Transaction processing system, information processing device, transaction processing device and information processing program

Abstract

This allows for the management of transactions with customers who have not been assigned an identifier in advance. [Solution] The transaction processing system of the embodiment comprises a registration means, a first acquisition means, a query means, a second acquisition means, and a generation means. The registration means registers the details of a transaction with a customer. The first acquisition means acquires the customer's biometric information. The query means queries the conversion processing device for the biometric information acquired by the first acquisition means. The second acquisition means acquires an identifier notified by the conversion processing device as a response to the query by the query means. The generation means generates transaction data that represents the details of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes the identifier acquired by the second acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing system, an information processing apparatus, a transaction processing apparatus, and an information processing program.

Background Art

[0002] In a transaction processing system such as a POS system, an identifier previously assigned to a customer is acquired at the time of a transaction, and processed transactions are managed in association with this identifier. This has already been done. However, it is necessary to perform membership registration etc. in advance in order to assign an identifier to a customer. For customers who do not want to perform membership registration etc., an identifier cannot be assigned, and transactions with such customers cannot be managed. Under these circumstances, it has been desired to enable management of transactions with customers to whom an identifier has not been previously assigned.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system, an information processing apparatus, a transaction processing apparatus, and an information processing program that can manage transactions with customers to whom an identifier has not been previously assigned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The transaction processing device of this embodiment comprises a registration means, a first acquisition means, a query means, a second acquisition means, and a generation means. The registration means registers the details of a transaction with a customer. The first acquisition means acquires the customer's biometric information. The query means queries the conversion processing device for the biometric information acquired by the first acquisition means. The second acquisition means acquires an identifier notified by the conversion processing device as a response to the query by the query means. The generation means generates transaction data that represents the details of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes the identifier acquired by the second acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal and analysis server. [Figure 3] Flowchart of the registration process. [Figure 4] Flowchart of the registration process. [Figure 5] A flowchart of the response process. [Figure 6] Flowchart of the analysis process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system 1 includes a cart terminal 100, a camera 200, a POS server 300, and an analysis server 400. The cart terminal 100, POS server 300, and analysis server 400 are able to communicate with each other via a communication network 2, and the camera 200 is connected to the cart terminal 100. The transaction processing system 1 also utilizes a conversion processing device 3 that is accessible via the communication network 2.

[0009] Although Figure 1 shows only one of each—the cart terminal 100, camera 200, POS server 300, and analysis server 400—any number of each can be included in the transaction processing system 1. In particular, it is assumed that the transaction processing system 1 will be configured to include multiple cart terminals 100.

[0010] The cart terminal 100 is an information processing device attached to a shopping cart (hereinafter referred to as "cart") provided in the store. The cart terminal 100 is lent to customers along with the cart when they shop in the store. The cart terminal 100 receives operations from the customer and performs transaction processing to register the products that the customer intends to purchase as transaction items. In other words, the cart terminal 100 is an example of a transaction processing device. In some cases, a store employee may operate the cart terminal 100.

[0011] Camera 200 captures a predetermined shooting range that includes the face of the customer operating the cart terminal 100. Camera 200 outputs the image data obtained from the capture to the cart terminal 100. The POS server 300 is an information processing device that performs predetermined management processing on transactions that have already been processed by the cart terminal 100. The analysis server 400 is an information processing device that performs predetermined analysis processing on transactions that have already been processed by the cart terminal 100.

[0012] Communication network 2 can use the internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN (local area network), public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., individually or in appropriate combinations. As an example, communication network 2 can be used in combination with the internet and LAN.

[0013] The conversion processing device 3 is an information processing device for converting faces captured in image data acquired via the communication network 2 into identifiers. The specific details of the conversion processing device 3's processing are arbitrary, as long as it converts faces to different identifiers based on differences in facial features. For multiple image data containing the same person's face, the conversion processing device 3 converts each to the same identifier. The conversion processing device 3 does not use information obtained in advance from customers, such as customer registration at a store, when converting identifiers.

[0014] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the cart terminal 100 and the analysis server 400. The cart terminal 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, a sub-memory unit 103, a touch panel 104, a lamp unit 105, a sound unit 106, a product recognition unit 107, a communication unit 109, an interface unit 110, and a transmission line 111, etc. The processor 101 and the main memory unit 102, sub-memory unit 103, touch panel 104, lamp unit 105, sound unit 106, product recognition unit 107, reader unit 108, communication unit 109, and interface unit 110 are able to communicate with each other via the transmission line 111.

[0015] By connecting the processor 101, the main memory unit 102, and the sub-memory unit 103 with a transmission line 111, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the cart terminal 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 101 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as a cart terminal 100, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs.

[0016] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores part of the above information processing program in the read-only memory area. Also, the main memory unit 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area by the processor 101.

[0017] The sub-memory unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The sub-memory unit 103 can utilize, for example, EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disc drive), SSD (solid state drive), or other various well-known memory devices. The sub-memory unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes and data generated by the processes in the processor 101. The sub-memory unit 103 may store the above information processing program. In this embodiment, the sub-memory unit 103 stores the cart terminal program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The cart terminal program PRA is an application program that describes the control processing procedures for realizing various functions of the cart terminal 100. This control processing includes the transaction processing described later. A part of the storage area of the sub-memory unit 103 is used as an area for storing the transaction data DAA. The transaction data DAA is data representing a list of transaction goods registered for one transaction.

[0018] The touch panel 104 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, for example, and displays a screen for presenting information to the operator. Also, the touch panel 104 includes an input device such as a touch sensor, for example, and inputs an instruction by a touch operation on the screen by the operator. The lamp unit 105 includes a light-emitting device such as an LED (light emitting diode) lamp, and can switch between a lighting state and a non-lighting state. The lamp unit 105 is provided in a state where it can be easily visually recognized by a person around the cart terminal 100, regardless of whether it is in the lighting state or the non-lighting state.

[0019] The sound unit 106 includes a sound processor, an amplifier, a speaker, etc., and reproduces various sounds such as voices, chime sounds, buzzer sounds, music, etc. The product recognition unit 107 recognizes the product that the operator intends to register as a transaction product. The product recognition unit 107 may include, for example, a handy type or fixed type barcode scanner that recognizes the product based on the product barcode displayed on the product. The product recognition unit 107 may include a barcode reading device that recognizes the product based on the product barcode reflected in the image obtained by photographing the product with a camera. The product recognition unit 107 may include an image recognition device for recognizing the product based on the appearance of the product reflected in the image obtained by photographing the product with a camera.

[0020] The reader unit 108 reads the data recorded on the recording medium. The reader unit 108 may include, for example, a barcode reader that reads the barcode displayed on the card. However, the barcode reader may share the hardware with the barcode scanner included in the product recognition unit 107. The reader unit 108 may include a magnetic card reader that reads the data magnetically recorded on the magnetic card. The reader unit 108 may include a contact reader that reads the data from the IC chip mounted on an IC (integrated circuit) card, etc., by contact communication. The reader unit 108 may include a non-contact reader that reads the data from the IC chip by non-contact communication such as NFC (near field communication).

[0021] The communication unit 109 performs communication processing for wireless data communication via the communication network 2. For example, an existing wireless communication device for a wireless LAN can be used as the communication unit 109. Alternatively, a wired communication device may be used instead of, or in addition to, the wireless communication device.

[0022] The interface unit 110 is connected to external devices such as the camera 200. The interface unit 110 interfaces with the connected external devices for data exchange. An existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used as the interface unit 110. The transmission line 111 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0023] The basic hardware of the cart terminal 100 is expected to be, for example, the hardware of a tablet-type information processing device. Generally, the cart terminal 100 is transferred with the cart terminal program PRA stored in the sub-storage unit 103. However, the hardware and the cart terminal program PRA may be transferred separately, either without the cart terminal program PRA stored in the sub-storage unit 103, or with a different version of the same type of application program stored in the sub-storage unit 103. Furthermore, the cart terminal 100 may be configured by writing the cart terminal program PRA to the sub-storage unit 103 in response to an operation by any worker. The cart terminal program PRA can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0024] The analysis server 400 includes a processor 401, a main memory unit 402, a sub-memory unit 403, a communication unit 404, and a transmission line 405. The processor 401, the main memory unit 402, the sub-memory unit 403, and the communication unit 404 are able to communicate with each other via the transmission line 405.

[0025] By connecting the processor 401, the main memory unit 402, and the sub-memory unit 403 with a transmission line 405, a computer is configured to perform information processing for controlling the analysis server 400. The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 401 performs information processing to control each part in order to realize various functions as an analysis server 400, in accordance with information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs.

[0026] The main memory unit 402 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 402 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 402 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 402 may also store data necessary for the processor 401 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 402 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 401.

[0027] The sub-storage unit 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The sub-storage unit 403 can utilize various storage devices, such as EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or other well-known devices. The sub-storage unit 403 stores data used by the processor 401 in performing various processes and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 401. The sub-storage unit 403 may also store the information processing programs described above. In this embodiment, the sub-storage unit 403 stores the analysis program PRB, which is one of the information processing programs. The analysis program PRB is an application program that describes the procedures for information processing to realize various functions of the analysis server 400. A portion of the storage area of ​​the sub-storage unit 403 is used as an area for storing the collection database DBA and the coupon table TAA. The collection database DBA is a database for collecting and storing information included in the transaction data described later. The coupon table TAA is a data table for managing valid coupons.

[0028] The communication unit 404 performs communication processing for wireless data communication via the communication network 2. If a wireless LAN is used as the communication network 2 as described above, the communication unit 404 can use an existing wireless communication device for the wireless LAN. Alternatively, a wired communication device may be used instead of, or in addition to, the wireless communication device. The transmission line 405 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0029] The basic hardware of the analysis server 400 is expected to be, for example, the hardware of a general-purpose information processing device for servers. The transfer of the analysis server 400 is generally carried out with the analysis program PRB stored in the sub-storage unit 403. However, the hardware and the analysis program PRB may be transferred separately, either without the analysis program PRB stored in the sub-storage unit 403, or with a different version of the same type of application program stored in the sub-storage unit 403. The analysis server 400 may also be configured by writing the analysis program PRB to the sub-storage unit 403 in response to an operation by any operator. The transfer of the analysis program PRB can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0030] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as described above will be explained. Note that the content of the various processes described below is just an example, and it is possible to change the order of some processes, omit some processes, or add other processes as appropriate. For example, in the following explanation, the explanation of some processes has been omitted in order to explain the characteristic operation of this embodiment in an easy-to-understand manner. For example, if some error occurs, processing to deal with that error may be performed. Also, for example, in various waiting states, the system may wait for the occurrence of events other than those described and proceed to processing according to the event that occurred.

[0031] Customers of the store, that is, customers who intend to purchase goods displayed and sold at the store, perform predetermined operations to start using the unused cart terminal 100. Once these operations are performed, the processor 101 starts the registration process based on the cart terminal program PRA.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts of the registration process. In Figure 3, the processor 101, designated as ACT101, performs member authentication processing. For example, a customer registers with the store to obtain a member identifier and receives a membership card displaying a barcode representing that member identifier. The customer then holds the membership card over the reader unit 108. If the reader unit 108 reads a valid member identifier, the processor 101 considers authentication successful. However, the processor 101 may perform member authentication using various other well-known methods. Regardless of the method applied, the processor 101 obtains a member identifier that can identify the customer and stores it in the main storage unit 102 or sub-storage unit 103.

[0033] Processor 101, as ACT102, checks whether member authentication was successful. If the customer is not a registered member, they declare that they are not a member through a predetermined operation during member authentication by ACT101. If such a declaration is made, or if ACT101 is unable to obtain a valid member identifier, Processor 101 proceeds to ACT102, determines that authentication was unsuccessful, and proceeds to ACT103.

[0034] As ACT103, processor 101 displays a confirmation screen on touch panel 104. The confirmation screen is for confirming the customer's consent to the acquisition of biometric information. The confirmation screen may also further notify the customer that a coupon may be offered if they consent to the acquisition of biometric information.

[0035] The customer reviews the confirmation screen and, if they consent to the collection of their biometric information, declares their consent by performing a predetermined action, such as touching the consent button on the confirmation screen. If the customer does not consent to the collection of their biometric information, they declare their refusal by performing a predetermined action, such as touching the reject button on the confirmation screen. As ACT104, processor 101 checks if acceptance has been given. If acceptance has been declared by the customer as described above, processor 101 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT105.

[0036] In this embodiment, consent to the acquisition of biometric information for each transaction is included as a condition for member registration, and such consent is obtained in advance. If the processor 101 succeeds in member authentication in ACT 101 and determines YES in ACT 102, it skips ACT 103 and ACT 104 and proceeds to ACT 105.

[0037] As ACT105, the processor 101 acquires the image captured by the camera 200. That is, for example, the processor 101 takes in the image data output by the camera 200 via the interface unit 110 and stores it in the main storage unit 102 or the sub-storage unit 103. As mentioned above, the camera 200 captures a predetermined shooting range that includes the face of the customer operating the cart terminal 100, so the acquired image is the customer's face image and is an example of the customer's biometric information. In ACT105, it is desirable for the processor 101 to display a screen showing the image captured by the camera 200 on the touch panel 104 so that the customer's face can be captured appropriately. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as the first acquisition means.

[0038] As ACT106, processor 101 queries conversion processing device 3 for an identifier. For example, processor 101 accesses conversion processing device 3 via communication network 2 from communication unit 109 and sends predetermined query data for querying the identifier. Processor 101 also includes the image data acquired in ACT105 in the query data. Processor 101 may send query data without image data first, and then send image data in response to a request from conversion processing device 3. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a query means.

[0039] As ACT107, processor 101 obtains the identifier notified by the conversion processing unit 3 in response to the above query as a simplified identifier and stores it in the main storage unit 102 or sub-storage unit 103. Thus, by having processor 101 perform information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a second acquisition means.

[0040] As ACT108, processor 101 queries analysis server 400 for valid coupons for the customer. For example, processor 101 accesses analysis server 400 via communication network 2 from communication unit 109 and sends predetermined query data for coupon inquiries. Processor 101 includes the simplified identifier obtained in ACT107 in the query data. If processor 101 has obtained a member identifier in ACT101, it includes that member identifier in the query data.

[0041] On the analysis server 400, when query data for coupon inquiries is transferred via the communication network 2 and received by the communication unit 404, the processor 401 executes response processing based on the analysis program PRB. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the response processing. As ACT401, processor 401 checks if there are any valid coupons for the notified simplified identifier. Also, if a member identifier has been notified, processor 401 checks if there are any valid coupons for that member identifier. Coupon activation will be discussed later. For now, we will assume that there are no valid coupons. Then, if there are no valid coupons, processor 401 determines NO and proceeds to ACT402. As ACT402, processor 401 notifies the requesting shopping cart terminal 100 that there are no valid coupons. After this, processor 401 terminates the response processing.

[0042] At the cart terminal 100, the processor 101, after querying for a coupon as ACT108 in Figure 3, proceeds to ACT109. As ACT109, processor 101 checks if a valid coupon has been notified. If processor 101 receives notification from analysis server 400 that there is no valid coupon, as described above, it determines NO, indicating that no valid coupon was not notified, and proceeds to ACT110. If the customer does not consent to the acquisition of biometric information, processor 101 determines NO in ACT104, skips ACT105 to ACT109, and proceeds to ACT110.

[0043] As ACT110, processor 101 displays the registration screen on touch panel 104. The registration screen is a screen that allows the customer to recognize the registration status of the transaction items. The registration screen may display, for example, a list of product names of the items that the customer is purchasing, i.e., the items that are the subject of the transaction (hereinafter referred to as transaction items), the unit price of each transaction item, or the total amount of all transaction items. However, at this point, since the transaction items have not yet been registered, the registration screen does not display specific product names, unit prices, or total amounts.

[0044] In Figure 4, as ACT121, processor 101 checks whether a change in the transaction details has been specified. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT122. Processor 101, as ACT122, checks if accounting has been specified. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT121. Thus, processor 101 awaits the designation of changes or accounting as ACT121 and ACT122.

[0045] Customers move around the store with the shopping cart terminal 100, searching for items to purchase. When a customer wants to register an item as a new transaction item, they perform a predetermined operation on the shopping cart terminal 100 to specify the item. This operation involves scanning a barcode representing the product code, such as a JAN (Japanese article number) code, with the product recognition unit 107, or otherwise enabling the product recognition unit 107 to recognize the item. This operation may involve tapping a preset button associated with the product displayed on the touch panel 104. Customers can also perform predetermined operations on the shopping cart terminal 100 to change the quantity or delete already registered transaction items.

[0046] If an operation to specify a change in the transaction details as described above is performed, processor 101 determines YES in ACT121 and proceeds to ACT123. As ACT123, processor 101 modifies the transaction details in response to the customer's actions. For example, if an operation is made to specify a new product, processor 101 updates the transaction data DAA to include information about that product. Thus, by having processor 101 perform information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a registration means.

[0047] As ACT124, processor 101 updates the registration screen to reflect the modified transaction details as described above. After this, processor 101 returns to the waiting state for ACT121 and ACT122. Once the customer has finished registering the transaction details, they perform a predetermined operation to specify payment, for example, on the touch panel 104. In response, the processor 101 determines YES at ACT122 in Figure 4 and proceeds to ACT125.

[0048] As ACT125, processor 101 performs accounting processing. This accounting processing can be the same as that performed in existing POS systems using cart terminals. For example, processor 101 performs the processing of transferring transaction data to the accounting machine as accounting processing. Alternatively, it may perform the processing of credit card payment using credit card information read by reader unit 108 as accounting processing.

[0049] As ACT126, processor 101 generates transaction data. Transaction data is data used to manage the transaction processed in the past. Transaction data may include, for example, a list of traded items and accounting results. If processor 101 has obtained a member identifier in ACT101 in Figure 3, it includes that member identifier in the transaction data. Also, if processor 101 has obtained a simplified identifier in ACT107, it includes that simplified identifier in the transaction data. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a generation means.

[0050] As ACT127, processor 101 sends the generated transaction data to POS server 300. In other words, processor 101 sends the transaction data from communication unit 109 to communication network 2 addressed to POS server 300. When the transaction data sent in this manner is transmitted to POS server 300 via communication network 2, POS server 300 receives and stores the transaction data and performs information processing to manage processed transactions. The information processing to manage processed transactions may be the same as that performed by existing POS servers.

[0051] As ACT128, processor 101 checks whether the transaction data includes a simplified identifier. If processor 101 determines that the transaction data generated in ACT126 includes a simplified identifier, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT129. As ACT129, processor 101 sends the transaction data generated in ACT126 to analysis server 400. In other words, processor 101 sends the transaction data from communication unit 109 to communication network 2 addressed to analysis server 400. After processor 101 has finished sending the transaction data, it terminates the transaction processing for the current transaction. If the transaction data does not include a simplified identifier, processor 101 determines NO in ACT126, skips ACT129, and terminates the transaction processing for the current transaction. In other words, if the transaction data includes a simplified identifier, processor 101 sends that transaction data to analysis server 400, but does not send transaction data that does not include a simplified identifier to analysis server 400. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the cart terminal program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component realizes its function as a transmission means in cooperation with communication unit 109.

[0052] As described above, when transaction data sent from the cart terminal 100 is transmitted to the analysis server 400 via the communication network 2, the communication unit 404 receives the transaction data. Thus, the communication unit 404 is an example of a receiving means. When transaction data is received in this manner, the processor 401 executes an analysis process based on the analysis program PRB, treating the transaction data as the target of processing. Alternatively, the processor 401 may execute the analysis process and the response process based on separate application programs.

[0053] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the analysis process. As ACT411, processor 401 stores transaction data received by communication unit 404. For example, processor 401 updates the collection database DBA to include data predetermined to be collected from the transaction data received by communication unit 404. Thus, the collection database DBA is a database for storing transaction data sent from cart terminal 100. Sub-storage unit 103 functions as a storage means for storing transaction data by storing the collection database DBA.

[0054] As ACT913, processor 401 analyzes the purchasing behavior of customers in relation to past transactions in the transaction data being processed. The specific purchasing behavior analysis performed here may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the specification setter or administrator of transaction processing system 1. The specific processing for this analysis may be the same as that performed in existing transaction processing systems.

[0055] For example, processor 401 analyzes past transactions by customers identified by a simplified identifier included in the transaction data being processed. In this case, purchasing behavior can be analyzed for all customers, regardless of whether they are registered members or not. However, there is no guarantee that the same simplified identifier will always be obtained for multiple transactions involving the same customer, so it may not be possible to analyze all of a customer's past transactions.

[0056] For example, the processor 401 analyzes past transactions by customers identified by member identifiers included in the transaction data being processed. In this case, it can analyze the purchasing behavior of customers for whom it is possible to obtain member identifiers from the shopping cart terminal 100. However, there is no guarantee that member identifiers can be obtained for all transactions involving the same customer, and transactions for which member identifiers could not be obtained are excluded from the analysis. In addition, in cases where the same membership card is shared among family members, transactions by multiple customers may be included in the analysis as past transactions involving the same customer.

[0057] Processor 401 analyzes past transactions by a customer identified by a combination of a simplified identifier and a member identifier included in the transaction data being processed. In this case, even if the same member card is shared among family members, past transactions by the customer who actually made the transaction can be analyzed. However, there is no guarantee that the same simplified identifier can be obtained for multiple transactions involving the same customer, so it may not be possible to analyze all of a customer's past transactions. Also, there is no guarantee that a member identifier can be obtained for all of the multiple transactions involving the same customer, and transactions for which a member identifier could not be obtained will be excluded from the analysis.

[0058] As ACT413, processor 401 checks if there are any coupons whose issuance conditions are met based on the results of the above analysis. For example, processor 401 determines the customer's preferences based on the analysis in ACT412, and if there are coupons whose issuance conditions are based on having such preferences, it determines that the issuance conditions are met for those coupons. Then, if there are coupons whose issuance conditions are met, processor 401 determines YES and proceeds to ACT414.

[0059] As ACT414, processor 401 validates coupons for which the above issuance conditions have been met. For example, if processor 401 finds that the issuance conditions have been met with respect to the analysis results of past transactions by a customer identified by a simplified identifier, it updates the coupon table to indicate that the coupon is valid for the simplified identifier. For example, if processor 401 finds that the issuance conditions have been met with respect to the analysis results of past transactions by a customer identified by a member identifier, it updates the coupon table to indicate that the coupon is valid for the member identifier. For example, if processor 401 finds that the issuance conditions have been met with respect to the analysis results of past transactions by a customer identified by a combination of a simplified identifier and a member identifier, it updates the coupon table to indicate that the coupon is valid for the combination of the simplified identifier and the member identifier. Thus, by processor 401 executing information processing based on the analysis program PRB, the computer with processor 401 as its central component functions as an validation means.

[0060] Alternatively, a coupon database recording the individual issuance conditions for each of the multiple coupons may be stored in the sub-storage unit 103, and coupons whose issuance conditions are met may be activated with respect to a simple identifier, a member identifier, or a combination of a simple identifier and a member identifier. In this case, if the coupons activated with respect to a member identifier, or a combination of a simple identifier and a member identifier, are more beneficial to the customer than coupons activated with respect to a simple identifier, it will be possible to motivate customers to register as members. Furthermore, the issuance conditions for the same coupon may differ depending on whether it is activated with respect to a simple identifier, a member identifier, or a combination of a simple identifier and a member identifier. In this case, for example, by making the issuance conditions for activation with respect to a member identifier, or a combination of a simple identifier and a member identifier, easier to meet than the issuance conditions for activation with respect to a simple identifier, it will be possible to motivate customers to register as members. Processor 401 will now terminate the analysis process. If none of the coupon issuance conditions are met, processor 401 will determine NO in ACT413 and terminate the analysis process without performing ACT414.

[0061] Now, in response to the coupon inquiry in ACT108 in Figure 3, if the coupon is activated as described above with respect to the simplified identifier notified, or with respect to the member identifier notified, or with respect to the combination of the simplified identifier and the member identifier notified, then in the response processing for that inquiry, processor 401 determines YES in ACT401 in Figure 5 and proceeds to ACT403.

[0062] As ACT403, processor 101 notifies the requesting cart terminal 100 of the coupons that are valid for the notified identifier. After this, processor 101 terminates the response processing. Upon receiving the above notification, the processor 101 in the cart terminal 100 determines YES at ACT109 in Figure 3 and proceeds to ACT111.

[0063] As ACT111, processor 101 displays the coupon screen on touch panel 104. The coupon screen is a screen that informs the customer of valid coupons that have been notified. Then, if the predetermined display termination condition is met, processor 101 proceeds to ACT110 and changes the display on touch panel 104 to the registration screen. The display termination condition may be determined as appropriate by the person who determined the specifications of the cart terminal 100, etc. For example, the display termination condition is expected to be when the customer specifies that the display should be terminated. Alternatively, the display termination condition is expected to be when the elapsed time of the coupon screen display reaches a predetermined time.

[0064] Then, when a valid coupon is notified as described above, the processor 101 automatically applies the coupon's benefits in the accounting process in ACT125 in Figure 4, if the conditions for using the valid coupon are met for the current transaction, either automatically or according to the customer's specification. This accounting process, applying the coupon's benefits, may be the same as, for example, that is performed in an existing transaction processing system.

[0065] As described above, in the transaction processing system 1, the cart terminal 100 queries the conversion processing device 3 for a facial image obtained by photographing the customer's face, obtains a simplified identifier notified by the conversion processing device 3, and includes the simplified identifier in the transaction data. The simplified identifier is different from the member identifier assigned to the customer after the customer registers as a member based on their own will. Thus, it is possible to identify the customer based on the simplified identifier from this transaction data, and to manage transactions with customers to whom a member identifier has not been assigned in advance.

[0066] Furthermore, in the transaction processing system 1, the cart terminal 100 transmits transaction data to the analysis server 400. The analysis server 400 then stores and stores the transaction data transmitted from the cart terminal 100. As a result, the analysis server 400 can, if multiple transactions have occurred in the past in which the same simplified identifier was obtained, check the transaction history with the customer identified by the simplified identifier based on those multiple transactions.

[0067] Then, in the transaction processing system 1, the analysis server 400 analyzes the purchasing behavior of customers identified by a simplified identifier based on transaction data, and activates coupons for the corresponding simplified identifier whose issuance conditions are met according to that purchasing behavior. As a result, it is possible to promote sales using coupons based on the past transaction results of customers who have not registered as members.

[0068] Furthermore, in the transaction processing system 1, if the cart terminal 100 obtains a member code for a registered customer, it also includes that member code in the transaction data. This makes it possible to manage the past transaction results of customers identified by their member code and to conduct promotions based on those past transaction results. Moreover, it is also possible to manage the past transaction results of customers identified by a combination of a simplified identifier and a member identifier and to conduct promotions based on those past transaction results.

[0069] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The various means provided by the cart terminal 100 may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, the camera 200 may be a device equipped with communication functionality via the communication network 2. The processor 101 in the cart terminal 100 notifies the camera 200 of the start of a transaction, instead of ACT105 and ACT106 in Figure 3. When the camera 200 is notified of the start of a transaction from the cart terminal 100, it queries the conversion processing device 3 for an identifier in the same way as ACT106. In this case, the camera 200 provides the function of querying. The camera 200 then notifies the cart terminal 100 of the identifier notified by the conversion processing device 3 in response to the above query. The processor 101 in the cart terminal 100 obtains the identifier notified by the cart terminal 100 as a simplified identifier as ACT107. Alternatively, the processing of ACT101 to ACT111 in Figure 3 may be performed by an information processing device other than the cart terminal 100, such as a POS server 300, and the processing from ACT110 onwards in Figure 3 may be performed by the processor 101 in the cart terminal 100.

[0070] For registered customers, it is not necessary to obtain prior consent for the acquisition of biometric information for each transaction; instead, such consent can be confirmed for each transaction. In this case, processor 101 proceeds, for example, from ACT101 to ACT103 in Figure 3. If processor 101 determines NO at ACT104, it proceeds to ACT102. If processor 101 determines YES at ACT102, it proceeds to ACT108; if it determines NO, it proceeds to ACT110.

[0071] If member authentication in ACT101 is successful, the simplified identifier does not need to be obtained. In this case, if processor 101 determines YES in ACT102, it proceeds to ACT110. Furthermore, in this case, processor 401 in analysis server 400 does not need to perform purchasing behavior analysis or coupon activation with respect to the member identifier, or the combination of the simplified identifier and the member identifier.

[0072] On the analysis server 400, the processor 401 may, in lieu of or in addition to activating coupons, perform analysis processing or output information for other appropriate promotional measures. For example, it may output an image representing the analysis results of purchasing behavior to the person in charge of planning promotional measures.

[0073] Instead of camera 200, you may use the camera installed on cart terminal 100.

[0074] Alternatively, the cart terminal 100 may be equipped with another type of biometric information sensor, such as a fingerprint sensor or a vein sensor, in addition to the camera 200, and the processor 101 may acquire biometric information such as fingerprint data or vein data from the biometric information sensor.

[0075] Instead of the cart terminal 100, a user terminal using a smartphone or a stationary POS terminal may be used as the transaction processing device.

[0076] The functions of the analysis server 400 may also be provided by another appropriate information processing device, such as the POS server 300.

[0077] Each of the functions realized by processors 101 and 401 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0078] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of 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 in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0079] 1...Transaction processing system, 2...Communication network, 3...Conversion processing device, 100...Cart terminal, 200...Camera, 300...POS server, 400...Analysis server, 101,401...Processor, 102,402...Main memory unit, 103,403...Sub memory unit, 104...Touch panel, 105...Lamp unit, 106...Sound unit, 107...Product recognition unit, 108...Reader unit, 109,404...Communication unit, 110...Interface unit, 111,405...Transmission line.

Claims

1. A registration method for registering the details of transactions with customers, A first acquisition means for acquiring the customer's biometric information, A query means for querying a conversion processing device for the biological information acquired by the first acquisition means, A second acquisition means for acquiring an identifier notified by the conversion processing device as a response to an inquiry by the aforementioned inquiry means, A generation means that generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes an identifier obtained by the second acquisition means, A transaction processing system equipped with the following features.

2. The registration means and the generation means, A transmission means for transmitting transaction data generated by the generation means with respect to a completed transaction, A transaction processing device equipped with, A receiving means that receives transaction data transmitted by the aforementioned transmitting means, A storage means for storing and storing transaction data received by the receiving means, An information processing device equipped with, A transaction processing system according to claim 1, comprising:

3. The aforementioned information processing device is If the predetermined issuance conditions are met with respect to the transaction details represented in each of the transaction data stored in the aforementioned storage means that contain the same identifier, an activation means activates the coupon in association with the corresponding identifier. The transaction processing system according to claim 2, further comprising:

4. A registration method for registering the details of transactions with customers, A first acquisition means for acquiring the customer's biometric information, A second acquisition means for acquiring an identifier corresponding to the biometric information acquired by the first acquisition means from a conversion processing device, A generation means that generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes an identifier obtained by the second acquisition means, A transmission means for transmitting transaction data generated by the generation means with respect to a completed transaction, An information processing device that constitutes a transaction processing system together with a transaction processing device equipped with the following: A receiving means that receives transaction data transmitted by the aforementioned transmitting means, A storage means for storing and storing transaction data received by the receiving means, If the predetermined issuance conditions are met with respect to the transaction details represented in each of the transaction data containing the same identifier stored in the aforementioned storage means, the activation means activates the coupon in association with the corresponding identifier, An information processing device equipped with the following.

5. A registration method for registering the details of transactions with customers, A second acquisition means for obtaining an identifier corresponding to the customer's biometric information from a conversion processing device, A generation means that generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes an identifier obtained by the second acquisition means, A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

6. The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering the details of transactions with customers, A second acquisition means for obtaining an identifier corresponding to the customer's biometric information from a conversion processing device, A generation means that generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes an identifier obtained by the second acquisition means, An information processing program that enables a function to work.

7. A registration method for registering the details of transactions with customers, A first acquisition means for acquiring the customer's biometric information, A second acquisition means for acquiring an identifier corresponding to the biometric information acquired by the first acquisition means from a conversion processing device, A generation means that generates transaction data that represents the content of the transaction registered by the registration means and includes an identifier obtained by the second acquisition means, A transmission means for transmitting transaction data generated by the generation means with respect to a completed transaction, It constitutes a transaction processing system together with a transaction processing device equipped with the following: A receiving means that receives transaction data transmitted by the aforementioned transmitting means, A storage means for storing and storing transaction data received by the receiving means, A computer installed in an information processing device equipped with the following: If the predetermined issuance conditions are met with respect to the transaction details represented in each of the transaction data stored in the aforementioned storage means that contain the same identifier, an activation means activates a coupon associated with the corresponding identifier. An information processing program designed to function as such.

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