Commodity sales data processing apparatus and method

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processor and a program capable of supporting the purchase of a special commodity.SOLUTION: A commodity sales data processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first acquisition module configured to acquire commodity identification information of a commodity purchased by a customer, a calculation module configured to calculate, when the commodity corresponding to the commodity identification information is a nonstandard commodity set to be sold at a discount, a contribution amount by multiplying a subtraction amount for the discount by a ratio relating to a donation set in advance by the customer, a processing module configured to execute processing relating to sales of the nonstandard commodity based on a subtraction price obtained by subtracting a remaining amount obtained by subtracting the contribution amount from the subtraction amount from a price of the nonstandard commodity, and a management module configured to cumulatively manage the contribution amount in association with customer identification information of the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Supermarkets, department stores, and other stores may sell non-standard products (hereinafter referred to as "damaged products") that cannot be sold as regular products, such as food products that are close to their expiration date or have poor appearance due to packaging defects, at a discount or at a reduced price.

[0003] Conventionally, a system has been proposed in which, when a customer in a store purchases a product, the system determines whether the product to be purchased is a defective product, and if so, decides whether to purchase the product based on the customer's response (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Incidentally, some customers who purchase imperfect products wish to donate a portion of the purchase price, after the discount or after the discount, to organizations that produce or manufacture the imperfect products. However, while the conventional system allows customers to purchase imperfect products, it does not allow them to donate a portion of the purchase price, and there is room for improvement. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product sales data processing device and a program that can support the purchase of defective products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The product sales data processing device of the embodiment comprises a first acquisition means for acquiring product identification information of a product purchased by a customer; a calculation means for, if the product corresponding to the product identification information is a non-standard product that is set to be sold at a discount or at a price reduction, calculating a donation amount by multiplying a donation percentage preset by the customer by a deduction amount for the discount or at a price reduction; a processing means for executing processing related to the sale of the non-standard product based on a deduction price obtained by subtracting the donation amount from the deduction amount and then subtracting the remaining amount from the price of the non-standard product; and a management means for accumulating and managing the donation amount in association with the customer identification information of the customer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a general configuration of a product purchase support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a store server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the customer master according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the product master according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of a product registration file according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the mobile terminal, the store server, and the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a control process performed by the mobile terminal and the store server according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a control process performed by the store server and the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process performed by the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product sales data processing device and a program will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an example in which the device is applied to a store such as a supermarket or a department store (hereinafter simply referred to as a store) will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0009] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a product purchase support system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the product purchase support system 1 includes a mobile terminal 10, a store server 20, and a POS terminal 30.

[0010] The product purchase support system 1, for example, provides support for customers using a store in purchasing products, including defective products. Here, defective products are, for example, products such as food products handled by a store that have been subject to a discount or reduction (hereinafter collectively referred to as "discount") due to reasons such as an approaching expiration date or poor appearance. In this embodiment, for convenience, products that are not defective products are referred to as normal products.

[0011] The mobile terminal 10 is communicably connected to the store server 20 via a network Na such as the Internet. The store server 20 and the POS terminal 30 are communicably connected to each other via a network Nb such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The number of devices connected to the networks Na and Nb is not limited to the illustrated example.

[0012] The mobile terminal 10 is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal used by a customer. The mobile terminal 10 may be a portable terminal device provided by the store. The mobile terminal 10 may be attached to a shopping cart and moved around the store.

[0013] The customer operates the mobile terminal 10 to set various conditions (hereinafter also referred to as setting information) related to the purchase of the defective product. Specifically, the mobile terminal 10 supports the setting of the setting information by displaying a screen for setting the setting information on the display unit 106 (see FIG. 2). The mobile terminal 10 also displays a screen showing the purchase history (purchase record) of the product (defective product) on the display unit 106 (see FIG. 2). Details of the setting information will be described later.

[0014] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 10 transmits and receives various information to and from the store server 20. For example, the mobile terminal 10 transmits setting information set by a customer to the store server 20. For example, the mobile terminal 10 receives information indicating product purchase results (or purchase history) from the store server 20 or the like. Note that the mobile terminal 10 notifies the store server 20 of the target customer by transmitting identification information (a customer ID, described later) that can identify the customer operating its own terminal when accessing the store server 20 or by including the information in the content transmitted to the store server 20.

[0015] The store server 20 is, for example, a server device installed in a store. The store server 20 cooperates with various devices connected via networks Na and Nb to comprehensively manage the operation of the store.

[0016] Specifically, when the store server 20 receives the setting information from the mobile terminal 10, it updates the customer master 222 (see FIG. 4) based on the setting information. Furthermore, when the store server 20 receives the first request from the mobile terminal 10, it transmits the cumulative donation amount (described later) acquired from the customer master 222 to the mobile terminal 10.

[0017] Furthermore, when the store server 20 receives a request for transmitting setting information from the POS terminal 30 (hereinafter also referred to as a second request), the store server 20 transmits the setting information acquired from the customer master 222 to the POS terminal 30.

[0018] In this embodiment, the store server 20 is realized by one server device, but this is not limiting, and the store server 20 may be a cloud server realized by the cooperation of a plurality of server devices.

[0019] The POS terminal 30 is an example of a product sales data processing device. The POS terminal 30 is operated, for example, by a store clerk and performs processes related to the registration or transaction of products purchased by customers (hereinafter also referred to as product registration processing and transaction processing, respectively).

[0020] The POS terminal 30 also transmits and receives various information to and from the store server 20. For example, when a customer ID is input during a transaction, the POS terminal 30 receives setting information corresponding to the input customer ID from the store server 20. Then, the POS terminal 30 performs product registration processing and transaction processing for the defective product based on the setting information received from the store server 20.

[0021] The form of the POS terminal 30 is not limited to the above example, and other forms are also possible. For example, the POS terminal 30 may be a form (also called a semi-self-service POS terminal) that has a registration machine that executes product registration processing by operation of a store clerk and a checkout machine that executes checkout processing by operation of a customer. The POS terminal 30 may also be a form (also called a full-self-service POS terminal) that executes product registration processing and checkout processing by operation of the customer themselves.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 10. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 10 according to this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a memory unit 104, a communication unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, and an imaging unit 108.

[0024] The CPU 101 is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each unit of the mobile terminal 10. The ROM 102 stores various programs. The RAM 103 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0025] The memory unit 104 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 104 includes a control program 121.

[0026] Control program 121 stores a control program for controlling mobile terminal 10. CPU 101, ROM 102, RAM 103, and memory unit 104 are connected to one another via bus 109. CPU 101, ROM 102, and RAM 103 constitute control unit 100, which is a computer. That is, control unit 100 executes control processing of mobile terminal 10, which will be described later, by CPU 101 operating in accordance with control program 121 stored in ROM 102 or memory unit 104 and loaded into RAM 103.

[0027] The control program 121 may include an application program for supporting product purchases at a store, a web browser program, and the like.

[0028] The control unit 100 is connected to a communication unit 105, a display unit 106, an operation unit 107, and an imaging unit 108 via a bus 109.

[0029] The communication unit 105 is a communication interface for communicating via the network Na. The communication unit 105 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the store server 20 connected to the network Na.

[0030] The display unit 106 is a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc. The display unit 106 displays various types of information under the control of the CPU 101.

[0031] The operation unit 107 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 106. The operation unit 107 outputs operation contents input via an input device to the CPU 101. Note that the operation unit 107 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0032] The imaging unit 108 is an imaging device having an image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS).

[0033] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the store server 20. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the store server 20 according to the embodiment.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the store server 20 includes a CPU 201, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a memory unit 204, a communication unit 205, and the like.

[0035] The CPU 201 is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each unit of the store server 20. The ROM 202 stores various programs. The RAM 203 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0036] The memory unit 204 is a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 204 includes a control program 221 and a customer master 222.

[0037] The control program 221 stores a control program for controlling the store server 20. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, and memory unit 204 are connected to one another via a bus 206. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 constitute a control unit 200 having a computer configuration. That is, the control unit 200 executes control processing of the store server 20, which will be described later, by the CPU 201 operating in accordance with the control program 221 stored in the ROM 202 or memory unit 204 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0038] The customer master 222 is a data table or database used by a store to manage customer information. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the customer master 222. As shown in Fig. 4, the customer master 222 associates a customer with a customer ID that can uniquely identify the customer, and stores customer information such as the customer's name, setting information, and cumulative donation amount corresponding to the customer ID. The customer ID is an example of customer identification information.

[0039] The setting information is an example of setting information. The setting information includes conditions that are applied when a customer purchases a defective product that the customer has set in advance. For example, the setting information includes a setting indicating whether or not the customer wishes to make a donation (hereinafter also referred to as a "yes / no" setting), a setting indicating the use of the donation amount (hereinafter also referred to as a "use" setting), and a setting specifying the percentage used to calculate the donation amount (hereinafter also referred to as a "donation rate" setting).

[0040] The cumulative donation amount is numerical information that indicates the cumulative amount of donations paid by customers when purchasing defective products.

[0041] 3, the control unit 200 is connected to the communication unit 205 via a bus 206. The communication unit 205 is a communication interface for communicating via the network Na or the network Nb. The communication unit 205 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the mobile terminal 10 and the POS terminal 30 connected to the network Na or the network Nb.

[0042] Next, a description will be given of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 30. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 30 according to the embodiment.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the POS terminal 30 includes a CPU 301, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a memory unit 304, a communication unit 305, a display unit 306, an operation unit 307, a card reader 308, a scanner 309, and a printer 310.

[0044] The CPU 301 is an example of a processor, and performs overall control of each unit of the POS terminal 30. The ROM 302 stores various programs. The RAM 303 is a workspace where programs and various data are developed.

[0045] The memory unit 304 is a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 304 includes a control program 321, a product master 322, and a product registration file 323.

[0046] The control program 321 stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 30. The CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, and memory unit 304 are connected to one another via a bus 311. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 constitute a control unit 300 having a computer configuration. That is, the control unit 300 executes control processing of the POS terminal 30, which will be described later, by the CPU 301 operating in accordance with the control program 321 stored in the ROM 302 or memory unit 304 and loaded into the RAM 303.

[0047] The product master 322 is a data table or database for managing product information about products handled by a store. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the product master 322. As shown in Fig. 6, the product master 322 associates the type of product sold in the store with an identifiable product code, and stores product information such as the product name, price, product image, product description, defective product flag, and first discount amount for the product corresponding to the product code.

[0048] A product image is, for example, an image that represents a product. A product description is information such as a description of the product. A defective product flag is flag information that specifies whether or not a product with a product code corresponding to the defective product flag is a defective product. The defective product flag is binary flag information that is, for example, "1" when the flag is enabled (hereinafter also referred to as the on state) and "0" when the flag is disabled (hereinafter also referred to as the off state). Specifically, when the defective product flag is on, the product is a defective product, and when the defective product flag is off, the product is a regular product.

[0049] The defective product flag may be set to on / off manually by a store clerk or other employee, or may be set to on / off automatically. In the latter case, the POS terminal 30 (e.g., the control unit 300) may switch the defective product flag of a predetermined product code on or off depending on the day of the week, time period, etc.

[0050] The first discount amount is an example of a deduction amount. The first discount amount is numerical information indicating the discount amount to be subtracted from the price of the product. For products with the defective product flag turned on, i.e., defective products, the discount amount for that product is entered as the first discount amount. Generally, defective products are non-standard products that cannot be sold as regular products for various reasons, and are therefore sold at a discounted or discounted price. For example, if the original price of defective product A is 1,000 yen and the first discount amount is set to 100 yen, defective product A will be sold for 900 yen, which is 1,000 yen minus 100 yen. Note that products for which the first discount amount is registered are not limited to defective products. For example, for regular products, the defective product flag is turned off and the first discount amount is registered.

[0051] Hereinafter, the amount obtained by subtracting the first discount from the product price will also be referred to as the "selling price." Note that the first discount amount is not limited to the amount subtracted from the product price, but may be the amount after the subtraction. Also, the first discount amount is not limited to the amount subtracted from the product price, but may be a percentage discounted from the product price (for example, 10%).

[0052] Furthermore, the products stored in the product master 322 may be stored on an individual product basis. For example, even if the products are of the same type, by managing the product codes on an individual product basis, the products can be classified into normal products and defective products and stored in the product master 322.

[0053] Returning to Fig. 5, product registration file 323 is a data table or database for managing products registered by customers. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of product registration file 323. As shown in Fig. 7, product registration file 323 stores customer ID, product code, registered product information (e.g., product name, quantity, unit price, etc.), donation amount, and discount amount in association with a transaction ID that identifies one transaction.

[0054] The donation amount is numerical information that is entered when the customer registers a defective product and selects "Yes" in the "Yes / No" setting in the settings information shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the donation amount is calculated based on the first discount amount shown in Figure 6 and the donation rate in the settings information shown in Figure 4.

[0055] For example, if the first discount amount for defective product A (price: 1,000 yen) is 100 yen and the donation rate set by the customer is 10%, the donation amount is calculated as 10 yen by multiplying the first discount amount by the donation rate. The donation amount is the amount that a customer who has set their preference to donate will pay in addition to the selling price of the defective product when purchasing it.

[0056] For example, if the price of defective product A is 1,000 yen, the first discount amount is 100 yen, and the donation amount is 10 yen, the actual selling price of defective product A will be 910 yen, which is the first discount amount minus the donation amount (hereinafter referred to as the second discount amount) of 90 yen, subtracted from 1,000 yen.In other words, the actual discount amount taken off defective product A will be the second discount amount of 90 yen, not the first discount amount of 100 yen.

[0057] The discount amount is the amount actually deducted from the price of the defective product when it is purchased. Specifically, if the customer has set the option to "Yes" in the setting information, the second discount amount will be registered as the discount amount. If the customer has set the option to "No" in the setting information, the first discount amount will be registered as the discount amount.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 5, the control unit 300 is connected to a communication unit 305 , a display unit 306 , an operation unit 307 , a card reader 308 , a scanner 309 , and a printer 310 via a bus 311 .

[0059] The communication unit 305 is a communication interface for communicating via the network Nb, and transmits and receives various information to and from the store server 20.

[0060] The display unit 306 is a display device such as an LCD, etc. The display unit 306 displays various information under the control of the CPU 301.

[0061] The operation unit 307 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 106. The operation unit 107 outputs operation contents input via an input device to the CPU 101. Note that the operation unit 107 may also be an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device.

[0062] The card reader 308 is a reading device that reads information from a card medium such as an IC card, a magnetic card, etc. For example, the card reader 308 reads a customer ID registered on a membership card held by a customer.

[0063] The scanner 309 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. For example, the scanner 309 reads product information of a product purchased by a customer from a code symbol attached to the product.

[0064] The printer 310 is configured by, for example, a thermal printer. The printer 310 prints various information related to the transaction on a roll of receipt paper stored in the POS terminal 30 and issues a receipt.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of the functional configurations of the mobile terminal 10, the store server 20, and the POS terminal 30. Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configurations of the mobile terminal 10, the store server 20, and the POS terminal 30 according to the embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 100 of the mobile terminal 10 includes a purchase condition setting unit 1001, a cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002, and a display control unit 1003 as functional components.

[0067] Specifically, the control unit 100 (CPU 101) of the mobile terminal 10 realizes the above-mentioned functional configuration by executing the control program 121 stored in the memory unit 104. Note that in this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between the processor of the mobile terminal 10 and the program, but this is not limiting, and a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the mobile terminal 10 is not limited to this.

[0068] The purchase condition setting unit 1001 displays a screen for supporting the purchase of defective products in cooperation with the display control unit 1003. For example, the purchase condition setting unit 1001 displays a screen (see FIG. 9) for supporting the purchase of defective products on the display unit 106 in cooperation with the display control unit 1003.

[0069] Furthermore, the purchase condition setting unit 1001 transmits the setting information set via a screen that supports the purchase of discounted products to the store server 20. Specifically, when the purchase condition setting unit 1001 receives an instruction to transmit the setting information from the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10, it transmits the customer ID of the customer operating its own terminal and the setting information received from the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10 to the store server 20. The customer ID may be stored in advance in the memory unit 104 or may be input via the operation unit 107 or the like.

[0070] The cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002 acquires the transaction history of transactions made by the customer from the store server 20, etc. For example, when the cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002 receives an instruction to confirm the cumulative donation amount from the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10, it transmits a first request including the customer ID to the store server 20.

[0071] Furthermore, the cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002 cooperates with the display control unit 1003 to cause the display unit 106 to display a screen (see FIG. 10) showing the transaction record of the customer's transactions.

[0072] The display control unit 1003 cooperates with other functional units to display various information on the display unit 106. For example, the display control unit 1003 cooperates with the purchase condition setting unit 1001 to display a screen (see FIG. 9) for supporting the purchase of discounted products on the display unit 106. The display control unit 1003 also cooperates with the cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002 to display a screen (see FIG. 10) showing the transaction history of transactions made by the customer on the display unit 106.

[0073] Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the mobile terminal 10 according to the embodiment, and shows an example of a setting screen for purchasing discounted products.

[0074] The defective product purchase setting screen Ga is a screen for setting each setting item included in the setting information described above. As shown in Fig. 9, the defective product purchase setting screen Ga displays, for example, a donation request field Gaa, a donation amount use field Gae, a donation rate setting field Gag, and a confirm button Gai.

[0075] The donation request field Gaa is an area for displaying information indicating whether or not a donation is desired when purchasing a defective product. The donation request field Gaa includes, for example, a message (hereinafter also referred to as the first message) Gab asking the customer whether or not they wish to make a donation, a check box Gac, and a check mark Gad.

[0076] The first message Gab is, for example, text representing a binary choice of whether or not to donate. A check box Gac is provided for each option in the first message Gab, and accepts an operation to select one of the options. When the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 accepts an operation to select one of the options in the first message Gab, it displays a check mark Gad on the check box Gac corresponding to that option.

[0077] The donation amount use field Gae is an area for displaying information indicating the use of the donation amount. The donation amount use field Gae includes, for example, a check box Gac, a check mark Gad, and a message (hereinafter also referred to as the second message) Gaf that asks the customer how the donation amount will be used.

[0078] The second message Gaf is, for example, text that displays options asking how the donation amount will be used. As shown in FIG. 9, the second message Gaf includes multiple options, such as "Donate to a company that sells defective products," "Donate to a company's environmental efforts," and "Donate to an environmental organization." A check box Gac is provided for each option in the second message Gaf, and accepts an operation to select one of the options. When the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 accepts an operation to select one of the options in the second message Gaf, it displays a check mark Gad on the check box Gac corresponding to that option.

[0079] The donation rate setting field Gag is an area for displaying information indicating the donation rate related to the calculation of the donation amount. The donation rate setting field Gag includes, for example, a slider Gah. The operator (customer) of the mobile terminal 10 can specify the donation rate by operating the slider Gah. Note that it is preferable that the donation rate that can be specified with the slider Gah is an integer value so that the second discount amount calculated based on the first discount amount and the donation rate is an integer value.

[0080] The decision button Gai is an operator for confirming each setting item on the discounted product purchase setting screen Ga. When the decision button Gai is operated, the purchase condition setting unit 1001 acquires the setting contents of each setting item set on the product purchase setting screen Ga as setting information.

[0081] Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 106 of the mobile terminal 10 according to the embodiment, showing an example of a screen of the accumulated donation amount.

[0082] The cumulative donation amount display screen Gb is a screen that displays the cumulative donation amount of defective products that have been purchased by the operator (customer) of the mobile terminal 10. As shown in Fig. 10, the cumulative donation amount display screen Gb displays, for example, a cumulative donation amount display field Gba and a complete button Gbc.

[0083] The cumulative donation amount display field Gba is an area for displaying the cumulative donation amount. The cumulative donation amount display field Gba includes the cumulative donation amount Gbb.

[0084] The cumulative donation amount Gbb displays the cumulative amount of donations of defective products that the operator (customer) of the mobile terminal 10 has purchased so far (that is, the cumulative donation amount).

[0085] The done button Gbc is an operator for ending viewing of the cumulative donation amount display screen Gb. For example, when the done button Gbc is operated, the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 displays a screen such as a discounted product purchase setting screen Ga on the display unit 106.

[0086] On the other hand, the control unit 200 of the store server 20 includes a setting information update unit 2001, a customer information providing unit 2002, a setting information providing unit 2003, a total processing unit 2004, and a distribution processing unit 2005 as functional components.

[0087] Specifically, the control unit 200 (CPU 201) of the store server 20 realizes the above-mentioned functional configuration by executing the control program 221 stored in the memory unit 204. Note that in this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between the processor and program of the store server 20, but this is not limiting, and a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the store server 20 is not limited to this.

[0088] The setting information update unit 2001 updates (registers and changes) the setting information in response to an instruction from the mobile terminal 10. Specifically, when the setting information update unit 2001 receives a customer ID and setting information from the mobile terminal 10, it refers to the customer master 222 and updates the setting information of the customer corresponding to the customer ID received from the mobile terminal 10 to the setting information received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0089] The customer information providing unit 2002 provides the mobile terminal 10 with the transaction history of a customer who operates the mobile terminal 10 in response to instructions from the mobile terminal 10. Specifically, when the customer information providing unit 2002 receives a first request from the mobile terminal 10, it references the customer master 222 and acquires the cumulative donation amount of the customer corresponding to the customer ID included in the first request. In addition, the customer information providing unit 2002 transmits the acquired cumulative donation amount to the mobile terminal 10.

[0090] The setting information providing unit 2003 provides setting information in response to an instruction from the POS terminal 30. Specifically, when the setting information providing unit 2003 receives a second request from the POS terminal 30, it refers to the customer master 222 and acquires setting information for the customer corresponding to the customer ID included in the second request. The setting information providing unit 2003 also transmits the acquired setting information to the POS terminal 30.

[0091] The accumulation processing unit 2004 updates the accumulated donation amount. Specifically, when the accumulation processing unit 2004 receives a customer ID and a donation amount from the POS terminal 30, it refers to the customer master 222 and adds the donation amount to the accumulated donation amount of the customer corresponding to the customer ID received from the POS terminal 30.

[0092] The total processing unit 2004 may separate the donation amounts received from the POS terminal 30 according to the intended use of the donation, and add up the total donation amount for each intended use.

[0093] The distribution processor 2005 manages the donation amount. For example, the distribution processor 2005 transmits the cumulative donation amount, which is sorted by the use of the donation stored in the customer master 222, to the external server device to which the donation is to be made.

[0094] On the other hand, the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 30 includes a customer information acquisition unit 3001, a product registration processing unit 3002, and a transaction processing unit 3003 as functional components.

[0095] Specifically, the control unit 300 (CPU 301) of the POS terminal 30 realizes the above-mentioned functional configuration by executing a control program 321 stored in the memory unit 304. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned functional configuration is a software configuration realized by cooperation between the processor of the POS terminal 30 and the program, but this is not limiting, and a hardware configuration in which part or all of the functional configuration is realized by a dedicated circuit or the like may also be used. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the POS terminal 30 is not limited to this.

[0096] The customer information acquisition unit 3001 is an example of a second acquisition means and a third acquisition means. The customer information acquisition unit 3001 acquires customer information. Specifically, the customer information acquisition unit 3001 acquires a customer ID from a recording medium such as a membership card read via the card reader 308. The customer information acquisition unit 3001 also acquires setting information corresponding to the customer ID from the store server 20 by sending a second request including the acquired customer ID to the store server 20. The customer ID and setting information acquired by the customer information acquisition unit 3001 are retained in the RAM 303 or the like for the duration of one transaction.

[0097] The product registration processing unit 3002 is an example of a first acquisition unit, a fourth acquisition unit, a calculation unit, and a processing unit. The product registration processing unit 3002 performs product registration processing for products purchased by customers. Specifically, the product registration processing unit 3002 issues a transaction ID. When a code symbol is read by the scanner 309, the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires a product code from the code symbol. When a product code is input via the operation unit 307, the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires the product code.

[0098] Furthermore, the product registration processing unit 3002 references the product master 322 and determines whether the product is a regular product or a special-purpose product based on the special-purpose product flag of the product corresponding to the acquired product code. Specifically, if the special-purpose product flag is off, the product registration processing unit 3002 determines that the product is a regular product. In this case, the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires product information for the product from the product master 322 and registers the acquired product information in the product registration file 323. If the product information includes a first discount amount, the first discount amount is registered in the product registration file 323.

[0099] On the other hand, if the defective product flag is on, the product registration processing unit 3002 determines that the product is a defective product. In this case, the product registration processing unit 3002 determines whether a donation is "desired" based on the setting item (yes / no setting) related to the intention to purchase the defective product among the setting information stored in RAM 303. Here, if a donation is "desired" as set, the product registration processing unit 3002 obtains product information for the product from the product master 322 and calculates the donation amount based on the first discount amount for the product stored in the product master 322 and the donation rate (contribution rate setting) set in the setting information.

[0100] Next, the product registration processing unit 3002 subtracts the donation amount from the first discount amount to calculate a second discount amount. Then, the product registration processing unit 3002 registers the calculated donation amount and the second discount amount in the product registration file 323.

[0101] Furthermore, if donation is set to "not desired," the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires product information for the product from the product master 322, and registers the first discount amount for the product stored in the product master 322 in the product registration file 323. In this case, the donation amount may be registered as "0" in the product registration file 323.

[0102] Furthermore, the product registration processing unit 3002 displays the information registered in the product registration file 323 on the display unit 306 .

[0103] The accounting processing unit 3003 is an example of a processing means and a management means. The accounting processing unit 3003 performs accounting based on the information registered in the product registration file 323 of the POS terminal 30. Specifically, when the accounting processing unit 3003 receives an instruction for a transaction from the operation unit 307 of the POS terminal 30, it calculates the total amount from the product information registered in the product registration file 323. When calculating the total amount, the accounting processing unit 3003 subtracts the discount amount (first discount amount or second discount amount) from the total amount. The accounting processing unit 3003 also calculates the total donation amount for one transaction. The accounting processing unit 3003 also transmits the customer ID, transaction ID, and total donation amount to the store server 20.

[0104] In addition, the accounting processing unit 3003 issues a receipt that prints the donation amount as well as the breakdown of the products registered in one transaction, the total amount, the amount paid, etc., based on the information registered in the product registration file 323.

[0105] Next, an example of processing performed between the mobile terminal 10 and the store server 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of control processing performed by the mobile terminal 10 and the store server 20 according to the embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 11 shows an example of processing when setting information input from the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10 is sent to the store server 20 while the discounted product purchase setting screen Ga is displayed on the display unit 106 of the mobile terminal 10.

[0106] First, when an operation of the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10 is accepted from the operator (customer) of the mobile terminal 10, the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 causes the display unit 106 to display the defective product purchase setting screen Ga (step S101). Next, the control unit 100 of the mobile terminal 10 accepts an operation of the decision button Gai on the defective product purchase setting screen Ga from the operator of the mobile terminal 10 (step S102).

[0107] Next, when the purchase condition setting unit 1001 of the mobile terminal 10 accepts the operation of the decision button Gai, it transmits the customer ID and the setting information accepted from the operation unit 107 of the mobile terminal 10 to the store server 20 (step S103).

[0108] When the setting information update unit 2001 of the store server 20 receives the customer ID and setting information from the mobile terminal 10, it refers to the customer master 222 and updates the setting information of the customer corresponding to the customer ID received from the mobile terminal 10 to the setting information received from the mobile terminal 10 (step S104).

[0109] Through the above-described process, the store server 20 receives the setting information input by the operator of the mobile terminal 10 and updates the setting information in the customer master 222. Therefore, the store server 20 can store information including the customer's intention to purchase the defective product in the store server 20 in advance.

[0110] Next, the flow of control processing by the store server 20 and the POS terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of control processing performed by the store server 20 and the POS terminal 30 according to an embodiment. The sequence diagram shown in Fig. 12 shows an example of processing when the store server 20 receives an instruction from the POS terminal 30, acquires setting information, and transmits the setting information to the POS terminal 30.

[0111] First, when a transaction is started at the POS terminal 30, the customer information acquisition unit 3001 acquires a customer ID from a recording medium such as a membership card read via the card reader 308 (step S201). Next, the customer information acquisition unit 3001 transmits a second request including the acquired customer ID to the store server 20 (step S202).

[0112] When the setting information providing unit 2003 of the store server 20 receives the second request from the POS terminal 30, it refers to the customer master 222 and acquires the setting information of the customer corresponding to the customer ID included in the second request (step S203). Next, the setting information providing unit 2003 transmits the acquired setting information to the POS terminal 30 (step S204).

[0113] When the customer information acquisition unit 3001 of the POS terminal 30 receives the setting information from the store server 20, it stores the setting information in the RAM 303 of the POS terminal 30 (step S205). Next, the product registration processing unit 3002 issues a transaction ID (step S206).

[0114] Through the above-described process, the POS terminal 30 acquires the setting information of the customer who will be making the transaction from the store server 20 and stores it in the RAM 303. Therefore, the POS terminal 30 can perform the product registration process based on the setting contents of the setting information previously set by the customer.

[0115] Next, the flow of processing performed by the POS terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of control processing performed by the POS terminal 30 according to the embodiment. Note that this processing indicates processing executed by the POS terminal 30 following the processing described in Fig. 12.

[0116] First, when the scanner 309 reads a code symbol, the product registration processing unit 3002 of the POS terminal 30 acquires a product code from the code symbol (step S301). Next, the product registration processing unit 3002 determines whether the product is a normal product or a discounted product based on the discounted product flag of the product corresponding to the acquired product code (step S302).

[0117] If the defective product flag is OFF (step S302; No), the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires product information of the product from the product master 322 and registers the acquired product information in the product registration file 323 (step S303).

[0118] On the other hand, if the defective product flag is on (step S302; Yes), the product registration processing unit 3002 determines whether donation is "desired" based on the permission / prohibition setting in the setting information stored in the RAM 303 (step S304).

[0119] If donation is set to "desired" (step S304; Yes), the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires product information for the product from the product master 322 and calculates the donation amount based on the first discount amount for the product stored in the product master 322 and the donation rate (contribution rate setting) set in the setting information (step S305). Next, the product registration processing unit 3002 subtracts the donation amount from the first discount amount to calculate a second discount amount (step S306). Next, the product registration processing unit 3002 registers the calculated donation amount and second discount amount in the product registration file 323 (step S307). Then, the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 30 proceeds to step S309.

[0120] On the other hand, if donation is set to "not desired" (step S304; No), the product registration processing unit 3002 acquires product information of the product from the product master 322, and registers the first discount amount of the product stored in the product master 322 in the product registration file 323 (step S308). Then, the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 30 advances the process to step S309.

[0121] The product registration processing unit 3002 displays the information registered in the product registration file 323 on the display unit 306 (step S309). Next, the transaction processing unit 3003 of the POS terminal 30 determines whether a transaction operation instruction has been received (step S310).

[0122] If a transaction operation instruction has not been received (step S310; No), the control unit 300 of the POS terminal 30 returns the process to step S301.

[0123] If an instruction for a checkout operation is received (step S310; Yes), the accounting processing unit 3003 calculates the total price of the registered products and the total donation amount based on the information registered in the product registration file 323 (step S311).

[0124] Here, the total price of the products calculated in step S311 is the total price of the products registered in the product registration file 323 minus the total discount amount (first discount amount and second discount amount).

[0125] Next, the accounting processor 3003 performs accounting processing to calculate the total price of the products with the payment amount paid by the customer (step S312). Once the accounting processing is complete, the accounting processor 3003 transmits the customer ID, a transaction ID that can identify the transaction, and the total donation amount to the store server 20 (step S313). Next, the accounting processor 3003 issues a receipt on which the donation amount is printed, as well as the breakdown of the products registered in the transaction, the total price, the payment amount, etc., based on the information registered in the product registration file 323 (step S314).

[0126] When the store server 20 receives the total donation amount from the POS terminal 30, it refers to the customer master 222 and updates the cumulative donation amount of the customer corresponding to the customer ID received from the POS terminal 30 to a value obtained by adding the total donation amount received from the POS terminal 30.

[0127] As described above, the POS terminal 30 (an example of a product sales data processing device) of this embodiment includes a product registration processing unit 3002 that acquires the product code of the product purchased by the customer, a product registration processing unit 3002 that calculates the donation amount by multiplying the first discount amount by the donation rate if the product corresponding to the product code is a defective product that is set to be sold at a discount or at a discount, a product registration processing unit 3002 and an accounting processing unit 3003 that executes processing related to the sale of the defective product based on the selling price obtained by subtracting the donation amount from the first discount amount to obtain a second discount amount, and an accounting processing unit 3003 that accumulates and manages the donation amount in association with the customer ID.

[0128] This allows the POS terminal 30 to donate a portion of the purchase price when purchasing a defective product. Thus, the POS terminal 30 can provide support for purchasing defective products.

[0129] 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 focuses on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the content already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0130] (Variation 1) In the above-described embodiment, the product purchase support system 1 is applied to a store, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the product purchase support system 1 may be applied to a store operated online, such as an EC (Electronic Commerce) site.

[0131] In this case, for example, the mobile terminal 10 receives product information of products stored in the product master 322 from an EC site server (not shown) that has the functions of the store server 20 and the POS terminal 30 in the above-described embodiment. Then, upon receiving the product information from the EC site server (not shown), the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 displays the product information on the display unit 106 of the mobile terminal 10.

[0132] The operator (customer) of the mobile terminal 10 selects the product he / she wishes to purchase from the products (product information) displayed on the display unit 106 via the operation unit 107, and the product registration process and accounting process for that product are carried out on an EC site server (not shown).

[0133] When performing product registration processing and checkout processing for defective products, the purchase condition setting unit 1001 of the mobile terminal 10 sends setting information to an EC site server (not shown). Then, the EC site server (not shown) performs product registration processing and checkout processing for the defective products based on the setting information received from the mobile terminal 10.

[0134] This allows stores operated online, such as e-commerce sites, to perform product registration and transaction processing based on customer settings, thereby achieving the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[0135] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, when the scanner 309 reads a code symbol attached to a product, the product registration processing unit 3002 of the POS terminal 30 acquires a product code from the code symbol and determines whether the product is a normal product or a discounted product based on the discounted product flag of the product corresponding to the acquired product code, but this is not limited to this. For example, the product registration processing unit 3002 may capture an image of the code symbol of the product with an imaging unit (not shown), and determine that the product is a discounted product if an image of a discount sticker (more precisely, a flag sticker indicating that a discount sticker is attached) attached near the code symbol of the product is captured.

[0136] In this case, the operator of the POS terminal 30 performs product registration processing and accounting processing for the defective product by inputting the discount details for the defective product via the operation unit 307 of the POS terminal 30. This achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0137] (Variation 3) In the above embodiment, the accounting processing unit 3003 of the POS terminal 30 issues a receipt that prints the donation amount in addition to the breakdown of the products registered in one transaction, the total amount, the payment amount, etc., based on the information registered in the product registration file 323, but this is not limiting. For example, the accounting processing unit 3003 may issue an electronic receipt that prints the donation amount in addition to the breakdown of the products registered in one transaction, the total amount, the payment amount, etc., based on the information registered in the product registration file 323.

[0138] In this case, the POS terminal 30 transmits an electronic receipt to the customer terminal (for example, the mobile terminal 10) linked to the customer ID via the store server 20 or a server for transmitting electronic receipts (not shown).

[0139] In this case, an application program that enables viewing of electronic receipts may be installed on the customer's terminal, so that the electronic receipts transmitted from the store server 20 or the electronic receipt transmission server can be displayed and viewed on the customer's terminal. Furthermore, the application program may realize the purchase condition setting unit 1001, the cumulative donation amount confirmation unit 1002, and the display control unit 1003 of the mobile terminal 10 described above on the customer's terminal.

[0140] The programs executed by product purchase support system 1 of the embodiment and modified examples 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 product purchase support system 1 of the embodiment and modified examples may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0141] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided in a state where they are pre-installed in a ROM, a storage unit, 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).

[0142] These novel embodiments and their modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the inventions, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1. Product purchase support system 10 Mobile devices 20 Store Server 30 POS terminals 1001 Purchase condition setting section 1002 Total donation amount confirmation section 1003 Display control unit 2001 Setting information update section 2002 Customer Information Department 2003 Setting information provision department 2004 Accumulation Processing Unit 2005 sorting processor 3001 Customer Information Acquisition Department 3002 Product registration processing section 3003 Accounting Department [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0144] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-157048

Claims

1. a first acquisition means for acquiring product identification information of a product purchased by a customer; a calculation means for calculating a donation amount by multiplying a percentage of the donation preset by the customer by an amount to be reduced or discounted if the product corresponding to the product identification information is an irregular product that is set to be sold at a discount or discount; a processing means for executing a process for selling the non-standard product based on a subtraction price obtained by subtracting the donation amount from the subtraction amount and then subtracting the remaining amount from the price of the non-standard product; a management means for accumulating and managing the donation amount in association with the customer identification information of the customer; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. a second acquiring means for acquiring customer identification information of the customer; a third acquisition means for acquiring setting information corresponding to the customer identification information acquired by the second acquisition means from a storage device that stores setting information including a percentage of donations preset by a customer corresponding to the customer identification information in association with the customer identification information; Further provided with the calculation means calculates the donation amount based on the setting information acquired by the third acquisition means. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The storage device stores the setting information including whether or not a customer corresponding to the customer identification information is willing to donate, and the calculation means, when a donation is set in the setting information acquired by the third acquisition means, calculates the donation amount based on the ratio; When the setting information acquired by the third acquisition means indicates that no donation will be made, the processing means executes a process for selling the non-standard product based on a subtracted price obtained by subtracting the subtraction amount from the price of the non-standard product. The product sales data processing device according to claim 2 .

4. a fourth acquiring means for acquiring product information corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the first acquiring means from a product master that stores product information related to each product in association with the product identification information of the product; The calculation means determines that the product is a non-standard product when the product information includes information indicating that the product is a non-standard product. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. the first acquisition means acquires the product identification information from a code symbol attached to the product, and if non-standard information indicating that the product is a non-standard product is attached to the product, acquires the non-standard information; The calculation means determines that the product is a non-standard product when the first acquisition means acquires the non-standard information. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The computer of the product sales data processing device, a first acquisition means for acquiring product identification information of a product purchased by a customer; a calculation means for calculating a donation amount by multiplying a percentage of the donation preset by the customer by an amount to be reduced or discounted if the product corresponding to the product identification information is an irregular product that is set to be sold at a discount or discount; a processing means for executing a process for selling the non-standard product based on a subtraction price obtained by subtracting the donation amount from the subtraction amount and then subtracting the remaining amount from the price of the non-standard product; a management means for accumulating and managing the donation amount in association with the customer identification information of the customer; A program that functions as a

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