Commodity sales data processing apparatus and method

Abstract

To effectively improve the result of a store accompanied by the active use of an article recovery device.SOLUTION: A privilege management system includes: a collection-related information output unit configured to output collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection-related operation for collecting an article from an article collection apparatus; a transaction-related information output unit configured to output transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction related to accounting executed by a commodity sales data processing apparatus from the commodity sales data processing apparatus; and a privilege granting unit configured to grant a privilege to a customer indicated by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a benefit management system, a benefit management device, a product sales data processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] An empty container recovery device is known that realizes money return under a direct deposit system by returning money from a money return mechanism when it is determined that an empty container from a specific vendor has been deposited based on the barcode of the empty container (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-175789 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] With the empty container recovery device described above, users can use the empty container recovery device to receive cash on the spot as a deposit refund, which makes it possible to increase the use of the empty container recovery device itself. However, article recovery devices such as the empty container recovery device described above are generally installed on the premises of stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, etc. Stores that provide installation space for such article recovery devices hope to improve sales and other performance as a result of the synergistic effect of customers using the article recovery devices.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to effectively improve the performance of stores as the use of article recovery devices increases. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a reward management system that includes a collection-related information output means for outputting from the item collection device collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a collection response operation to have an item collected by the item collection device, a transaction-related information output means for outputting from the product sales data processing device transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is a reward management device that includes a collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a collection operation to have an item collected by an item collection device, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by a product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that includes: collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a collection operation to have an item collected by an item collection device and the operation time when the customer operated the item collection device; input means for inputting customer identification information that identifies a customer; and transaction-related processing means for executing processing related to a transaction corresponding to the customer identification information input by the input means, and a bonus granting means for granting a bonus to customers identified by the same customer identifier when the time from the operation time included in the collection-related information acquired by the collection-related information acquisition means to the transaction time corresponding to the processing related to the transaction executed by the transaction-related processing means is within a predetermined range.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer serving as a reward management device in a reward management system having an item recovery device and a product sales data processing device to function as a recovery-related information acquisition means for acquiring recovery-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a recovery operation to have an item recovered by the item recovery device, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the recovery-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an effect that the performance of a store can be effectively improved as the use of the article recovery device becomes more active. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a PET bottle collection system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a front view and a side view of a plastic bottle recovery device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of a collection history information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a plastic bottle recovery device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a store management server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a member information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction history information table in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS register according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a POS register according to a first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS register according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by the PET bottle collection system in the first embodiment in relation to adding points. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of point change information in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure executed by a store management server in the second embodiment in relation to adding points. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a point increase guide screen in a modified example of the present embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by the POS register of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a PET bottle collection system (an example of a reward management system) according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a plastic bottle recovery device 100 is installed for each of a plurality of stores ST. The plastic bottle recovery device 100 may be installed inside the building of the store ST, or may be installed in a location facing the outdoors, such as under the eaves, within the premises of the store ST.

[0013] The stores ST in the figure are, for example, affiliated stores in the same chain. As a specific example, the stores ST in the figure are convenience stores in the same chain.

[0014] The PET bottle recovery machine 100 functions as a collection facility for PET bottles as recyclable items. A customer C who visits a store ST inserts an empty PET bottle, for example, after drinking a beverage, into the PET bottle recovery machine 100. The PET bottle recovery machine 100 of this embodiment reduces the volume of the inserted PET bottle and then stores it.

[0015] The PET bottle collection machine 100 is also connected so as to be able to communicate with the collection management server 200, the store management server 500, and the like via the network NT. The PET bottle collection machine 100 may be configured to communicate with the network NT via, for example, a mobile phone communication network. This allows the PET bottle collection machine 100 to communicate wirelessly, eliminating the need to connect a network cable, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in installation, for example. Although the figure shows an example in which one PET bottle recovery device 100 is installed in one store ST, the number of PET bottle recovery devices 100 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

[0016] The collection management server 200 is a server that processes information related to the collection of PET bottles by the PET bottle collection device 100. The collection management server 200 is operated by a company that provides the PET bottle collection device 100, for example. Specifically, the collection management server 200 manages collection history information that indicates the history of PET bottle collection at the PET bottle collection device 100 of each store ST. Then, the collection management server 200 derives the performance (collection performance) of customer C regarding cooperation in collecting PET bottles using the PET bottle collection device 100, and notifies customer C of the derived collection performance. The collection performance is notified to customer C by displaying information related to the collection performance on customer C's customer terminal device 300.

[0017] The customer terminal device 300 is a terminal device owned by the customer C. The customer terminal device 300 may be, for example, a desktop or notebook personal computer, or may be a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone. The customer terminal device 300 can communicate with the collection management server 200 via the network NT.

[0018] Also, customer C in the figure is registered as a member of store ST. Customer C, who is a member of store ST, possesses a membership card CD. The card information recorded on the membership card CD includes a membership identifier. The membership identifier is also a card identifier assigned to be unique to each membership card CD. Since one membership card CD is provided for each customer C who is a member, the card identifier unique to each membership card CD is treated as a membership identifier that uniquely identifies customer C as a member who is the owner of the membership card CD.

[0019] The membership card CD can be used as a prepaid card when making payments at the store ST. The membership card CD can also be used as a points card. For example, when making payments at the store ST, a customer who is a member presents the membership card CD to the store clerk. When a store clerk operates the POS register 3 installed in the store ST to process the transaction according to the product purchased by the customer, the clerk reads the card information recorded on the member card CD using the card reader of the POS register 3.

[0020] The POS register 3 executes transaction processing including a product registration process for registering products purchased by a customer and a payment process according to the registered products. When the POS register 3 reads card information from the membership card CD during transaction processing, it can send the read card information to the store management server 500. As a result, the store management server 500 can perform processes such as payment from the prepaid balance, adding points according to the payment amount, converting points into the prepaid balance, and topping up the prepaid amount. Although the figure shows an example in which one POS register 3 is installed in one store ST, the number of POS registers 3 installed in one store ST is not particularly limited.

[0021] The store management server 500 (an example of a benefit management device) is a server that controls and manages the store ST. The store management server 500 is operated by the store ST. Specifically, the store management server 500 manages the prepaid balance, point balance (accumulated points), etc. for each member identifier. The store management server 500 may also manage information related to products for each store ST, for example.

[0022] Next, an outline of the operation of the PET bottle recovery device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2(A) is a front view of the PET bottle recovery device 100. Fig. 2(B) is a side view of the PET bottle recovery device 100.

[0023] In the PET bottle recovery device 100, in the standby state, the outer door of the article insertion section is in a closed state, and the inner door provided between the article insertion section and the storage section so as to be able to be opened and closed is also in a closed state. On the other hand, when collecting items, the PET bottle collection device 100 opens the outer door of the item insertion section and determines whether the item placed on the loading section of the item insertion section is collectable. That is, the PET bottle collection device 100 determines whether the inserted item is a plastic container such as a PET bottle, and whether the container is empty. If it is determined that the container is collectable, the outer door closes, the inner door provided between the item insertion section and the storage section opens, and the container is collected by the storage section. The PET bottle recovery device 100 of this embodiment is also equipped with a volume reduction mechanism. The PET bottle recovery device 100 reduces the volume of containers using the volume reduction mechanism, allowing it to recover a large number of reduced-volume empty containers in a recovery section with a specified capacity.

[0024] 2, the plastic bottle recovery device 100 has a container insertion section 110 provided at the top of the device main body 100B, and an outer door 111 provided outside the opening of the container insertion section 110. The device main body 100B has a touch panel display section 1400 and a card reader 1500 provided on the front side near the top of the outer door 111. In addition, a luggage hook 100f is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B. The container insertion section 110 is provided with various sensors for determining whether the inserted item is recoverable. Examples of sensors include an optical sensor, a metal sensor, a weighing scale, and an imaging device. The PET bottle recovery device 100 determines whether the inserted item is recoverable, for example, using the output of these sensors. If it is determined that the inserted item is recoverable, the inserted PET bottle is reduced in volume by a volume reduction mechanism and then stored. On the other hand, if it is determined that the inserted item is not recoverable, the inserted item is not reduced in volume and stored, and a notification is issued to the customer, prompting them to remove the inserted item from the container insertion section 110.

[0025] A passage 71 communicating with the container storage section 140 is provided below the container insertion section 110. An inner door 112 is provided at a position on the passage 71 that communicates from the placement section 116 of the container insertion section 110 to the container storage section 140.

[0026] The PET bottle recovery device 100 is also provided with a volume reduction section 120 (volume reduction mechanism) between the inner door 112 and the container storage section 140. When the inner door 112 is open, the volume reduction section 120 crushes and reduces the volume of the empty container A from the container input section 110, and outputs the reduced container RA to the container storage section 140 below. In addition, the main body 100B of the PET bottle recovery device 100 has a drawer 100C on which the container storage section 140 is placed, and a drawer handle 100e and a keyhole 100r are provided on the front side, so that the device can be locked and unlocked by inserting a key into the keyhole 100r.

[0027] In addition, a translucent section 100A (translucent window) is provided on the front side of the device main body 100B, specifically on the front side of the drawer 100C, so that the empty containers stored in the container storage section 140 can be seen from the outside.

[0028] A handle 100g for carrying the device is provided on the side of the device main body 100B.

[0029] In addition, the device main body 100B has a cap insertion section 108 on the front side, and a cap passage 72 is provided from the cap insertion section 108 downward within the device main body, and the cap inserted into the cap insertion section 108 is stored in the cap storage section 145 via the cap passage 72.

[0030] The PET bottle recovery machine 100 of this embodiment is also provided with a card reader 1500 that can read card information recorded on a membership card CD.

[0031] When a customer who is a member starts using the PET bottle recycling machine 100, the customer performs an operation to have the card reader 1500 read the customer's membership card CD. When the card reader 1500 reads the membership card CD, the operation of the PET bottle recycling machine 100 corresponding to one collection run is started. A collection run refers to having the PET bottle recycling machine 100 collect one or more PET bottles brought by the customer. In the case of a customer who does not have a membership card CD, one collection run may be started, for example, in response to an operation to instruct the touch panel display unit 1400 to start the run. In one collection operation, a customer puts one PET bottle into the container insertion section 110 of the PET bottle collection device 100, and when the put-in PET bottle is reduced in volume and stored, the customer puts in the next PET bottle, and in this manner, PET bottles are stored one by one in the PET bottle collection device 100. Then, when the customer has finished storing all of the PET bottles he or she brought this time in the PET bottle collection device 100, the customer may perform an operation to end the collection operation, for example, on the touch panel display unit 1400. This ends one collection operation.

[0032] In response to the completion of one collection operation as described above, the PET bottle collection device 100 generates collection history information that reflects the results of the collection operation, and transmits the generated collection history information to the collection management server 200. In other words, the collection history information is transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the collection management server 200 for each collection operation. The collection management server 200 stores the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100, for example, by storing it in a collection history information table.

[0033] Furthermore, the PET bottle recovery device 100 stores recovery history information generated each time a recovery operation is completed. As a result, the PET bottle recovery device 100 accumulates recovery history information each time a recovery operation is performed. Then, the PET bottle collection machine 100 may transmit collection history information accumulated since the previous transmission of collection history information to the store management server 500 at a predetermined timing. In other words, the collection history information may be transmitted from the PET bottle collection machine 100 to the store management server 500 at predetermined timings, rather than for each collection operation. The store management server 500 frequently communicates with, for example, the POS register 3 of the store ST, and therefore the communication load may become heavy depending on the time of day and situation. Therefore, the collection history information may be transmitted from the PET bottle collection machine 100 to the store management server 500 at a timing, for example, when the amount of communication with the POS register 3 is relatively low, thereby leveling out the communication load on the store management server 500. Alternatively, the collection history information may be transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 to the store management server 500 for each collection operation. In this case, the PET bottle collection device 100 can acquire the collection history information each time a collection operation is performed. In other words, in this case, the real-time nature of the collection history information acquisition by the PET bottle collection device 100 can be improved.

[0034] 3 shows an example of the contents of the collection history information table. One record (one row) in the collection history information table in the figure is collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to one collection operation. One collection history information includes fields for a device identifier, a store identifier, a member identifier, collection date and time, the number of collected items (an example of the quantity of collected items), and the weight of collected items (an example of the quantity of collected items).

[0035] The area for the device identifier stores a device identifier that uniquely identifies the plastic bottle recovery device 100 that is the sender of the recovery history information. The device identifier is information stored in the plastic bottle recovery device 100.

[0036] The store identifier field stores a store identifier that uniquely identifies the store ST where the PET bottle recovery device 100 that transmitted the recovery history information is installed. The device identifier is information stored in the PET bottle recovery device 100. For example, when a store ST where the PET bottle recovery device 100 should be installed is determined, the store identifier that identifies the store ST where the device will be installed is written to the PET bottle recovery device 100.

[0037] The member identifier field stores the member identifier included in the card information read from the member card CD by the PET bottle recycling device 100 that sent the collection history information using a card reader when the corresponding collection operation starts. In addition, in the case of collection history information corresponding to collection operations performed by customers who are not members, the member identifier field may store, for example, a predetermined value (null value) indicating that a significant value as a member identifier has not been stored.

[0038] The collection date and time (an example of an operation time) field stores the collection date and time, which is the date and time when the corresponding collection operation was performed. The collection date and time may be, for example, the time when the collection operation started or the time when the collection operation ended. Alternatively, the collection date and time may include both the time when the collection operation started and the time when it ended. The collection date and time may be set, for example, by the PET bottle collection device 100, and then included in the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, for example, the collection management server 200 may set the date and time corresponding to the receipt of the collection history information as the collection date and time. When the collection management server 200 sets the collection date and time in this way, the collection history information transmitted by the PET bottle collection device 100 does not need to include the collection date and time.

[0039] The field for the number of collected bottles stores the number of PET bottles (collected bottle count) collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The number of collected bottles is obtained by counting the number of PET bottles that have been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation. The collected weight field stores the total weight (collected weight) of the PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the corresponding collection operation. The collected weight is obtained by measuring the weight of each PET bottle that has been reduced in volume and stored by the PET bottle collection device 100 during the collection operation, and accumulating the measured weights.

[0040] Similarly to the collection management server 200, the store management server 500 may also store the collection history information received from each PET bottle collection device 100 using the collection history information table structure shown in the figure.

[0041] Returning to Fig. 1 for the explanation, the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment provides a service (point addition service) in which points are added to a member card when a member customer C uses the PET bottle collection machine 100, with the intention of providing a special benefit for helping to collect PET bottles. Such a point addition service for use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 is realized by a store management server 500 having a function for managing points. As a points-adding service, the store management server 500 executes the following process for each member. The store management server 500 uses the collection history information for each member transmitted from each PET bottle collection device 100 among the collection history information stored by the store management server 500 to add a predetermined number of points each time a predetermined number of PET bottles are collected by the member (for example, adding one point for every three PET bottles). Note that when one point is added for every three collected PET bottles, if, for example, four or five PET bottles are collected, one or two PET bottles will be left over for point addition. To handle such cases, the collection management server 200 may store the number of surplus collected bottles, and then, the next time PET bottles are collected, add the number of collected bottles to the stored number and add the points. In this way, points are added to the member card CD according to the use of the PET bottle recovery device 100 by the member customer C, which provides practical benefits to the member customer C, thereby encouraging more customers to use (recover) the PET bottle recovery device 100.

[0042] 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of the PET bottle recycling device 100 of this embodiment. The PET bottle recycling device 100 in the figure includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1100, a storage unit 1200, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1300, a touch panel display unit 1400, a card reader 1500, a communication unit 1600, and a collection mechanism unit 1700. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0043] The CPU 1100 executes a program to perform various processes in the plastic bottle recovery device 100. Various functions of the plastic bottle recovery device 100 are realized by the processes of the CPU 1100.

[0044] The storage unit 1200 is an auxiliary storage device that stores various data used by the CPU 1100. The storage unit 1200 stores, for example, programs to be executed by the CPU 1100, image data to be displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400, and the like.

[0045] The RAM 1300 is a main storage device in which programs and data read from the storage unit 1200 are developed.

[0046] 2, touch panel display unit 1400 is provided with a display surface exposed on device main body 100B. Touch panel display unit 1400 displays images under the control of CPU 1100. Touch panel display unit 1400 accepts operations performed on the display surface by an operating object such as a finger.

[0047] The card reader 1500 is provided in the device main body 100B as shown in Fig. 2. The card reader 1500 communicates with a member card CD within its communication range using, for example, a predetermined contactless communication method, and reads member information from the member card CD of the communication destination.

[0048] The communication unit 1600 performs communication via the network NT. As described above, the communication unit 1600 of this embodiment performs communication so as to be connected to the network NT wirelessly.

[0049] The recovery mechanism 1700 is a mechanism that performs operations related to reducing the volume of PET bottles, storing them, and the like as part of PET bottle recovery, under the control of the CPU 1100. Corresponding to Fig. 2, the recovery mechanism 1700 includes a container insertion section 110, an outer door 111, an inner door 112, a volume reduction section 120, a container storage section 140, and the like.

[0050] An example of the configuration of the store management server 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The store management server 500 in Fig. 5 comprises a communication unit 501, a control unit 502, and a storage unit 503.

[0051] A communication unit 501 performs communication via a network NT. The control unit 502 executes various controls in the store management server 500. The functions of the control unit 502 are realized by the CPU included in the store management server 500 executing a program.

[0052] The memory unit 503 stores various information used by the control unit 502. The memory unit 503 in the same figure includes a member information table memory unit 531, a collection history information table memory unit 532, a transaction history information table memory unit 533, and a point change information memory unit 534.

[0053] The member information table storage unit 531 stores a member information table. The member information table stores one or more pieces of member information. One piece of member information is information registered about one customer who is a member who uses a store.

[0054] An example of a member information table is shown in Figure 6. One record (one row) in the member information table in the figure is member information corresponding to one customer. The member information corresponding to a customer as one member includes fields for a member identifier (an example of customer identification information), member registration information, and point history information. The member identifier field stores a member identifier that uniquely identifies the corresponding member. The member registration information area stores information registered at the time of member registration (member registration information). The member registration information may include, for example, the name, address, telephone number, age (or generation), gender, occupation, etc. of the customer as a member. The point history information indicates the history of points of the corresponding member, and may include information such as points added, points used, and accumulated points (point balance).

[0055] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. The collection history information table storage unit 532 stores a collection history information table. The collection history information table stores one or more collection history information. One collection history information indicates the history of collection of PET bottles in one collection operation. The collection history table may have a structure similar to that shown in FIG. 3, for example.

[0056] The transaction history information table storage unit 533 stores a transaction history information table. The transaction history information table stores one or more pieces of transaction history information. One piece of transaction history information indicates the history of a transaction performed in response to one transaction.

[0057] An example of a transaction history information table is shown in Figure 7. Each row in the transaction history information table in the figure is transaction history information corresponding to one transaction. The transaction history information corresponding to one transaction includes fields for the member identifier, store identifier, transaction date and time, and transaction information. The member identifier field stores the member identifier that identifies the member who is the party to the transaction. In other words, the member identifier field stores the member identifier included in the member information read from the member card CD by the POS register 3 during the accounting process of the transaction. The store identifier field stores the store identifier that indicates the store ST where the POS register 3 that executed the transaction process for the transaction is located. The transaction date and time (an example of transaction time) field stores the date and time when the transaction process corresponding to the transaction was performed (transaction date and time). The transaction date and time may be the date and time when the transaction process started or ended. Alternatively, the transaction date and time may be the timing when a specific process was performed or a specific operation was performed between the start and end of the transaction process. The transaction information field stores transaction information that indicates the details of the transaction. Transaction information includes, for example, information indicating the results of the product registration process (e.g., product information for each registered product (product code, price, etc.), total amount, etc.), and information indicating the results of the settlement process (e.g., payment type, and in the case of cash payment, information such as deposit and change).

[0058] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. The point change information storage unit 534 stores point change information. In this embodiment, the point change information indicates a value of one predetermined rate of change (rate of increase), for example.

[0059] Next, an example of the configuration of the POS register 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 show examples of the appearance of a POS register. Fig. 8(A) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 and other components as seen from the customer side. Fig. 8(B) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 and other components as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 8(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 9(A) is a front view of the POS register 3 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 9(B) is a perspective view of the POS register 3 as seen from the front from the store clerk side. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS register 3. In Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0060] An example of the configuration of the POS register 3 shown in Fig. 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. The POS register 3 includes a CPU 3001, a ROM 3002, a RAM 3003, a hard disk 3004, a customer display unit 3005, a customer scanner unit 3006, a card payment unit 3008, a change dispenser 3009, a store clerk display unit 3010, a key operation unit 3011, a store clerk scanner unit 3012, a printing unit 3013, an audio output unit 3014, and a communication unit 3015. These units can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0061] The CPU 3001 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the POS register 3 by reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 3002 . The ROM 3002 is a read-only memory that stores various types of information used by the CPU 3001, including programs.

[0062] The RAM 3003 is a read / write memory that stores various information. For example, the RAM 3003 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., information acquired from the store management server 500, the collection management server 200, the customer terminal device 300, etc.) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during the registration process, settlement information generated during the settlement process, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0063] The hard disk 3004 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 3004 may store programs executed by the CPU 3001 instead of the ROM 3002. Furthermore, instead of the RAM 3003, the hard disk 3004 may store information acquired from the outside or information generated during processing.

[0064] The customer-side display unit 3005 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 3006 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0065] Although the customer-side scanner unit 3006 is used when a customer registers an item, the customer may register the item by other methods. For example, if an order button for the item is displayed on the customer-side display unit 3005, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the item.

[0066] The card payment unit 3008 is a payment mechanism that accepts various cards (credit cards, transportation cards, etc.). The card payment unit 3008 of this embodiment includes a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient if it includes at least a card recognition unit. For example, the card reader of the card payment unit 3008 may be capable of reading cards such as membership cards and point cards. Alternatively, the POS register 3 may be provided with a card reader that can read cards such as membership cards and point cards, separate from the card payment unit 3008.

[0067] The change dispenser 3009 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins, calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0068] The store clerk's display unit 3010 is a touch display for the store clerk, and displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 3011 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 3012 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads, for example, barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0069] Although the clerk-side scanner unit 3012 is used by the clerk when registering a product, the clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (such as a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) is arranged on the key operation unit 3011, the clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the clerk-side display unit 3010, the clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0070] The printing unit 3013 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. The printing unit 3013 is a single printing unit that can be rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side, or from the customer side to the store clerk side (the direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0071] The audio output unit 3014 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 3014 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 3015 communicates with other devices connected to the network within the same store ST, and with other devices connected to the network NT.

[0072] The POS register 3 configured as described above can be switched between a first accounting mode in which the store clerk performs product registration operations and operations corresponding to settlement, a second accounting mode in which the store clerk performs product registration operations and the customer performs operations corresponding to settlement, and a third accounting mode in which the customer performs product registration operations and operations corresponding to settlement.

[0073] In the PET bottle collection system configured as described above, the store ST provides a service in which points are added to the membership card CD in response to shopping by customers as members. In addition, in order to promote the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100, a service is provided in which points are added to the membership card CD when members cooperate in collecting PET bottles by using the PET bottle collection machine 100. However, in the above-described point accumulation system, points are accumulated separately for shopping at the store ST and for using the PET bottle recovery machine 100. In this case, it is also possible to accumulate points simply by using the PET bottle recovery machine 100 without making any purchases at the store ST. For this reason, even if a PET bottle recovery machine 100 is installed in the store ST, it has not necessarily been able to be said to have an effective synergistic effect in increasing the sales of the store ST. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a member who has used the PET bottle collection machine 100 also makes a purchase at the store ST, point management is performed so that the points added in accordance with the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 increase by a certain amount. This motivates members who have used the PET bottle collection machine 100 to make purchases at the store ST, and the installation of the PET bottle collection machine 100 effectively contributes to improving sales at the store ST.

[0074] Referring to the flowchart of Figure 11, we will explain an example of the processing procedure performed by the PET bottle collection device 100, POS register 3, and store management server 500 of the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment regarding point management (in this case, point addition) of the membership card CD. First, an example of the processing procedure of the PET bottle recovery device 100 will be described. Step S101: The PET bottle recycling device 100 waits for a recycling operation instruction operation to be performed. The recycling operation instruction operation is, for example, an operation in which a member causes the card reader 1500 to read the member identifier recorded on the member card CD when starting the recycling operation.

[0075] Step S102: In response to the collection operation instruction operation being performed, the plastic bottle collection machine 100 acquires the member identifier read by the card reader 1500 from the member card CD. Step S103: The PET bottle recovery device 100 also opens the outer door 111 and starts the operation corresponding to the current recovery operation.

[0076] Step S104: The PET bottle recovery device 100 waits for the operation corresponding to the recovery operation started in step S103 to be completed. For example, when the customer has stored all of the PET bottles he or she brought into the PET bottle recovery device 100, the customer operates the end button displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400 in accordance with the guidance shown on the subsequent guidance screen displayed on the touch panel display unit 1400. In response to the operation of the end button, the operation corresponding to the one recovery operation that has been performed up to that point is completed.

[0077] Step S105: The PET bottle collection device 100 may transmit collection history information, including the member identifier acquired from the card information acquired in step S102, to the collection management server 200. As described above, the collection history information contains content that reflects the results of the collection operation, and includes information such as the device identifier, store identifier, collection date and time, number of bottles collected, and collected weight in addition to the member identifier.

[0078] Next, an example of the processing procedure of the POS register 3 will be described. Step S201: The POS register 3 starts transaction processing in response to the first operation for a transaction being performed by a store clerk. Specifically, the POS register 3 executes transaction processing in response to the operation for registering the first product. Note that the product in this embodiment is not limited to tangible goods, but may also be an intangible service or the like. Step S202: From the start of the transaction process until the end of the transaction process, the POS register 3 is ready to accept the reading of the membership card CD by the card reader. Then, in response to the member card CD being read by the card reader, the POS register 3 acquires the member identifier in response to the member card CD being read by the card reader. Step S203: In response to an operation by the store clerk corresponding to the end of the transaction, the POS register 3 ends the transaction that was started in step S201. Step S204: The POS register 3 generates transaction history information that reflects the results of this transaction. When generating the transaction history information, the POS register 3 includes the date and time of a specific timing between the start and end of the transaction as the transaction date and time in the transaction history information.

[0079] Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the store management server 500 will be described. Step S301: The store management server 500 determines whether or not collection history information transmitted from the PET bottle collection machine 100 has been received. Step S302: When the collection history information is received, the store management server 500 stores the received collection history information in the collection history information table stored in the collection history information table storage unit 532. Step S303: The store management server 500 also adds points corresponding to the current collection operation (adding points for collection) to the member identified by the member identifier stored in the collection history information stored in step S302. In this case, the store management server 500 updates the accumulated points of the member information storing the same member identifier as the collection history information stored in step S302 by increasing the accumulated points by the current added points.

[0080] Step S304: After processing step S303, or if it is determined in step S301 that collection history information has not been received, the store management server 500 determines whether transaction history information transmitted from the POS register 3 has been received. If it is determined that the transaction history information has not been received, the process returns to step S301.

[0081] Step S305: When the transaction history information is received, the store management server 500 stores the received transaction history information in the transaction history information table in the transaction history information table storage unit 533. Step S306: The store management server 500 also adds points associated with the current transaction to the member identified by the member identifier stored in the transaction history information stored in step S305 (transaction-related point addition). The number of points added in step S306 may be determined, for example, according to the amount paid by the customer. In this case, the store management server 500 also updates the accumulated points of the member information that stores the same member identifier as the transaction history information stored in step S305, increasing the accumulated points by the current added points.

[0082] Step S307: The store management server 500 also determines whether the customer corresponding to the transaction history information received in step S304 has used the PET bottle recycling device 100 of the same store ST within a certain period of time from the time the transaction was completed. For this purpose, the store management server 500 stores the same member identifier and store identifier as the received transaction history information, and searches the collection history information table for collection history information that meets the search criteria (which are also the conditions for granting a bonus) that the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time stored in the received transaction history information is within a predetermined range. Note that if multiple collection history information that meets the search criteria is found because a member has made multiple purchases, the collection history information with the oldest transaction date and time can be used as the search result. If no collection history information that satisfies the above search conditions is found, it means that the customer corresponding to the received transaction history information has not used the PET bottle collection device 100 within a certain period of time from the present time. In this case, the process returns to step S301.

[0083] Step S308: On the other hand, if collection history information that satisfies the above search conditions is found, the number of collection-related added points generated in step S303 corresponding to the searched collection history information is changed (increased) by the value of the change rate indicated by the point change information. In other words, the number of points to be added to the cumulative points for the corresponding member in accordance with their use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 is increased. As a specific example, if the number of collection-related added points generated in step S303 in accordance with the member's previous use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 is "5" and the point change rate is 120%, the number of collection-related added points is changed to increase to "6 (= 5 × 1.2)". After the process of step S308, the process returns to step S301.

[0084] In addition, the processing related to point allocation such as steps S303, S306, S308, etc. may be performed as a batch process at a predetermined time or other timing, based on collection history information and transaction history information stored within a certain period of time in the past.

[0085] According to the process shown in the figure, at a certain store ST, a member can enjoy a service in which points are added to his / her membership card by first having the PET bottle collection machine 100 collect a PET bottle. This stimulates the collection of PET bottles by members using the PET bottle collection machine 100. In addition, if the member makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle collection device 100, the number of points added in accordance with the number of collected PET bottles will be increased. This makes it easier for customers as members to be motivated to do some shopping while they are at the store ST to have their PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection machine 100. This increases the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100, and effectively improves sales and other performance at the store.

[0086] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, if shopping was done at the same store within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle recovery device 100, the number of points earned through use of the PET bottle recovery device 100 was increased at a uniform rate. In contrast, in this embodiment, the rate of change in the number of added points is changed depending on the time between when the member uses the plastic bottle collection machine 100 and when they shop. In this embodiment, the shorter the time between when the member uses the plastic bottle collection machine 100 and when they shop, the higher the rate of change. This will encourage customers who wish to shop after using the plastic bottle collection machine 100 to try to do so as quickly as possible after using the plastic bottle collection machine 100, further strengthening their motivation to shop.

[0087] FIG. 12 shows an example of point change information stored in the point change information storage unit 534 of this embodiment. The point change information in the figure has a structure in which the rate of change in the number of added points is associated with each predetermined time difference interval. The time difference corresponding to the time difference interval here is the time difference between the time when a customer as a member uses the PET bottle recycling machine 100 at the same store ST (collection date and time) and the time when the customer makes a purchase thereafter (transaction date and time). As the time difference intervals in the figure, a plurality of predetermined time ranges are defined, each of which is a different time interval over time. The time difference and rate of change shown in the figure are merely examples and may be changed as appropriate. Note that the four time difference intervals shown in the figure are set to be consecutive over time, but two time difference intervals that are temporally adjacent to each other may also be set to be discontinuous over time.

[0088] An example of a processing procedure executed by the store management server 500 in the PET bottle collection system of this embodiment for point management (in this case, point addition) of the membership card CD will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 13. Note that the processing executed by the PET bottle collection device 100 and the POS register 3 in relation to point management may be the same as that shown in Fig. 11.

[0089] In the figure, the processes in steps S401 to S406 are the same as those in steps S301 to S306 in FIG. Step S407: Similar to step S307 in FIG. 11, the store management server 500 determines whether the customer corresponding to the transaction history information received in step S404 has used the PET bottle recycling device 100 of the same store ST within a certain period of time from the time the transaction was completed. To do this, the store management server 500 searches the collection history information table for collection history information that meets the same search criteria as in step S307 of Figure 11. However, in step S407, the store management server 500 sets the "predetermined range" in the search criteria "the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time stored in the received transaction history information is within a predetermined range" based on the longest time difference specified in the point change information.

[0090] Step S408: If collection history information that meets the search criteria is found in step S407, the store management server 500 obtains the rate of change in points according to the current time difference from the point change information. Step S409: The store management server 500 changes (increases) the number of points added for collection generated in step S403 in accordance with the retrieved collection history information by the value of the change rate acquired in step S408. After the process of step S409, the process returns to step S401.

[0091] <Modification> Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described.

[0092] [First Modification] In the second embodiment, if a member makes a purchase within a certain time period after using the PET bottle collection device 100, the rate at which the added points are changed is changed depending on the time difference between the collection date and time and the transaction date and time. In this modified example, the rate at which points are added may be changed depending on the amount paid by the member for shopping (total amount of merchandise). Such a change in the rate depending on the amount may be used in combination with the change in the rate depending on the time difference described above. Alternatively, the rate of change in the number of added points may be changed according to the number of products purchased by the member.

[0093] [Second Modification] In this modified example, the store management server 500 may change the rate at which the added points are increased depending on the number of PET bottles (number of collected bottles) collected by the PET bottle recycling machine 100. This change in the rate depending on the number of collected bottles may be used in combination with the change in the rate depending on the time difference described above. In this case, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the number of added points based on the number of bottles (or the weight of bottles) collected by the member when using (collecting) the PET bottle recycling machine 100 in response to the change in the current number of added points. Alternatively, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the number of added points based on the cumulative number of bottles collected in response to the member's previous use of the PET bottle recycling machine 100. Furthermore, the store management server 500 may change the rate of change in the number of added points based on the member's rank set by the collection management server 200 or the store management server 500 based on the cumulative number of times used so far, the condition of the collected items detected by the PET bottle recycling machine 100, the customer's history of use of the store, etc. Furthermore, the weather on the day or time period when the member uses the PET bottle collection device 100 may be one of the factors that change the rate of change in the number of added points. For example, if the weather on the day or time period when the member uses the PET bottle collection device 100 is rainy, snowy, or other weather that tends to discourage people from going outside, the rate of change in the number of added points can be changed to be higher. The weather on the day or time period when the PET bottle collection device 100 was used can be determined by, for example, obtaining a record of the weather at the date and time indicated by the collection date and time (FIG. 3) stored in the collection history information from an external server that provides weather information. The age of the member using the PET bottle recycling machine 100 may be one of the factors that affect the rate of change in the number of added points. For example, the rate of change in the number of added points may be set to gradually increase with increasing age category, such as under 60, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 or older. While the above example illustrates a service for the elderly, the age group that affects the rate of change in the number of added points is not particularly limited. For example, age categories such as elementary school and junior high school students may also be used. In this case, age verification can be performed by referencing the registered age, if the age is registered in the member information. Alternatively, the PET bottle recycling machine 100 may read an IC card or other form of identification. Examples of IC cards that can be used as identification include My Number cards, driver's licenses, and IC card-type commuter passes. If an IC card-type commuter pass is eligible for a student discount or a monitoring service that notifies parents when a member passes through a designated station, such a function may be used to verify the age category. Alternatively, the card may be an IC card used exclusively for monitoring services for children or the elderly. Age verification may be performed using facial recognition.

[0094] [Third Modification] In each of the above embodiments, if a member makes a purchase within a certain time after using the PET bottle collection device 100, the number of points added for collection and the number of points added for transactions are changed so that the number of points added for collection is increased. However, the number of points added for transactions may be changed instead of the number of points added for collection, depending on whether the member has made a purchase within a certain time period after using the PET bottle collection device 100. Alternatively, both the number of points added for collection and the number of points added for transactions may be changed. Furthermore, for example, a member customer may be able to select whether the number of points added for collection or the number of points added for transactions will be subject to change when registering member information, etc.

[0095] [Fourth Modification] In each of the above embodiments, if a member makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle recovery device 100, the number of points added is increased. However, points may be managed so that the number of added points is increased even if the member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 within a certain time period after shopping at the store ST.

[0096] [Fifth Modification] The PET bottle collection device 100 may be configured to display or otherwise notify the member at a predetermined timing while performing collection operations in response to the member's operation that the number of points to be added will increase if the member makes a purchase within a certain period of time. Furthermore, as in the fourth modified example, if the number of added points is also set to be increased when the member uses the plastic bottle recycling machine 100 within a certain time period after shopping at the store ST, a notice may also be given to the member at the POS register 3. In this case, at a predetermined timing while the POS register 3 is processing the transaction, a notice may be given to the member by display or the like informing him or her that the number of added points will be increased if the member uses the plastic bottle recycling machine 100 within a certain time period. At this time, together with the notice that the number of added points will be increased, an image (which may be a still image or a video) explaining how to operate the plastic bottle recycling machine 100 may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 3005 of the POS register 3.

[0097] [Sixth Modification] In the above embodiments, the number of added points is changed based on the rate of change. However, the store management server 500 may change (increase) the number of added points based on a predetermined number of points, rather than the rate of change.

[0098] [Seventh Modification] In each of the above embodiments, the number of added points is changed depending on whether the member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 and makes a purchase at the same store ST within a certain period of time. However, for example, if they are the same affiliated stores, the number of added points may be changeable even if the store ST where the member used the PET bottle recovery device 100 is different from the store ST where the member made a purchase. Furthermore, for example, as long as the store ST is within a certain area, the number of added points may be changeable even if the store ST where the member used the PET bottle recovery device 100 is different from the store ST where the member made a purchase.

[0099] [Eighth Modification] In addition, when the number of added points is changed in response to a member using the PET bottle recovery device 100 and shopping at the same store ST within a certain period of time, the changed number of added points may be made different depending on the details of the products purchased. As an example, if a bottled drink is included in the purchased items, the number of added points to be changed may be greater than if a bottled drink is not included, for example by applying a higher change rate.

[0100] [Ninth Variation] In addition, in cases where code information is provided on the container body, such as a PET bottle, by printing or the like, or in cases where a container collection device designed to collect empty cans or the like is used, the device may be configured as follows. That is, the container collection device is configured to be able to read code information attached to containers such as PET bottles and empty cans to be collected. Furthermore, each manufacturer of PET bottled beverages sets its own unique point change information. In this embodiment, the store management server 500 identifies the manufacturer of the collected PET bottles indicated in the collection history information when changing the number of added points. The store management server 500 may change the number of added points based on the change rate, change point number, etc. set by referring to the point change information corresponding to the identified manufacturer. Furthermore, the above manufacturers may include, for example, private brands developed by major supermarket or convenience store operating companies. For example, when a container of a product designated as a private brand corresponding to the supermarket or convenience store where the container collection device is installed is collected by the container collection device, the change rate, change point number, etc. may be higher than those for products other than the private brand.

[0101] [Tenth Modification] The benefit given to a member when the member uses the plastic bottle recovery machine 100 and makes a purchase at the same store ST within a certain period of time is not limited to a change (increase) in the number of added points. Such a benefit may be, for example, the issuance of a coupon for a discount (including a discount). In this case, the coupon may be issued by the POS register 3 or the PET bottle collection device 100 in response to the member's shopping or use of the PET bottle collection device 100 within a certain period of time, thereby fulfilling the conditions for granting the benefit. Alternatively, the coupon may be an electronic coupon that is issued so as to be presentable by, for example, an application for members installed in the customer terminal device 300. Furthermore, for customers who have not used a container collection device for a certain period of time or longer, a member-only application may be used to deliver guidance and coupon information encouraging them to use the container collection device (and the store).

[0102] [Eleventh Modification] When the POS register 3 is operating in a checkout mode involving a store clerk, such as the first checkout mode or the second checkout mode, the POS register 3 may display the record of use of the PET bottle recycling machine 100 to the store clerk during the checkout process based on the collection history information for the member indicated by the member identifier read from the membership card CD. In this case, the number of times that a special benefit has been granted in relation to the number of times the PET bottle recycling machine 100 has been used may be displayed. Alternatively, a message may be displayed to the store clerk encouraging the clerk to encourage the use of the PET bottle recycling machine 100 to customers. By viewing such a display, for example, a store clerk can provide appropriate guidance that will increase the number of benefits given to the member based on their performance. Furthermore, when a store clerk provides guidance to a member, the clerk will speak to the member, which also leads to more active communication between the member and the clerk. Furthermore, in consideration of effectively promoting more active communication, in the first or second transaction mode, the usage record of the PET bottle collection machine 100 and a message encouraging the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100 may be displayed on the store clerk display unit 3010, but not on the customer display unit 3005. On the other hand, when the device is operating in the third transaction mode and only the customer operates it without the intervention of a store clerk, the device may be configured to output to the customer information about the usage history of the plastic bottle recycling device 100 and messages recommending the use of the plastic bottle recycling device 100. In this case, the output of the history and messages may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 3005 or may be output by voice.

[0103] [12th Modification] The article recovery device in this embodiment is not limited to a PET bottle recovery device that recovers PET bottles. The article recovery device in this embodiment may be, for example, a device that recovers empty cans as described in the ninth modification, a device that recovers plastic waste, or a device that recovers food trays to be recycled. For example, in a device that recovers plastic waste, the quantity of recovered articles may be measured by weight instead of the number of articles. Furthermore, the device used to change the number of added points and installed in the store may be other than an item collection device. For example, such devices may include vending machines, home delivery collection boxes, water purifiers, mineral water dispensers, and ice or dry ice dispensers. In addition, at dry cleaning stores, the number of added points may be changed depending on the customer's use of a locker for collecting or returning dry cleaning items. Furthermore, the device used to change the number of added points and installed in the store may be an ATM machine, etc.

[0104] [Example of guide image] As explained in the fifth modified example, in this embodiment, the PET bottle recovery machine 100 or the POS register 3 may provide a notice that the number of added points will increase (point increase notice). FIG. 14 shows an example of a point increase notification screen displayed on the PET bottle recovery device 100 for point increase notification. The point increase information screen in the same figure corresponds to the case where, under the third variant, if a customer makes a purchase within a certain period of time after using the PET bottle recycling device 100, the number of points added for the transaction is increased. In addition, the point increase information screen in the same figure corresponds to the case where the rate of change in added points is changed to be higher when the products purchased under the eighth variant include a bottled drink.

[0105] The point increase information screen in the same figure displays a message informing the customer that the number of points added for collection will be 3 points, based on the number of PET bottles (9 bottles) collected using the PET bottle collection device 100 this time. Furthermore, the point increase information screen in the same figure informs the customer that if they shop at the store within a certain time (for example, one hour) from now, the number of points added for the transaction will increase by 1.2 times, and if they include a bottled drink in the items they purchase, the number of points added for the transaction will increase by 1.5 times, and displays a message encouraging the customer to shop at the store ST.

[0106] Furthermore, if the rate of change in points added is changed in response to the use of the PET bottle recycling machine 100 after shopping at the store ST, the customer-side display unit 3005 of the POS register 3 may display a point increase information screen such as the following. In other words, if the PET bottle recycling machine is used after the current shopping trip, a point increase information screen may be displayed that informs the customer of the results of the change in the point allocation rate relative to the points earned at the time of the current shopping trip. A message requesting the customer to use the PET bottle recycling machine 100 the next time they visit the store may also be displayed. Furthermore, for example, the store management server 500 may determine products to recommend to the customer based on the products purchased in the current shopping trip and the purchase history of the corresponding customer, and the POS register 3 may display a guide image suggesting the determined products on the customer-side display unit 3005.

[0107] [Example of a receipt issued by the POS register of this embodiment] FIG. 15 shows an example of a receipt issued by the POS register 3 of this embodiment. The receipt in the figure includes the transaction result for the purchased items as well as information regarding the number of points to be added for the transaction. The information regarding the number of added points is printed as "PET recycling privilege (1.5: A rank)." This printed information regarding the number of added points indicates that the number of added points has increased by 1.5 times the normal amount in response to using the PET bottle recycling device 100 within a certain period of time prior to this transaction. Furthermore, the printed content of "A rank" indicates that the member's rank, as explained in the second modified example, is a factor that changes the rate at which the number of added points increases. Furthermore, for customers (members) who did not use the PET bottle collection machine 100, a guide encouraging them to use the PET bottle collection machine 100, an explanation of how the point award rate will increase if they use the PET bottle collection machine 100, etc. may be printed on the receipt. Also, information (for example, a specific search term, etc.) that directs customers to a site where such guidance or explanations are provided, or a symbol code of the site's URL (Uniform Resource Locator), etc. may be printed on the receipt.

[0108] <Summary of the embodiment> (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a reward management system that includes a collection-related information output means that outputs collection-related information from an item collection device (e.g., a PET bottle collection device 100) including customer identification information (e.g., a member identifier) ​​that indicates a customer who performed a collection operation to have an item collected by the item collection device; a transaction-related information output means that outputs transaction-related information from the product sales data processing device including customer identification information that indicates a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by a product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS register 3); and a reward granting means that, when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information, grants a reward to the customer identified by the matching customer identification information. According to the above configuration, when the same customer as a member uses the PET bottle collection machine 100 and makes a purchase at the store, a benefit is given to the member (for example, an increase in the number of added points), provided that a transaction related to the transaction is executed by the POS register 3. This makes it possible to motivate customers who use the PET bottle collection machine 100 to also shop at the store ST. In other words, the installation of the PET bottle collection machine 100 can effectively improve the sales and other performance of the store ST.

[0109] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the reward management system described in (1), wherein the collection-related information output means outputs the collection-related information further including an operation time when the customer operates the item collection device, the transaction-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including a transaction time corresponding to a process related to the transaction, and the reward granting means grants a reward to the customer when the time difference between the operation time and the transaction time is within a predetermined range. According to the above configuration, a benefit is granted on the condition that the time difference between the time when a customer as a member uses the PET bottle collection machine 100 and the time when he or she makes a purchase is within a certain range. This makes the member conscious of not leaving too much time between using the PET bottle collection machine 100 and shopping, and makes it possible to encourage the member to actively use the PET bottle collection machine 100 and shop.

[0110] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is the benefit management system described in (2), in which the benefit granting means grants a benefit to the customer if the time from the operation time to the transaction time is within a predetermined range. According to the above configuration, when a customer uses the PET bottle recovery machine 100 and then goes shopping at a store, a special benefit is given to the customer if the time from when the PET bottle recovery machine 100 was used to when the customer made a purchase is within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to effectively motivate customers who visit the store ST to use the PET bottle recovery machine 100 to use the store again.

[0111] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is a benefit management system described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the transaction-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including registered product-related information regarding the products registered by the product sales data processing device corresponding to the customer (e.g., information indicating the price (total price) of the registered (purchased) products, information indicating the total number of registered products, information indicating the breakdown of the registered products (e.g., whether or not bottled drinks are included), etc.), and the benefit granting means changes the benefit to be granted based on the registered product-related information. With the above configuration, the benefits granted can be changed to be more advantageous to the member depending on the amount paid by the member for purchasing products, the number of products purchased, or whether the purchased products include a specific product (e.g., a bottled drink). This can motivate members to shop more actively, which can further improve the performance of the store ST.

[0112] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a reward management system described in any one of (1) to (4), wherein the collection-related information output means outputs the transaction-related information further including information on the quantity of collected items (e.g., the number of collected PET bottles) collected by the item collection device corresponding to the customer, and the reward granting means changes the reward to be granted based on the information on the quantity of collected items. According to the above configuration, the benefits granted to members can be made more advantageous to members as the number of PET bottles collected by the PET bottle collection machine 100 increases. This can motivate members to collect more PET bottles by the PET bottle collection machine 100, thereby promoting the use of the PET bottle collection machine 100.

[0113] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is a reward management device that includes a collection-related information acquisition means that acquires collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a collection response operation to have an item collected by an item collection device, a transaction-related information acquisition means that acquires transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by a product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means that, when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information, grants a reward to the customer identified by the matching customer identification information.

[0114] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is a product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS register 3) that includes: collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a collection operation to have an item collected by an item collection device and the operation time when the customer operated the item collection device; input means for inputting customer identification information that identifies a customer; and transaction-related processing means for executing processing related to a transaction corresponding to the customer identification information input by the input means, and that grants a bonus to customers identified by the same customer identifier when the time from the operation time included in the collection-related information acquired by the collection-related information acquisition means to the transaction time corresponding to the processing related to the transaction executed by the transaction-related processing means is within a predetermined range.

[0115] (8) One aspect of this embodiment is a program for causing a computer serving as a reward management device in a reward management system having an item recovery device and a product sales data processing device to function as a recovery-related information acquisition means for acquiring recovery-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who performed a recovery operation to have the item recovered by the item recovery device, a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer corresponding to a transaction-related process performed by the product sales data processing device, and a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the recovery-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information.

[0116] In addition, programs for implementing the functions of the above-mentioned PET bottle recycling device 100, recycling management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 3, store management server 500, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the processing of the above-mentioned PET bottle recycling device 100, recycling management server 200, customer terminal device 300, POS register 3, store management server 500, etc. Here, "loading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system" includes installing the program on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computers connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, a WAN, a LAN, and a dedicated line. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, or a CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may also be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable by a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is not important as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by a terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on a terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be for implementing part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 3 POS register, 100 PET bottle collection device, 200 collection management server, 300 customer terminal device, 500 store management server, 502 control unit, 503 memory unit, 531 member information table memory unit, 532 collection history information table memory unit, 533 transaction history information table memory unit, 534 point change information memory unit

Claims

1. a collection-related information output means for outputting collection-related information from the item collection device, the collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have the item collected by the item collection device; a transaction-related information output means for outputting from the merchandise sales data processing device transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating the customer corresponding to a transaction-related process executed by the merchandise sales data processing device and transaction information corresponding to the transaction-related process; a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information; the reward granting means changes the reward to be granted to the customer depending on the payment amount indicated by the transaction information. Benefits management system.

2. The reward granting unit changes the collection reward granted to the customer depending on the number of purchased items indicated by the transaction information. The reward management system of claim 1 .

3. The reward granting unit changes the recovery reward granted to the customer depending on the details of the purchased items indicated by the transaction information. The benefit management system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The bonus granting means grants, as the bonus, one of a bonus according to the customer's having performed the collection operation and a bonus according to the customer's having performed a transaction. The reward management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information from the item collection device, the collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have the item collection device collect an item; a transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring, from the merchandise sales data processing device, transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating the customer corresponding to a transaction-related process executed by the merchandise sales data processing device and transaction information corresponding to the transaction-related process; a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information; the reward granting means changes the reward to be granted to the customer depending on the payment amount indicated by the transaction information. Benefits management device.

6. The computer in the benefit management system, collection-related information acquisition means for acquiring collection-related information including customer identification information indicating a customer who has performed a collection operation to have the item collection device collect an item from the item collection device; transaction-related information acquisition means for acquiring, from the merchandise sales data processing device, transaction-related information including customer identification information indicating the customer corresponding to a transaction-related process executed by the merchandise sales data processing device and transaction information corresponding to the transaction-related process; a reward granting means for granting a reward to a customer identified by the matching customer identification information when the customer identification information included in the collection-related information matches the customer identification information included in the transaction-related information, the reward granting means changing the reward to be granted to the customer depending on the payment amount indicated in the transaction information; A program to function as a

Images