Transaction processing device and information processing program

Abstract

This eliminates the need for the operator to perform an operation on a dedicated terminal to obtain an identifier for identifying users of the special service. [Solution] The transaction processing device of the embodiment comprises a registration means, a first acquisition means, an inquiry means, and a reward request means. The registration means registers the details of a transaction. The first acquisition means acquires a first identifier for identifying a user of a reward service from a reading device when the first identification means reads the first identifier from a recording medium by a reading device. The inquiry means queries a reward processing terminal included in the reward service provision system for the first identification means acquired by the first acquisition means. If the reward processing terminal responds to the inquiry by the inquiry means that the first identifier is valid, the reward request means requests the reward processing terminal to provide a reward for the transaction after the registration by the registration means is completed.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] When processing a transaction, in order to provide a privilege service such as a point service, a dedicated terminal for the privilege service may be used. And when using such a dedicated terminal, an operator needs to perform an operation on the dedicated terminal to obtain an identifier for identifying a user of the privilege service on the dedicated terminal.

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 apparatus and an information processing program that do not require an operator to perform an operation on a dedicated terminal to obtain an identifier for identifying a user of a privilege service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The transaction processing device of the embodiment comprises a registration means, a first acquisition means, an inquiry means, and a reward request means. The registration means registers the details of a transaction. The first acquisition means acquires a first identifier for identifying a user of a reward service from a reading device when the first identifier is read from the recording medium by a reading device. The inquiry means queries a reward processing terminal included in the reward service provision system for the first identifier acquired by the first acquisition means. If the reward processing terminal responds to the inquiry by the inquiry means that the first identifier is valid, the reward request means requests the reward processing terminal to provide a reward for the transaction after the registration by the registration means is completed. [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 face-to-face POS terminal in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the semi-self-service POS terminal in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the fully self-service POS terminal in Figure 1. [Figure 5] A sequence diagram illustrating the interaction between a face-to-face POS terminal and a points terminal when a card declaration is made. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating an example of a receipt that includes a response message. [Figure 7] A sequence diagram illustrating the interaction between a face-to-face registration machine and a points terminal when a card declaration is made. [Figure 8] A sequence diagram showing the interaction between the registration machine, the accounting machine, and the points terminal when a card declaration is made. [Figure 9] A sequence diagram illustrating the interaction between a fully self-service POS terminal and a points terminal when a card declaration is made. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the transaction processing system 1 according to this embodiment. Transaction processing system 1 is configured to enable communication between POS terminals 100, 200, 300, point terminal 400, electronic money server 500, and point server 600 via communication network 2.

[0008] POS terminals 100, 200, and 300 all perform the registration of transaction details and the accounting of payments related to those transactions. In other words, POS terminals 100, 200, and 300 are all examples of transaction processing devices. POS terminal 100 is a so-called face-to-face type, where the store clerk is the primary operator for both registration and payment. POS terminal 200 is a so-called semi-self-service type, where the store clerk is the primary operator for registration, and the customer is the primary operator for payment. POS terminal 300 is a so-called fully self-service type, where the customer is the primary operator for both registration and payment. POS terminals 100, 200, and 300 are often installed in multiple units in a single store. However, the transaction processing system 1 only needs to include at least one of POS terminals 100, 200, or 300.

[0009] The point terminal 400 is connected to the POS terminals 100, 200, and 300, respectively. In other words, the transaction processing system 1 can contain up to the same number of point terminals 400 as the total number of POS terminals 100, 200, and 300. The electronic money server 500 is an information processing device that processes payments using electronic money in response to requests from POS terminals 100, 200, and 300.

[0010] The point server 600 is an information processing device that provides point services for transactions processed by POS terminals 100, 200, and 300 in response to requests from the point terminal 400. The point service is an example of a reward service that awards points as a reward. Communication network 2 can use the internet, VPN (virtual private network), LAN, public communication network, mobile communication network, etc., individually or in appropriate combinations. As an example, communication network 2 can be used in combination with a LAN and the internet.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, a sub-memory unit 103, an input unit 104, a display unit 105, a sound unit 106, a fixed scanner 107, a handheld scanner 108, a currency receiving unit 109, a card reader 110, a printer 111, a communication unit 112, an interface unit 113, and a transmission line 114, among other things.

[0012] A computer is configured by connecting a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, and a sub-memory unit 103 with a transmission line 114. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 101 performs information processing according to information processing programs such as the operating system and application programs.

[0013] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory part 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 a part of the 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.

[0014] The sub-memory unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary memory part of the computer. The sub-memory unit 103 can use, 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 a transaction processing program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the procedure of the processes described later by the processor 101.

[0015] The input unit 104 inputs various instructions by the operator. As the input unit 104, well-known input devices such as a touch sensor, a key switch, and a keyboard can be used alone or in combination. The input device included in the input unit 104 is, for example, a touch sensor provided on a touch panel.

[0016] The display unit 105 performs various display operations for notifying the operator of various types of information. As the display unit 105, well-known display devices such as a screen display device like a liquid crystal display and a light-emitting device like an LED lamp can be used alone or in combination. One of the display devices included in the display unit 105 is, for example, the display device provided in the above touch panel. The sound unit 106 outputs sounds for various types of guidance and alarms. As the sound unit 106, for example, various well-known sound devices such as a voice synthesis device and a buzzer can be used alone or in combination.

[0017] The fixed scanner 107 has a reading window facing the operator side. The fixed scanner 107 images a product obscured in front of the reading window and then recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode through image processing. Then the fixed scanner 107 outputs the barcode information to the processor 101. Note that the fixed scanner 107 can also use other well-known types of devices that optically read barcodes by utilizing the reflection of laser light. Also, the fixed scanner 107 can use well-known devices of a type that has a function of identifying a product by utilizing object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by imaging the product. The handheld scanner 108 is used by being held in the operator's hand and optically reads a barcode facing the reading port. The handheld scanner 108 outputs the barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 101.

[0018] The currency receiving unit 109 counts the amount of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot and stores them in the internal storage. The currency receiving unit 109 discharges the coins stored in the storage to the coin tray through the coin discharge port. The currency receiving unit 109 counts the amount of banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot and stores them in the internal storage. The currency receiving unit 109 discharges the banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote discharge port. The banknote discharge port holds the discharged banknotes in a state where a part of them is exposed to the outside.

[0019] The card reader 110 reads the data recorded on the membership card. The card reader 110 is expected to be a magnetic card reader, for example, that reads data magnetically recorded on the membership card. However, the card reader 110 can be any other type of device, such as a contact-type IC card reader or a wireless card reader using NFC (near-field communication). The card reader 110 may also be used to read data recorded on various other cards besides the membership card, such as credit cards, prepaid cards, or electronic money cards.

[0020] Printer 111 prints an image of a transaction document such as a receipt, invoice, or sales slip onto receipt paper. Printer 111 then ejects the receipt paper with the printed image from the receipt output slot to the outside. The communication unit 112 performs communication processing for data communication via the communication network 2. The communication unit 112 can use, for example, an existing communication device for a LAN.

[0021] The interface unit 113 is connected to other devices such as the point terminal 400. The interface unit 113 interfaces with the connected devices for data exchange. An existing USB (universal serial bus) controller or the like can be used as the interface unit 113. The transmission line 114 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0022] As hardware for the POS terminal 100, for example, the hardware of an existing face-to-face POS terminal of the same type can be used. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the POS terminal 100 may be equipped with various devices or units that are present in existing POS terminals of the same type. Generally, the transfer of the POS terminal 100 is carried out with the transaction processing program PRA stored in the sub-storage unit 103. However, the hardware in a state where the transaction processing program PRA is not stored in the sub-storage unit 103, or where a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the sub-storage unit 103, may be transferred separately from the transaction processing program PRA. Furthermore, the POS terminal 100 may be configured by writing the transaction processing program PRA to the sub-storage unit 103 in response to the operation of any worker. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRA 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.

[0023] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 200. The POS terminal 200 consists of two units: a registration unit 210 and a payment unit 230. The registration unit 210 corresponds to the first unit, and the payment unit 230 corresponds to the second unit. The registration device 210 includes a processor 211, a main storage unit 212, a sub-storage unit 213, an input unit 214, a display unit 215, a sound unit 216, a fixed scanner 217, a handheld scanner 218, a card reader 219, a printer 220, a communication unit 221, an interface unit 222, and a transmission line 223, among other things.

[0024] The general functions of the processor 211, main memory unit 212, sub-memory unit 213, input unit 214, display unit 215, sound unit 216, fixed scanner 217, handheld scanner 218, card reader 219, printer 220, communication unit 221, interface unit 222, and transmission line 223 are the same as those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, sub-memory unit 103, input unit 104, display unit 105, sound unit 106, fixed scanner 107, handheld scanner 108, card reader 110, printer 111, communication unit 112, interface unit 113, and transmission line 114, so their explanation is omitted here. However, the sub-memory unit 213 stores the transaction processing program PRB instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRB is an application program that describes the procedure for the processing performed by the processor 211, which will be described later.

[0025] The accounting machine 230 includes a processor 231, a main memory unit 232, a sub-memory unit 233, an input unit 234, a display unit 235, a sound unit 236, a settlement unit 237, an automatic change dispenser 238, a communication unit 239, and a transmission line 240, among other things. The general functions of the processor 231, main memory unit 232, sub-memory unit 233, input unit 234, display unit 235, sound unit 236, communication unit 239, and transmission line 240 are the same as those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, sub-memory unit 103, input unit 104, display unit 105, sound unit 106, communication unit 112, and transmission line 114, so their explanation is omitted here. However, the sub-memory unit 233 stores the accounting processing program PRC instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The accounting processing program PRC is an application program that describes the procedure for the processing performed by the processor 231, which will be described later.

[0026] The payment unit 237 reads data recorded on payment cards such as credit cards, prepaid cards, and electronic money cards. The payment unit 237 also writes data to payment cards. The payment unit 237 is equipped with reading devices that support IC reading, magnetic reading, and proximity communication reading of credit cards, respectively.

[0027] The automatic change dispenser 238 comprises a coin safe for storing coins by denomination and a banknote safe for storing banknotes by denomination. The automatic change dispenser 238 takes in coins inserted into the coin slot, identifies their denomination, and stores them in the coin safe by denomination. The automatic change dispenser 238 takes in banknotes inserted into the banknote slot, identifies their denomination, and stores them in the banknote safe by denomination. In response to a dispensing command from the processor 231, the automatic change dispenser 238 dispenses the coins or banknotes stored in the coin safe or banknote safe from the change dispenser or banknote dispenser. As such an automatic change dispenser 238, an automatic change dispenser with a well-known structure can be applied.

[0028] As the hardware for the registration machine 210 or accounting machine 230, for example, the hardware of an existing registration machine or accounting machine of the same type can be used. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the registration machine 210 or accounting machine 230 may be equipped with various devices or units that are present in an existing registration machine or accounting machine of the same type. Generally, the transfer of the registration machine 210 or accounting machine 230 is carried out with the transaction processing program PRB stored in the sub-storage unit 233, or with the accounting processing program PRC stored in the sub-storage unit 233. However, the hardware in a state where the transaction processing program PRB is not stored in the sub-storage unit 213, or where a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the sub-storage unit 213, and the transaction processing program PRB may be transferred separately. Alternatively, the hardware in a state where the accounting processing program PRC is not stored in the sub-storage unit 233, or where a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the sub-storage unit 233, and the accounting processing program PRC may be transferred separately. Furthermore, the registration machine 210 or accounting machine 230 may be configured by writing the transaction processing program PRB or the accounting processing program PRC to the sub-storage unit 213 or sub-storage unit 233 in response to the operation of any operator. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRB or the accounting processing program PRC can be done 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.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 300. The POS terminal 300 includes a processor 301, a main memory unit 302, a sub-memory unit 303, an input unit 304, a display unit 305, a sound unit 306, a fixed scanner 307, a handheld scanner 308, an automatic change dispenser 309, a card reader 310, a printer 311, a communication unit 312, an interface unit 313, and a transmission line 314, among other things.

[0030] The general functions of the processor 301, main memory unit 302, sub-memory unit 303, input unit 304, display unit 305, sound unit 306, fixed scanner 307, handheld scanner 308, automatic change dispenser 309, card reader 310, printer 311, communication unit 312, interface unit 313, and transmission line 314 are the same as those of the processor 101, main memory unit 102, sub-memory unit 103, input unit 104, display unit 105, sound unit 106, fixed scanner 107, handheld scanner 108, automatic change dispenser 238, card reader 110, printer 111, communication unit 112, interface unit 113, and transmission line 114, so their explanation is omitted here. However, the sub-memory unit 303 stores the transaction processing program PRD instead of the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRD is an application program that describes the procedure for the processing performed by the processor 301, which will be described later.

[0031] As hardware for the POS terminal 300, for example, the hardware of an existing, similar, fully self-service POS terminal can be used. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the POS terminal 300 may also be equipped with various devices or units that are present in existing, similar POS terminals. Generally, the transfer of the POS terminal 300 is performed with the transaction processing program PRD stored in the sub-storage unit 303. However, the hardware may be transferred separately from the transaction processing program PRD, either without the transaction processing program PRD stored in the sub-storage unit 303, or with a different version of the same application program stored in the sub-storage unit 303. Furthermore, the POS terminal 300 may be configured by writing the transaction processing program PRD to the sub-storage unit 303 in response to an operation by any worker. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRD can be performed 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.

[0032] Next, the operation of the transaction processing system 1 configured as described above will be explained. Note that the content of the processes described below is 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, after transitioning from one processing state to another, the system may return to the processing state before the transition in response to instructions from the operator, but such processes have been omitted from the description. Or, for example, if some error occurs, processing may be performed to deal with that error, but such processes have been omitted from the description.

[0033] The following assumes a store where products are displayed and sold on the sales floor, and where at least one POS terminal each of types 100, 200, and 300 is located at the checkout counter. In this store, a membership card is issued to users of the electronic money payment service to prove their user status. Customers possessing this membership card are also automatically granted access to the points service. The membership card contains card information including an electronic money membership number as an identifier for the electronic money payment service user, and a points membership number as an identifier for the points service user.

[0034] The customer walks around the store and picks up the items they wish to purchase. Once the customer has finished selecting all the items they wish to purchase, they hand the items to the store clerk operating POS terminal 100 or POS terminal 200. Upon receiving the items from the customer, the store clerk initiates the process of registering the items as transaction items at POS terminal 100 or POS terminal 200. Alternatively, the customer may initiate the process of registering the items they wish to purchase as transaction items at POS terminal 300, which is not being used by another customer. This process may include, for example, scanning the barcode displayed on the item using a fixed scanner 107, 217, 307 or a handheld scanner 108, 218, 308. This process may also include, for example, operating input units 104, 214, 304 for directly entering the product code. This process may also include, for example, operating input units 104, 214, 304 such that the product is associated with a preset key. This process may also include, for example, specifying a change or deletion of the quantity for an already registered transaction item. The operation in question can be the same as the operation performed on various existing POS terminals.

[0035] At POS terminals 100, 200, and 300, processors 101, 211, and 301 register new or modified transaction items in response to user input, thereby registering the transaction details. This process may be the same as that performed in various existing POS terminals. Thus, by executing information processing based on transaction processing programs PRA, PRB, and PRD, processors 101, 211, and 301 execute the information processing, and the computer with processors 101, 211, and 301 as its central component functions as a registration means.

[0036] (Integration between POS terminal 100 and point terminal 400) When a store employee operating the POS terminal 100 sees a customer present their membership card, the employee performs a predetermined operation to declare the card at an appropriate time during the registration process described above. The employee then has the card reader 110 read the membership card presented by the customer. In response, the card reader 110 reads the card information recorded on the membership card. At this time, the card reader 110 reads the point membership number contained in the card information from the membership card. In other words, the card reader 110 reads the point membership number, which serves as a first identifier for identifying a user of the point service as an example of a reward service, from the membership card as a recording medium. Thus, the card reader 110 is an example of a reading device.

[0037] Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the POS terminal 100 and the point terminal 400 when a card declaration is made. Once the card information is read from the membership card by the card reader 110 through the above operation, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT101.

[0038] As ACT101, processor 101 stores the card information read by card reader 110 in main storage unit 102 or sub-storage unit 103. At this time, processor 101 acquires the point membership number contained in the card information as a first identifier for identifying users of the point service, as an example of a reward service. Processor 101 also acquires the electronic money membership number contained in the card information as a second identifier for identifying users of the electronic money payment service, as an example of a payment service. Thus, by having processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as the first acquisition means.

[0039] As ACT102, the processor 101 performs a point inquiry to the point terminal 400. That is, the processor 101 sends, for example, predetermined inquiry data for point inquiries from the interface unit 113 to the point terminal 400. The processor 101 includes at least the point member information contained in the card information stored in ACT102 in the above inquiry data. In this embodiment, the processor 101 includes the card information as is in the inquiry data.

[0040] When point terminal 400 receives inquiry data for point inquiries, it proceeds to ACT401. As ACT401, the point terminal 400 performs a verification process for the point membership number. The point terminal 400 queries the point server 600 to confirm whether the point membership number included in the inquiry data is valid. The point terminal 400 then receives a response from the point server 600 to this query. If the point terminal 400 has received a response from the point server 600, it proceeds to ACT402.

[0041] As ACT402, the points terminal 400 responds to the POS terminal 100 with the confirmation result. For example, the points terminal 400 sends predetermined response data for responding to a points inquiry from the points terminal 400 to the POS terminal 100. The points terminal 400 includes confirmation result data in the above response data indicating whether the points membership number being inquired about is valid.

[0042] When the above response data is received by the interface unit 113, the processor 101 in the POS terminal 100 proceeds to ACT 103. As ACT103, processor 101 checks if the points membership number is valid. If the confirmation result data indicates that it is valid, processor 101 determines it is YES and proceeds to ACT104. If the confirmation result data does not indicate that it is valid, processor 101 determines it is NO and proceeds to ACT105. As ACT104, processor 101 sets the application mode as a mode related to point services. As ACT105, processor 101 sets the inapplicable mode as the mode related to point services.

[0043] Now, once the clerk has finished registering all the items entrusted to them by the customer as transaction items, they perform a closing declaration using a predetermined procedure. Once this closing declaration is made, processor 101 proceeds to ACT 106. As ACT106, processor 101 performs settlement processing to settle the payment according to the registered transaction details. If the system is configured to allow the use of multiple payment methods, processor 101 has the store clerk specify the payment method to be used from among the allowed payment methods, and settles the payment using that method. If electronic money payment is specified, processor 101 requests payment from the electronic money server 500, along with the electronic money member number contained in the card information stored in ACT101 and the amount of the payment. Processor 101 then terminates the settlement processing when the electronic money server 500 responds that the payment is complete. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a payment request means.

[0044] Once the payment is complete, the clerk makes a final closing declaration using a predetermined procedure. Processor 101 then proceeds to ACT 107 in response. As ACT107, processor 101 checks whether the application mode is being set. If the application mode is being set, processor 101 determines YES and proceeds to ACT108.

[0045] As ACT108, processor 101 makes a point request to point terminal 400. That is, processor 101 sends predetermined request data from interface unit 113 to point terminal 400 to request the provision of point services for the transaction currently being processed. Processor 101 includes information required by point server 600 in the request data according to the specifications of point server 600. For example, processor 101 includes the point member number and the amount of payment contained in the card information stored in ACT101 in the request data. Thus, by processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a reward request means.

[0046] When point terminal 400 receives this point request, it proceeds to ACT403. As ACT403, the point terminal 400 requests the point server 600 to provide point services. In making this request, the point terminal 400 notifies the point server 600 of the information contained in the request data sent from the POS terminal 100 that the point server 600 needs. In response to this request, the point server 600 performs information processing to provide point services. For example, the point server 600 adds the number of points corresponding to the notified transaction to the number of points managed in association with the notified point membership number. The point server 600 then sends a response message to the point terminal 400 that shows the result of providing point services. Upon receiving this response message, the point terminal 400 proceeds to ACT404.

[0047] As ACT404, point terminal 400 sends the response message received from point server 600 to POS terminal 100. When the processor 101 in the POS terminal 100 receives the above response message from the interface unit 113, it proceeds to ACT 109.

[0048] As ACT109, processor 101 causes printer 111 to print a receipt that represents the details of the transaction and the response message received by interface unit 113 as described above. Figure 6 shows an example of a receipt that includes a response message. Figure 6 shows an example of a case where the entire amount is paid using gift certificates.

[0049] On the other hand, if the processor 101 is in the inapplicable mode, it determines NO in ACT107 and proceeds to ACT110. As ACT110, processor 101 causes printer 111 to print a receipt that represents the details of the transaction but does not represent the response message.

[0050] (Integration between POS terminal 200 and point terminal 400: Full payment via electronic money at registration device 210) Card declarations at POS terminal 200 are performed at registration device 210. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the registration machine 210 and the point terminal 400 when a card declaration is made. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in Figure 5, and their explanations are omitted.

[0051] In response to the card declaration, the processor 211 of the registration machine 210 performs ACT211 to ACT215 in the same way as ACT101 to ACT105 in Figure 5 performed by the processor 101. Then, as ACT216, after receiving the closing declaration, the processor 211 performs the payment processing for electronic money payment in the same way as the processor 101 in response to the store clerk's operation. After this, the processor 211 performs ACT217 to ACT220 in the same way as ACT107 to ACT110 in Figure 5. However, the receipt printed by the processor 211 in ACT219 or ACT220 will show the result of the electronic money payment.

[0052] Thus, the card reader 219 is an example of a reading device, similar to the card reader 110. The processor 211 then performs information processing based on the transaction processing program PRB, and the computer with the processor 211 as its central component functions as a first acquisition means, inquiry means, reward request means, and settlement request means.

[0053] (Integration between POS terminal 200 and point terminal 400: At least a portion of the payment is settled at the accounting machine 230) Figure 8 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the registration machine 210, the accounting machine 230, and the point terminal 400 when a card declaration is made. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in Figures 5 and 7, and their explanations are omitted. In this case as well, the processor 211 in the registration device 210 performs ACT211 to ACT216 in the same manner as described above.

[0054] Once a portion of the payment using electronic money has been completed, the store clerk performs a predetermined operation to give a handover instruction to the payment machine 230. If the store clerk intends to have the entire amount paid by the payment machine 230, they give the handover instruction after the closing declaration without performing any operations for electronic money payment. Once the handover instruction is given in this manner, the processor 211 proceeds to ACT 217.

[0055] As ACT217, processor 211 hands over accounting to accounting machine 230. That is, processor 211 sends predetermined handover data from communication unit 221 to communication network 2 for accounting machine 230 to acquire. Processor 211 includes at least transaction data representing the details of the transaction, the electronic money member number and point member number included in the card information stored in ACT211, and mode data indicating whether an applicable mode or an inapplicable mode is set. If a portion of the payment has been settled, processor 211 also includes data representing the settlement result and the remaining balance in the handover data. Thus, by processor 211 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRB, the computer with processor 211 as its central component functions as a first notification means and a second notification means.

[0056] At the accounting machine 230, when the handover data is transmitted to the accounting machine 230 via the communication network 2 and received by the communication unit 239, the processor 231 proceeds to ACT231. As ACT231, processor 231 determines the amount to be settled based on the handover data and performs settlement processing to settle that amount in response to the customer's actions. Thus, by having processor 231 execute information processing based on the accounting processing program PRC, the computer with processor 231 as its central component functions as a settlement means.

[0057] Furthermore, if the customer specifies that payment should be made using electronic money, processor 231 requests payment from the electronic money server 500, similar to ACT106 in Figure 5, performed by processor 101. Thus, by having processor 231 perform information processing based on the accounting processing program PRC, the computer with processor 231 as its central component functions as a payment request means.

[0058] Once the customer has paid the full amount, they make a final closing declaration using a predetermined procedure. In response to this declaration, processor 231 proceeds to ACT232. Processor 231 then executes ACT232 to ACT234 in the same way as ACT107 to ACT109 in Figure 5, or ACT232 and ACT235 in the same way as ACT107 and ACT110 in Figure 5. However, processor 211 ensures that the receipt printed in ACT219 or ACT220 shows the result of the actual payment made.

[0059] (Integration between POS terminal 300 and point terminal 400) A customer operating the POS terminal 300 can declare their card at an appropriate time during the registration process described above, using a predetermined procedure. The customer then has the card reader 310 read their membership card.

[0060] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the interaction between the POS terminal 300 and the point terminal 400 when a card declaration is made. Note that the same reference numerals are used for the same processes as in Figure 5, and their explanations are omitted. In response to the card declaration, the processor 301 of the POS terminal 300 performs ACT301 to ACT310 in accordance with the customer's operation, similar to ACT101 to ACT110 in Figure 5 performed by the processor 101.

[0061] Thus, the card reader 310 is an example of a reading device, similar to the card reader 110. The processor 301 then performs information processing based on the transaction processing program PRD, and the computer with the processor 301 as its central component functions as a first acquisition means, inquiry means, reward request means, and settlement request means.

[0062] As described above, in POS terminals 100, 200, and 300, processors 101, 211, and 301 obtain the point membership number read from the membership card by card readers 110, 219, and 310, and query the point terminal 400 for this point membership number. If the point terminal 400 responds that the point membership number is valid, processors 101 and 301 request the point terminal 400 to provide point services related to the transaction. Similarly, if the point terminal 400 responds that the point membership number is valid, processors 211 and 231 also request the point terminal 400 to provide point services related to the transaction. Thus, store employees operating POS terminal 100 or registration machine 210, or customers operating accounting machine 230 or POS terminal 300, do not need to operate the point terminal 400.

[0063] Furthermore, in POS terminals 100, 200, and 300, processors 101, 211, and 301 obtain card information read from the membership card by card readers 110, 219, and 310, thereby obtaining the electronic money membership number and point membership number contained in this card information. When making a payment using the electronic money payment service, processors 101, 211, 231, and 301 use the electronic money membership number obtained as described above to request electronic money payment from the electronic money server 500. Thus, store employees operating POS terminal 100 or registration machine 210, or customers operating accounting machine 230 or POS terminal 300, do not need to perform the tasks of obtaining the electronic money membership number and the tasks of obtaining the point membership number separately.

[0064] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: The reward service may be a service that offers benefits separate from the points service, such as a coupon issuance service.

[0065] Various recording methods other than magnetic recording may be used to record card information on the membership card. The card readers 110, 219, and 310 use devices that conform to the recording method of card information on the membership card.

[0066] Card readers 110, 219, and 310 may be externally connected and not included with POS terminals 100, 210, or 300. Each of the functions realized by processors 101, 211, 231, and 301 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.

[0067] 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]

[0068] 1…Transaction processing system, 2…Communication network, 100,200,300…POS terminals, 400…Point terminals, 500…Electronic money server, 600…Point server, 101,211,231,301…Processor, 102,212,232,302…Main memory unit, 103,213,233,303…Sub memory unit, 104,214,234,304…Input unit, 105,215,235,305…Display unit, 106,216,236,306… Sound unit, 107, 217, 307... Fixed scanner, 108, 218, 308... Handheld scanner, 109... Currency receiving unit, 110, 219, 310... Card reader, 111, 220... Printer, 311... Printer, 112, 221, 239, 312... Communication unit, 113, 222, 313... Interface unit, 114, 223, 240, 314... Transmission line, 210... Registration machine, 230... Accounting machine, 237... Payment unit, 238, 309... Automatic change dispenser.

Claims

1. A registration method for registering transaction details, When a first identifier for identifying a user of the special service is read from the recording medium by the reading device, a first acquisition means for obtaining the first identifier from the reading device, A query means for querying a benefit processing terminal included in the benefit service provision system for the first identifier obtained by the first acquisition means, If the reward processing terminal responds to the inquiry by the inquiry means that the first identifier is valid, a reward request means requests the reward processing terminal to provide a reward for the transaction after the registration by the registration means is completed, A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

2. When the reading device reads a second identifier for identifying a user of the payment service in addition to the first identifier from a single recording medium, the first acquisition means acquires the second identifier together with the first identifier from the reading device. moreover, When the use of the aforementioned payment service is specified, a payment request means requests the payment service to settle at least a portion of the payment amount relating to the details of the transaction registered by the registration means, accompanied by notification of the second identifier obtained by the first acquisition means, A transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising the following:

3. It comprises a first unit and a second unit, The first unit is, The system comprises the registration means, the first acquisition means, the inquiry means, the benefit request means, and the payment request means, The system further comprises a first notification means that, when payment of at least a portion of the payment amount is requested by the payment request means, notifies the second unit of the remaining balance of the payment amount, The second unit is, The system includes a settlement means for settling the remaining balance notified by the first notification means, The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. It comprises a first unit and a second unit, The first unit is, The system comprises the registration means, the first acquisition means, the inquiry means, and the benefit request means, The system further comprises a second notification means for notifying the second unit of the second identifier obtained by the first acquisition means, The second unit is, The system includes the payment request means, and when making a request to the payment service, the payment request means notifies the second identifier notified by the second notification means. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering transaction details, When a first identifier for identifying a user of the special service is read from the recording medium by the reading device, a first acquisition means for obtaining the first identifier from the reading device, A query means for querying a benefit processing terminal included in the benefit service provision system for the first identifier obtained by the first acquisition means, If the reward processing terminal responds to the inquiry by the inquiry means that the first identifier is valid, a reward request means requests the reward processing terminal to provide a reward for the transaction after the registration by the registration means is completed, An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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