Information processing device and program

Abstract

The present invention provides a sales data processing device, program, and granting system for granting benefits to customers who purchase products. [Solution] The sales data processing device comprises accounting means, input means, and output means. The accounting means performs accounting processing for the goods to be sold. The input means receives identification information for identifying a customer. The output means outputs authentication information indicating that the customer is eligible to receive the benefits granted in accordance with the sale, based on the identification information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sales data processing device, a program, and an awarding system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an awarding system that awards benefits such as points to customers who visit a store has been known. Such an awarding system awards benefits when a customer's smartphone enters the store or arrives in the vicinity of the store.

[0003] However, since the awarding system awards benefits on the condition that the customer visits the store, there are cases where the customer does not purchase a product.

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 sales data processing device, a program, and an awarding system that award benefits to customers who purchase products.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The sales data processing device according to the embodiment includes an accounting unit, an input unit, and an output unit. The accounting unit performs accounting processing for products to be sold. The input unit receives identification information for identifying a customer. The output unit outputs authentication information indicating that it is a target for receiving benefits awarded according to the sale, and the authentication information based on the identification information.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a benefit awarding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an authentication server. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a point server hardware configuration. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the characteristic functional configuration of each device in the reward system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the point awarding process performed by the reward awarding system. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a reward granting system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the characteristic functional configuration of each device in the reward system. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the point awarding process performed by the reward awarding system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the sales data processing device, program, and data acquisition system will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are just one example of the sales data processing device, program, and data acquisition system, and do not limit their configuration or specifications.

[0008] Traditionally, systems that award points or other benefits to customers who visit a store are well-known. Such systems are introduced with the aim of increasing sales and acquiring new customers. However, because this system awards points to customers who visit the store, it also awards points to customers who do not purchase any products. Therefore, this system may not be able to achieve the projected sales targets.

[0009] Furthermore, there are systems that award points to customers who have a point card when they purchase products. This system can increase the purchasing intent of customers who have a point card. However, since points are not awarded to customers who do not have a point card, it is difficult to increase their purchasing intent. In other words, its effect on acquiring new customers is relatively low.

[0010] Therefore, one possible strategy is to output information indicating that a product is eligible for points when it is purchased. In this case, the customer's smartphone reads the information indicating that the product is eligible for points. The customer's smartphone then sends this information to the server device that awards points, thereby receiving the points. This strategy is likely to be effective in acquiring new customers because it can award points even to customers who do not have a point card. However, if the same information is output uniformly, and this information is uploaded to the web, points may be awarded to people who have not purchased any products.

[0011] In response to this, customer information identifying the customer and information indicating eligibility for points are associated and sent to the server device that awards points. The customer's smartphone then receives points by sending the information indicating eligibility and the customer information to the server device that awards points. Because this method identifies the customer, even if it is uploaded to the web, points will not be awarded to people who have not purchased any products. However, this method requires sending customer information to the server device that awards points, which could lead to the leakage of personal information.

[0012] Therefore, the reward granting system 1 according to the first embodiment grants rewards to customers who purchase products in the following manner.

[0013] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a reward system 1 according to the first embodiment. The reward system 1 is a system that awards points to customers as a reward for purchasing a product when the product is purchased. The reward system 1 is an example of a reward system. The reward system 1 includes a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 10, a mobile terminal 20, an authentication server 30, and a point server 40.

[0014] The POS terminal 10, authentication server 30, and point server 40 are connected via a network to enable communication. The mobile terminal 20 also connects to the point server 40 via the network. While the reward system 1 shown in Figure 1 has one POS terminal 10, one mobile terminal 20, one authentication server 30, and one point server 40, it may have multiple units.

[0015] The POS terminal 10 is installed in retail stores and the like. The POS terminal 10 performs a product registration process to register products to be sold, and an accounting process to pay for the products registered through the product registration process. The POS terminal 10 may be a self-service POS terminal in which the customer performs both the product registration process and the accounting process, or it may be a registration device in which the customer performs the product registration process, or it may be an accounting device in which the accounting process is performed.

[0016] Furthermore, the POS terminal 10 has a function to generate authentication information to be used for authentication based on the identification information provided by the mobile terminal 20. The POS terminal 10 then transmits the authentication information to the authentication server 30. The POS terminal 10 also outputs the authentication information.

[0017] The mobile terminal 20 is a terminal carried by a customer. The mobile terminal 20 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The mobile terminal 20 provides identification information to the POS terminal 10. For example, the identification information may be a customer code for identifying a customer, a serial number for identifying the mobile terminal 20, information such as the MAC (Media Access Control) address or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the mobile terminal 20, or a settlement code for specifying a settlement in cashless settlement.

[0018] The mobile terminal 20 acquires the authentication information output from the POS terminal 10. In addition, the mobile terminal 20 transmits a point grant request for requesting the grant of points to the point server 40. The point grant request includes the authentication information.

[0019] The authentication server 30 authenticates whether it is a target to be granted points. The authentication server 30 is one or more server devices or the like. When the authentication server 30 receives the authentication information from the POS terminal 10, it stores the authentication information.

[0020] In addition, the authentication server 30 receives an authentication request for requesting authentication as to whether it is a target to be granted points from the point server 40. The authentication request includes the authentication information. The authentication server 30 recognizes based on the authentication information included in the authentication request and the stored authentication information. Then, the authentication server 30 transmits the authentication result to the point server 40.

[0021] The point server 40 grants points to the customer. The point server 40 is one or more server devices or the like.

[0022] When the point server 40 receives a point grant request from the mobile terminal 20, it extracts authentication information from the point grant request. The point server 40 sends an authentication request containing the extracted authentication information to the authentication server 30. The point server 40 receives the authentication result for the authentication request from the authentication server 30. Then, the point server 40 grants points to the customer based on the authentication result.

[0023] Next, we will describe the hardware configuration of each device in the reward granting system 1.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a POS terminal 10. The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, storage unit 103, communication unit 104, display 105, scanner 106, printer 107, and short-range wireless communication unit 108. These units are interconnected via a system bus 109, such as a data bus and an address bus.

[0025] The processor 101 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the POS terminal 10, including the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The RAM 102 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 101 then uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute control programs 111 and the like stored in the storage unit 103.

[0026] The storage unit 103 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 103 stores the control program 111. The control program 111 is a program that enables the operation system and functions of the POS terminal 10. The control program 111 includes a program that enables the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0027] The communication unit 104 is an interface that performs communication with external devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 104 is a NIC (Network Interface Card).

[0028] Display 105 is a display device that displays various images. For example, display 105 is a liquid crystal display.

[0029] Scanner 106 is a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and 2D codes.

[0030] Printer 107 prints receipts and other documents showing transaction details, point status, etc., onto paper.

[0031] The short-range wireless communication unit 108 performs short-range wireless communication. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 108 performs communication using Bluetooth®.

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a mobile terminal 20. The mobile terminal 20 includes a processor 201, RAM 202, storage unit 203, communication unit 204, touch panel display 205, camera 206, positioning unit 207, and short-range wireless communication unit 208. These units are interconnected via a system bus 209, such as a data bus and an address bus.

[0033] The processor 201 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the mobile terminal 20, including the CPU. The RAM 202 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 201 then uses the RAM 202 as a work area to execute control programs 211 and the like stored in the storage unit 203.

[0034] The storage unit 203 is a storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 203 stores the control program 211. The control program 211 is a program that enables the operation system and functions of the mobile terminal 20. The control program 211 includes a program that enables the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0035] The communication unit 204 is an interface that performs communication with external devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 204 is a network interface card (NIC).

[0036] The touch panel display 205 accepts operations corresponding to the image being touched when the screen displays an image.

[0037] Camera 206 is an imaging device having an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). For example, camera 206 captures images to read code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes.

[0038] The positioning unit 207 determines the current location of the mobile terminal 20. For example, the positioning unit 207 determines the current location using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) or the like.

[0039] The short-range wireless communication unit 208 performs short-range wireless communication. For example, the short-range wireless communication unit 208 performs communication using Bluetooth®.

[0040] Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the authentication server 30. The authentication server 30 comprises a processor 301, RAM 302, storage unit 303, and communication unit 304. These units are interconnected via a system bus 305, such as a data bus and an address bus.

[0041] The processor 301 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the authentication server 30, such as the CPU. The RAM 302 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 301 then uses the RAM 302 as a work area to execute the control program 311 and other programs stored in the storage unit 303.

[0042] The storage unit 303 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 303 stores the control program 311 and the authentication information master 312.

[0043] The control program 311 is a program that enables the operating system and the authentication server 30 to perform their respective functions. The control program 311 includes a program that enables the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0044] The authentication information master 312 is an information master containing authentication information received from the POS terminal 10. In other words, the authentication information master 312 contains authentication information indicating that the user is eligible to receive points.

[0045] The communication unit 304 is an interface that performs communication with external devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 304 is a network interface card (NIC).

[0046] Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the point server 40. The point server 40 comprises a processor 401, RAM 402, storage unit 403, and communication unit 404. These units are interconnected via a system bus 405, such as a data bus and an address bus.

[0047] The processor 401 is a processing circuit that controls the operation of the point server 40, such as the CPU. The RAM 402 is a storage medium that temporarily stores various programs and data. The processor 401 then uses the RAM 402 as a work area to execute the control program 411 and other programs stored in the storage unit 403.

[0048] The storage unit 403 is a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 403 stores the control program 411 and the customer master 412.

[0049] The control program 411 is a program that enables the operating system and the functions of the point server 40 to function. The control program 411 includes a program that enables the characteristic functions of this embodiment.

[0050] Customer Master 412 is an information master where the points awarded to each customer are registered. More specifically, in Customer Master 412, the total value of points awarded to each customer is associated with the identification information used to identify the customer.

[0051] The communication unit 404 is an interface that performs communication with external devices via a network. For example, the communication unit 404 is a network interface card (NIC).

[0052] Next, we will describe the characteristic functions of each device included in the reward granting system 1. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the characteristic functional configuration of each device included in the reward granting system 1.

[0053] The processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 loads the control program 111 of the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 111 to generate the various functional units shown in Figure 6 on the RAM 102. Specifically, the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10 includes, as functional units, a product registration unit 1001, an accounting processing unit 1002, an identification information input unit 1003, an authentication information generation unit 1004, an authentication information transmission unit 1005, and an authentication information output unit 1006.

[0054] The product registration unit 1001, in the product registration process for registering products to be sold, registers the product identified by the product code when it receives input of a product code for identifying the product. The product registration unit 1001 accepts input of product codes by various methods.

[0055] For example, the product registration unit 1001 registers the product identified by the product code read by the scanner 106. Also, when a button assigned to a specific product code is pressed, the product registration unit 1001 registers the product identified by the product code assigned to the pressed button. Furthermore, when the product registration unit 1001 receives an operation to specify a product code, it registers the product identified by the entered product code.

[0056] The accounting processing unit 1002 performs accounting processing to pay for the goods registered through the product registration process. In other words, the accounting processing unit 1002 performs accounting processing for goods sold. The accounting processing unit 1002 is an example of an accounting method.

[0057] For example, the accounting processing unit 1002 calculates the total amount of products registered through the product registration process. It also calculates the change when cash is received from a customer. Furthermore, if payment is made by a method other than cash, the accounting processing unit 1002 executes processing appropriate to the payment method.

[0058] The identification information input unit 1003 receives identification information for identifying a customer. The identification information input unit 1003 is an example of an input means. That is, the identification information input unit 1003 receives input of identification information to identify that the customer is eligible to receive points. The identification information input unit 1003 receives input of identification information by various methods.

[0059] For example, the identification information input unit 1003 receives identification information via communication through the short-range wireless communication unit 108. For example, when the scanner 106 reads a code symbol indicating identification information such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code, the identification information input unit 1003 receives input of the read identification information. Also, when the identification information input unit 1003 receives an operation to specify identification information, it receives input of the identification information specified by the operation.

[0060] The authentication information generation unit 1004 generates authentication information based on the identification information received by the identification information input unit 1003. The authentication information generation unit 1004 is an example of a generation method. For example, the authentication information generation unit 1004 generates authentication information by inputting the identification information into a random function or the like. Alternatively, the authentication information generation unit 1004 generates authentication information by inputting the identification information into an arbitrary algorithm.

[0061] The authentication information transmission unit 1005 transmits the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit 1004 to the authentication server 30. The authentication information transmission unit 1005 is an example of a first transmission means.

[0062] The authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information that indicates the recipient is eligible to receive benefits granted in accordance with the sale, and is based on identification information. The authentication information output unit 1006 is an example of an output means. That is, the authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit 1004. The authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information by various methods.

[0063] For example, the authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information represented by code symbols such as barcodes or 2D codes by displaying it on the display 105. For example, the authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information represented by code symbols such as barcodes or 2D codes by printing it on the printer 107. For example, the authentication information output unit 1006 outputs authentication information by transmitting it to the short-range wireless communication unit 108. The authentication information is then acquired by the mobile terminal 20.

[0064] The processor 201 of the mobile terminal 20 loads the control program 211 of the storage unit 203 into the RAM 202 and operates according to the control program 211 to generate the various functional units shown in Figure 6 on the RAM 202. Specifically, the processor 201 of the mobile terminal 20 includes, as functional units, an identification information output unit 2001, an authentication information input unit 2002, a point request unit 2003, and a display control unit 2004.

[0065] The identification information output unit 2001 outputs identification information. The identification information output unit 2001 outputs identification information in various ways. For example, the identification information output unit 2001 outputs identification information represented by code symbols such as barcodes and 2D codes, or by displaying numerical values, characters, or symbols indicating the identification information on the touch panel display 205. For example, the identification information output unit 2001 outputs identification information by transmitting it to the short-range wireless communication unit 208.

[0066] The authentication information input unit 2002 accepts authentication information input. The authentication information input unit 2002 accepts authentication information input by various methods. For example, the authentication information input unit 2002 accepts authentication information input by decoding a code symbol captured by the camera 206. For example, the authentication information input unit 2002 accepts authentication information input when it is received by the short-range wireless communication unit 208. For example, when the authentication information input unit 2002 receives an operation to specify authentication information, it accepts the authentication information identified by the operation.

[0067] The point request unit 2003 transmits a point grant request containing the authentication information received by the authentication information input unit 2002 to the point server 40. The point request unit 2003 also receives a grant result from the point server 40 indicating whether or not points have been granted.

[0068] The display control unit 2004 displays various images on the touch panel display 205. For example, the display control unit 2004 displays the award result, indicating whether or not points have been awarded in response to a point award request. That is, the display control unit 2004 displays the award result received by the point request unit 2003.

[0069] The processor 401 of the point server 40 loads the control program 411 of the storage unit 403 into the RAM 402 and operates according to the control program 411 to generate the various functional units shown in Figure 6 on the RAM 402. Specifically, the processor 401 of the point server 40 includes a point reception unit 4001, an authentication request unit 4002, and a point granting unit 4003 as functional units.

[0070] The points reception unit 4001 receives a point granting request from the mobile terminal 20.

[0071] The authentication request unit 4002 sends an authentication request to the authentication server 30 requesting authentication for point allocation. More specifically, the authentication request unit 4002 extracts authentication information from the point allocation request received by the point acceptance unit 4001. The authentication request unit 4002 then sends an authentication request containing the extracted authentication information to the authentication server 30.

[0072] Furthermore, the authentication request unit 4002 receives an authentication result indicating the result of the authentication request.

[0073] The point awarding unit 4003 controls the awarding of points to customers. More specifically, the point awarding unit 4003 determines whether or not to award points to a customer based on the authentication result received by the authentication request unit 4002. If the point awarding unit 4003 is authenticated as a recipient of points, it awards points to the customer. That is, the point awarding unit 4003 adds the points to be awarded to the customer master 412. If the point awarding unit 4003 is not authenticated as a recipient of points, it does not award points to the customer. The point awarding unit 4003 sends an awarding result to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the point awarding request, indicating whether or not points have been awarded.

[0074] The processor 301 of the authentication server 30 loads the control program 311 of the storage unit 303 into the RAM 302 and operates according to the control program 311 to generate the functional units shown in Figure 6 on the RAM 302. Specifically, the processor 301 of the authentication server 30 includes an authentication information receiving unit 3001, an authentication information registration unit 3002, and an authentication unit 3003 as functional units.

[0075] The authentication information receiving unit 3001 receives authentication information from the POS terminal 10.

[0076] When authentication information is received by the authentication information receiving unit 3001, the authentication information registration unit 3002 registers the received authentication information in the authentication information master 312.

[0077] When the authentication unit 3003 receives an authentication request from the point server 40, it authenticates the authentication information included in the authentication request based on the authentication information master 312. More specifically, the authentication unit 3003 receives the authentication request from the point server 40. That is, the authentication unit 3003 receives the authentication request that is output by the authentication information output unit 1006 of the POS terminal 10 and transmitted from the point server 40 via the mobile terminal 20. The authentication unit 3003 is an example of a second receiving means.

[0078] The authentication unit 3003 authenticates whether the person is eligible to receive the benefit based on the authentication information in the authentication information master 312 stored in the storage unit 303 and the received authentication information. The authentication unit 3003 is an example of an authentication means. The authentication unit 3003 determines whether authentication information matching the authentication information included in the authentication request is registered in the authentication information master 312. If authentication information matching the authentication information included in the authentication request is registered in the authentication information master 312, the authentication unit 3003 sends an authentication result to the point server 40 indicating that the person is eligible to receive points. The authentication unit 3003 is an example of a third transmission means.

[0079] Furthermore, the authentication unit 3003 deletes the authentication information that matches the authentication information included in the authentication request from the authentication information master 312. In other words, the authentication unit 3003 removes the relevant authentication information from the list of items eligible for point accrual. Here, the reward accrual system 1 is assumed to accrue points once for each purchase of a product. Therefore, when the authentication unit 3003 authenticates that an item is eligible for point accrual, it deletes the authenticated authentication information from the authentication information master 312.

[0080] Furthermore, the conditions for deleting authentication information from the authentication information master 312 are not limited to the awarding of points once. For example, the authentication unit 3003 may delete the authentication information from the authentication information master 312 after a certain period of time has elapsed since registration, or it may delete it when it receives a deletion instruction from another device.

[0081] On the other hand, if the authentication unit 3003 finds that no authentication information matching the authentication information included in the authentication request is registered in the authentication information master 312, it sends an authentication result to the point server 40 indicating that the person is not eligible to receive points.

[0082] Next, we will explain the point awarding process performed by each device in the reward awarding system 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the point awarding process performed by the reward awarding system 1.

[0083] The identification information output unit 2001 of the mobile terminal 20 outputs identification information by transmitting via short-range wireless communication or the like (step S1).

[0084] The authentication information generation unit 1004 of the POS terminal 10 generates authentication information based on the identification information entered from the mobile terminal 20 (step S2). The authentication information transmission unit 1005 then transmits the generated authentication information to the authentication server 30 (step S3).

[0085] The authentication information registration unit 3002 of the authentication server 30 registers the authentication information received from the POS terminal 10 in the authentication information master 312 (step S4).

[0086] The authentication information output unit 1006 of the POS terminal 10 outputs the generated authentication information (step S5).

[0087] The authentication information input unit 2002 of the mobile terminal 20 receives the authentication information output from the POS terminal 10 (step S6). The point request unit 2003 sends a point grant request including the entered authentication information (step S7).

[0088] The authentication request unit 4002 of the point server 40 sends an authentication request to the authentication server 30, which includes the authentication information of the point granting request received from the mobile terminal 20 (step S8).

[0089] The authentication unit 3003 of the authentication server 30 authenticates the authentication information included in the authentication request based on the authentication information master 312 (step S9). That is, the authentication unit 3003 authenticates whether or not the person is eligible to be awarded points.

[0090] The authentication unit 3003 deletes the authenticated authentication information from the authentication information master 312 (step S10). In other words, the authentication unit 3003 removes the authenticated authentication information from the list of eligible recipients of points. Note that if the authentication unit 3003 determines that the recipient is not eligible to receive points, step S10 is not performed.

[0091] The authentication unit 3003 sends an authentication result to the point server 40 indicating whether or not the person is eligible to receive points (step S11).

[0092] The point awarding unit 4003 of the point server 40 determines whether or not to award points based on the authentication result (step S12). That is, the point awarding unit 4003 awards points if the authentication result indicates that it has authenticated that the person is eligible to receive points. On the other hand, the point awarding unit 4003 does not award points if the authentication result indicates that the person is not eligible to receive points.

[0093] The point awarding unit 4003 sends an awarding result to the mobile terminal 20 that sent the point request, indicating whether or not points have been awarded (step S13).

[0094] The display control unit 2004 of the mobile terminal 20 displays an image on the touch panel display 205 indicating whether or not points have been awarded (step S14).

[0095] Based on the above, reward granting system 1 terminates the point granting process.

[0096] As described above, in the reward granting system 1 according to the first embodiment, the POS terminal 10 performs accounting processing for the products to be sold. The POS terminal 10 receives identification information from the customer's mobile terminal 20 or the like. The POS terminal 10 also outputs authentication information generated from the identification information to the mobile terminal 20 and the authentication server 30. The mobile terminal 20 transmits a point granting request that includes the authentication information. The authentication server 30 then authenticates whether or not the customer is eligible to receive points based on the authentication information received from the POS terminal 10 and the authentication information obtained from the mobile terminal 20.

[0097] Thus, since the reward system 1 authenticates using authentication information rather than personal information such as identification information, it can prevent the leakage of personal information. Furthermore, since the reward system 1 authenticates whether or not a person is eligible to receive points using authentication information based on the identification information obtained from the mobile device 20 of the customer who purchased the product, it can prevent points from being awarded to people who have not purchased the product.

[0098] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0099] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a reward granting system 1a according to the second embodiment. In the reward granting system 1 according to the first embodiment, authentication information is generated by the POS terminal 10. In the reward granting system 1a according to the second embodiment, authentication information is generated by the authentication server 30a.

[0100] More specifically, when the POS terminal 10a receives identification information from the mobile terminal 20, it transmits the identification information to the authentication server 30a. The authentication server 30a generates authentication information based on the identification information received from the POS terminal 10a. The authentication server 30a registers the generated authentication information in the authentication information master 312. The authentication server 30a also transmits the generated authentication information to the POS terminal 10a. The POS terminal 10a then outputs the authentication information. In this way, the mobile terminal 20 receives the authentication information output from the POS terminal 10a.

[0101] Next, we will describe the characteristic functions of each device included in the reward granting system 1a. Figure 9 shows an example of the characteristic functional configuration of each device included in the reward granting system 1a.

[0102] The processor 101 of the POS terminal 10a loads the control program 111 of the storage unit 103 into the RAM 102 and operates according to the control program 111 to generate the various functional units shown in Figure 9 on the RAM 102. Specifically, the processor 101 of the POS terminal 10a includes, as functional units, a product registration unit 1001, an accounting processing unit 1002, an identification information input unit 1003, an identification information transmission unit 1007, and an authentication information output unit 1006a.

[0103] The product registration unit 1001, the accounting processing unit 1002, and the identification information input unit 1003 have the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0104] The identification information transmission unit 1007 transmits the input identification information to the authentication server 30a when identification information is input by the identification information input unit 1003. The identification information transmission unit 1007 transmits the identification information to the authentication server 30a, which generates authentication information based on the identification information. The identification information transmission unit 1007 is an example of a second transmission means.

[0105] The authentication information output unit 1006a receives authentication information from the authentication server 30a based on the transmitted identification information. The authentication information output unit 1006a is an example of a first receiving means. The authentication information output unit 1006a outputs the received authentication information.

[0106] Similar to the first embodiment, for example, the authentication information output unit 1006a outputs authentication information represented by code symbols such as barcodes or 2D codes by displaying it on the display 105. For example, the authentication information output unit 1006a outputs authentication information represented by code symbols such as barcodes or 2D codes by printing it on the printer 107. For example, the authentication information output unit 1006a outputs authentication information by transmitting it to the short-range wireless communication unit 108. The authentication information is then acquired by the mobile terminal 20.

[0107] The mobile terminal 20 has the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0108] The point server 40 has the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0109] The processor 301 of the authentication server 30a loads the control program 311 of the storage unit 303 into the RAM 302 and operates according to the control program 311 to generate the functional units shown in Figure 9 on the RAM 302. Specifically, the processor 301 of the authentication server 30a includes, as functional units, an authentication information receiving unit 3001, an identification information receiving unit 3004, an authentication information generation unit 3005, an authentication information registration unit 3002a, an authentication information transmission unit 3006, and an authentication unit 3003.

[0110] The authentication information receiving unit 3001 has the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0111] The identification information receiving unit 3004 receives identification information from the POS terminal 10a.

[0112] The authentication information generation unit 3005 generates authentication information based on the identification information received by the identification information receiving unit 3004. For example, the authentication information generation unit 3005 generates authentication information by inputting the identification information into a random function or the like. Alternatively, the authentication information generation unit 3005 generates authentication information by inputting the identification information into an arbitrary algorithm.

[0113] The authentication information registration unit 3002a registers the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit 3005 in the authentication information master 312.

[0114] The authentication information transmission unit 3006 transmits the authentication information generated by the authentication information generation unit 3005 to the POS terminal 10a that transmitted the identification information on which the authentication information is based.

[0115] The authentication unit 3003 has the same functions as in the first embodiment.

[0116] Next, we will explain the point awarding process performed by each device in the reward awarding system 1a. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the point awarding process performed by the reward awarding system 1a.

[0117] The identification information output unit 2001 of the mobile terminal 20 outputs identification information by transmitting via short-range wireless communication or the like (step S21).

[0118] The identification information input unit 1003 of the POS terminal 10a receives the identification information output from the mobile terminal 20 (step S22).

[0119] The identification information transmission unit 1007 transmits the input identification information to the authentication server 30a (step S23).

[0120] The authentication information generation unit 3005 of the authentication server 30a generates authentication information based on the identification information received from the POS terminal 10a (step S24).

[0121] The authentication information registration unit 3002a registers the generated authentication information in the authentication information master 312 (step S25).

[0122] The authentication information transmission unit 3006 transmits the generated authentication information to the POS terminal 10a that transmitted the identification information (step S26).

[0123] The authentication information output unit 1006a of the POS terminal 10a receives authentication information from the authentication server 30a (step S27). Then, the authentication information output unit 1006a outputs the received authentication information (step S28).

[0124] In steps S29 to S37, the reward granting system 1a performs the same processing as in steps S6 to S14 of the point granting process according to the first embodiment.

[0125] As described above, in the reward granting system 1a according to the second embodiment, the POS terminal 10a transmits the identification information entered from the mobile terminal 20 to the authentication server 30a. The authentication server 30a generates authentication information based on the identification information transmitted from the POS terminal 10a and transmits it to the POS terminal 10a.

[0126] In this case as well, since the reward system 1a does not transmit personal identification information to the point server 40, it can prevent the leakage of personal information. Furthermore, since the reward system 1a uses authentication information based on the identification information to authenticate whether or not a person is eligible to receive points, it can prevent points from being awarded to people who have not purchased any products.

[0127] In the first and second embodiments, the reward granting systems 1 and 1a were described as granting points as a reward for purchasing goods. The points granted to customers may have different values ​​depending on the purchase amount or the number of items purchased. In this case, the POS terminals 10 and 10a output point values ​​and authentication information corresponding to the purchase amount or the number of items purchased. The mobile terminal 20 sends a point request including the point value to the point server 40. Then, when the point server 40 grants points, it adds the point value sent from the mobile terminal 20 to the customer master 412.

[0128] In the first and second embodiments, the reward granting systems 1 and 1a were described as granting points as a reward for purchasing a product. However, the rewards granted to customers are not limited to points. For example, the reward granting systems 1 and 1a may grant coupons that reduce the price of products, provide data such as still images, videos, or music, or grant the right to receive products as gifts.

[0129] In the first and second embodiments, the authentication servers 30, 30a and the point server 40 were described as separate devices. However, the authentication servers 30, 30a and the point server 40 may be the same device. Alternatively, the authentication servers 30, 30a and the point server 40 may be divided into three or more devices, not just two.

[0130] 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.

[0131] The programs executed in each of the above embodiments and modified devices shall be provided pre-installed in the storage medium (ROM or storage unit) provided in each device, but are not limited to this. For example, the programs may be configured to be provided as installable or executable files recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system, but also includes storage media that store or temporarily store programs downloaded from a LAN, the Internet, etc.

[0132] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above embodiments and modified devices may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network, or they may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1.1a Reward Granting System 10, 10a POS (Point of Sale) terminal 20 Mobile devices 30, 30a Authentication Server 40 Point Servers 101, 201, 301, 401 processors 102, 202, 302, 402 RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, 203, 303, 403 Storage section 104, 204, 304, 404 Communications Department 105 displays 205 Touch Panel Display 106 Scanners 107 Printers 108, 208 Near field wireless communication department 109, 209, 305, 405 System Bus 111, 211, 311, 411 control programs 312 Authentication Information Master 412 Customer Master 1001 Product Registration Department 1002 Accounting Processing Department 1003 Identification Information Input Section 1004 Authentication Information Generation Unit 1005 Authentication Information Transmission Unit 1006, 1006a Authentication information output section 1007 Identification Information Transmission Unit 2001 Identification Information Output Unit 2002 Authentication Information Input Section 2003 Point Request Section 2004 Display Control Unit 3001 Authentication Information Receiving Unit 3002, 3002a Authentication Information Registration Section 3003 Certification Department 3004 Identification Information Receiving Unit 3005 Authentication Information Generation Unit 3006 Authentication Information Transmission Unit 4001 Point Reception Department 4002 Authentication Request Section 4003 Point Award Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0134] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-153910

Claims

1. Accounting methods for performing accounting procedures on goods sold, An input means for receiving identification information to identify a customer, Authentication information indicating that the person is eligible to receive the benefits granted in accordance with the aforementioned sale, and an output means that outputs the authentication information based on the aforementioned identification information, A sales data processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further comprises generation means for generating authentication information based on the identification information, The output means outputs the authentication information generated by the generation means. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The device for authenticating the target further comprises a first transmission means for transmitting the authentication information generated by the generation means. The sales data processing device according to claim 2.

4. A second transmission means for transmitting the identification information to a device that generates the authentication information based on the identification information, The device further comprises a first receiving means for receiving the authentication information from the device, The output means outputs the authentication information received by the first receiving means. The sales data processing device according to claim 1.

5. Sales data processing device, Accounting methods for performing accounting procedures on goods sold, An input means for receiving identification information to identify a customer, Information indicating that the person is eligible to receive the benefits granted in accordance with the aforementioned sale, and an output means that outputs authentication information based on the aforementioned identification information, A program to make it work.

6. A grant system comprising a sales data processing device and a server device, The aforementioned sales data processing device is Accounting methods for performing accounting procedures on goods sold, An input means for receiving identification information to identify a customer, Authentication information indicating that the person is eligible to receive the benefits granted in accordance with the aforementioned sale, and an output means that outputs the authentication information based on the aforementioned identification information, Equipped with, The server device is A second receiving means that receives the authentication information output by the output means, An authentication means that authenticates whether a person is eligible to receive a benefit based on the authentication information stored in the memory unit and the authentication information received by the second receiving means, A third transmission means for transmitting the authentication result by the aforementioned authentication means, A granting system equipped with the following features.

Images