Coupon management device and its control program

Abstract

To enable a shopper to use a desired coupon without displaying the coupon on a screen of an information terminal at the time of payment.SOLUTION: A coupon management device includes storage means, acquisition means, and output means. The storage means stores a coupon selected from among a plurality of coupons by a member in association with identification information of the member. The acquisition means acquires identification information of the member and data about a transaction of the member from an accounting machine. The output means outputs sales-promoting information of the coupon to the accounting machine in the case that the data about the transaction acquired by the acquisition means satisfies a starting condition of the coupon stored in association with the identification information acquired together with the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transaction processing system, a coupon management device, and a control program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic coupon systems, which display coupons on the screens of information terminals such as smartphones used by shoppers and allow them to receive benefits such as discounts by presenting the coupons to store clerks when paying at a physical store, are becoming widely used.

[0003] However, in conventional electronic coupon systems, a shopper who wants to use a coupon must display the desired coupon on the screen of an information terminal and present it to a store clerk when paying, which is cumbersome. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-027252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a checkout processing system that allows shoppers to use the coupons they want without having to display the coupons on the screen of their information terminal when checking out, as well as a coupon management device used in this system and its control program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the coupon management device includes a storage means, an acquisition means, and an output means. The storage means stores a coupon selected by a member from a plurality of coupons in association with the member's identification information. The acquisition means acquires the member's identification information and data related to the member's transaction from a payment machine. The output means outputs promotional information for the coupon to the payment machine when the transaction data acquired by the acquisition means satisfies the coupon activation conditions stored in association with the identification information acquired together with the data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an accounting processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a coupon record stored in a coupon database. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a member record stored in a member database. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a coupon management server. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of distribution coupon data stored in a distribution coupon folder. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of selected coupon data stored in a selected coupon folder. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by a processor of the coupon management server. [Figure 9] 9 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the distribution coupon search process shown in ACT6 of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing the main processing steps executed by a processor of a POS terminal. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the coupon management server. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued from a POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a transaction processing system and a coupon management device included in the system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Accounting processing system configuration] 1 is a schematic diagram of a transaction processing system 100. Transaction processing system 100 includes a coupon management server 10, multiple POS (Point of Sales) terminals 20, an access point 30, and a communication network 40.

[0010] The communication network 40 is typically a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication network 40 may be a dedicated communication network, a mobile phone communication network, or the like. Alternatively, these communication networks may be mixed. The communication network 40 may be a wireless line or a wired line. Alternatively, wireless lines and wired lines may be mixed.

[0011] The coupon management server 10 is connected to a communication network 40 to provide services such as cloud computing. The coupon management server 10 provides a service for managing electronic coupons. Electronic coupons are coupons that consumers can obtain via the communication network 40. Coupons are set with information about sales promotion plans that allow consumers to receive benefits such as discounts and discounts when purchasing products at retail stores, i.e., so-called sales promotion information. The coupon management server 10 is one aspect of a coupon management device, and details thereof will be described later.

[0012] A plurality of POS terminals 20 are installed in each store where electronic coupons managed by the coupon management server 10 can be used, and are connected to the communication network 40. Any number of POS terminals 20 can be installed in one store. The POS terminal 20 is a computer device that processes registration operations for registering sales data of products purchased by customers and settlement operations for settling transactions with those customers. The POS terminal 20 may be a face-to-face device in which a store clerk performs the registration operations and settlement operations, or a self-service device in which a customer performs the registration operations and settlement operations themselves. Alternatively, the POS terminal 20 may be a semi-self-service device in which a store clerk performs the registration operations and a customer performs the settlement operations. The POS terminal 20 is one form of a checkout machine, and details of which will be described later.

[0013] The access points 30 are connected to the communication network 40. The access points 30 are communication facilities installed at various locations as relay points for data communication between the coupon management server 10 and the member terminals 50 via a wireless LAN.

[0014] The member terminal 50 is a communication device used by consumers who have registered as members to use electronic coupons managed by the coupon management server 10. For example, the member terminal 50 can be a communication device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet device, or personal computer. An application program for using electronic coupons is installed on the member terminal 50. Hereinafter, this application program will be referred to as the coupon app. Consumers can receive electronic coupons by using the coupon app.

[0015] The coupon management server 10 manages a coupon database 60 and a member database 70. The coupon database 60 and the member database 70 may be stored in a storage device built into the coupon management server 10, or in a storage device external to the coupon management server 10. Alternatively, the coupon database 60 and the member database 70 may be stored on a database server connected to the coupon management server 10 via a communication cable.

[0016] The coupon database 60 is a collection of coupon records 61 (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2, the coupon record 61 is composed of data items such as a coupon ID, coupon name, target period, target user, target product, sales promotion information, activation conditions, and number of valid times.

[0017] The coupon ID is a unique code assigned to each coupon record 61 in order to individually identify the coupon record 61 . The coupon name is a unique name of the electronic coupon identified by the coupon ID.

[0018] The target period is the period during which the electronic coupon can be used. The target period may be data that combines the start date and end date of the period, or data that combines the start date and the number of days in the period.

[0019] The target person is information about the attributes of consumers who can use the electronic coupon. The attributes include age, gender, place of residence, contribution rank, etc. Note that for electronic coupons that can be used regardless of attributes, the target person is omitted.

[0020] The target product is identification information of the product that is the target of the electronic coupon. If a single product is the target, the product code of the product is set as the identification information. If products belonging to a specific category, such as beverages, vegetables, meat, or confectionery, are the target, the classification code of the category is set as the identification information. If products manufactured by a specific manufacturer are the target, the manufacturer code of the manufacturer is set as the identification information. Note that the identification information of the target product is not limited to the product code, classification code, or manufacturer code.

[0021] The promotional information is information about the benefits that a consumer can receive by using an electronic coupon. For example, if a consumer receives a discount benefit, the discount amount is set as the promotional information. For example, if a consumer receives a discount benefit, the discount rate is set as the promotional information. Note that the promotional information is not limited to the discount amount or discount rate.

[0022] The activation condition is information about the conditions for a transaction in which the electronic coupon can be used. For example, for an electronic coupon that can be used in a transaction in which the purchased items include items related to the target item, the identification information of the related items is set as the activation condition. For example, for an electronic coupon that can be used in a transaction in which the total amount of purchased items is equal to or exceeds a predetermined amount, the total amount is set as the activation condition. Note that the activation condition is not limited to the item identification information or the total amount of the transaction.

[0023] The validity count is the number of times a member consumer can use an electronic coupon. For example, for an electronic coupon that can be used up to three times, the validity count is set to "3." For example, for an electronic coupon that can only be used once, the validity count is set to "1." Note that the validity count is not limited to "1" or "3."

[0024] The member database 70 is a collection of member records 71 ​​(FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the member record 71 is made up of data items such as a member ID, member attributes, used coupon information, and the number of times K that a coupon has been used.

[0025] The member ID is a unique code assigned to each member to identify the consumer who has registered as a member, i.e., the member. The member ID is displayed, for example, in the form of a barcode or two-dimensional data code on the display device of the member terminal 50 owned by the member. The member ID may also be recorded, for example, on a member card issued to the member.

[0026] Member attributes include information such as the member's date of birth, gender, postal code of residence, and contribution rank. Member attributes do not necessarily have to include all of the information listed above. For example, if contribution rank is not used as a condition for coupon eligibility, contribution rank can be omitted from the member attributes.

[0027] Used coupon information is information related to electronic coupons that have been used by a member. The used coupon information includes information such as the coupon ID, the date of use, and the store where the coupon was used. Every time a member uses an electronic coupon, the used coupon information related to that electronic coupon is added to and registered in the member record 71.

[0028] The number of uses K is the total number of electronic coupons used by the member within a specified period. The period may be in monthly units such as one or two months, or in yearly units such as one or two years, or in weekly units such as one or two weeks.

[0029] [Coupon management server configuration] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the coupon management server 10. The coupon management server 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a clock unit 14, and a communication interface 15. The coupon management server 10 connects the processor 11 to the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock unit 14, and the communication interface 15 via a system bus 16. The system bus 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, etc. The coupon management server 10 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 11 to the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the clock unit 14, and the communication interface 15 via the system bus 16.

[0030] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the coupon management server 10 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0031] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The main memory 12 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by the processor 11 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage device 13, for example, well-known storage devices such as an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) are used singly or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store application programs.

[0033] The main memory 12 and the auxiliary storage device 13 are storage devices built into the coupon management server 10. The auxiliary storage device 13 may be a storage device external to the coupon management server 10.

[0034] The application programs stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 include the control program described below. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0035] The clock unit 14 functions as a time information source for the coupon management server 10. The processor 11 obtains the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock unit 14.

[0036] The communication interface 15 connects to the communication network 40. The coupon management server 10 performs data communication with the POS terminal 20, the member terminal 50, or the like via the communication interface 15.

[0037] In the coupon management server 10 configured as above, the processor 11 has the functions of providing means 111, storage means 112, acquisition means 113, output means 114, and processing means 115. These means 111 to 115 are functions realized by the control program described above.

[0038] The provision means 111 is a function that responds to an inquiry from the member terminal 50 and provides the member terminal 50 with a list of electronic coupons that can be used by the member who is the user of the member terminal 50. The list is a list of coupon names, applicable periods, applicable products, sales promotion information, etc. in the coupon record 61. Note that the structure of the list is not limited to that described above.

[0039] The storage means 112 has a function of storing information relating to an electronic coupon selected by a member from among a plurality of electronic coupons, in association with the member's identification information, i.e., member ID. The information relating to the electronic coupon includes at least the coupon ID.

[0040] The acquisition means 113 is a function for acquiring the member's identification information and data related to the member's transaction from the POS terminal 20. The data related to the transaction includes data on the products purchased by the member, the total amount of the transaction, the total number of items, etc.

[0041] The output means 114 has a function of outputting promotional information for the electronic coupon to the POS terminal 20 when the data regarding the transaction acquired by the acquisition means 113 satisfies the activation conditions of the electronic coupon stored in association with the identification information acquired together with the data.

[0042] The processing means 115 has a function of processing, when the output means 114 outputs sales promotion information for an electronic coupon, the electronic coupon as if it had been used by the member specified by the identification information.

[0043] In order to execute each of the means 111 to 115, the coupon management server 10 sets a part of the storage area of ​​the main memory 12 as an area for a distribution coupon folder 121 and an area for a selection coupon folder 122.

[0044] The distributed coupon folder 121 is an area for storing distributed coupon data 1211 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, the distributed coupon data 1211 is composed of the coupon ID, coupon name, target product, target period, sales promotion information, activation conditions, etc. of the coupon record 61. The distributed coupon data may include items other than those described above.

[0045] The selected coupon folder 122 is an area for storing selected coupon data 1221 (see FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 6, the selected coupon data 1221 is composed of the member ID and number of uses K of the member record 71, and one or more pieces of distributed coupon data 1211.

[0046] [POS terminal configuration] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a clock unit 24, a communication interface 25, a keyboard 26, a scanner 27, a reader 28, a display 29, a printer 201, and a change dispenser interface 202. The POS terminal 20 connects the processor 21 to the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock unit 24, the communication interface 25, the keyboard 26, the scanner 27, the reader 28, the display 29, the printer 201, and the change dispenser interface 202 via a system bus 203. The system bus 203 includes an address bus, a data bus, etc. The POS terminal 20 configures a computer by connecting the processor 21 to the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock unit 24, and the communication interface 25 via the system bus 203.

[0047] 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 20 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0048] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in the volatile memory area. The main memory 22 also uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by the processor 21 as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. As the auxiliary storage device 23, for example, well-known storage devices such as EEPROM, HDD, or SSD are used alone or in combination. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 21, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store application programs.

[0050] The application programs stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 include the accounting program described below. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the accounting program into the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The accounting program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed via communication over a network and installed into the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0051] The clock unit 24 functions as a time information source for the POS terminal 20. The processor 21 obtains the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock unit 24. The communication interface 25 connects to the communication network 40. The POS terminal 20 performs data communication with the coupon management server 10 and the like via the communication interface 25.

[0052] The keyboard 26 is an input device for keying in data required to execute registration operations, settlement operations, etc. The keyboard 26 is provided with various keys such as a numeric keypad, a subtotal key, and a current total key. The scanner 27 is an input device for optically reading a barcode or a two-dimensional data code. The reader 28 is an input device for reading data recorded on recording media such as membership cards, electronic money cards, credit cards, and RFID tags.

[0053] Display 29 is an output device for displaying information to be notified to the user when a registration or payment operation is performed. For example, in a registration operation, the name and price of the registered product are displayed on display 29. In a payment operation, the total amount of the transaction, the amount of change, etc. are displayed on display 29. In the case of a face-to-face POS terminal, the user is generally the store clerk. In the case of a self-service POS terminal, the user is generally the customer. In the case of a semi-self-service POS terminal, the users are generally the store clerk and the customer.

[0054] The printer 201 is an output device for printing receipts showing transaction details. The change machine interface 202 is an interface with a well-known automatic change machine. A cash drawer may be connected instead of the change machine interface 202. Furthermore, if receipts are issued as electronic receipts, the printer 201 may be omitted.

[0055] In the POS terminal 20 configured as above, the processor 21 has the functions of a member acquisition means 211, a transmission means 212, and a settlement means 213. These means 211 to 213 are functions realized by the accounting program described above.

[0056] Membership acquisition means 211 has a function for acquiring identification information of a member, that is, a member ID. If the member ID is displayed in the form of a barcode or two-dimensional data code on the display device of member terminal 50, member acquisition means 211 acquires the member ID via scanner 27. If the member ID is recorded on a member card, member acquisition means 211 acquires the member ID via reader 28.

[0057] The transmitting means 212 has a function of transmitting to the coupon management server 10 the identification information acquired by the member acquiring means 211, that is, the member ID and data relating to the transaction of the member identified by the member ID.

[0058] The settlement means 213 has a function of receiving sales promotion information of a coupon from the coupon management server 10 and settling the transaction based on the sales promotion information.

[0059] [Accounting system operation] Below, we will explain the operation of the transaction processing system 100 when a member selects an electronic coupon they wish to use from the electronic coupons managed by the coupon management server 10 (referred to as the first operation), and the operation of the transaction processing system 100 when a member goes shopping at a store where the electronic coupons managed by the coupon management server 10 can be used (referred to as the second operation).

[0060] First, the first operation will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 11 of the coupon management server 10 in relation to the first operation. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the steps of the distribution coupon search process shown in ACT6 of Fig. 8. These steps are in accordance with a control program implemented in the coupon management server 10. Note that the steps shown in the flowcharts of Figs. 8 and 9 are merely examples. The steps can be modified as appropriate as long as a similar effect can be obtained.

[0061] When a registered consumer member wishes to check the electronic coupons managed by the coupon management server 10, the member launches the coupon app installed on the member terminal 50. When the coupon app launches, a coupon inquiry button appears on the display device of the member terminal 50, and the member presses the coupon inquiry button. When the coupon inquiry button is pressed, a coupon inquiry command is output from the member terminal 50 to the coupon management server 10. The coupon inquiry command includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the member terminal 50. The coupon inquiry command is wirelessly transmitted from the member terminal 50, received by the access point 30, and transmitted to the coupon management server 10 via the communication network 40.

[0062] Upon receiving the coupon query command, the processor 11 of the coupon management server 10 begins processing the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8. In ACT1, the processor 11 obtains the member ID from the coupon query command. In ACT2, the processor 11 searches the selected coupon folder 122 to confirm whether selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID is stored. If selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID is stored, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 11 deletes the selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID from the selected coupon folder 122. Thereafter, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT4. On the other hand, if the selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID is not stored in the selected coupon folder 122, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT2, skips ACT3, and proceeds to ACT4.

[0063] In ACT4, processor 11 searches member database 70 and obtains the number of uses K from member record 71 that includes the member ID. In ACT5, processor 11 checks whether the number of uses K is less than the upper limit number Kmax. The upper limit number Kmax within a unit period is set for the number of uses K. For example, if the number of uses K is measured in units of one month and an electronic coupon can be used up to 10 times in one month, the upper limit number Kmax is "10." For example, if the number of uses K is measured in units of one year and an electronic coupon can be used up to 100 times in one year, the upper limit number Kmax is "100." If the number of uses K is less than the upper limit number Kmax, processor 11 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, processor 11 executes a distribution coupon search process, the steps of which are shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9.

[0064] That is, in ACT 21, processor 11 clears record counter r to "0." Next, in ACT 22, processor 11 counts up record counter r by "1." Then, in ACT 23, processor 11 checks whether record counter r is equal to or less than the total number Rmax of coupon records 61 registered in coupon database 60.

[0065] If the record counter r is equal to or less than the total number Rmax of coupon records 61, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 11 obtains the rth coupon record 61 from the coupon database 60. Note that coupon records 61 are assigned consecutive numbers starting from "1" in the order of registration. Therefore, the last coupon record 61 registered is assigned a number equal to the total number Rmax. The rth coupon record 61 is the coupon record 61 whose registration order is equal to the count value of the record counter r.

[0066] When the rth coupon record 61 is acquired, the processor 11 checks in ACT25 whether the current date measured by the clock unit 14 is within the applicable period of the rth coupon record 61. If the current date is not within the applicable period, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT25 and returns to ACT22.

[0067] If the current date is within the target period, processor 11 determines YES in ACT25 and proceeds to ACT26. In ACT26, processor 11 confirms whether the member is the target of the rth coupon record 61. That is, processor 11 obtains from the member database 70 a member record 71 including the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT1. Processor 11 then confirms whether the attributes of this member record 71 satisfy the attributes of the target of the coupon record 61. For example, if the target attribute is conditional on age and gender, processor 11 determines that the member is the target if his / her age and gender satisfy the condition. For example, if the target's contribution rank is conditional on the target, processor 11 determines that the member is the target if his / her contribution rank is equal to or higher than the condition rank. If the member is not the target, processor 11 determines NO in ACT26 and returns to ACT22.

[0068] If the member is an eligible person, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 11 searches for used coupon information in the member record 71 that includes the member ID of the member. Then, in ACT 28, the processor 11 checks whether the rth coupon record 61 is valid for the member.

[0069] As described above, the validity count is set in the coupon record 61. Processor 11 checks whether or not there is used coupon information including the coupon ID of the rth coupon record 61 among the used coupon information, and if so, how many pieces of used coupon information there are. If there is no corresponding used coupon information, processor 11 determines that the rth coupon record 61 is valid. Even if there is corresponding used coupon information, if the number of pieces is less than the validity count, processor 11 determines that the rth coupon record 61 is valid.

[0070] If the r-th coupon record 61 is valid, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 28 and proceeds to ACT 29. In ACT 29, the processor 11 creates distributed coupon data 1211 from the r-th coupon record 61 and stores it in the distributed coupon folder 121.

[0071] On the other hand, if there is a corresponding number of used coupons equal to the valid number of times, the processor 11 determines that the r-th coupon record 61 is invalid. If the r-th coupon record 61 is invalid, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT28 and skips the processing of ACT29. The processor 11 then returns to ACT22.

[0072] After returning to ACT22, the processor 11 further counts up the record counter r by "1". Then, when it confirms that the record counter r is equal to or less than the total number Rmax of coupon records 61, the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT24 to ACT29 in the same manner as described above. As a result, a coupon record 61 is searched for in which the current date is within the target period, the member attributes satisfy the target person conditions, and the number of uses by the member is less than the valid number of times. Then, the distributed coupon data 1211 generated based on that coupon record 61 is stored in the distributed coupon folder 121.

[0073] When the record counter r exceeds the total number Rmax of coupon records 61, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 23 and exits the distributed coupon search process. The processor 11 proceeds to ACT 7 in FIG.

[0074] In ACT7, the processor 11 checks whether the distribution coupon data 1211 is stored in the distribution coupon folder 121. If the distribution coupon data 1211 is stored, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 11 controls the distribution coupon data 1211 in the distribution coupon folder 121 to be sent all at once to the member terminal 50 that sent the coupon inquiry command. By this control, the distribution coupon data 1211 is sent from the communication interface 15 via the communication network 40 and the access point 30 to the member terminal 50 that sent the coupon inquiry command.

[0075] When the member terminal 50 receives the distributed coupon data 1211, the display device displays a list of the coupon name, applicable period, applicable products, sales promotion information, etc. contained in the distributed coupon data 1211. The member then operates the input device of the member terminal 50 to select the electronic coupon they wish to use from the list. This selection operation causes a coupon selection command to be output from the member terminal 50 to the coupon management server 10. The coupon selection command includes the member ID of the member who is the user of the member terminal 50, as well as the coupon ID of the electronic coupon selected by the member. If the coupon they wish to use is not on the list and they have not selected an electronic coupon, a coupon selection command without a coupon ID is output. The coupon selection command is wirelessly transmitted from the member terminal 50, received by the access point 30, and transmitted to the coupon management server 10 via the communication network 40.

[0076] The processor 11 of the coupon management server 10, which controlled the transmission of the distributed coupon data 1211, waits for a coupon selection command. Then, when the processor 11 receives the coupon selection command output from the member terminal 50, it checks in ACT 9 whether the coupon selection command includes a coupon ID. If the coupon selection command includes a coupon ID, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10.

[0077] The processor 11 creates selected coupon data 1221 in ACT10 and stores it in the selected coupon folder 122. The member ID of the selected coupon data 1221 is the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT1. The number of uses K is the number of uses K obtained in the processing of ACT4. The distributed coupon data 1211 is distributed coupon data 1211 that includes the coupon ID included in the coupon selection command, and is selected from the distributed coupon folder 121.

[0078] The processor 11 sorts the distributed coupon data 1211 included in the selected coupon data 1221 as ACT11. For example, if the sales promotion information of the distributed coupon data 1211 is a discount amount, the processor 11 sorts the distributed coupon data 1211 in descending order of discount amount. For example, if the sales promotion information of the distributed coupon data 1211 is a discount rate, the processor 11 sorts the distributed coupon data 1211 in descending order of discount rate. A large discount amount or discount rate means that the electronic coupon is highly beneficial to the member. In other words, the processor 11 sorts the distributed coupon data 1211 in descending order of beneficialness. Note that the degree of beneficialness is not limited to the size of the discount amount or discount rate. For example, it is also possible to manage the history of products purchased by a member and sort the distributed coupon data 1211 so that electronic coupons targeting products that the member frequently purchases are ranked higher as highly beneficial coupons.

[0079] After completing the processing of ACT10 and ACT11, or if the coupon selection command does not include a coupon ID and the result of the determination in ACT9 is NO, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT12. In ACT12, the processor 11 deletes the distribution coupon data 1211 stored in the distribution coupon folder 121. With this, the processor 11 ends the information processing in ACT3 when the number of uses K is less than the upper limit number of uses Kmax.

[0080] On the other hand, if the number of uses K is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of uses Kmax, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 13. The processor 11 also determines NO in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 13 if the distribution coupon data 1211 is not stored in the distribution coupon folder 121 as a result of the distribution coupon search process. In ACT 13, the processor 11 controls the member terminal 50 that sent the coupon inquiry command to send a response command indicating that delivery is not possible. This control causes the response command indicating that delivery is not possible to be sent from the communication interface 15 via the communication network 40 and the access point 30 to the member terminal 50 that sent the coupon inquiry command. Upon receiving the response command indicating that delivery is not possible, the display device of the member terminal 50 displays a message indicating that no usable coupons exist. With the above, the processor 11 ends the information processing in the case where the number of times of use K is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of times Kmax in ACT3.

[0081] 8, the coupon management server 10 functions as a providing means 111. The coupon management server 10 also functions as a storage means 112, when the processor 11 executes the process of ACT10 in cooperation with the selected coupon folder 122.

[0082] Then, with the coupon management server 10 realizing the functions of the providing means 111 and the storage means 112, a member can operate the member terminal 50 to select an electronic coupon that he or she wishes to use from among the electronic coupons for sales promotions that are managed by the coupon management server 10 and that are available to him or her. By selecting an electronic coupon, selected coupon data 1221 that associates the member ID of the member with the distributed coupon data of the electronic coupon selected by the member is saved in the selected coupon folder 122. Furthermore, the selected coupon data 1221 is stored in the selected coupon folder 122 so that data that is most useful to the member is ranked higher.

[0083] When a coupon inquiry command is sent from the member terminal 50, if selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID of the command is stored in the selected coupon folder 122, the selected coupon data 1221 is deleted. Therefore, two or more selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID of the same member are not stored in the selected coupon folder 122.

[0084] Next, the second operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main processing steps executed by processor 21 of POS terminal 20 in relation to the second operation. These steps are in accordance with the accounting program. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by processor 11 of coupon management server 10 in relation to the second operation. These steps are in accordance with the control program implemented in coupon management server 10. FIG. 12 is an example of a receipt 80 issued from POS terminal 20. Note that the steps shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11 are merely examples. The steps can be modified as appropriate as long as a similar effect is achieved.

[0085] The processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 waits for product registration in ACT 31 of FIG. 10. When an operation to register a purchased product is accepted via the keyboard 26 or scanner 27, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT 31 and proceeds to ACT 32. The processor 21 executes product sales data processing in ACT 32. This processing is a process of registering product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. of the purchased product in the transaction memory. The transaction memory is part of the storage area secured in the main memory 22. This processing also includes a process of displaying the product name, sales amount, etc. of the product sales data on the display 29.

[0086] Upon completing the merchandise sales data processing, processor 21 checks in ACT 33 whether or not the subtotal key on keyboard 26 has been pressed. If the subtotal key has not been pressed, processor 21 returns to ACT 31. Then, when the purchased merchandise is registered again, processor 21 executes the merchandise sales data processing described above. In this way, processor 21 repeatedly executes the merchandise sales data processing each time a purchased merchandise registration operation is performed.

[0087] After completing the registration operation for the purchased items, the subtotal key is entered. When the subtotal key is entered, processor 21 determines YES in ACT 33 and proceeds to ACT 34. In ACT 34, processor 21 checks whether or not the member ID has been acquired. The member ID can be acquired, for example, by reading the member ID code displayed on the display device of member terminal 50 with scanner 27. Alternatively, the member ID can be acquired by reading the member ID recorded on the member card with reader 28. The member ID may be acquired either before or after the subtotal key is entered.

[0088] If a member ID has not been obtained, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT 34. The processor 21 skips the processing of ACT 35 to ACT 37, which will be described later, and proceeds to ACT 38. In ACT 38, the processor 21 displays the transaction amount on the display 29. The transaction amount is the total amount, including tax, of the product sales data registered in the transaction memory.

[0089] If the member ID has been acquired, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT34 and proceeds to ACT35. In ACT35, the processor 21 controls to send a coupon confirmation command to the coupon management server 10. This control causes the coupon confirmation command to be sent from the communication interface 25 to the coupon management server 10 via the communication network 40. The coupon confirmation command includes the member ID acquired from the member terminal 50 or the member card, and store information for identifying the store where the POS terminal 20 is installed. The store information is, for example, a unique store code set for each store. The store information may also include the store name. The coupon confirmation command also includes data related to the member's transaction, such as product sales data for the purchased products, their total points, and the total price.

[0090] Upon receiving the coupon confirmation command, the coupon management server 10 begins information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11. The processor 11 acquires the member ID, store information, and data related to the member's transaction from the coupon confirmation command in ACT 51. Then, the processor 11 checks whether the selected coupon data 1221 including the member ID acquired from the coupon confirmation command is stored in the selected coupon folder 122 in ACT 52.

[0091] If the corresponding selected coupon data 1221 is not stored in the selected coupon folder 122, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 52 and proceeds to ACT 53. In ACT 53, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to send a response command indicating no coupon to the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command. By this control, the response command indicating no coupon is sent via the communication interface 15 to the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command.

[0092] On the other hand, if the corresponding selected coupon data 1221 is stored in the selected coupon folder 122, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 52 and proceeds to ACT 54. The processor 11 clears the coupon amount buffer C to "0" in ACT 54. The processor 11 also clears the data counter d to "0" in ACT 55. Next, the processor 11 counts up the data counter d by "1" in ACT 56. Then, the processor 11 checks whether the data counter d is equal to or less than the total number Dmax of distributed coupon data 1211 included in the selected coupon data 1221 in ACT 57.

[0093] If the data counter d is equal to or less than the total number Dmax of distributed coupon data 1211, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 57 and proceeds to ACT 58. The processor 11 acquires the d-th distributed coupon data 1211 in ACT 58. Incidentally, as described in ACT 11 of FIG. 8, if the selected coupon data 1221 includes multiple distributed coupon data 1211, the distributed coupon data 1211 are sorted in descending order of usefulness. The d-th distributed coupon data 1211 is the distributed coupon data 1211 whose rank of usefulness is equal to the count value of the record counter d. In other words, the processor 11 acquires the distributed coupon data 1211 in descending order of usefulness.

[0094] In ACT 59, the processor 11 checks whether the member has purchased the target product of the distributed coupon data 1211. That is, the processor 11 checks whether the product sales data of the target product is included in the data related to the member's transaction acquired from the coupon confirmation command. If the product sales data of the target product is not included in the data related to the transaction, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 59 and returns to ACT 56.

[0095] If the data related to the transaction includes product sales data of the target product, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 59 and proceeds to ACT 60. In ACT 60, the processor 11 checks whether the activation condition of the distributed coupon data 1211 is satisfied.

[0096] For example, if the identification information of a related product is set as the activation condition, it is checked whether the product sales data of this related target product is included in the data regarding the member's transaction obtained from the coupon confirmation command. If the product sales data of the related target product is not included, the activation condition is not met. If the product sales data of the related target product is not included, the activation condition is met. For example, if the total amount is set as the activation condition, it is checked whether the total amount of the data regarding the member's transaction obtained from the coupon confirmation command is equal to or greater than the set amount. If the total amount is less than the set amount, the activation condition is not met. If the total amount is equal to or greater than the set amount, the activation condition is met.

[0097] If the activation condition is not satisfied, that is, if the electronic coupon with the coupon ID included in the distributed coupon data 1211 cannot be used at the time of payment for the transaction with the member, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT60 and returns to ACT56. If the activation condition is met, that is, if the electronic coupon with the coupon ID included in the distributed coupon data 1211 can be used at the time of payment for a transaction with the member, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT60 and proceeds to ACT61. In ACT61, the processor 11 adds the coupon amount to the coupon amount buffer C. If the sales promotion information in the distributed coupon data 1211 is a discount amount, the coupon amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the discount amount by the number of items sold. If the sales promotion information in the distributed coupon data 1211 is a discount rate, the coupon amount is the amount obtained by discounting the sales price by that discount rate.

[0098] Processor 11 stores the used coupon information in ACT 62. That is, processor 11 creates used coupon information from the coupon ID of the d-th distributed coupon data 1211, the date kept by clock unit 14, and the store information acquired from the coupon confirmation command. Processor 11 then adds the used coupon information to member record 71, which includes the member ID acquired in ACT 51.

[0099] In ACT63, the processor 11 adds "1" to the number of uses K of the member record 71. Then, in ACT64, the processor 11 checks whether the number of uses K has reached the upper limit number Kmax. If the number of uses K has not reached the upper limit number Kmax, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT64 and returns to ACT56.

[0100] In this way, if the member has not purchased the target product of the distributed coupon data 1211, or if the target product has been purchased but the transaction-related data does not satisfy the activation condition, or if the transaction-related data satisfies the activation condition but the number of uses K has not reached the upper limit number of uses Kmax, the processor 11 returns to ACT 56. Then, the processor 11 further counts up the data counter d, and when it confirms that the number of uses is equal to or less than the total number Dmax of distributed coupon data 1211, it executes the processing of ACT 58 to ACT 64 in the same manner as described above.

[0101] When the data counter d exceeds the total number Dmax of distributed coupon data 1211 or the number of uses K reaches the upper limit Kmax, the processor 11 determines NO in ACT 57 or YES in ACT 64 and proceeds to ACT 65. In ACT 65, the processor 11 checks whether the coupon amount in the coupon amount buffer C is greater than 0 yen. If the coupon amount in the coupon amount buffer C is 0 yen, there is no electronic coupon that can be used at the time of payment for the transaction with that member. The processor 11 determines NO in ACT 65 and proceeds to the above-mentioned ACT 53. That is, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to send a response command indicating no coupon to the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command.

[0102] If the coupon amount in the coupon amount buffer C is greater than 0 yen, an electronic coupon exists that can be used at the time of payment for the transaction with that member. The processor 11 determines YES in ACT 65 and proceeds to ACT 66. In ACT 66, the processor 11 controls the communication interface 15 to send a response command indicating that a coupon is available to the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command. This control causes the response command indicating that a coupon is available to be sent via the communication interface 15 to the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command. The response command indicating that a coupon is available includes the coupon name and coupon amount of the distributed coupon data 1211 that satisfied the activation conditions, and the amount in the coupon amount buffer C, i.e., the total coupon amount.

[0103] After outputting the response command indicating whether or not a coupon is available, the processor 11 ends the information processing performed when the coupon confirmation command is received.

[0104] Returning to the explanation of Figure 10. The processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 that sent the coupon confirmation command waits for a response command from the coupon management server 10 in ACT 36. If a response command indicating no coupon is received, the processor 21 determines NO in ACT 36, skips the processing of ACT 37 described below, and proceeds to ACT 38. In ACT 38, the processor 21 displays the transaction amount on the display 29.

[0105] If a response command indicating a coupon is received, the processor 21 determines YES in ACT36 and proceeds to ACT37. In ACT37, the processor 21 executes coupon processing. Specifically, the processor 21 calculates the transaction amount by subtracting the total amount of coupons included in the response command indicating a coupon from the total amount of the product sales data registered in the transaction memory. Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT38. In ACT38, the processor 21 displays the transaction amount on the display 29.

[0106] Processor 21 waits for a closing key to be entered as ACT 39. There are various closing keys, such as a cash total key for cash payments, a credit key for credit card payments, and an electronic money key for electronic money payments. Processor 21 waits for any of the closing keys to be entered.

[0107] When the closing key is entered, processor 21 determines YES in ACT 39 and proceeds to ACT 40. In ACT 40, processor 21 executes payment processing for the transaction amount. Payment processing includes payment processing for cash payments, payment processing for credit card payments, and payment processing for electronic money payments. In any of these payment processing, if an electronic coupon is used in the transaction, payment processing is executed for the transaction amount reduced by the electronic coupon. These payment processing processes are well known, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0108] When the closing process is complete, the processor 21 controls the production of a receipt in ACT41, and ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Figure 12 is an example of a receipt 80 issued for a transaction in which an electronic coupon is used. As shown in the figure, receipt 80 displays the name and price of the purchased item, the subtotal price of the purchased item, the name and price of the electronic coupon, the total price of the electronic coupon, the total price of the transaction (i.e., the billing amount), and the total number of items. Note that the items and arrangement of the text displayed on receipt 80 are not limited to those shown in Figure 12. It is sufficient that the consumer can recognize that an electronic coupon was used in the transaction for the purchased item.

[0109] Here, the POS terminal 20 functions as a member acquisition means by the processor 21 executing the process of ACT34 in Fig. 10. The processor 21 also functions as a transmission means by executing the process of ACT35. Furthermore, the processor 21 also functions as a payment means by executing the processes of ACT37 to ACT40.

[0110] Meanwhile, the coupon management server 10 functions as an acquisition means 113 when the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT51 in Fig. 11. The coupon management server 10 also functions as an output means 114 when the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT56 to ACT61 and ACT63 to ACT66. The coupon management server 10 also functions as a processing means 115 when the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT62.

[0111] These functions can provide the following effects. That is, a member who selects an electronic coupon they wish to use presents their member ID when shopping at a store. Then, data related to the member's transaction is sent from the POS terminal 20 to the coupon management server 10 along with the member ID. The coupon management server 10 checks whether the transaction data satisfies the activation conditions for the electronic coupon stored in association with the member ID. If the activation conditions are met, sales promotion information for the electronic coupon is output to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 then settles the transaction with the member based on the sales promotion information. Therefore, the member can use the desired electronic coupon at checkout without having to display the desired electronic coupon on the screen of the member terminal 50 and present it to the store clerk.

[0112] Furthermore, information on electronic coupons used by a member is managed for each member as used coupon information in the coupon management server 10. For electronic coupons with a limited number of uses, when the number of uses reaches the limit (valid number of times), the electronic coupon is removed from the selection list of electronic coupons. This prevents a member from selecting an electronic coupon that has been used up to the limit.

[0113] Furthermore, if there is a limit on the total number of electronic coupons that a member can use within a certain period of time, once the number of used electronic coupons reaches the upper limit Kmax, which is the limit value, the member will no longer be able to select an electronic coupon. Therefore, a member who has used electronic coupons up to the upper limit Kmax can be prevented from selecting an electronic coupon. Furthermore, until the number of used electronic coupons reaches the upper limit Kmax, priority is given to determining whether or not an electronic coupon is usable. Therefore, there is no disadvantage in that a less useful electronic coupon becomes usable and a more useful electronic coupon becomes unusable because the upper limit Kmax has been reached.

[0114] The above describes an embodiment of a transaction processing system and a coupon management device. This embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the coupon management server 10 may be divided into a first server that manages the coupon database 60 and a second server that manages the member database 70. These novel embodiments can be embodied 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, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10...Coupon management server, 11,21...Processor, 12,22...Main memory, 13,23...Auxiliary storage device, 14,24...Clock unit, 15,25...Communication interface, 20...POS terminal, 26...Keyboard, 27...Scanner, 28...Reader, 29...Display, 30...Access point, 40...Communication network, 50...Member terminal, 60...Coupon database, 70...Member database, 100...Accounting processing system, 113...Providing means, 112...Storage means, 113...Acquisition means, 114...Output means, 115...Processing means, 121...Distribution coupon folder, 122...Selected coupon folder, 201...Printer, 202...Change machine interface, 211...Member acquisition means, 212...Transmission means, 213...Payment means.

Claims

1. A search means for searching for electronic coupons valid for a member from among electronic coupons stored in a coupon database in response to a coupon inquiry command from a terminal used by the member; a distribution means for generating distribution coupon data including coupon identification information, sales promotion information, and activation conditions for each electronic coupon retrieved by the retrieval means, and distributing the coupon data to the terminal; a storage means for storing, when a coupon selection command is received from the terminal that has distributed the distributed coupon data, the distributed coupon data including the coupon identification information included in the received coupon selection command in a selected coupon folder in association with the member identification information of the member using the terminal; A coupon management device comprising:

2. An acquisition means for acquiring the member identification information and data relating to transactions of the member identified by the member identification information from the accounting machine; an output means for outputting promotional information of the distributed coupon data to the cash register when the transaction data acquired by the acquisition means satisfies the activation condition of any of the distributed coupon data stored in the selected coupon folder in association with the member identification information acquired together with the transaction data; The coupon management device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. An additional means for adding used coupon information including coupon identification information of the distributed coupon data for which sales promotion information is output to the accounting machine to a member record of the member identified by the member identification information in a member database; 3. The coupon management device according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. A coupon management device as described in claim 3, wherein the search means searches for electronic coupons excluding electronic coupons that are valid for the member and are identified by the coupon identification information included in the used coupon information added to the member's membership record.

5. The electronic coupon has a set number of valid times, 4. The coupon management device according to claim 3, wherein the search means searches for electronic coupons that are valid for the member and excludes electronic coupons for which the number of used coupon information added to the member's membership record exceeds the validity count.

6. A computer of a coupon management device, a search means for searching for an electronic coupon that is valid for the member from among the electronic coupons stored in the coupon database in response to a coupon inquiry command from a terminal used by the member; a distribution means for generating distribution coupon data including coupon identification information, sales promotion information, and activation conditions for each electronic coupon retrieved by the retrieval means, and distributing the coupon data to the terminal; and a storage means for storing, when a coupon selection command is received from the terminal that has distributed the distributed coupon data, the distributed coupon data including the coupon identification information included in the received coupon selection command in a selected coupon folder in association with member identification information of the member using the terminal; A control program that functions as a

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