Transaction processor and program

Abstract

To enable checking of whether to permit application of a coupon to a transaction.SOLUTION: A transaction processor includes determination means and application means. The determination means determines whether a transaction satisfies an amount condition based on an amount of the transaction. The application means applies, to the transaction, a coupon identified by coupon information having been input, when the transaction satisfies the amount condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Coupons that can be applied to a transaction include discount coupons that are used to deduct a discount from the subtotal amount. When a store clerk reads the code symbol of a discount coupon with a scanner, the POS (Point of Sales) terminal applies the discount coupon to the transaction.

[0003] In some cases, a store may want to set conditions for applying a discount coupon to a transaction. In this case, the store clerk must check whether the conditions are met before scanning the code symbol of the discount coupon with a scanner. This places a heavy burden on the store clerk. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-249176 Summary of the Invention [Problem 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 checking whether a coupon can be applied to a transaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the transaction processing device includes a determining means and an applying means, wherein the determining means determines whether the transaction satisfies a monetary condition based on the transaction amount, and the applying means applies a coupon identified by the input coupon information to the transaction if the transaction satisfies the monetary condition. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for transaction processing by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for coupon processing by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0009] [Embodiment] A transaction processing device that processes transactions will be described using a POS terminal as an example. A transaction is the transfer of payment from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the purchase of a product. Products include not only objects but also non-tangible objects such as services or tickets. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to the same transaction. A customer includes a user.

[0010] A coupon is used to provide a customer with a special benefit. A special benefit is an incentive offered to a customer in a transaction. A coupon may be printed on a medium such as paper, or may be electronically issued. Hereinafter, a coupon printed on a medium such as paper will also be referred to as a printed coupon. An electronically issued coupon will also be referred to as an electronic coupon. An electronic coupon is a coupon that can be displayed as an image on a customer's terminal. For example, the terminal may be a device with a display function, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, but is not limited to these.

[0011] A coupon is described as a coupon for deducting a discount amount from the subtotal amount immediately before the coupon is applied to a transaction. The discount amount may be the amount set in the coupon, or an amount based on a percentage set in the coupon. Applying a coupon to a transaction involves updating the subtotal amount by subtracting the discount amount from the subtotal amount immediately before the coupon is applied to the transaction. The updated subtotal amount is the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the subtotal amount immediately before the coupon is applied to the transaction. Multiple coupons can be applied to a transaction, not just one coupon. Applying implies using.

[0012] The subtotal amount is the amount based on the total transaction price after all items in a transaction have been registered. The subtotal amount may include or exclude consumption tax. The total amount is the amount based on the sum of the prices of all registered items in a transaction. Registered items are items registered as items in a transaction before the transaction is checked out. The prices of registered items may include or exclude consumption tax. The total amount may include or exclude consumption tax. Note that some items may be subject to discounts set by the store. For example, items such as prepared foods may be subject to discounts set by the store depending on the time of day. Therefore, the total amount may refer to the amount calculated by subtracting the discount amount set by the store from the total price of all registered items in a transaction.

[0013] The subtotal amount depends on whether a coupon has already been applied to the transaction. If no coupons have been applied to the transaction, the subtotal amount is the total amount. If one or more coupons have already been applied to the transaction, the subtotal amount is the total amount minus the discount amount of one or more coupons. The subtotal amount is an example of a transaction amount, which is the amount for the transaction. Note that a transaction may have coupons applied to it other than coupons that subtract the coupon discount amount from the subtotal amount. For example, if a coupon for a discount on a specified item has already been applied to the transaction, the subtotal amount is the amount that reflects the discount amount of this coupon.

[0014] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in a store and is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions.

[0015] 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 an image capturing 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 image capturing device 20 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In FIG. 1, the interface is indicated as "I / F."

[0016] 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 perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads a program stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute various processes. The processing circuit 10 executes the program loaded in the main memory 11, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0017] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion 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 programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 is an example of a storage unit.

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 includes one or more storage devices. The storage devices may be, but are 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-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of a storage unit.

[0019] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a set amount storage area 121. The set amount storage area 121 stores a set amount. The set amount is a value used to determine whether a transaction satisfies an amount condition. The amount condition is a condition defined based on the subtotal amount, the discount amount of a coupon identified by a coupon code entered into the POS terminal 1, and the set amount.

[0020] A coupon code is information that can uniquely identify a coupon. A coupon code is an example of coupon information that can uniquely identify a coupon. Hereinafter, a coupon code input to the POS terminal 1 is also referred to as an input coupon code. A coupon identified by an input coupon code is also referred to as an input coupon.

[0021] For example, the amount condition is that the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the input coupon from the subtotal amount is higher than a set amount. The set amount can be set as appropriate.

[0022] 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 inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 13 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0023] The communication interface 14 includes various interfaces that connect the POS terminal 1 to other devices via a network in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol so that the POS terminal 1 can communicate with other devices.

[0024] The scanner 15 is a device that reads various code symbols and is an example of a reading unit.

[0025] For example, the code symbol is a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The code symbol may be the code symbol of a product having a product code recorded thereon. The product code is information that can uniquely identify a product. The product code is an image attached to the product. The code symbol may be the code symbol of a member having a membership code recorded thereon. The membership code is information that can uniquely identify a customer as a member. The member code may be an image attached to a membership card or an image that can be displayed on a customer's terminal. The code symbol may be the code symbol of a coupon having a coupon code recorded thereon. If the coupon is a printed coupon, the code symbol of the printed coupon is an image attached to the printed coupon. If the coupon is an electronic coupon, the code symbol of the electronic coupon is an image that can be displayed on a customer's terminal. The code symbol may be a code symbol for code payment.

[0026] The input device 16 is a device that can input information or instructions to the POS terminal 1. For example, the input device 16 may include a keyboard. The input device 16 may form a touch screen together with the first display device 17-1. The input device 16 is an example of an input unit.

[0027] The first display device 17-1 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The first display device 17-1 is a display device mainly for the store clerk to view. For example, the first display device 17-1 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The first display device 17-1 is an example of a display unit.

[0028] The second display device 17-2 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. The second display device 17-2 is a display device primarily for customers to view. For example, the second display device 17-2 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The second display device 17-2 is an example of a display unit.

[0029] The printing device 18 is a device for producing 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. The printing device 18 is an example of a printing unit.

[0030] 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 a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 19 may also include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna.

[0031] The photographing device 20 is a device that can take a photograph under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the photographing device 20 is a camera. The photographing device 20 is an example of a reading unit.

[0032] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 1 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0033] Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described below. The processing circuit 10 realizes a registration means 101, a detection means 102, an accounting means 103, an acquisition means 104, a determination means 105, an application means 106, and a display means 107. The means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be called a unit or a function. Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be called a control means including the processing circuit 10 and a main memory 11.

[0034] The registration means 101 processes the registration of products. Product registration is the registration of products to be traded before the transaction is settled. Hereinafter, product registration is also referred to as product registration. The detection means 102 detects information or instructions input via the input device 16 . The accounting means 103 handles the accounting of the transaction. The acquiring means 104 acquires the input coupon code. The determining means 105 determines whether the input coupon identified by the input coupon code is to be applied to the transaction. The application means 106 applies the input coupon to the transaction, and the application means 108 updates the subtotal amount each time the input coupon is applied to the transaction. The display means 107 displays an image on at least one of the first display device 17-1 and the second display device 17-2.

[0035] (Example of operation) The processing performed by the POS terminal 1 will now be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for transaction processing by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1. The transaction process is a process for completing one transaction. Here, it is assumed that a store clerk uses the POS terminal 1 to perform operations for product registration and payment.

[0037] The processing circuit 10 processes product registration (ACT1). ACT1 may be processing by the registration means 101. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 10 acquires a product code of the product to be transacted based on the scanner 15 reading the code symbol of the product to be transacted. The processing circuit 10 may also acquire the product code of the product to be transacted based on the photographing device 20 reading the code symbol of the product to be transacted. The processing circuit 10 may also acquire the product code of the product to be transacted based on selection of the product to be transacted using the input device 16. The processing circuit 10 processes product registration based on the acquired product code.

[0038] For example, processing product registration means updating the registration data. The registration data may include registered product information for each registered product. The registered product information may include all or part of the following information: product code, product name, price, quantity, and product amount. The product code is as described above. The product name is the name of the product. The price is the unit price per product. The quantity is the number of products identified by the product code. The product amount is the amount calculated by multiplying the price and the quantity. The registered product information may include information other than these.

[0039] The registered 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 registered data includes adding information about a registered product, increasing the quantity included in the information about the registered product, decreasing the quantity included in the information about the registered product, and deleting the information about the registered product.

[0040] If the registration data is stored in the POS terminal 1, the processing circuit 10 refers to the product master data and updates the registration data based on the acquired product code. The product master data includes product information for each product sold in the store. The product information may include a product code, product name, and price. The product information may include information other than these. If 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 to have the transaction management server process the product registration. The transaction management server can refer to the product master data and update the registration data based on the product code included in the registration request. Outputting a registration request including a product code to the transaction management server is an example of processing product registration.

[0041] The processing circuit 10 detects a checkout instruction input via the input device 16 based on the operation of the subtotal button (ACT2). ACT2 may be processed by the detection means 102. The checkout instruction is an instruction to have the POS terminal 1 calculate the subtotal amount for the checkout after all items to be transacted in the transaction have been registered. The checkout instruction is an instruction that can be input based on the operation of the subtotal button on the input device 16. The subtotal button is a button that is operated after all items to be transacted in the transaction have been registered. After the POS terminal 1 has finished registering all items to be transacted in the transaction, the store clerk operates the subtotal button using the input device 16.

[0042] The processing circuit 10 executes coupon processing (ACT3). Coupon processing includes a process for determining whether to apply the input coupon to the transaction, and is a process for applying the input coupon to the transaction. Coupon processing is a process performed after the POS terminal 1 has finished registering all products to be traded in the transaction and before the transaction is settled. The coupon processing in ACT3 will be described later.

[0043] The processing circuit 10 processes the transaction based on the payment amount (ACT4). ACT4 may be processed by the payment means 103. The payment amount is the amount for completing the transaction. The payment amount corresponds to the amount paid by the customer. If the subtotal amount includes consumption tax, the payment amount corresponds to the subtotal amount. If the subtotal amount does not include consumption tax, the payment amount is the amount obtained by adding consumption tax to the subtotal amount. The payment is payment for the transaction. The payment includes the meaning of settlement. Completion of the payment by the POS terminal 1 includes the meaning of the transaction being completed.

[0044] Accounting methods for transaction accounting include offline and online payments. Offline payments are payments that do not require the POS terminal 1 to link with other devices via a network. For example, offline payments are payments using cash, gift certificates, etc. Online payments are payments that are performed by the POS terminal 1 linking with other devices via a network. For example, online payments are credit card payments, electronic money payments, debit card payments, code payments, etc.

[0045] The coupon processing in ACT3 will be explained. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for coupon processing by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1. Processing circuitry 10 performs coupon processing for each input coupon code. When a customer desires to apply a coupon to a transaction, the customer presents the coupon to a store clerk. The store clerk uses scanner 15 or imaging device 20 to read the coupon's code symbol. The coupon's code symbol may be the code symbol of a printed coupon or the code symbol of an electronic coupon.

[0046] The processing circuit 10 acquires an input coupon code (ACT31). ACT31 may be processing by the acquiring means 104. In ACT31, for example, the processing circuit 10 can acquire the input coupon code input to the POS terminal 1 based on the scanner 15 reading the code symbol of the coupon. The processing circuit 10 acquires the input coupon code input to the POS terminal 1 based on the photographing device 20 reading the code symbol of the coupon.

[0047] The processing circuit 10 determines, based on the input coupon code, whether the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction before the input coupon code is input to the POS terminal 1 (ACT32). ACT32 may be processed by the determination means 105. The same coupon code refers to another input coupon code that can identify the same coupon as the input coupon. The expression "before the input coupon code is input to the POS terminal 1" may be read as "before the input coupon code is acquired." The expression "before the input coupon code is input to the POS terminal 1" may be read as "before a determination is made as to whether the input coupon code will be applied to the transaction." The expression "the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction" may be read as "it has been determined whether another input coupon identified by the same coupon code will be applied to the transaction."

[0048] In ACT32, for example, the processing circuit 10 stores a list of input coupon codes that have been input in a transaction in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12. The processing circuit 10 can refer to the list of input coupon codes and determine whether the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in a transaction before inputting the input coupon code to the POS terminal 1. If the acquired input coupon code is included in the list, the processing circuit 10 determines that the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction. If the acquired input coupon code is not included in the list, the processing circuit 10 determines that the same coupon code has not already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction.

[0049] If the same coupon code has already been input into the POS terminal 1 for the transaction (ACT32, YES), the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon identified by the input coupon code should not be applied to the transaction. In this case, the processing transitions from ACT32 to ACT36. For example, if a customer presents multiple identical coupons to a store clerk for the same transaction, the processing circuit 10 determines that the same coupon code has already been input into the POS terminal 1 for the transaction.

[0050] If the same coupon code has not already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction (ACT32, NO), the process transitions from ACT32 to ACT33. For example, if a customer presents a coupon to a store clerk that has not yet been presented to the store clerk in the transaction, the processing circuit 10 determines that the same coupon code has not already been input to the POS terminal 1 in the transaction.

[0051] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can determine whether the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in a transaction before inputting the input coupon code to the POS terminal 1. If the same coupon code has already been input to the POS terminal 1 in a transaction, the POS terminal 1 can determine not to apply the input coupon to the transaction. If a store wants to limit the number of the same coupons that can be used in a transaction, the POS terminal 1 can check whether the same coupon code has already been entered in the transaction into the POS terminal 1. This reduces the burden on store clerks, as they do not need to check whether the same coupon has been used multiple times in a transaction.

[0052] The processing circuit 10 determines whether the input coupon is a specific coupon (ACT33). ACT33 may be processed by the determination means 105. A specific coupon is a coupon for which a monetary condition is attached to the application of the coupon to a transaction. For example, the specific coupon is an electronic coupon, but is not limited to this. Here, a store clerk can collect a printed coupon that has been applied to a transaction, but cannot collect an electronic coupon that has been applied to a transaction. A customer may be able to use an electronic coupon any number of times per transaction. Therefore, it is preferable that a monetary condition be attached to the application of the electronic coupon to a transaction.

[0053] In ACT 33, for example, the processing circuit 10 determines whether the input coupon code includes a code indicating a specific coupon. If the input coupon code includes a code indicating a specific coupon, the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon is the specific coupon. If the input coupon code does not include a code indicating a specific coupon, the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon is a coupon different from the specific coupon.

[0054] If the input coupon is a specific coupon (ACT33, YES), the process transitions from ACT33 to ACT34. If the input coupon is a coupon different from the specific coupon (ACT32, NO), the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon identified by the input coupon code is to be applied to the transaction. In this case, the process transitions from ACT33 to ACT35.

[0055] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can determine whether the input coupon is a specific coupon. If a store wants to set a monetary condition for applying a specific coupon to a transaction, the POS terminal 1 can check whether the input coupon is a specific coupon. This reduces the burden on store clerks, as they do not need to check whether the presented coupon is a specific coupon.

[0056] The processing circuit 10 determines whether the transaction satisfies the amount condition based on the subtotal amount (ACT34). ACT34 may be processing by the determination means 105. The subtotal amount used to determine whether the transaction satisfies the amount condition is the current subtotal amount. The current subtotal amount includes the subtotal amount at the time when the coupon code is input as an input coupon code into the POS terminal 1. The current subtotal amount includes the subtotal amount at the time when the input coupon code is acquired by the processing circuit 10.

[0057] The processing circuit 10 identifies the discount amount of the input coupon based on the code included in the input coupon code. If the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the input coupon from the subtotal is higher than the set amount, the processing circuit 10 determines that the transaction satisfies the amount condition. If the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the input coupon from the subtotal is not higher than the set amount, the processing circuit 10 determines that the transaction does not satisfy the amount condition. This allows the POS terminal 1 to prevent the subtotal from falling below the set amount by applying the input coupon to the transaction.

[0058] If the transaction satisfies the amount condition (ACT34, YES), the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon should be applied to the transaction. In this case, the processing transitions from ACT34 to ACT35. If the transaction does not satisfy the amount condition (ACT34, NO), the processing circuit 10 determines that the input coupon should not be applied to the transaction. The processing transitions from ACT34 to ACT36.

[0059] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can determine whether the transaction satisfies the amount condition. If a store wants to set a monetary condition for applying a coupon to a transaction, the POS terminal 1 can check whether the transaction satisfies the monetary condition. This reduces the burden on store clerks, as they do not need to check whether the transaction satisfies the monetary condition every time a coupon is presented.

[0060] The processing circuit 10 applies the input coupon to the transaction (ACT35). ACT35 may be processing by the application means 108. In ACT35, for example, the processing circuit 10 updates the subtotal amount by subtracting the discount amount of the input coupon from the subtotal amount immediately before the input coupon is applied to the transaction. The subtotal amount immediately before the input coupon is applied to the transaction corresponds to the above-mentioned current subtotal amount.

[0061] If the input coupon is a different coupon than the specified coupon, processing circuit 10 can apply the input coupon to the transaction. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can apply the input coupon to the transaction without determining whether the transaction satisfies the amount condition. Therefore, even if the transaction does not satisfy the amount condition, the input coupon is applied to the transaction.

[0062] If the transaction satisfies the amount condition, processing circuitry 10 can apply the input coupon to the transaction. Typically, if the input coupon is a specific coupon and the transaction satisfies the amount condition, processing circuitry 10 can apply the input coupon to the transaction. In this way, when the input coupon is a specific coupon, the POS terminal 1 can check whether the coupon can be applied to the transaction based on the amount condition. The store clerk does not need to check whether the presented coupon is a specific coupon or not and whether the coupon can be applied to the transaction based on the amount condition, so the burden on the store clerk is reduced.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 displays an error image on at least one of the first display device 17-1 and the second display device 17-2 (ACT36). ACT36 may be processing by the display means 107. The error image is an image related to the fact that the input coupon cannot be applied to the transaction. The error image may include the reason why the input coupon cannot be applied to the transaction according to the determination result of the processing circuit 10.

[0064] The coupon process is not limited to the above. Processing circuit 10 may omit processing in ACT 32. In this example, a customer may use multiple identical coupons in a transaction. Processing circuit 10 may execute this when the input coupon is a specific coupon, rather than before processing ACT 33. In this example, the customer may use multiple identical coupons in a transaction, but the coupons may be different from the specific coupons. The processing circuit 10 may omit the process of ACT 33. In this example, regardless of the type of input coupon, a monetary condition is attached to the application of the input coupon to the transaction.

[0065] A specific example will be described. The products involved in the customer's transaction are product A and product B. The product price of product A is 200 yen. The product price of product B is 300 yen. At this point, the subtotal is the total amount of 500 yen. The set amount is 200 yen. The customer presents three coupons to the store clerk as follows:

[0066] First, the customer presents an electronic coupon with a discount amount of 200 yen to the store clerk. The electronic coupon is a specific coupon. The amount (300 yen) obtained by subtracting the discount amount (200 yen) of the electronic coupon from the current subtotal amount (500 yen) is higher than the set amount (200 yen). Therefore, the processing circuit 10 determines that the transaction satisfies the amount condition and applies the electronic coupon to the transaction. The processing circuit 10 updates the subtotal amount to 300 yen by subtracting the discount amount (200 yen) of the electronic coupon from the subtotal amount (500 yen) immediately before the electronic coupon is applied to the transaction. At this point, the subtotal amount is 300 yen.

[0067] Next, the customer presents an electronic coupon with a discount amount of 150 yen to the store clerk. The electronic coupon is a specific coupon. The amount (150 yen) obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the electronic coupon (150 yen) from the current subtotal amount (300 yen) is not higher than the set amount (200 yen). Therefore, the processing circuit 10 determines that the transaction does not satisfy the amount condition and does not apply the electronic coupon to the transaction. At this point, the subtotal amount is 300 yen.

[0068] Finally, the customer presents the printed coupon with a discount amount of 200 yen to the store clerk. The electronic coupon is a different coupon from the specific coupon. There are no monetary conditions attached to the application of the printed coupon to the transaction. Therefore, the processing circuit 10 applies the printed coupon to the transaction. The processing circuit 10 updates the subtotal amount to 100 yen by subtracting the discount amount of the printed coupon (200 yen) from the subtotal amount (300 yen) immediately before the printed coupon is applied to the transaction. At this point, the subtotal amount is 100 yen.

[0069] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can apply the input coupon to a transaction if the transaction meets the amount condition. If a store wants to set a monetary condition for applying a coupon to a transaction, the POS terminal 1 can check whether the input coupon can be applied to the transaction based on the monetary condition. This reduces the burden on store clerks, as they do not need to check whether the coupon can be applied to the transaction based on the monetary condition.

[0070] [Other embodiments] In the above description, the amount condition is described as a condition defined based on the subtotal amount, the discount amount of the input coupon, and the set amount, but is not limited to this. The amount condition may also be a condition defined based on the subtotal amount and the set amount. In this example, the amount condition may be that the subtotal amount is higher than the set amount.

[0071] In the above description, the subtotal amount used to determine whether a transaction satisfies the amount condition is the current subtotal amount, but is not limited to this. The subtotal amount used to determine whether a transaction satisfies the amount condition may be the total amount that would be the subtotal amount if no coupon had been applied to the transaction, regardless of whether a coupon has already been applied to the transaction.

[0072] In the above explanation, a POS terminal 1 having a product registration function and a checkout function, in which a store clerk intervenes in product registration and checkout, has been used as an example of a transaction processing device, but this is not limited to this. The transaction processing device may also be a POS terminal having a product registration function and a checkout completion function, in which a customer can register products and checkout 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 checkout device having at least a checkout function. The transaction processing device may also be a terminal having at least a product registration function and that a customer can use while shopping. The terminal may be a dedicated terminal that can be mounted on a shopping cart, a portable terminal provided in advance by a store, or a portable terminal owned by the customer.

[0073] All of the means implemented by POS terminal 1 may be implemented by a server such as a transaction management server that can communicate with POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a transaction processing device. Some of the means implemented by POS terminal 1 may be implemented by a server such as a transaction management server that can communicate with POS terminal 1. In this case, POS terminal 1 and the server are examples of a transaction processing device.

[0074] The transaction processing device may be realized by one device as explained using POS terminal 1 as an example, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions.

[0075] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0076] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0077] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is 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 in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0078] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0079] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) a determination means for determining whether a transaction satisfies a monetary condition based on the amount of the transaction; an application means for applying a coupon identified by the input coupon information to the transaction if the transaction satisfies the amount condition; A transaction processing device comprising: (2) The determination means determines whether the coupon is a specific coupon; the application means applies the coupon to the transaction if the coupon is the specific coupon and the transaction satisfies the amount condition; (1) A transaction processing device according to (1). (3) the applying means applies the coupon to the transaction if the coupon is different from the specific coupon; (2) A transaction processing device according to (2). (4) The amount condition includes that the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the coupon from the amount of the transaction is higher than a set amount. (1) A transaction processing device according to (1). (5) The specified coupon is an electronically issued coupon. (1) A transaction processing device according to (1). (6) To the computer: a function of determining whether the transaction satisfies a monetary condition based on the amount of the transaction; If the transaction satisfies the amount condition, applying a coupon identified by the entered coupon information to the transaction; A program that can be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...POS terminal, 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...photographing device, 101...registration means, 102...detection means, 103...accounting means, 104...acquisition means, 105...determination means, 106...application means, 107...display means, 121...set amount memory area.

Claims

1. a determination means for determining whether the transaction satisfies the amount condition based on the amount of the transaction; an application means for applying a coupon identified by the input coupon information to the transaction if the transaction satisfies the amount condition; A transaction processing device comprising:

2. The determination means determines whether the coupon is a specific coupon, the application means applies the coupon to the transaction if the coupon is the specific coupon and the transaction satisfies the amount condition; The transaction processing device of claim 1 .

3. The applying means applies the coupon to the transaction if the coupon is different from the specific coupon. The transaction processing device of claim 2 .

4. The amount condition includes that the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount of the coupon from the amount of the transaction is higher than a set amount. The transaction processing device of claim 1 .

5. The specific coupon is an electronically issued coupon. The transaction processing device of claim 2 .

6. On the computer, a function of determining whether the transaction satisfies a monetary condition based on the amount of the transaction; If the transaction satisfies the amount condition, applying a coupon identified by the entered coupon information to the transaction; A program that can be executed.

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