Sales data processing system and program

Abstract

To provide a sales data processing system and a program by which a positive evaluation is obtained and a store clerk easily remembers a point of payment.SOLUTION: A sales data processing system is a sales data processing system that performs a registration process of registering information on a product or service related to a transaction by an operation of a store clerk and a settlement process of performing settlement related to the transaction, and includes a chip addition processing unit that performs a process of giving a part or all of a benefit generated with the settlement to the store clerk in response to receiving an operation related to chip addition to the store clerk from the customer, and a suppression unit that suppresses the operation related to chip addition to the store clerk from being performed by the store clerk.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales data processing system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, in order to promote store visits and sales, a service has been provided in which members are given benefits such as points that can be used for future payments when making payments for a transaction.

[0003] Store clerks who fraudulently use the above services may embezzle points by recording benefits related to transactions by non-member customers on their own point cards. There are various reasons why such fraud occurs, but one possible reason is that fraud is more likely to occur in an environment where the work of store clerks is not actively evaluated and it is difficult for them to feel rewarded for their work. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales data processing system and program that can obtain positive evaluations and make salespeople feel a sense of accomplishment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The sales data processing system of the embodiment is a sales data processing system that performs a registration process to register information about products or services related to a transaction through operations by a store clerk, and a payment process to make payment for the transaction, and is equipped with a tipping processing means that, in response to receiving an operation from the customer to give a tip to the store clerk, performs a process to give the store clerk some or all of the benefits generated in connection with the payment, and a suppression means that suppresses the store clerk from performing an operation to give a tip to the store clerk. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in the sales data processing system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the tip giving button and the enclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information stored in the storage unit and the interrelationships between the information. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the store server. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit of the store server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a tip giving code reader included in the sales data processing system of the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit of the store server. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in the sales data processing system of the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a registration device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of the customer display unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the customer display unit. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of the customer display unit. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in the sales data processing system of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transaction device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (First embodiment) The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in a sales data processing system of a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. The sales data processing system of this embodiment is configured to include various devices such as a store server 1, a network 2, a POS terminal 3, an enclosure 40, and a tip button 41.

[0008] The tip giving button 41 is an example of a device equipped with an operator for receiving an operation from a customer to give a tip to a store clerk. The enclosure 40 separates the tip giving button 41 from the store clerk and is an example of an enclosure that is open to the customer. The enclosure 40 and the tip giving button 41 constitute an example of a suppression means. The suppression means is a means for suppressing the store clerk from performing an operation to give a tip to the store clerk.

[0009] The store server 1 is generally installed in a backyard. The network 2 is a LAN (Local Area Network) that connects devices in the store (the store server 1 and the POS terminal 3) so that they can communicate with each other.

[0010] The POS terminal 3 and tip button 41 are installed at a checkout counter where customer C registers the products he or she purchases and makes payments for the purchases (settlement). The POS terminal 3 is operated by a store clerk inside the checkout counter. The tip button 41 (an example of an operating device) is connected to the POS terminal 3 and is operated by customer C outside the checkout counter.

[0011] Here, "POS" is an abbreviation for "Point Of Sale" and means "point of sale information management." The POS terminal 3, self-service POS terminal, product registration terminal, payment terminal, etc. are examples of sales data processing devices that perform point of sale information management. As part of point of sale information management, the sales data processing device performs registration processing, payment processing, etc. The registration processing is a process of registering information about the products purchased by the customer in a transaction (i.e., storing the information as transaction information 193 in the memory unit 19). The payment processing is a process of accepting the selection of a payment method, receiving payment from the customer, and completing the transaction by settling the account based on the product information stored in a specified memory area in the registration processing.

[0012] A self-service POS terminal is a device that allows customers to perform registration and payment processes themselves. Other sales data processing devices include registration devices and accounting devices that make up semi-self-service POS systems. A registration device is a device that performs registration processes through the operation of a store clerk. An accounting device is a device that performs payment processes through the operation of a customer.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the arrangement of the tip giving button 41 and the enclosure 40. The tip giving button 41 is an example of an operator that accepts an operation related to tip giving. The tip giving button 41 is a device having a push button, and when the push button is pressed, it transmits a signal indicating that the push button has been pressed to the POS terminal 3. When the POS terminal 3 receives this signal, it understands that the tip giving button 41 has been operated by customer C.

[0014] The tip giving button 41 is surrounded by a fence 40. The fence 40 is, for example, an integrated partition wall attached to the back side and left and right sides of the tip giving button 41 when the customer C side of the button is the front. The fence 40 is intended to prevent operations by anyone other than the customer C, particularly by the store clerk operating the POS terminal 3. The fence 40 also makes it difficult for anyone other than the customer C to see whether the button has been operated.

[0015] It is preferable to display a message such as "If you would like to give your points to the store clerk, please press the button" in the part of the enclosure 40 that is visible to customer C, as this will inform customer C of the purpose of the tip giving button 41.

[0016] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store server 1. The store server 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication unit 14, a storage unit 19, and the like.

[0017] The communication unit 14 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network 2. The communication unit 14 communicates with other devices (such as the POS terminal 3) via the network 2.

[0018] The CPU 11 is an example of a processor, and controls the overall operation of the store server 1. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0019] The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are connected via a bus or the like to form a computer-configured control unit 10. The CPU 11 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 12 or the storage unit 19 and loaded into the RAM 13, causing the control unit 10 to function as various functional units and execute various processes.

[0020] The storage unit 19 has a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, and maintains its stored contents even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 19 stores a program 191 that can be executed by the CPU 11 and various setting information. For example, the program 191 includes a program for realizing the functional configuration described below.

[0021] The storage unit 19 stores a product master 192, transaction information 193, member information 194, store clerk information 195, etc. These data are examples, and the storage unit 19 may also store other data. Note that each piece of data stored in the storage unit 19 may be acquired in advance from an external device via the network 2 or the like, or may be automatically acquired and updated periodically from information on the Internet or the like.

[0022] It should be noted that the product master 192 and the transaction information 193 do not need to be stored in the same storage unit 19. Furthermore, the store server 1 may be configured not as a single device but as a plurality of devices.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing information stored in the storage unit 19 and the interrelationships between the information.

[0024] <Product Master> The product master 192 is a compilation of information about products handled by the store, and is stored in the storage unit 19 in the form of a data table, for example. The data table serving as the product master 192 includes the following items, for example. Product code ·Product name ·unit price Handling period Product image data Verification data

[0025] A product code is information (identification information) that allows a product to be uniquely identified, such as a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code. Other information (product name, unit price, matching data, etc.) is stored in association with the product code. The "product name" field stores the name of the product. The "unit price" field stores the price of one product.

[0026] The "Handling Period" field stores the start and end dates, or the day of the week or date. For products that are continuously handled without any special arrangement, this field can be left blank. Also, when it is decided that the product will no longer be handled, the handling end date can be set in the "Handling Period" field.

[0027] If a handling start date is specified for the handling period, the product indicated by the product code in that record will be available in the store from the date indicated by the handling start date. Similarly, if a handling end date is specified for the handling period, the product indicated by the product code in that record will be available in the store until the date indicated by the handling end date, and will not be available from the day after that. Furthermore, if days of the week or dates are specified for the handling period, the product indicated by the product code in that record will be available in the store only on the specified days of the week or dates.

[0028] By defining the "Handling Period" field, you can find information about products that have been handled in the past and products that will be handled in the future. Also, for example, by creating records with the same product code but different "Handling Periods" and unit prices, you can vary the unit price of the product depending on the period.

[0029] The product image data is data for displaying an image showing the appearance of the product, etc. This data is also used for publishing in flyers.

[0030] The "matching data" field stores reference feature quantities. Each device that processes sales data compares the feature quantities of the product image contained in an image (captured image) captured and output by a camera or the like with the matching data, and obtains a product code associated with the matching matching data, thereby recognizing the product. The above-mentioned match determination is made, for example, by calculating the similarity between the feature quantities of the captured image and the matching data, comparing the calculated similarity with a threshold, and determining that the matching data matches if the similarity is equal to or greater than the threshold. Note that the product code may also be obtained by reading (scanning or decoding) a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to the product.

[0031] <Transaction information> The transaction information 193 is information about products purchased by customers, and is received from a sales data processing device (such as the POS terminal 3) in the store and accumulated (registered). The transaction information 193 is compiled in the form of, for example, a data table. Items included in the transaction information 193 include, for example, the following: Transaction ID Date and Time Store ID Device ID ·Staff ID Member ID ·Product information Transaction amount Occurrence point Points awarded to

[0032] The transaction ID is identification information for a transaction, and is automatically assigned (numbered) by the store server 1, for example, at the time of the initial registration process for the transaction. Other information is stored in association with the transaction ID. The "Date and Time" field stores the date and time when the transaction for the record was made.

[0033] The "Store ID" field stores the store ID of the store where the transaction in the record took place. The "Terminal ID" field stores the terminal ID of the sales data processing device that performed the transaction in the record. The terminal ID is identification information for the sales data processing device, and is assigned so that it is unique at least within the same store.

[0034] The "clerk ID" field stores the identification information of the clerk who handled the transaction for the record, that is, the clerk who operated the sales data processing device of the terminal ID.

[0035] The "Member ID" field stores the member ID of the customer who performed the transaction in the record if the customer provided one. The member ID is identification information for the customer who is a member, and is, for example, a unique number assigned to each member.

[0036] The item "transaction amount" stores the total price (total amount) of all the products purchased in the transaction of the record.

[0037] Here, for a combination of a store ID, a terminal ID, and a transaction ID, there is one transaction amount, but the number of product information is not limited to one, and multiple product information may be associated. Product information includes, for example, the following items: <Product information> Product code ·Product name ·quantity ·price

[0038] The product code is as described above and will be omitted here. The "quantity" field stores the quantity (number, weight, volume, etc.) of the product indicated by the product code purchased in the transaction for that record. The "price" field stores the value obtained by multiplying the unit price (or selling price) by the quantity.

[0039] Accrued points are the value of points (an example of a benefit) earned in the transaction of the record. Points are a monetary value awarded to a customer when trading goods or services. The point recipient is the person to whom the accrued points are awarded, and is specified as either a "customer" or a "store clerk." The customer here is the person who purchased the goods in the transaction, that is, the person identified by the member ID. The store clerk here is the store clerk who handled the transaction, that is, the person identified by the store clerk ID.

[0040] The point recipient is, for example, the "customer" unless a special operation is performed, and is set to the "clerk" if a specified operation is performed. Also, if the member ID is left blank, meaning the customer is not a member, if the point recipient is set to the "clerk," the accrued points will be transferred to the clerk as a tip, but if the point recipient is set to the "customer," the accrued points will not be awarded.

[0041] <Membership information> Member information 194 is information about customers who are members, and is stored in the form of a data table in storage unit 19. Items included in the data table as member information 194 are, for example, as follows. Member ID ·full name ·Owned points Transfer points

[0042] The member ID is the member's identification information. The member ID is, for example, a unique number assigned to each member, and is not duplicated within the system. Other information (name, points held, points transferred, etc.) is stored in association with the member ID. The "Name" field stores the member's name.

[0043] The owned points are the value of points that the customer indicated by the member ID has and can use for payments, etc. When the point recipient in the transaction information 193 is set to "customer," the accrued points in the transaction information 193 are added to the owned points in the member information 194.

[0044] The transfer points are points that have been or will be held by the customer identified by the member ID, and are the value of points that have been transferred to the store clerk as a tip. When the point recipient in the transaction information 193 is set to "store clerk," the points generated in the transaction information 193 are added to the transfer points in the member information 194.

[0045] <Store staff information> The store clerk information 195 is information about store clerks, and is stored in the form of a data table in the storage unit 19. The data table as the store clerk information 195 includes, for example, the following items. ·Staff ID ·full name ·Chips held

[0046] The clerk ID is the identification information of the clerk. For example, the clerk ID is a unique number assigned to each clerk, and is not duplicated within the system. Other information (name, chips held, etc.) is stored in association with the clerk ID. The name of the clerk is stored in the "Name" field.

[0047] The owned chips are the total value of points that have been given (transferred) as tips to the clerk identified by the clerk ID. When the point recipient in the transaction information 193 is set to "clerk," the accrued points in the member information 194 are added to the owned chips in the clerk information 195.

[0048] 6 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 includes a control unit 30, a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication unit 34, a display unit 35, an operation unit 36, a deposit / withdrawal unit 37, a receipt printer 38, a memory unit 39, etc. The explanations for the control unit 30, the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 39 are the same as those for the control unit 10, the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, and the memory unit 19 described above, and therefore detailed explanations will be omitted. The control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3 performs, for example, registration processing and payment processing.

[0049] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that can be connected to the network 2. The communication unit 34 communicates with the store server 1 and the like via the network 2. The communication unit 34 also receives information from the tip giving button 41 and the reading device 46 and transmits the information to the CPU 31.

[0050] Here, the reading device 46 is a device that is connected to the POS terminal 3 and that reads (decodes) code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The reading device 46 is, for example, a handheld scanner or an image sensor. The reading device 46 reads the code symbol displayed on a membership card (also called a point card) to obtain a member ID. A customer who is a member presents the membership card to a store clerk who performs the registration process.

[0051] The storage unit 39 stores various setting information and programs 391 that can be executed by the CPU 31. For example, the programs 391 include programs for realizing a processing means for performing registration processing and a processing means for performing payment processing.

[0052] The storage unit 39 stores a product master 392 and the like. These data are examples, and the storage unit 39 may also store other data. Note that each piece of data stored in the storage unit 39 may be acquired in advance from an external device via the network 2 or the like, or may be automatically acquired and updated periodically from information on the Internet or the like.

[0053] The product master 392 stores information similar to that of the product master 192. For example, the store server 1 distributes information to be stored in the product master 392 to the subordinate POS terminals 3 at a predetermined timing, such as before opening, and the POS terminals 3 that receive the information update the product master 392.

[0054] The display unit 35 has a display device such as an LCD, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 31. The operation unit 36 ​​has input devices such as a touch panel overlaid on the surface of the display unit 35, a keyboard, and a pointing device, and outputs operation details input via the input devices to the CPU 31. The reading device 46 functions as a part of the operation unit 36, and is used to input various information by decoding code symbols.

[0055] The deposit / withdrawal unit 37 may have a built-in coin deposit / withdrawal device or a banknote deposit / withdrawal device and accepts payments (settlements) in cash. The deposit / withdrawal unit 37 may also accept cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments that involve sending and receiving information via code symbols displayed on a smart device.

[0056] After payment, the receipt printer 38 prints out (issues) a slip of paper (receipt) displaying information about the transaction. The receipt displays information similar to the transaction information 193, such as information about the purchased product and the transaction amount.

[0057] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 10 of the store server 1. The control unit 10 has a tip giving processing unit 101 and a tip counting processing unit 102. The tip giving processing unit 101 and the tip counting processing unit 102 are functional units of the control unit 10 that are realized by the CPU 11 executing the program 191.

[0058] The tip giving processing unit 101 is an example of a tip giving processing means, and performs processing to give some or all of the points (an example of a benefit) generated in connection with payment in a transaction to the person in charge (store clerk) of the transaction in response to receiving a tip giving operation. The above operation is received from the customer. The tip giving processing unit 101 also performs processing to give some or all of the benefit to the store clerk before starting the payment process, after starting the payment process, before completing the payment, or after completing the payment. Furthermore, the tip giving processing unit 101 performs processing to give some or all of the points that are linked (associated) with the customer's membership information and can be used for payment in the transaction to the store clerk.

[0059] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 10 of the store server 1. The control unit 10, functioning as the tip giving processing unit 101, waits for a tip giving operation (step S1_No). When a tip giving operation is performed (step S1_Yes), the tip giving processing unit 101 performs processing to give points related to the transaction to the store clerk as a tip (step S2).

[0060] Here, the tip giving operation (step S1) in this embodiment refers to pressing the tip giving button 41. When a signal indicating that the tip giving button 41 has been pressed is received from the tip giving button 41, the tip giving processing unit 101 performs a process (step S2) of giving the points related to the transaction to the store clerk as a tip.

[0061] In the process of step S2, if the customer is a non-member, the points earned in the transaction cannot be given to the customer, but can be given to the store clerk as a tip. If the customer is a non-member and no tip giving operation is performed (i.e., if the tip giving button 41 is not pressed), the points earned in the transaction will essentially be lost.

[0062] The tip tallying unit 102 is an example of a tip tallying unit, and periodically tallies the tips held by the employee associated with the employee ID in the employee information 195 and reflects the total amount in the payroll calculation for the employee identified by the employee ID. This is a monthly process that is performed, for example, on a fixed day once a month.

[0063] In a sales data processing system with such a configuration, the POS terminal 3 is operated by a store clerk and performs a registration process for registering information about products purchased by customers and a payment process for the registered products. The POS terminal 3 may be a regular cash register in which the store clerk performs all operations, or it may be a face-to-face semi-self-service cash register in which the store clerk performs an operation to register product information and the customer performs an operation to pay for the registered products. Transaction information 193 is created by the registration process, and the transaction information 193 is updated by the payment process.

[0064] When the POS terminal 3 receives a signal from the tip button 41 during registration processing or payment processing, the control unit 30 updates the point recipient to "store clerk" in the transaction information 193. Then, when the accrued points are confirmed during payment processing, the control unit 10 adds the accrued points in the transaction information 193 to the transfer points in the member information 194 and the owned tips in the store clerk information 195.

[0065] As described above, the first embodiment can provide a sales data processing system that allows store clerks to receive positive evaluations and feel a sense of accomplishment in their work. Therefore, it is possible to create an environment in which store clerks who do not feel a sense of accomplishment are less likely to misuse the point service and embezzle points, such as recording benefits related to transactions with non-member customers on their own point cards.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the tip giving processing unit 101 updates the point giving destination in the transaction information 193, the owned points and transfer points in the member information 194, and the owned tip in the clerk information 195 each time a tip giving operation is performed, but this is not limited to this in practice. For example, it may be configured so that only the point giving destination in the transaction information 193 is updated each time a tip giving operation is performed, and the updating of the owned points and transfer points in the member information 194 and the owned tip in the clerk information 195 is performed periodically as daily or monthly processing.

[0067] In the above embodiment, when the tip granting button 41 is pressed, the points generated in the transaction being processed are granted to the store clerk as a tip, but this is not limited to this in practice. For example, the points generated may be added to the points held in the member information 194, and a predetermined number may be subtracted from the held points each time the tip granting button 41 is pressed, and added to the transfer points in the member information 194 and the tips held in the store clerk information 195.

[0068] The above-described embodiment can be modified as needed by partially changing the configuration or functions of each of the above-described devices. Therefore, several modifications of the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. The following mainly describes differences from the above-described embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used for common features with the content already described, and detailed description will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0069] (Second embodiment) Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the tip-giving code reader 42 provided in the sales data processing system of the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sales data processing system. The suppression means of this embodiment is composed of the tip-giving code reader 42 and some of the receipt-issuing functions provided in the control unit 30.

[0070] The tip-giving code reader 42 is placed on a table where the customer works after completing payment, and is an example of a reading device that reads the code symbol printed on the receipt issued upon completion of payment. The tip-giving code reader 42 may be a commonly used code reader. The code reader has a housing 420 with a reading window 421 on one side, and a light source, image sensor, etc. built in. The light source illuminates items located on either side of the reading window 421. The image sensor captures an image of the item that reflects the light emitted by the light source, and outputs image data and a value based on that image data (for example, a value obtained by decoded the code symbol). The output of the tip-giving code reader 42 is received by the store server 1.

[0071] The tip-giving code reader 42 is fixedly mounted, for example, on a so-called sucker table. The sucker table is a table that customers use after paying to bag their products, for example. After paying, the customer bags their products at the sucker table and leaves the store. A typical sucker table is a long, horizontal table such as a long desk or counter table. Some sucker tables have shelves on which adhesive tape, plastic bags, etc. are placed. The tip-giving code reader 42 may be fixed to the shelf.

[0072] It is also preferable if the area around the soccer table is included in the imaging range of the security cameras installed in the store, as this can act as a deterrent to store staff from fraudulently embezzling points.

[0073] In this configuration, the control unit 30 of the POS terminal 3 prints information (e.g., a code symbol) on a receipt issued upon completion of a transaction to enable points to be transferred (a tip given) to the store clerk after payment. The information obtained by decoding the code symbol (decoded information) includes at least the transaction ID displayed on the receipt.

[0074] The tip code reader 42 obtains the transaction ID of the transaction by decoding the code symbol displayed on the receipt, and transmits it to the store server 1.

[0075] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the control unit 10 of the store server 1. The control unit 10, as the tip giving processing unit 101, waits for an operation to give a tip after points have been given (step S11_No). When an operation to give a tip after points have been given (step S11_Yes), the tip giving processing unit 101 performs processing to transfer points related to the transaction from the customer's share to the store clerk's share (step S12).

[0076] Here, the operation of step S11 in this embodiment is to read the code symbol by the tipping code reader 42. When the decoded information is received from the tipping code reader 42, the tipping processing unit 101 performs the process of step S12.

[0077] In the processing of step S12, the tip giving processing unit 101 first references the clerk ID, member ID, accrued points, and point grant destination of the record corresponding to the received transaction ID among the transaction information stored in transaction information 193. Next, the tip giving processing unit 101 updates the point grant destination to "clerk." Furthermore, the tip giving processing unit 101 subtracts the accrued points from the points held in member information 194 corresponding to the member ID and adds them to the transfer points, and also adds them to the tips held in clerk information 195 corresponding to the clerk ID.

[0078] If the customer is a non-member, in step S12, the tip giving processing unit 101 adds the generated points to the chips held in the clerk information 195 corresponding to the clerk ID. In other words, since there is no member information 194 corresponding to the member ID, the process of subtracting from the held points and adding to the transfer points is not performed.

[0079] As described above, according to this embodiment, points generated in a transaction can be given to a store clerk as a tip by receiving instructions after payment.

[0080] Furthermore, by placing the tip code reader 42 of this embodiment on the ticket counter, when a store clerk performs an operation to give points, such as reading the code symbol on a receipt, this can be made noticeable, thereby preventing suspicious behavior by store clerks.

[0081] Furthermore, if the security camera also monitors the area around the soccer table, it will be possible to check for suspicious behavior around the soccer table, which is expected to prevent store clerks from fraudulently embezzling points using the tip-granting code reader 42.

[0082] A tip button 41 may be connected to the POS terminal 3.

[0083] (Third embodiment) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in a sales data processing system of a third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. The sales data processing system of this embodiment includes a registration device 5. Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration device 5.

[0084] The registration device 5 includes a control unit 50, a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a communication unit 54, a display unit 55, an operation unit 56, a reading unit 57, a customer display unit 58, a memory unit 59, etc. The explanation of the control unit 50, the CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 59 is the same as the explanation of the control unit 30, the CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 39 described above, and therefore detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0085] The control unit 50 of the registration device 5 performs, for example, registration processing. The communication unit 54 is a communication interface connectable to the network 2. The communication unit 54 communicates with the POS terminal 3, the store server 1, etc. via the network 2.

[0086] The reading unit 57 is, for example, a scanner or an image sensor, and reads (decodes) code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes.

[0087] The storage unit 59 stores various setting information and a program 591 that can be executed by the CPU 51. For example, the program 591 includes a program for realizing a processing unit that performs registration processing.

[0088] The storage unit 59 stores a product master 592 and the like. These data are examples, and the storage unit 59 may also store other data. Note that each piece of data stored in the storage unit 59 may be acquired in advance from an external device via the network 2 or the like, or may be automatically acquired and updated periodically from information on the Internet or the like.

[0089] The product master 592 stores information similar to the product master 192. For example, the store server 1 distributes information to be stored in the product master 592 to the subordinate registration devices 5 at a predetermined timing, such as before opening, and the registration devices 5 that receive the information update the product master 592.

[0090] The display unit 55 has a display device such as an LCD, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 51. The operation unit 56 has input devices such as a touch panel overlaid on the surface of the display unit 55, a keyboard, and a pointing device, and outputs operation contents input via the input devices to the CPU 51. The reading unit 57 functions as a part of the operation unit 56, and is used to input various information by decoding code symbols.

[0091] Customer display unit 58 is an example of a device that is placed facing a customer to display information to the customer and accept operations from the customer. Customer display unit 58 has a display device such as an LCD and an input device such as a touch panel that is overlaid on the surface of the display device, and under the control of CPU 51, displays various information and outputs operation details input via the input device to CPU 51.

[0092] 15 to 17 are diagrams showing examples of displays on the customer display unit 58. Fig. 15 shows the display during registration processing, Fig. 16 shows the display during payment processing, and Fig. 17 shows the display within a predetermined time after payment is completed (for example, approximately 10 seconds after completion). The registration processing is a process of acquiring a product code by, for example, reading a barcode attached to a product, and storing the acquired product code and information about the product corresponding to the product code in a predetermined memory area. The payment processing is a process of accepting a selection of a payment method, receiving payment from the customer, and completing the transaction by settling the account based on the product information stored in a predetermined memory area during the registration processing.

[0093] The control unit 50 causes the customer display unit 58 to display a GUI (Graphical User Interface) including a message 581 and controls 582 and 583, as shown in Figures 15 to 17. The suppression means of the present embodiment is configured by a function related to the control of the customer display unit 58 provided in the control unit 50.

[0094] The phrase 581 is, for example, "Would you like to give purchase points to an employee?" Here, the purchase points are the same as the points generated in the transaction information 193. The employee refers to the store clerk in charge of the transaction.

[0095] When operator 582 is operated, customer display unit 58 outputs a signal indicating that statement 581 has been affirmed. When operator 583 is operated, customer display unit 58 outputs a signal indicating that statement 581 has been denied.

[0096] In this configuration, when the operator 582 is operated, the tip awarding processing unit 101 assumes that it has accepted an operation to assign points to the "store clerk" (step S1_Yes), and performs processing to award the points related to the transaction to the store clerk as a tip (step S2).

[0097] A tip button 41 may be connected to the POS terminal 3 or the registration device 5. A receipt issued by the POS terminal 3 may display a code symbol in which information including a transaction ID is encoded. The sales data processing system of this embodiment may also include a tip code reader 42.

[0098] 15 to 17 may include an input box in which a customer can input any value, allowing the customer to specify the number of points to be given to the store clerk. This allows the customer to specify any value for the tip to be given to the store clerk.

[0099] (Fourth embodiment) Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of devices included in a sales data processing system of a fourth embodiment. Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system. The sales data processing system of this embodiment includes an accounting device 6. Fig. 20 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the accounting device 6.

[0100] The accounting device 6 includes a control unit 60, a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a communication unit 64, a display unit 65, an operation unit 66, a cash deposit / withdrawal unit 67, a receipt printer 68, and a memory unit 69. The explanations for the control unit 60, CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, and memory unit 69 are the same as those for the control unit 30, CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, and memory unit 39 described above, and therefore will not be repeated in detail.

[0101] The control unit 60 of the checkout device 6 performs, for example, payment processing. The communication unit 64 is a communication interface connectable to the network 2. The communication unit 64 communicates with the registration device 5, the store server 1, etc. via the network 2.

[0102] The storage unit 69 stores various setting information and a program 691 that can be executed by the CPU 61. For example, the program 691 includes a program for realizing a processing unit that performs a payment process.

[0103] The display unit 65 has a display device such as an LCD, and displays various information under the control of the CPU 61. The operation unit 66 has an input device such as a touch panel that is provided on top of the surface of the display unit 65, and outputs operation details input via the input device to the CPU 61.

[0104] The deposit / withdrawal unit 67 may have a built-in coin deposit / withdrawal device or a banknote deposit / withdrawal device, and may accept cash payments. The deposit / withdrawal unit 67 may also accept cashless payments, such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments that involve sending and receiving information via code symbols displayed on a smart device.

[0105] After payment, the receipt printer 68 prints out a receipt showing information about the transaction. The receipt includes information about the purchased product, the transaction amount, and other information similar to the transaction information 193.

[0106] When semi-self-checkout is performed in a sales data processing system with this configuration, registration processing is performed by the registration device 5, and payment processing is performed by the checkout device 6. In this case, the GUI shown in Figure 15 is displayed by the registration device 5, while the GUIs shown in Figures 16 and 17 are displayed by the checkout device 6. In other words, the display unit 65 and operation unit 66 of the checkout device 6 function as the customer display unit 58 provided in the registration device 5 of the third embodiment.

[0107] According to this embodiment, it is possible to achieve the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0108] The receipts issued by the receipt printer 68 may display a code symbol in which information including the transaction ID is encoded. The sales data processing system of this embodiment may also include a tip code reader 42.

[0109] (Fifth embodiment) 21 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sales data processing system according to a fifth embodiment. The sales data processing system according to this embodiment is capable of communicating with an electronic receipt server 8 via a cloud service 7. The cloud service 7 also enables communication between a user terminal 9 used by a customer or the like and the electronic receipt server 8.

[0110] The user terminal 9 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC (Personal Computer). A customer using the electronic receipt service can refer to an electronic receipt provided by the electronic receipt server 8 from the user terminal 9 instead of a paper receipt issued by the POS terminal 3 or the accounting device 6. The electronic receipt is information related to one transaction that is displayed on the screen of the user terminal 9, and is a GUI. The electronic receipt as information includes information similar to the transaction information 193.

[0111] The storage unit of the electronic receipt server 8 stores information for displaying an electronic receipt. The information is periodically acquired from the transaction information 193. For convenience, the electronic receipt information in this embodiment includes the same items as the transaction information 193.

[0112] The electronic receipt server 8 accepts an operation from the customer to change the point allocation destination to "store clerk" via the electronic receipt being displayed on the user terminal 9. This operation is transmitted to the store server 1 included in the sales data processing system via the electronic receipt server 8 and the cloud service 7, and the point allocation destination in the record of the relevant transaction stored in the transaction information 193 is updated to "store clerk". In response to this, the tip allocation processing unit 101 determines that a tip allocation operation has been performed after the points have been allocated (step S11_Yes), and performs a process to transfer the points related to the transaction from the customer's share to the store clerk's share (step S12).

[0113] In this embodiment, a customer operates the user terminal 9 to instruct the electronic receipt server 8 to give points related to a certain transaction as a tip to the store clerk in charge. This operation is performed, for example, by an operator included in the electronic receipt displayed on the user terminal 9 accepting the operation.

[0114] When an instruction to update points related to a certain transaction is received from a user terminal 9, the electronic receipt server 8 transmits instruction information including at least the transaction ID of the transaction to the store server 1 of the store indicated by the store ID included in the electronic receipt.

[0115] When the control unit 10 receives the instruction information (step S11_Yes), it specifies the transaction ID included in the instruction information and performs processing (step S12) to grant the accrued points related to the transaction as a tip to the store clerk in charge (identified by the store clerk ID).

[0116] In this embodiment, the electronic receipt displayed on the screen of the user terminal 9 may include a code symbol to be read by the tip code reader 42.

[0117] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in advance in a ROM, etc. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided by being recorded in an installable or executable file format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD).

[0118] Furthermore, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Also, the programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0119] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1...Store server, 10...control unit, 101...tip giving processing unit (an example of tip giving processing means), 102...Tip counting processing unit (an example of tip counting processing means), 11...CPU, 12...ROM, 13...RAM, 14...Communication section, 19...storage unit, 191...program, 192...product master, 193...Transaction information, 194...Member information, 195...Store clerk information, 2...Network, 3...POS terminals, 30...control unit (constituting an example of a suppression means), 31...CPU, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34...Communication section, 35...display unit, 36...operation unit, 37...deposit / withdrawal unit, 38...receipt printer, 39...storage unit, 391...program, 392...product master, 40... Enclosure (constituting an example of a restraining measure) 41...Tip giving button (an example of an operating device), 42... Chip-applying code reader (an example of a reading device), 420...casing, 421...reading window, 46...Reading device, 5...Registration device, 50...control unit (constituting an example of a suppression means), 51...CPU, 52...ROM, 53...RAM, 54...Communication section, 55...display unit, 56...operation unit, 57...reading unit, 58...Customer display section, 581...Text, 582...Controller, 583...Controller, 59...storage unit, 591...program, 592...product master, 6...accounting devices, 60...control unit, 61...CPU, 62...ROM, 63...RAM, 64...communication unit, 65...display unit, 66...operation unit, 67...deposit / withdrawal unit, 68...receipt printer, 69...memory unit, 691...program, 7. Cloud services, 8...Electronic receipt server, 9...User terminal. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0121] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-177259 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-212006 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-177460

Claims

1. A sales data processing system that performs a registration process for registering information on a product or service related to a transaction by an operation of a store clerk, and a payment process for making a payment related to the transaction, a tip giving processing means for performing a process of giving a part or all of the benefit generated in association with the settlement to the store clerk in response to receiving an operation for giving a tip to the store clerk from the customer; a suppression means for suppressing the operation of giving a tip to the store clerk by the store clerk; A sales data processing system comprising:

2. The suppression means an operating device including an operating element for receiving an operation from the customer regarding giving a tip to the store clerk; an enclosure that encloses the operating device and separates the operating device from the store clerk, the enclosure being open toward the customer; The sales data processing system according to claim 1 , comprising:

3. the suppression means is arranged on a table on which the customer works after completing payment, and includes a reader for reading a code symbol printed on a receipt issued upon completion of payment; the tip giving processing means, when the reader reads the code symbol, performs a process of giving to the store clerk a part or all of the benefit related to the transaction indicated by the code symbol; 2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

4. the suppression means includes a display device that is arranged facing the customer facing the store clerk, displays information to the customer, and accepts operations related to giving a tip to the store clerk; When the display device accepts the operation, the tip giving processing means performs a process of giving a part or all of the benefit related to the transaction to the store clerk.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

5. the tip giving processing means performs a process of giving a part or all of the benefit to the store clerk before starting the payment process, or after starting the payment process, or before completing payment, or after completing payment.

2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

6. the tip granting processing means performs a process of granting to the store clerk a part or all of the points that are linked to the membership information of the customer and that can be used for payment for the transaction; 2. The sales data processing system according to claim 1.

7. A sales data processing system includes a computer that performs a registration process for registering information about a product or service related to a transaction by a store clerk and a payment process for making a payment for the transaction, a tip giving processing means for performing a process of giving a part or all of the benefit generated in association with the settlement to the store clerk in response to receiving an operation for giving a tip to the store clerk from the customer; a suppression means for suppressing the operation of giving a tip to the store clerk by the store clerk; A program to function as a

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