System, information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a system, an information processing device and a program capable of flexibly handling cash vouchers.SOLUTION: A system comprises an information processing device and a sales data processing device. The information processing device includes pre-receiving means for executing a pre-receiving process of acquiring cash voucher data relating to cash vouchers, and output means for outputting the pre-received cash voucher data of the cash vouchers to a storage unit. The sales data processing device includes acquisition means for acquiring the cash voucher data from the storage part, product registration means for executing a product registration process for a product to be purchased, and settlement means for executing a settlement process using the cash vouchers, etc., specified by the acquired cash voucher data for the product that has been registered.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system, an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In stores such as shopping centers, mass retailers, and department stores, payment may be made using gift certificates, beer coupons, rice coupons, gift certificates, and other coupons. When a customer purchases a product, the clerk or employee (hereinafter referred to as "clerk") who operates the POS terminal must determine whether the coupon is genuine, whether it is usable in the store, and check the type and amount of the coupon, so payment processing at the POS terminal takes time. In addition, in self-service POS terminals where customers register products and perform payment operations, and in accounting devices in semi-self-service POS systems where clerks register products and customers perform payment operations, it is difficult for clerks to check the coupons, making payment processing using the coupons difficult. Recently, clerks may visit customers to check the coupons, but this increases the burden on clerks, making it difficult to handle coupons. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a system, an information processing device, and a program that enable flexible handling of gift certificates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The system of the embodiment is a system comprising an information processing device and a sales data processing device, wherein the information processing device comprises a pre-receiving means for executing pre-receiving processing to acquire gift certificate data relating to gift certificates, and an output means for outputting the pre-received gift certificate data to a memory unit, and the sales data processing device comprises an acquisition means for acquiring the gift certificate data from the memory unit, a product registration means for executing product registration processing for the product to be purchased, and a payment means for performing payment processing using gift certificates identified by the acquired gift certificate data for the product that has been registered. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes of each device and the data flow between the devices. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the reception POS. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the pre-received data section. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the voucher master. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the coupon management unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the voucher master. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the reception POS, the POS terminal, and the server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process at the reception POS. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a reserved receipt. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the reserved receipt. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a one-time code receipt. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of a one-time code receipt. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an evidence receipt. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction completion receipt. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the server. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of another control process of the POS terminal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0006] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, for example, a reception POS (Point of Sales) installed at a service counter will be described as an example of an information processing device. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0007] 1 is a diagram showing a system according to an embodiment. The system 10 is installed in a store T, such as a supermarket, a mass retailer, a convenience store, or a specialty store. The system 10 performs product registration processing, payment processing, and sales management for products sold in the store T.

[0008] The system 10 includes a reception POS (Point of Sales) 1 and a POS terminal 3. Alternatively, the system 10 includes a reception POS 1, a POS terminal 3, and a server 7. The reception POS 1, the POS terminal 3, and the server 7 are mutually connected by a communication line 2 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0009] The reception POS 1 is one or more POS terminals (one in the embodiment) installed at, for example, a service counter in the store T. The reception POS 1 performs pre-receiving of gift certificates.

[0010] Examples of coupons include gift certificates, beer coupons, rice coupons, and gift vouchers, and are collectively referred to as coupons. For example, a coupon has an amount printed on its face, and can be used to purchase items up to that amount. There are coupons that allow you to pay the difference as change when the printed amount is greater than the total amount of the purchased items (overtending), and coupons that do not give change.

[0011] Also, beer and rice coupons come in two types: those with a value printed on the face and those without, but they may be treated the same as gift certificates depending on the operation of store T. For example, since one beer coupon can purchase a fixed number of bottles of beer, it may be possible to use it as a gift certificate for the amount of the specified number of bottles and for products other than beer.

[0012] In addition, gift certificates such as ice cream vouchers are intended to be exchanged for the product listed on the gift certificate, and are therefore not normally treated the same as store coupons or beer vouchers.

[0013] Depending on the store T, some vouchers can be used and some cannot, and the types of vouchers that can be used may differ from store to store. Therefore, when a customer uses a voucher, for example, a staff member at store T must check whether the voucher can be used at store T. The staff member also determines (for example, visually) the authenticity of the voucher used. For this reason, it is desirable to install the reception POS 1 at a service counter where a staff member is always present.

[0014] In the embodiment, the pre-receiving process refers to a process of converting gift certificates that a customer wishes to use into electronic data in advance. A clerk at a service counter checks gift certificates received from a customer to see if they are usable, checks their authenticity, and so on, and converts the gift certificates into digital data if it is confirmed that the gift certificates are usable and genuine. The conversion of gift certificates into digital data is performed, for example, as follows. For example, the reception POS 1 captures an image of the gift certificates to be converted into digital data. The reception POS 1 performs package recognition processing on the captured gift certificates to recognize one identified gift certificate. The package recognition processing is a known technology that uses general object recognition technology to recognize a product based on the shape, appearance, texture, etc. of the captured product to identify one product. The reception POS 1 acquires a gift certificate code that identifies the recognized gift certificate.

[0015] Regarding the generic object recognition technology, see, for example, "Keiji Yanai, 'The Current State and Future of Generic Object Recognition,' Transactions of the Information Processing Society of Japan, Vol. 48, No. SIG16 [Retrieved August 10, 2010], Internet<URL: http: / / mm.cs.uec.ac.jp / IPSJ-TCVIM-Yanai.pdf> " is stated in the article.

[0016] The imaging of the vouchers is one of the means of pre-processing for converting the vouchers into digital data. The conversion of the vouchers into digital data is not limited to the imaging of the vouchers. For example, if a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code containing information such as the type and amount of the voucher is written on the voucher, the code symbol may be scanned to convert the voucher into digital data. The type of the voucher and the amount written on the voucher may also be manually input to convert the voucher into digital data.

[0017] The reception POS 1 is equipped with a voucher master 142 (see FIG. 3) that stores information on vouchers that can be used at store T (type of voucher, amount, whether or not change can be given) for each type of voucher. Therefore, the reception POS 1 searches the voucher master 142 for an identified voucher and acquires the voucher data related to that voucher. The voucher data that the reception POS 1 acquires from the voucher master 142 includes the voucher name, the amount of the voucher, etc. The voucher name includes voucher identification information (e.g., a voucher code) that identifies the type of voucher.

[0018] It is also possible to capture images of coupons without the manual intervention of store clerks by connecting a self-propelled transport device that automatically transports the set coupons and automatically captures images of the coupons to the reception POS 1. Such a transport device transmits image data of the captured coupons to a device such as a PC that can be viewed by store clerks, etc., and the store clerks, etc., check the images of the coupons displayed on the PC, etc. to determine whether the coupons are usable and whether the coupons are genuine, etc.

[0019] The reception POS 1 stores the voucher data acquired by the pre-acceptance process as follows. For example, the reception POS 1 transmits (outputs) the acquired voucher data to the server 7 (storage unit) and stores it in the server 7. Specifically, the reception POS 1 has a hold key 172 (see FIG. 3). The hold key 172 is a key for temporarily holding product information of a product for which product registration processing has been performed. When the hold key 172 is operated, the reception POS 1 transmits the voucher data acquired by capturing an image of the voucher to the server 7 together with a receipt number and a customer ID, which will be described later. The server 7 stores the voucher data received from the reception POS 1. The store T processes the monetary value of the amount written on the face value of the voucher as surplus money deposited by the customer by storing the voucher data, which is the voucher data of the voucher, in the server 7. The pre-acceptance process of the voucher data can be converted into an electronic money charge amount for an electronic money medium.

[0020] When the hold key 172 is operated and the voucher data is sent to the server 7, the reception POS 1 issues a held receipt or one-time code receipt. The held receipt or one-time code receipt is given to the customer. Information for identifying and retrieving the voucher data held in the server 7 (for example, a receipt number that individually identifies the held receipt, or a customer ID that identifies the customer, or both the receipt number and the customer ID) is printed in coded form on the held receipt. The one-time code receipt also has similar information (including a one-time code) printed in coded form, but because the one-time code has a set expiration date, the one-time code receipt becomes invalid when the expiration date is exceeded. One-time code receipts may be used to ensure security, but the following embodiment will use held receipts for explanation.

[0021] The reserved receipt or one-time code receipt may be a paper medium printed by a printer, or may be in the form of an electronic receipt issued electronically.

[0022] The reception POS 1 can also store the coupon data acquired by the pre-receiving process in a different manner. That is, the reception POS 1 outputs the acquired coupon data to a storage medium (storage unit) that is detachable from the reception POS 1 for storage. The storage medium is, for example, an IC card, a magnetic card, a USB memory, etc. The storage medium may be, for example, a customer card issued when a customer registers as a member. The storage medium may also be an IC card lent to the customer by store T. Note that the storage medium is not limited to a card, and may be any medium that can store coupon data electrically or magnetically.

[0023] The reception POS 1 also issues an evidence receipt indicating that the vouchers have been converted into digitized voucher data. Specifically, the reception POS 1 issues an evidence receipt when it transmits the voucher data to the server 7 or when it stores the voucher data on a medium. A store clerk or the like receives the digitized vouchers (actual items) from the customer and stores them together with the issued evidence receipt in store T. At this point, the vouchers have not yet been used, so store T associates the vouchers (actual items) with the evidence receipt and stores them, indicating that there is surplus money deposited by the customer.

[0024] The POS terminal 3 is an example of a self-service sales data processing device in which, for example, a customer performs product registration and payment operations. The customer uses the POS terminal 3 to perform product registration and payment operations for products to be purchased at the store T. The POS terminal 3 executes product registration processing based on the customer's product registration operation. The POS terminal 3 also executes payment processing based on the customer's payment operation.

[0025] The product registration process refers to a process of acquiring a product code (product identification information) that identifies a product sold at the store T, displaying product information (product name, product price, etc.) such as the product name and price of the product based on the acquired product code, and storing the product information in the product information section 331 (see FIG. 6). In the product registration process, it is not essential to display product information (product name, product price, etc.) such as the product name and price of the product based on the acquired product code, and it is sufficient to store the product information in the product information section 331 (see FIG. 6) based on the acquired product code. The settlement process refers to a closing process related to the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information section 331 in conjunction with the product registration process, specifically, a display of the total amount, a settlement process by cash, credit card, gift certificates, etc., a process of calculating and displaying change based on the deposit in the case of cash settlement, a process of issuing a receipt on which product information of the settled product and accounting information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, point information, etc.) are printed.

[0026] When a customer uses a gift certificate to make a payment, the customer calls up the pre-processed gift certificate data and performs a payment process using the gift certificate. When a customer uses a gift certificate to purchase a product, the customer performs a registration operation using the gift certificate included in the gift certificate data called up during the product registration operation.

[0027] The POS terminal 3 transmits product information related to the product for which payment has been processed and payment information to the server 7. The POS terminal 3 transmits information identifying the used coupon (coupon code) together with the product information and payment information to the server 7.

[0028] The server 7 is, for example, a store server installed in the back yard of store T. The server 7 manages pre-accepted gift certificates. The server 7 individually stores gift certificate data for gift certificates pre-accepted by the reception POS 1. The server 7 also transmits the stored gift certificate data to a POS terminal 3 that has received a request. The server 7 also manages gift certificates used at the POS terminal 3. The server 7 also manages the expiration date of gift certificates that have been converted into gift certificate data. When the server 7 receives payment information from the POS terminal 3 indicating that a pre-accepted gift certificate has been used, it transmits processing completion information to the reception POS 1 indicating that the gift certificate has been used.

[0029] From here, the main processes of the reception POS 1, the server 7, and the POS terminal 3 and the data flow between the devices will be described. FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing the main processes of each device and the data flow between the devices. FIG. 2 shows an example in which the voucher data acquired by the pre-acceptance process is sent to the server 7 and stored. As shown in FIG. 2, the reception POS 1 takes an image of the voucher and executes the pre-acceptance process (T1). Then, when the hold key 172 is operated, the reception POS 1 issues a hold receipt for calling the pre-acceptance process voucher data from the server 7 (T2), and at the same time, transmits the voucher data to the server 7 to hold the voucher data in the server 7 (T3). It is not important which of the process of T2 and the transmission of T3 is performed first. Then, the reception POS 1 issues an evidence receipt indicating that the voucher has been pre-accepted (T4).

[0030] The server 7, which has received the voucher data transmitted by T3, executes advance registration to store the voucher data in the voucher management unit 731 (see FIG. 7) (T5).

[0031] A customer who has pre-received a gift certificate and received a reserved receipt can use the reserved receipt to call up the stored gift certificate data and use it for payment when shopping at store T, as long as the gift certificate data is still valid (for example, within one month). In other words, if a customer pre-receives a gift certificate at reception POS 1 and converts it into gift certificate data, they can use the pre-received gift certificate to make payments from that day onwards until the expiration date.

[0032] When making payment for an item purchased at store T, the customer operates the call key 372 (see FIG. 6) of the POS terminal 3 to call up the stored coupon data using the reserved receipt. The POS terminal 3 then reads the code symbol printed on the reserved receipt (T6). The POS terminal 3 obtains the receipt number or customer ID from the read code symbol and requests the server 7 to transmit the coupon data stored by the server 7 (T7). Having received the request, the server 7 extracts the corresponding coupon data based on the receipt number or customer ID transmitted from the POS terminal 3 (T8). The server 7 then transmits the extracted coupon data to the POS terminal 3 (T9).

[0033] The POS terminal 3 receives the gift certificate data from the server 7 and stores it in the gift certificate storage unit 332 (see FIG. 6) (T10). The POS terminal 3 then executes product registration processing for the product purchased by the customer (T11). In T11, if the product purchased by the customer includes a product to which the gift certificate pre-processed as gift certificate data can be applied, a message is displayed indicating that the gift certificate can be used and the option of whether to use the gift certificate, and the customer is prompted to select whether to use the gift certificate. If the customer selects to use the gift certificate, the POS terminal 3 executes product registration processing for the product to which the gift certificate has been applied.

[0034] When the product registration process is completed for all products, the POS terminal 3 executes the payment process (T12). If the stored coupon data includes a usable coupon at T12, the POS terminal 3 executes the payment process using that coupon at T12. The POS terminal 3 then issues a receipt on which product information and payment information are printed for the products for which payment has been processed (T13). If a coupon has been used, a receipt including information on the coupon used is issued. The POS terminal 3 then transmits the product information and payment information for the products for which payment has been processed, and a coupon code that identifies the coupon used, to the server 7 (T14).

[0035] The server 7 executes various data processes based on the received product information and payment information (T15). First, in T15, the server 7 cumulatively stores the received product information and payment information in the sales management unit 732 (see FIG. 7) to manage the sales of the store T. The server 7 also updates the coupon data stored in the coupon management unit 731 based on the received information related to the use of the coupon (coupon code) in T15. For example, the server 7 stores used information in the coupon management unit 731 in correspondence with the used coupon. The server 7 then transmits information related to the used coupon, including the coupon code, to the reception POS 1 (T16).

[0036] When the reception POS 1 receives information related to the used coupon from the server 7, it issues a transaction completion receipt indicating that the coupon has been used (T17).

[0037] In this way, the reception POS 1 issues an evidence receipt when the vouchers are pre-processed, and issues a processing completion receipt when the vouchers are used. By storing the issued evidence receipt, processing completion receipt, and the pre-processed vouchers (actual items) together, the store clerk can confirm that the pre-processed vouchers have been used. In addition, based on the dates and times printed on the evidence receipt and processing completion receipt, the date and time when the vouchers were pre-processed and the date and time when they were used can be confirmed.

[0038] Next, the hardware configuration of the receiving POS 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the receiving POS 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the receiving POS 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. The CPU 11 is the main controller of the receiving POS 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes a control process of the receiving POS 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 12 or the memory unit 14 and expanded in the RAM 13.

[0039] The RAM 13 has an advance data section 131. The advance data section 131 stores data of advance-processed gift certificates read from a gift certificate master 142, which will be described later. The advance data section 131 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0040] The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 141 that stores a control program, and a voucher master 142. The voucher master 142 stores voucher data relating to each voucher by voucher type. The voucher master 142 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0041] In addition, the control unit 100 is connected to an operation unit 17 , a display unit 18 , an imaging unit 19 , a reader / writer 20 , and a printer 21 via a bus 15 and a controller 16 .

[0042] The operation unit 17 has a start key 171, a hold key 172, and an end key 173. The start key 171 is operated when starting the pre-receiving process of the coupons by the reception POS 1. The hold key 172 is operated when storing the pre-received coupon data. The end key 173 is operated when ending the pre-receiving process of the coupons by the reception POS 1.

[0043] The display 18 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to a store clerk or a customer who operates the reception POS 1. The operation unit 17 may be a touch panel provided on the display 18.

[0044] The imaging unit 19 is, for example, a camera with a number of CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) arranged in a planar shape, and captures images of the cash vouchers. The reader / writer 20 reads the customer ID that identifies the customer from the customer card owned by the customer. The printer 21 prints and issues a reserved receipt, an evidence receipt, and a processing completion receipt.

[0045] The control unit 100 is also connected to a communication unit 22 via a bus 15. The communication unit 22 is connected to the POS terminal 3 and the server 7 via a communication line 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0046] Next, the prepaid data section 131 will be described. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the prepaid data section 131. As shown in FIG. 4, the prepaid data section 131 has a reserved receipt number section 1311, a voucher name section 1312, an amount section 1313, and a voucher type section 1314. The reserved receipt number section 1311 stores information for identifying the voucher data to be called when the reserved voucher data is called. The reserved receipt number section 1311 stores, for example, a receipt number that identifies the issued reserved receipt (specifically, the receipt number is one or more of, for example, a receipt serial number, a number indicating the store, and a number indicating the processed register number), a customer ID read by the reader / writer 20, or both the receipt number and the customer ID. The same information is also written on the reserved receipt. The voucher name section 1312 stores the name of the pre-received voucher and a voucher code identifying the voucher, in association with information identifying the voucher data stored in the reserved receipt number section 1311. The amount section 1313 stores the amount (for example, the amount written on the face value of the voucher) which is the monetary value of the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1312. The voucher type section 1314 stores availability information indicating whether or not it is possible to pay out change for the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1312 when it is overtended. In addition, in Figure 4, the pre-received data section 131 is shown as one reserved receipt number section 1311, and a voucher name section 1312, amount section 1313, and voucher type section 1314 corresponding to the reserved receipt number section 1311. However, in reality, the pre-received data section 131 stores the voucher name section 1312, amount section 1313, and voucher type section 1314 corresponding to the stored number of reserved receipt numbers 1311.

[0047] Next, the coupon master 142 will be described. FIG. 5 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the coupon master 142. The coupon master 142 stores coupon data of coupons that can be used at the store T. As shown in FIG. 5, the coupon master 142 stores coupon data of coupons such as a gift certificate with a monetary value of the amount written on its face, a ticket that is originally used for selling rice (amount written) like a rice ticket but can be used as a gift certificate, and a gift certificate that can be exchanged for a specific product (ice cream) like an ice cream ticket. The coupon master 142 has a coupon name section 1421, an amount section 1422, a change section 1423, a multi-tend section 1424, an amount allowable section 1425, and a gift certificate flag section 1426. The coupon name section 1421 stores the name of the coupon that can be used at the store T and a coupon code that identifies the coupon. In the example of Figure 5, the gift certificate name section 1421 includes the names of the gift certificates, such as Gift Certificate A, Gift Certificate B, and Rice Certificate, and a gift certificate code identifying each gift certificate, and the name of the gift certificate (Ice Cream Certificate) and the gift certificate code identifying the gift certificate.

[0048] The amount section 1422 stores the amount, which is the monetary value of the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1421, in association with the amount. Note that the amount section 1422 does not store the amount for the gift certificate. The change section 1423 stores information on whether or not the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1421 can pay out change when overtending. The multi-tend section 1424 stores information on whether or not the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1421 can be used for payment with other media (multi-tend payment is possible). The amount available / unavailable section 1425 stores information on whether or not the voucher having the name stored in the voucher name section 1421 can be used as a gift certificate of the indicated amount. In the example of FIG. 5, the gift certificate A, the gift certificate B, and the rice certificate can be used as the monetary value of the amount written on the face value. Information on "available" is written on such vouchers. On the other hand, ice cream vouchers can be exchanged for the product (ice cream) printed on their face value, but cannot be used to purchase other products. Such vouchers are marked with the "No" information.

[0049] The gift certificate flag section 1426 stores flag information indicating whether the coupon whose name is stored in the coupon name section 1421 can be used as a gift certificate that can be exchanged for a specific product. A flag of "1" is stored for coupons that can be used as gift certificates. In the case of FIG. 5, an ice cream coupon can be used as a gift certificate.

[0050] Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the POS terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the POS terminal 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes a control process of the POS terminal 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and loaded in the RAM 33.

[0051] The RAM 33 has a product information section 331 and a coupon storage section 332. The product information section 331 stores product information (product name, price, etc.) of a product that has been registered. The coupon storage section 332 stores coupon data acquired from the server 7 or a storage medium in response to the operation of a call key 372, which will be described later.

[0052] The memory unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 341 and a product master 342. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for driving the POS terminal 3. The product master 342 stores product information (product code that identifies the product, product name, price, etc.) related to each product sold in the store T.

[0053] The control unit 300 is also connected to an operation unit 37, a display unit 38, an imaging unit 39, a reader / writer 40, and a printer 41 via a bus 35 and a controller 36. The operation unit 37 has a start key 371, a call key 372, and a settlement key 373. The start key 371 is operated when starting operation of the POS terminal 3. The call key 372 is operated when calling up the voucher data of pre-processed vouchers from the server 7 or a storage medium. The settlement key 373 is operated when performing settlement processing for a product that has been registered.

[0054] The display 38 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to a customer who operates the POS terminal 3. The operation unit 37 may be a touch panel provided on the display 38.

[0055] The imaging unit 39 is, for example, a camera with multiple CCDs arranged in a plane, and captures an image of the product to be purchased. The reader / writer 40 reads a customer ID that identifies the customer from a customer card held by the customer. The printer 41 issues a receipt on which product information and payment information related to the product for which payment has been processed are printed.

[0056] The control unit 300 is also connected to a communication unit 42 via a bus 35. The communication unit 42 is connected to the reception POS 1 and the server 7 via a communication line 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0057] Next, the hardware configuration of the server 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the server 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the server 7 includes a CPU 71, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, a memory unit 74, and the like. The CPU 71 is the main controller of the server 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the memory unit 74 are connected to each other via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes the control process of the server 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 72 or the memory unit 74 and expanded in the RAM 73.

[0058] The RAM 73 has a cash voucher management unit 731 and a sales management unit 732. The cash voucher management unit 731 stores the cash voucher data received from the reception POS 1. More precisely, the cash voucher management unit 731 adds cash voucher data acquired from a cash voucher master 742 (described later) to the cash voucher data received from the reception POS 1 and stores the added data. The cash voucher management unit 731 will be described later with reference to FIG. 8. The sales management unit 732 cumulatively stores product information and payment information received from the POS terminal 3, and manages sales for store T.

[0059] The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 741 and a voucher master 742. The control program unit 741 stores a control program for operating the server 7. The voucher master 742 stores voucher data relating to each voucher type. The voucher master 742 has the same content as the voucher master 142. The voucher master 742 will be described later with reference to FIG. 9.

[0060] In addition, the control unit 700 is connected to a display unit 77 and an operation unit 78 via a bus 75 and a controller 76. The display unit 77 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of the server 7. The operation unit 78 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like that is operated by the operator.

[0061] The control unit 700 is also connected to a communication unit 79 via a bus 75. The communication unit 79 is connected to the reception POS 1 and the POS terminal 3 via a communication line 2 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0062] Next, the cash voucher management unit 731 will be described. FIG. 8 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the cash voucher management unit 731. As shown in FIG. 8, the cash voucher management unit 731 has a reserved receipt number section 7311, a cash voucher name section 7312, an amount section 7313, a cash voucher type section 7314, an expiration date section 7315, a gift voucher flag section 7316, and a usage flag section 7317. The reserved receipt number section 7311, the cash voucher name section 7312, and the amount section 7313 are similar to the reserved receipt number section 1311, the cash voucher name section 1312, and the amount section 1313 shown in FIG. 4. The expiration date section 7315 stores the expiration date of the pre-accepted cash vouchers. If the cash vouchers are not used until a predetermined period (for example, one month) has passed since the pre-accepted cash vouchers are processed, the cash vouchers cannot be used as cash voucher data. The expiration date section 7315 stores the period during which the digitized vouchers can be used as voucher data. The expiration date of the vouchers may be the same for all vouchers, or may be different depending on the type of voucher. If different expiration dates are used, the expiration dates for each voucher type are set in the voucher master 742, which will be described later in FIG. 9.

[0063] The gift certificate flag unit 7316 stores a flag "1" when the coupon can be used as a gift certificate. The usage flag unit 7317 stores a usage flag "1" indicating that the coupon has been used at the POS terminal 3 among the coupons that have been pre-processed.

[0064] Next, the coupon master 742 will be described. Fig. 9 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the coupon master 742. The coupon master 742 stores coupon data for coupons that can be used at store T. As shown in Fig. 9, the coupon master 742 has a coupon name section 7421, an amount section 7422, a change section 7423, a multi-tend section 7424, an amount allowable section 7425, and a gift certificate flag section 7426. The coupon master 142 in Fig. 5 is a copy of the coupon master 742. In other words, the gift certificate name section 7421, amount section 7422, change section 7423, multi-tend section 7424, amount available / unavailable section 7425, and gift certificate flag section 7426 of the gift certificate master 742 are similar to the gift certificate name section 1421, amount section 1422, change section 1423, multi-tend section 1424, amount available / unavailable section 1425, and gift certificate flag section 1426 of the gift certificate master 142, respectively, and therefore will not be explained here.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the reception POS 1, the POS terminal 3, and the server 7. FIG.

[0066] The control unit 100 of the reception POS 1 functions as an imaging unit 101, a receipt receiving unit 102, an output unit 103, and a receipt issuing unit 104 by following a control program stored in the ROM 12 or a control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

[0067] The imaging means 101 judges whether an image of the cash voucher has been taken. Specifically, the receiving means 102 takes an image of the cash voucher using the imaging unit 19. Note that the imaging means 101 is not an essential requirement.

[0068] The advance receiving means 102 executes a pre-receiving process to acquire voucher data related to the voucher. In the embodiment, the advance receiving means 102 executes a pre-receiving process to acquire voucher data indicating the voucher from a captured image. Specifically, the advance receiving means 102 identifies one voucher based on an image captured by the imaging unit 19, and acquires the voucher data of the voucher from the voucher master 142. Note that, for example, when a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code including information such as the type and amount of the voucher is written on the voucher, the advance receiving means 102 may acquire the voucher data by scanning the code symbol. The advance receiving means 102 may also acquire the voucher data by manually inputting the type of the voucher and the amount written on the voucher.

[0069] The output means 103 outputs the voucher data of the vouchers pre-received by the pre-receiving means 102 to the storage unit. Specifically, the output means 103 transmits (outputs) the voucher data of the vouchers pre-received by the pre-receiving means 102 to the server 7 or outputs it to a storage medium. More specifically, when the hold key 172 is operated, the output means 103 transmits the voucher data of the vouchers pre-received by the pre-receiving means 102 to the server 7 or outputs it to a storage medium. When transmitting the voucher data of the vouchers to the server 7, the voucher data is transmitted in association with information identifying the transmitted voucher data (receipt number of the held receipt, customer ID, etc.) that is written on a held receipt described later, and when outputting the voucher data of the vouchers to a storage medium, the voucher data is transmitted in association with information identifying the transmitted voucher data (customer ID, etc.).

[0070] The receipt issuing means 104 issues a reserved receipt including information identifying the coupon data sent to the server 7 or the coupon data output to a storage medium. Specifically, when the hold key 172 is operated, the receipt issuing means 104 issues a reserved receipt indicating a code symbol including information identifying the coupon data sent to the server 7 (the receipt number of the reserved receipt, customer ID, etc.).

[0071] The receipt issuing means 104 also issues an evidence receipt indicating that the vouchers have been pre-processed. The receipt issuing means 104 also issues a transaction completion receipt indicating the vouchers used by the settlement means 303, which will be described later.

[0072] The control unit 300 of the POS terminal 3 functions as an acquisition unit 301, a product registration unit 302, and a payment unit 303 by following a control program stored in the ROM 32 or a control program unit 341 of the memory unit .

[0073] The acquisition means 301 acquires the voucher data from the storage unit. Specifically, the acquisition means 301 acquires the voucher data from the server 7, which is the storage unit, or from a storage medium, which is the storage unit. More specifically, the acquisition means 301 acquires the voucher data from the server 7 or the storage medium when the call key 372 is operated.

[0074] The product registration means 302 executes a product registration process for the product to be purchased.

[0075] The payment means 303 performs a payment process using the coupons specified by the acquired coupon data for the product for which product registration has been processed. Specifically, when the call key 372 is operated, coupon data is called from the server 7 or a storage medium, and the coupon data is stored in the coupon storage unit 332, the payment means 303 performs a payment process using the coupons specified by the acquired coupon data. More specifically, when the call key 372 is operated, coupon data is called from the server 7 or a storage medium, and coupon data of coupons usable for the product for which product registration has been processed is stored in the coupon storage unit 332, the payment means 303 performs a payment process using the coupons specified by the acquired coupon data.

[0076] In addition, the control unit 700 of the server 7 functions as a voucher data storage means 701, a usage processing means 702, and a return means 703 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 72 or the control program section 741 of the memory unit 74.

[0077] The voucher data storage means 701 receives and stores the voucher data transmitted by the output means 103. Specifically, the voucher data storage means 701 receives the voucher data transmitted by the output means 103 and information identifying the transmitted voucher data, and stores them in the voucher management unit 731.

[0078] Based on the voucher data of the voucher used in the payment process, the usage processing means 702 adds used information to the voucher data of the used voucher stored by the voucher data storage means 701. Specifically, the usage processing means 702 stores a usage flag "1", which is used information, in the usage flag section 7317 for the voucher data of the used voucher stored by the voucher data storage means 701 based on the voucher data of the voucher used in the payment process.

[0079] The return means 703 returns the coupons related to the pre-processed coupon data if they have not been used for a predetermined period. Specifically, the return means 703 returns the coupons related to the pre-processed coupon data if they have not been used until the expiration date stored in the expiration date unit 7315.

[0080] Next, the control of the reception POS 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the reception POS 1. The control unit 100 of the reception POS 1 judges whether the start key 171 has been operated (S11). If it is judged that the start key 171 has been operated (Yes in S11), the imaging means 101 judges whether an image of a gift certificate has been taken (S13). If it is judged that an image of a gift certificate has been taken (Yes in S13), the advance receiving means 102 identifies the gift certificate based on the image of the gift certificate (obtains the gift certificate code of the gift certificate) (S14). Then, the control unit 100 judges whether the identified gift certificate is usable at the store T (S15). The control unit 100 judges whether the gift certificate is usable based on whether the gift certificate is stored in the gift certificate master 142. If the gift certificate is stored in the gift certificate master 142, the control unit 100 judges that the gift certificate is usable at the store T. If the control unit 100 determines that the voucher cannot be used (No in S15), the process returns to S11, and if the control unit 100 determines that the voucher can be used (Yes in S15), the advance receipt means 102 acquires the voucher data related to the voucher from the voucher master 142 and stores it in the advance receipt data unit 131 (S16). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0081] If it is determined that the image is not of a gift certificate (No in S13), the control unit 100 determines whether the hold key 172 has been operated (S17). If the control unit 100 determines that the hold key 172 has been operated (Yes in S17), it then determines whether a storage medium has been attached to the reader / writer 20 of the reception POS 1 (S18). If the control unit 100 determines that a storage medium has not been attached (No in S18), the receipt issuing means 104 transmits the gift certificate data (including information identifying the gift certificate data) relating to the gift certificate to the server 7 for storage (i.e., the gift certificate has been digitized and temporarily held by store T), and prints out a hold receipt using the printer 21 to issue to the customer (S20).

[0082] Fig. 12 shows an example of a reserved receipt issued in S20. The reserved receipt Ra in Fig. 12 is a reserved receipt for gift certificates for which change will be given. As shown in Fig. 12, the reserved receipt Ra includes the date and time Raa when the reserved receipt was issued, the register number Rab indicating the POS terminal that issued the reserved receipt (in the embodiment, the register number "001" indicating the reception POS1 is printed), information Rac identifying the person who issued the reserved receipt, information Rad indicating that the receipt is a reserved receipt for gift certificates received in advance, a gift certificate code Rau identifying the gift certificates that have been pre-received, the gift certificate name Rae of the gift certificate that has been pre-received (gift certificate A), the number of gift certificates of that gift certificate name that have been pre-received Raf, the amount Rag which is the monetary value of one gift certificate of that gift certificate name, the name of the gift certificate that has been pre-received, Printed on the receipt are the total amount Rah of the vouchers, the total amount Rak of all vouchers processed in advance, the total number Ram of vouchers processed in advance, the expiration date Ran of the vouchers processed in advance, information Rap that identifies vouchers processed in advance for which change cannot be given, information Raq indicating that payment can be made using the vouchers processed in advance, a code symbol Rar that contains information that identifies the reserved receipt Ra (e.g., receipt number or customer ID), receipt number Ras which is information that identifies the voucher data that identifies the reserved receipt Ra, and store number Rat that identifies the store T that issued the reserved receipt Ra.

[0083] The reserved receipt Ra in the example of Figure 12 is a reserved receipt issued on December 12, 2022, and shows that the pre-accepted vouchers are two gift certificates A with a face value of 500 yen each, totaling 1,000 yen, and that the expiration date of the vouchers is January 8, 2023. The customer can see the issued reserved receipt to understand the type of voucher that can be used, the usable amount, the expiration date, etc.

[0084] Next, another example of the reserved receipt issued in S20 is shown. The reserved receipt Ra in FIG. 13 is a reserved receipt for a voucher that does not give change. As shown in FIG. 13, the name of the voucher (gift certificate C) Rae of the pre-processed voucher, the amount Rah of the pre-processed voucher with that voucher name, the total amount Rak of all pre-processed vouchers, the total number Ram of pre-processed vouchers, etc. are printed. In addition, the reserved receipt Ra is printed with a mark Rav (the character "none" in the embodiment) indicating that the voucher (gift certificate C) is a type of voucher that does not give change. Note that the other configurations of the reserved receipt Ra in FIG. 13 are the same as those in FIG. 12, so the description will be omitted. When shopping using a voucher that does not give change, such as gift certificate C (for example, when shopping for 1500 yen and using gift certificate C), no change is paid out.

[0085] It is also possible to issue a one-time code receipt by entering a one-time code in S20 instead of a reserved receipt. A short expiration date is set for the one-time code to enhance security, and the one-time code receipt must be used at the POS terminal 3 within that expiration date.

[0086] Fig. 14 shows an example of a one-time code receipt issued in S20. The one-time code receipt Rb in Fig. 14 is a one-time code associated with a voucher for which change is given. As shown in Fig. 14, the one-time code receipt Rb is basically printed with the same content as the reserved receipt Ra. However, instead of the code symbol Rar, a code symbol Rbr (e.g., a two-dimensional code) containing a one-time code in addition to information identifying the reserved receipt Ra is printed.

[0087] Next, another example of the one-time code receipt issued in S20 is shown. The one-time code receipt Rb in FIG. 15 is a reserved receipt for a voucher for which no change is given. As shown in FIG. 15, the voucher name (gift certificate C) Rbe of the pre-processed voucher, the amount Rbh of the pre-processed voucher with that voucher name, the total amount Rbk of all pre-processed vouchers, the total number Rbm of pre-processed vouchers, etc. are printed on the one-time code receipt Rb. In addition, the one-time code receipt Rb is printed with a mark Rbv (the character "none" in this embodiment) indicating that the voucher (gift certificate C) is a type of voucher for which no change is given. Note that the other configuration of the one-time code receipt Rb in FIG. 15 is the same as that in FIG. 14, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 11, if it is determined that a storage medium is attached to the reader / writer 20 (Yes in S18), the voucher data of the pre-processed vouchers (including the customer ID as information identifying the voucher data) is output to the storage medium and stored (charged) (S19). After executing the process of S19 or S20, the control unit 100 then transmits (outputs) the voucher data to the server 7 (S21). The receipt issuing means 104 then prints an evidence receipt indicating that the vouchers have been pre-processed by the printer 21 and issues it to the customer (S22). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

[0089] 16 shows an example of the evidence receipt issued in S22. The evidence receipt Rc includes the date and time Rca when the evidence receipt was issued, the register number Rcb indicating the POS terminal that issued the evidence receipt (in this embodiment, the register number "0001" indicating the reception POS1 is printed), information Rcc identifying the person who issued the evidence receipt, information Rcd that the receipt is an evidence receipt indicating that a gift certificate has been received in advance, information Rce indicating that the evidence receipt is a store copy (a receipt kept at store T), a gift certificate code Rcu identifying the gift certificate that has been received in advance, the gift certificate name Rcf of the gift certificate that has been received in advance, the number of gift certificates of the gift certificate with the gift certificate name, and the number of gift certificates of the gift certificate with the gift certificate code Rc. Printed on it are the number of vouchers processed in advance Rcg, the amount Rch which is the monetary value of one voucher of that voucher name, the total amount Rck of vouchers of that voucher name that have been processed in advance, the total amount Rcm of all vouchers that have been processed in advance, the total number Rcn of vouchers that have been processed in advance, the expiration date Rcp of the vouchers processed in advance, information Rcq that identifies vouchers that have been processed in advance and for which change cannot be given, a message Rcr encouraging the user to keep the evidence receipt together with the vouchers, the receipt number Rcs which identifies the evidence receipt Rc, and the store number Rct which identifies the store T that issued the evidence receipt Rc.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of Figure 11, if it is determined in S17 that the hold key 172 has not been operated (No in S17), the control unit 100 determines whether processing completion information has been received from the server 7 (S23). If it is determined that processing completion information has not been received (No in S23), the control unit 100 returns to S11, but if it is determined that processing completion information has been received (Yes in S23), the receipt issuing means 104 issues a processing completion receipt indicating that the pre-received and processed gift certificates have been used (processed) based on the information indicating that the gift certificates have been used, which is included in the processing completion information (S24).

[0091] An example of a transaction-completed receipt issued in S24 is shown in Figure 17. The transaction-completed receipt Rd includes the date and time Rda when the transaction-completed receipt was issued, the register number Rdb indicating the POS terminal that issued the transaction-completed receipt (in this embodiment, the register number "0001" indicating the reception POS1 is printed), information Rdc identifying the person who issued the transaction-completed receipt, information Rdd indicating that the receipt is a transaction-completed receipt indicating that the pre-processed gift certificates have been used (processed), information Rde indicating that the receipt is a transaction-completed receipt and is a store copy (a receipt kept by the store), information Rd indicating that the payment process using the pre-processed gift certificates has been completed, and information Rd indicating that the payment process using the pre-processed gift certificates has been completed. The receipt Rd includes the date and time Rdf when the receipt was received, information Rdg that identifies the person who performed the payment process using the vouchers, a register number Rdh that identifies the POS terminal 3 where the payment process was performed, a receipt number Rdk that identifies the receipt (the receipt shown in FIG. 21) that was issued by the POS terminal 3 and handed to the customer, a message Rdm that indicates that the pre-received vouchers have been used (processed) and that they will be processed together with the evidence receipt and the vouchers, a receipt number Rdn that identifies the processing completion receipt Rd, a store number Rdp that identifies the store T that issued the processing completion receipt Rd, and the like. In the embodiment, it is assumed that all of the pre-received vouchers are used in the payment process, so the processing completion receipt does not include the vouchers used. However, since there is a possibility that some of the pre-received vouchers will be used, the processing completion information may include a voucher code that identifies the vouchers so that the vouchers used can be identified. In this way, the vouchers used can be written on the processing completion receipt. The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 11, if it is determined in S11 that the operation is not the operation of the Start key 171 (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether the End key 173 has been operated (S12). If it is determined that the End key 173 has been operated (Yes in S12), the control unit 100 ends the process. If it is determined that the operation is not the operation of the End key 173 (No in S12), the control unit 100 returns to S11.

[0093] According to the reception POS 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform pre-receiving processing in which the vouchers are converted into voucher data and stored before the purchase of a product. Therefore, when performing payment processing at the POS terminal 3, the pre-received voucher data can be called up and payment processing can be performed using the vouchers. Furthermore, according to the reception POS 1 of the embodiment, an evidence receipt is issued to indicate that the vouchers have been pre-received. Therefore, by storing the pre-received vouchers (actual items) and the evidence receipt together, it is possible to manage the pre-received vouchers at store T.

[0094] Next, the control of the server 7 will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the server 7. As shown in Fig. 18, the control unit 700 of the server 7 judges whether pre-processed gift certificate data has been received from the reception POS 1 (S31). If it is judged that gift certificate data has been received (Yes in S31), the gift certificate data storage means 701 stores the received gift certificate data in the gift certificate management unit 731 (S32). The control unit 700 then returns to S31.

[0095] Furthermore, if it is determined that the receipt has not been cash voucher data (No in S31), the control unit 700 determines whether a receipt number has been received from the POS terminal 3 by having the reserved receipt read (S33). If it is determined that a receipt number has been received (Yes in S33), the control unit 700 transmits the cash voucher data stored in the cash voucher management unit 731 corresponding to that receipt number to the POS terminal 3 that sent the call signal (S34). The control unit 700 then returns to S31.

[0096] If it is determined that the receipt number is not received (No in S33), the control unit 700 determines whether the product information and payment information have been received from the POS terminal 3 (S35). If it is determined that the product information and payment information have been received (Yes in S35), the control unit 700 cumulatively stores the received product information and payment information in the sales management unit 732 (S36). Next, the use processing means 702 stores a use flag "1" indicating that the coupon has been used in the use flag unit 7317 of the coupon management unit 731 corresponding to the used coupon, based on the information (coupon code) of the used coupon contained in the received payment information (S37). Then, the control unit 700 transmits processing completion information (including the coupon code of the used coupon) related to the used coupon to the reception POS 1 (S38). Then, the control unit 700 ends the processing and returns to S31.

[0097] Also, if it is determined that the product information and the payment information are not received (No in S35), the control unit 700 determines whether the expiration date of the pre-processed gift certificate has passed based on the expiration date stored in the expiration date unit 7315 (S39). If it is determined that the expiration date has not passed (No in S39), the control unit 700 returns to S31, and if it is determined that the expiration date has passed (Yes in S39), the control unit 700 executes a process of returning the gift certificate of the gift certificate data stored in the gift certificate management unit 731 to the customer (S40). Specifically, the control unit 700 stores information (e.g., a flag) indicating that the expiration date of the gift certificate (surplus money) of the gift certificate data stored in the gift certificate management unit 731 has passed. Then, the control unit 700 transmits a message indicating that the gift certificate will be returned to the customer (for example, the message is transmitted to an information terminal such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, or PC owned by the customer) (S41). Then, the control unit 700 ends the process and returns to S31.

[0098] According to the server 7 of such an embodiment, it is possible to properly manage the coupons pre-processed at the reception POS 1. Furthermore, according to the server 7, it is possible to properly manage the coupons used at the POS terminal 3. Furthermore, according to the server 7, it is possible to properly manage the coupons whose expiration date has passed.

[0099] Next, the control of the POS terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 are flowcharts showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 19, the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 3 judges whether the start key 371 has been operated (S51). If it is determined that the start key 371 has been operated (Yes in S51), the control unit 300 then judges whether the call key 372 has been operated (S53). If it is determined that the call key 372 has been operated (Yes in S53), the control unit 300 then judges whether the image capturing unit 39 has read the code symbol written on the reserved receipt (S54). The control unit 300 waits until the code symbol has been read (No in S54), and if it is determined that the code symbol has been read (Yes in S54), it transmits the receipt number included in the read code symbol to the server 7 (S55). If the customer ID has been read, the customer ID is transmitted to the server 7 in S55. When the customer ID is transmitted, the server 7 that receives the customer ID judges Yes in S33, acquires the voucher data stored in the voucher management unit 731 in association with the received customer ID in S34, and transmits it to the POS terminal 3. Then, the acquisition means 301 acquires the voucher data corresponding to the transmitted receipt number (or customer ID) from the server 7, and stores it in the voucher storage unit 332 (S56). If the voucher data is stored in a storage medium, the customer mounts the storage medium in the reader / writer 40. Then, when it is judged in S63 that the call key 372 has been operated (Yes in S53), the acquisition means 301 acquires the voucher data stored in the mounted storage medium from the storage medium (S56). In this case, the control unit 300 does not execute the processes of S54 and S55. Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51.

[0100] Also, when it is determined that the operation is not the operation of the call key 372 (No in S53), the control unit 300 determines whether the image of the product has been captured by the imaging unit 39 (S57). When it is determined that the image of the product has been captured (Yes in S57), the product registration means 302 executes product registration processing for the captured product (S58). Note that, when the voucher data stored in the voucher storage unit 332 includes voucher data for a gift certificate, and an image of a product for which the gift certificate can be used is captured, the product registration means 302 displays on the display unit 38 together with an option as to whether the gift certificate should be applied to the purchase of the product (i.e., whether the product registration processing is performed by applying the gift certificate to the product and no money is generated when purchasing the product), and when "applying the gift certificate" is selected, the gift certificate is used at that time. When the gift certificate is applied, the price of the product is offset by the gift certificate and is effectively 0 yen. When "not applying the gift certificate" is selected, the control unit 300 executes normal product registration processing for the product. Then, the control unit 300 returns to S51.

[0101] Furthermore, if it is determined that the image is not of a commodity (No in S57), the control unit 300 determines whether the payment key 373 has been operated (S59). If it is determined that the payment key 373 has not been operated (No in S59), the process returns to S51, and if it is determined that the payment key 373 has been operated (Yes in S59), the control unit 300 executes the payment process for the commodity for which the commodity registration process has been performed (S60).

[0102] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the settlement process executed in S60. As shown in FIG. 20, the control unit 300 calculates the total amount of the products for which the product registration process has been performed (S71). Next, the control unit 300 judges whether the voucher data of the usable voucher is stored in the voucher storage unit 332 (S72). If it is judged that the voucher data of the usable voucher is stored (Yes in S72), the settlement means 303 executes the settlement process using the voucher data of the usable voucher. That is, the settlement process is executed by applying the total amount of the usable voucher to the payment related to the settlement process (S73). Then, the control unit 300 judges whether the total amount of the vouchers converted into the voucher data is short of the purchase amount of the products (S74). If it is judged that the total amount is not short (the total amount of the vouchers is equal to or greater than the purchase amount of the products) (No in S74), the control unit 300 judges whether change is required (i.e., whether the total amount of the vouchers is greater than the purchase amount of the products) (S75). If it is determined that change will be given (Yes in S75), the control unit 300 determines whether the used coupon is a coupon for which change can be given (S76) based on the information stored in the coupon type unit 1314. If it is determined that the coupon is a coupon for which change can be given (Yes in S76), the control unit 300 pays out change for the difference between the total amount of the coupons and the purchase price of the product (S77).

[0103] After processing S77, or if the answer is No in S75 (no change is given) or No in S76 (change cannot be given for the coupon), the control unit 300 uses the printer 41 to issue a receipt for the transaction to the customer (S78). If the answer is No in S76, no change is given.

[0104] An example of a receipt issued in S78 is shown in Fig. 21. The receipt Re shown in Fig. 21 includes the date and time the receipt was issued (Rea), the register number Reb indicating the POS terminal that issued the receipt (in this embodiment, the register number "0010" indicating the POS terminal 3 that performed the payment process is printed), information Rec identifying the person who issued the receipt, the product code and product name Red of the purchased item, the price (amount) of the item Ree, the subtotal amount Ref, the tax-exclusive amount Reg, the total amount Reh, the amount of any vouchers used Rek, the amount paid other than the vouchers (1,100 yen in cash in the example of Fig. 20) Rem, and the amount of change Ren. Also printed is information Rep relating to the vouchers that have been pre-received. Specifically, the information Rep relating to the pre-processed coupons includes the amount Repa of the pre-processed coupons, the date and time Repb of the pre-processing, information Repc about the person who performed the pre-processing, the register number Repd of the POS terminal that performed the pre-processing (in this embodiment, the register number representing the reception POS 1), the receipt number Repe identifying the issued pending receipt, and the store number Repf of the store T that performed the pre-processing. Also printed are the receipt number Req of the receipt, the store number Rer of the store T that issued the receipt, etc.

[0105] Returning to the description of Fig. 20, the control unit 300 then transmits payment information including information on the used coupon (coupon code) to the server 7 (S79).Then, the control unit 300 proceeds to S51.

[0106] Furthermore, if it is determined that the coupon data of usable coupons is not stored in the coupon storage unit 332 (No in S72), the control unit 300 executes the settlement process using other media (S80). Then the control unit 300 executes S78 and subsequent steps. Furthermore, if it is determined that the total amount of the coupons converted into coupon data is insufficient for the purchase amount of the product (Yes in S74), the control unit 300 executes the settlement process using other media (e.g., cash) to cover the shortfall (S80). Then the control unit 300 executes S78 and subsequent steps.

[0107] Thus, the system 10 of the embodiment is a system equipped with a reception POS 1 and a POS terminal 3. The reception POS 1 is equipped with a pre-receiving means 102 that executes pre-receiving processing to acquire gift certificate data related to gift certificates, and an output means 103 that outputs the gift certificate data of the pre-received gift certificates to a memory unit. The POS terminal 3 is equipped with an acquisition means 301 that acquires the gift certificate data from the memory unit, a product registration means 302 that executes product registration processing for the product to be purchased, and a payment means 303 that executes payment processing for the product that has been registered using the gift certificates identified by the acquired gift certificate data.

[0108] The system 10 configured as described above performs pre-receiving of gift certificates at the reception POS 1, and performs settlement processing using the pre-received gift certificates at the POS terminal 3. Therefore, since pre-receiving of gift certificates is not performed at the time of settlement, it becomes possible to handle gift certificates flexibly.

[0109] In addition, the reception POS 1 of the embodiment is equipped with an imaging means 101 that determines whether the gift certificates have been imaged, a pre-receiving means 102 that executes pre-receiving processing to obtain gift certificate data related to the gift certificates from the captured image, an output means 103 that outputs the pre-received gift certificate data to a memory unit, and a receipt issuing means 104 that issues an evidence receipt indicating that the gift certificates have been pre-received.

[0110] The reception POS 1 configured in this way is capable of performing advance receipt of gift certificates in advance in order to carry out settlement processing using the gift certificates at the POS terminal 3. This allows for flexible handling of gift certificates. Furthermore, the reception POS 1 configured in this way issues an evidence receipt indicating that the gift certificates have been pre-received. Therefore, by storing the pre-received gift certificates (actual items) and the evidence receipt together, the pre-received gift certificates can be managed at store T.

[0111] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0112] For example, in the embodiment, the reception POS 1 has been described as an example of an information processing device. However, this is not limiting, and the POS terminal 3 may also serve as the information processing device. That is, a customer may use, for example, an unoccupied POS terminal 3 to perform pre-receiving processing of gift certificates in advance. In this case, if there is no store attendant near the POS terminal 3, the gift certificates are transported and read by a self-propelled transport device provided in the POS terminal 3, and the store attendant checks the gift certificates by viewing the image of the read gift certificates on another device.

[0113] In the embodiment, the reception POS 1 is installed at the checkout counter as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the reception POS 1 may be installed anywhere as long as a store clerk or the like can check the usable types of pre-received coupons and their authenticity.

[0114] In the embodiment, the reception POS 1, which is a POS terminal, is used as the information processing device, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the information processing device may be, for example, a personal computer (PC) or the like other than a POS terminal.

[0115] In the embodiment, the server 7 is installed in the store T. However, the server 7 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a server installed at the headquarters, or a cloud server installed on the cloud. In this case, it is possible to use a gift certificate received in advance at one store T at another store T to perform a payment process. That is, it is possible to execute a pre-receive process for the gift certificate at a reception POS 1 installed at one store T, transmit the gift certificate data to the server 7 at the headquarters or on the cloud, and then call up the gift certificate data stored in the server 7 at a POS terminal 3 installed at another store T to perform a payment process.

[0116] In the embodiment, the POS terminal 3 is described as a self-service POS terminal in which the customer himself performs product registration and payment operations as an example of the sales data processing device. However, the sales data processing device is not limited to this, and may be a payment device in a semi-self-service POS system that includes a registration device in which a store clerk performs product registration operations and a payment device in which the customer performs payment operations. The sales data processing device may also be a normal POS terminal in which a store clerk performs product registration and payment operations.

[0117] In addition, the program executed by the reception POS 1 in the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0118] The program executed by the reception POS 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the reception POS 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0119] Furthermore, the program executed by the reception POS 1 of the embodiment may be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1 Reception POS 3. POS terminal 7 Server 10. System 17 Control section 18 Display 19 Imaging section 20 Reader / Writer 21 Printers 37 Control section 38 Display section 39 Imaging section 40 Reader / Writer 41 Printer 100 Control section 101 Imaging means 102 Advance payment means 103 Output Means 104 Receipt issuing method 131 Prepaid Data Section 142 Coupon Master 172 Reserved Keys 300 Control section 301 Acquisition method 302 Product registration method 303 Payment Methods 331 Product Information Department 332 Coupon Memory Unit 372 Call key 700 Control section 701 Coupon data storage means 702 Means of Use 703 Return Method 731 Coupon Management Department 732 Sales Management Department 742 Coupon Master 1311 Retained receipt number section 1312 Coupon Name Section 1313 Amount section 1314 Coupon Types Department 7311 Retained receipt number section 7312 Coupon Name Section 7313 Amount section 7314 Coupon Division 7315 Expiration date section 7316 Gift Certificate Flag Section 7317 Usage flag section [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0121] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2023-14125

Claims

1. A system including an information processing device and a sales data processing device, The information processing device includes: A pre-receiving means for executing a pre-receiving process for acquiring voucher data relating to the vouchers; An output means for outputting the prepaid voucher data to a storage unit; Equipped with The sales data processing device includes: An acquisition means for acquiring the coupon data from the storage unit; A product registration means for executing a product registration process for a product to be purchased; A payment means for performing a payment process using a voucher specified by the acquired voucher data for the product for which product registration processing has been performed; A system equipped with.

2. The system includes a server as the storage unit, The information processing device includes: Hold key; A receipt issuing means; Equipped with The output means transmits the voucher data of the pre-accepted vouchers to the server when the hold key is operated, The receipt issuing means issues a reserved receipt including information identifying the coupon data transmitted to the server, The acquiring means reads information identifying the voucher data written on the reserved receipt and acquires the identified voucher data from the server. The system of claim 1 .

3. The server, A voucher data storage means for receiving and storing the voucher data transmitted by the output means; and a used processing means for adding used information to the voucher data of the used voucher stored by the voucher data storage means based on the voucher data of the voucher used in the payment process. The system of claim 2.

4. The information processing device includes: Hold key; A receipt issuing means; Equipped with The output means outputs the voucher data of the pre-received voucher to a removable storage medium that is the storage unit; The receipt issuing means issues a reserved receipt including information identifying the coupon data output to the storage medium, The acquisition means reads information identifying the voucher data written on the reserved receipt and acquires the identified voucher data from the storage medium. The system of claim 1 .

5. The receipt issuing means issues an evidence receipt indicating that the cash voucher has been pre-processed. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The receipt issuing means issues a transaction completion receipt indicating the voucher used in the settlement means. A system according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. The server further includes a return means for returning the coupons related to the pre-processed coupon data if the coupons have not been used for a predetermined period of time. The system of claim 2.

8. A pre-receiving means for executing a pre-receiving process for acquiring voucher data relating to the vouchers; An output means for outputting the prepaid voucher data to a storage unit; A receipt issuing means for issuing an evidence receipt indicating that the cash voucher has been pre-processed; An information processing device comprising:

9. The receipt issuing means issues, in the sales data processing device, a processing completion receipt indicating that a settlement process has been executed using the coupon identified by the coupon data output by the output means. The information processing device according to claim 8.

10. A computer as an information processing device A pre-receiving means for executing a pre-receiving process for acquiring voucher data relating to the vouchers; An output means for outputting the prepaid voucher data to a storage unit; A receipt issuing means for issuing an evidence receipt indicating that the cash voucher has been pre-processed; A program that can be used to

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