Transaction processing system, transaction processing device and its program

Abstract

Link coupon services and point services. [Solution] The transaction processing device comprises a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, a recognition means, and a provision means. The first acquisition means acquires coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods. The second acquisition means acquires member identification information that identifies a member who is the buyer of the transaction. The recognition means recognizes whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable, provided that the coupon is applicable. The provision means provides the benefit to the member identified by the member identification information, provided that the applicability of the coupon has been recognized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing system, a transaction processing apparatus included in the system, and a program therefor.

Background Art

[0002] One of the sales promotion methods in retail stores is the point service. The point service is a service in which points are given to consumers who purchase goods, the points are accumulated for each consumer, and consumers can obtain benefits according to the accumulated points.

[0003] Also, as another sales promotion method, there is a coupon service. The coupon service is a service in which a coupon applicable to future transactions is issued to a consumer who purchases a product, and when the consumer presents the coupon, the consumer can obtain a price reduction or discount according to the coupon.

[0004] However, the coupon service and the point service are independent services. Therefore, it has not been possible to link the coupon service and the point service, for example, to increase the points given to consumers who present a specific coupon.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology for linking the coupon service and the point service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In one embodiment, the transaction processing device comprises a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, a recognition means, and a provision means. The first acquisition means acquires coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods. The second acquisition means acquires member identification information that identifies a member who is the buyer of the transaction. The recognition means, having acquired the coupon identification information and the member identification information, recognizes whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable. The provision means, having recognized that the coupon is applicable, provides the benefit to the member identified by the member identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items of coupon records stored in the coupon database. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items of point records stored in the point database. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the coupon server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of a POS terminal and the functions of a coupon server in relation to these functions. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of information processing performed by the POS terminal's processor according to the sales processing program. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of information processing performed by the POS terminal's processor according to the sales processing program. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the specific steps involved in coupon processing as described in Figure 8. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the information processing performed by the coupon server's processor in response to the coupon processing shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a POS terminal. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a subplan display on the touch panel of a POS terminal. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a coupon input screen displayed on the touch panel of a POS terminal. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a sequence diagram of the main data signals transmitted and received between the POS terminal and the coupon server and point server. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes, with reference to drawings, an embodiment of a transaction processing device and transaction processing system that can realize a service linking a coupon service and a point service.

[0010] [Outline of the transaction processing system] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the transaction processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system 100 includes a coupon server 1, a point server 2, and a POS (Point of Sales) system 3. The transaction processing system 100 incorporates a router 4 into the POS system 3. The transaction processing system 100 is configured by connecting the POS system 3, the coupon server 1, and the point server 2 via a communication network 5 using this router 4. The communication network 5 is a wide-area network such as the Internet or an intranet. A mobile communication network, public communication network, etc., may also be used as part of the communication network 5.

[0011] Coupon Server 1 is a computer dedicated to coupon services. Coupon Server 1 manages Coupon Database 10. Coupon Database 10 is a collection of coupon records 11 (see Figure 2) created for each type of coupon applied to a transaction of buying and selling goods. There are various types of coupons with different discount or reduction information, such as a 5% discount coupon that reduces the subtotal of a transaction by 5%, a 10% discount coupon that reduces the subtotal by 10%, a 100 yen discount coupon that reduces the subtotal by 100 yen, a 300 yen discount coupon that reduces the subtotal by 300 yen, and so on. Coupon Database 10 stores coupon records 11 created for each coupon with different discount or reduction information.

[0012] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items included in the coupon record 11. As shown in the figure, the coupon record 11 includes data for items such as coupon code, value discount information, validity period, used flag, and point awarding information. The coupon code is identification information assigned to each type of coupon in order to identify each type of coupon individually. The coupon code is an example of coupon identification information. The value discount information is the discount amount or discount rate applied by the coupon. The validity period is information indicating the period during which the coupon can be used. The used flag is 1-bit data to identify whether the coupon has been used or not. In this embodiment, the used flag indicating unused is set to "1", and the used flag indicating used is also set to "1".

[0013] Point accrual information refers to information about point services that are awarded upon application of coupons. For example, point multiplier information or promotional point information constitutes point accrual information. Typically, the base points for a point service are the integer quotient obtained by dividing the total transaction amount by a predetermined base amount. The point multiplier is a value that is an integer multiple of the base points. Promotional points are values ​​that are added to the base points. Therefore, the points awarded to consumers are increased when point accrual information is applied. Needless to say, the method for calculating base points is not limited to the method described above.

[0014] The point server 2 is a computer specialized for the point service. The point server 2 manages the point database 20. The point database 20 is an aggregate of point records 21 (see FIG. 3) created for each point member. In order for a consumer to receive the point service, it is necessary to register in advance as a point member. A consumer can register as a member by installing, for example, application software (hereinafter referred to as a store app) published by a store or the like on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. When a consumer registers as a member, a unique member ID is assigned to the consumer. Hereinafter, a consumer to whom a member ID has been assigned is referred to as a member. The member ID is an example of member identification information that identifies a member who is the buyer of a transaction. The member ID is displayed in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code on, for example, the top screen of the store app. Alternatively, the member ID may be recorded on a member card issued to the member.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data items included in the point record 21. As shown in the figure, the point record 21 includes data of items such as a member ID, accumulated points, and the latest update date. The accumulated points are the accumulated value of points given to a consumer identified by the member ID, that is, a so-called member. The latest update date is the latest date on which the accumulated points were updated.

[0016] Note that the coupon server 1 and the point server 2 may provide services in an on-premises environment, or may provide services in a cloud computing environment. Also, it is possible to configure the coupon server 1 and the point server 2 with one server computer.

[0017] Return to the description of FIG. 1. POS system 3 includes multiple POS terminals 31 and a store server 32. POS system 3 connects the multiple POS terminals 31 and the store server 32 via a communication network 33 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. POS system 3 connects a router 4 to the communication network 33, and each POS terminal 31 communicates data with the coupon server 1 and the point server 2 via this router 4.

[0018] The POS terminal 31 is an electronic device that has the function of registering and processing sales data of goods bought and sold in transactions with consumers and calculating the transaction price, and the function of receiving payment from consumers for that price and settling the transaction. In other words, the POS terminal 31 functions as a transaction processing device that processes transactions related to the buying and selling of goods with consumers who are buyers. The POS terminal 31 can also be referred to as a cash register, electronic cash register, payment terminal, etc.

[0019] The store server 32 is a server computer that has the function of managing the overall sales, inventory, etc. of the store by centrally controlling each POS terminal 31. The store server 32 has a product master in which product data such as product name and unit price are set, associated with the product code of each product.

[0020] POS system 3 with this configuration is built in a retail store that uses both coupon services and point services. The store server 32 is installed in the back room of the retail store. Each POS terminal 31 is installed at the checkout counter (cash register) of the retail store. Although only one POS system 3 is shown in Figure 1, in reality, multiple POS systems 3 in different retail stores are each connected to the coupon server 1 and point server 2 via the communication network 5 to form the transaction processing system 100.

[0021] [Coupon Server Configuration Description] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of Coupon Server 1. Coupon Server 1 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, network interface 65, and system transmission path 66, etc. The system transmission path 66 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 66 connects the processor 61 to the other parts and transmits data signals exchanged between them. Coupon Server 1 is configured as a computer by connecting the processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, and network interface 65 with the system transmission path 66.

[0022] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions as a coupon server 1 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 61 may also be, for example, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), SoC (System on a Chip), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). Alternatively, the processor 61 may be a combination of several of these.

[0023] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system or application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be auxiliary storage devices 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application programs described above.

[0025] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0026] The network interface 65 connects to the communication network 5. The coupon server 1 communicates data with devices connected to the communication network 5, such as each POS terminal 31 of the POS system 3, via the network interface 65.

[0027] In this configuration, the coupon server 1 uses a portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 63 as the area for the coupon database 10.

[0028] [POS terminal configuration description] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 31. The POS terminal 31 comprises circuit components such as a processor 71, main memory 72, auxiliary storage device 73, clock 74, communication interface 75, and I / O (Input / Output) interface 76, as well as a system transmission line 77. The system transmission line 77 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The POS terminal 31 constitutes a computer by connecting each circuit component to the system transmission line 77.

[0029] The processor 71 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 71 controls various parts to realize various functions as a POS terminal 31 according to the operating system or application program (application software). The processor 71 is, for example, a CPU.

[0030] Main memory 72 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 72 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 72 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 72 may also store data necessary for the processor 71 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 72 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 71. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0031] The auxiliary storage device 73 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 73. The auxiliary storage device 73 stores data used by the processor 71 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing performed by the processor 71. The auxiliary storage device 73 may also store the application program described above.

[0032] Clock 74 measures the date and time. POS terminal 31 obtains the date and time measured by clock 74 as the current date and time.

[0033] The communication interface 75 connects to the communication network 33. The POS terminal 31 can communicate data with the store server 32 via the communication interface 75. The POS terminal 31 can also communicate data with the coupon server 1 and the point server 2 via the communication interface 75.

[0034] The I / O interface 76 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving data signals with devices such as the keyboard 81, touch panel 82, customer display 83, card reader 84, scanner 85, printer 86, and change machine 87.

[0035] Keyboard 81 is an input device with multiple hardware keys (hard keys, physical keys). Some of the hardware keys on Keyboard 81 are used as a numeric keypad for entering numbers from [0] to [9], while the rest are function keys such as a subtotal key, closing key, discount key, multiplier key, responsible person key, and start key.

[0036] The touch panel 82 consists of a display and a touch sensor. The display is a device for showing various screens to the operator operating the POS terminal 31. The touch sensor is a device for detecting touch input on the screen by the operator. In the POS terminal 31, the operator is, in principle, a store employee. A store employee can be referred to as a cashier, etc.

[0037] The customer display 83 is a display device for showing information that should be notified to consumers, or buyers (shoppers), who are purchasing items that are registered in the POS terminal 31. The information displayed on the customer display 83 includes the product name and price of the purchased items, the transaction payment amount and the change amount, etc. By looking at the information displayed on the customer display 83, buyers can find out the price of the purchased items, the transaction payment amount, the change amount, etc.

[0038] The card reader 84 is a device that reads data recorded on a card medium such as a point card, credit card, or electronic money card. If the card medium is a magnetic card, the card reader 84 is a magnetic card reader. If the card medium is an IC card, the card reader 84 is an IC card reader. The POS terminal 31 may be equipped with either a magnetic card reader or an IC card reader as the card reader 84, or it may be equipped with both. The card reader 84 may also be a card reader / writer that has a data writing function to the card medium.

[0039] Scanner 85 is a device that reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes or QR codes. Each product has a barcode indicating the product code. The display device of a mobile terminal with the store app installed displays a barcode or QR code indicating the member ID. Coupons may have a barcode or QR code indicating the coupon code printed on them. Scanner 85 is used to read these machine-readable codes. Scanner 85 may be a handheld device operated by an operator, or it may be a stationary device.

[0040] The printer 86 is a device that prints, for example, transaction receipt data onto receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the transaction receipt data has been printed by the printer 86 is cut by a cutter and issued as a transaction receipt from the issuing slot. The printer 86 can be implemented by, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer.

[0041] The change dispenser 87 is a device equipped with a safe for storing banknotes and coins by denomination, and a mechanism for taking banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount from the safe and dispensing them to the dispensing slot. When the change dispenser 87 is notified of the change amount by an instruction from the processor 71, it calculates the number of banknotes or coins to be dispensed for each denomination that corresponds to that change amount. The change dispenser 87 then takes the calculated number of banknotes or coins for each denomination from the safe and dispenses them to the dispensing slot.

[0042] [Explanation of POS terminal and coupon server functions] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the POS terminal 31 and the functions of the coupon server 1 in relation to these functions. As shown in the figure, the POS terminal 31 has the functions of a first acquisition means 91, a second acquisition means 92, a discrimination means 93, a recognition means 94, and a provision means 95. The coupon server 1 has the functions of a storage means 96, a determination means 97, and a response means 98.

[0043] The first acquisition means 91 is a function that acquires coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods. Coupon identification information is, for example, a coupon code. When a machine-readable code printed on a coupon is read by the scanner 85, the first acquisition means 91 acquires the coupon code from that machine-readable code. When a coupon code is entered using, for example, the numeric keypad of the keyboard 81, the first acquisition means 91 acquires that entered data as the coupon code.

[0044] The second acquisition means 92 is a function that acquires member identification information to identify the member who will be the buyer in the transaction. Member identification information is, for example, a member ID. When a machine-readable code displayed on the member's mobile terminal is read by the scanner 85, the second acquisition means 92 acquires the member ID from the machine-readable code. When a member card is read by the card reader 84, the second acquisition means 92 acquires the member ID from the data on the member card.

[0045] The discrimination means 93 has the function of determining whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the first acquisition means 91 is a specific coupon eligible for member benefits. In addition to specific coupons managed by the coupon server 1, there are also general-purpose coupons that are available to a large number of consumers, such as those printed in newspaper flyers or distributed to mobile devices via the internet. General-purpose coupons generally only offer discounts or reductions on eligible products. On the other hand, coupons managed by the coupon server 1 include point accrual information in their coupon record 11. Point accrual information provides members with the benefit of bonus points. In other words, the discrimination means 93 determines whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the first acquisition means 91 is a coupon managed by the coupon server 1, i.e., a specific coupon eligible for member benefits. Incidentally, the coupon code of a specific coupon contains a uniquely defined value. The discrimination means 93 determines that a coupon is a specific coupon if the coupon code contains this value. The discrimination means 93 determines that if the value is not included, it is not a specific coupon, that is, a general-purpose coupon.

[0046] The recognition means 94 has the function of recognizing whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable, provided that the coupon identification information and member identification information have been acquired. Specifically, when coupon identification information identified as a specific coupon by the discrimination means 93 is input, the recognition means 94 queries the coupon server 1 regarding the applicability of the specific coupon identified by the coupon identification information. In response to this query, the coupon server 1 uses the function of the determination means 97 to determine whether the specific coupon is applicable or not, and the response means 98 returns a response indicating the determination result. The recognition means 94 then recognizes whether the specific coupon is applicable based on the response from the coupon server 1.

[0047] The provisioning means 95 is a function that provides benefits to members identified by member identification information, on the condition that the coupon's applicability is recognized. The benefits provided to members by the provisioning means 95 are an increase in the points awarded by the point service. When the coupon server 1 determines that a specific coupon is applicable, the response indicating the determination result includes point awarding information for that specific coupon. The provisioning means 95 provides the member with an increased point awarding amount according to this point awarding information.

[0048] The storage means 96 has the function of storing information about member benefits in association with coupon identification information. As mentioned above, the coupon code of the coupon record 11 stored in the coupon database 10 is an example of coupon identification information. Also, the point accrual information of the same coupon record 11 is an example of information about member benefits. In other words, the coupon database 10 functions as the storage means 96.

[0049] The determination means 97 is a function that determines whether a coupon inquired about by the transaction processing device, i.e., the POS terminal 31, is applicable. The coupon inquired about by the POS terminal 31 is a specific coupon whose coupon record 11 is stored in the coupon database 10. The determination means 97 checks the used flag and the validity period included in the coupon record 11. If the used flag indicates that the coupon has been used, the determination means 97 determines that the specific coupon is not applicable. Even if the used flag indicates that the coupon has not been used, if the validity period has expired, the determination means 97 determines that the specific coupon is not applicable. If the used flag indicates that the coupon has not been used and the validity period has not expired, the determination means 97 determines that the specific coupon is applicable.

[0050] The response means 98 is a function that, when the determination means 97 determines that the coupon is applicable, returns a response to the POS terminal 31 that includes information about the benefits stored in association with the coupon identification information of the coupon. In other words, when the response means 98 determines that the coupon is applicable, it returns a response to the POS terminal 31 that includes point awarding information stored in the coupon database 10 in association with the coupon code of the coupon.

[0051] The functions of the POS terminal 31 as the first acquisition means 91, second acquisition means 92, discrimination means 93, recognition means 94, and providing means 95 are all realized by information processing performed by the processor 71 in accordance with the sales processing program.

[0052] The sales processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 72 or the auxiliary storage device 73. The method of installing the sales processing program in the main memory 72 or auxiliary storage device 73 is not particularly limited. The sales processing program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 72 or auxiliary storage device 73. The recording medium can be of any form, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0053] Similarly, the functions of the coupon server 1 as determination means 97 and response means 98 are also realized by information processing performed by the processor 61 according to application programs installed in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63.

[0054] [Explanation of the transaction processing system's operation] Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 71 of the POS terminal 31 according to the sales processing program. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the specific steps of coupon processing in Figure 8, and Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 61 of the coupon server 1 for this coupon processing. Figures 11 to 13 are examples of the main screens displayed on the touch panel 82 of the POS terminal 31. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram of the main data signals transmitted and received between the POS terminal 31 and the coupon server 1 and point server 2. The main operations of the transaction processing system 100, mainly using the POS terminal 31, will be explained below using each figure. Note that the information processing procedures and their contents described below are examples. The procedures and contents can be changed as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved.

[0055] Customers who have gathered their purchased items from the sales floor move to the checkout counter (cash register). When a customer approaches the checkout counter, the cashier presses the start key located on the keyboard 81 of the POS terminal 31. Alternatively, the cashier touches the start button displayed on the touch panel 82. Both of these operations constitute a command to the POS terminal 31 to start registration. Upon receiving this command, the processor 71 begins processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowcharts in Figures 7 and 8.

[0056] First, as ACT1, the processor 71 resets the member flag MF to "0". The member flag MF is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not the buyer is a member. In this embodiment, the member flag MF is set to "1" if the buyer is a member. At the time of ACT1, it has not been determined whether or not the buyer is a member, so the processor 71 resets the member flag MF to "0".

[0057] After resetting the member flag MF, processor 71 proceeds to ACT2. As ACT2, processor 71 sets the touch panel 82 screen to the registration screen SAa (see Figure 11).

[0058] Figure 11 shows an example of the registration screen SAa display. The registration screen SAa is divided into the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc. The current area AAa is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AAc is the area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for commanding the output of the subtotal of purchased products registered as a transaction on the POS terminal 31.

[0059] The processor 71 of the POS terminal 31, which displays the registration screen SAa on the touch panel 82, proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 71 checks whether the member flag MF is set to "1". At this point, the member flag MF has been reset to "0". Therefore, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 71 checks whether a member ID has been entered.

[0060] When a customer presents a membership card, the store clerk has the customer scan the membership card using the card reader 84. When a customer presents a mobile device, the store clerk has the customer scan the machine-readable membership ID code displayed on the mobile device's display using the scanner 85.

[0061] When the card reader 84 reads the membership card, or when the scanner 85 reads the machine-readable code of the membership ID, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT5. The processor 71 stores the membership ID as ACT5. That is, when the card reader 84 reads the membership card, the processor 71 obtains the membership ID from the card data and stores it in the membership ID memory. When the scanner 85 reads the machine-readable code of the membership ID, the processor 71 obtains the membership ID from the machine-readable code and stores it in the membership ID memory. Having stored the membership ID, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT6. The processor 71 sets the membership flag MF to "1" as ACT6. In this way, when a membership ID is entered, the purchaser is identified as a member, and the membership flag MF is set to "1".

[0062] If the processing of ACT6 is completed, or if the member ID was not entered in ACT4, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT7. The processor 71 checks whether product registration has been performed as ACT7. If product registration has not been performed, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT10. The processor 71 checks whether subtotal output has been commanded as ACT10. If subtotal output has not been commanded, the processor 71 returns to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 71 checks whether the member flag MF is set to "1". Therefore, if the member flag MF was set to "1" in ACT6, the processor 71 skips the processing of ACT4 through ACT6 and proceeds to ACT7.

[0063] Thus, the processor 71 of the POS terminal 31 displaying the registration screen SAa waits for a member ID to be entered, a product to be registered, or a subtotal output to be commanded, while the member flag MF is reset to "0". When a member ID is entered and the member flag MF is set to "1", the processor 71 waits for a product to be registered or a subtotal output to be commanded.

[0064] After confirming the registration screen SAa, the cashier enters the information of the items purchased by the customer into the POS terminal 31. For example, the cashier scans the barcode attached to the purchased item with the scanner 85. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased item is entered into the POS terminal 31. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the cashier displays a list of items without barcodes on the touch panel 82. The cashier then selects the purchased item from that list. Through this operation, the product code of the purchased item without a barcode is entered into the POS terminal 31.

[0065] In ACT7, when processor 71 confirms that the product code and other information have been entered, it recognizes that product registration has been completed. Processor 71 then proceeds to ACT8. Processor 71 executes product sales data processing as ACT8. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the entered product code from the product master, generates sales data for the purchased product including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., and writes it to the transaction memory, i.e., registers it.

[0066] After processing the product sales data, processor 71 proceeds to ACT9. Processor 71 updates the registration screen SAa as ACT9. Specifically, processor 71 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the transaction memory in the current area AAa. At this time, if the sales data of the previously entered purchase product is displayed in the current area AAa, processor 71 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of that sales data in the details area AAb. Processor 71 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the transaction memory in the total area AAc.

[0067] After updating the registration screen SAa, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT10. That is, the processor 71 checks whether or not a subtotal output has been commanded. When the cashier finishes inputting information about the purchased items to the POS terminal 31, they touch the subtotal button BAa. When the subtotal button BAa is touched, the processor 71 recognizes that a subtotal output has been commanded. The processor 71 proceeds to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 71 checks whether or not the purchased items have been registered. If a subtotal output has been commanded without the purchased items being registered, the processor 71 returns to ACT3. If the purchased items have been registered, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 8. As ACT21, the processor 71 sets the screen of the touch panel 82 to the subtotal plane SAb (see Figure 12).

[0068] Figure 12 shows an example of the subplanning screen SAb. The subplanning screen SAb includes a total area AAd that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of purchased items in a single transaction. The subplanning screen SAb also includes a coupon button BAb, a checkout button BAc, and a back button Bad. Each of the buttons BAb, Bac, and Bad is a software key. The coupon button BAb is an operator used to instruct the use of a coupon. The checkout button BAc is an operator used to instruct the user that they have finished entering information about purchased items. The back button Bad is an operator used to instruct the user to return to entering information about purchased items.

[0069] After reviewing the sub-planning page SAb, the cashier checks if there are any unentered purchase items. If there are unentered purchase items, the cashier touches the back button BAd. If there are no unentered purchase items, the cashier checks if the customer has presented a coupon. If the customer has presented a coupon, the cashier touches the coupon button BAb. If there are no unentered purchase items and the customer has not presented a coupon, or has finished presenting one, the cashier touches the checkout button BAc.

[0070] The processor 71, with the touch panel 23 screen set to subplanning plane SAb, proceeds to ACT22. The processor 71 checks whether the back button Bad has been input as ACT22. If the back button Bad has not been input, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT23. The processor 71 checks whether the coupon button BAb has been input as ACT23. If the coupon button BAb has not been input, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT24. The processor 71 checks whether the checkout button Bac has been input as ACT24. If the checkout button Bac has not been input, the processor 71 returns to ACT22. In this way, the processor 71, displaying subplanning plane SAb, waits for the back button Bad, coupon button Bab, or checkout button Bac to be input as ACT22 through ACT24.

[0071] If the back button Bad is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT22 to ACT24, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 71 returns the touch panel 82 screen to the previous registration screen SAa. Then the processor 71 returns to ACT7 in Figure 7. In other words, the processor 71 waits for product registration to be performed. Therefore, the cashier only needs to operate the scanner 85 or touch panel 82 to input the information of the purchased product that has not yet been entered.

[0072] If the coupon button BAb is pressed while in the waiting state of ACT22 through ACT24, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT26. The processor 71 then executes the coupon processing as ACT26. The coupon processing will be explained in detail later.

[0073] If the payment button BTc is pressed while in the standby state of ACT22 to ACT24, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT27. As ACT27, the processor 71 sets the touch panel 82 screen to the payment selection screen.

[0074] The payment selection screen is a screen with buttons for selecting payment methods, such as a cash button, a credit button, an e-money button, and a QR code payment button. After viewing the payment selection screen, the cashier asks the buyer how they would like to pay. If the buyer requests to pay with cash, the cashier touches the cash button. If the buyer requests to pay with a credit card, the cashier touches the credit button. If the buyer requests to pay with e-money, the cashier touches the e-money button. If the buyer requests to pay with a QR code, the cashier touches the QR code payment button.

[0075] The processor 71, which displays the payment selection screen, proceeds to ACT28. The processor 71 waits for a payment method to be selected as ACT28. When one of the payment method selection buttons on the payment selection screen is touched, the processor 71 recognizes that the payment method corresponding to that button has been selected. The processor 71 proceeds to ACT29. The processor 71 executes the settlement process as ACT29. That is, if cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 71 executes the cash settlement process using the cash inserted into the change machine 87 as the amount received. If a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 71 authenticates the credit card read by the card reader 84 and executes the credit card settlement process. If electronic money is selected as the payment method, the processor 71 executes the electronic money settlement process using the electronic money read by the card reader 84 or scanner 85. If code payment is selected as the payment method, the processor 71 executes the code payment process using the machine-readable code for code payment read by the scanner 85. Since these cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, electronic money payment processing, and code payment processing are all well-known procedures, detailed explanations of each will be omitted.

[0076] If the POS terminal 31 is a dedicated machine that supports only one type of payment method, the processor 71 will skip the processing of ACT27 and ACT28 and proceed to the settlement processing of ACT29. Alternatively, a payment selection screen may be displayed on the customer display 83 to allow the purchaser to select a payment method.

[0077] After completing the settlement process, processor 71 proceeds to ACT30. Processor 71 checks the member flag MF as part of ACT30. If the member flag MF is reset to "0", meaning that a transaction with a non-member has been settled, processor 71 skips the point awarding process in ACT31 and proceeds to ACT32.

[0078] In contrast, if the member flag MF is set to "1", that is, if the transaction with the member has been settled, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT31. The processor 71 executes the point granting process as ACT31. Specifically, the processor 71 divides the total transaction amount by a predetermined base amount and calculates the integer of the quotient as the base points. Furthermore, if a point multiplier is set, the processor 71 multiplies the base points by the point multiplier to calculate the points to be granted. Alternatively, if promotional points are set, the processor 71 adds the promotional points to the base points to calculate the points to be granted. If neither a point multiplier nor promotional points are set, the base points are used as the points to be granted. Having calculated the points to be granted, the processor 71 sends a point update event EVd (see Figure 14) to the point server 2. The point update event EVd includes the member ID stored in the member ID memory and the points to be granted calculated in the point granting process. Upon receiving the point update event EVd, the point server 2 adds the points to be granted included in the event EVd to the cumulative points of the point record 21 that includes the member ID included in the event EVd.

[0079] If the processor 71 executes or skips the point awarding process of ACT 31, it proceeds to ACT 32. The processor 71 controls the output of the receipt as ACT 32. That is, the processor 71 generates receipt data showing the details of the commercial transaction based on the sales data etc. stored in the transaction memory. The processor 71 then outputs this receipt data to the printer 86. Thus, the printer 86 operates and a paper receipt is printed and issued. If an electronic receipt ID has been entered via the scanner 85, the processor 71 sends the receipt data along with the electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt server. Thus, the purchaser can obtain a receipt in the form of an electronic receipt by operating a mobile device such as a smartphone. With this, the processor 71 completes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of Figures 7 and 8.

[0080] Next, we will explain the coupon processing for ACT26. When the coupon button BAb is pressed while the processor 71 is in the standby state for ACT22 to ACT24, the process proceeds to ACT41 in Figure 9. For ACT41, the processor 71 sets the screen of the touch panel 82 to the coupon input screen SAc (see Figure 13).

[0081] Figure 13 shows an example of the coupon input screen SAc. The coupon input screen SAc displays text prompting the operator, i.e., the cashier, to enter a coupon code. The coupon input screen SAc also has a first area AAe for displaying coupon benefit information and a second area AAf for displaying point accrual information. Furthermore, the coupon input screen SAc has a confirmation button BAe. The confirmation button BAe is an operation that the cashier uses to declare that they have confirmed the information in the first area AAe and the second area AAf. The confirmation button BAe is a software key. Note that when the coupon input screen SAc is displayed, the first area AAe and the second area AAf are blank.

[0082] After checking the coupon input screen SAc, the cashier enters the coupon code of the coupon presented by the buyer. That is, if the coupon has a machine-readable code printed on it, the cashier reads the machine-readable code with the scanner 85. If the coupon code is printed as a number on the coupon, the cashier enters the coupon code using the numeric keypad on the keyboard 81.

[0083] Once a coupon code is entered through these operations, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT43. In ACT43, the processor 71 determines whether the coupon identified by the coupon code is a specific coupon for member benefits managed by the coupon server 1. For example, if the coupon code does not contain a value indicating that it is a specific coupon, the processor 71 determines that it is not a specific coupon, i.e., a general-purpose coupon. The processor 71 then proceeds to ACT44. In ACT44, the processor 71 performs general-purpose coupon processing. General-purpose coupon processing is the process of applying discounts or reductions to coupon-eligible products, for example, based on the discount or reduction information set for the coupon identified by the coupon code. After completing general-purpose coupon processing, the processor 71 returns to ACT21 in Figure 8. That is, the processor 71 uses the touch panel 82 screen as the subplanning plane SAb and waits for input of the back button, coupon button BAb, or checkout button BAc.

[0084] In ACT43, if the coupon code contains a value indicating that it is a specific coupon, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT45. The processor 71 sends a query event EVA (see Figure 14) to the coupon server 1 as ACT45. The query event EVA includes the coupon code.

[0085] Upon receiving the query event EVA, the processor 61 of the coupon server 1 begins processing the information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 10. First, the processor 61 obtains the coupon code from the query event EVA as ACT61. Then, as ACT62, the processor 61 searches the coupon database 10 using that coupon code and obtains the coupon record 11 containing that coupon code.

[0086] Processor 61, having obtained coupon record 11, proceeds to ACT63. Processor 61 determines whether or not the coupon record 11 has expired as part of ACT63. If it has not expired, Processor 61 proceeds to ACT64. Processor 61 checks the used flag as part of ACT64. If the used flag indicates that it is unused, Processor 61 proceeds to ACT65. Processor 61 obtains value discount information from the coupon record as part of ACT65. Processor 61 also obtains point award information from the coupon record as part of ACT66.

[0087] Having obtained the value discount information and point accrual information, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT67. As ACT67, the processor 61 sends an availability response event EVc (see Figure 14) to the POS terminal 31 that sent the inquiry event. The availability response event EVc includes the value discount information and point accrual information obtained from the coupon record. This value discount information and point accrual information is the value discount information and point accrual information for a specific coupon identified by the coupon code entered into the POS terminal 31.

[0088] If the expiration date has passed in ACT63, or if the used flag in ACT64 indicates that it has been used, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT68. As ACT68, the processor 61 sends an unavailable response event EVb (see Figure 14) to the POS terminal 31 that sent the inquiry event.

[0089] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. In ACT45, the processor 71, which sent the inquiry event EVa, proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, the processor 71 waits for a response event from the coupon server 1. Upon receiving a response event via the communication interface 75, the processor 71 proceeds to ACT47. As ACT47, the processor 71 determines whether the response event is an available response event EVc or an unavailable response event EVb.

[0090] When the processor 71 receives an availability response event EVc, it proceeds to ACT48. The processor 71 stores the point awarding information contained in the availability response event EVc as ACT48. The processor 71 also updates the coupon input screen SAc as ACT49. That is, the processor 71 displays the value discount information contained in the availability response event EVc in the first area AAe and the point awarding information in the second area.

[0091] Incidentally, the coupon input screen SAc in Figure 13 shows the case when reading a coupon code for a specific coupon where the discount information is "5% discount," which reduces the subtotal by 5%, and the point awarding information is "10 promotional points," which awards 10 points as promotional points.

[0092] After updating the coupon input screen SAc, processor 71 proceeds to ACT50. As ACT50, processor 71 performs a value discount process based on the value discount information of the specific coupon. That is, if the value discount information is "5% discount", processor 71 performs a process to discount the subtotal amount by 5%.

[0093] On the other hand, if, for example, a response event from coupon server 1 cannot be received in ACT46 due to a failure in communication network 5, or if an unavailable response event EVb is received in ACT47, processor 71 proceeds to ACT51. Processor 71 executes coupon error processing as ACT51. Coupon error processing is the process of notifying a communication error if, for example, a response event from coupon server 1 could not be received. Coupon error processing is the process of notifying that the coupon cannot be used because it has expired or has been used, if, for example, an unavailable response event EVb is received.

[0094] After completing the processing of ACT50 or ACT51, the processor 71 returns to ACT21 in Figure 8. That is, the processor 71 uses the touch panel 82 screen as the subplanning plane SAb and waits for input of the back button, coupon button BAb, or checkout button BAc. In this waiting state, if the coupon button BAb is input, the processor 71 executes the coupon processing. Therefore, if the buyer presents a second coupon, the cashier simply needs to input the coupon button BAb and the coupon code for that coupon.

[0095] On the other hand, when the payment button Bac is pressed, the processor 71 executes the processes described in ACT28 to ACT32. Therefore, if point awarding information for a specific coupon was stored in the process of ACT48, the base points will be increased based on that point awarding information in the point awarding process of ACT31.

[0096] Here, the processor 71 of the POS terminal 31 realizes the function of a first acquisition means 91 through the processing of ACT41 and ACT42 in Figure 9. The processor 71 realizes the function of a second acquisition means 92 through the processing of ACT4 and ACT5 in Figure 7. The processor 71 realizes the function of a discrimination means 93 through the processing of ACT43 in Figure 9. The processor 71 realizes the function of a recognition means 94 through the processing of ACT45 to ACT47 in Figure 9. The processor 71 realizes the function of a supply means 95 through the processing of ACT48 in Figure 9 and ACT31 in Figure 8.

[0097] Furthermore, the processor 61 of the coupon server 1 realizes the function of a determination means 97 through the processing of ACT63 and ACT64 in Figure 10. The processor 61 realizes the function of a response means 98 through the processing of ACT67 and ACT68 in Figure 10.

[0098] [Explanation of the effects of the transaction processing system] As detailed above, the POS terminal 31 has the functions of a first acquisition means 91, a second acquisition means 92, a recognition means 94, and a provision means 95. With these functions, the POS terminal 31 acquires a coupon code, which is coupon identification information, and a member ID, which is member identification information, and then recognizes whether the coupon identified by the coupon code is applicable. If the coupon is recognized as applicable, the member identified by the member ID is given a benefit of increased points.

[0099] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily implement a new service that links a coupon service and a points service, such as increasing the points awarded to consumers who present a coupon.

[0100] Furthermore, the POS terminal 31 also functions as a discrimination means 93. When a coupon identified by a coupon code is a coupon eligible for member benefits, the applicability of the coupon is recognized. Therefore, it is easy to implement new services that link coupon services and point services by using specific coupons, such as offering increased points to consumers who present a particular coupon. As a result, it is possible to differentiate specific coupons from general-purpose coupons.

[0101] Meanwhile, the coupon server 1 has a coupon database 10 that stores information about member benefits, i.e., point accrual information, associated with coupon codes. The server determines whether a coupon inquired about by the POS terminal 31 is applicable, and if it is, it returns the point accrual information stored associated with the coupon code of that coupon to the POS terminal 31. The POS terminal 31 then applies a bonus to the base points using the point accrual information obtained from the coupon server 1. Therefore, depending on the settings of the point accrual information stored in the coupon database 10, a wide variety of services can be easily implemented, for example, by applying promotional points as point accrual information to a first specific coupon, and applying a point tax rate as point accrual information to a second specific coupon.

[0102] [Other embodiments] The above describes embodiments of a transaction processing device and transaction processing system that can realize a service that links a coupon service and a point service, but the embodiments are not limited to these.

[0103] For example, in the above embodiment, a coupon that applies a discount or reduction to the subtotal amount was given as an example of a specific coupon to which point accrual information is applied. The specific coupon may be, for example, a coupon that applies a discount or reduction to the price of the target product. In that case, the timing of entering the coupon code may be immediately after the target product is registered, or it may be after the subtotal output command. If a coupon code for a coupon that applies a discount or reduction to the price of the target product is entered after the subtotal output command, the system should check whether the target product is registered, and if it is registered, it should send an inquiry event EVa to the coupon server 1.

[0104] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the POS terminal 31 queries the coupon server 1 to determine whether a specific coupon is applicable. In another embodiment, the POS terminal 31 may be equipped with a storage means corresponding to the coupon database 10, so that the applicability of a specific coupon can be determined without querying the server.

[0105] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1... Coupon server, 2... Point server, 3... POS system, 4... Router, 5... Communication network, 10... Coupon database, 20... Point database, 31... POS terminal, 32... Store server, 33... Communication network, 91... First acquisition means, 92... Second acquisition means, 93... Discrimination means, 94... Recognition means, 95... Provision means, 96... Storage means, 97... Judgment means, 98... Response means, 100... Transaction processing system.

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for acquiring coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods, A second acquisition means for acquiring member identification information that identifies the member who will be the buyer in the aforementioned transaction, A recognition means that recognizes whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable, provided that the coupon identification information and the member identification information have been obtained. A means for providing benefits to a member identified by the member identification information, provided that the applicability of the aforementioned coupon is recognized, A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

2. A determination means for determining whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the first acquisition means is a specific coupon eligible for member benefits, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein the recognition means recognizes whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable when coupon identification information identified as a specific coupon is input.

3. The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein the benefits provided to the member by the means of providing the benefits are benefits related to points.

4. Including a transaction processing unit and a server, The aforementioned transaction processing device is A first acquisition means for acquiring coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods, A second acquisition means for acquiring member identification information that identifies the member who will be the buyer in the aforementioned transaction, A recognition means that, on the condition that the coupon identification information and the member identification information have been obtained, queries the server to determine whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable, and recognizes the response from the server regarding whether it is applicable or not. A means for providing benefits to a member identified by the member identification information, provided that the applicability of the aforementioned coupon is recognized, It is equipped with, The aforementioned server, A storage means for storing information regarding member benefits in association with the aforementioned coupon identification information, A determination means for determining whether or not a coupon is applicable, which has been inquired about by the transaction processing device, When the determination means determines that the coupon is applicable, the response means returns to the transaction processing device a response including information about the benefit stored in association with the coupon identification information of the coupon, It is equipped with, The provision means is a transaction processing system that provides benefits based on information about the benefits included in the response.

5. The aforementioned transaction processing device is A determination means for determining whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information acquired by the first acquisition means is a specific coupon eligible for member benefits, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The transaction processing system according to claim 4, wherein the recognition means, when coupon identification information determined to be the specific coupon is input, queries the server to determine whether the coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable.

6. The computer for the transaction processing unit, A first acquisition means for acquiring coupon identification information that identifies a coupon applicable to a transaction of buying and selling goods, A second acquisition means for acquiring member identification information that identifies the member who will be the buyer in the aforementioned transaction, A recognition means that recognizes whether a coupon identified by the coupon identification information is applicable, on the condition that the coupon identification information and the member identification information have been obtained, A means of providing benefits to a member identified by the member identification information, provided that the applicability of the aforementioned coupon is recognized. A program designed to function as such.

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