Privilege processing apparatus and program thereof

Abstract

To provide a privilege processing apparatus that can process two or more conditions for determining the number of collection targets to be assigned, which can obtain privilege by collecting a certain number of collection targets.SOLUTION: A privilege processing apparatus stores, for each purchaser who purchases a product, the number of collection targets, which can be collected to obtain privilege when a certain number of targets are collected. The privilege processing apparatus stores a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value, which are items included in transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with a purchaser, as a condition for assigning a collection target. The privilege processing apparatus determines, when a value of a first item included in transaction data received from a terminal that processes purchase transaction is equal to or greater than a reference value set for the first item and data of a second item is included in the transaction data, to assign a collection target to the purchaser of the purchase transaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a bonus processing device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Stamp services that issue stamp cards to customers and provide special benefits when a certain number of stamps are accumulated have long been implemented in retail specialty stores, restaurants, rental stores, etc. Conventional stamp services typically involve, for example, stamping one stamp on a stamp card each time a customer visits the store, or stamping one or more stamps on the stamp card according to the transaction amount when the transaction amount exceeds a threshold amount.

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, technology has been developed to provide stamp services digitally. Specifically, the number of stamps acquired for each customer is managed on a server connected to a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal, which is a settlement terminal for purchase transactions. Then, when a purchase transaction with a customer is settled at the POS terminal, the server or the POS terminal determines the number of stamps to be given based on the transaction data. The POS terminal prints on receipt paper stamp images in a number equal to the total number of stamps given this time plus the number of stamps acquired up to that point for that customer, which are managed by the server. In this way, customers can receive the stamp service without having to carry a stamp card.

[0004] However, in the conventional technology, the condition for determining the number of stamps to be given was limited to one in order to prevent the algorithm for determining the number of stamps to be given from becoming too complicated. Therefore, it was not possible to implement an operation in which, for example, a stamp is given when a first condition and a second condition are met. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-152722 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a reward processing device and a program therefor that can process two or more conditions for determining the number of collectible items that can be awarded, such as stamps in a stamp service, by collecting a certain number of them to receive a reward. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the reward processing device includes a first storage means, a second storage means, a determination means, an increase means, and a notification means. The first storage means stores, for each purchaser who purchases a product, the number of collection targets that can be acquired by collecting a certain number of them to obtain a reward. The second storage means stores, as conditions for granting a collection target, a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value, which are items included in transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with the purchaser. The determination means determines to grant a collection target to the purchaser of the purchase transaction when the numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data received from a terminal processing the purchase transaction is equal to or greater than a reference value set for the first item and the transaction data includes data of the second item. The increase means increases the number of acquisitions of the purchaser to which it has been determined that the collection target should be granted. The notification means notifies the terminal that processed the purchase transaction with the purchaser whose acquisition number has increased of the increased number of collection targets. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stamp service system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a stamp receipt issued to a purchaser who is a member. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a stamp receipt issued to a purchaser who is a non-member. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reward receipt issued to a purchaser who has achieved a pass-point reward. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reward receipt issued to a purchaser who has achieved a perfect score reward. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the cooperation between the POS terminal and the stamp management server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of transaction data. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the stamp management server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of a member record. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of an issued record. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of a project record. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor in accordance with the stamp management program. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor in accordance with the stamp management program. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor in accordance with the stamp management program. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor in accordance with the stamp management program. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the cooperation between the POS terminal and the stamp management server in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor in accordance with a stamp management program in the second embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a project record in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a reward processing device that can process two or more conditions for determining the number of collection targets to be awarded, in which a reward is obtained when a certain number is collected, will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] First, in this embodiment, a stamp service system that digitally realizes a stamp service in which stamps are collected is exemplified. In the stamp service system of this embodiment, that is, the present system, the conditions for granting a stamp are a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value, which are items included in transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with a purchaser at a store. That is, for the first item, the first condition is whether or not the numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data is equal to or greater than a reference value. For the second item, the second condition is whether or not information on the second item is included in the transaction data. Then, when the transaction data satisfies the first condition and the second condition, the present system grants one or more stamps to the purchaser according to the numerical value of the first item. In addition, the present system accumulates the number of stamps granted to each purchaser. As a result, when a certain number of stamps or more are accumulated, a special benefit is granted to the purchaser and a certain number of stamps are invalidated. The special benefit is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a gift certificate, a discount coupon, a coupon, a prize exchange ticket, or the like.

[0011] Incidentally, a purchasing transaction is not limited to a transaction in which the purchase price of a product is paid at a retail store. For example, a transaction in which the purchase price is paid at a restaurant, or a transaction in which the rental fee is paid at a rental store, is also included in the definition of a purchasing transaction.

[0012] Furthermore, the purchaser can be referred to as a customer, a member, a consumer, etc. A member is a consumer who has completed membership registration in order to receive member services from a store. An example of a member service is a points service. A member code is assigned to each member to identify him or her, and a member card on which the member code is recorded is distributed. Alternatively, a member can install application software for store members, a so-called member app, on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, and a machine-readable code such as a barcode indicating the member code is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal.

[0013] <First embodiment> [Explanation of the Stamp Service System] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stamp service system 100. The stamp service system 100 is configured by connecting one stamp management server 1 and two or more POS terminals 2 via a communication network 3.

[0014] The stamp management server 1 is a server computer for centrally managing digital stamp services implemented at multiple stores. The stamp services implemented at each store have different conditions for giving stamps. The stamp management server 1 centrally manages stamp services with different conditions for giving stamps.

[0015] The stamp management server 1 is typically managed by a management company of the stamp service. A shop that provides the stamp service can provide a digital stamp service by making a contract with the management company. The stamp management server 1 may be one that manages the stamp service in an on-premise environment, or may be one that manages the stamp service in a cloud computing environment.

[0016] In this embodiment, a store is not limited to an independent retail specialty store, restaurant, rental store, etc. For example, when a stamp service with the same stamp-providing conditions is implemented in each chain store, the chain stores are collectively referred to as a store. Also, when a stamp service with the same stamp-providing conditions is implemented in each store in a shopping center or shopping district where multiple stores are gathered, the stores are collectively referred to as a store.

[0017] The POS terminal 2 is a settlement terminal installed in a store that provides a stamp service. Settlement means completing a purchase transaction with a purchaser. There is no particular limit to the number of POS terminals 2 installed in one store. Only one POS terminal 2 may be installed in one store, or two or more POS terminals 2 may be installed and each connected to a communication network 3. Alternatively, each of the multiple POS terminals 2 may be connected to a communication server in the store, the communication server may be connected to the communication network 3, and each POS terminal 2 may be connected to the communication network via the communication server.

[0018] The communication network 3 is typically a wide area network such as the Internet, an intranet, etc. A mobile communication network may be used as part of the communication network 3.

[0019] In the stamp service system 100, each POS terminal 2 can issue a stamp receipt 4 and a bonus receipt 5 under the control of the stamp management server 1. The stamp receipt 4 is issued when a stamp is given to a purchaser who has made a purchase transaction at the store. A stamp image indicating the number of stamps given to the purchaser is printed on the stamp receipt 4. The bonus receipt 5 is issued when the number of stamps given to the purchaser reaches a certain number that allows the purchaser to obtain a bonus. A bonus image indicating that the bonus receipt 5 can be used as, for example, a gift certificate, discount ticket, coupon, or gift exchange ticket is printed on the bonus receipt 5.

[0020] Fig. 2 is an example of a stamp receipt 4-1 issued to a purchaser who is a member. Fig. 2 illustrates a stamp receipt 4-1 issued to a purchaser on which two stamps S are given.

[0021] The stamp receipt 4-1 is divided into a comment area 41 and a stamp area 42. Text related to the stamp is printed in the comment area 41. Specifically, text indicating the stamp issuing period, the number of stamps that can be used to obtain a special benefit, and the details of the special benefit is printed. A stamp image is printed in the stamp area 42. The stamp image represents ten stamp columns numbered "1" to "10" arranged in order, and a stamp S to be given to the purchaser in each stamp column. The stamp S may be, for example, a figure, a letter, or a symbol. Alternatively, the stamp S may be a combination of a figure and a letter or a symbol.

[0022] Fig. 3 is an example of a stamp receipt 4-2 issued to a non-member purchaser. Fig. 3 illustrates a stamp receipt 4-2 issued to a purchaser on which three stamps S have been given.

[0023] The stamp receipt 4-2 is divided into a comment area 41, a stamp area 42, and a barcode area 43. The same information as on the stamp receipt 4-1 is printed in the comment area 41 and the stamp area 42. A barcode is printed in the barcode area 43. The barcode is an identification code for identifying the purchaser who received the stamp receipt 4-2, expressed in a specified barcode system.

[0024] If the purchaser is a member, the POS terminal 2 can identify the purchaser by the membership code. However, if the purchaser is a non-member, the POS terminal 2 cannot identify the purchaser because the purchaser does not have a membership code. Therefore, in this embodiment, a barcode area 43 is added to the stamp receipt 4-2 issued to non-member purchasers, and a barcode indicating an identification code for identifying the purchaser is printed in this barcode area 43. The purchaser presents the stamp receipt 4-2 the next time they shop. The POS terminal 2 can identify the non-member purchaser by the identification code obtained from the barcode by reading the barcode on the stamp receipt 4-2. Hereinafter, the identification code obtained from the barcode printed in the barcode area 43 on the stamp receipt 4-2 will be referred to as the issued code.

[0025] Incidentally, the stamp receipts 4-1 and 4-2 shown in Figures 2 and 3 are both based on a stamp project in which a 5% discount coupon is given as a special benefit when five stamps are collected, and a 500 yen coupon is given as a special benefit when ten stamps are collected. An example of a special benefit receipt 5-1 issued to a customer who has collected five stamps is shown in Figure 4. Also, an example of a special benefit receipt 5-2 issued to a customer who has collected ten stamps is shown in Figure 5.

[0026] As shown in the figure, bonus receipts 5-1 and 5-2 are divided into a bonus area 51, a comment area 52, and a barcode area 53. A bonus image expressing the contents of the bonus is printed in the bonus area 51. Text relating to the bonus is printed in the comment area 52. Specifically, text is printed indicating that the bonus voucher or discount coupon can be used at the next checkout, until when it is valid, etc. A barcode is printed in the barcode area 53. The barcode represents bonus information using a specified barcode system.

[0027] The POS terminal 2 processes the bonus represented by the bonus image in the bonus area 51 by reading the barcode in the barcode area 53. For example, the POS terminal 2 executes a process to discount the transaction amount by 5% by reading the barcode of the bonus receipt 5-1, which represents a 5% discount coupon by the bonus image. For example, the POS terminal 2 executes a process to discount 500 yen from the transaction amount by reading the barcode of the bonus receipt 5-2, which represents a 500 yen voucher by the bonus image.

[0028] As described above, the stamp service system 100 supports stamp services provided at multiple stores. However, the stamp services provided at each store are the same except for the conditions for providing stamps. Therefore, the following describes the details of the POS terminal 2 and the stamp management server 1 using a stamp service provided at one store as an example.

[0029] [POS terminal explanation] 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a clock 24, a communication interface 25, a change machine interface 26, a keyboard 27, a display 28, a customer display 29, a printer 210, a scanner 211, a card reader 212, and a system transmission path 213. The system transmission path 213 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 213 connects the processor 21 to each of the other parts, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0030] The POS terminal 2 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock 24, and the communication interface 25 via a system transmission line 213. Input / output devices such as a keyboard 27, a display 28, a customer display 29, a printer 210, a scanner 211, a card reader 212, and device interfaces such as a change machine interface 26 are connected to the system transmission line 213 and controlled by the computer, thereby realizing the functions of the POS terminal 2.

[0031] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 2 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 21 is preferably a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0032] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 may store data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the above application programs.

[0034] The clock 24 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 21 processes the date and time kept by the clock 24 as the current date and time.

[0035] The communication interface 25 is an interface for performing data communication with the stamp management server 1 connected to the communication network 3. The communication interface 25 can also perform data communication with other servers connected to the communication network 3, such as a credit card payment server, an electronic money payment server, and a code payment payment server.

[0036] The change machine interface 26 is an interface capable of performing data communication with an automatic change machine that can receive deposits and dispense change.

[0037] The keyboard 27 is an input device dedicated to the POS terminal and has a numeric keypad and various function keys arranged thereon to allow input of data related to purchase transactions. The POS terminal 2 can also use a touch panel as an input device instead of the keyboard 27.

[0038] The display 28 is a display device for displaying the contents of the purchase transaction to the operator of the POS terminal 2. In this embodiment, the operator of the POS terminal 2 is a store clerk.

[0039] The customer display 29 is a display device for displaying the contents of a purchase transaction to the purchaser. Incidentally, in the case of a self-service POS terminal in which the operator of the POS terminal 2 is the purchaser, the customer display 29 is omitted.

[0040] The printer 210 is a printing device for printing print data on rolled receipt paper. The receipt paper printed by the printer 210 is cut by a cutter and issued as a receipt. Receipts include transaction receipts on which purchase data, which is a breakdown of the purchase transaction, are printed, as well as the aforementioned stamp receipts 4 and special receipts 5.

[0041] The scanner 211 is an input device capable of reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner may be a laser scanning type scanner that reads machine-readable codes by scanning with laser light, or a camera type scanner that recognizes machine-readable codes from images captured by a camera.

[0042] The card reader 212 is an input device capable of reading data recorded on a card medium such as a membership card, a credit card, or an electronic money card. The card reader may be an IC card reader that reads data from an IC card, or a magnetic card reader that reads data from a magnetic card. The IC card reader may be a contact type IC card reader, or a non-contact type IC card reader.

[0043] The POS terminal 2 configured as above can issue a stamp receipt 4 or a special receipt 5 by linking with the stamp management server 1 when settling a purchase transaction.

[0044] 7 is a diagram for explaining the cooperation between the POS terminal 2 and the stamp management server 1. When the POS terminal 2 settles a purchase transaction with a purchaser in ACT1, it determines in ACT2 whether the purchaser is a member. During the purchase transaction, when the card reader 212 reads data from a membership card or the scanner 211 reads a barcode of a membership code displayed on a display device of a mobile terminal on which a membership app is installed, the POS terminal 2 recognizes that the purchaser of the purchase transaction is a member. If the purchaser is a member, the POS terminal 2 acquires a membership code from the membership card or barcode in ACT3.

[0045] On the other hand, if the purchaser is not a member, the POS terminal 2 determines in ACT4 whether the purchaser is a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt and who presents the stamp receipt 4-2 that he or she previously received. When the scanner 211 reads the barcode of the issued code printed in the barcode area 43 of the stamp receipt 4-2 during the purchase transaction, the POS terminal 2 recognizes that the purchaser of the purchase transaction is a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt. The POS terminal 2 obtains the issued code from the barcode in the barcode area 43 in ACT5.

[0046] When the POS terminal 2 acquires a membership code in ACT3, acquires an issued code in ACT5, or recognizes in ACT2 and ACT4 that the purchaser is neither a member nor a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, the POS terminal 2 transmits transaction data 61 to the stamp management server 1 in ACT6.

[0047] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the composition of transaction data 61 when a purchase transaction is a transaction for paying for a product purchased at a retail specialty store. As shown in the figure, the transaction data 61 is composed of items such as a store code, a membership code, an issued code, purchased product data, total number of items, total amount, customer demographics, and payment method.

[0048] The store code is an identification code for identifying the store in which the POS terminal 2 is installed. A unique store code is assigned to each store that has signed a contract with the management company for the stamp service. The store code of the store in which the POS terminal 2 is installed is stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 of the POS terminal 2.

[0049] The membership code is the membership code obtained in ACT3, and the issued code is the issued code obtained in ACT5. Therefore, if the purchaser is a member, the issued code is not included in the transaction data 61. If the purchaser is a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, the membership code is not included in the transaction data 61. If the purchaser is neither a member nor a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, the membership code and the issued code are not included in the transaction data 61.

[0050] Purchased item data is data related to items purchased by a purchaser. Purchased item data includes item code, category code, points, amount, etc. The item code is an identification code set for the purchased item. A unique item code is set for each item sold in a store. The category code is an identification code for identifying the category to which the purchased item belongs. Each item is classified based on the attributes of the item, etc., and a unique category code is set for each category. The points are the number of items purchased. The amount is the price of the purchased item multiplied by the number of points purchased.

[0051] The transaction data 61 includes purchased item data for the items purchased by the purchaser. The total number of items is the sum of the number of items in the purchased item data included in the transaction data 61. The total amount is the sum of the amounts in the purchased item data included in the transaction data 61.

[0052] The customer demographic is data indicating the customer demographic of the purchaser. The customer demographic is set, for example, by a combination of the gender and age of the purchaser. The input device of the POS terminal 2 has an operator for inputting the customer demographic. The operator of the POS terminal 2 inputs the customer demographic to which the purchaser is assumed to belong in the purchase transaction. The customer demographic data thus input is included in the transaction data 61. With regard to the customer demographic, for example, the face of the purchaser making the purchase transaction may be photographed with a camera, and the customer demographic of the purchaser may be estimated from the photographed image and incorporated into the transaction data 61.

[0053] The payment method is data indicating the payment method for a purchase transaction. Examples of payment methods include cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The POS terminal 2 accepts the selection of the payment method before settling the purchase transaction. The operator of the POS terminal 2 selects the payment method designated by the purchaser. Data on the payment method selected in this manner is included in the transaction data 61. It is not necessary to accept the selection of the payment method. For example, when cash is inserted into the automatic change machine, the payment method is set to cash, and when a credit card is read by the card reader 212, the payment method is set to credit card. The payment method may be recognized according to the payment operation and incorporated into the transaction data 61.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. The stamp management server 1, which has received the transaction data 61, determines in ACT11 the number of stamps n to be given to the purchaser in accordance with the stamp promotion of the store identified by the store code included in the transaction data 61. Then, in ACT12, the stamp management server 1 determines whether the number of stamps n has reached the certain number N for granting a special benefit. For example, in the case of the stamp promotion whose contents are printed in the comment area 41 of the stamp receipt 4-1 or stamp receipt 4-2 shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the certain number N for granting a special benefit is "5" or "10".

[0055] When the number of stamps n reaches a certain number N, the stamp management server 1 outputs a bonus issue command to the POS terminal 2 in ACT13. This command causes bonus data 62 to be sent to the POS terminal 2 that is the sender of the transaction data 61. In addition, the stamp management server 1 updates the number of stamps n to a number obtained by subtracting the certain number N in ACT14.

[0056] When the stamp management server 1 determines that the number of stamps n has not reached the fixed number N or updates the number of stamps n to a number obtained by subtracting the fixed number N, it checks in ACT15 whether the number of stamps n is greater than "0". If the number of stamps n is greater than "0", the stamp management server 1 outputs a stamp issuance command to the POS terminal 2 in ACT16. This command causes stamp data 63 to be sent to the POS terminal 2 that is the sender of the transaction data 61. If the number of stamps n is "0", the stamp management server 1 does not output a stamp issuance command.

[0057] The bonus data 62 is print data for the bonus receipt 5. The stamp data 63 is print data for the stamp receipt 4. The POS terminal 2 that sent the transaction data 61 prints and issues a transaction receipt in ACT7. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 receives the bonus data 62, it prints and issues the bonus receipt 5 in ACT8. Furthermore, when the POS terminal 2 receives the stamp data 63, it prints and issues the stamp receipt 4 in ACT9.

[0058] In this way, when the POS terminal 2 receives the bonus data 62 from the stamp management server 1 as a result of transmitting transaction data of a purchase transaction to the stamp management server 1, it issues the bonus receipt 5. Also, when the POS terminal 2 receives the stamp data 63 from the stamp management server 1, it issues the stamp receipt 4. That is, when the stamp management server 1 that has received the transaction data confirms that the number S of stamps acquired by the purchaser has reached a certain number N, the POS terminal 2 issues the bonus receipt 5. Also, when the stamp management server 1 confirms that the number S of stamps acquired by the purchaser is a numerical value greater than "0", the POS terminal 2 issues the stamp receipt 4. If the number S of stamps acquired by the purchaser is "0", the POS terminal 2 does not issue the stamp receipt 4. Thus, the POS terminal 2 issues the stamp receipt 4 and the bonus receipt 5 under the control of the stamp management server 1. Now, the stamp management server 1 will be described below.

[0059] [Explanation of Stamp Management Server] 9 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the stamp management server 1. The stamp management server 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, a communication interface 15, and a system transmission path 16. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 to each of the other components, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0060] The stamp management server 1 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock 14, and a communication interface 15 via a system transmission line 16.

[0061] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the stamp management server 1 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 11 is preferably a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0062] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0063] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0064] The clock 14 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 11 processes the date and time kept by the clock 14 as the current date and time.

[0065] The communication interface 15 is an interface for performing data communication with each POS terminal 2 connected to the communication network 3.

[0066] The stamp management server 1 configured as above stores a member file 7, an issued file 8, and a plan file 9 in the auxiliary storage device 13. The member file 7, the issued file 8, and the plan file 9 are all prepared for each store. In other words, the stamp management server 1 stores the member file 7, the issued file 8, and the plan file 9 in the auxiliary storage device 13 for the number of stores that have signed a contract with the management company to provide the stamp service.

[0067] The member file 7 is a collection of member records 71 ​​(see FIG. 10) that are created for each purchaser who has completed membership registration in order to receive member services at the store. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main components of a member record 71. As shown in the figure, member record 71 consists of data items such as a member code, number of stamps Sa, last date of award, and number of times perfect points have been achieved. As mentioned above, the member code is a unique code set for each purchaser to identify each purchaser who has completed membership registration. The number of stamps Sa is the number of stamps that the purchaser has acquired. The last date of award is the most recent date on which stamps were awarded to the purchaser. The number of times perfect points has been achieved is the number of times that the number of stamps acquired by the purchaser has reached a certain number that allows the purchaser to receive a perfect points benefit. The perfect points benefit and that certain number will be described later.

[0068] The issued file 8 is a collection of issued records 81 (see FIG. 11) that are created each time an issued code is generated. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of an issued record 81. As shown in the figure, the issued record 81 consists of data items such as an issued code, a stamp count Sb, a last given date, and a perfect score flag Fx. As described above, the issued code is a unique code set for each purchaser to identify each non-member purchaser. The stamp count Sb is the number of stamps the purchaser has acquired. The last given date is the latest date on which stamps were given to the purchaser. The perfect score flag Fx is one-bit data for identifying whether the number of stamps acquired by the purchaser has reached a certain number for obtaining a perfect score privilege. In this embodiment, the perfect score flag Fx indicating that the number of stamps has reached a certain number is set to "1", and the perfect score flag Fx indicating that the number has not reached a certain number is set to "0". "0" and "1" may be reversed.

[0069] Here, the member file 7 and the issued file 8 constitute a first storage means for storing, for each purchaser who purchases a product, the number of stamps acquired that can be collected to obtain a benefit when a certain number of stamps are collected. That is, the member file 7 stores, for each member, the number of stamps acquired, Sa, which are collectible stamps that can be collected to obtain a benefit when a certain number of stamps are collected. Specifically, the member file 7 stores, in association with a membership code, the number of stamps acquired, Sa, by a member identified by the membership code. Meanwhile, the issued file 8 stores, for each purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, the number of stamps acquired, Sb. Specifically, the issued file 8 stores, in association with an issued code, the number of stamps acquired, Sb, by a purchaser identified by the issued code.

[0070] The project file 9 is a collection of project records 91 (see FIG. 12) created for each stamp project. In this embodiment, a stamp project includes the following first to fourth requirements.

[0071] The first requirement is that a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value among the items included in the transaction data 61 are set as conditions for giving a stamp. The second requirement is that a stamp is given to a purchaser when the numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 is equal to or greater than the reference value set for the first item, and when the transaction data 61 includes data of the second item, as the first condition. The third requirement is that a first benefit, that is, a full-point benefit, is given to the purchaser when the number of stamps acquired by the purchaser reaches the full number of points required to receive a benefit as a result of giving the stamp. The fourth requirement is that a second benefit, that is, a pass-point benefit, is given to the purchaser when the number of stamps acquired by the purchaser reaches a pass-point number less than the full number of points as a result of giving the stamp.

[0072] 12 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of a project record 91. As shown in the figure, the project record 91 consists of data items such as a start date, an end date, a first item, a reference value, a second item, a perfect score, a perfect score bonus, a passing point, and a passing point bonus. The start date and the end date are the start date and the end date of the implementation period set for the stamp project. A stamp project generally has an implementation period set. The start date and the end date of the implementation period are written in the project record 91. Note that if an end date for the implementation period is not set, the end date is not written.

[0073] The first item, the reference value, and the second item are data related to the first and second requirements of the stamp project. That is, the first item is an item included in the transaction data 61 and is an item with a numerical value. For example, the first item can be the number of purchases of a specific product, the number of purchases of products belonging to a specific category, the total amount of the purchased products, the total number of purchased products, etc. The reference value is the minimum value that satisfies the condition for granting a stamp with respect to the numerical value of the first item. The second item is an item included in the transaction data 61 and is an item without a numerical value. For example, the second item can be a membership code, a customer demographic, a payment method, etc. As an example of a stamp project, if a project is to grant a stamp when the total amount of a purchase transaction with a purchaser belonging to a specific customer demographic is 1000 yen or more, the first item is the "total amount," the reference value is "1000 yen," and the second item is the "customer demographic."

[0074] The perfect score and the perfect reward are data related to the third requirement of the stamp campaign. In other words, the perfect score is the number of stamps required to grant the first reward to the purchaser. The perfect reward is information that indicates the first reward. For example, if a stamp campaign is one in which a 500 yen gift certificate is awarded as the first reward if 10 stamps are collected, the perfect score would be "10" and the perfect reward would be the "500 yen gift certificate."

[0075] The milestone and milestone bonus are data related to the fourth requirement of the stamp campaign. In other words, the milestone is the number of stamps required to grant the purchaser the second bonus. The milestone bonus is information indicating the second bonus. For example, if a stamp campaign is to offer a 5% discount coupon as a bonus if a purchaser collects 5 stamps (less than the full score), the milestone would be "5" and the milestone bonus would be the "5% discount coupon."

[0076] Here, the plan file 9 functions as a second storage means for storing a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value, which are items included in the transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with a purchaser, as conditions for assigning a collection target. That is, the plan file 9 stores the first item with a numerical value as the first condition for assigning a stamp, and stores the second item without a numerical value as the second condition for assigning a stamp. The plan file 9 can store one each of the first item with a numerical value and the second item without a numerical value. Note that plan records 91 with overlapping implementation periods are not set in the plan file 9 of one store.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 11 has functions as a determining means 111 , an increasing means 112 , a notifying means 113 , a providing means 114 and a second providing means 115 .

[0078] The determining means 111 is a function that determines to give a collection target to a purchaser of a purchase transaction when the value of a first item included in the transaction data received from a terminal that processes the purchase transaction is equal to or greater than a reference value set for the first item and when the transaction data includes data of a second item. That is, the determining means 111 refers to the first item and its reference value and the second item that constitute the plan record 91 of the plan file 9. Then, when the value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 received from the POS terminal 2 is the reference value for the first item and when the transaction data 61 includes data of the second item, the determining means 111 determines to give a stamp to a purchaser identified by the membership code or issued code of the transaction data 61. The number of stamps to be given is an integer that is a quotient obtained by dividing the value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 by the reference value. For example, assuming that the reference value for the first item is "100," if the value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 is equal to or greater than "100" and less than "200," the number of stamps given is determined to be "1." If the value of the first item is equal to or greater than "200" and less than "300," the number of stamps given is determined to be "2."

[0079] The incrementing means 112 is a function that increases the number of stamps acquired by a purchaser to whom it has been determined by the determining means 111 that a collection target should be awarded. That is, when it has been determined that a stamp should be awarded to a purchaser, the incrementing means 112 searches the member file 7 or the issued file 8 to acquire the number of stamps Sa or Sb of the purchaser identified by the member code or issued code in the transaction data 61. The incrementing means 112 then increments this number of stamps Sa or Sb by the number to be awarded determined by the determining means 111.

[0080] The notification means 113 has a function of notifying the terminal that processed the purchase transaction with the purchaser whose acquisition number has increased of the increased number of collected stamps. That is, the notification means 113 notifies the POS terminal 2 of the increased number of stamps Sa or Sb. Specifically, the notification means 113 notifies the POS terminal 2 of the increased number of stamps Sa or Sb by outputting stamp data 63 to the POS terminal 2 in response to a stamp issuance command. As explained using FIG. 7, the POS terminal 2 that receives the stamp data 63 issues a stamp receipt 4. Therefore, the purchaser whose acquisition number has increased can know the increased number of stamps Sa or Sb from the stamp image printed on the stamp receipt 4.

[0081] In this way, the notification means 113 realizes the function of notifying the collection target, i.e., the number of stamps acquired, by outputting the stamp data 63 as print data for printing the acquired number of images of the collection target on the printer 210 of the POS terminal 2. Here, if the transaction data 61 does not contain information identifying the purchaser as a member, i.e., a membership code, the notification means 113 adds a barcode indicating an issued code, which is an identification code capable of identifying the purchaser, to the stamp data 63. If the transaction data 61 contains a membership code, the notification means 113 does not add a barcode indicating an issued code to the stamp data 63.

[0082] Furthermore, when the number of acquired collection targets after the increase reaches the number of maximum points, the notification means 113 notifies the number obtained by subtracting the number of maximum points from the number of acquired collection targets after the increase. For example, when the maximum points is "10" and the number of acquired collection targets after the increase is "12", the notification means 113 notifies "2" obtained by subtracting "10" from "12" as the number of stamps Sa or Sb.

[0083] If the number of acquired points for the collection target after the increase matches the number of maximum points, the notification means 113 does not notify the number of acquired points. For example, if the maximum point is "10" and the number of acquired points for the collection target after the increase is also "10", the notification means 113 does not notify the number of stamps Sa or Sb. Specifically, the notification means 113 does not output the stamp data 63 to the POS terminal 2.

[0084] The providing means 114 is a function for providing a first benefit to the purchaser whose number of collected stamps has increased when the number of collected stamps reaches the full score required to obtain a benefit. That is, the providing means 114 provides the full score benefit to the purchaser when the increased number of stamps Sa or Sb reaches the full score set in the stamp project. Specifically, the providing means 114 provides the benefit by outputting the benefit data 62 to the POS terminal 2 in response to a benefit issuing command. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the POS terminal 2 that receives the benefit data 62 issues a benefit receipt 5 on which a benefit image of the full score benefit is printed. Therefore, the purchaser can know the content of the first benefit, that is, the full score benefit, from the benefit image printed on the benefit receipt 5. The providing means 114 can be called a first providing means.

[0085] The second providing means 115 is a function for providing a second benefit different from the first benefit to the purchaser whose number of acquired stamps has increased when the number of acquired stamps reaches a number of pass points that is less than the number of full points. That is, when the number of stamps Sa or Sb after the increase reaches a pass point set in the stamp project, the second providing means 115 provides the pass point benefit to the purchaser. Specifically, the second providing means 115 provides the benefit by outputting the benefit data 62 to the POS terminal 2 in response to a benefit issuance command. As described with reference to FIG. 7, the POS terminal 2 that receives the benefit data 62 issues a benefit receipt 5. Therefore, the purchaser is issued a benefit receipt 5 on which a benefit image of the pass point benefit is printed. Therefore, the purchaser can know the content of the second benefit, that is, the pass point benefit, from the benefit image printed on the benefit receipt 5.

[0086] A stamp management server 1 having such functionality is one form of a reward processing device that can process two types of conditions, a first condition and a second condition, that determine the number of stamps to be collected, which can be collected to obtain a reward when a certain number of stamps are collected.

[0087] 13 to 16 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 11 according to the stamp management program. The processor 11 processes the transaction data 61 received from the POS terminal 2 according to the stamp management program, thereby realizing the functions of the determination means 111, the increase means 112, the notification means 113, the provision means 114, and the second provision means 115. The stamp management program is application software installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The method of installing the stamp management program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 is not particularly limited. The stamp management program can be installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the stamp management program by communication via the communication network 3. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card.

[0088] In FIG. 13, the processor 11 waits to receive transaction data 61 in ACT 31. When the processor 11 receives the transaction data 61 from the POS terminal 2 connected to the communication network 3 via the communication interface 25, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 32. The processor 11 checks whether or not the transaction data 61 resulting from a purchase transaction with a member has been received in ACT 32. If the transaction data 61 includes a membership code, the processor 11 recognizes that the transaction data 61 resulting from a purchase transaction with a member has been received. The processor 11 proceeds to ACT 33. The processor 11 obtains the membership code from the transaction data 61 in ACT 33, and stores the membership code in the purchaser code area. The purchaser code area is part of the work area in the main memory 22.

[0089] Having stored the membership code, processor 11 proceeds to ACT34. In ACT34, processor 11 searches for member file 7 of the store identified by the store code included in transaction data 61. From member file 7, processor 11 detects member record 71 that includes the membership code stored in the purchaser code area. Processor 11 then obtains stamp number Sa from member record 71 and stores stamp number Sa in stamp number area A. Stamp number area A is part of the work area in main memory 22.

[0090] On the other hand, if the transaction data does not include a membership code in ACT 32, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 36. In ACT 36, processor 11 checks whether or not it has received transaction data 61 resulting from a purchase transaction with a purchaser to whom a non-member stamp receipt has been issued. If the transaction data includes an issued code, processor 11 recognizes that it has received transaction data 61 resulting from a purchase transaction with a purchaser to whom a non-member stamp receipt has been issued. Processor 11 proceeds to ACT 37. In ACT 37, processor 11 obtains the issued code from transaction data 61 and stores the issued code in the purchaser code area.

[0091] Having stored the issued code, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 38. In ACT 38, processor 11 searches for an issued file 8 for the store identified by the store code included in transaction data 61. Processor 11 detects an issued record 81 including the issued code stored in the purchaser code area from the issued file 8. Processor 11 then obtains the stamp count Sb from the issued record 81 and stores the stamp count Sb in stamp count area A.

[0092] In the stamp count area A, the stamp count Sa or stamp count Sb is stored, or if the transaction data does not include a membership code and an issued code, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT40. The processor 11 searches the promotion file 9 for the store identified by the store code included in the transaction data 61 in ACT40. The processor 11 checks whether there is a valid stamp promotion in ACT41. If a promotion record 91 for a stamp promotion in which the current date measured by the clock 14 is within the implementation period is set in the promotion file 9, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT42. The processor 11 obtains the second item from the promotion record 91 in ACT42. The processor 11 searches the transaction data 61 in ACT43 to check whether the data for the second item is included.

[0093] For example, if the second item is a membership code, processor 11 checks whether or not a membership code is included in transaction data 61. If a membership code is included in transaction data 61, processor 11 recognizes that the data of the second item is included. For example, if the second item is a predetermined customer demographic, processor 11 checks whether or not the customer demographic data included in transaction data 61 is data indicating the predetermined customer demographic. If the data is indicating the predetermined customer demographic, processor 11 recognizes that the data of the second item is included. For example, if the second item is a predetermined payment method, processor 11 checks whether or not the payment method data included in transaction data 61 is data indicating the predetermined payment method. If the data is indicating the predetermined payment method, processor 11 recognizes that the data of the second item is included.

[0094] If the processor 11 recognizes that data for the second item is included, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 44. In ACT 44, the processor 11 acquires the first item and the reference value from the project record 91. In ACT 45, the processor 11 searches the transaction data 61 to confirm whether the numerical value of the first item is equal to or greater than the reference value.

[0095] For example, if the first item is a total amount, the processor 11 checks whether the total amount included in the transaction data 61 is equal to or greater than a reference value. If the total amount is equal to or greater than the reference value, the processor 11 recognizes that the numerical value of the first item is equal to or greater than a reference value. For example, if the first item is a product code indicating a predetermined product, the processor 11 checks whether the purchased product data included in the transaction data 61 includes purchased product data that includes the product code. If the purchased product data includes the product code, the processor 11 checks whether the points of the purchased product data are equal to or greater than a reference value. If the points of the purchased product data are equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor 11 recognizes that the numerical value of the first item is equal to or greater than a reference value. For example, if the first item is a classification code indicating a predetermined classification, the processor 11 checks whether the purchased product data included in the transaction data 61 includes purchased product data that includes the classification code. If one or more purchased product data includes the classification code, the processor 11 checks whether the total points of the one or more purchased product data are equal to or greater than a reference value. If the total points are equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor 11 recognizes that the numerical value of the first item is equal to or greater than a reference value.

[0096] When the processor 11 recognizes that the numerical value of the first item is equal to or greater than the reference value, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 46. In ACT 46, the processor 11 sets the perfect score privilege flag Fa, the passing point privilege flag Fb, and the stamp issuance flag Fc to "0".

[0097] The perfect score bonus flag Fa is one-bit data for identifying whether or not to issue a bonus receipt 5 on which the perfect score bonus data set in the promotion record 91 is printed. Hereinafter, the bonus receipt 5 on which the perfect score bonus data is printed will be referred to as a perfect score bonus receipt. Incidentally, the bonus receipt 5-2 shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a perfect score bonus receipt. In this embodiment, the perfect score bonus flag Fa, which indicates that a perfect score bonus receipt will not be issued, is set to "0", and the perfect score bonus flag Fa, which indicates that a perfect score bonus receipt will be issued, is set to "1".

[0098] The pass-point privilege flag Fb is one-bit data for identifying whether or not to issue a privilege receipt 5 on which the pass-point privilege data set in the project record 91 is printed. Hereinafter, the privilege receipt 5 on which the pass-point privilege data is printed is referred to as a pass-point privilege receipt. Incidentally, the privilege receipt 5-1 shown in FIG. 4 is an example of a pass-point privilege receipt. In this embodiment, the pass-point privilege flag Fb indicating that a pass-point privilege receipt is not to be issued is set to "0", and the pass-point privilege flag Fb indicating that a pass-point privilege receipt is to be issued is set to "1".

[0099] The stamp issuance flag Fc is 1-bit data for identifying whether or not to issue a stamp receipt 4. In this embodiment, the stamp issuance flag Fc indicating that a stamp receipt 4 will not be issued is set to "0," and the stamp issuance flag Fc indicating that a stamp receipt 4 will be issued is set to "1." Here, the processor 11 realizes the function of a decision means 111 by the processing of ACT41 to ACT46.

[0100] If there is no valid stamp offer in ACT 41, if the transaction data 61 does not include data for the second item in ACT 43, or if the numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 is less than the reference value in ACT 45, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 47. The processor 11 transmits a no-stamp response command to the POS terminal 2 that transmitted the transaction data in ACT 47, and ends this processing. Incidentally, the POS terminal that receives the no-stamp response command ends the purchase transaction with the purchaser without issuing the stamp receipt 4 or the special receipt 5.

[0101] After completing the processing of ACT46, processor 11 proceeds to ACT51 in FIG. 14. Processor 11 calculates the number of given stamps B in ACT51. Specifically, processor 11 divides the reference value set for the first item included in the transaction data by the numerical value of the first item, and sets the quotient as an integer to be the number of given stamps B. After calculating the number of given stamps B, processor 11 proceeds to ACT52. Processor 11 calculates the number of acquired stamps C after the increase in the number of given stamps in ACT52. Specifically, processor 11 calculates the number of acquired stamps C by adding the number of given stamps B to the number of stamps stored in stamp number area A. Here, the processor 11 realizes the function of the increasing means 112 by the processing of ACT51 and ACT52.

[0102] Having calculated the number of acquisitions C after the increase in the granted number, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 53. In ACT 53, the processor 11 checks whether the number of acquisitions C is equal to or greater than the full score of the project record 91. If the number of acquisitions C is less than the full score, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 54. In ACT 54, the processor 11 checks whether the number of acquisitions C is equal to or greater than the passing point of the project record 91. If the number of acquisitions C is less than the additional points, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 62. The processing of ACT 62 will be described later.

[0103] In ACT 54, if the acquired number C is equal to or greater than the passing point, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 55. The processor 11 checks whether the number of stamps stored in the stamp number area A is less than the passing point in ACT 55. If the number of stamps stored in the stamp number area A is equal to or greater than the passing point, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 62.

[0104] In ACT 55, if the number of stamps stored in the stamp number area A is less than the passing point, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 56. In ACT 56, the processor 11 changes the passing point privilege flag Fb from "0" to "1". After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 62.

[0105] On the other hand, in ACT 53, if the number of acquisitions C is equal to or greater than the full score of the project record 91, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 57. In ACT 57, the processor 11 changes the full score privilege flag Fa from "0" to "1". In addition, in ACT 58, the processor 11 checks whether the number of stamps stored in the stamp number area A is less than the passing point. If the number of stamps is equal to or greater than the passing point, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 60. The processing of ACT 60 will be described later.

[0106] In ACT 58, if the number of stamps stored in the stamp number area A is less than the passing point, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 59. In ACT 59, the processor 11 changes the passing point privilege flag Fb from "0" to "1". After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 60.

[0107] In this way, when the number of stamps stored in stamp number area A is equal to or greater than the passing point, processor 11 sets full score privilege flag Fa to "1" and proceeds to ACT 60. When the number of stamps stored in stamp number area A is less than the passing point, processor 11 sets passing point privilege flag Fb to "1" and then proceeds to ACT 60.

[0108] In ACT60, the processor 11 checks whether the number of acquisitions C matches the perfect score in the project record 91. If the number of acquisitions C matches the perfect score in the project record 91, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT63. The processing in ACT63 will be described later.

[0109] In ACT60, if the number of acquisitions C does not match the perfect score in the project record 91, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT61. In ACT61, the processor 11 subtracts the perfect score in the project record 91 from the number of acquisitions C to obtain the number of acquisitions C after the perfect score is achieved. Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT62.

[0110] In this way, if the number of acquisitions C is less than the full score, or if the number of acquisitions C exceeds the full score, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 62. The processor 11 changes the stamp issuance flag Fc from "0" to "1" in ACT 62. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 63.

[0111] In this way, when the number of acquisitions C matches the full score, or when the number of acquisitions C is less than the full score or exceeds the full score and the stamp issuance flag Fc is changed to "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 63. The processor 11 executes an issuance control process in ACT 63.

[0112] FIG. 15 is a flow chart specifically showing the procedure of the issuance control process. That is, the processor 11, which has started the issuance control process, checks the perfect score privilege flag Fa in ACT71. If the perfect score privilege flag Fa is "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT72. The processor 11 edits the print data of the perfect score privilege receipt with the perfect score privilege data of the project record 91 in ACT72. The processor 11 also checks whether or not a membership code is stored in the purchaser code area in ACT73. If a membership code is stored in the purchaser code area, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT74. The processor 11 increases the perfect score count of the membership record 71 that includes the membership code by "1" in ACT74. After that, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT77. The processing of ACT77 will be described later.

[0113] On the other hand, if the membership code is not stored in the purchaser code area, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 75. Processor 11 checks whether an issued code is stored in the purchaser code area in ACT 75. If an issued code is stored in the purchaser code area, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 76. Processor 11 changes the full points flag Fx of the issued record 81 that contains the issued code from "0" to "1" in ACT 76. Processor 11 then proceeds to ACT 77.

[0114] On the other hand, if the membership code or issued code is not stored in the purchaser code area, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT77. Thus, if the perfect score privilege flag Fa is "1", the processor 11 executes the process of ACT74 if the purchase transaction is with a member, and executes the process of ACT76 if the purchase transaction is with a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, and then proceeds to ACT77. If the purchase transaction is with a purchaser who is neither a member nor a purchaser who has been issued a non-member stamp receipt, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT77 without executing the process of ACT74 or ACT76. The processor 11 outputs a privilege issuance command in ACT77.

[0115] Upon completing the processing of ACT77, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT78. Also, if the perfect score privilege flag Fa is "0" in ACT71, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT78 without executing the processing of ACT72 to ACT77. The processor 11 checks the pass-point privilege flag Fb in ACT78. If the pass-point privilege flag Fb is "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT79. The processor 11 edits the print data of the pass-point privilege receipt with the pass-point privilege data of the project record 91 in ACT79. Then, the processor 11 outputs a privilege issuance command in ACT80.

[0116] When the processing of ACT80 is completed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT81. Also, if the passing point privilege flag Fb is "0" in ACT78, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT81 without executing the processing of ACT79 and ACT80. The processor 11 checks the stamp issuance flag Fc in ACT81. If the stamp issuance flag Fc is "0", the processor 11 ends the issuance control processing.

[0117] If the stamp issuance flag Fc is "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT82. In ACT82, the processor 11 edits the print data for the stamp receipt including the stamp image of the acquisition number C. After editing the print data for the stamp receipt, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT83. In ACT83, the processor 11 checks whether or not a membership code is stored in the purchaser code area. If a membership code is stored in the purchaser code area, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT84. The processor 11 outputs a stamp issuance command in ACT84.

[0118] After outputting the stamp issuance command, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 85. Processor 11 updates the stamp count Sa of member record 71 containing the member code stored in the purchaser code area to the acquired count C in ACT 85. At this time, processor 11 also updates the last stamp issue date of record 71 to the current date. With this, processor 11 ends the issuance control process.

[0119] If the membership code is not stored in the purchaser code area in ACT83, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT91 in Figure 16. The processor 11 checks whether an issued code is stored in the purchaser code area in ACT91. If an issued code is stored in the purchaser code area, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT92. The processor 11 checks the perfect score flag Fx of the issued record 81 that contains the issued code stored in the purchaser code area in ACT92. If the perfect score flag Fx is "0", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT95. The processing of ACT95 will be described later.

[0120] If no issued code is stored in the purchaser code area in ACT91, or if the full score flag Fx of the issued record 81 including the issued code stored in the purchaser code area is "1", the processor 11 proceeds to ACT93. The processor 11 generates a new issued code in ACT93. There is no particular limitation on the method of generating the issued code. It is sufficient that the issued code does not overlap with issued codes set for other purchasers. For example, the processor 11 may generate a new issued code by combining the current date and time kept by the clock 14 with the store code included in the transaction data 61.

[0121] After generating the issued code, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT94. The processor 11 adds an issued record 81 including the new issued code to the issued file 8 as ACT94. At this point, the full marks flag Fx of the issued record 81 is "0". After adding the issued record 81, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT95.

[0122] In this way, when the perfect score flag Fx of the issued record 81 containing the issued code stored in the purchaser code area is "0" or when an issued record 81 containing a new issued code is added to the issued file 8, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 95. The processor 11 adds an issued barcode to the stamp receipt data in ACT 95. That is, if the perfect score flag Fx of the issued record 81 containing the issued code stored in the purchaser code area is "0", the processor 11 adds a barcode representing the issued code to the stamp receipt data. If a new issued code has been generated, the processor 11 adds a barcode representing the new issued code to the stamp receipt data.

[0123] After adding the issued barcode to the stamp receipt data, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT96. The processor 11 outputs a stamp issuance command in ACT96. The processor 11 also updates the number of stamps Sb in the issued record 81 to the number of stamps acquired C in ACT97. At this time, the processor 11 also updates the last issued date of the same record 81 to the current date. With this, the processor 11 ends the issuance control process.

[0124] Here, the processor 11 realizes the function of a notification means 113 by the processing of ACT82 to ACT97. Also, the processor 11 realizes the function of a provision means 114 by the processing of ACT71 to ACT77. Also, the processor 11 realizes the function of a second provision means 115 by the processing of ACT78 to ACT80.

[0125] As described above in detail, the stamp management server 1, which includes the member file 7, issued file 8, and plan file 9, and the processor 11 having the functions of the determining means 111, increasing means 112, and notifying means 113, can easily realize a process for appropriately notifying the purchaser of the number of stamps acquired, even if the conditions for determining the number of stamps to be acquired, which are collected to obtain a special benefit when a certain number is collected, are two types: a first condition using a first item with a numerical value included in the transaction data 61, and a second condition using a second item without a numerical value. Specifically, the POS terminal 2 that has transmitted the purchaser's transaction data issues a stamp receipt 4 on which the number of stamps acquired can be confirmed, thereby appropriately notifying the purchaser of the number of stamps acquired.

[0126] Furthermore, the processor 11 includes a granting means 114, and can grant the first privilege, a perfect score privilege, to the purchaser when the number of stamps acquired reaches the perfect score required to obtain a privilege. Specifically, the perfect score privilege can be granted to the purchaser by issuing a perfect score privilege receipt 5-2, which allows the purchaser to confirm the details of the perfect score privilege, from the POS terminal 2 that has transmitted the purchaser's transaction data.

[0127] Furthermore, the processor 11 includes a second providing means 115, and can provide the second benefit, a pass-point benefit, to the purchaser when the number of stamps acquired reaches a number of pass points that is less than the full score. Specifically, the pass-point benefit can be provided to the purchaser by issuing a pass-point benefit receipt 5-1 that allows the purchaser to confirm the content of the pass-point benefit from the POS terminal 2 that has transmitted the purchaser's transaction data.

[0128] Incidentally, when the increased number of stamps reaches the maximum score, the number of stamps acquired notified by the notification means 113 is the increased number of stamps minus the maximum score. Therefore, even if the number of stamps acquired exceeds the maximum score, the purchaser can continue to collect stamps without them going to waste.

[0129] Also, if the number of stamps acquired as notified by the notification means 113 matches the perfect score, the perfect score special receipt 5-2 is issued, but the stamp receipt 4 is not issued. Therefore, a purchaser who receives only the perfect score special receipt 5-2 can recognize that the number of stamps acquired is zero.

[0130] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, if a member forgets his / her membership code when making a purchase transaction, the number of stamps given in this purchase transaction cannot be added to the number of stamps Sa of the member stored in the member file 7. In this case, the member receives a first stamp receipt 4-21 on which a barcode indicating a new issued code is printed. Similarly, if a purchaser who has already been issued a non-member stamp receipt forgets the second stamp receipt 4-22 issued when making a purchase transaction, the number of stamps given in this purchase transaction cannot be added to the number of stamps Sb of the purchaser stored in the issued file 8. The purchaser receives a third stamp receipt 4-23 with an issued code different from that of the second stamp receipt 4-22.

[0131] Next, using Figures 17 and 18, we will explain a second embodiment in which the number of stamps awarded in the previous purchasing transaction and the number of stamps to be awarded in the current purchasing transaction can be integrated into the number of stamps Sa for the member stored in the member file 7 or the number of stamps Sb for the purchaser stored in the issued file 8, even if the member has forgotten the membership code from the previous purchasing transaction, or if a purchaser who has already been issued a non-member stamp receipt has forgotten the second stamp receipt 4-22.

[0132] Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the cooperation between the POS terminal 2 and the stamp management server 1 in the second embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as in Fig. 7, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0133] First, in the second embodiment, an integration key is provided on the keyboard 27 of the POS terminal 2. The integration key is an operator for declaring an integration mode for integrating the number of stamps. In other words, the integration key can be said to be an integration means for outputting a signal to the processor 21 instructing to integrate the number of stamps.

[0134] When the purchaser is a member and presents the first stamp receipt 4-21 received at the previous purchase transaction, the operator of the POS terminal 2 first inputs the member code of the member. Next, the operator inputs the integrated key and then uses the scanner 211 to read the barcode on the first stamp receipt 4-21.

[0135] On the other hand, if the purchaser is a non-member and presents the second stamp receipt 4-22 received in the previous purchase transaction and the third stamp receipt 4-23 received in the previous purchase transaction, the operator of the POS terminal 2 first reads the barcode on the second stamp receipt 4-22 with the scanner 211. Next, the operator enters the integrated key, and then reads the barcode on the third stamp receipt 4-23 with the scanner 211.

[0136] In response to such an operation, the POS terminal 2 settles the purchase transaction with the member purchaser in ACT1, ACT2, and ACT3, and upon acquiring the membership code of the purchaser, checks whether or not an integrated key has been entered in ACT101. If an integrated key is entered, the POS terminal 2 acquires an issued code from the barcode of the first stamp receipt 4-21 read by the scanner 211 in ACT102. The POS terminal 2 then transmits transaction data 61 to the stamp management server 1 in ACT6. The transaction data 61 at this time includes the membership code acquired in ACT3 and the issued code acquired in ACT102. That is, the transaction data 61 includes the membership code of the purchaser who is a member, and the issued code of the first stamp receipt 4-21 that the purchaser received during the previous purchase transaction.

[0137] In addition, when the POS terminal 2 settles a purchase transaction with a non-member purchaser in ACT1, ACT2, and ACT4 and acquires the issued code of the second stamp receipt 4-22, it checks whether or not an integrated key has been input in ACT103. If an integrated key is input, the POS terminal 2 acquires the issued code from the barcode of the third stamp receipt 4-23 read by the scanner 211 in ACT104. Then, the POS terminal 2 transmits transaction data 61 to the stamp management server 1 in ACT6. The transaction data 61 at this time includes the issued code acquired in ACT5 and the issued code acquired in ACT104. That is, the transaction data 61 includes the issued code of the second stamp receipt 4-22 that the purchaser received in the purchase transaction before last, and the issued code of the third stamp receipt 4-23 that the purchaser received in the previous purchase transaction.

[0138] Fig. 18 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 11 according to the stamp management program in the second embodiment. Fig. 18 corresponds to the information processing of the steps shown in Fig. 13 among the information processing in the first embodiment. The information processing steps shown in Figs. 14 and 15 are also the same in the second embodiment. In Fig. 18, the same reference numerals are used for the processing steps common to Fig. 13, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 18, the information processing in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in that the processing in ACT35 is changed to processing in ACT111 to ACT115, and that the processing in ACT39 is changed to processing in ACT116 to ACT120.

[0140] That is, when the processor 11 detects the member record 71 including the member code stored in the purchaser code area from the member file 7 in ACT34, the processor 11 obtains the stamp number Sa from the member record 71 in ACT111 and stores the stamp number Sa in the first stamp number area D. The first stamp number area D is a part of the work area in the main memory 22.

[0141] After storing the stamp number Sa in the first stamp number area D, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 112. In ACT 112, the processor 11 checks whether or not the transaction data 61 includes an issued code. If the transaction data 61 includes an issued code, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 113. In ACT 113, the processor 11 searches for an issued file 8 of a store identified by the store code included in the transaction data 61. The processor 11 detects an issued record 81 including the issued code included in the transaction data 61 from the issued file 8. The processor 11 then obtains the stamp number Sb from the issued record 81, and stores the stamp number Sb in the second stamp number area E. The second stamp number area E is a part of a work area in the main memory 22.

[0142] The processor 11 stores the stamp number Sb in the second stamp number area E, or if the transaction data 61 does not include an issued code, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 115. In ACT 115, the processor 11 sets the value of the stamp number area A to the sum of the stamp number Sa in the first stamp number area D and the stamp number Sb in the second stamp number area E.

[0143] Therefore, if the transaction data 61 does not contain an issued code, the value of stamp number area A is the number of stamps Sa of the member record 71 that contains the member code included in the transaction data 61. That is, the value of stamp number area A is the same as in the first embodiment. In contrast, if the transaction data 61 contains an issued code, the value of stamp number area A is the sum of the number of stamps Sa of the member record 71 that contains the member code included in the transaction data 61 and the number of stamps Sb of the issued record 81 that contains the issued code included in the transaction data 61. That is, the value of stamp number area A is the combined value of the number of stamps Sa of the member stored in the member file 7 and the number of stamps granted to the member in the previous purchase transaction.

[0144] After that, the processor 11 executes the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14. Therefore, the number of stamps Sa of the member stored in the member file 7 is the sum of the number of stamps given to the member in the previous purchase transaction and the number of stamps given to the member in the current purchase transaction.

[0145] On the other hand, when the processor 11 detects an issued record 81 including an issued code stored in the purchaser code area from the issued file 8 in ACT38, it obtains the stamp number Sb from the issued record 81 in ACT116 and stores the stamp number Sb in the first stamp number area D.

[0146] Next, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 117. The processor 11 checks whether or not another issued code is included in the transaction data 61 in ACT 117. If another issued code is included in the transaction data 61, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 118. The processor 11 searches the issued file 8 for the store identified by the store code included in the transaction data 61 in ACT 118. The processor 11 detects, from the issued file 8, an issued record 81 that includes another issued code included in the transaction data 61. The processor 11 then obtains the number of stamps Sb from the issued record 81, and stores the number of stamps Sb in the second stamp number area E.

[0147] The processor 11 stores the stamp number Sb in the second stamp number area E, or if the transaction data 61 does not include another issued code, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 120. In ACT 120, the processor 11 sets the value of the stamp number area A to the sum of the stamp number Sa in the first stamp number area D and the stamp number Sb in the second stamp number area E.

[0148] Therefore, when the transaction data 61 contains only one issued code, the value of the stamp number area A is the number of stamps Sa of the issued record 81 containing the issued code contained in the transaction data 61. That is, the value of the stamp number area A is the same as that of the first embodiment. On the other hand, when the transaction data 61 contains another issued code, the value of the stamp number area A is the sum of the number of stamps Sb of the two issued records 81 containing the first issued code contained in the transaction data 61 and the number of stamps Sb of the issued record 81 containing the second issued code contained in the same transaction data 61. That is, the value of the stamp number area A is the sum of the number of stamps Sa increased in the purchase transaction before the last one stored in the issued file 8 and the number of stamps given in the previous purchase transaction.

[0149] After that, the processor 11 executes the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 14. Therefore, the number of stamps Sb of the purchaser stored in the issued file 8 is the sum of the number of stamps given to the purchaser in the previous purchase transaction and the number of stamps given to the purchaser in the current purchase transaction.

[0150] Thus, according to the second embodiment, even if a member has forgotten his / her membership code from the previous purchasing transaction, the number of stamps awarded in the previous purchasing transaction and the number of stamps to be awarded in the current purchasing transaction can be integrated into the stamp count Sa for that member stored in the member file 7.

[0151] In addition, even if a purchaser who has already been issued a non-member stamp receipt forgets the second stamp receipt 4-22, the number of stamps given in the previous purchasing transaction and the number of stamps to be given in the current purchasing transaction can be integrated into the number of stamps Sb for that purchaser stored in the issued file 8.

[0152] <Third embodiment> In the first embodiment, a case where two conditions for determining whether or not to give a stamp are fixed in one stamp project is exemplified. In this regard, it is also possible to make the two conditions for determining whether or not to give a stamp variable, for example, by day of the week, by date, by week, by month, or by year. Next, a third embodiment in which the two conditions for determining whether or not to give a stamp are variable by day of the week will be described with reference to FIG. 19.

[0153] 19 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of a plan record 92 in the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the plan record 92 is composed of data items such as a start date, an end date, a first item, a reference value, and a second item for each day of the week, a perfect score, a perfect score bonus, a passing point, and a passing point bonus. That is, in the first embodiment, the plan record 91 contained one type of pattern for the first item, reference value, and second item, but in the third embodiment, seven types of patterns for the first item, reference value, and second item for each day of the week are provided.

[0154] When the processor 11 of the stamp management server 1 obtains the second item from the planning record 92 in ACT42 of Figure 13, and when the processor 11 obtains the first item and a reference value from the planning record 92 in ACT44, the processor 11 obtains the second item or the first item and the reference value corresponding to the current day of the week as clocked by the clock 14.

[0155] By employing such a configuration, the two conditions for determining whether or not to give a stamp can be varied for each day of the week.

[0156] <Other embodiments> In the third embodiment, the patterns of the first item, reference value, and second item contained in the project record 92 were by day of the week, but by setting them by day, week, month, or year, the two conditions for determining whether or not to grant a stamp can be changed on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis.

[0157] In the above embodiments, only one type of second item can be set in the project record, but two or more types of second items may be set. In other words, it is easy to implement an operation in which a stamp is added when the value of the first item included in the transaction data 61 is equal to or greater than a reference value and two or more second items are included in the transaction data.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the stamps of the stamp service are collected, but the collection target is not limited to stamps. For example, this embodiment can be applied to a case where points are awarded when the value of a first item included in the transaction data 61 is equal to or greater than a reference value and a second item is included in the transaction data.

[0159] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1...stamp management server, 2...POS terminal, 3...communication network, 4...stamp receipt, 5...bonus receipt, 7...membership file, 8...issued file, 9...planning file, 100...stamp service system, 111...determination means, 112...increase means, 113...notification means, 114...provision means, 115...second provision means.

Claims

1. A first storage means for storing the number of collection targets that can be collected to obtain a special benefit when a certain number of the collection targets are collected, for each purchaser who purchases a product; A second storage means for storing a first item including a numerical value and a second item not including a numerical value as conditions for assigning the collection target, the first item being included in transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with a purchaser; a decision means for deciding to grant the collection target to a purchaser of the purchase transaction when a numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data received from a terminal that processes the purchase transaction is equal to or greater than a reference value set for the first item and when data of the second item is included in the transaction data; an increasing means for increasing the acquisition number of the purchaser to whom it has been decided to grant the collection object; a notification means for notifying the terminal that processed the purchase transaction with the purchaser whose acquisition number has increased of the acquired number of the collection target after the increase; A bonus processing device is provided.

2. a granting means for granting a first benefit to the purchaser whose number of acquisitions has increased when the number of acquisitions of the collection targets after the increase reaches a maximum number of points for obtaining the benefit; 2. The bonus processing device of claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The bonus processing device according to claim 2, wherein, when the increased number of acquired collection objects reaches the maximum number of points, the notification means notifies the user of the number obtained by subtracting the maximum number of points from the increased number of acquired collection objects.

4. 4. The bonus processing device according to claim 3, wherein said notification means, when the increased number of acquired collection targets coincides with the number of perfect points, does not notify said number of acquired collection targets.

5. a second providing means for providing a second benefit, different from the first benefit, to the purchaser whose number of acquired collection targets has increased when the number of acquired collection targets after the increase reaches a number of passing points that is less than the number of perfect points; 3. The bonus processing device of claim 2, further comprising:

6. the notification means is a means for notifying the number of acquisitions of the collection target by outputting print data for printing the number of images of the collection target on a printer of the terminal, and if the transaction data does not include information identifying the purchaser as a member, adding a barcode indicating an identification code for identifying the purchaser to the print data; A bonus processing device as described in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first storage means stores the number of collection items acquired in association with information identifying the member for a purchaser who is a member, and stores the number of collection items acquired in association with the identification code indicated by a barcode added to the print data for a purchaser who is not a member.

7. a computer of a reward processing device that stores the number of collectible objects that can be collected to obtain a reward by collecting a certain number of them for each purchaser who purchases a product, and stores a first item with a numerical value and a second item without a numerical value, which are included in transaction data generated in a purchase transaction with the purchaser, as conditions for granting the collectible objects; a determination means for determining to grant the collection target to a purchaser of the purchase transaction when a numerical value of the first item included in the transaction data received from a terminal processing the purchase transaction is equal to or greater than a reference value set for the first item and when data of the second item is included in the transaction data; An increase means for increasing the acquisition number of the purchaser to whom it has been decided to grant the collection object; and a notification means for notifying the terminal that processed the purchase transaction with the purchaser whose acquisition number has increased of the acquired number of the collection target after the increase; A program to function as a

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