Transaction processing device and program

Abstract

It is possible to prompt a user to switch from membership of a first membership service to membership of a second membership service. [Solution] The transaction processing device includes a receiving means, a determining means, and an output means. The receiving means receives a user's membership code. The determining means determines the type of the user's membership code. If the user's membership code is the membership code of a first membership service, the output means outputs one of multiple notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Stores use card systems that provide member services such as point services. Stores sometimes change from their current card system to a new card system, but the code system for the member code differs for each member service.

[0003] Therefore, in order to receive the membership services provided by the new card system, customers must issue a membership card for the new card system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-204455 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 technique that allows a user to switch from membership of a first membership service to membership of a second membership service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the transaction processing device includes a receiving means, a determining means, and an output means. The receiving means receives a user's membership code. The determining means determines the type of the user's membership code. If the user's membership code is the membership code of a first membership service, the output means outputs one of a plurality of notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a first screen displayed on a display device of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a second screen displayed on the display device of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of transaction processing by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a change process performed by the processing circuit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, several embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0009] <Embodiment> (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in a store.

[0010] For example, a store may be a supermarket or other mass retailer, but is not limited to this. A transaction is the transfer of fees from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the purchase of a product. Products include not only objects, but also non-tangible objects such as services or tickets. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to the same transaction. A customer is an example of a user.

[0011] POS terminal 1 has a product registration function and a transaction function, and is a POS terminal that allows a store clerk to perform product registration operations and transaction operations. POS terminal 1 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions.

[0012] Product registration is the registration of the product to be traded before the transaction is accounted for. The registered product is also called registered product. Accounting is the payment for the transaction. Accounting includes the meaning of settlement. Accounting methods for accounting of the transaction include offline payment and online payment.

[0013] Offline payment is a transaction in which the POS terminal 1 does not need to connect with other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, offline payment is a transaction using cash and gift certificates. Gift certificates are certificates that are circulated in a form similar to cash currency. For example, gift certificates include various types of gift certificates such as gift certificates, rice certificates, beer certificates, shareholder coupons, regional promotion coupons, and coupons, but are not limited to these.

[0014] Online payment is a transaction that is executed by the POS terminal 1 in cooperation with other devices via a network such as the Internet. For example, online payment includes credit card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, and code payment.

[0015] A store where a POS terminal 1 is installed will change from its current card system to a new card system. The card system is a mechanism for providing member services such as point services by issuing member cards. A point service is a service that allows points, which have the same value as cash, to be processed in transactions. For example, processing points includes granting points and using points. A member card is a card that records a member's member code. The member card may be a card on paper or other media, or may be an electronic card. The member code is an example of identification information that can uniquely identify a member.

[0016] Hereinafter, the current card system will also be referred to as the old card system. The old card system is an example of a first card system. A membership card of the old card system will also be referred to as the old card. A membership service provided by the old card system will also be referred to as the old membership service. The old membership service is an example of the first membership service. The new card system will also be referred to as the new card system. The new card system is an example of a second card system. A membership card of the new card system will also be referred to as the new card. A membership service provided by the new card system will also be referred to as the new membership service. The new membership service is an example of the second membership service.

[0017] Here, the code system of the membership code that can uniquely identify a member of the old membership service is different from the code system of the membership code that can uniquely identify a member of the new membership service. Hereinafter, the membership code that can uniquely identify a member of the old membership service is also referred to as the old membership code. For example, the old membership code includes a code that indicates the old membership service. The old membership code is an example of a first membership code. The membership code that can uniquely identify a member of the new membership service is also referred to as the new membership code. For example, the new membership code includes a code that indicates the new membership service. The new member code is an example of a second membership code.

[0018] The POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, a storage 12, a communication circuit 13, a reading device 14, an input device 15, a display device 16, a printing device 17, a change dispenser 18, and a connection interface 19. The processing circuit 10, the main memory 11, the storage 12, the communication circuit 13, the reading device 14, the input device 15, the display device 16, the printing device 17, the change dispenser 18, and the connection interface 19 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 1, "interface" is written as "IF."

[0019] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads programs stored in the main memory 11 or the storage 12 into the main memory 11. The processing circuit 10 executes programs loaded into the main memory 11, thereby enabling various processes to be performed.

[0020] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or programs in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0021] The storage 12 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 1. The storage 12 includes one or more storage devices. For example, the storage device may be, but is not limited to, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a semiconductor storage medium such as a solid state drive (SSD). The storage 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 when performing various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 10. The storage 12 is an example of a storage portion of the POS terminal 1.

[0022] The storage 12 can store product master data. The product master data includes product information for each product sold in the store. The product information can include a product code, product name, and price. The product code is identification information that can uniquely identify a product. The product name is the name of the product. The price is the unit price that indicates the amount per unit of the product. The product information may include information other than these.

[0023] The storage 12 includes a setting memory area 121. The setting memory area 121 stores any of a plurality of options that are applied to the setting for switching promotion. The setting memory area 121 may store a plurality of options that are applicable to the setting for switching promotion. The setting for switching promotion is a control setting for encouraging a customer to switch from a member of the old membership service to a member of the new membership service. Switching from a member of the old membership service to a member of the new membership service implies switching from an old card to a new card. Switching implies migration.

[0024] Each option is a setting applicable to settings for promoting switching. Each option can include a setting for whether or not to output a notification regarding switching from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service. Hereinafter, a notification regarding switching from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service will also be referred to as a switching notification. Whether or not to output a switching notification means outputting a switching notification or not outputting a switching notification. For example, outputting a switching notification includes displaying the switching notification. Outputting a switching notification may also include outputting an audio switching notification.

[0025] Each option can include a setting regarding whether or not the old member service is available. Whether or not the old member service is available means that the old member service is available or unavailable. The old member service being available means that the old member service is available for use in transactions. For example, the old member service being available means that the point service of the old member service is available for use in transactions. The old member service being unavailable means that the old member service is not available for use in transactions. For example, the old member service being unavailable means that the point service of the old member service is not available for use in transactions.

[0026] The multiple options include a first option, a second option, and a third option. Here, an example in which the number of multiple options is three will be described, but the number of multiple options is not limited to three. The number of multiple options may be two, or may be four or more.

[0027] The first option can include a setting in which a switching notification is not output. The first option is an example of a non-output setting in which a switching notification is not output. The first option can include a setting in which the previous membership service is available. The first option is an example of an available setting in which the previous membership service is available.

[0028] The second option can include a setting to output a first switching notification. The first switching notification is a switching notification that prompts switching from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service, and is a notification that indicates that the old membership service is available. The first switching notification is an example of a first notification. The second option is an example of an output setting that outputs a switching notification. The second option is an example of a first output setting that outputs the first switching notification. The second option can include a setting that the old membership service is available. The first option is an example of an availability setting that indicates that the old membership service is available.

[0029] The third option can include a setting to output a second switching notification. The second switching notification is a switching notification that encourages switching from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service, and is a notification that indicates that the old membership service is unavailable. The second switching notification is an example of a second notification. The third option is an example of an output setting that outputs a switching notification. The third option is an example of a second output setting that outputs a second switching notification. The third option can include a setting that the old membership service is unavailable. The third option is an example of an unavailable setting that the old membership service is unavailable. The third option is an option that can more forcefully request a customer to switch from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service than the second option.

[0030] The communication circuit 13 is a circuit including various interfaces for transmitting and receiving signals, and connects the POS terminal 1 to other devices via a network so that the POS terminal 1 can communicate with them.

[0031] The reading device 14 is a device that reads various code symbols. The reading device 14 may be a scanner that reads by sensing, or a camera that reads by photographing. For example, the code symbol is a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The code symbol may be a code symbol of a product that records a product code. The product code symbol is an image attached to the product. The code symbol may be a code symbol that records a membership code. The code symbol that records a membership code may be an image attached to a membership card or an image that can be displayed on a terminal. The code symbol may be a code symbol for code payment. The reading device 14 is an example of a reading unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0032] The input device 15 is a device that can input instructions or information to the POS terminal 1. The input device 15 may include a keyboard. The input device 15 may also form a touch screen together with the display device 16.

[0033] The display device 16 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the display device 16 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display device 16 is an example of a display unit of the POS terminal 1.

[0034] The printing device 17 is a device for producing printed matter by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 17 may be a thermal printer or an inkjet printer, but is not limited to these.

[0035] The change dispenser 18 is a device that can input and output cash used in accounting for transactions.

[0036] The connection interface 19 is an interface that can connect various devices to the POS terminal 1. For example, the connection interface 19 can connect to the POS terminal 1 a device for reading information from a credit card.

[0037] The hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the POS terminal 1 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0038] Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described below. The processing circuit 10 realizes a receiving means 101, a first determination means 102, a second determination means 103, an output means 104, a transaction processing means 105, and a change means 106. Each means realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be called a part or a function.

[0039] The reception means 101 receives a customer's membership code. For example, the reception means 101 receives the customer's membership code based on reading a code symbol recording the membership code by the reading device 14. The reception means 101 also includes the meaning of an acquisition means for acquiring the customer's membership code.

[0040] The first determination means 102 determines the type of the customer's membership code. For example, the first determination means 102 determines whether the customer's membership code is an old membership code on an old card or a new membership code on a new card. The old membership code on an old card is an example of an old membership code for an old membership service. The new membership code on a new card is an example of a new membership code for a new membership service. The first determination means 102 is an example of a determination means for determining the type of the customer's membership code.

[0041] The second determination means 103 determines an option applied to the setting for switching promotion. For example, the second determination means 103 determines which option among a plurality of options the setting for switching promotion is. The second determination means 103 is an example of a determination means for determining an option.

[0042] The output unit 104 outputs the switching notification. For example, the output unit 104 causes the display device 16 to display the switching notification.

[0043] The transaction processing means 105 processes customer transactions. Processing transactions includes processing product registration. For example, processing product registration means updating registered data. The registered data may include registered product information for each registered product. The registered product information may include all or part of the product code, product name, price, quantity, and product price. The product code, product name, and price are as described above. The quantity is the number of products identified by the product code. The product price is the amount calculated by multiplying the price and the quantity. The registered product information may include information other than these. The registered data may be stored in the main memory 11 or storage 12 of the POS terminal 1, or in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. Updating registered data includes adding registered product information, increasing the quantity included in the registered product information, decreasing the quantity included in the registered product information, and deleting registered product information.

[0044] Processing a transaction includes processing the transaction accounting to settle the billing amount. The billing amount is the amount required to complete the transaction. For example, the billing amount is the total amount of the transaction after product registration is complete. The total amount of the transaction is calculated based on the total price of each registered product in the transaction. Accounting for the transaction includes completing the accounting for the transaction. Completing the accounting by the POS terminal 1 means that the transaction has been completed.

[0045] The change unit 106 changes the setting for switching prompting. For example, the change unit 106 changes the setting for switching prompting from one option to another option among a plurality of options.

[0046] (Display example) An example of how the switching notification is displayed on the display device 16 will be described.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first screen IA displayed on the display device 16. As shown in FIG. The first screen IA is an image including a first switching notification message. The first switching notification message includes the message "Please switch to the new card" to encourage switching from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service. The first switching notification message also includes the message "Points will be awarded" to indicate that the old membership service is available.

[0048] The first screen IA displays a "close" button BA that can be selected via the input device 15. The "close" button BA is a button to which a hide instruction can be input via the input device 15. The hide instruction is an instruction to hide the first screen IA displayed on the display device 16.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second screen IB displayed on the display device 16. As shown in FIG. The second screen IB is an image including a second switching notification message. The second switching notification message includes a message "Please switch to a new card" that prompts the user to switch from membership of the old membership service to membership of the new membership service. The second switching notification message also includes a message "Cannot be used because it is an old card" that indicates that the old membership service is unavailable.

[0050] The second screen IB displays a "close" button BB that can be selected via the input device 15. The "close" button BB is a button that can be used to input a hide instruction via the input device 15. The hide instruction is an instruction to hide the second screen IB that is displayed on the display device 16.

[0051] (Processing example) The processing performed by the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 will now be described. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a transaction process performed by the processing circuit 10. In a store where the POS terminal 1 is installed, even after the changeover from the old card system to the new card system, there will be a certain period during which the old card system can be used. Here, when making a transaction, a customer presents a code symbol recording the membership code to a store clerk. The store clerk uses the reading device 14 to read the code symbol recording the membership code.

[0053] The processing circuit 10 accepts the customer's membership code (ACT1). ACT1 may be processing by the accepting means 101.

[0054] The processing circuit 10 determines the type of the customer's membership code (ACT2). ACT2 may be processing by the first determination means 102. In ACT2, for example, if the customer's membership code includes a code indicating an old membership service, the processing circuit 10 determines that the customer's membership code is the old membership code on the old card. If the customer's membership code includes a code indicating a new membership service, the processing circuit 10 determines that the customer's membership code is the new membership code on the new card.

[0055] If the customer's membership code is the old membership code on the old card (ACT 3, YES), the process transitions from ACT 3 to ACT 5. In this case, the processing circuit 10 outputs one of multiple switching notifications, as described below.

[0056] If the customer's membership code is not the old membership code on the old card (ACT3, NO), the process transitions from ACT3 to ACT4. If the customer's membership code is not the old membership code on the old card, the process corresponds to the case where the customer's membership code is the new membership code on the new card.

[0057] The processing circuit 10 processes a member transaction based on the new card (ACT4). ACT4 may be processed by the transaction processing means 105. A member transaction based on the new card is a transaction that uses a new member service. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 10 processes the customer's transaction using the new member service. This allows the processing circuit 10 to process points in the customer's transaction using the point service of the new member service.

[0058] The processing circuit 10 determines the option applied to the setting for switching promotion (ACT5). ACT5 may be processing by the second determination means 103. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the setting for switching promotion is the first option, the second option, or the third option.

[0059] If the setting for switching promotion is the first option (ACT6, YES), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT9. If the setting for switching promotion is not the first option (ACT6, NO), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT7.

[0060] If the setting for switchover promotion is the second option (ACT7, YES), the process transitions from ACT7 to ACT8. If the setting for switchover promotion is not the second option (ACT7, NO), the process transitions from ACT7 to ACT10. If the setting for switchover promotion is not the second option, this corresponds to the case where the setting for switchover promotion is the third option.

[0061] The processing circuit 10 outputs a first switching notification based on the second option (ACT8). ACT8 may be processing by the output means 104. In ACT8, for example, the processing circuit 10 causes the display device 16 to display a first screen IA including a message of the first switching notification.

[0062] The processing circuit 10 processes a member transaction based on the old card (ACT9). ACT9 may be processed by the transaction processing means 105. A member transaction based on the old card is a transaction that uses the old member service. In ACT9, for example, the processing circuit 10 processes the customer's transaction using the old member service based on the first option. The processing circuit 10 processes the customer's transaction using the old member service based on the second option. This allows the processing circuit 10 to process points in the customer's transaction using the point service of the old member service.

[0063] The processing circuit 10 outputs a second switching notification based on the third option (ACT10). ACT10 may be processing by the output means 104. In ACT10, for example, the processing circuit 10 causes the display device 16 to display a second screen IB including a message of the second switching notification.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 processes a non-member transaction (ACT11). ACT11 may be processed by the transaction processing means 105. A non-member transaction is a transaction that does not use a member service. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 processes the customer's transaction without using the old member service based on the third option. As a result, the processing circuit 10 does not use the point service of the old member service, and therefore does not process points in the customer's transaction.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the change process performed by the processing circuit 10. The processing circuit 10 acquires change information (ACT21). ACT21 may be processing by the change means 106. The change information is information for changing the switching promotion setting. For example, the change information is information for changing the switching promotion setting from one option to another option among multiple options. The processing circuit 10 may acquire the change information from another device, such as a store computer, that can communicate with the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 can acquire the change information at the timing for changing the switching promotion setting. For example, the store side can set the timing for changing the switching promotion setting. The timing for changing the switching promotion setting may be at the time of setting the timing, or at any timing after the timing is set.

[0066] If the processing circuit 10 acquires change information (ACT21, YES), the processing transitions from ACT21 to ACT 22. If the processing circuit 10 does not acquire change information (ACT21, NO), the processing circuit 10 waits for change information.

[0067] The processing circuit 10 changes the setting for switching promotion based on the change information (ACT22). ACT22 may be processing by the change means 106. In ACT22, for example, the processing circuit 10 applies one of a plurality of options to the setting for switching promotion based on the change information. If the change information is information for changing the setting for switching promotion from the first option to the second option, the processing circuit 10 changes the setting for switching promotion from the first option to the second option. The processing circuit 10 applies the second option to the setting for switching promotion. If the change information is information for changing the setting for switching promotion from the second option to the third option, the processing circuit 10 changes the setting for switching promotion from the second option to the third option. The processing circuit 10 applies the third option to the setting for switching promotion.

[0068] The second option is an option that is applied to the configuration for facilitating switchover later than the first option, and the third option is an option that is applied to the configuration for facilitating switchover later than the second option.

[0069] Although the above describes an example in which the multiple options applicable to the settings for switching promotion include a no-output setting such as the first option, this is not limiting. The multiple options do not have to include a no-output setting. In this example, each option of the multiple options is an output setting such as the second option or the third option.

[0070] As described above, when the customer's membership code is the old membership code on the old card, the POS terminal 1 can output any one of a plurality of switching notifications. This allows the POS terminal 1 to gradually send compulsory switching notices to customers who have not switched from their old card to a new card, requesting them to switch. Therefore, the POS terminal 1 can encourage customers to switch from their old card to their new card. In this way, the POS terminal 1 can encourage customers to switch from their membership in the old membership service to their membership in the new membership service.

[0071] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can output the first switching notification based on the second option. This allows the POS terminal 1 to promptly request the customer to switch from the old card to the new card while letting the customer know that the old card can still be used.

[0072] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can process the customer's transaction using the legacy member service based on the second option. This allows the POS terminal 1 to process the customer's transaction using the old member service, so that convenience for the customer is not impaired.

[0073] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can output the second switching notification based on the third option. This allows the POS terminal 1 to promptly request the customer to switch from the old card to the new card while letting the customer know that the old card cannot be used.

[0074] As mentioned above, processing circuitry 10 can process a customer's transaction without utilizing legacy member services under the third option. This allows the POS terminal 1 to request the customer to switch from the old card to the new card, with the added force of not using the old member service.

[0075] <Other embodiments> In the above-described embodiment, a POS terminal 1 on which a store clerk can perform product registration and payment operations has been described as an example of a transaction processing device, but this is not limiting. The transaction processing device may be a device that accepts a customer's membership code based on a reading device reading a code symbol recording the membership code. For example, the transaction processing device may be a device on which a customer can perform product registration and payment operations. The transaction processing device may be a device separate from a device on which a store clerk can perform product registration and a device on which a customer can perform payment operations. The transaction processing device may be a device separate from a device on which a customer can perform payment operations and a device on which a customer can perform product registration operations. In this example, the device on which a customer can perform product registration operations may be a dedicated terminal installed in a shopping cart, a mobile terminal provided in advance by a store, or a mobile terminal owned by the customer.

[0076] The above embodiment has been described taking the POS terminal 1 that processes transactions as an example, but it is also applicable to an information processing device that does not process transactions.

[0077] Each unit realized by processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment may be realized by a server capable of communicating with POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a transaction processing device.

[0078] The units realized by processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment are not limited to being realized in a single device such as POS terminal 1. The units may be realized in a distributed manner across multiple devices. In this case, the collection of multiple devices is an example of a transaction processing device.

[0079] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by one or more devices. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a program that can cause a computer of one or more devices to execute each function. The above-described embodiments may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0080] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0081] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or may be transferred in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or may be transferred in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0082] 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0083] Some of the above-described embodiments may be expressed as follows. (1) a means for accepting a user's membership code; A determination means for determining the type of the user's membership code; an output means for outputting one of a plurality of notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service when the membership code of the user is a membership code of a first membership service; A transaction processing device comprising: (2) the output means outputs the first notification based on a setting for outputting a first notification indicating that the first member service is available; (1) A transaction processing device according to (1). (3) further comprising a transaction processing means for processing a transaction of the user using the first membership service based on the setting for outputting the first notification; (2) A transaction processing device according to (2). (4) The output means outputs the second notification based on a setting for outputting a second notification indicating that the first member service is unavailable. (1) A transaction processing device according to (1). (5) further comprising a transaction processing means for processing the user's transaction without using the first member service based on the setting for outputting the second notification; (4) A transaction processing device according to (4). (6) To the computer: A function to accept the user's membership code; A function for determining the type of the user's membership code; a function of outputting one of a plurality of notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service when the membership code of the user is a membership code of a first membership service; A program that can be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1...POS terminal, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...storage, 13...communication circuit, 14...reading device, 15...input device, 16...display device, 17...printing device, 18...change machine, 19...connection interface, 101...receiving means, 102...first determination means, 103...second determination means, 104...output means, 105...transaction processing means, 106...change means, BA..."close" button, BB..."close" button, IA...first screen, IB...second screen.

Claims

1. Acceptance means for accepting a membership code of a user; A determination means for determining the type of the user's membership code; an output means for outputting one of a plurality of notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service when the membership code of the user is a membership code of a first membership service; A transaction processing device comprising:

2. the output means outputs the first notification based on a setting for outputting a first notification indicating that the first member service is available. The transaction processing device of claim 1 .

3. further comprising a transaction processing means for processing a transaction of the user using the first membership service based on the setting for outputting the first notification; The transaction processing device of claim 2 .

4. the output means outputs the second notification based on a setting for outputting a second notification indicating that the first member service is unavailable. The transaction processing device of claim 1 .

5. further comprising a transaction processing means for processing the user's transaction without using the first member service based on the setting for outputting the second notification; The transaction processing device of claim 4.

6. On the computer, A function to accept the user's membership code; A function for determining the type of the user's membership code; a function of outputting one of a plurality of notifications regarding switching from membership of the first membership service to membership of a second membership service when the membership code of the user is a membership code of a first membership service; A program that can be executed.

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