Transaction processing apparatus and program thereof

Abstract

To easily cope with the magnification change of points or the like.SOLUTION: A transaction processor includes information acquisition means, provision means, point acquisition means, and processing means. The information acquisition means acquires information necessary for calculation of points generated by processing a transaction with a point member. The provision means provides the information acquired by the information acquisition means to an external server having a function of calculating granted points on the basis of information necessary for calculation of points. The point acquisition unit acquires granted points calculated by the external server based on the information provided by the provision unit. The processing means processes the given points acquired by the point acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Many retail stores plan various sales promotions to increase consumer purchasing motivation. One of these sales promotions is a point service. A point service is a service in which points are awarded to customers who purchase products, and the points are accumulated for each customer, allowing the customer to receive benefits according to the accumulated points. Retail stores that have introduced a point service use a device with a point calculation function as a transaction processing device that processes transactions related to the purchase and sale of products with customers. The point calculation function is a function that, for example, divides the total price of the products purchased by a customer by a specified point base amount, and then rounds down the quotient to the nearest integer to determine the number of points to be awarded.

[0003] In such point services, for example, by increasing the point multiplier for shopping on a specific date, day of the week, or time period, consumers are already motivated to make purchases. However, changing the point multiplier requires modifying the point calculation function. Therefore, retail stores that have installed many transaction processing devices, such as chain stores and mass retailers, must modify the point calculation function of each and every transaction processing device. As a result, the modification process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-269638 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a transaction processing device that can easily accommodate changes in the point multiplier, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the transaction processing device comprises an information acquisition means, a provision means, a point acquisition means, and a processing means. The information acquisition means acquires information necessary for calculating points generated by processing a transaction with a point member. The provision means provides the information acquired by the information acquisition means to an external server having a function for calculating awarded points based on the information necessary for point calculation. The point acquisition means acquires the awarded points calculated by the external server based on the information provided by the provision means. The processing means processes the awarded points acquired by the point acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a points service system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a member record stored in the member database. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the point server. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the product master table. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the main part of the payment master table. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structures stored in a transaction file. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing main data items temporarily stored in the work memory. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the POS terminal and the point server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal in accordance with the point processing program. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal in accordance with the point processing program. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the point server in accordance with the point calculation program. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt issued from a POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a transaction processing device that can easily accommodate changes in the point multiplier and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where a chain store that unifies the management policy, service contents, etc. of multiple stores introduces a common point service will be described as an example.

[0009] [Explanation of the points service system] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a point service system 100 that has been constructed so that each chain store can introduce a common point service. The point service system 100 includes a point management system 1, multiple POS systems 2, and a communication network 3. The communication network 3 is, for example, a wide area network such as the Internet or an intranet. A mobile communication network, a public communication network, or the like may also be used as part of the communication network 3.

[0010] The point management system 1 is, for example, a computer system constructed in a headquarters that oversees each chain store. The point management system 1 includes a point server 11. The point management system 1 connects the point server 11 to a LAN (Local Area Network) 12, and further connects the point server 11 to a communication network 3 via a router 13. The LAN 12 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0011] The multiple POS systems 2 are computer systems respectively constructed in each chain store. Each POS system 2 includes multiple POS terminals 21 and a store server 22. In the POS system 2, the multiple POS terminals 21 and the store server 22 are each connected to a LAN 23, and the multiple POS terminals 21 and the store server 22 are further connected to a communication network 3 via a router 24. The LAN 23 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0012] Thus, the POS terminal 21 of each POS system 2 and the point server 11 of the point management system 1 are connected via the communication network 3, enabling two-way data communication.

[0013] POS terminal 21 is an electronic device that has the functions of registering and processing sales data of merchandise sold in transactions with customers, calculating the price of the transaction, and receiving payment for that price from the customer and settling the transaction. In other words, POS terminal 21 functions as a transaction processing device that processes transactions related to the sale and purchase of merchandise with customers.

[0014] The store server 22 is a server computer that has the function of centrally controlling each POS terminal 21 connected via the LAN 23. For example, the store server 22 can collect and tally data on transactions settled at each POS terminal 21 and manage sales, inventory, etc. of the entire store.

[0015] The point server 11 is a server computer that functions as an external server for the POS terminals 21 of each POS system 2. The point server 11 has a member database 14. The member database 14 is a collection of member records 141 (see FIG. 2) created for each point member. A point member is a consumer who has registered to receive a point service commonly offered at each chain store. Point members are awarded points every time they shop at a chain store where the POS system 2 is installed. The awarded points are accumulated for each point member. Point members can receive benefits according to the accumulated points. Benefits include a point discount service that provides a discount on the price of products purchased at the store when a certain number of accumulated points are reached, or a point payment service that converts accumulated points into a monetary amount and uses them to pay for products purchased at the store. The point server 11 uses the member database 14 to manage the points accumulated for each point member.

[0016] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of the member record 141. The member record 141 is made up of data items such as the member ID, accumulated points, and last update date. The member record 141 may also include data items other than the member ID.

[0017] A member ID is unique identification information assigned to each point member to identify them individually. Point members possess a point card on which their member ID is recorded. Point members may install application software specifically for point members, known as a point member app, on a mobile device such as a smartphone. When a mobile device with a point member app installed launches the point member app, a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating the member ID is displayed on the display device.

[0018] Accumulated points are the accumulated value for each point member of points calculated each time a transaction with a point member identified by a member ID is settled at the POS terminal 21. Accumulated points are used for the point discount service or point payment service, etc., described above. When accumulated points are used for a point discount service in a transaction with a point member at the POS terminal 21, the point server 11 subtracts the points used for the discount from the accumulated points in the member record 141 containing the member ID of the point member. When accumulated points are used for a point payment service in a transaction with a point member at the POS terminal 21, the point server 11 subtracts the points used for the payment from the accumulated points in the member record 141 containing the member ID of the point member.

[0019] The last update date is the most recent date on which the point member identified by the member ID was updated. For example, when a transaction with a point member is settled at the POS terminal 21, points are awarded, and the accumulated points are added, the last update date is updated to the date of that day. Similarly, when the accumulated points are used for a point discount service or a point payment service and the accumulated points are subtracted, the last update date is updated to the date of that day.

[0020] [Point server configuration explanation] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the point server 11. The point server 11 comprises circuit components such as a processor 111, a main memory 112, an auxiliary storage device 113, a clock 114, and a communication interface 115, as well as a system transmission path 116. The system transmission path 116 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The point server 11 constitutes a computer by connecting each circuit component to the system transmission path 116.

[0021] The processor 111 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 111 controls each part to realize various functions of the point server 11 in accordance with an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 111 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 111 may be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an SoC (System on a Chip), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 111 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0022] The main memory 112 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 112 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 112 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 112 may store data required for the processor 111 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 112 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 111 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 113 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 113. The auxiliary storage device 113 stores data used by the processor 111 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes of the processor 111. The auxiliary storage device 113 may also store the application programs described above.

[0024] The clock 114 keeps track of the date and time. The point server 11 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 114 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 115 is connected to the LAN 12. The point server 11 performs data communication with the POS terminals 21 of each POS system 2 via the communication interface 115.

[0026] The point server 11 configured as described above uses part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 113 as the area for the member database 14 described above. The point server 11 also stores a point calculation program Pa in the auxiliary storage device 113. The point calculation program Pa is an application program for calculating points to be awarded to point members through a common point service at each chain store. In accordance with the point calculation program Pa, the point server 11 calculates points based on information on transactions with point members that have been settled at the POS terminals 21 of each POS system 2.

[0027] The method for installing the point calculation program Pa into the auxiliary storage device 113 is not particularly limited. The point calculation program Pa can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or the point calculation program Pa can be distributed by communication via the communication network 3 and installed in the auxiliary storage device 113. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. The point calculation program Pa may be installed in the main memory 112.

[0028] [Store server configuration explanation] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the store server 22. The store server 22 includes circuit components such as a processor 221, a main memory 222, an auxiliary storage device 223, a clock 224, and a communication interface 225, as well as a system transmission path 226. The system transmission path 226 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines. The store server 22 constitutes a computer by connecting each circuit component to the system transmission path 226.

[0029] The processor 221 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 221 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 22 in accordance with an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 221 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 221 may be, for example, an MPU, an SoC, a DSP, a GPU, an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA. Alternatively, the processor 221 may be a combination of two or more of these.

[0030] The main memory 222 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 222 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 222 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 222 may store data required for the processor 221 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 222 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 221 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0031] The auxiliary storage device 223 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 223. The auxiliary storage device 223 stores data used by the processor 221 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 221. The auxiliary storage device 223 may also store the application programs described above.

[0032] The clock 224 keeps track of the date and time. The store server 22 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 224 as the current date and time.

[0033] The communication interface 225 is connected to the LAN 23. The store server 22 performs data communication with each POS terminal 21 via the communication interface 225.

[0034] In the store server 22 configured as above, part of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 223 is used as an area for the product master table 41 and an area for the payment master table 42.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the product master table 41. As shown in the figure, the product master table 41 includes a product code column, a product name column, a unit price column, and a column for the points eligible flag Fa. The product code column describes the product code of each product sold at each chain store. The product code is a unique code assigned to each product item to identify the product type. The product name column describes the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code. The unit price column describes the price per unit of the product identified by the corresponding product code.

[0036] The column for the point target flag Fa contains the point target flag Fa, which is set according to the attributes of the product identified by the corresponding product code. The point target flag Fa is 1-bit data for identifying whether the product is eligible for the point service. Among the products sold at each chain store, there is a desire to exclude some products, such as cigarettes, stamps, newspapers, and garbage bags sold on consignment by local governments, from the point service. Therefore, in this embodiment, a column for the point target flag Fa is provided in the product master table 41, making it possible to distinguish between products eligible for the point service and products not eligible for the point service. Specifically, the point target flag Fa for products eligible for the point service is set to "1," and the point target flag Fa for products not eligible for the point service is set to "0," making it possible to identify whether the product is eligible for the point service.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main configuration of the payment master table 42. As shown in the figure, the payment master table 42 includes a payment code column, a payment name column, and a point target flag Fb column. The payment code column contains the payment code. The payment code is a unique code assigned to each payment method. There are various payment methods, such as cash, credit card, electronic money, code payment, and point payment. The payment code is a unique code assigned to each payment method to individually identify each payment method. The payment name column contains the name of the payment method identified by the corresponding payment code. Incidentally, the payment name "Current Total" is the name of a cash payment method. The payment name "Credit" is the name of a credit card payment method. The payment names "Electronic Money XX" and "Electronic Money YY" are both names of electronic money payment methods.

[0038] The point eligible flag Fb is one-bit data used to identify whether the payment method identified by the corresponding payment code is eligible for the point service. Of the payment methods available at each chain store, there is a desire to exclude, for example, electronic money payments from being eligible for point services. Therefore, in this embodiment, a column for the point eligible flag Fb is provided in the payment master table 42, making it possible to distinguish between payment methods eligible for the point service and those not eligible for the point service. Specifically, the point eligible flag Fb is set to "1" for payment methods eligible for the point service, and "0" for payment methods not eligible for the point service, making it possible to identify whether a payment method is eligible for the point service.

[0039] [POS terminal configuration explanation] 7 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 21. The POS terminal 21 includes circuit components such as a processor 211, a main memory 212, an auxiliary storage device 213, a clock 214, a communication interface 215, and an I / O (Input / Output) interface 216, as well as a system transmission path 217. The system transmission path 217 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The POS terminal 21 constitutes a computer by connecting each circuit component to the system transmission path 217.

[0040] The processor 211 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 211 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 21 in accordance with an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 211 is, for example, a CPU.

[0041] The main memory 212 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 212 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 212 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 212 may store data required for the processor 211 to execute processes for controlling each unit in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 212 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 211 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0042] The auxiliary storage device 213 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 213. The auxiliary storage device 213 stores data used by the processor 211 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 211. The auxiliary storage device 213 may also store the application programs described above.

[0043] The clock 214 keeps track of the date and time. The POS terminal 21 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 214 as the current date and time.

[0044] The communication interface 215 is connected to the LAN 23. The POS terminal 21 performs data communication with the store server 22, the point server 11, etc. via the communication interface 215.

[0045] The I / O interface 26 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals to and from various devices such as a keyboard 51, a touch panel 52, a customer-facing display 53, a scanner 54, a card reader 55, a printer 56, and an automatic change machine 57.

[0046] The keyboard 51 is a device that has various function keys required for the POS terminal 21, such as a numeric keypad for inputting numeric data from [0] to [9], as well as a subtotal key, accounting key, discount key, and cancellation key. The touch panel 52 is a device that displays various screens such as a registration screen, subtotal screen, and payment method selection screen, and accepts touch inputs on the displayed screens. The customer display 53 is a device that displays to the customer the prices of the products purchased by the customer, the total amount, etc.

[0047] The scanner 54 is a device for reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. Many products have barcodes indicating the product code attached to them. Furthermore, a barcode or two-dimensional code of a member ID is displayed on an electronic device such as a smartphone on which a point membership app is installed. The scanner 54 is used to read such barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 54 may be a handheld type that is operated by an operator, or may be a fixed type that is incorporated into the main body of the POS terminal 21.

[0048] The card reader 55 is a device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a point card, credit card, or electronic money card. If the card medium is a magnetic card, the card reader 55 is a magnetic card reader. If the card medium is an IC card, the card reader 55 is an IC card reader. The POS terminal 21 may be equipped with either a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader as the card reader 55, or may be equipped with both. The card reader 55 may also be a card reader / writer that has a function of writing data to the card medium.

[0049] The printer 56 is a device that has the function of printing data showing transaction details on receipt paper and issuing the receipt. The printer 56 is realized by, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0050] The automatic change dispenser 57 is a device that has a safe for storing banknotes and coins by denomination, and has the functions of sorting the denominations of banknotes and coins inserted through an insertion slot, storing them in the safe, calculating the amount inserted, and retrieving banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount from the safe and dispensing them through a dispensing slot.

[0051] The POS terminal 21 configured as described above stores a point processing program Pb in the auxiliary storage device 213. The point processing program Pb is an application program for processing data related to the point service. In accordance with the point processing program Pb, the POS terminal 21 executes data processing for awarding points to a point member who has settled a transaction.

[0052] The method for installing the point processing program Pb into the auxiliary storage device 213 is not particularly limited. The point processing program Pb can be installed into the auxiliary storage device 213 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing it by communication via the communication network 3. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device. The point processing program Pb may be installed in the main memory 212.

[0053] The POS terminal 21 also uses part of the volatile memory area in the main memory 212 as an area for a transaction file 61 and a work memory 62. The transaction file 61 is an area for storing data related to transactions with customers. The work memory 62 is an area for temporarily storing data on various items generated in data processing according to the point processing program Pb.

[0054] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the transaction file 61. As shown in the figure, the transaction file 61 stores transaction identification data, the number of registered products N, sales data for the N products, and payment data. The transaction identification data includes the transaction number, transaction date and time, and supervisor code. The transaction number is a serial number that is issued each time a transaction is settled. The transaction date and time is the date and time the transaction was settled. The supervisor code is the ID code of the store clerk who signed on to the POS terminal 21 that settled the transaction.

[0055] The number of registered products N is the number of products registered as purchased items in a settled transaction. The transaction file 61 stores product sales data for the number of registered products N. The product sales data includes the product code, unit price, quantity, sales amount, point eligible flag Fa, etc. of the purchased item. The sales amount is calculated by multiplying the unit price by the quantity.

[0056] The payment data includes the payment code of the payment method used to settle the transaction, the payment amount by that payment method, and the point eligible flag Fb. If two or more payment methods are used, the payment data includes each payment code, payment amount, and point eligible flag Fb.

[0057] 9 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items temporarily stored in the work memory 62. As shown in the figure, the work memory 62 stores data such as the target product price Wa, the target payment amount Wb, the point price Wc, the member ID, the current points Pt, and the accumulated points Ps.

[0058] The target product amount Wa is the total sales amount of products that are eligible for points among the products purchased and sold in transactions with point members, that is, products for which the point eligible flag Fa is set to "1". The target payment amount Wb is the payment amount for payment methods that are eligible for points among the payment methods used in transactions with point members, that is, payment methods for which the point eligible flag Fb is set to "1". The member ID is the identifier of the point member in question. The current points Pt are the points awarded in transactions with the point member in question. The accumulated points Ps are the accumulated points of the point member in question after the current points Pt are awarded.

[0059] [POS terminal and point server function explanation] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 and the processor 111 of the point server 11. As shown in the figure, the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 has the functions of an ID acquisition means 71, a product amount totaling means 72, a payment amount acquisition means 73, an information acquisition means 74, a provision means 75, a point acquisition means 76, and a processing means 77. The processor 111 of the point server 11 has the functions of an information detection means 81, a point calculation means 82, a point update means 83, and a point response means 84.

[0060] First, the functions of the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 will be described. The ID acquisition means 71 is a function for acquiring the member ID of a point member. When data on a point card is read by the card reader 55, the ID acquisition means 71 acquires the member ID from that data. When a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating a member ID is scanned by the scanner 54, the ID acquisition means 71 analyzes the barcode or two-dimensional code to acquire the member ID. The ID acquisition means 71 writes the acquired member ID to the work memory 62.

[0061] The product amount summing means 72 is a function that sums up the amounts of products eligible for point awards from among the products sold in transactions with point members. The product amount summing means 72 sums up the sales amounts of products for which the point eligible flag Fa is set to "1" from the product sales data saved in the transaction file 61. The product amount summing means 72 writes the summed amount to the work memory 62 as the eligible product amount Wa.

[0062] The payment amount acquisition means 73 is a function that acquires the amount paid using a payment method eligible for points for transactions with point members. The payment amount acquisition means 73 acquires the payment amount of the payment data when the points eligible flag Fb for the payment code of the payment data saved in the transaction file 61 is "1". The payment amount acquisition means 73 writes the acquired payment amount as the eligible payment amount Wb in the work memory 62.

[0063] The information acquisition means 74 is a function for acquiring information necessary for calculating points earned by processing a transaction with a point member. The information acquisition means 74 acquires the amount totaled by the product amount totalization means 72, i.e., the target product amount Wa, as information necessary for calculating points. Alternatively, the information acquisition means 74 acquires the amount acquired by the payment amount acquisition means 73, i.e., the target payment amount Wc, as information necessary for calculating points. For example, the information acquisition means 74 may compare the target product amount Wa with the target payment amount Wc and select the smaller or larger amount as the information necessary for calculating points.

[0064] The providing means 75 has a function of providing the information acquired by the information acquiring means 74 to an external server having a function of calculating the points to be awarded based on the information necessary for calculating the points. In this embodiment, the external server is the point server 11 that has the point calculation program Pa implemented. That is, the providing means 75 provides the information acquired by the information acquiring means 74, that is, the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc, to the point server 11 via data communication using the communication network 3. At this time, the providing means 75 provides the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc to the point server 11, including the member ID acquired by the ID acquiring means 71.

[0065] The point acquisition means 76 has a function of acquiring the awarded points calculated by an external server based on the information provided by the provision means 75. As will be described in detail later, the point server 11, which corresponds to the external server, has a function of calculating the awarded points based on the information necessary for calculating points provided by the POS terminal 21. The point acquisition means 76 acquires the awarded points calculated by the point server 11. The point acquisition means 76 also acquires the accumulated points after the awarded points have been awarded. The point acquisition means 76 writes the acquired awarded points and accumulated points into the work memory 62 as current points Pt and accumulated points Ps, respectively.

[0066] The processing means 77 has a function of processing the awarded points acquired by the point acquisition means 76. For example, the processing means 77 controls the printer 56 to print the awarded points, that is, the current points Pt, on a receipt. The processing means 77 may also print the accumulated points Ps along with the current points Pt on a receipt.

[0067] Next, the functions of the processor 111 of the point server 11 will be described. The information detection means 81 has a function of detecting information necessary for calculating points from the information provided by the provision means 75 of the POS terminal 21. That is, the information detection means 81 detects the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc as information necessary for calculating points. The information detection means 81 also detects the member ID.

[0068] The point calculation means 82 has a function of calculating the awarded points based on the information detected by the information detection means 81. That is, the point calculation means 82 calculates the awarded points from the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc in accordance with the point calculation program Pa. Specifically, the point calculation means 82 divides the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc by a predetermined point base amount, and calculates the provisional points by truncating any decimal places of the quotient. The point calculation means 82 then multiplies the provisional points by an arbitrary point multiplier to calculate the awarded points.

[0069] The point reference amount and the point multiplier are set by the point calculation program Pa. For example, suppose that the point reference amount is set to 100 yen and the point calculation program Pa with the point multiplier set to 1 is installed in the point server 11. In this case, if the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc is 1,000 yen, the point calculation means 82 calculates 10 points as the awarded points. Alternatively, suppose that the point calculation program Pa with the point reference amount set to 100 yen and the point multiplier set to 2 is installed in the point server 11. In this case, if the target product amount Wa or the target payment amount Wc is 1,000 yen, the point calculation means 82 calculates 20 points as the awarded points.

[0070] The point update means 83 is a function that updates the accumulated points in the member database 14 with the granted points calculated by the point calculation means 82. The point update means 83 searches the member database 14 for a member record 141 that includes the member ID detected by the information detection means 81. The point update means 83 then adds the granted points to the accumulated points in that member record 141 to update the accumulated points.

[0071] The point response means 84 is a function that responds to the POS terminal 21 with the awarded points calculated by the point calculation means 82 based on the information necessary for calculating points provided from the POS terminal 21. The point response means 84 transmits a response event including the awarded points calculated by the point calculation means 82 and the cumulative points to which the awarded points have been added, to the POS terminal 21 connected via the communication network 3.

[0072] [POS terminal and point server program explanation] In the POS terminal 21, the functions of the ID acquisition means 71, product amount totaling means 72, payment amount acquisition means 73, information acquisition means 74, provision means 75, point acquisition means 76, and processing means 77 are realized by the processor 111 executing information processing in accordance with the point processing program Pb. Similarly, in the point server 11, the functions of the information detection means 81, point calculation means 82, point update means 83, and point response means 84 are realized by the processor 111 executing information processing in accordance with the point calculation program Pa. Next, the point processing program Pb and the point calculation program Pa will be described.

[0073] First, the point processing program Pb will be described. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 in accordance with the point processing program Pb. Note that the steps and contents of the processing shown below are merely examples. The steps and contents can be modified as appropriate as long as they can produce similar functions.

[0074] The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 running the point processing program Pb completes the registration process for the products sold in a transaction with a customer in ACT1, and waits for the payment of the transaction price. When the payment for the transaction is made by key operation on the keyboard 51 or touch operation on the touch panel 52, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 211 checks whether the transaction is with a point member. If the member ID of the point member is read by the card reader 55 or scanner 54 before the payment for the transaction price and the member ID is stored in the work memory 62, the processor 211 determines that the transaction is with a point member. If the member ID is not stored in the work memory 62 and the processor 211 determines that the transaction is not with a point member, the processor 211 ends the process in ACT2. The processor 211 waits for the payment of the transaction price with the next customer.

[0075] In ACT2, if the member ID is stored in the work memory 62 and it is determined that the transaction is with a point member, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 211 clears the target product amount Wa, the target payment amount Wb, and the target point amount Wc in the work memory 62 to "0." In ACT4, the processor 211 also resets the counter n to "0." Next, in ACT5, the processor 211 counts up the counter n by "1." Then, in ACT6, the processor 211 compares the counter n with the number of registered products N stored in the transaction file 61.

[0076] Here, if the counter n is equal to or less than the number N of registered products, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 7, the processor 211 acquires the point target flag Fa of the nth product sales data among the N product sales data stored in the transaction file 61. Note that "n" of the nth product sales data is the value of the counter n.

[0077] After acquiring the point eligible flag Fa, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT 8. In ACT 8, the processor 211 checks whether the point eligible flag Fa is "1". If the point eligible flag Fa is "1", that is, if the product identified by the product code in the product sales data is a product eligible for the point service, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT 9. In ACT 9, the processor 211 adds the sales amount of the nth product sales data to the eligible product amount Wa in the work memory 62. On the other hand, if the point eligible flag Fa is "0", that is, if the product identified by the product code in the product sales data is not a product eligible for the point service, the processor 211 skips the processing of ACT 9.

[0078] After completing or skipping the processing of ACT9, the processor 211 returns to ACT5. The processor 211 executes the processing from ACT5 onwards in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 211 counts up the counter n by another "1". Then, if the counter n is equal to or less than the number of registered products N, the processor 211 obtains the point eligible flag Fa of the nth product sales data from the transaction file 61. Here, if the point eligible flag Fa is "1", the sales amount of the nth product sales data is added to the eligible product amount Wa in the work memory 62. Thus, the eligible product amount Wa in the work memory 62 is the total amount of the sales amounts of the product sales data whose point eligible flag Fa is "1" among the product sales data stored in the transaction file 61.

[0079] In ACT6, when the counter n exceeds the number of registered products N, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT10. In ACT10, the processor 211 obtains the point eligible flag Fb of the payment data stored in the transaction file 61. Then, in ACT11, the processor 211 checks whether the point eligible flag Fb is "1". If the point eligible flag Fb is "1", that is, if the payment method identified by the payment code in the payment data is a payment method eligible for the point service, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT12. In ACT12, the processor 211 adds the payment amount of the payment data to the eligible payment amount Wb in the work memory 62. On the other hand, if the point eligible flag Fb is "0", that is, if the payment method is not eligible for the point service, the processor 211 skips the processing of ACT12.

[0080] After completing or skipping the processing of ACT12, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, the processor 211 compares the target product amount Wa stored in the work memory 62 with the target payment amount Wb. If the result of this comparison shows that the target product amount Wa is less than or equal to the target payment amount Wb, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT14. In ACT14, the processor 211 sets the point target amount Wc in the work memory 62 to the target product amount Wa. On the other hand, if the target product amount Wa is greater than the target payment amount Wb, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 211 sets the point target amount Wc in the work memory 62 to the target payment amount Wb.

[0081] In this way, when the target product amount Wa and the target payment amount Wb are equal, the point-eligible amount Wc is set to the target product amount Wa. Note that since the target product amount Wa and the target payment amount Wb are equal, the target payment amount Wb may also be set to the point-eligible amount Wc. On the other hand, when the target product amount Wa and the target payment amount Wb are not equal, the smaller amount is set to the point-eligible amount Wc. Note that in this regard, too, the larger amount may be set to the point-eligible amount Wc so that more points are awarded to the customer.

[0082] After completing the processing of ACT14 or ACT15, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 12. In ACT21, the processor 211 obtains the member ID from the work memory 62. Then, in ACT22, the processor 211 controls the output of a point inquiry event. This control causes the point inquiry event to be sent via the communication interface 215. The point inquiry event is sent to the point server 11 via the communication network 3. The point inquiry event includes the point target amount Wc and the member ID.

[0083] As will be described in detail later, upon receiving the point inquiry event, the point server 11 returns a response event including the granted points and accumulated points. Then, the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 that controlled the output of the point inquiry event waits for a response event in ACT23. At this time, if the response event is not received even after a certain time has elapsed since controlling the output of the point inquiry event, it is highly likely that the communication line with the point server 11 is offline. The processor 211 proceeds to ACT24. The processor 211 notifies the offline state in ACT24. For example, the processor 211 displays a message on the touch panel 52 indicating that the communication line with the point server 11 is offline.

[0084] Incidentally, the POS terminal 21 holds the data of the point inquiry event until the communication line with the point server 11 is restored. Then, when the communication line is restored, the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 attempts to resend the point inquiry event. In this way, points are calculated for transactions with point members, and the accumulated points are updated.

[0085] If a response event is received from the point server 11 within a certain period of time after controlling the output of the point inquiry event, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT 25. In ACT 25, the processor 211 obtains the granted points and accumulated points from the response event. The processor 211 writes the granted points as current points Pt in the work memory 62, and writes the accumulated points as current point updated accumulated points Ps in the work memory 62.

[0086] After completing the processing of ACT24 or ACT25, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT26. In ACT26, the processor 211 edits the receipt data. The receipt data includes the transaction identification data stored in the transaction file 61, product sales data for the number N of registered products, and payment data. In addition, if a response event is received, the current points Pt and accumulated points Ps stored in the work memory 62 are also included in the receipt data.

[0087] After editing the receipt data, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, the processor 211 outputs a receipt print command to the printer. This command causes the printer to operate, printing the receipt data on receipt paper and issuing a receipt RS (see Figure 14). After outputting the receipt print command, the processor 211 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of Figures 11 and 12. The processor 211 then waits for payment for the next transaction with the customer.

[0088] Figure 14 shows an example of a receipt RS issued when a response event is received in response to a point inquiry event. As shown, receipt RS includes transaction identification data such as the transaction number [No. 0123], transaction date and time [YYYY / MM / DD hh:mm], the responsible person code [Responsible person No. 0001], the quantity and sales amount of three items [Product AAA, Product BBB, Product CCC], and payment data [Current total: 470 yen]. Also printed on receipt RS are the current points Pt [6P] and accumulated points Ps [123P]. Incidentally, this receipt RS shows an example in which product CCC is not eligible for points, the base point amount is 100 yen, and the point multiplier is 2x. Product CCC, which is not eligible for points, is marked with a designated mark [*] to identify it as a point-eligible product.

[0089] Here, the processor 211 realizes the function of product amount totaling means 72 by processing ACT3 to ACT9. The processor 211 realizes the function of payment amount obtaining means 73 by processing ACT10 to ACT12. The processor 211 realizes the function of information obtaining means 74 by processing ACT13 to ACT15. The processor 211 realizes the function of ID obtaining means 71 by processing ACT21. The processor 211 realizes the function of provision means 75 by processing ACT22. The processor 211 realizes the function of point obtaining means 76 by processing ACT23 and ACT25. The processor 211 has the function of processing means 77 by processing ACT26 and ACT27.

[0090] Next, the point calculation program Pa will be described. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 111 of the point server 11 in accordance with the point calculation program Pa. Note that the steps and contents of the processing shown below are examples. The steps and contents can be modified as appropriate as long as they can produce similar functions.

[0091] The processor 111 of the point server 11 on which the point calculation program Pa is running waits for a point inquiry event in ACT 31. When the processor 111 receives a point inquiry event from any of the POS terminals 21, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 112, the processor 111 acquires the point target amount Wc from the point inquiry event.

[0092] After acquiring the point-eligible amount Wc, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 111 calculates the awarded points (current points Pt) based on the point-eligible amount Wc. Specifically, the processor 111 divides the point-eligible amount Wc by the point base amount, and calculates the provisional points by truncating the decimal points of the quotient. The processor 111 then multiplies the provisional points by an arbitrary point multiplier to calculate the awarded points. It goes without saying that the method of calculating the awarded points is not limited to the method described above.

[0093] After calculating the awarded points, processor 111 proceeds to ACT 34. Processor 111 updates the accumulated points in ACT 34. That is, processor 111 obtains the member ID from the point inquiry event, searches member database 14 using that member ID, and adds the awarded points to the accumulated points of member record 141 that includes that member ID.

[0094] After updating the accumulated points, the processor 111 proceeds to ACT36. The processor 111 creates a response event in ACT36. That is, the processor 111 creates a response event including the granted points and the updated accumulated points. The processor 111 controls the output of the response event in ACT37. This control causes the response event to be sent via the communication interface 115. The response event is sent via the communication network 3 to the POS terminal 21 that sent the point inquiry event. This completes the information processing performed by processor 111 when a point inquiry event is received, and processor 111 waits for the next point inquiry event.

[0095] Here, the processor 111 realizes the function of the information detection means 81 by processing ACT32. The processor 111 realizes the function of the point calculation means 82 by processing ACT33. The processor 111 realizes the function of the point update means 83 by processing ACT34 and ACT35. The processor 111 realizes the function of the point response means 84 by processing ACT36 and ACT37.

[0096] [Effects of the point service system] As described above in detail, the POS terminal 21 provided in each chain store has the functions of the ID acquisition means 71, the information acquisition means 74, and the provision means 75. As a result, the POS terminal 21 can acquire the point target amount Wc as information necessary for calculating points in a transaction with a point member, and transmit a point response event including the point target amount Wc to the point server 11.

[0097] On the other hand, the point server 11 has functions as an information detection means 81, a point calculation means 82, and a point response means 84. As a result, when a point response event is received from any POS terminal 21, the point server 11 obtains the point target amount Wc from the event and calculates the points to be awarded based on the point target amount Wc. The point server 11 can then transmit a response event including the points to the POS terminal 21 that sent the point response event.

[0098] The POS terminal 21 that sent the point response event has the functions of point acquisition means 76 and processing means 77. As a result, the POS terminal 21 can acquire the awarded points from the response event from the point server 11 and print the awarded points as current points Pt on a receipt showing the details of the transaction with the point member.

[0099] As described above, according to this embodiment, the calculation of the points to be awarded based on the point eligible amount Wc is performed by the point server 11, not the POS terminal 21. Therefore, if it is desired to increase the point multiplier for shopping on a specific date, day of the week, or time period, for example, in order to further increase consumer purchasing motivation, it is only necessary to modify the point calculation program Pa provided in the point server 11. Therefore, it is not necessary to modify all of the programs provided in each POS terminal 21 as in the past, and it is therefore possible to easily deal with changes in the point multiplier, etc.

[0100] The POS terminal 21 has a function as a commodity amount totalizing means 72. With this function, the POS terminal 21 can total up the amounts of commodities eligible for point awarding among commodities sold in transactions with point members, and provide the total amount to the point server 11 as the point eligible amount Wc.

[0101] The POS terminal 21 has a function as a payment amount acquisition means 73. With this function, the POS terminal 21 can acquire the amount paid for a transaction with a point member using a payment method eligible for point awarding, and provide the payment amount to the point server 11 as the point eligible amount Wc.

[0102] The point server 11 functions as a point update means 83. This function enables the point server 11 to add the points granted to a point member calculated by the point calculation means 82 to the points accumulated up to that point for that point member. The point server 11 also functions as a point response means 84, outputting a response event to the POS terminal 21 that includes not only the granted points but also the accumulated points after the addition of the granted points. Therefore, the POS terminal 21 can issue a receipt that prints not only the granted points but also the accumulated points after the addition of the granted points.

[0103] Incidentally, if the POS terminal has a point calculation function, after calculating the awarded points, the POS terminal sends a point update event including the awarded points to the point server. In response to this event, the point server updates the accumulated points. Therefore, if the accumulated points after adding the awarded points are to be printed on the receipt, the POS terminal must wait to receive the updated accumulated points from the point server 11 after sending the point update event. This waiting time is wasted, and there is a concern that it may reduce the processing efficiency of the POS terminal. This embodiment eliminates this concern of reduced processing efficiency.

[0104] [Other embodiments] Although an embodiment of a transaction processing device that can easily accommodate changes in point multipliers and the like has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the POS terminal 21 includes the product master table 41 and the payment master table 42. In another embodiment, the point server 11 may include the product master table 41 and the payment master table 42, and the point server 11 may have the functions of the product amount totalizing means 72 and the payment amount obtaining means 73. In such an embodiment, the information obtaining means 74 of the POS terminal 21 obtains data in the transaction file 61, specifically, product sales data and payment data, as information necessary for calculating points. Then, the POS terminal 21 transmits the data in the transaction file 61 to the point server 11 using its function as the providing means 75.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the processing means 77 is exemplified as a process for printing current points on a receipt. However, the processing means 77 is not limited to this process. For example, the processing means 77 may execute a process for incorporating current points, etc. into electronic receipt data.

[0106] The transaction processing device is not limited to POS terminal 21. For example, in a system in which a registration machine with a product registration function and a checkout machine with a transaction settlement function are separated, the checkout machine may be the transaction processing device. Alternatively, the registration machine may be the transaction processing device. Furthermore, a POS terminal in which customers can perform the process from product registration to checkout themselves may be the transaction processing device.

[0107] The external server is not limited to the point server 11. The external server may be a server dedicated to point calculation, which has the functions of information detection means 81, point calculation means 82, and point response means 84. In this case, the point server 11 has the function of point update means 83, and the external server simply notifies the point server 11 of the member ID of the point member and the awarded points.

[0108] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1...point management system, 2...POS system, 3...communication network, 11...point server, 13...router, 14...membership database, 21...POS terminal, 22...store server, 24...router, 26...I / O interface, 41...product master table, 42...payment master table, 61...transaction file, 62...work memory, 71...ID acquisition means, 72...product amount summing means, 73...amount acquisition means, 74...information acquisition means, 75...provision means, 76...point acquisition means, 77...processing means, 81...information detection means, 82...point calculation means, 83...point update means, 84...point response means, 100...point service system.

Claims

1. an information acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for calculating points generated by processing a transaction with a point member; providing means for providing the information acquired by the information acquisition means to an external server having a function of calculating points to be awarded based on information necessary for calculating the points; a point acquisition means for acquiring the awarded points calculated by the external server based on the information provided by the provision means; a processing means for processing the points acquired by the point acquisition means; A transaction processing device comprising:

2. a commodity amount summing means for summing up the amounts of commodities eligible for point award among commodities sold in transactions with said point members; Further comprising:

2. The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein said information acquiring means acquires the total amount added up by said commodity amount adding means as information necessary for calculating points.

3. a payment amount acquisition means for acquiring the amount paid by a payment method eligible for points award for a transaction with the point member; Further comprising:

2. The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein said information acquisition means acquires the amount acquired by said payment amount acquisition means as information necessary for calculating points.

4. 2. The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein said processing means includes a process for outputting said awarded points on a receipt issued for a transaction with said point member.

5. ID acquisition means for acquiring a member ID that individually identifies the point member; Further comprising:

2. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said providing means provides said external server with said member ID acquired by said ID acquiring means and said information acquired by said information acquiring means.

6. The transaction processing device computer an information acquisition means for acquiring information necessary for calculating points generated by processing transactions with point members; providing means for providing the information acquired by the information acquisition means to an external server having a function of calculating points to be awarded based on information necessary for calculating the points; a point acquisition means for acquiring the points calculated by the external server based on the information provided by the provision means; and a processing means for processing the awarded points acquired by the point acquisition means; A program to function as a

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