Refunding device and program thereof

Abstract

To provide a service for refunding points.SOLUTION: The refund device includes a detection means, an arithmetic means, and a refund means. The detection means detects points acquired by the point member. The calculation means calculates a refund amount based on the point. The refund means pays out money corresponding to the refund amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Many retail stores have introduced point services, which are services that give points to customers who purchase products, accumulate those points for each customer, and allow customers to receive special benefits according to the accumulated points.

[0003] This type of point service aims to attract customers, and as such, offers include point discount services that offer discounts on the price of products purchased at the store when a certain number of accumulated points are reached, and point payment services that convert accumulated points into a monetary value and use it to pay for products purchased at the store.

[0004] On the other hand, converting points awarded to customers into monetary value and refunding them is not usually done because it does not lock in customers. However, if points are made refundable, their usefulness increases for customers. For this reason, there is a demand for a service that allows points to be refunded, as this would differentiate stores from other stores that have implemented point services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 07-037147 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a refund device and a program therefor that can realize a service that allows points to be refunded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the refund device includes a detection means, a calculation means, and a refund means. The detection means detects points acquired by a point member. The calculation means calculates a refund amount based on the points. The refund means dispenses currency equivalent to the refund amount. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a point refund 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 refund device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor of the refund device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the refund device in accordance with the refund processing program. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the refund device in accordance with the refund processing program. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the refund device in accordance with the refund processing program. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a standby screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a member ID request screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of an authentication screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of a points shortage screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an example of a non-refundable item screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of a refund confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an example of a refund processing screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an example of a store clerk call screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of a refund permission screen displayed on the touch panel of the refund device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of a refund receipt issued by the refund device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of main data signals exchanged between the refund device and the point server. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram of main data signals exchanged between the refund device and the point server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a refund device and a program therefor that can realize a service that allows points to be refunded will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example is given of a service that allows points given to customers to be refunded in a chain store where the management policies, service contents, etc. of multiple stores are unified.

[0010] [Point Refund System Explanation] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a point refund system 100 according to this embodiment. The point refund system 100 includes a point server 10 and refund devices 20 installed in each of a plurality of stores SP. The refund device 20 is connected to an in-store network 40 together with a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 30 and the like installed in the same store SP. A communication server 50 is connected to the in-store network 40, and the refund device 20 and the POS terminal 30 are each capable of data communication with the communication server 50 via the in-store network 40. The in-store network 40 is, for example, a local area network (LAN). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Although FIG. 1 shows only one refund device 20 installed in each store SP, two or more refund devices 20 may be installed in each store SP and connected to the in-store network 40.

[0011] The communication server 50 of each store SP is connected to a wide area network 60. The point server 10 and the like are also connected to the wide area network 60, and the communication server 50 is capable of data communication with the point server 10 via the wide area network 60. The wide area network 60 is, for example, the Internet or an intranet. A mobile communication network, a public communication network, etc. may also be used as part of the wide area network 60.

[0012] The POS terminal 30 is an existing device that operates as a checkout device in a store SP that has introduced a point service. That is, the POS terminal 30 includes a reading means for reading the member ID of a point member and a calculation means for calculating points based on the price of the product purchased by the point member. When a commercial transaction with a point member is settled, the POS terminal 30 has a function of associating the member ID read by the reading means with the points calculated by the calculation means and transmitting them to the point server 10.

[0013] The point server 10 has a member database 70. The member database 70 is a collection of member records 71 ​​(see FIG. 2) created for each point member.

[0014] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member record 71. Member record 71 includes at least a member ID, accumulated points P, and a refund flag F. Member record 71 may also include information on other items such as name, gender, age, address, email address, and member rank.

[0015] 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 dedicated to point members, known as a point member app, on a mobile device such as a smartphone. When the point member app is installed on a mobile device, a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating the member ID is displayed on the display device when the point member app is launched. The reading means of the POS terminal 30 includes means for reading the member ID recorded on the point card and means for reading the member ID from the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal.

[0016] The accumulated points P are a value obtained by accumulating points calculated for each point member each time a transaction with a point member identified by a member ID is settled at the POS terminal 30. As described above, each time a transaction with a point member is settled, each POS terminal 30 associates the member ID of the point member with the points and transmits them to the point server 10. The point server 10 adds the points received from each POS terminal 30 to the accumulated points P of the member record 71 that includes the member ID associated with the points.

[0017] Incidentally, the accumulated points P can be used for a point discount service that discounts the price of purchased goods, or a point payment service that converts the accumulated points into a monetary amount and uses them to pay for purchased goods. When the accumulated points P are used for a point discount service in a commercial transaction with a point member at the POS terminal 30, the point server 10 subtracts the points used for the discount from the accumulated points P in the member record 71 that includes the member ID of the point member. When the accumulated points P are used for a point payment service in a commercial transaction with a point member at the POS terminal 30, the point server 10 subtracts the points used for the payment from the accumulated points P in the member record 71 that includes the member ID of the point member.

[0018] The refund target flag F is one-bit data that identifies whether or not a point member identified by a member ID is eligible for a refund. In this embodiment, a service is implemented in which only point members who satisfy certain conditions can have their acquired points refunded. In other words, point members who satisfy certain conditions are eligible for a refund. The certain conditions are conditions based on the attributes of the point member, such as age, place of residence, membership rank, etc. For example, elderly people over a certain age are eligible for a refund. Or, good customers with a certain membership rank or higher are eligible for a refund. In this embodiment, the refund target flag F, which indicates that a person is eligible for a refund, is set to "1", and the refund target flag F, which indicates that a person is not eligible for a refund, is set to "0".

[0019] The refund device 20 is an electronic device that, when a point member is a refund recipient, converts the points acquired by the point member into a monetary amount and refunds the converted amount. The refund device 20 is installed, for example, near the exit of a store SP so that a refund recipient who has completed a commercial transaction can receive a refund. The refund device 20 enables a refund to be made by the refund recipient's self-operation. This type of refund device 20 can be rephrased as, for example, a self-service refund machine.

[0020] [Refund device configuration explanation] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the refund device 20. The refund device 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a clock 24, a communication interface 25, an I / O (Input / Output) interface 26, and a system transmission path 27. The system transmission path 27 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The refund device 20 configures a computer by connecting the processor 21, the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock 24, the communication interface 25, and the I / O interface 26 to the system transmission path 27.

[0021] The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of a computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the refund device 20 in accordance with an operating system or an application program (application software). The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0022] The main memory 22 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 22 may store data required for the processor 21 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 21 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 23 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 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes of the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the application programs described above.

[0024] The clock 24 keeps track of the date and time. The refund device 20 acquires the date and time kept by the clock 24 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 25 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals to and from the communication server 50, etc., connected via the in-store network 40. The refund device 20 performs data communication with the communication server 50 via the communication interface 25. As described above, the communication server 50 is capable of data communication with the point server 10 via the wide area network 60. Thus, the refund device 20 can perform data communication with the point server 10 via the communication interface 25.

[0026] The I / O interface 26 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals to and from devices such as a touch panel 81, a card reader 82, a scanner 83, a printer 84, a cash processing machine 85, a lamp 86, and a speaker 87.

[0027] The touch panel 81 functions as a display device and an input device for the refund device 20. An operation screen is displayed on the touch panel 81 for converting the points acquired by the point member into a monetary amount and refunding the converted amount. The point member can receive a refund of the amount equivalent to the acquired points by touching the touch panel 81 as appropriate according to the information on the operation screen.

[0028] The card reader 82 is a device that reads data recorded on a point card. If the point card is a magnetic card, the card reader 82 is a magnetic card reader. If the point card is an IC card, the card reader 82 is an IC card reader. The refund device 20 may be equipped with either a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader as the card reader 82, or may be equipped with both. The card reader 82 may be a card reader / writer that has a function of writing data to a point card.

[0029] The scanner 83 is a device that reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 83 can read the barcode or two-dimensional code of a member ID displayed on an electronic device such as a smartphone on which a point member app is installed. The scanner 83 may be a handheld type that the point member holds and operates, or may be a fixed type that is built into the main body of the refund device 20.

[0030] The printer 84 is a device that prints data related to point refunds onto receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the data is printed by the printer 84 is cut by a cutter and issued from the receipt issuing slot. The data related to refunds will be described later. Hereinafter, a receipt issued with the data related to refunds printed on it will be referred to as a refund receipt. The printer 84 may be implemented, for example, as a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer.

[0031] The cash handling machine 85 is a device that has a safe for storing banknotes and coins by denomination, and is equipped with a mechanism for removing from the safe cash in the form of banknotes or coins equivalent to the refund amount and dispensing it to a dispensing slot. When the cash handling machine 85 is notified of the refund amount by instruction from the processor 21, it calculates the number of banknotes or coins to be dispensed equivalent to the refund amount by denomination. The cash handling machine 85 then removes from the safe the number of banknotes or coins to be dispensed calculated for each denomination and dispenses them to a dispensing slot.

[0032] The lamp 86 is a device that selectively emits light, for example, in blue or red, and the color of the light emitted by the lamp 86 informs the store clerk of the current state of the refund machine 20, such as whether it is in an idle state, an operating state, or whether an error has occurred.

[0033] The speaker 87 is a device that outputs various sounds. The refund device 20 outputs a synthesized voice from the speaker 87 to guide an operator who operates the refund device 20 on how to operate the device. When an error occurs, the refund device 20 emits a warning sound to notify the operator of the occurrence of the error. Incidentally, errors in the refund device 20 include a communication error with the point server 10, an error of insufficient cash stored in the cash processing machine 85, etc.

[0034] [Refund device function description] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 21 of the refund device 20. As shown in Fig. 4, the processor 21 has functions as a detection means 211, a point confirmation means 212, a shortage notification means 213, a member confirmation means 214, a non-eligible notification means 215, a calculation means 216, a reception means 217, a refund means 218, and an issuing means 219. By having these functions, the processor 21 enables the refund device 20, when a point member is eligible for refund, to convert the points acquired by the point member into a monetary amount and refund the converted amount.

[0035] The detection means 211 has a function of detecting points acquired by a point member. The detection means 211 searches the member database 70 using the member ID read by the reading device of the card reader 82 or the scanner 83. The detection means 211 then detects the accumulated points P from the member record 71 that includes the member ID.

[0036] The point confirmation means 212 is a function for confirming whether the points detected by the detection means 211 are equal to or greater than the refundable points. The point confirmation means 212 has a point threshold. The point confirmation means 212 determines that a refund is possible if the accumulated points P are equal to or greater than the point threshold. The point confirmation means 212 determines that a refund is not possible if the accumulated points P are less than the point threshold. The point threshold is an arbitrary value equal to or greater than "1." For example, if the point threshold is "100," the refund device 20 allows a refund to a point member whose accumulated points P is 100 or more. In other words, a point member whose accumulated points P is less than 100 cannot refund points. If the point threshold is "1," a refund is allowed to a point member whose accumulated points P is 1 or more. In other words, a point member who has been awarded points can refund those points.

[0037] The shortage notification means 213 is a function that notifies a point shortage when the points detected by the detection means 211 are less than the refundable points. The shortage notification means 213 notifies the point member operating the refund device 20 of a point shortage, for example, by displaying a point shortage screen SCd (see FIG. 11) on the touch panel 81. The shortage notification means 213 may notify the point member of a point shortage by audio guidance from a speaker, for example. The shortage notification means 213 may notify the point member of a point shortage by both displaying on the touch panel 81 and audio guidance from the speaker. Details of the point shortage screen SCd will be described later.

[0038] The member confirmation means 214 is a function that confirms whether a point member is eligible for a refund. The member confirmation means 214 searches the member database 70 using the member ID read by the reading device of the card reader 82 or scanner 83. The member confirmation means 214 then detects the refund target flag F from the member record 71 that includes the member ID. If the refund target flag F is "1", the member confirmation means 214 determines that the point member is eligible for a refund. If the refund target flag F is "0", the member confirmation means 214 determines that the point member is not eligible for a refund.

[0039] The ineligible notification means 215 is a function that notifies the point member that the point member is not eligible for a refund when the member confirmation means 214 determines that the point member is not eligible for a refund. The ineligible notification means 215 notifies the point member who operates the refund device 20 that the point member is not eligible for a refund, for example, by displaying a ineligible for refund screen SCe (see FIG. 12) on the touch panel 81. The ineligible notification means 215 may notify the point member that the point member is not eligible for a refund, for example, by audio guidance from a speaker. The ineligible notification means 215 may notify the point member that the point member is not eligible for a refund by both displaying on the touch panel 81 and audio guidance from the speaker. Details of the ineligible for refund screen SCe will be described later.

[0040] The calculation means 216 has a function of calculating the refund amount based on the points detected by the detection means 211. The calculation means 216 has a point conversion amount. The calculation means 216 divides the points by the point conversion amount and determines the quotient as the refund amount. For example, if the point conversion amount is 1 yen and the points detected by the detection means 211 are 100 points, the calculation means 216 calculates the refund amount as 100 yen. For example, if the point conversion amount is 2 yen and the points detected by the detection means 211 are 100 points, the calculation means 216 calculates the refund amount as 50 yen. Note that the calculation means 216 may determine the refund amount by subtracting an amount equivalent to consumption tax from the amount calculated based on the point conversion amount.

[0041] The reception means 217 has a function of displaying the points detected by the detection means 211 and the refund amount calculated by the calculation means 216 on one screen and receiving a selection input as to whether or not to make a refund. The reception means 217 receives a selection input as to whether or not to make a refund by displaying a refund confirmation screen SCf (see FIG. 13) on the touch panel 81. The refund confirmation screen SCf will be described in detail later.

[0042] The refund means 218 has a function of dispensing currency equivalent to the refund amount calculated by the calculation means 216. In response to receiving an input to the effect that a refund is to be made by the reception means 217, the refund means 218 operates the cash processing machine 85 to dispense banknotes or coins equivalent to the refund amount.

[0043] The issuing means 219 has a function of issuing a refund receipt Re (see FIG. 17) when money is dispensed by the refund means 218. In response to receiving an input indicating that a refund is to be made by the receiving means 217, the issuing means 219 operates the printer 84 to issue a refund receipt Re on receipt paper on which the points detected by the detecting means 211 and the refund amount calculated by the calculating means 216 are printed as data related to the refund. Details of the refund receipt Re will be described later.

[0044] [Information processing explanation of the refund device] The functions of the above-mentioned detection means 211, point confirmation means 212, shortage notification means 213, membership confirmation means 214, ineligible notification means 215, calculation means 216, acceptance means 217, refund means 218 and issuance means 219 are realized by the processor 21 of the refund device 20 executing information processing in accordance with the refund processing program.

[0045] The refund processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the refund processing program in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The refund processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

[0046] 5 to 7 are flow charts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 21 of the refund device 20 in accordance with the refund processing program. Also, FIGS. 8 to 16 are examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 81 of the refund device 20 based on the information processing. FIG. 17 is an example of a refund receipt Re printed and issued by the printer 84 of the refund device 20 based on the information processing. FIGS. 18 and 19 are sequence diagrams of main data signals exchanged between the refund device 20 and the point server 10. Hereinafter, the information processing executed by the processor 21 of the refund device 20 in accordance with the refund processing program will be specifically described with reference to the respective figures. The information processing steps and processing contents described below are merely examples. The steps and processing contents can be modified as appropriate as long as they can achieve the same effects as those of this embodiment.

[0047] When the refund processing program is started, the processor 21 starts information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of Figures 5 to 7. First, the processor 21 sets the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa (see Figure 8) as ACT1 in Figure 5.

[0048] FIG. 8 is an example of a display of the standby screen SCa. As shown in the figure, the standby screen SCa displays guidance Ga. The standby screen SCa also displays a refund button BTa. The refund button BTa is an operator for issuing a command to refund points. The refund button BTa is a software key. The guidance Ga encourages a point member who wishes to receive a refund of points to touch the refund button BTa. Following this guidance Ga, a point member who wishes to receive a refund of points touches the refund button BTa.

[0049] In ACT1 of Fig. 5, the processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has displayed the standby screen SCa, proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 21 waits for the refund button BTa to be input. When the processor 21 detects, by a signal from the touch panel 81, that the refund button BTa has been touched, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 21 switches the screen of the touch panel 81 to the member ID request screen SCb (see Fig. 9).

[0050] FIG. 9 is an example of the display of the member ID request screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the member ID request screen SCb displays two pieces of guidance Gb and Cc. The member ID request screen SCb also displays a back button BTb. The back button BTb is an operator for instructing the display to return to the previous standby screen SCa. The back button BTb is a software key. One piece of guidance Gb is guidance for point members who have a point card. The guidance Gb instructs the card reader 82 to read the point card. The other piece of guidance Gc is guidance for point members who carry a mobile device with a point member app installed. The guidance Gc instructs the scanner 83 to read the barcode of the member ID displayed on the display device of the mobile device. A point member who has a point card follows the guidance Gb to have the card reader 82 read the data on the point card. A point member who carries a mobile device follows the guidance Gc to have the scanner 83 read the barcode of the member ID displayed on the display device of the mobile device.

[0051] In ACT3 of FIG. 5, the processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has displayed the member ID request screen SCb, proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 21 checks whether a reading operation has been performed by the card reader 82 or the scanner 83. If a reading operation has not been performed, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT5. In ACT5, the processor 21 checks whether the back button BTb has been pressed. If the back button BTb has not been pressed, the processor 21 returns to ACT4. In this way, the processor 21 waits in ACT4 and ACT5 for a reading operation to be performed by the card reader 82 or the scanner 83, or for the back button BTb to be pressed.

[0052] In the standby state of ACT4 and ACT5, when the processor 21 detects that the back button BTb has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 81, the processor 21 returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0053] In the standby state of ACT4 and ACT5, when a reading operation is performed by the card reader 82 or the scanner 83, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT6. The processor 21 acquires the member ID in ACT6. That is, when a point card is read by the card reader 82, the processor 21 acquires the member ID from the card data. When a barcode is scanned by the scanner 83, the processor 21 acquires the member ID from the barcode.

[0054] Processor 21 determines whether or not the member ID has been acquired in ACT7. For example, if the card data read by card reader 82 is card data other than that of a point card and the member ID has not been acquired, processor 21 performs error processing 1. This error processing 1, for example, displays guidance indicating that reading of the member ID has failed on touch panel 81 together with a software key for a confirmation button. Then, when the confirmation button is pressed, the screen of touch panel 81 is returned to the standby screen SCa.

[0055] If the member ID is obtained in ACT7, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT8. In ACT8, the processor 21 controls the output of a member inquiry event. By this control, as shown in ACT101 of FIG. 18, a member inquiry event is output from the refund device 20 to the point server 10. A signal of the member inquiry event is transmitted to the communication server 50 via the in-store network 40, and is transmitted to the point server 10 via the wide area network 60 under the control of the communication server 50. The member inquiry event includes the member ID read by the card reader 82 or the scanner 83.

[0056] Upon receiving the member inquiry event signal, the point server 10 searches the member database 70 for the member ID included in the event. The point server 10 then reads the member record 71 containing the member ID from the member database 70. The point server 10 controls the transmission of a response event to the member inquiry event. By this control, a member response event is output from the point server 10 to the refund device 20, as shown in ACT102 of FIG. 18. The member response event signal is transmitted via the wide area network 60 to the communication server 50 connected to the refund device 20 that sent the member inquiry event, and is then transmitted to the refund device 20 via the in-store network 40 under the control of the communication server 50. The member response event includes the data of the member record 71 read from the member database 70, i.e., the accumulated points P and the refund target flag F.

[0057] The processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has controlled the output of the member inquiry event in ACT8 of Fig. 5, proceeds to ACT9. In ACT9, the processor 21 switches the screen of the touch panel 81 to the authentication in progress screen SCc (see Fig. 10).

[0058] 10 shows an example of the authentication in progress screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the authentication in progress screen SCc displays guidance Gd. The guidance Gd notifies the user that the member ID is being authenticated.

[0059] In ACT9 of FIG. 5, the processor 21 of the refund apparatus 20, which has displayed the authentication in progress screen SCc, proceeds to ACT10. The processor 21 waits for a member response event in ACT10. In this standby state, if the member response event is not received even after a predetermined time has passed since the member inquiry event was sent, the processor 21 performs error processing 2. This error processing 2 is a process of displaying, for example, guidance indicating that authentication of the member ID has failed, on the touch panel 81 together with a software key for a store clerk call button. Then, when the store clerk call button is pressed, a call signal is output to the store clerk terminal. Incidentally, the store clerk terminal that receives the call signal performs an operation to notify the store clerk that a call has been made from the refund apparatus 20. In response to this operation, the store clerk goes to the location where the refund apparatus 20 is installed and performs an operation to cancel the error, for example.

[0060] On the other hand, if a member response event signal is received within a predetermined time after sending the member inquiry event, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 21 detects the accumulated points P from the member response event. Then, in ACT12, the processor 21 compares the accumulated points P with the point threshold Px. The point threshold Px is an arbitrary value equal to or greater than "1" and is set in advance in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. For example, if a refund of points is allowed for any point member who has 1 point or more, the point threshold Px is set to "1." For example, if a refund of points is allowed only for point members who have 100 points or more, the point threshold Px is set to "100."

[0061] In ACT 12, as a result of comparing the accumulated points P with the point threshold Px, if the accumulated points P are less than the point threshold Px, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT 13, the processor 21 displays the point shortage screen SCd (see FIG. 11) on the screen of the touch panel 81.

[0062] FIG. 11 is an example of the display of the points shortage screen SCd. As shown in the figure, the points shortage screen SCd displays guidance Ge. The points shortage screen SCd also displays a confirmation button BTc. The confirmation button BTc is an operator for indicating that the guidance Ge has been confirmed. The confirmation button BTc is a software key. The guidance Ge urges the point member to touch the confirmation button BTc because a refund is not possible due to a lack of points. After confirming the guidance Ge, the point member touches the confirmation button BTc.

[0063] The content of the guidance Ge is not limited to that shown in Fig. 11. For example, it may be content that notifies the number of points that are lacking. Specifically, if the point threshold Px is "100" and the accumulated points P are 90 points, the content may notify that there are 10 points that are lacking. Alternatively, if the point threshold Px is "1" and the accumulated points P are 0 points, the content may notify that a refund cannot be made because there are no points.

[0064] In ACT13 of Fig. 5, the processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has displayed the point shortage screen SCd, proceeds to ACT14. The processor 21 waits for the confirmation button BTc to be input in ACT14. When the processor 21 detects that the confirmation button BTc has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 81, the processor 21 returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0065] In ACT12, if the accumulated points P are equal to or greater than the point threshold Px, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT15 in Fig. 6. In ACT15, the processor 21 detects the refund target flag F from the member record 71. In ACT16, the processor 21 confirms whether the refund target flag F is "1", i.e., whether the point member is eligible for a refund.

[0066] In ACT 16, if the refund target flag F is "0", that is, if the point member is not a refund target, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 17. In ACT 17, the processor 21 displays the non-refund target screen SCe (see FIG. 12) on the screen of the touch panel 81.

[0067] FIG. 12 is an example of a display of the non-refundable screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the non-refundable screen SCe displays guidance Gf. The non-refundable screen SCe also displays a confirmation button BTd. The confirmation button BTd is an operator for indicating that the guidance Gf has been confirmed. The confirmation button BTd is a software key. The guidance Gf urges the point member to touch the confirmation button BTd since points cannot be refunded because the item is not eligible for refund. After confirming the guidance Gf, the point member touches the confirmation button BTd.

[0068] In ACT17 of Fig. 6, the processor 21 of the refund device 20 that has displayed the non-refundable screen SCe proceeds to ACT18. The processor 21 waits for the confirmation button BTd to be input in ACT18. When the processor 21 detects that the confirmation button BTd has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 81, the processor 21 returns to ACT1 of Fig. 5. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0069] In ACT 16, if the refund target flag F is "1", that is, if the point member is the refund target, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 18. The processor 21 calculates the refund amount R in ACT 18. That is, the processor 21 divides the accumulated points P by the point conversion amount M, and sets the quotient as the refund amount R.

[0070] For example, when refunding 1 yen per point, the refund device 20 sets the point conversion amount M to "1." By doing so, for example, when the accumulated points P are 100 points, the refund amount R is calculated to be 100 yen. Similarly, when refunding 1 yen per 2 points, the refund device 20 sets the point conversion amount M to "2." By doing so, for example, when the accumulated points P are 100 points, the refund amount R is calculated to be 50 yen.

[0071] When the refund amount R is calculated, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 20. In ACT 20, the processor 21 displays the refund confirmation screen SCf (see FIG. 13) on the screen of the touch panel 81.

[0072] 13 is an example of the display of the refund confirmation screen SCf. As shown in the figure, the refund confirmation screen SCf displays an area Aa that displays accumulated points P and an area Ab that displays a refund amount R calculated based on the accumulated points P. The refund confirmation screen SCf also displays an Execute button BTe, a Cancel button BTf, and a Call a store clerk button BTg. The Execute button BTe is an operator for issuing a command to execute a refund. The Cancel button BTf is an operator for issuing a command to cancel a refund. The Call a store clerk button BTg is an operator for issuing a command to call a store clerk.

[0073] After checking the refund confirmation screen SCf, the point member touches the execute button BTe if they wish to receive the refund. If they wish to cancel the refund, they touch the cancel button BTf. If they wish to call a store clerk, they touch the call store clerk button BTg.

[0074] In ACT20 of FIG. 6, the processor 21 of the refund device 20 that has displayed the refund confirmation screen SCf proceeds to ACT21. The processor 21 checks whether the Cancel button BTf has been pressed in ACT21. If the Cancel button BTf has not been pressed, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT22. The processor 21 checks whether the Execute button BTe has been pressed in ACT22. If the Execute button BTe has not been pressed either, the processor 21 returns to ACT21. In this way, the processor 21 waits in ACT21 and ACT22 for the Cancel button BTf on the refund confirmation screen SCf to be pressed or the Execute button BTe to be pressed. Note that if the store clerk call button BTg is pressed in the standby state, the processor 21 outputs a call signal to the store clerk terminal. Thereafter, the processor 21 returns to the standby state in ACT21 and ACT22.

[0075] In the standby state of ACT21 and ACT22, if it is detected by a signal from the touch panel 81 that the cancel button BTf has been input, the processor 21 returns to ACT1 in Fig. 5. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0076] In the standby state of ACT21 and ACT22, if it is detected that the execute button BTe has been input by a signal from the touch panel 81, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT23. In ACT23, the processor 21 controls the output of a refund notification event. By this control, as shown in ACT103 of FIG. 18, the refund notification event is output from the refund device 20 to the point server 10. The refund notification event signal is transmitted to the communication server 50 via the in-store network 40, and is transmitted to the point server 10 via the wide area network 60 under the control of the communication server 50. The refund notification event includes the member ID obtained in the processing of ACT6.

[0077] Upon receiving the refund notification event signal, the point server 10 searches the member database 70 for the member ID included in the event. The point server 10 then finds the member record 71 that includes the member ID from the member database 70 and updates the accumulated points P of that member record 71 to "0". After updating the accumulated points P to "0", the point server 10 controls the transmission of an update completion event. By this control, an update completion event is output from the point server 10 to the refund device 20, as shown in ACT104 of FIG. 18. The update completion event signal is sent via the wide area network 60 to the communication server 50 to which the refund device 20 that sent the refund notification event is connected, and is then sent to the refund device 20 via the in-store network 40 under the control of the communication server 50.

[0078] After controlling the output of the refund notification event in ACT23, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 21 waits for an update completion event. If an update completion event signal is received within a predetermined time after sending the refund notification event, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT25. In ACT25, the processor 21 changes the screen of the touch panel 81 to the refund processing screen SCg (see FIG. 14). Furthermore, in ACT26, the processor 21 controls the printer 84 to issue a refund receipt Re. Furthermore, in ACT27, the processor 21 controls the cash processing machine 85 to dispense currency equivalent to the refund amount.

[0079] FIG. 14 is an example of the display of the refund processing screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the refund processing screen SCg displays guidance Gg. The guidance Gg provides instructions on how to retrieve the refund receipt Re and the refund amount. After checking the refund processing screen SCg, the point member takes the currency equivalent to the refund amount dispensed from the cash processing machine 85. The point member also takes the refund receipt Re printed by the printer 84.

[0080] 17 is an example of a refund receipt Re. As shown in the figure, the refund receipt Re has printed thereon the current date "YYYYMMDD" and time "hh:mm" measured by the clock 24, the store name "XX Supermarket △△ Store," the member ID "123456789," the accumulated points "100P," the refund amount "¥100," and the receipt number "No. 1234." With this kind of refund receipt Re, the point member who has received the points refund can find out when and at which store the points were refunded.

[0081] After completing the processes in ACT25 to ACT27, the processor 21 returns to ACT1 in Fig. 5. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0082] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, there may be cases where the point server 10 goes offline temporarily and an update completion event is not returned in response to a refund notification event. That is, if an update completion event signal is not received within a predetermined time after sending the refund notification event in ACT24 of FIG. 6, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT31 of FIG. 7. The processor 21 executes a store clerk call process in ACT31. This process is the same as the process when the store clerk call button BTg on the refund confirmation screen SCf is pressed. That is, the processor 21 outputs a call signal to the store clerk terminal. Furthermore, the processor 21 changes the screen of the touch panel 81 to the store clerk call screen SCh (see FIG. 15) in ACT32.

[0083] 15 is an example of the display of the store clerk call screen SCh. The store clerk call screen SCh displays guidance Gh. The guidance Gh informs the point member that a store clerk is being called because the member is offline. Incidentally, when a store clerk receives a call from the refund apparatus 20, the store clerk can go to the location where the refund apparatus 20 is installed and scan the barcode indicating his or her store clerk ID with the scanner 83.

[0084] 7, the processor 21 of the refund device 20 that has displayed the clerk call screen SCh waits for the clerk ID to be read in ACT 33. When the barcode indicating the clerk ID is scanned by the scanner 83, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 34. In ACT 34, the processor 21 displays the refund permission screen SCi (see FIG. 16) on the screen of the touch panel 81.

[0085] FIG. 16 is an example of the display of the refund permission screen SCi. As shown in the figure, the refund permission screen SCi displays guidance Gi. The refund permission screen SCi also displays an execute button BTh. The execute button BTh is an operator for instructing the execution of a refund. The execute button BTh is a software key. The guidance Gi notifies the store clerk that the point member who operated the refund device 20 is a customer eligible for a point refund. After checking the guidance Gi, the store clerk touches the execute button BTi.

[0086] In ACT34 of FIG. 7, the processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has displayed the refund permission screen SCi, proceeds to ACT35. In ACT35, the processor 21 waits for the execute button BTi to be input. When the processor 21 detects that the execute button BTi has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 81, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT36. In ACT36, the processor 21 changes the screen of the touch panel 81 to the refund processing screen SCg (see FIG. 14). In ACT37, the processor 21 also controls the printer 84 to issue a refund receipt Re. In ACT38, the processor 21 also controls the cash processing machine 85 to dispense currency equivalent to the refund amount. In this way, upon detecting that the execute button BTi has been touched, the processor 21 executes the same processes as those in ACT25 to ACT27 of FIG. 6.

[0087] After completing the processing of ACT36 to ACT38, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT39. In ACT39, the processor 21 creates a refund log and saves it in a log file. The refund log includes the member ID and accumulated points P. The refund log may also include other information, such as the current date and time, the store name, the refund amount, and the receipt number. The log file is part of the storage area of ​​the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. After saving the refund log, the processor 21 returns to ACT1 in FIG. 5. That is, the processor 21 returns the screen of the touch panel 81 to the standby screen SCa.

[0088] Incidentally, the refund log saved in the log file is sent from the refund device 20 to the point server 10 after the line to the point server 10 is restored online, as shown in ACT 105 of FIG. 19. The point server 10, which has received the refund log signal, searches the member database 70 for the member ID included in the log. The point server 10 then finds the member record 71 including the member ID from the member database 70 and updates the accumulated points P of that member record 71 to "0". After updating the accumulated points P to "0", the point server 10 controls the transmission of an update completion event. By this control, an update completion event is output from the point server 10 to the refund device 20, as shown in ACT 106 of FIG. 19. The update completion event signal is sent via the wide area network 60 to the communication server 50 connected to the refund device 20 that sent the refund notification event, and is then sent to the refund device 20 via the in-store network 40 under the control of the communication server 50. The processor 21 of the refund device 20, which has received the signal of the update completion event, deletes the sent refund log from the log file.

[0089] [Explanation of the effect of the point refund system] As described above in detail, the refund device 20 installed in each store SP has the functions of the detection means 211, the calculation means 216, and the refund means 218. Therefore, points awarded to point members through commercial transactions at the store SP can be converted into cash and refunded. Moreover, the refund device 20 is designed to be operated by the point member himself / herself. Therefore, the point refund process does not require the intervention of a store clerk, and does not impose a burden on the store clerk.

[0090] The refund apparatus 20 also has a function as a reception means 217. Therefore, a point member who operates the refund apparatus 20 by himself / herself can check his / her accumulated points P and, when he / she wishes to receive a refund, can convert the accumulated points P into cash and receive the cash.

[0091] The refund device 20 also has a function as an issuing means 219. Therefore, when a point member receives points converted into cash, the member can receive a refund receipt Re that records the value of the points and the refund amount.

[0092] The refund device 20 also has the functions of point confirmation means 212 and insufficient notification means 213. Therefore, it is possible to refund points to point members whose accumulated points P are equal to or greater than the point threshold Px. And it is possible to notify point members whose accumulated points P are less than the point threshold Px that they have insufficient points.

[0093] The refund device 20 also has the functions of a member confirmation means 214 and a non-eligible notification means 215. Therefore, points can be refunded only to those eligible for refund who satisfy specific conditions based on the attributes of the point member, such as age, place of residence, membership rank, etc. Point members other than those eligible for refund can be notified that points cannot be refunded.

[0094] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the refund device and the program therefor that can realize a service that allows points to be refunded have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0095] For example, the above embodiment illustrates a case where a service is realized in a chain store where points given to customers can be refunded. In this regard, by installing a refund device 20 equipped with a card reader / writer in the store and configuring it to record accumulated points on point cards owned by point members, a service where points given to customers can be refunded in an independent store can be realized.

[0096] 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]

[0097] 10...point server, 20...refund device, 21...processor, 22...main memory, 23...auxiliary storage device, 24...clock, 25...communication interface, 26...I / O interface, 27...system transmission path, 30...POS terminal, 40...in-store network, 50...communication server, 60...wide area network, 70...member database, 71...member record, 81...touch panel, 82...card reader, 83...scanner, 84...printer, 85...cash processing machine, 86...lamp, 87...speaker, 100...point refund system, 211...detection means, 212...point confirmation means, 213...insufficient notification means, 214...member confirmation means, 215...non-eligible notification means, 216...calculation means, 217...reception means, 218...refund means, 219...issuing means.

Claims

1. A detection means for detecting points acquired by a point member; A calculation means for calculating a refund amount based on the points; refund means for paying out money equivalent to the refund amount; A refund device comprising:

2. an accepting means for displaying on one screen the points detected by the detecting means and the refund amount calculated by the calculating means, and accepting a selection input as to whether or not to make a refund; Further comprising:

2. The refund device according to claim 1, wherein the refund means dispenses money in response to receiving an input indicating that a refund is to be made from the receiving means.

3. issuing means for issuing a refund receipt on which the points and the refund amount are printed when the money is paid out by the refund means; 2. The refund device of claim 1, further comprising:

4. a point confirmation means for confirming whether the points are equal to or greater than the refundable points; a shortage notification means for notifying the user of a shortage of points when the number of points is less than the number of points that can be refunded; 2. The refund device of claim 1, further comprising:

5. a member confirmation means for confirming whether the point member is a member eligible for a refund; a non-eligible notification means for notifying the point member that the point member is not eligible for a refund when the point member is not eligible for a refund; 2. The refund device of claim 1, further comprising:

6. The refund device computer, a detection means for detecting points acquired by a point member; A calculation means for calculating a refund amount based on the points; and refund means for paying out money equivalent to the refund amount; A program to function as a

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