepaid card when making a payment at the store ST. The membership card CD can also be used as a points card. For example, when making a payment at the store ST, a customer who is a member presents the membership card CD to a store clerk. When a store clerk operates the POS register 3 installed in the store ST to carry out a transaction according to the product purchased by a customer, the store clerk operates the card reader of the POS register 3 to read the card information recorded on the member card CD.

[0020] The POS register 3 executes transaction processing including a product registration process for registering products purchased by a customer and a payment process according to the registered products. When the POS register 3 reads card information from the membership card CD during transaction processing, it can transmit the read card information to the store management server 500. As a result, the store management server 500 can perform processes such as payment from the prepaid balance, adding points according to the payment amount, converting points into the prepaid balance, and charging the prepaid amount. Although the figure shows an example in which one POS register 3 is installed in one store ST, the number of POS registers 3 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

[0021] The store management server 500 (an example of a reward management device) is a server that comprehensively manages the store ST. The store management server 500 is operated by the store ST. Specifically, the store management server 500 manages the prepaid balance, point balance (accumulated points), etc. for each member identifier. The store management server 500 may also manage information on products for each store ST, for example.

[0022] Next, an outline of the operation of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(A) is a front view of the plastic bottle recovery device 100. Fig. 2(B) is a side view of the plastic bottle recovery device 100.

[0023] In the PET bottle recovery device 100 in the standby state, the outer door of the article insertion section is in a closed state, and the inner door provided between the article insertion section and the storage section so as to be freely opened and closed is also in a closed state. On the other hand, when collecting items, the PET bottle recovery device 100 opens the outer door of the item input section and determines whether the item placed on the loading section of the item input section is recoverable. That is, the PET bottle recovery device 100 determines whether the inserted item is a resin container such as a PET bottle, and whether the container is empty. If it is determined that the container is recoverable, the outer door is closed, an inner door provided between the item input section and the storage section is opened, and the storage section recovers the container. The PET bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment is also provided with a volume reduction mechanism. The PET bottle recovery device 100 reduces the volume of the containers using the volume reduction mechanism, and can recover a large amount of reduced empty containers in a recovery section with a specified capacity.

[0024] 2, the plastic bottle recovery device 100 has a container insertion section 110 provided at the top of the device main body 100B, and an outer door 111 provided on the outside of the opening of the container insertion section 110. The device main body 100B has a touch panel display section 1400 and a card reader 1500 provided on the front side near the top of the outer door 111. In addition, a baggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B. The container insertion section 110 is provided with various sensors for determining whether the inserted item is recoverable or not. Examples of the sensors include an optical sensor, a metal sensor, a weighing device, and an image capturing device. The PET bottle recovery device 100 uses, for example, the output of these sensors to determine whether the inserted item is recoverable or not. If it is determined that the inserted item is recoverable, the inserted PET bottle is reduced in volume by a volume reduction mechanism and then stored. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inserted item is not recoverable, the inserted item is not reduced in volume and stored, and a notification is issued to the customer, who is prompted to remove the inserted item from the container insertion section 110.

[0025] A passage 71 communicating with the container storage section 140 is provided below the container insertion section 110. An inner door 112 is provided at a position on the passage 71 communicating from the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0026] In addition, the PET bottle recovery device 100 is provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is in an open state, the volume reduction section 120 crushes the empty container A from the container input section 110 to reduce its volume, and outputs the reduced container RA to the container storage section 140 below. In addition, the device main body 100B of the PET bottle recovery device 100 has a drawer 100C on which the container storage section 140 is placed, and is provided with a drawer handle 100e and a keyhole 100r on the front side, and is configured to be able to lock and unlock by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r.

[0027] In addition, a translucent section 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B, specifically, on the front side of the drawer 100C, so that the empty containers stored in the container storage section 140 can be viewed from the outside.

[0028] A handle 100g for carrying the device is provided on the side surface of the device main body 100B.

[0029] In addition, the device main body 100B has a cap insertion section 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided from the cap insertion section 108 downward within the device main body, and the cap inserted into the cap insertion section 108 is configured to be stored in the cap storage section 145 via the cap passage 72.

[0030] The plastic bottle recovery machine 100 of this embodiment is also provided with a card reader 1500 capable of reading card information recorded on a membership card CD.

[0031] When a customer who is a member starts using the PET bottle collecting machine 100, the customer performs an operation to have his / her membership card CD read by the card reader 1500. In response to the member card CD being read by the card reader 1500, the operation of the PET bottle collecting machine 100 corresponding to one collection operation is started. A collection operation refers to having the PET bottle collecting machine 100 collect one or more PET bottles brought by the customer. Note that in the case of a customer who does not have a membership card CD, one collection operation may be started in response to, for example, an operation to instruct the touch panel display unit 1400 to start the operation. In one collection run, a customer inserts one PET bottle into the container insertion section 110 of the PET bottle collection device 100, and when the inserted PET bottle is reduced in volume and stored, the customer inserts the next PET bottle, and so on, storing the PET bottles one by one in the PET bottle collection device 100. Then, when the customer has finished storing all the PET bottles he or she brought this time in the PET bottle recovery device 100, the customer may perform, for example, an operation for ending the process on the touch panel display unit 1400. This ends one cycle of recovery operation.

[0032] In response to the completion of one collection operation as described above, the PET bottle collection device 100 generates collection history information reflecting the results of the collection operation, and transmits the generated collection history information to the collection management server 200. In other words, the collection history information is transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection management server 200 in response to each collection operation. The collection management server 200 stores the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100, for example, in a collection history information table.

[0033] In addition, the PET bottle recovery device 100 stores recovery history information generated every time a recovery operation is completed. As a result, the PET bottle recovery device 100 accumulates recovery history information every time a recovery operation is performed. Then, the PET bottle collection device 100 may transmit the collection history information accumulated since the previous transmission of the collection history information to the store management server 500 at a predetermined timing for transmitting the collection history information. That is, the collection history information may be transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 at a predetermined timing, not at each collection operation. Since the store management server 500 frequently communicates with, for example, the POS register 3 of the store ST, the communication load may become heavy depending on the time period and situation. Therefore, the collection history information is transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 at a timing such as a time period when the amount of communication with the POS register 3 is relatively low, so that the communication load of the store management server 500 can be leveled. Alternatively, the collection history information may be transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 for each collection operation. In this case, the PET bottle collection device 100 can acquire the collection history information each time a collection operation is performed. In other words, in this case, the real-time nature of the collection history information of the PET bottle collection device 100 can be improved.

[0034] 3 shows an example of the contents of the collection history information table, in which one record (one row) in the collection history information table in the figure represents collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to one collection operation. Each piece of collection history information includes fields for a device identifier, a store identifier, a member identifier, collection date and time, the number of collected items (an example of the quantity of collected items), and the weight of collected items (an example of the quantity of collected items).

[0035] The area for the device identifier stores a device identifier that uniquely identifies the plastic bottle recovery device 100 that is the sender of the recovery history information. The device identifier is information stored in the plastic bottle recovery device 100.

[0036] The store identifier field stores a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store ST in which the PET bottle collection device 100 that transmitted the collection history information is installed. The device identifier is information stored in the PET bottle collection device 100. For example, in response to a decision being made on the store ST in which the PET bottle collection device 100 should be installed, a store identifier that identifies the store ST in which the PET bottle collection device 100 will be installed is written to the PET bottle collection device 100.

[0037] The member identifier field stores the member identifier contained in the card information read from the member card CD by the plastic bottle collecting device 100 that transmitted the collection history information using a card reader when the corresponding collection operation is started. In addition, in the case of collection history information corresponding to collection operations performed by customers who are not members, the member identifier field may store, for example, a predetermined value (null value) indicating that a significant value as a member identifier has not been stored.

[0038] The collection date and time (an example of an operation time) field stores the collection date and time, which is the date and time when the corresponding collection operation was performed. The collection date and time may be, for example, the time when the collection operation started, or the time when the collection operation ended. Alternatively, the collection date and time may include both the time when the collection operation started and the time when it ended. The collection date and time may be set, for example, by the PET bottle collection device 100, and then be included in the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may set the date and time according to the receipt of the collection history information as the collection date and time. When the collection management server 200 sets the collection date and time in this manner, the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100 may not include the collection date and time.

[0039] The area for the number of collected bottles stores the number of PET bottles (recovered bottle count) collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The number of collected bottles is obtained by counting the number of PET bottles that have been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation. The collected weight field stores the total weight (collected weight) of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The collected weight is obtained by measuring the weight of each PET bottle that has been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation, and accumulating the measured weights.

[0040] Like the collection management server 200, the store management server 500 may also store the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100 in the structure of the collection history information table shown in FIG.

[0041] Returning to Fig. 1 for explanation, the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment provides a service (points addition service) for adding points to a member card of a customer C who uses the PET bottle collection machine 100, with the aim of providing a special reward for helping to collect PET bottles. Such a points addition service for use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 is realized by a store management server 500 having a function for managing points. The store management server 500 executes the following process for one member as a point-adding service. The store management server 500 uses the collection history information for one member sent from each PET bottle collection device 100 from among the collection history information stored in the store management server 500 to add a predetermined number of points each time the number of PET bottles collected by one member increases by a predetermined number (for example, adding one point for every three PET bottles). When one point is added for every three collected PET bottles, for example, if four or five PET bottles are collected, one or two collected bottles will be left over when adding up the points. To deal with such a case, the collection management server 200 may store the number of surplus collected bottles, and then, when collecting PET bottles the next time, add up the number of collected bottles and the number of collected bottles that was stored, and then perform the point-adding process. In this way, by adding points to the member card CD in accordance with the use of the PET bottle recovery machine 100 by the member customer C, a practical benefit is obtained for the member customer C, and this leads to increased use (recovery operation) of the PET bottle recovery machine 100 by customers.

[0042] 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment. The plastic bottle recovery device 100 in the figure includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1100, a storage unit 1200, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1300, a touch panel display unit 1400, a card reader 1500, a communication unit 1600, and a recovery mechanism unit 1700. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0043] The CPU 1100 executes a program to execute various processes in the plastic bottle recovery device 100. Various functions of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 are realized by the processes of the CPU 1100.

[0044] The storage unit 1200 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data used by the CPU 1100. The storage unit 1200 stores, for example, programs to be executed by the CPU 1100, image data to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400, and the like.

[0045] The RAM 1300 is a main storage device in which the programs and data read from the storage unit 1200 are expanded.

[0046] 2, touch panel display unit 1400 is provided with a display surface exposed on device body 100B. Touch panel display unit 1400 displays images under the control of CPU 1100. Touch panel display unit 1400 accepts operations performed on the display surface by an operating object such as a finger.

[0047] The card reader 1500 is provided in the device main body 100B as shown in Fig. 2. The card reader 1500 communicates with a member card CD within its communication range, for example by a predetermined contactless communication method, and reads member information from the member card CD of the communication destination.

[0048] The communication unit 1600 performs communication via the network NT. As described above, the communication unit 1600 of this embodiment performs communication so as to be wirelessly connected to the network NT.

[0049] The recovery mechanism 1700 is a mechanism that performs operations related to reducing the volume of PET bottles, storing them, and the like as part of the recovery of PET bottles, under the control of the CPU 1100. In correspondence with Fig. 2, the recovery mechanism 1700 includes a container insertion section 110, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a volume reduction section 120, a container storage section 140, and the like.

[0050] An example of the configuration of the store management server 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The store management server 500 in the figure comprises a communication unit 501, a control unit 502, and a storage unit 503.

[0051] A communication unit 501 performs communication via a network NT. The control unit 502 executes various types of control in the store management server 500. The functions of the control unit 502 are realized by a CPU included in the store management server 500 executing a program.

[0052] The memory unit 503 stores various information used by the control unit 502. The memory unit 503 in the figure includes a member information table memory unit 531, a withdrawal history information table memory unit 532, a transaction history information table memory unit 533, and a point change information memory unit 534.

[0053] The member information table storage unit 531 stores a member information table. The member information table stores one or more pieces of member information. One piece of member information is information registered about one customer who is a member who uses a store.

[0054] An example of a member information table is shown in Fig. 6. One record (one row) in the member information table in the figure is member information corresponding to one customer. The member information corresponding to a customer as a member includes fields for a member identifier (an example of customer identification information), member registration information, and point history information. The member identifier field stores a member identifier that uniquely identifies the corresponding member. The member registration information area stores information registered at the time of member registration (member registration information). The member registration information may include, for example, the name, address, phone number, age (or generation), gender, occupation, and other information of the customer as a member. The point history information indicates the history of points of the corresponding member, and may include information on the addition of points, the use of points, accumulated points (point balance), etc.

[0055] Let us return to the explanation given in FIG. The collection history information table storage unit 532 stores a collection history information table. The collection history information table stores one or more collection history information. One collection history information indicates a history of collection of a PET bottle according to one collection operation. The collection history table may have a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0056] The transaction history information table storage unit 533 stores a transaction history information table. The transaction history information table stores one or more pieces of transaction history information. One piece of transaction history information is information that indicates the history of a transaction performed corresponding to one transaction.

[0057] An example of a transaction history information table is shown in Fig. 7. Each row in the transaction history information table in the figure is transaction history information corresponding to one transaction. The transaction history information corresponding to one transaction includes fields for a member identifier, a store identifier, a transaction date and time, and transaction information. The member identifier field stores a member identifier that indicates the member who is a party to the transaction. In other words, the member identifier field stores the member identifier included in the member information read from the member card CD by the POS register 3 during the accounting process of the transaction. The store identifier field stores the store identifier that indicates the store ST in which the POS register 3 that executed the transaction process for the transaction in question is located. The transaction date and time (an example of a transaction time) field stores the date and time when the transaction process corresponding to the transaction was performed (transaction date and time). The transaction date and time may be the date and time when the transaction process started, or the date and time when the transaction process ended. Alternatively, the transaction date and time may be the timing when a specific process was performed or a specific operation was performed from the start to the end of the transaction process. The transaction information area stores transaction information that indicates the details of the transaction. The transaction information includes, for example, information indicating the results of the product registration process (e.g., product information for each registered product (product code, price, etc.), total amount, etc.), and information indicating the results of the checkout process (e.g., payment type, and in the case of payment by cash, information such as deposit and change).

[0058] Let us return to the explanation given in FIG. The point change information storage unit 534 stores point change information. In this embodiment, the point change information indicates, for example, a value of a predetermined rate of change (rate of increase).

[0059] Next, a configuration example of the POS register 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show examples of the appearance of a POS register. Fig. 8(A) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 etc. as seen from the customer side. Fig. 8(B) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 etc. as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 8(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 9(A) is a front view of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 9(B) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS register 3. In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0060] An example of the configuration of the POS register 3 shown in Fig. 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. The POS register 3 includes a CPU 3001, a ROM 3002, a RAM 3003, a hard disk 3004, a customer display unit 3005, a customer scanner unit 3006, a card payment unit 3008, a change dispenser 3009, a store clerk display unit 3010, a key operation unit 3011, a store clerk scanner unit 3012, a printing unit 3013, an audio output unit 3014, and a communication unit 3015. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0061] The CPU 3001 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS register 3 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 3002 . The ROM 3002 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 3001, including programs.

[0062] The RAM 3003 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 3003 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., information acquired from the store management server 500, the collection management server 200, the customer terminal device 300, etc.) and information generated in the process (e.g., registration information generated in the registration process, settlement information generated in the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0063] The hard disk 3004 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 3004 may store programs executed by the CPU 3001 instead of the ROM 3002. Also, instead of the RAM 3003, the hard disk 3004 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing.

[0064] The customer-side display unit 3005 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 3006 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0065] Although the customer-side scanner unit 3006 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a product order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 3005, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0066] The card payment unit 3008 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card payment unit 3008 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that the card payment unit 3008 includes at least the card recognition unit. For example, the card reader of the card payment unit 3008 may be capable of reading cards such as membership cards and point cards. Alternatively, the POS register 3 may be provided with a card reader capable of reading cards such as membership cards and point cards, separate from the card payment unit 3008.

[0067] The change machine 3009 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0068] The store clerk's display unit 3010 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 3011 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 3012 is a scanner unit for use by the store clerk, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0069] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 3012 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 3011, the store clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 3010, the store clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0070] The printing unit 3013 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 3013 is a single printing unit that can be freely rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0071] The audio output unit 3014 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 3014 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 3015 communicates with other devices connected to a network within the same store ST, and with other devices connected to the network NT.

[0072] The POS register 3 configured as described above can be switched between a first accounting mode in which the store clerk performs product registration operations and operations corresponding to settlement, a second accounting mode in which the store clerk performs product registration operations and the customer performs operations corresponding to settlement, and a third accounting mode in which the customer performs product registration operations and operations corresponding to settlement.

[0073] In the PET bottle collection system configured as above, the store ST provides a service of adding points to the membership card CD in response to shopping by customers as members. In addition, in order to promote the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100, a service of adding points to the membership card CD is also provided when a member cooperates in collecting PET bottles by using the PET bottle collection machine 100. However, in the above-mentioned point-adding system, points are added separately for shopping at the store ST and for using the PET bottle collection machine 100. In this case, it is possible to accumulate points just by using the PET bottle collection machine 100 without shopping at the store ST. For this reason, even if the PET bottle collection machine 100 is installed in the store ST, it cannot be said that it necessarily leads to an effective increase in the sales of the store ST due to a synergistic effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a member who has used the PET bottle collection machine 100 also makes a purchase at the store ST, points are managed so that the points added in accordance with the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 are increased by a certain amount. This provides an incentive for the member who has used the PET bottle collection machine 100 to make a purchase at the store ST, and allows the installation of the PET bottle collection machine 100 to effectively contribute to an increase in sales at the store ST.

[0074] Referring to the flowchart of Figure 11, an example of the processing procedure executed by the PET bottle collection device 100, POS register 3, and store management server 500 of the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment for point management of the membership card CD (in this case, point addition) will be described. First, an example of a processing procedure of the PET bottle recovery device 100 will be described. Step S101: The plastic bottle recovery device 100 waits for a recovery operation instruction operation to be performed. The recovery operation instruction operation is, for example, an operation in which a member causes the card reader 1500 to read a member identifier recorded on a member card CD when starting a recovery operation.

[0075] Step S102: In response to the collection operation instruction operation being performed, the plastic bottle collection machine 100 acquires the member identifier read by the card reader 1500 from the member card CD. Step S103: The plastic bottle recovery device 100 opens the outer door 111 and starts the operation corresponding to the current recovery run.

[0076] Step S104: The PET bottle recovery device 100 waits for the operation corresponding to the recovery operation started in step S103 to be completed. For example, when the customer has stored all the PET bottles he or she brought in the PET bottle recovery device 100, the customer operates the end button displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400 according to the guidance shown on the subsequent guidance screen displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400. In response to the operation of the end button, the operation corresponding to the one recovery operation performed so far is terminated.

[0077] Step S105: The PET bottle collection device 100 may transmit collection history information including the member identifier acquired from the card information acquired in step S102 to the collection management server 200. As described above, the collection history information has contents reflecting the results of the collection operation, and includes information such as the device identifier, the store identifier, the collection date and time, the number of collected bottles, and the collected weight in addition to the member identifier.

[0078] Next, an example of the processing procedure of the POS register 3 will be described. Step S201: The POS register 3 starts transaction processing in response to the first operation for a transaction being performed by a store clerk. Specifically, the POS register 3 executes transaction processing in response to an operation for registering the first product. Note that the product in this embodiment is not limited to tangible goods, and may be an intangible service or the like. Step S202: After the transaction process starts and ends, the POS register 3 is ready to accept the reading of the membership card CD by the card reader. Then, in response to the member card CD being read by the card reader, the POS register 3 acquires the member identifier in response to the member card CD being read by the card reader. Step S203: The POS register 3 ends the transaction process started in step S201 in response to an operation by the store clerk corresponding to the end of the transaction process. Step S204: The POS register 3 generates transaction history information that reflects the results of this transaction. When generating the transaction history information, the POS register 3 includes the date and time of a specific timing between the start and end of the transaction as the transaction date and time in the transaction history information.

[0079] Next, an example of a process executed by the store management server 500 will be described. Step S301: The store management server 500 determines whether or not collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection apparatus 100 has been received. Step S302: When the collection history information is received, the store management server 500 stores the received collection history information in the collection history information table stored in the collection history information table storage unit 532. Step S303: The store management server 500 also adds points corresponding to the current collection operation (adding points for collection) to the member identified by the member identifier stored in the collection history information stored in step S302. In this case, the store management server 500 updates the accumulated points of the member information storing the same member identifier as the collection history information stored in step S302 by increasing it by the current added points.

[0080] Step S304: After processing of step S303, or if it is determined in step S301 that the collection history information has not been received, the store management server 500 determines whether or not the transaction history information transmitted from the POS register 3 has been received. If it is determined that the transaction history information has not been received, the process returns to step S301.

[0081] Step S305: When the transaction history information is received, the store management server 500 stores the received transaction history information in the transaction history information table of the transaction history information table storage unit 533. Step S306: The store management server 500 also adds points corresponding to the current transaction to the member identified by the member identifier stored in the transaction history information stored in step S305 (transaction-related point addition). The number of points added in step S306 may be determined, for example, according to the amount paid by the customer. In this case, the store management server 500 also updates the accumulated points of the membership information that stores the same member identifier as the transaction history information stored in step S305, by increasing the accumulated points by the current added point number.

[0082] Step S307: The store management server 500 also determines whether the customer corresponding to the transaction history information received in step S304 has used a PET bottle collection device 100 in the same store ST within a certain period of time from the time the transaction was completed. For this purpose, the store management server 500 stores the same member identifier and store identifier as the received transaction history information, and searches the collection history information table for collection history information that meets the search criteria (which are also the conditions for granting a bonus) that the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time stored in the received transaction history information is within a predetermined range. If multiple collection history information that meets the search criteria is found because a member has made multiple purchases, the collection history information with the oldest transaction date and time can be used as the search result. If no collection history information satisfying the above search conditions is found, the customer corresponding to the received transaction history information has not used the plastic bottle collection device 100 within a certain period of time from the present time. In this case, the process returns to step S301.

[0083] Step S308: On the other hand, when collection history information satisfying the above search conditions is found, the collection-related added points generated in step S303 corresponding to the searched collection history information are changed (increased) by the value of the change rate indicated by the point change information. In other words, the number of points to be added to the cumulative points in response to the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 for the corresponding member is increased. As a specific example, for example, in the case where the collection-related added points generated in step S303 in response to the corresponding member's previous use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 are "5" and the point change rate is 120%, the collection-related added points are changed to be increased to "6 (=5×1.2)". After the process of step S308, the process returns to step S301.

[0084] In addition, the processing related to point allocation such as steps S303, S306, S308, etc. may be performed as a batch process at a predetermined time or other timing, based on the collection history information and transaction history information stored within a certain period of time in the past.

[0085] According to the process in the figure, at a certain store ST, a member can enjoy a service in which points are added to the member card by first having the PET bottle collection machine 100 collect the PET bottle. This stimulates the collection of PET bottles by members using the PET bottle collection machine 100. In addition, if a member makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the plastic bottle recovery device 100, the number of points awarded in accordance with the number of plastic bottles recovered will be increased. This makes it easier for customers as members to be motivated to do some shopping while they are at the store ST to have their plastic bottles collected by the plastic bottle collection machine 100. This effectively improves sales and other performance at the store as the use of the plastic bottle collection machine 100 becomes more active.

[0086] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, if shopping was done at the same store within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle collection machine 100, the number of added points generated by using the PET bottle collection machine 100 was increased at a uniform rate of change. In contrast, in this embodiment, the rate of change of the added points is changed according to the time between when the member uses the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and when he or she makes a purchase. In this embodiment, the rate of change is set to be higher the shorter the time between when the member uses the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and when he or she makes a purchase. This makes it possible for customers who wish to use the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and then go shopping to try to do so as soon as possible after using the PET bottle recovery machine 100, further strengthening their motivation to shop.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows an example of point change information stored in the point change information storage unit 534 of this embodiment. The point change information in the figure has a structure in which the rate of change in the number of added points is associated with each predetermined time difference interval. The time difference corresponding to the time difference interval here is the time difference between the time when a customer as a member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 (recovery date and time) at the same store ST and the time when he or she makes a purchase thereafter (transaction date and time). As the time difference intervals in the figure, a plurality of predetermined time ranges are defined, each of which is a different time interval in the course of time. It should be noted that the time difference and rate of change shown in the figure are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate. Note that the four time difference intervals shown in the figure are set to be consecutive in time, but two time difference intervals that are temporally related to each other may be set to be discontinuous in time.

[0088] An example of a process performed by the store management server 500 in the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment for point management (point addition in this case) of the membership card CD will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 13. Note that the process performed by the PET bottle collection device 100 and the POS register 3 for point management may be the same as that in Fig. 11.

[0089] In the figure, the processes in steps S401 to S406 are similar to those in steps S301 to S306 in FIG. Step S407: Similar to step S307 in FIG. 11, the store management server 500 determines whether the customer corresponding to the transaction history information received in step S404 has used a PET bottle recovery device 100 in the same store ST within a certain period of time from the time the transaction was completed. For this purpose, the store management server 500 searches the collection history information table for collection history information that satisfies the same search criteria as in step S307 of Fig. 11. However, in step S407, the store management server 500 sets the "predetermined range" in the search criteria "the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time stored in the received transaction history information is within a predetermined range" based on the longest time difference specified in the point change information.

[0090] Step S408: If collection history information that meets the search criteria is found in step S407, the store management server 500 obtains the rate of change in points according to the current time difference from the point change information. Step S409: The store management server 500 changes (increases) the number of points added for collection generated in step S403 in accordance with the retrieved collection history information by the rate of change acquired in step S408. After the process of step S409, the process returns to step S401.

[0091] <Modification> Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0092] [First Modification] In the second embodiment, when a member makes a purchase within a certain time period after using the plastic bottle collection device 100, the rate at which the added points are changed is changed according to the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time. In this modified example, the rate of change of the added points may be changed according to the amount paid by the member when shopping (total amount of the products). Such a change of the change rate according to the amount may be used in combination with the change of the change rate according to the time difference described above. Alternatively, the rate at which the points are added may be changed depending on the number of products purchased by the member.

[0093] [Second modified example] In this modified example, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change of the added points depending on the number of PET bottles (recovered number) collected by the PET bottle collecting device 100. Such a change in the rate of change depending on the number of collected bottles may be used in combination with the change in the rate of change depending on the time difference described above. In this case, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the added points based on the number of collected bottles (or collected weight) in the member's use (collection operation) of the PET bottle collection machine 100 in response to the change in the current added points. Alternatively, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the added points based on the accumulated number of collected bottles in response to the member's past use of the PET bottle collection machine 100. Furthermore, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the added points based on the rank of the member set by the collection management server 200 or the store management server 500 based on the accumulated number of times so far, the condition of the collected items detected by the PET bottle collection machine 100, the customer's past history of use of the store, etc. Furthermore, the weather on the day or time period when the member uses the PET bottle collection device 100 may be one of the factors that change the change rate of the added points. For example, if the weather on the day or time period when the member uses the PET bottle collection device 100 is rainy, snowy, or the like, which tends to discourage people from going outside, the change rate of the added points can be changed to be higher. What the weather was like on the day or time period when the PET bottle collection device 100 was used can be determined by, for example, obtaining a record of the weather at the date and time indicated by the collection date and time (FIG. 3) stored in the collection history information from an external server or the like that provides weather information. The age of the member who uses the plastic bottle collecting device 100 may be one of the factors for changing the rate of change of the added points. As an example, the rate of change of the added points may be gradually increased as the age category increases, such as under 60 years old, 60 to 69 years old, 70 to 79 years old, and 80 years old or older. The above example is a service for the elderly, but the age group that is a factor for changing the rate of change of the added points is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an age category such as elementary school students and junior high school students. In this case, the age can be verified by referring to the registered age, for example, if the age is registered in the member information. In addition, for example, an IC card or the like as an identification card may be read by the plastic bottle collecting device 100. Examples of IC cards as identification cards include My Number cards, driver's licenses, and IC card-type commuter passes. In the case of IC card-type commuter passes that are subject to a student discount or a monitoring service that notifies a guardian of the passage of a ticket gate at a designated station, such a function may be used as proof of the age category. Also, the IC card may be used exclusively for a monitoring service for children or the elderly. Age verification may be performed by face recognition.

[0094] [Third Modification] In each of the above embodiments, if a member makes a purchase within a certain time after using the PET bottle collection device 100, the number of points added for collection and the number of points added for transactions are changed so that the number of points added for collection is increased. However, the number of added points for transactions may be changed instead of the number of added points for collection, depending on whether the member has made a purchase within a certain time period after using the plastic bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, both the number of added points for collection and the number of added points for transactions may be changed. Also, for example, a customer who is a member may be allowed to select whether the number of added points for collection or the number of added points for transactions is to be changed when registering member information, etc.

[0095] [Fourth Modification] In each of the above embodiments, if a member makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the plastic bottle recovery device 100, the number of added points is increased. However, points may be managed so that the added points are increased even if the member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 within a certain period of time after shopping at the store ST.

[0096] [Fifth Modification] The PET bottle collection device 100 may be configured to display or otherwise inform the member at a predetermined timing while performing collection operations in response to the member's operation that the number of added points will increase if the member makes a purchase within a certain period of time. Also, as in the fourth modified example, if the number of added points is also increased when the member uses the plastic bottle collecting machine 100 within a certain time after shopping at the store ST, a notice may be given to the member on the POS register 3. In this case, at a predetermined timing when the POS register 3 is performing the transaction process, a notice may be given to the member by display or the like that the number of added points will increase if the member uses the plastic bottle collecting machine 100 within a certain time. At this time, together with the notice that the number of added points will increase, an image (which may be a still image or a video) explaining the operation of the plastic bottle collecting machine 100 may be displayed on the customer side display unit 3005 of the POS register 3.

[0097] [Sixth Modification] In the above embodiments, the added points are changed based on the rate of change. However, the store management server 500 may change (increase) the added points based on a predetermined change (increase) point amount, instead of the rate of change.

[0098] [Seventh Variation] In each of the above embodiments, the number of added points is changed depending on whether the member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 and shops at the same store ST within a certain period of time. However, for example, if they are the same chain of stores, the number of added points may be changeable even if the store ST where the member used the plastic bottle recovery apparatus 100 is different from the store ST where the member made a purchase. Furthermore, for example, as long as the store ST is within a certain area, the number of added points may be changeable even if the store ST where the member used the plastic bottle recovery apparatus 100 is different from the store ST where the member made a purchase.

[0099] [Eighth Modification] In addition, when changing the number of added points in response to a member using the PET bottle recovery device 100 and shopping within a certain period of time at the same store ST, the changed number of added points may be made different depending on the details of the products purchased. As an example, if a bottled drink is included in the purchased items, the number of added points that is changed may be greater, for example by applying a higher change rate, than if a bottled drink is not included.

[0100] [Ninth Variation] In addition, in cases where code information is provided on the container body, such as a PET bottle, by printing or the like, or in cases where a container collection device designed to collect empty cans, etc. is used, the following configuration may be used. That is, the container recovery device is configured to be able to read code information provided on containers such as PET bottles and empty cans to be recovered. In addition, each manufacturer of PET bottle beverages sets its own unique point change information. In this embodiment, the store management server 500 identifies the manufacturer of the recovered PET bottles indicated in the recovery history information when changing the number of added points. The store management server 500 may change the number of added points based on the change rate, the changed number of points, and the like set by referring to the point change information corresponding to the identified manufacturer. In addition, the above manufacturers may include, for example, private brands developed by operating companies of major supermarkets and convenience stores. For example, when a container of a product that is a private brand corresponding to a supermarket or convenience store where the container recovery device is installed is recovered by the container recovery device, the change rate, the changed number of points, and the like may be higher than those of products other than the private brand.

[0101] [Tenth Modification] The benefit given to a member in response to the member using the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 and shopping within a certain period of time at the same store ST is not limited to a change (increase) in the number of added points. Such a benefit may be, for example, the issuance of a coupon for a discount (including a discount). In this case, the coupon may be issued by the POS register 3 or the PET bottle recovery device 100 in response to the member's shopping or use of the PET bottle recovery device 100 within a certain period of time, thereby satisfying the benefit provision conditions. Alternatively, the coupon may be an electronic one that is issued so as to be presentable by, for example, an application for members installed in the customer terminal device 300. Furthermore, for customers who have not used a container collection machine for a certain period of time or longer, a member-only application may be used to deliver guidance and coupon information encouraging the use of the container collection machine (and the store).

[0102] [Eleventh Modification] When the POS register 3 is operating in a payment mode involving a store clerk, such as the first or second payment mode, during the transaction process, the record of use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 may be displayed to the store clerk based on the collection history information for the member identified by the member identifier read from the membership card CD. At this time, the number of times that the PET bottle collection machine 100 has been used and the number of times that a special offer has been given may be displayed. Alternatively, a message may be displayed to the store clerk encouraging the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 by encouraging the clerk to speak to customers. Seeing such a display, for example, a store clerk can provide appropriate guidance to increase the number of benefits given in accordance with the member's performance. Also, when the store clerk provides guidance to the member, the clerk will speak to the member, which also leads to increased communication between the member and the store clerk. Also, in consideration of effectively increasing communication, in the first or second accounting mode, the performance of the PET bottle recovery device 100 and messages encouraging the use of the PET bottle recovery device 100 are displayed on the store clerk's display unit 3010, but may not be displayed on the customer's display unit 3005. On the other hand, when the third transaction mode is being operated by the customer alone and no store clerk is involved, the device may be configured to output to the customer information about the usage of the PET bottle collection device 100 and messages recommending the use of the PET bottle collection device 100. In this case, the output of the information and messages may be displayed on the customer side display unit 3005 or may be audio.

[0103] [Twelfth Modification] The article recovery device in this embodiment is not limited to a PET bottle recovery device that recovers PET bottles. The article recovery device in this embodiment may be, for example, a device that recovers empty cans as described in the ninth modified example, a device that recovers plastic waste, a recovery device for food trays to be recycled, etc. For example, in a device that recovers plastic waste, the weight of the collected articles may be measured instead of the number of articles. Furthermore, the device used to change the number of added points and installed in the store may be other than the item recovery device. For example, such devices may include vending machines, home delivery recovery boxes, water purifiers, mineral water providing devices, and ice or dry ice providing devices. In addition, in dry cleaning stores, the number of added points may be changed depending on the use of lockers by customers for collecting or returning dry cleaning items. Furthermore, the device used to change the number of added points and installed in the store may be an ATM machine, etc.

[0104] [Example of guide image] As explained in the fifth modified example, in this embodiment, the PET bottle recovery machine 100 or the POS register 3 may notify the user that the number of added points will increase (point increase notification). FIG. 14 shows an example of a point increase notification screen displayed on the plastic bottle recovery device 100 for point increase notification. The point increase information screen in the same figure corresponds to the case where, under the third modified example, when a customer makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle recovery device 100, the number of points added for the transaction is increased. The point increase information screen in the same figure corresponds to the case where the rate of change in added points is changed to be higher when the products purchased under the eighth variant include a bottled drink.

[0105] The point increase information screen in the same figure displays a message informing the customer that the number of added points for collection will be 3 points, in accordance with the number of PET bottles (9 bottles) collected through this use of the PET bottle collection device 100. In addition, the point increase information screen in the same figure informs the customer that if they shop at the store within a certain period of time from now (for example, one hour), the number of points added for the transaction will increase by 1.2 times, and if they include a bottled drink in the items they purchase, the number of points added for the transaction will increase by 1.5 times, and displays a message encouraging the customer to shop at the store ST.

[0106] In addition, in the case where the rate of change of the added points is changed in response to the use of the plastic bottle collecting machine 100 after shopping at the store ST, the following point increase information screen may be displayed on the customer side display unit 3005 of the POS register 3. In other words, if the plastic bottle collecting machine is used after the current shopping, a point increase information screen may be displayed that shows the customer what the result of the change in the point allocation rate for the points at the time of shopping will be. Also, a message requesting the customer to use the plastic bottle collecting machine 100 the next time they visit the store may be displayed. Also, for example, the store management server 500 may determine a product to be recommended to the customer based on the product purchased in the current shopping and the purchase history of the corresponding customer, and the POS register 3 may display a guide image presenting the determined product on the customer side display unit 3005.

[0107] [Example of a receipt issued by the POS register of this embodiment] FIG. 15 shows an example of a receipt issued by the POS register 3 of this embodiment. The receipt in FIG. 1 includes the transaction result for the purchased item as well as information regarding the number of points to be added for the transaction. The information regarding the number of added points is printed as "PET collection privilege (1.5: A rank)." This printed information regarding the number of added points indicates that the number of added points has increased by 1.5 times the normal number in response to using the PET bottle collection device 100 within a certain period of time prior to the current transaction. The printed content of "A rank" also indicates that the rank of the member, as explained in the second modified example, is a factor that changes the rate at which the number of added points increases. Also, for customers (members) who did not use the PET bottle collection machine 100, a guide encouraging them to use the PET bottle collection machine 100, an explanation of how the point allocation rate will increase by using the PET bottle collection machine 100, etc. may be printed on the receipt. Also, information (for example, a specific search term, etc.) that guides the customer to a site where such guidance or explanation is provided, a symbol code of the site's URL (Uniform Resource Locator), etc. may be printed on the receipt.

[0108] <Summary of the embodiment> (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a reward management system that includes: a collection-related information output means for outputting from an item collection device (e.g., a PET bottle collection device 100) collection-related information including customer identification information (e.g., a membership identifier) ​​indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have an item collected by the item collection device; a transaction-related information output means for outputting from the product sales data processing device transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by a product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS register 3); and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information. According to the above configuration, a privilege is given to the member (for example, an increase in the number of added points) on the condition that the same customer as a member uses the PET bottle collection machine 100 and performs a transaction-related process by the POS register 3 in response to shopping at the store. This makes it possible to motivate a customer who uses the PET bottle collection machine 100 to also shop at the store ST. In other words, it is possible to effectively improve the performance of the store ST, such as sales, by installing the PET bottle collection machine 100.

[0109] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the reward management system described in (1), wherein the collection-related information output means outputs the collection-related information further including an operation time when the customer operates the item collection device, the transaction-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including a transaction time corresponding to a process related to the transaction, and the reward granting means grants a reward to the customer when the time difference between the operation time and the transaction time is within a predetermined range. According to the above configuration, a privilege is given on the condition that the difference between the time when a member customer uses the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and the time when he or she makes a purchase is within a certain range. This makes the member conscious of not leaving too much time between using the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and shopping, and makes it possible to encourage the member to actively use the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and shop.

[0110] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the reward management system described in (2), wherein the reward granting means grants a reward to the customer if the time from the operation time to the transaction time is within a predetermined range. According to the above configuration, when a customer uses the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and then goes shopping at a store, if the time from when the PET bottle recovery machine 100 was used to when the customer made a purchase is within a predetermined range, the customer is given a special benefit. This makes it possible to effectively motivate customers who come to the store ST to use the PET bottle recovery machine 100 to use the store.

[0111] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is a reward management system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the transaction-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including registered product-related information regarding the products registered by the product sales data processing device corresponding to the customer (e.g., information indicating the price (total price) of the registered (purchased) products, information indicating the total number of registered products, information indicating the breakdown of the registered products (e.g., whether or not bottled drinks are included), etc.), and the reward granting means changes the reward to be granted based on the registered product-related information. According to the above configuration, the benefits given to the member can be changed to be advantageous to the member according to the amount paid by the member for purchasing the product, the number of products purchased, or whether the purchased products include a specific product (e.g., a bottled drink). This can motivate the member to shop more actively, which can be expected to further improve the performance of the store ST.

[0112] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a reward management system described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the collection-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including information on the quantity of collected items collected by the item collection device corresponding to the customer (e.g., the number of collected PET bottles), and the reward granting means changes the reward to be granted based on the information on the quantity of collected items. According to the above configuration, the benefits given to the member can be made more advantageous to the member as the number of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection machine 100 increases. This can motivate the member to have the PET bottle collection machine 100 collect a larger number of PET bottles, thereby stimulating the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100.

[0113] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is a reward management device that includes a collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have an item collected by an item collection device, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process executed by a product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0114] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS register 3) that includes: collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection-related operation to have an item collection device collect an item; and an operation time at which the customer operated the item collection device; input means for inputting customer identification information that identifies a customer; and transaction-related processing means for executing processing related to a transaction corresponding to the customer identification information input by the input means, and that includes a bonus granting means for granting a bonus to customers identified by the same customer identifier when the time from the operation time included in the collection-related information acquired by the collection-related information acquisition means to the transaction time corresponding to the processing related to the transaction executed by the transaction-related processing means is within a predetermined range.

[0115] (8) One aspect of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer serving as a reward management device in a reward management system having an item recovery device and a product sales data processing device to function as: recovery-related information acquisition means for acquiring recovery-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a recovery operation to have the item recovery device recover an item; transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device; and reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the recovery-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0116] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 3, store management server 500, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the above-mentioned PET bottle collection device 100, collection management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 3, store management server 500, etc. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, or a dedicated line. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a flexible disk, an optical magnetic disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, etc., and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the distribution server and accessible to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined in the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" includes a memory that holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. The program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 3 POS register, 100 PET bottle collection device, 200 collection management server, 300 customer terminal device, 500 store management server, 502 control unit, 503 memory unit, 531 member information table memory unit, 532 collection history information table memory unit, 533 transaction history information table memory unit, 534 point change information memory unit

Claims

1. A member identification information acquisition means for acquiring member identification information; A recovery means for recovering the item; a quantity measuring means for measuring the quantity of the articles collected by the collecting means corresponding to the member identification information identified by the member identification information acquiring means; a collection date and time acquisition means for acquiring a collection date and time when the article was collected by the collection means in correspondence with the member identification information identified by the member identification information acquisition means; a notification means for notifying the user of the quantity measured by the quantity measuring means, a benefit to be provided to the user according to the measured quantity, and a notification that the benefit will be changed according to a purchase in a transaction within a predetermined time from the collection date and time; An article recovery device comprising:

2. the notification means notifies the user that the benefit will be changed depending on the details of the products purchased in a transaction within a predetermined time from the collection date and time. The article retrieval device according to claim 1 .

3. The benefit is given to the user in such a manner that it is changed according to the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time.

3. An article recovery device according to claim 1 or 2.

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