Transaction processing device and program

Abstract

To maximize effects of a plurality of coupons to be used in an identical transaction.SOLUTION: A transaction processing device includes acquisition means and application means. The acquisition means acquires information concerning one or more coupons of a first type and information concerning one or more coupons of a second type to be used in a transaction. The application means applies the one or more coupons of the first type and the one or more coupons of the second type to the transaction such that a sum of a value of a privilege based on the one or more coupons of the first type and a value of a privilege based on the one or more coupons of the second type is maximized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There are discount coupons for reducing the price of a product and discount coupons for discounting the price of a product. The amount of discount based on a discount coupon is the same regardless of the price of the product. On the other hand, the amount of discount based on a discount coupon increases as the price of the product increases.

[0003] Therefore, when both a discount coupon and a discount coupon are used in the same transaction, the total of the amount of discount based on the discount coupon and the amount of discount based on the discount coupon may not be maximized. For example, when the discount coupon is applied to the product with the highest price and the discount coupon is applied to the product with the second highest price, the total of the amount of discount and the amount of discount is not maximized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables maximizing the effects of a plurality of coupons used in the same transaction.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the transaction processing apparatus includes an acquisition unit and an application unit. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding one or more first-type coupons used in a transaction and information regarding one or more second-type coupons. The application unit applies the one or more first-type coupons and the one or more second-type coupons to the transaction such that the sum of the value of the benefits based on the one or more first-type coupons and the value of the benefits based on the one or more second-type coupons is maximized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scales of the respective parts in the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments may be appropriately changed. Also, the respective drawings used in the following description of the embodiments may show the configuration with some omissions for the purpose of explanation.

[0009] [Embodiment] (Configuration Example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of the transaction processing system S. The transaction processing system S is a system that communicates among a plurality of devices and applies a plurality of coupons selected by a customer to a transaction. Unless otherwise specified, a transaction refers to the same single transaction. A customer includes a user. A coupon is for providing a privilege to a customer. Here, an electronically issued coupon will be described as an example. A privilege is an incentive provided to a customer in a transaction. Here, a case where one coupon is applied to one product will be described as an example. Application includes the meaning of use. Hereinafter, the coupon selected by a customer is also referred to as a selected coupon.

[0010] The transaction processing system S includes a POS (Point of sales) terminal 1, a user terminal 2, and a server 3.

[0011] The POS terminal 1, the user terminal 2, and the server 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW includes one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. The transaction processing system S may refer to a system including at least one device.

[0012] FIG. 1 shows one POS terminal 1 installed in store A, but the transaction processing system S may include a plurality of POS terminals 1 installed in store A. FIG. 1 shows one user terminal 2, but the transaction processing system S may include a plurality of user terminals 2.

[0013] The POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in store A. The POS terminal 1 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions. A transaction is the transfer of payment from a customer to a store accompanying the sale of a product by store A. A transaction includes the meaning of product sale from the perspective of store A. A transaction includes the meaning of product purchase from the perspective of the customer. A product includes not only physical objects but also objects different from physical objects such as services or tickets.

[0014] The user terminal 2 is a device used by customers of store A. The user terminal 2 is a portable device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited thereto.

[0015] The server 3 is a device that stores data of a plurality of selectable coupons used in transactions, associated with the customer's membership code. The membership code is identification information that can uniquely identify a customer as a member of store A.

[0016] The types of coupons will be described. The coupon is a first type of coupon or a second type of coupon. The first type of coupon and the second type of coupon are coupons with different types of benefits. For example, the type of benefit is the content of the benefit.

[0017] The first type of coupon will be described. The benefit based on the first type of coupon is a benefit according to a set value. Therefore, the first type of coupon is a coupon that provides a benefit according to a set value. The set value is a value set for each first type of coupon. Here, a discount coupon will be described as an example of the first type of coupon. A discount coupon is a coupon for discounting the price of a product. The price is the unit price indicating the amount per product. The benefit based on the discount coupon is a discount according to a set value. Therefore, the discount coupon is a coupon that provides a discount according to a set value. The set value is the amount to be discounted from the price of the product. The discount according to the set value is to subtract the amount indicated by the set value from the price of the product. The amount of discount based on the discount coupon is the same regardless of the price of the product. The amount of discount based on the discount coupon is an example of the value of the benefit based on the first type of coupon.

[0018] A discount coupon is either a discount coupon with a limited scope of application or a discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application. The scope of application is the range of products to which the coupon can be applied. The number of products included in the scope of application may be one or more. The scope of application may be a range determined by a product category such as cosmetics. The scope of application may be a range determined by the seller of products such as Manufacturer X. The scope of application may be a range determined by the product category and the seller of cosmetics of Manufacturer X. The scope of application may be a specific product such as Product X.

[0019] A discount coupon with a limited scope of application is a coupon applicable to any of the products included in the scope of application. Therefore, a discount coupon with a limited scope of application is a coupon not applicable to products not included in the scope of application. A discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application is a coupon applicable to any product. Note that the expression "any product" may mean any product excluding excluded products. Excluded products may be products whose discount or reduction is prohibited by law, or products prohibited by the settings of Store A. For example, excluded products include tobacco, etc., but are not limited thereto.

[0020] The second type of coupon will be described. The benefits based on the second type of coupon are benefits according to the set ratio. Therefore, the second type of coupon is a coupon that provides benefits according to the set ratio. The set ratio is the value of the ratio set for each second type of coupon. Here, a discount coupon will be used as an example of the second type of coupon for explanation. A discount coupon is a coupon for discounting the price of a product. The benefit based on the discount coupon is a discount according to the set ratio. Therefore, a discount coupon is a coupon that provides a discount according to the set discount. The set ratio is the ratio for discounting from the price of the product. The discount according to the set ratio is obtained by subtracting the amount calculated by multiplying the price of the product and the set ratio from the price of the product. The amount of the discount based on the discount coupon increases as the price of the product increases. The amount of the discount based on the discount coupon is an example of the value of the benefit based on the second type of coupon.

[0021] A discount coupon is either a discount coupon with a limited scope of application or a discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application. The scope of application is as described above. A discount coupon with a limited scope of application is a coupon applicable to any of the products included in the scope of application. Therefore, a discount coupon with a limited scope of application is a coupon inapplicable to products not included in the scope of application. A discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application is a coupon applicable to any product.

[0022] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 1.

[0023] The POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, a change machine interface 13, a communication interface 14, a scanner 15, an input device 16, a first display device 17-1, a second display device 17-2, a printing device 18, a reader 19, and a photographing device 20. The processing circuit 10, the main memory 11, the auxiliary storage device 12, the change machine interface 13, the communication interface 14, the scanner 15, the input device 16, the first display device 17-1, the second display device 17-2, the printing device 18, the reader 19, and the photographing device 20 are connected to be able to input and output signals to each other. In Figure 2, the interface is described as "I / F".

[0024] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that execute a plurality of processes by a plurality of functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processing circuit 10 expands a program stored in advance in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that enables the processing circuit 10 to execute the processing by each part described later. The processing circuit 10 can execute various processes by executing the program expanded in the main memory 11.

[0025] The main memory 11 includes an element corresponding to the main storage part of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile memory area. The main memory 11 is an example of a storage unit.

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the POS terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage device is, for example, but not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-described program, data used by the processing circuit 10 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of a storage unit.

[0027] The auxiliary storage device 12 can store product master data. The product master data includes product information for each product handled at store A. The product information can include a product code, a product name, and a price. The product code is identification information that can uniquely identify the product. The product name is the name of the product. The price is as described above. The product information may include information other than these.

[0028] The change machine interface 13 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 13 receives the inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 13 outputs the change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine pays out banknotes or coins corresponding to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0029] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices communicably via the network NW according to a predetermined communication protocol.

[0030] Scanner 15 is a device that reads various code symbols and obtains information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbol is a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The code symbol may include a code symbol of a product that records a product code. The code symbol of the product is an image attached to the product. The code symbol may include a code symbol that records a membership code. The code symbol that records the membership code may be an image attached to a membership card or an image that can be displayed on the user terminal 2. The code symbol may include a code symbol for code settlement.

[0031] Input device 16 is a device that can input information into the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 16 may include a keyboard. The input device 16 may constitute a touch screen together with the first display device 17-1.

[0032] The first display device 17-1 is a device that can display various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The first display device 17-1 is mainly a display device for store clerks to view. For example, the first display device 17-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc.

[0033] The second display device 17-2 is a device that can display various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The second display device 17-2 is mainly a display device for customers to view. For example, the second display device 17-2 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display, etc.

[0034] Printing device 18 is a device for issuing printed matter by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 18 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer, etc.

[0035] The reader 19 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The reader 19 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 19 may include a non-contact reader that reads card data recorded on the IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0036] The imaging device 20 is a device that can be imaged under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the imaging device 20 is a camera.

[0037] Note that the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The POS terminal 1 can appropriately omit and modify the above-described components and add new components.

[0038] Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes an acquisition means 101, a registration means 102, an application means 103, and a settlement means 104. The means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as a part or a function. Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be said to be realized by a control means including the processing circuit 10 and the main memory 11.

[0039] The acquisition means 101 acquires information on a plurality of selected coupons used in a transaction. The information on the selected coupon includes information indicating the content of the selected coupon. Hereinafter, the discount coupon selected by the customer is also referred to as the selected discount coupon. The discount coupon selected by the customer is also referred to as the selected discount coupon.

[0040] When the selected coupon is a selected discount coupon, the information regarding the selected discount coupon can include information indicating the set value. When the selected discount coupon is a selected discount coupon with a limited scope of application, the information regarding the selected discount coupon with a limited scope of application can include information indicating the set value and information indicating the scope of application. When the selected discount coupon is a selected discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application, the information regarding the selected discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application can include information indicating the set value and information indicating that the scope of application is not limited.

[0041] When the selected coupon is a selected percentage-off coupon, the information regarding the selected percentage-off coupon can include information indicating the set percentage. When the selected percentage-off coupon is a selected percentage-off coupon with a limited scope of application, the information regarding the selected percentage-off coupon with a limited scope of application can include information indicating the set percentage and information indicating the scope of application. When the selected percentage-off coupon is a selected percentage-off coupon with an unlimited scope of application, the information regarding the selected percentage-off coupon with an unlimited scope of application can include information indicating the set percentage and information indicating that the scope of application is not limited.

[0042] The registration means 102 processes the registration of products. The registration of products is the registration of the products to be traded before the settlement of the transaction. The registration of products is also referred to as product registration. The registered products are also referred to as registered products. For example, processing product registration is to update the registration data. The registration data can include information on registered products for each registered product. The information on registered products can include all or part of the information on product code, product name, price, quantity, and product amount. The product code, product name, and price are as described above. The quantity is the number of products identified by the product code. The product amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the price by the quantity. The information on registered products may include information other than these. The registration data may be stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 of the POS terminal 1, or may be stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. Updating the registration data includes adding information on registered products, increasing the quantity included in the information on registered products, decreasing the quantity included in the information on registered products, and deleting the information on registered products.

[0043] The application means 103 applies a plurality of selected coupons to a transaction. Applying a plurality of selected coupons to a transaction includes calculating the total amount of price reduction or discount based on the plurality of selected coupons. The total amount of price reduction or discount based on the plurality of selected coupons is the amount obtained by summing up the amount of price reduction or discount based on each selected coupon included in the plurality of selected coupons. The total amount of price reduction or discount based on the plurality of selected coupons corresponds to the discount amount. The application means 103 calculates the settlement amount based on the total amount of the transaction and the discount amount. The total amount of the transaction is the amount obtained by summing up the product amounts of each registered product in the transaction. The settlement amount is the amount for settling the transaction. The settlement amount corresponds to the amount paid by the customer. The settlement amount is the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the total amount of the transaction.

[0044] The settlement means 104 executes the settlement of the transaction based on the settlement amount. The settlement of the transaction includes completing the settlement of the transaction. The settlement is a payment for the transaction. The settlement includes the meaning of accounting. The completion of the settlement by the POS terminal 1 includes the meaning of the conclusion of the transaction. The settlement methods for the settlement of the transaction include offline settlement and online settlement. The offline settlement is a settlement that does not require the POS terminal 1 to cooperate with other devices via the network NW. For example, the offline settlement is a settlement by cash or the like. The online settlement is a settlement that the POS terminal 1 executes in cooperation with other devices via the network NW. For example, the online settlement is a credit card settlement, an electronic money settlement, a debit card settlement, a code settlement, or the like.

[0045] (Operation example) The processing by the transaction processing system S will be described. Note that the processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Also, for the processing procedures described below, depending on the embodiment, steps may be omitted, replaced, and added as appropriate.

[0046] Figure 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the processing procedure by the transaction processing system S. Here, a combination of one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons will be described as an example of a plurality of selected coupons. The one or more selected value discount coupons can include one or more selected value discount coupons with limited application ranges. The one or more selected value discount coupons can include one or more selected value discount coupons without limited application ranges. The one or more selected discount coupons can include one or more selected discount coupons with limited application ranges. The one or more selected discount coupons can include one or more selected discount coupons without limited application ranges.

[0047] Before the transaction is settled, the customer uses the app launched on the user terminal 2 to select one or more discount coupons and one or more rebate coupons as multiple coupons to be used in the transaction (Ua). The user terminal 2 transmits the customer's membership code and selection information indicating the selection of one or more discount coupons and one or more rebate coupons to the server 3 via the network NW.

[0048] The server 3 registers one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons to be used in the transaction in association with the customer's membership code (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the server 3 receives the customer's membership code and selection information from the user terminal 2 via the network NW. Based on the customer's membership code and selection information, the server 3 stores the data of one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons in association with the customer's membership code. By storing the data of one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons, the server 3 registers one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons.

[0049] The customer presents all the products in the transaction to the store clerk (Ub). Assume that the number of all the products in the transaction is plural. Each of all the products in the transaction is a product to be transacted. The store clerk reads the code symbol of the product to be transacted using the scanner 15. The store clerk may select the product to be transacted using the input device 16.

[0050] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 processes product registration (ACT11). ACT11 may be processed by the registration means 102. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 obtains the product code of the product to be traded based on the reading of the code symbol of the product to be traded by the scanner 15. The processing circuit 10 may obtain the product code of the product to be traded based on the selection of the product to be traded using the input device 16. The processing circuit 10 can process product registration by referring to the product master data stored in the auxiliary storage device 12 and based on the obtained product code. When the registration data is stored in the POS terminal 1, the processing circuit 10 updates the registration data stored in the POS terminal 1 based on the obtained product code. When the registration data is stored in the transaction management server, the processing circuit 10 outputs a registration request including the product code to the transaction management server. The registration request is a request for the transaction management server to process product registration. The transaction management server can process product registration based on the product code included in the registration request. The transaction management server may refer to data similar to the product master data stored in the POS terminal 1. Outputting a registration request including the product code to the transaction management server is an example of processing product registration.

[0051] The customer presents to the store clerk a membership card with a code symbol recording the membership code (Uc). Instead of the membership card, the customer may present to the store clerk a code symbol recording the membership code displayed on the user terminal 2. The store clerk reads the code symbol recording the membership code using the scanner 15.

[0052] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 obtains the customer's membership code (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 10 obtains the customer's membership code based on the reading of the code symbol recording the customer's membership code by the scanner 15.

[0053] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 detects the selection of the subtotal button (ACT13). After the registration of all the products in the transaction by the POS terminal 1 is completed, the clerk uses the input device 16 to select the subtotal button. The selection of the subtotal button corresponds to the completion of the registration of all the products in the transaction.

[0054] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 acquires information on one or more selected discount coupons and information on one or more selected percentage-off coupons as information on a plurality of selected coupons used in the transaction (ACT14). ACT14 may be processed by the acquisition means 101. In ACT14, for example, the processing circuit 10 uses the communication interface 14 to transmit a request including the customer's membership code to the server 3 via the network NW. The request is a request for information on selected coupons. The processing circuit 10 uses the communication interface 14 to acquire from the server 3 information on one or more selected discount coupons used in the transaction and information on one or more selected percentage-off coupons used in the transaction via the network NW.

[0055] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 determines the application order for one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected percentage-off coupons (ACT15). ACT15 may be processed by the application means 103. The application order is the order for specifying the application target. The application target is any of the plurality of products in the transaction to which the coupon is to be applied. In ACT15, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines the application order for each of the one or more selected discount coupons and the one or more selected percentage-off coupons based on the application order rule.

[0056] The rule of application order is a combination of the following rules for determining the application order. The first rule is that the application order of the discount coupon precedes that of the rebate coupon. Preceding the application order includes the meaning of being before the application order. The second rule is that the application order of the coupon with a limited scope of application precedes that of the coupon with an unlimited scope of application. Here, it is assumed that the first rule takes precedence over the second rule. The rule of application order is a rule in the order of the discount coupon with a limited scope of application, the discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application, the rebate coupon with a limited scope of application, and the rebate coupon with an unlimited scope of application. Note that the rule of application order may include that the rebate coupons are in the order of larger set ratios. Instead of the first rule taking precedence over the second rule, the second rule may take precedence over the first rule. In this case, the rule of application order is a rule in the order of the discount coupon with a limited scope of application, the rebate coupon with a limited scope of application, the discount coupon with an unlimited scope of application, and the rebate coupon with an unlimited scope of application.

[0057] For example, assume that one or more selected discount coupons include one or more selected discount coupons with a limited scope of application and one or more selected discount coupons with an unlimited scope of application. Assume that one or more selected rebate coupons include one or more selected rebate coupons with a limited scope of application and one or more selected rebate coupons with an unlimited scope of application. In this case, the application order is in the order of one or more selected discount coupons with a limited scope of application, one or more selected discount coupons with an unlimited scope of application, one or more selected rebate coupons with a limited scope of application, and one or more selected rebate coupons with an unlimited scope of application.

[0058] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 identifies (ACT16) the application targets of one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons. ACT16 may be processed by the application means 103.

[0059] The specific order of application targets will be described. The processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons in the following specific order according to the determined application order. The processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the selected value discount coupons before the selected discount coupons. A case where one or more selected value discount coupons include one or more selected value discount coupons with limited application ranges and one or more selected value discount coupons with no limited application ranges will be described. In this case, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the selected value discount coupons with limited application ranges before the selected value discount coupons with no limited application ranges. A case where one or more selected discount coupons include one or more selected discount coupons with limited application ranges and one or more selected discount coupons with no limited application ranges will be described. In this case, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the selected discount coupons with limited application ranges before the selected discount coupons with no limited application ranges.

[0060] For example, assume that one or more selected value discount coupons include one or more selected value discount coupons with limited application ranges and one or more selected value discount coupons with no limited application ranges. Assume that one or more selected discount coupons include one or more selected discount coupons with limited application ranges and one or more selected discount coupons with no limited application ranges. In this case, first, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the one or more selected value discount coupons with limited application ranges. Next, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the one or more selected value discount coupons with no limited application ranges. Next, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the one or more selected discount coupons with limited application ranges. Finally, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application targets of the one or more selected discount coupons with no limited application ranges.

[0061] Specific examples of applicable objects will be described. The processing circuit 10 identifies the applicable objects of one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected rebate coupons as follows so that the total of the discount amount based on one or more selected discount coupons and the discount amount based on one or more selected rebate coupons is maximized. The discount amount based on one or more selected discount coupons is the discount amount based on each of the one or more selected discount coupons. The discount amount based on one or more selected rebate coupons is the discount amount based on each of the one or more selected rebate coupons.

[0062] The processing circuit 10 identifies the least expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction as the applicable object of the selected discount coupon. The least expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction is the least expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction excluding the product identified as the applicable object of the selected coupon. The least expensive product includes the meaning of the least expensive product. This process by the processing circuit 10 is the same for both selected discount coupons with a limited application range and selected discount coupons without a limited application range.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 identifies the most expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction as the applicable object of the selected rebate coupon. The most expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction is the most expensive product among the multiple products in the transaction excluding the product identified as the applicable object of the selected coupon. The most expensive product includes the meaning of the most expensive product. This process by the processing circuit 10 is the same for both selected rebate coupons with a limited application range and selected rebate coupons without a limited application range.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 applies one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons to the transaction (ACT17) based on information regarding one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons. ACT17 may be processed by the application means 103. In ACT17, for example, the processing circuit 10 applies one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons to the transaction so that the total of the amount of discount based on one or more selected value discount coupons and the amount of discount based on one or more selected discount coupons is maximized. The processing circuit 10 applies each of the one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons to the respective application targets of the one or more selected value discount coupons and one or more selected discount coupons that have been identified. The processing circuit 10 calculates, as the discount amount, the total of the amount of discount based on one or more selected value discount coupons and the amount of discount based on one or more selected discount coupons. The application means 103 calculates the settlement amount based on the total amount of the transaction and the discount amount.

[0065] The customer presents a settlement method (Ud). The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 executes the settlement of the transaction based on the settlement amount (ACT18). ACT18 may be processed by the settlement means 104.

[0066] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 notifies the server 3 of the usage information of the selected coupon (ACT19). The usage information of the selected coupon is information indicating that the selected coupon has been used in the transaction. In ACT19, for example, the processing circuit 10 transmits the usage information of the selected coupon to the server 3 via the network NW using the communication interface 14. The processing circuit 10 obtains a confirmation response to the usage information of the selected coupon from the server 3 via the network NW using the communication interface 14.

[0067] This will be described using a specific example. Assume that the customer selects Coupon (1), Coupon (2), and Coupon (3) as the multiple coupons to be used in the transaction. Coupon (1) is a selective discount coupon limited to cosmetics as its applicable scope. In Coupon (1), the set value, which is the amount to be discounted from the price of the product, is 200 yen. Coupon (2) is a selective discount coupon limited to cosmetics as its applicable scope. In Coupon (2), the set percentage, which is the percentage to be discounted from the price of the product, is 15%. Coupon (3) is a selective discount coupon with no limited applicable scope. In Coupon (3), the set percentage, which is the percentage to be discounted from the price of the product, is 10%.

[0068] Assume that the customer purchases Cosmetic A, Cosmetic B, and Cosmetic C as the transaction. The price of Cosmetic A is 1000 yen. The price of Cosmetic B is 800 yen. Cosmetic C is 500 yen.

[0069] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 determines the application order of Coupon (1), Coupon (2), and Coupon (3) as Coupon (1), Coupon (2), and Coupon (3) in that order.

[0070] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 identifies the application targets of Coupon (1), Coupon (2), and Coupon (3). First, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application target of Coupon (1). The processing circuit 10 identifies the cheapest Cosmetic C among Cosmetic A, Cosmetic B, and Cosmetic C in the transaction as the application target of Coupon (1). Next, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application target of Coupon (2). The processing circuit 10 identifies the most expensive Cosmetic A among Cosmetic A, Cosmetic B, and Cosmetic C in the transaction as the application target of Coupon (2). Finally, the processing circuit 10 identifies the application target of Coupon (3). The processing circuit 10 identifies the most expensive Cosmetic B among Cosmetic A, Cosmetic B, and Cosmetic C in the transaction excluding Cosmetic A identified as the application target of Coupon (2) as the application target of Coupon (3).

[0071] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 applies each of the specified coupons (1), (2), and (3) to their respective applicable targets. By applying coupon (1) to the cosmetic C specified as the applicable target of coupon (1), the processing circuit 10 calculates 200 yen as the amount of discount based on coupon (1). By applying coupon (2) to the cosmetic A specified as the applicable target of coupon (2), the processing circuit 10 calculates 150 yen as the amount of discount based on coupon (2). By applying coupon (3) to the cosmetic B specified as the applicable target of coupon (3), the processing circuit 10 calculates 80 yen as the amount of discount based on coupon (3). The processing circuit 10 calculates 430 yen as the total of the discount amount based on coupon (1), the discount amount based on coupon (2), and the discount amount based on coupon (3). 430 yen corresponds to the discount amount. In this way, the total of the discount amount based on coupon (1), the discount amount based on coupon (2), and the discount amount based on coupon (3) is maximized.

[0072] Based on the total transaction amount of 2300 yen and the discount amount of 430 yen, the processing circuit 10 calculates 1870 yen as the settlement amount.

[0073] As described above, the POS terminal 1 applies one or more selected discount coupons and one or more selected percentage-off coupons to the transaction so that the total of the discount amount based on one or more selected discount coupons and the discount amount based on one or more selected percentage-off coupons is maximized. Thereby, the POS terminal 1 can automatically maximize the effects of a plurality of selected coupons with different types of benefits without the customer specifying the applicable targets of the plurality of selected coupons.

[0074] As described above, the POS terminal 1 specifies the product with the lowest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the applicable target of the selected discount coupon. Since the amount of discount based on the selected value discount coupon is the same regardless of the price of the product, the effect of the selected value discount coupon remains the same regardless of which product it is applied to. However, considering the effect of the selected discount coupon, it is preferable that the selected value discount coupon be applied to the product with the lowest price. By such processing, the POS terminal 1 can maximize the effects of a plurality of selection coupons with different types of benefits.

[0075] As described above, the POS terminal 1 identifies the product with the highest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the application target of the selected discount coupon. The amount of discount based on the selected discount coupon increases as the price of the product increases. Therefore, it is preferable that the selected discount coupon be applied to the product with the highest price. By such processing, the POS terminal 1 can maximize the effects of a plurality of selection coupons with different types of benefits.

[0076] As described above, the POS terminal 1 identifies the application target of the selected value discount coupon prior to the selected discount coupon. The selected value discount coupon does not affect the effects of a plurality of selection coupons regardless of which product is the application target, but the selected discount coupon affects the effects of a plurality of selection coupons depending on which product is the application target. By identifying the application target of the selected value discount coupon prior to the selected discount coupon, the POS terminal 1 can maximize the effects of a plurality of selection coupons with different types of benefits.

[0077] As described above, the POS terminal 1 identifies the application target of the selected value discount coupon with a limited application range prior to the selected value discount coupon with an unlimited application range. The POS terminal 1 identifies the application target of the selected discount coupon with a limited application range prior to the selected discount coupon with an unlimited application range. If the applicable items of a select coupon with no restricted scope of application are identified first, the items applicable to a select coupon with a restricted scope of application may be identified first as the applicable items of a select coupon with no restricted scope of application. In this case, it may happen that there are no items applicable to the select coupon with a restricted scope of application. By identifying the applicable items of the select coupon with a restricted scope of application prior to the select coupon with no restricted scope of application, the POS terminal 1 can prevent such a situation from occurring.

[0078] [Other Embodiments] In the above description, an example where the POS terminal 1 obtains information regarding select coupons from the server 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The POS terminal 1 may obtain information regarding select coupons based on reading the code symbols of the select coupons displayed on the user terminal 2.

[0079] In the above description, an example where electronically issued coupons have been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The coupons may be coupons printed on paper. In this case, the POS terminal 1 may obtain information regarding select coupons based on reading the code symbols of the coupons printed on paper.

[0080] In the above description, an example where a customer selects a plurality of coupons to be used in a transaction has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The plurality of coupons to be used in a transaction may be automatically selected by the POS terminal 1 or the server 3 without the need for selection by the customer.

[0081] In the above description, an example where one coupon is applied to one item has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. One coupon may be applied to two or more items.

[0082] In the above description, the discount coupon was described as an example of the first type of coupon, but it is not limited to this. The first type of coupon may be a first-point coupon that provides point awarding according to a set value. Points have a monetary value and can be used in transactions and the like. The set value is the value of the points to be awarded. The value of the point awarding based on the first-point coupon is the same regardless of the price of the product. The value of the point awarding based on the first-point coupon is an example of the value of the benefits based on the first type of coupon. In this example, the POS terminal 1 may handle the points based on the first-point coupon according to a predetermined rule such as 1 yen per point.

[0083] The discount coupon was described as an example of the second type of coupon, but it is not limited to this. The second type of coupon may be a second-point coupon that provides point awarding according to a set ratio. The set ratio is the ratio of the points to be awarded according to the price of the product. The value of the point awarding based on the second-point coupon increases as the price of the product increases. The value of the point awarding based on the second-point coupon is an example of the value of the benefits based on the second type of coupon. In this example, the POS terminal 1 may handle the points based on the second-point coupon according to a predetermined rule such as 1 yen per point.

[0084] When the first type of coupon is the first-point coupon and the second type of coupon is the second-point coupon, there is no discount amount. Therefore, the settlement amount is the total amount of the transaction. Note that there may be a case where the first type of coupon is the first-point coupon and the second type of coupon is a discount coupon. In this case, the discount amount corresponds to the total of the discounts based on one or more selected discount coupons. Note that there may also be a case where the first type of coupon is a discount coupon and the second type of coupon is the second-point coupon. In this case, the discount amount corresponds to the total of the discounts based on one or more selected discount coupons.

[0085] In the above description, the POS terminal 1 having a product registration function and a settlement function and through which a store clerk intervenes in product registration and settlement was taken as an example of a transaction processing device for explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The transaction processing device may be a POS terminal that has a product registration function and a settlement function and through which a customer can perform product registration and settlement without the intervention of a store clerk. The transaction processing device may also be a product registration device having at least a product registration function. The transaction processing device may also be a settlement device having at least a settlement function.

[0086] All of the means implemented by the POS terminal 1 may be implemented by a server such as a transaction management server that can communicate with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a transaction processing device. A part of the means implemented by the POS terminal 1 may be implemented by a server such as a transaction management server that can communicate with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the POS terminal 1 and the server are an example of a transaction processing device.

[0087] In the above description, the transaction in a physical store was taken as an example for explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The above-described embodiment is also applicable to transactions in EC (Electronic Commerce). In this case, the transaction processing device may be a server that implements all or part of the means implemented by the POS terminal 1.

[0088] The transaction processing device may be implemented by one device as exemplified by the POS terminal 1, or may be implemented by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0089] The above-described embodiment may be applied to a method executed by a device. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a program that enables a computer of a device to execute each function. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a recording medium that stores a program.

[0090] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more of a plurality of processes. When the processing circuit is constituted by a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the plurality of processes. When the processing circuit is constituted by a plurality of circuits, each of the plurality of circuits executes a part of the plurality of processes. A part of the plurality of processes may be one of the plurality of processes or two or more of the plurality of processes. When the processing circuit is constituted by a plurality of circuits, the plurality of circuits may be included in one device or may be distributed among a plurality of devices.

[0091] The program may be transferred in a state stored in the device according to an embodiment, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or may be transferred in a state recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and is readable by a computer, regardless of its form.

[0092] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

[0093] Some of the above embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) Acquisition means for acquiring information on one or more first-type coupons used in a transaction and information on one or more second-type coupons; Application means for applying the one or more first - type coupons and the one or more second - type coupons to the transaction so that the sum of the value of the benefits based on the one or more first - type coupons and the value of the benefits based on the one or more second - type coupons is maximized; A transaction processing apparatus comprising the same. (2) The application means in the transaction processing apparatus according to (1) identifies the product with the lowest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the application target of the first - type coupon, and identifies the product with the highest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the application target of the second - type coupon. (3) The application means in the transaction processing apparatus according to (1) or (2) identifies the application target of the first - type coupon before identifying the application target of the second - type coupon. (4) When the one or more first - type coupons include first - type coupons with one or more limited application ranges and first - type coupons with no limited application ranges, the application means in the transaction processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) identifies the application target of the first - type coupon with a limited application range before identifying the application target of the first - type coupon with no limited application range. (5) The first - type coupon is a coupon that provides a benefit according to a set value, The second - type coupon is a coupon that provides a benefit according to a set ratio. (1) to (4) The transaction processing apparatus according to any one of the above. (6) A program capable of causing a computer to acquire information on one or more first - type coupons and information on one or more second - type coupons used in a transaction, and apply the one or more first - type coupons and the one or more second - type coupons to the transaction so that the sum of the value of the benefits based on the one or more first - type coupons and the value of the benefits based on the one or more second - type coupons is maximized.

Explanation of Signs

[0094] 1... POS terminal, 2... user terminal, 3... server, 10... processing circuit, 11... main memory, 12... auxiliary storage device, 13... change machine interface, 14... communication interface, 15... scanner, 16... input device, 17-1... first display device, 17-2... second display device, 18... printing device, 19... reader, 20... imaging device, 101... acquisition means, 102... registration means, 103... application means, 104... settlement means, NW... network, S... transaction processing system.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information on one or more first - type coupons used in a transaction and information on one or more second - type coupons; An application means for applying the one or more first - type coupons and the one or more second - type coupons to the transaction such that the sum of the value of the benefits based on the one or more first - type coupons and the value of the benefits based on the one or more second - type coupons is maximized; A transaction processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The application means identifies the product with the lowest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the application target of the first - type coupon, and identifies the product with the highest price among the plurality of products in the transaction as the application target of the second - type coupon. The transaction processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The application means identifies the application target of the first - type coupon before identifying the application target of the second - type coupon. The transaction processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. When the one or more first - type coupons include one or more first - type coupons with a limited application range and one or more first - type coupons without a limited application range, the application means identifies the application target of the first - type coupon with a limited application range before the first - type coupon without a limited application range. The transaction processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The first - type coupon is a coupon that provides a benefit according to a set value, The second - type coupon is a coupon that provides a benefit according to a set ratio, The transaction processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 4.

6. A program that can cause a computer to execute a function of acquiring information on one or more first - type coupons used in a transaction and information on one or more second - type coupons, and execute a function of applying the one or more first - type coupons and the one or more second - type coupons to the transaction such that the sum of the value of the benefits based on the one or more first - type coupons and the value of the benefits based on the one or more second - type coupons is maximized. ​

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