Information processing apparatus and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and a program that can reduce the burden on handling a coupon.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus comprises an acquisition unit and a printing control unit. The acquisition unit acquires coupon identification information for identifying a coupon. When a coupon specified by the coupon identification information acquired by the acquisition unit cannot be applied to a transaction, the printing control unit causes a printing unit to print a coupon that is not applied to the transaction and thus unused.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, retail stores issue coupons as a measure to encourage customers to return to the store, and operators apply the coupons to transactions when application conditions are met.

[0003] However, there are various types of coupon application conditions, making it difficult for operators to understand and use the application conditions for each coupon. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing device and a program that can reduce the burden associated with handling coupons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In accordance with an embodiment, an information processing device includes an acquisition unit and a print control unit. The acquisition unit acquires coupon identification information for identifying a coupon. If a coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is not applicable to a transaction, the print control unit causes the print unit to print the unused coupon that is not applicable to the transaction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the coupon table. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the customer table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the product registration device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the transaction apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inapplicable image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the incompatible image. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the reprint selection image. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a printed matter. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a coupon transaction process executed by the POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the semi-self-service system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration process executed by the merchandise registration device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a payment process executed by the checkout apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device in the semi-self-service system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a registration process executed by the product registration device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a payment process executed by a checkout apparatus according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing device and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the information processing device and the program, and does not limit the configuration, specifications, etc.

[0008] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. The information processing system 1 includes a management server 10, a POS terminal 20, and a semi-self-service system 2 in which a product registration device 30 and a checkout device 40 are configured as separate entities. The management server 10, the POS terminal 20, and the semi-self-service system 2 are communicatively connected via a network 50. The information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes one management server 10, one POS terminal 20, and one semi-self-service system 2. However, the information processing system 1 may include multiple devices and systems of each type. Furthermore, the information processing system 1 may include devices and systems not shown.

[0009] The management server 10 is a server device that manages the information processing system 1. For example, the management server 10 stores master data. Then, the management server 10 provides requested information based on the master data.

[0010] The POS terminal 20 is a sales data processing device that executes sales data processing, including a product registration process for registering products for sale and a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process. The POS terminal 20 also executes a process for applying coupons. For example, the POS terminal 20 is a self-service POS terminal that executes sales data processing in accordance with customer operations.

[0011] The semi-self-service system 2 is a system that executes product registration processing according to operations by a store clerk and executes transaction processing according to operations by a customer. The semi-self-service system 2 includes a product registration device 30 and a transaction device 40.

[0012] The product registration device 30 is a registration device that executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold in accordance with the operation of a store clerk. The product registration device 30 then transmits product registration information that includes information about the products registered by the product registration process.

[0013] The transaction device 40 is a device that executes transaction processing for the products registered by the product registration device 30. The transaction device 40 executes transaction processing based on the product registration information transmitted by the product registration device 30.

[0014] In such an information processing system 1, an operator applies a coupon to a transaction using the POS terminal 20. There are various conditions for applying the coupon.

[0015] For example, coupon application conditions include coupons that are applied when a specified product is purchased, coupons that are applied when date and time application conditions such as an expiration date or a specified date are met, coupons that are applied when points awarded for each purchase of a specified amount are equal to or greater than a threshold, coupons that are applied when products are purchased by a specific customer, and coupons that are applied when the total purchase amount is equal to or greater than a threshold. Furthermore, some coupons are applied to transactions when multiple conditions are met, not just one of these conditions. Therefore, operators must check the coupon's description, date and time, the product to be purchased, the points, the total purchase amount, and so on, for each coupon.

[0016] Furthermore, in the case of coupons that are applied to transactions on the condition that a specific product is purchased, the coupon application conditions are not met before the product registration process, so the operator must scan the coupon at a timing appropriate to the coupon.

[0017] Furthermore, in the case of coupons that are valid only once, the operator must collect the coupons that were applied to the transaction. If the coupons could not be applied to the transaction, the operator must return the coupons to the customer. If the customer has given the operator multiple coupons, the operator must identify the coupons that were not applied and return the identified coupons. If the operator is a customer rather than a store clerk, it becomes even more difficult because the customer may not have sufficient knowledge about coupons.

[0018] Thus, the burden of applying coupons is large. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 reduces the burden of applying coupons.

[0019] Next, the hardware configuration of each device included in the information processing system 1 will be described.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the management server 10 according to the first embodiment. The management server 10 includes a processor 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a storage unit 103, a communication unit 104, a display unit 105, and an operation unit 106. These units are connected via an internal bus 107.

[0021] The processor 101 is a processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that controls the operation of the management server 10. The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 101 executes the control program 111 and the like stored in the storage unit 103, using the RAM 102 as a work area.

[0022] The storage unit 103 is an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage unit 103 stores a control program 111, a coupon table 112, and a customer table 113. The coupon table 112 and the customer table 113 may be stored in a storage medium of another device, not necessarily in the storage unit 103 of the management server 10.

[0023] The control program 111 is a program for implementing the functions of the operating system and the management server 10. The control program 111 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the coupon table 112. The coupon table 112 includes various types of coupon-related information. The coupon table 112 associates a coupon code, application condition information, coupon content information, usable period, and non-combinable information. The coupon code is identification information for identifying a coupon. The application condition information is a condition for determining whether a coupon can be applied to a transaction. For example, the application condition information may include the purchase of a specified product, date and time conditions such as an expiration date or a specified date, a point threshold, a customer code identifying a specific customer, and a total purchase amount. Furthermore, the application condition information is not limited to one condition, and multiple conditions may be registered. The coupon content information is a benefit granted to a customer when a coupon is applied to a transaction. For example, the coupon content information may include a discount on the total amount, a discount on a specific product, or the awarding of points. The usable period is information indicating a period during which a coupon can be used. For example, the usable period may be one month, one week, one day, or some other period. The non-combinable information is information indicating coupons that cannot be used in combination. For example, the incombinable coupon information is information having a coupon code indicating a coupon that cannot be combined.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of customer table 113. Customer table 113 has various information related to customers. Customer table 113 associates customer codes, customer details, and point information. The customer code is identification information for identifying a customer. Customer information is information about a customer. For example, customer information is information such as the customer's name, customer age, and customer gender. Point information is information about coupons given to a customer. For example, point information is the number of points given to a customer, usage history, and rank information according to the number of points.

[0026] The communication unit 104 is a device such as a network interface card (NIC), etc. For example, the communication unit 104 communicates with other devices via the network 50.

[0027] Display unit 105 is a device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. For example, display unit 105 displays images relating to sales data processing such as product registration processing and accounting processing.

[0028] The operation unit 106 is an input device that accepts various operations, such as a keyboard or a mouse.

[0029] 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment. The POS terminal 20 includes a processor 201, a RAM 202, a storage unit 203, a communication unit 204, a store clerk display unit 205, a customer display unit 206, an operation unit 207, an automatic change dispenser 208, a payment terminal 209, a scanner 210, and a printing unit 211. These units are connected via an internal bus 212.

[0030] The processor 201 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the POS terminal 20. The RAM 202 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 201 uses the RAM 202 as a work area to execute the control program 221 and the like stored in the storage unit 203.

[0031] The storage unit 203 is an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 203 stores a control program 221.

[0032] The control program 221 is a program for implementing the operating system and functions of the POS terminal 20. The control program 221 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0033] The communication unit 204 is a device such as a NIC, etc. For example, the communication unit 204 executes communication with other devices via the network 50.

[0034] The clerk display unit 205 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that is viewed by the clerk. The display surface of the clerk display unit 205 faces the clerk. For example, the clerk display unit 205 displays images related to sales data processing such as product registration processing and transaction processing so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operations or check the status of the customer's operations. Note that the clerk display unit 205 is not necessarily required. In other words, the POS terminal 20 may not have the clerk display unit 205 depending on the product form.

[0035] Customer display unit 206 is a display that customers can view, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display surface of customer display unit 206 faces the customer. For example, customer display unit 206 displays an image related to the product registration process.

[0036] The operation unit 207 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 207 is a hardware button, a touch panel provided on the clerk display unit 205, or a touch panel provided on the customer display unit 206.

[0037] The automatic change dispenser 208 is a device that receives money from a customer and dispenses change according to the money that has been inserted.

[0038] The payment terminal 209 is a device for executing payments using a credit card or the like.

[0039] The scanner 210 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes. For example, the scanner 210 reads code symbols that encode product codes. The scanner 210 also reads code symbols that encode coupon codes.

[0040] The printing unit 211 is a printer that prints receipts and coupons.

[0041] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the product registration device 30 according to the first embodiment. The product registration device 30 includes a processor 301, RAM 302, a storage unit 303, a communication unit 304, a store clerk display unit 305, a customer display unit 306, an operation unit 307, a scanner 308, and a printing unit 309. These units are connected via an internal bus 310.

[0042] The processor 301 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the product registration device 30. The RAM 302 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and various data. The processor 301 uses the RAM 302 as a work area to execute the control program 321 and the like stored in the storage unit 303.

[0043] The storage unit 303 is an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 303 stores a control program 321.

[0044] The control program 321 is a program for implementing the operating system and functions of the product registration device 30. The control program 321 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0045] The communication unit 304 is a device such as a NIC, etc. For example, the communication unit 304 executes communication with other devices via the network 50.

[0046] The clerk display unit 305 is a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display that is viewed by the clerk. The display surface of the clerk display unit 305 faces the clerk. For example, the clerk display unit 305 displays images related to the product registration process so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operation or check the status of the customer's operation.

[0047] Customer display unit 306 is a display that customers can view, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display surface of customer display unit 306 faces the customer. For example, customer display unit 306 displays an image related to the product registration process.

[0048] The operation unit 307 is an input device that accepts various operations. For example, the operation unit 307 is a hardware button, a touch panel provided on the clerk display unit 305, or a touch panel provided on the customer display unit 306.

[0049] The scanner 308 is a device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, etc. For example, the scanner 308 reads code symbols that encode product codes.

[0050] The printing unit 309 is a printer that prints receipts and coupons.

[0051] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a checkout device 40 according to the first embodiment. The checkout device 40 includes a processor 401, RAM 402, a storage unit 403, a communication unit 404, a display unit 405, an operation unit 406, an automatic change dispenser 407, a payment terminal 408, a scanner 409, and a printing unit 410. These units are connected via an internal bus 411.

[0052] The processor 401 is a processing circuit such as a CPU that controls the operation of the accounting device 40. The RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 401 uses the RAM 402 as a work area to execute the control program 421 and other programs stored in the storage unit 403.

[0053] The storage unit 403 is an auxiliary storage device such as a HDD, an SSD, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 403 stores a control program 421.

[0054] The control program 421 is a program for implementing the operating system and functions of the checkout device 40. The control program 421 includes a program for implementing the characteristic functions according to this embodiment.

[0055] The communication unit 404 is a device such as a NIC, etc. For example, the communication unit 404 executes communication with other devices via the network 50.

[0056] Display unit 405 is a device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. For example, display unit 405 displays images related to transaction processing.

[0057] The operation unit 406 is an input device that accepts various operations, such as hardware buttons or a touch panel provided on the display unit 405.

[0058] The automatic change dispenser 407 is a device that receives money from a customer and dispenses change according to the money that has been inserted.

[0059] The payment terminal 408 is a device that executes payments using a credit card or the like.

[0060] The scanner 409 is a device that reads code symbols such as bar codes.

[0061] The printing unit 410 is a printer that prints receipts and coupons.

[0062] Next, a description will be given of the functions of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0063] The processor 201 of the POS terminal 20 loads the control program 221 stored in the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and operates in accordance with the control program 221 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 202. As a result, the processor 201 of the POS terminal 20 has, as functional units, an operation control unit 2001, a coupon acquisition unit 2002, a product registration unit 2003, a coupon application unit 2004, a display control unit 2005, an accounting processing unit 2006, and a print control unit 2007.

[0064] The operation control unit 2001 controls the operation unit 207 to accept various operations. The operation control unit 2001 also accepts an operation to press a button included in an image displayed on the clerk display unit 205 or the customer display unit 206.

[0065] The coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon. The coupon acquisition unit 2002 is an example of an acquisition unit. The coupon code is an example of coupon identification information. For example, the coupon acquisition unit 2002 causes the scanner 210 to scan a coupon having a code symbol that encodes the coupon code. Then, the coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires the coupon code by decoding the code symbol of the coupon image acquired by scanning.

[0066] The coupon acquisition unit 2002 may acquire the coupon code by a method other than scanning by the scanner 210. For example, the coupon acquisition unit 2002 may acquire the coupon code by receiving an operation indicating the coupon code from the operation unit 207, or may acquire the coupon code by another method.

[0067] The product registration unit 2003 executes a product registration process for registering products for sale. More specifically, the product registration unit 2003 acquires a product code by scanning a code symbol that encodes the product code with the scanner 210. The product registration unit 2003 also acquires a product code by receiving an operation indicating the product code from the operation unit 207. Alternatively, the product registration unit 2003 acquires a product code by an operation received by the operation unit 207.

[0068] Furthermore, the product registration unit 2003 acquires product information identified by the acquired product code based on a product master in which the product code and product information are associated. Then, the product registration unit 2003 registers the product code and the product information as items for sale. In other words, the product registration unit 2003 generates product registration information having the product code and the product information.

[0069] The coupon application unit 2004 applies to the transaction a coupon corresponding to the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 2002. More specifically, the coupon application unit 2004 acquires, from the coupon table 112, application condition information, coupon content information, and incompatible coupon information associated with the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 2002.

[0070] The coupon application unit 2004 determines whether the application conditions indicated by the acquired application condition information are satisfied. For example, the coupon application unit 2004 determines whether the product specified in the product registration information is registered, whether the current time satisfies date and time conditions such as the expiration date or specified date, whether the customer's current points exceed a threshold based on the point information in the customer table 113, whether the customer is a customer with a specified customer code, and whether the total purchase amount exceeds a threshold based on the product registration information.

[0071] The coupon application unit 2004 determines whether multiple coupons that meet the application conditions can be used together based on the acquired combination-inhibition information. If multiple coupons that meet the application conditions cannot be used together, the coupon application unit 2004 requests selection of a coupon to be used. The coupon application unit 2004 repeatedly determines whether coupons can be used together and requests selection of a coupon to be used until there are no more coupons that cannot be used together.

[0072] The coupon application unit 2004 applies coupons that can be used together to a transaction. For example, the coupon application unit 2004 registers the execution of coupon content according to the acquired coupon content information. Specifically, the coupon application unit 2004 executes a discount on the total amount, a discount on a specific product, or the awarding of points.

[0073] The display control unit 2005 displays various images on the clerk display unit 205 or the customer display unit 206 .

[0074] For example, when the coupon application unit 2004 determines that the application conditions are not met, the display control unit 2005 displays an application-prohibited image G1 on the customer display unit 206. The display control unit 2005 may display the application-prohibited image G1 on the clerk display unit 205 so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operation or check the operation status of the customer.

[0075] 9 is a diagram showing an example of an inapplicable image G1. The inapplicable image G1 is an image that urges a customer to use the coupon on their next visit or later, because the coupon does not meet the application conditions. For example, the inapplicable image G1 has a message that reads, "The following coupon has not been applied because it does not meet the application conditions. Please use it on your next visit or later."

[0076] The non-applicable coupon image G1 includes a non-applicable coupon image G11, a no-print button G12, and a reprint button G13. The non-applicable coupon image G11 is an image of a coupon that could not be applied. For example, the display control unit 2005 may display the non-applicable coupon image G11 using a coupon image scanned when the coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires the coupon code, or may display the non-applicable coupon image G11 by acquiring an image of a coupon identified by the coupon code from another storage medium such as the coupon table 112.

[0077] Here, the operator receives a coupon from the customer. The operator inputs a coupon code to identify the received coupon into the POS terminal 20. If the coupon is not used, the operator must return the unused coupon to the customer. However, it takes time for the operator to find the unused coupon from the received coupons.

[0078] The POS terminal 20 reprints unused coupons. Therefore, the operator simply collects the coupons received from the customer, regardless of whether they have been used or not. The operator then returns the coupons reprinted by the POS terminal 20 to the customer. In other words, the POS terminal 20 can reduce the effort required to find unused coupons.

[0079] The No Printing Required button G12 is pressed when there is no need to reprint a coupon that could not be used. In other words, the No Printing Required button G12 is a button that accepts the need to not reprint a coupon. The Reprint button G13 is a button that accepts the reprinting of a coupon when a coupon that could not be used is to be reprinted. In other words, the Reprint button G13 accepts an operation to reprint a coupon when the coupon identified by the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 2002 cannot be applied to the transaction. The Reprint button G13 is an example of an operation image.

[0080] Furthermore, when there is a coupon that satisfies the application conditions but is determined by the coupon application unit 2004 to be incompatible, the display control unit 2005 displays an incompatible image G2 on the customer display unit 206. The display control unit 2005 may also display the incompatible image G2 on the clerk display unit 205 so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operation or check the operation status of the customer.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the incombinable coupon image G2. The incombinable coupon image G2 is an image that prompts the user to select a coupon to use because there are coupons that cannot be used together. For example, the incombinable coupon image G2 has a message that reads, "The following coupons cannot be used together. Which coupon would you like to use?" The incombinable coupon image G2 also has multiple option images G20, a cancel button G21, and a confirm button G22.

[0082] The option image G20 is an image that contains information about the coupon to be selected. The option image G20 has a summary image G201, a target coupon image G202, and a check box G203.

[0083] The summary image G201 is an image that displays a summary of a coupon. For example, the display control unit 2005 displays the summary image G201 based on summary information acquired from the coupon table 112. The display control unit 2005 may also display the summary image G201 based on information that summarizes the coupon content and validity period acquired from the coupon table 112 using AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0084] The target coupon image G202 is an image of a coupon that can be selected. The display control unit 2005 may display the target coupon image G202 using a coupon image scanned when the coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires the coupon code, or may display the target coupon image G202 by acquiring an image of the coupon identified by the coupon code from another storage medium such as the coupon table 112.

[0085] The check box G203 accepts an operation to designate a coupon to be used. When the display control unit 2005 accepts an operation to designate a coupon to be used, it displays a check mark G204 on the check box G203. Here, the non-combinable image G2 is an image that prompts the user to select a coupon to be used. Therefore, the display control unit 2005 displays the check mark G204 on the check box G203 that was last selected from among the multiple option images G20.

[0086] The cancel button G21 is a button that accepts an operation indicating that no coupons will be used. The decide button G22 is a button that accepts an operation to decide that the coupon selected in the check box G203 included in the option image G20 will be applied to the transaction.

[0087] In the incompatible product image G2 shown in Fig. 10, a check mark G204 is displayed on the check box G203 of the 20% discount coupon. In other words, the incompatible product image G2 shown in Fig. 10 shows a state in which the 20% discount coupon has been selected.

[0088] Furthermore, the display control unit 2005 adds a bargain image G205 to the option image G20 of the coupon from which the customer can obtain the most benefit, among the coupons in the multiple option images G20. The bargain image G205 is an image indicating that the coupon is from which the customer can obtain the most benefit, among the coupons that cannot be used together. For example, the bargain image G205 may notify the customer that the coupon is from which the customer can obtain the most benefit by a message, a mark, a figure, or another image.

[0089] The display control unit 2005 may determine which coupon is most advantageous to the customer by any method. For example, when the priority of each coupon is set in the coupon table 112, the display control unit 2005 determines the coupon with the highest priority as the coupon from which the customer can obtain the most advantage. Alternatively, when the coupon content of a coupon that cannot be used in combination is, for example, a discount on the total amount, the display control unit 2005 determines the coupon with the highest discount amount as the coupon from which the customer can obtain the most advantage. Alternatively, when the coupon content of a coupon that cannot be used in combination is, for example, a point award, the display control unit 2005 determines the coupon with the highest point award value as the coupon from which the customer can obtain the most advantage.

[0090] The display control unit 2005 also accepts the selection of coupons to be used in the combination-prohibited image G2. In other words, the display control unit 2005 accepts the selection of coupons not to be used in the combination-prohibited image G2.

[0091] The display control unit 2005 displays a reprint selection image G3, which accepts an operation as to whether or not to reprint unused coupons, on the customer display unit 206. The display control unit 2005 may also display the reprint selection image G3 on the clerk display unit 205 so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operation or check the operation status of the customer.

[0092] 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reprint selection image G3. The reprint selection image G3 has a blank image G30, one or more reprint designation images G31, and a confirm button G32. The blank image G30 is a blank image that indicates the area that displayed the coupon option image G20 to be used in the incompatible use image G2. Note that the reprint selection image G3 does not necessarily have to have a blank image G30.

[0093] The reprint designation image G31 is an image that contains information about the coupon that is the target of the determination of whether to reprint it. Like the option image G20, the reprint designation image G31 has an overview image G311, a target coupon image G312, and a check box G313.

[0094] The check box G313 accepts an operation to designate a coupon to be reprinted. When the display control unit 2005 accepts an operation to designate a coupon to be reprinted, it displays a check mark G314 on the check box G313. That is, the check mark G314 accepts an operation to select a coupon to be applied to a transaction when there is a coupon that cannot be applied to the transaction because it cannot be used in combination with other coupons. For example, the operation control unit 2001 accepts an operation to select a coupon to be applied to the transaction via the touch panel of the clerk display unit 205 or the customer display unit 206. The confirm button G32 accepts an operation to confirm the coupon designated for reprinting in the check box G313.

[0095] Furthermore, the display control unit 2005 may display images other than these. For example, the display control unit 2005 displays a product registration image, a transaction image, and a print content notification image on the customer display unit 206. The product registration image is an image showing a product registered as a product for sale in the product registration process. The transaction image is an image that prompts payment of the price of a product registered by the product registration device 30 in the transaction process. For example, the transaction image includes the price. The print content notification image is an image that notifies the customer that printed matter R1 (see FIG. 12) will be printed. Furthermore, if the print image includes a new coupon or a coupon to be reprinted, the coupon included in the printed matter R1 may be notified. Furthermore, the display control unit 2005 may display a product registration image, a transaction image, and a print content notification image on the clerk display unit 205 so that the clerk can assist the customer in their operation or check the status of the customer's operation.

[0096] The accounting processing unit 2006 executes accounting processing to pay for the products registered by the product registration processing. Furthermore, when a coupon that discounts the total amount or product price is applied by the coupon application unit 2004, the accounting processing unit 2006 executes accounting processing to discount the amount using the coupon. More specifically, the accounting processing unit 2006 executes accounting processing using cash by controlling the automatic change dispenser 208, or using credit cards or electronic money by controlling the payment terminal 209, or code payment by reading a payment code with the scanner 210 and controlling the payment.

[0097] The print control unit 2007 controls the print unit 211 to print the printed matter R1. Fig. 12 shows an example of the printed matter R1. The printed matter R1 includes a newly issued coupon, unused coupons, and a receipt.

[0098] More specifically, the printed matter R1 has a reprint notification area R11, a reprint coupon area R12, a new notification area R13, a new coupon area R14, and a receipt area R15. The reprint notification area R11 is a section that notifies the user that a coupon is to be reprinted. The reprint coupon area R12 is an area for coupons to be reprinted. The new notification area R13 is a section that notifies the user that a new coupon is to be issued. The new coupon area R14 is an area for newly issued coupons. The receipt area R15 is an area for a receipt that includes the products purchased by the customer, the total transaction amount, and consumption tax. In this way, the reprint notification area R11 and the new notification area R13 allow the printing control unit 2007 to cause the printing unit 211 to print unused coupons and newly issued coupons in a manner that allows them to be distinguished from each other.

[0099] Here, the reprint notification area R11 is the area for the coupon to be reprinted. For example, if a coupon identified by the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 2002 is not applicable to a transaction, the printing control unit 2007 causes the printing unit 211 to print the unused coupon that is not applicable. The printing control unit 2007 is an example of a printing control unit.

[0100] The print control unit 2007 also reprints unused coupons that are registered as coupons to be reprinted. That is, when a reprint operation is accepted using the reprint button G13 of the non-applicable image G1 and the confirm button G32 of the reprint selection image G3 in the coupon reprint information, the print control unit 2007 causes the print unit 211 to print the unused coupons.

[0101] If there are no coupons to reprint, the printing control unit 2007 does not print the reprint notification area R11 or the reprint coupon area R12. If there are no new coupons to issue, the printing control unit 2007 does not print the new notification area R13 or the new coupon area R14.

[0102] The printing control unit 2007 also controls the printing unit 211 to insert a gap between each area of ​​the printed material R1. More specifically, the printing control unit 2007 inserts a gap between the reprint notification area R11 and the reprint coupon area R12. The printing control unit 2007 also inserts a gap between the reprint coupon area R12 and the new notification area R13. The printing control unit 2007 also inserts a gap between the new notification area R13 and the new coupon area R14. The printing control unit 2007 also inserts a gap between the new coupon area R14 and the receipt area R15. In this way, the printing control unit 2007 makes it easier to cut out each area of ​​the printed material R1.

[0103] Next, a description will be given of a coupon transaction process executed by the POS terminal 20. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a coupon transaction process executed by the POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment.

[0104] The display control unit 2005 displays a coupon guide image on the customer display unit 206, which prompts the customer to input a coupon code to specify a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S1).

[0105] The coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S2).

[0106] The operation control unit 2001 determines whether an operation to end the input of the coupon code has been accepted (step S3). In other words, the operation control unit 2001 determines whether an operation to start the product registration process has been accepted.

[0107] If the operation to end the input of the coupon code has not been accepted (step S3; No), the coupon acquisition unit 2002 acquires the coupon code in step S2.

[0108] When an operation to end the input of the coupon code is accepted (step S3; Yes), the display control unit 2005 displays a product registration guide image on the customer display unit 206 to prompt the customer to perform product registration processing to register the product to be sold (step S4). The product registration guide image also prompts the customer to enter a product code to identify the product to be sold.

[0109] The product registration unit 2003 executes a product registration process to register the product identified by the input product code (step S5).

[0110] The operation control unit 2001 determines whether an operation to end product code input has been accepted (step S6). For example, the operation control unit 2001 may determine that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "subtotal key" that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key. Alternatively, the operation control unit 2001 determines whether an operation to start checkout processing has been accepted. For example, the operation to end product code input may be determined that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "start checkout" key that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key.

[0111] If the operation to end the input of the product code has not been accepted (step S6; No), the product registration unit 2003 executes the product registration process in step S5.

[0112] If an operation to end the input of the product code is received (step S6; Yes), the coupon application unit 2004 determines whether each coupon identified by one or more coupon codes acquired in step S2 includes a coupon that cannot be applied to the transaction (step S7).

[0113] If an inapplicable coupon is not included (step S7; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S9. If an inapplicable coupon is included (step S7; Yes), the display control unit 2005 displays an inapplicable image G1 on the customer display unit 206 (step S8).

[0114] The coupon application unit 2004 determines whether or not any of the one or more applicable coupons includes a coupon that cannot be used in combination (step S9). If there is no coupon that cannot be used in combination (step S9; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S12.

[0115] If a coupon that cannot be used in combination is included (step S9; Yes), the display control unit 2005 displays a non-combinable image G2 that accepts selection of a coupon to be used in the transaction from among the multiple coupons that cannot be used in combination on the customer display unit 206 (step S10). Then, the coupon application unit 2004 applies the coupon selected as the coupon to be used in the non-combinable image G2 to the transaction.

[0116] The display control unit 2005 displays a reprint selection image G3 on the customer display unit 206, which accepts the selection of coupons to be reprinted from among the coupons not selected as targets for use in the non-combinable use image G2 (step S11). Then, the print control unit 2007 registers the coupons selected in the reprint selection image G3 as targets for reprinting.

[0117] The accounting processor 2006 executes the accounting process to pay for the product registered by the product registration process (step S12). If a discount coupon is applied, the accounting processor 2006 executes the accounting process with the coupon applied.

[0118] The print control unit 2007 prints the printed matter R1 (step S13).

[0119] As described above, the POS terminal 20 executes the coupon transaction process.

[0120] As described above, the POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon. Furthermore, if a coupon identified by the coupon code is not applicable to a transaction, the POS terminal 20 causes the printing unit 211 to print a printed matter R1 including the unused coupons that are not applicable. Then, if the coupons are not used in the transaction, the operator returns the printed coupons to the customer. Therefore, if the coupons are not used in the transaction, the operator does not need to find the unused coupons. This reduces the burden on the POS terminal 20 associated with handling coupons.

[0121] (Variation 1) 13, the POS terminal 20 executes the product registration process after acquiring the coupon code. However, the POS terminal 20 may execute the product registration process after acquiring the coupon code. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may execute the coupon code acquisition and the product code acquisition alternately.

[0122] As a result, even if the operator forgets to register a coupon code to be applied to a transaction, the POS terminal 20 can obtain the coupon code after the product registration process. Therefore, the POS terminal 20 can improve the operability for the operator.

[0123] (Variation 2) The POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment may be a device that, through the operation of a store clerk, executes a product registration process for registering products for sale, a process for registering coupons to be applied, and a checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration process.

[0124] Here, the operator of the POS terminal 20 is a store clerk. On the other hand, the user of the coupon is a customer. Therefore, the display control unit 2005 displays various images on the store clerk display unit 205 or the customer display unit 206 depending on the image to be displayed.

[0125] For example, when the coupon application unit 2004 determines that the application conditions are not met, the display control unit 2005 displays an application-prohibited image G1 on the store clerk display unit 205, urging the customer to use the coupon on their next or subsequent visit, since the application conditions of the coupon are not met. The store clerk then informs the customer that the coupon will be used on their next or subsequent visit. The display control unit 2005 may also display the application-prohibited image G1 on the customer display unit 206. In this case, the customer understands from the application-prohibited image G1 that the coupon can be used on their next or subsequent visit.

[0126] For example, if there is a coupon that cannot be used in combination, the display control unit 2005 displays a coupon that cannot be used in combination image G2 on the customer display unit 206. Then, the operation control unit 2001 accepts the customer's selection of a coupon to be applied to the transaction on the coupon that cannot be used in combination image G2. Note that the display control unit 2005 may also display the coupon that cannot be used in combination image G2 on the store clerk display unit 205. In this case, the store clerk inputs an operation to specify the coupon to be applied to the transaction based on the customer's instruction.

[0127] The display control unit 2005 also displays a reprint selection image G3 on the customer display unit 206, which allows the customer to select a coupon to reprint from among the coupons that cannot be used in combination and were not selected. The operation control unit 2001 then accepts the customer's selection of a coupon to reprint on the reprint selection image G3. The display control unit 2005 may also display the reprint selection image G3 on the store clerk display unit 205. In this case, the store clerk inputs an operation to specify the coupon to reprint based on the customer's instructions.

[0128] (Variation 3) The POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment may have a collection device that pulls in coupons. Furthermore, the collection device may have a scanner that reads coupons. Then, the coupon acquisition unit 2002 may acquire coupon codes from the scanner of the collection device.

[0129] Here, the POS terminal 20 reprints any unused coupons. Therefore, it is preferable to collect all coupons that have been scanned by the POS terminal 20. By providing the POS terminal 20 with a collection device, it is possible to collect all scanned coupons.

[0130] (Variation 4) The POS terminal 20 according to the first embodiment includes, as functional units, an operation control unit 2001, a coupon acquisition unit 2002, a product registration unit 2003, a coupon application unit 2004, a display control unit 2005, an accounting processing unit 2006, and a print control unit 2007. All or part of these functions may be possessed by the management server 10, by another device, or by one or more devices in the cloud. In this case, the POS terminal 20 provides each function to the operator by transmitting and receiving data to and from a device having the function.

[0131] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a semi-self-service system 2a in which a merchandise registration device 30a and a checkout device 40a are configured as separate units.

[0132] More specifically, the product registration device 30a controls the application of coupons, and the checkout device 40a prints the coupons.

[0133] 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device of the semi-self-service system 2a according to the second embodiment. The processor 301 of the product registration device 30a loads the control program 321 stored in the storage unit 303 into the RAM 302 and operates in accordance with the control program 321 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 302. As a result, the processor 301 of the product registration device 30a includes, as functional units, an operation control unit 3001, a coupon acquisition unit 3002, a product registration unit 3003, a coupon application unit 3004, a display control unit 3005, and a communication control unit 3006.

[0134] The operation control unit 3001 controls the operation unit 307 to accept various operations. The operation control unit 3001 also accepts an operation to press a button included in an image displayed on the clerk display unit 305 or the customer display unit 306.

[0135] The coupon acquisition unit 3002 has the same function as the coupon acquisition unit 2002 according to the first embodiment. That is, the coupon acquisition unit 3002 acquires a coupon code.

[0136] The product registration unit 3003 has the same functions as the product registration unit 2003 according to the first embodiment. That is, the product registration unit 3003 executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold.

[0137] The coupon application unit 3004 has the same function as the coupon application unit 2004 according to the first embodiment. That is, the coupon application unit 3004 applies a coupon corresponding to the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 3002 to the transaction.

[0138] The display control unit 3005 has the same functions as the display control unit 2005 according to the first embodiment. That is, the display control unit 3005 displays various images on the store clerk display unit 305 or the customer display unit 306. For example, the display control unit 3005 displays a coupon guide image, a product registration guide image, a product registration image, an inapplicable image G1, an incompatible image G2, and a reprint selection image G3.

[0139] For example, when the coupon application unit 3004 determines that the application conditions are not met, the display control unit 3005 displays an application-prohibited image G1 on the store clerk display unit 305, urging the customer to use the coupon on their next or subsequent visit, since the coupon application conditions are not met. The store clerk then informs the customer that they will use the coupon on their next or subsequent visit. The display control unit 3005 may also display the application-prohibited image G1 on the customer display unit 306. In this case, the customer understands from the application-prohibited image G1 that the coupon can be used on their next or subsequent visit.

[0140] For example, if there is a coupon that cannot be used in combination, the display control unit 3005 displays a combination-prohibited image G2 on the customer display unit 306. Then, the operation control unit 3001 accepts the customer's selection of a coupon to apply to the transaction on the combination-prohibited image G2. The display control unit 3005 may also display the combination-prohibited image G2 on the store clerk display unit 305. In this case, the store clerk inputs an operation to specify the coupon to apply to the transaction based on the customer's instructions.

[0141] The display control unit 3005 also displays a reprint selection image G3 on the customer display unit 306, which allows the customer to select a coupon to reprint from among the coupons that cannot be used together and were not selected. The operation control unit 3001 then accepts the customer's selection of a coupon to reprint on the reprint selection image G3. The display control unit 3005 may also display the reprint selection image G3 on the store clerk display unit 305. In this case, the store clerk inputs an operation to specify the coupon to reprint based on the customer's instructions.

[0142] The communication control unit 3006 controls the communication unit 304 to communicate over the network 50. For example, the communication control unit 3006 communicates with the checkout device 40a. More specifically, the communication control unit 3006 sends product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information to the checkout device 40a.

[0143] The product registration information includes information about products registered by the product registration unit 3003. For example, the product registration information includes a transaction code, product information, and a total price. The coupon application information includes information about coupons applied to a transaction by the coupon application unit 3004. For example, the coupon application information includes a transaction code, a coupon code, and coupon content information.

[0144] The coupon reprint information includes information about the coupon to be reprinted. That is, the coupon reprint information includes information about the coupons registered as reprint targets in the non-applicable image G1 and the reprint selection image G3. For example, the coupon reprint information includes a transaction code and a coupon code. The coupon reprint information may also include the non-applicable coupon image G11 included in the non-applicable image G1 or the target coupon image G312 included in the reprint selection image G3. The product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information may also be associated with each other by a transaction code.

[0145] The processor 401 of the accounting device 40a loads the control program 421 stored in the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402 and operates according to the control program 421 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 402. As a result, the processor 401 of the accounting device 40a has the following functional units: a communication control unit 4001, an operation control unit 4002, a display control unit 4003, an accounting processing unit 4004, and a print control unit 4005.

[0146] The communication control unit 4001 controls the communication unit 404 to perform communication via the network 50. For example, the communication control unit 4001 performs communication with the product registration device 30a. The communication control unit 4001 receives product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information from the product registration device 30a.

[0147] The operation control unit 4002 controls the operation unit 406 to accept various operations. The operation control unit 4002 also accepts an operation to press a button included in an image displayed on the display unit 405.

[0148] The display control unit 4003 displays various images on the display unit 405. For example, the display control unit 4003 displays a checkout image and a print notification image. The checkout image is an image that prompts payment of the price in the checkout process for paying for the products registered by the product registration device 30a. For example, the checkout image includes the price. The print image is an image that notifies the user that the printed matter R1 will be printed. Furthermore, if the print image includes a new coupon or a coupon to be reprinted, the print image may notify the user of the coupon included in the printed matter R1.

[0149] The accounting processing unit 4004 has the same functions as the accounting processing unit 4004 according to the first embodiment. That is, the accounting processing unit 4004 executes accounting processing to pay for the products registered by the product registration processing based on the product registration information.

[0150] The print control unit 4005 has the same functions as the print control unit 4005 according to the first embodiment. That is, the print control unit 4005 controls the print unit 410 to print the printed matter R1.

[0151] Next, the processing executed by each device of the semi-self-service system 2a will be described. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration processing executed by the merchandise registration device 30a according to the second embodiment.

[0152] The display control unit 3005 displays a coupon guide image on the customer display unit 306, which prompts the customer to input a coupon code to specify a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S21).

[0153] The coupon acquisition unit 3002 acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S22).

[0154] The operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to end the input of the coupon code has been accepted (step S23). In other words, the operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to start the product registration process has been accepted.

[0155] If the operation to end the input of the coupon code has not been accepted (step S23; No), the coupon acquisition unit 3002 acquires the coupon code in step S22.

[0156] When an operation to end the input of the coupon code is accepted (step S23; Yes), the display control unit 3005 displays a product registration guide image on the customer display unit 306 to prompt the customer to perform product registration processing to register the product to be sold (step S24). The product registration guide image also prompts the customer to enter a product code to identify the product to be sold.

[0157] The product registration unit 3003 executes a product registration process to register the product identified by the input product code (step S25). As a result, the product registration unit 3003 generates product registration information in which information about the product to be sold is registered.

[0158] The operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to end product code input has been accepted (step S26). For example, the operation control unit 3001 may determine that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "subtotal key" that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key. Alternatively, the operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to start checkout processing has been accepted. For example, the operation to end product code input may be determined that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "start checkout" key that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key.

[0159] If the operation to end the input of the product code has not been accepted (step S26; No), the product registration unit 3003 executes the product registration process in step S25.

[0160] If an operation to end the input of the product code is received (step S26; Yes), the coupon application unit 3004 determines whether each coupon identified by one or more coupon codes acquired in step S22 includes a coupon that cannot be applied to the transaction (step S27).

[0161] If an inapplicable coupon is not included (step S27; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S29. If an inapplicable coupon is included (step S27; Yes), the display control unit 3005 displays an inapplicable image G1 on the customer display unit 306 (step S28).

[0162] The coupon application unit 3004 determines whether or not any coupon that cannot be used in combination is included among the one or more applicable coupons (step S29). If there is no coupon that cannot be used in combination (step S29; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S32.

[0163] If a coupon that cannot be used in combination is included (step S29; Yes), the display control unit 3005 displays a coupon that cannot be used in combination image G2 on the customer display unit 306 (step S30).

[0164] The display control unit 3005 displays the reprint selection image G3 on the customer display unit 306 (step S31).

[0165] The communication control unit 3006 sends product registration information containing information about the products registered by the product registration process, coupon application information containing information about the coupons to be applied to the transaction, and coupon reprint information containing information about the coupons to be reprinted to the accounting device 40a (step S32).

[0166] With the above, the merchandise registration device 30a ends the registration process.

[0167] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a payment process executed by the checkout device 40a according to the second embodiment.

[0168] The communication control unit 4001 receives the product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information from the product registration device 30a (step S41).

[0169] The accounting processing unit 4004 executes accounting processing to pay for the products registered by the product registration processing based on the product registration information and coupon application information (step S42). If a discount coupon is applied, the accounting processing unit 4004 executes accounting processing with the coupon applied.

[0170] The print control unit 4005 prints the printed matter R1 (step S43). That is, the print control unit 4005 reprints the coupons to be reprinted that are included in the coupon reprint information.

[0171] With this, the accounting device 40a completes the payment process.

[0172] As described above, the product registration device 30a according to the second embodiment acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon. If a coupon identified by the coupon code is not applied to a transaction, the product registration device 30a causes the printing unit 309 to print a printed matter R1 including the unused coupon. This reduces the burden of handling coupons.

[0173] (Variation 1) 15, the product registration device 30a executes the product registration process after acquiring a coupon code. However, the product registration device 30a may execute the product registration process after acquiring a coupon code. Furthermore, the product registration device 30a may execute the acquisition of a coupon code and the acquisition of a product code alternately.

[0174] (Variation 2) The product registration device 30a according to the second embodiment transmits product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information to the checkout device 40a. The product registration device 30a may transmit this information to the checkout device 40a via another device such as the management server 10.

[0175] For example, the product registration device 30a transmits information including a transaction code for identifying the transaction to the server device. The product registration device 30a also prints the transaction code for identifying the transaction. The customer inputs the printed transaction code into the checkout device 40a of their choice.

[0176] The checkout device 40a sends a request to another device to send information identified by the entered transaction code. The checkout device 40a then receives the product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information sent from the other device. In this way, the checkout device 40a may obtain the product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information.

[0177] (Variation 3) The product registration device 30a according to the second embodiment may include a collection device that retrieves coupons. The collection device may further include a scanner that reads coupons. The coupon acquisition unit 3002 may then acquire the coupon code from the scanner included in the collection device.

[0178] Here, the product registration device 30a reprints any unused coupons. Therefore, it is preferable to collect all coupons scanned by the product registration device 30a. By providing a collection device, the product registration device 30a can collect all scanned coupons.

[0179] (Variation 4) The product registration device 30a according to the second embodiment may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Specifically, the product registration device 30a may be a mobile terminal that reads product codes attached to products while a customer selects products at a sales floor. The product registration device 30a may also be a device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal that is installed in a shopping cart.

[0180] (Variation 5) The product registration device 30a according to the second embodiment includes, as functional units, an operation control unit 3001, a coupon acquisition unit 3002, a product registration unit 3003, a coupon application unit 3004, a display control unit 3005, and a communication control unit 3006. All or some of these functions may be provided by the management server 10, by another device, or by one or more devices in the cloud. In this case, the product registration device 30a provides each function to the operator by transmitting and receiving data to and receiving data from devices that have the functions.

[0181] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a semi-self-service system 2b in which a merchandise registration device 30b and a checkout device 40b are configured as separate units.

[0182] More specifically, the accounting device 40b controls the application of coupons and also prints coupons.

[0183] 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of each device of the semi-self-service system 2b according to the third embodiment. The processor 301 of the product registration device 30b loads the control program 321 stored in the storage unit 303 into the RAM 302 and operates in accordance with the control program 321 to generate each functional unit in the RAM 302. As a result, the processor 301 of the product registration device 30b includes, as functional units, an operation control unit 3001, a product registration unit 3003, a display control unit 3005, and a communication control unit 3006.

[0184] The operation control unit 3001 controls the operation unit 307 to accept various operations. The operation control unit 3001 also accepts an operation to press a button included in an image displayed on the clerk display unit 305 or the customer display unit 306.

[0185] The product registration unit 3003 has the same functions as the product registration unit 2003 according to the first embodiment. That is, the product registration unit 3003 executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold.

[0186] The display control unit 3005 has the same functions as the display control unit 2005 according to the first embodiment. That is, the display control unit 3005 displays various images on the store clerk display unit 305 or the customer display unit 306. For example, the display control unit 3005 displays a coupon guide image, a product registration guide image, a product registration image, an inapplicable image G1, an incompatible image G2, and a reprint selection image G3.

[0187] The communication control unit 3006 controls the communication unit 304 to communicate via the network 50. For example, the communication control unit 3006 communicates with the checkout device 40b. More specifically, the communication control unit 3006 sends product registration information to the checkout device 40b.

[0188] The processor 401 of the checkout device 40b loads the control program 421 stored in the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402, and operates in accordance with the control program 421 to create each functional unit in the RAM 402. As a result, the processor 401 of the checkout device 40b has the following functional units: a communications control unit 4001, an operation control unit 4002, a coupon acquisition unit 4006, a coupon application unit 4007, a display control unit 4003b, a checkout processing unit 4004b, and a print control unit 4005b.

[0189] The communication control unit 4001 controls the communication unit 404 to perform communication via the network 50. For example, the communication control unit 4001 performs communication with the product registration device 30b. The communication control unit 4001 receives product registration information from the product registration device 30b.

[0190] The operation control unit 4002 controls the operation unit 406 to accept various operations. The operation control unit 4002 also accepts an operation to press a button included in an image displayed on the display unit 405.

[0191] The coupon acquisition unit 4006 has the same function as the coupon acquisition unit 2002 according to the first embodiment. That is, the coupon acquisition unit 4006 acquires a coupon code.

[0192] The coupon application unit 4007 has the same function as the coupon application unit 2004 according to the first embodiment. That is, the coupon application unit 4007 applies a coupon corresponding to the coupon code acquired by the coupon acquisition unit 4006 to the transaction.

[0193] The display control unit 4003b has the same functions as the display control unit 2005 according to the first embodiment. That is, the display control unit 4003b displays various images on the display unit 405. For example, the display control unit 4003b displays a coupon guide image, an inapplicable image G1, an incompatible image G2, a reprint selection image G3, a checkout image, and a print notification image.

[0194] The accounting processor 4004b has the same functions as the accounting processor 2006 according to the first embodiment. That is, the accounting processor 4004b executes accounting processing to pay for the products registered by the product registration processing based on the product registration information.

[0195] The print control unit 4005b has the same functions as the print control unit 2007 according to the first embodiment. That is, the print control unit 4005b controls the print unit 410 to print the printed matter R1.

[0196] Next, the processing executed by each device of the semi-self-service system 2b will be described. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration processing executed by the merchandise registration device 30b according to the third embodiment.

[0197] The display control unit 3005 displays, on the customer display unit 306, a product registration guide image that prompts the customer to perform product registration processing to register the product to be sold (step S51).

[0198] The product registration unit 3003 executes a product registration process to register the product identified by the input product code (step S52).

[0199] The operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to end product code input has been accepted (step S53). For example, the operation control unit 3001 may determine that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "subtotal key" that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key. Alternatively, the operation control unit 3001 determines whether an operation to start checkout processing has been accepted. For example, the operation to end product code input may be determined that an operation to end product code input has been accepted by pressing a "start checkout" key that is displayed on the screen or that is provided on the keyboard as a hardware key.

[0200] If the operation to end the input of the product code has not been accepted (step S53; No), the product registration unit 3003 executes the product registration process in step S52.

[0201] If an operation to end the entry of the product code is accepted (Step S53; Yes), the communications control unit 3006 sends product registration information containing information about the products registered by the product registration process to the checkout device 40b (Step S54).

[0202] As described above, the merchandise registration device 30b executes the registration process.

[0203] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a payment process executed by the checkout device 40b according to the third embodiment.

[0204] The communication control unit 4001 receives the product registration information from the product registration device 30b (step S61).

[0205] The display control unit 4003b displays on the display unit 405 a coupon guide image that prompts the user to input a coupon code to specify a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S62).

[0206] The coupon acquisition unit 4006 acquires a coupon code for identifying a coupon to be applied to the transaction (step S63).

[0207] The operation control unit 4002 determines whether or not an operation to end the input of the coupon code has been accepted (step S64). In other words, the operation control unit 4002 determines whether or not an operation to start the product registration process has been accepted.

[0208] If the operation to end the input of the coupon code has not been accepted (step S64; No), the coupon acquisition unit 4006 acquires the coupon code in step S63.

[0209] If an operation to end coupon code input is received (step S64; Yes), the coupon application unit 4007 determines whether each coupon identified by one or more coupon codes acquired in step S63 includes a coupon that cannot be applied to the transaction (step S65).

[0210] If an inapplicable coupon is not included (step S65; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S67. If an inapplicable coupon is included (step S65; Yes), the display control unit 4003b displays an inapplicable image G1 on the display unit 405 (step S66).

[0211] The coupon application unit 4007 determines whether or not one or more applicable coupons include a coupon that cannot be used in combination (step S67). If there is no coupon that cannot be used in combination (step S67; No), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S70.

[0212] If a coupon that cannot be used in combination is included (step S67; Yes), the display control unit 4003b displays a coupon that cannot be used in combination image G2 on the display unit 405 (step S68).

[0213] The display control unit 4003b displays the reprint selection image G3 on the display unit 405 (step S69).

[0214] The transaction processing unit 4004b executes transaction processing to pay for the product registered by the product registration process based on the product registration information and coupon application information (step S70). If a discount coupon is applied, the transaction processing unit 4004b executes transaction processing with the coupon applied.

[0215] The print control unit 4005b prints the printed matter R1 (step S71). That is, the print control unit 4005b reprints the coupons to be reprinted that are included in the coupon reprint information.

[0216] With this, the accounting device 40b completes the payment process.

[0217] As described above, the checkout device 40b according to the third embodiment acquires coupon codes for identifying coupons. If a coupon identified by the coupon code is not applicable to a transaction, the checkout device 40b causes the printing unit 410 to print a printed matter R1 including the unused coupon. This reduces the burden on the checkout device 40b of handling coupons.

[0218] (Variation 1) According to the third embodiment, a checkout device 40b receives product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information from a product registration device 30b. The checkout device 40b may receive this information from the product registration device 30b via another device, such as the management server 10.

[0219] For example, the product registration device 30b transmits this information, including a transaction code for identifying the transaction, to the server device. The product registration device 30b also prints the transaction code for identifying the transaction. The customer inputs the printed transaction code into the checkout device 40b of their choice.

[0220] The checkout device 40b sends a request to send information identified by the entered transaction code to the other device. The checkout device 40b then receives the product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information sent from the other device. In this way, the checkout device 40b may obtain the product registration information, coupon application information, and coupon reprint information.

[0221] (Variation 2) The checkout device 40b according to the third embodiment may have a collection device that pulls in coupons. The collection device may also have a scanner that reads coupons. The coupon acquisition unit 4006 may then acquire the coupon code from the scanner of the collection device.

[0222] Here, the checkout device 40b reprints any unused coupons. Therefore, it is preferable to collect all coupons scanned by the checkout device 40b. By equipping the product registration device 30b with a collection device, all scanned coupons can be collected.

[0223] (Variation 3) The accounting device 40b according to the third embodiment includes, as functional units, a communications control unit 4001, an operation control unit 4002, a coupon acquisition unit 4006, a coupon application unit 4007, a display control unit 4003b, an accounting processing unit 4004b, and a printing control unit 4005b. All or some of these functions may be provided by the management server 10, by another device, or by one or more cloud-based devices. In this case, the accounting device 40b provides each function to the operator by sending and receiving data to and from devices that have the functions.

[0224] 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.

[0225] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments and modifications are provided by being pre-installed in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device, but this is not limited to this. For example, the programs may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes a storage medium that stores or temporarily stores a program downloaded via a LAN, the Internet, or the like.

[0226] In addition, the programs executed by each device in the above embodiments and variants may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0227] 1. Information Processing Systems 2, 2a, 2b Semi-self system 10 Management Server 20 POS terminals 30, 30a, 30b Product registration device 40, 40a, 40b Accounting device 112 Coupon Table 113 Customer Table 2001, 3001, 4002 Operation control section 2002, 3002, 4006 Coupon Acquisition Department 2003, 3003 Product Registration Department 2004, 3004, 4007 Coupon application section 2005, 3005, 4003, 4003b Display control unit 2006, 4004, 4004b Accounting Department 2007, 4005, 4005b Printing control unit 3006, 4001 Communication control unit G1 Inapplicable image G2 Cannot be used together with images G3 Reprint Selection Image R1 Printed material [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0228] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-132412

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires coupon identification information for identifying a coupon; a printing control unit that causes a printing unit to print an unused coupon that is not applicable to the transaction when the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is not applicable to the transaction; An information processing device comprising:

2. a display control unit that displays, on a display unit, an operation image for accepting an operation to reprint the coupon when the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is not applicable to the transaction; the print control unit causes the print unit to print the unused coupon when a reprint operation is accepted via the operation image. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the printing control unit causes the printing unit to print the unused coupons and the newly issued coupons in a distinguishable manner. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the print control unit causes the print unit to print a section notifying the user that the coupon is an unused coupon and a section notifying the user that the coupon is a newly issued coupon. The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. and an operation control unit that, when there is a coupon that cannot be used in combination and therefore cannot be applied to the transaction, accepts an operation to select a coupon to be applied to the transaction via the operation unit; the printing control unit causes the printing unit to print the unused coupons because they are not applied to the transaction; The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. To the computer an acquisition unit that acquires coupon identification information for identifying a coupon; a printing control unit that causes a printing unit to print an unused coupon that is not applicable to the transaction when the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the acquisition unit is not applicable to the transaction; A program to make it function as such.

Images