Information processing device, information processing method, and information processing program

Abstract

To prevent a voucher from being left behind.SOLUTION: An information processor according to one embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a communication control unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a membership code. The communication control unit communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition unit and acquires information on points associated with the membership code from the external server before payment for an item. The display control unit displays the information on the points acquired by the communication control unit on the display unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A payment device is known that issues vouchers such as bonus tickets, coupons, cash vouchers, and shopping vouchers, which are used to process discounts and discounts during merchandise transactions and as payments, just before or after issuing a receipt using the same printer as that used to issue a receipt.

[0003] On the other hand, payment devices used in self-service or semi-self-service point-of-sale (POS) systems are operated by customers. This type of payment device is equipped with a separate certificate printer for issuing certificates, and customers remove the certificates themselves.

[0004] For this reason, after completing the transaction, the customer takes the regular receipt issued by the settlement device, but may not realize that a certificate has been printed by the certificate printer and may forget to take the certificate.

[0005] In view of these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to prevent people from forgetting to take their certificates with them. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-048578 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology that can prevent a person from forgetting to take a certificate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the information processing device includes an acquisition unit, a communication control unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires a membership code. Before payment for a purchased item, the communication control unit communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition unit and acquires information related to points associated with the membership code from the external server. The display control unit displays the information related to points acquired by the communication control unit on the display unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a checkout system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notification screen displayed on a touch panel of the product registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a product registration process performed by the product registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a communication process performed by the product registration device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the issuing process by the printer according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a communication process performed by the payment device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a semi-self-service POS terminal is illustrated as one form of payment device. The semi-self-service POS terminal functions as a semi-self-service payment device, or a semi-self-service checkout device, in which a store clerk registers purchased items and the customer pays depending on the payment method. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to an embodiment.

[0011] The checkout system 10 includes at least one item registration device 11 and at least one payment device 13. Fig. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two item registration devices 11 and four payment devices 13. The number of item registration devices 11 and the number of payment devices 13 included in the checkout system 10 are arbitrary, and the ratio between the number of item registration devices 11 and the number of payment devices 13 is also arbitrary.

[0012] The product registration device 11 and the payment device 13 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

[0013] The product registration device 11 is operated by a store employee 21 who plays a role called a checker. The payment device 13 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases products sold at the store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. The payment device 13 may also be operated by the employee 21 on behalf of the shopper 22. The employee 21 is an example of a store clerk.

[0014] 1, the product registration device 11 is attached to a work table 31. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are approximately parallel to each other, thereby forming an aisle for shoppers 22.

[0015] The product registration device 11 has the functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 13. Purchase registration is a process of registering products brought by a shopper 22 who has entered an aisle as purchased products. Payment processing is a process for paying for the purchased products. Payment information is information required for payment processing. The product registration device is an example of an information processing device. Purchased products are an example of products.

[0016] When the payment device 13 receives payment information from the product registration device 11, it performs payment processing based on the payment information.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a checkout system 10 according to an embodiment.

[0018] The checkout system 10 includes a product registration device 11, a printer 12, a payment device 13, a communication server 14, and a point server 20. The checkout system 10 includes a network 1. The network 1 connects the product registration device 11, the printer 12, the payment device 13, and the communication server 14 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 1 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The checkout system 10 also includes a network 2. The network 2 connects the communication server 14 and the point server 20 so that they can communicate with each other. The network 2 is, for example, the Internet. Note that the checkout system 10 may also refer to a system that has at least two of the product registration device 11, the printer 12, the payment device 13, the communication server 14, and the point server 20. The checkout system 10 is an example of an information processing system. The point server 20 is an example of an external server.

[0019] The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 110, a ROM (read-only memory) 111, a RAM (random-access memory) 112, an auxiliary memory unit 113, a scanner 114, a first touch panel 115, a second touch panel 116, a printer 117, a card reader / writer 118, and a communication unit 119.

[0020] The CPU 110, ROM 111, RAM 112 and auxiliary storage unit 113 are connected by a system transmission line to form a computer.

[0021] The CPU 110 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 110 controls each part to realize various operations of the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 111 and RAM 112.

[0022] The ROM 111 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The ROM 111 stores the operating system. The ROM 111 may also store the middleware and application programs. The ROM 111 may also store data referenced by the CPU 110 when performing various processes.

[0023] The RAM 112 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The RAM 112 stores data referenced by the CPU 110 when performing various processes. The RAM 112 is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 110 when performing various processes.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit 113 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 113 stores data used by the CPU 110 when it performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 110. The auxiliary storage unit 113 may be, for example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), or an SSD (solid state drive).

[0025] The application programs stored in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113 include a control program that describes the processing described below. The product registration device 11 is generally transferred with the control program stored in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113, and the control program may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or via a network. In this case, the control program is written to the auxiliary storage unit 113 of the product registration device 11 in response to, for example, a user's operation. The removable recording medium may be a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0026] The scanner 114 reads information about the purchased items and obtains the product codes of the purchased items. Various well-known types of scanners can be used as the scanner 114. The scanner 114 may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, the scanner 114 may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 114 may also include a type that identifies the purchased items using image recognition technology from images of the purchased items. The scanner 114 is an example of a reading unit.

[0027] The first and second touch panels 115 and 116 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has a display screen such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen. A known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is disposed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of an operator's touch on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 110. A known device can be used as the touch sensor. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation surface of the first touch panel 115 faces the location where the employee 21 operating the product registration device 11 should be located. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation surface of the second touch panel 116 faces the location where the shopper 22 purchasing the product that is the subject of product registration in the product registration device 11 should be located. The first touch panel 115 is an example of a display unit. The first touch panel 115 is also an example of an input unit.

[0028] The printer 117 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues receipts by printing various characters and images onto receipt paper.

[0029] Card reader / writer 118 reads data recorded on a card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various other cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. Card reader / writer 118 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices. Card reader / writer 118 is an example of a reading unit.

[0030] The communication unit 119 performs communication via a LAN.

[0031] The CPU 110, ROM 111, RAM 112, auxiliary storage unit 113, scanner 114, first touch panel 115, printer 117, card reader / writer 118, and communication unit 119 exchange data via a system transmission path. The system transmission path may be a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses to each unit.

[0032] The hardware configuration of the product registration device 11 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used as the hardware for the product registration device 11. The product registration device 11 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0033] The printer 12 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer. The printer 12 communicates with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14, and issues a voucher by printing various characters and images on receipt paper.

[0034] The settlement device 13 includes a CPU 130 , a ROM 131 , a RAM 132 , an auxiliary storage unit 133 , an automatic change dispenser 134 , a communication unit 135 , a scanner 136 , a touch panel 137 , a printer 138 , and a card reader / writer 139 .

[0035] The CPU 130, ROM 131, RAM 132 and auxiliary storage unit 133 are connected by a system transmission line to form a computer.

[0036] The CPU 130 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 130 controls each part to realize various operations of the settlement device 13 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 131 and RAM 132.

[0037] The ROM 131 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The ROM 131 stores the operating system. The ROM 131 may also store the middleware and application programs. The ROM 131 may also store data referenced by the CPU 130 when performing various processes.

[0038] The RAM 132 corresponds to the main memory of the computer. The RAM 132 stores data referenced by the CPU 130 when performing various processes. The RAM 132 is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 130 when performing various processes.

[0039] The auxiliary storage unit 133 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 133 stores data used by the CPU 130 when it performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 130. The auxiliary storage unit 133 may be, for example, an EEPROM, a HDD, or an SSD.

[0040] The application programs stored in ROM 131 or auxiliary storage unit 133 include a control program described in relation to the processing described below. The transfer of the payment device 13 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 131 or auxiliary storage unit 133. However, the payment device 13 may be transferred without the control program stored in ROM 131 or auxiliary storage unit 133, and the control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium or transferred via a network. In this case, the control program is written to the auxiliary storage unit 133 of the payment device 13, for example, in response to an operation by a user. The removable recording medium may be a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory.

[0041] The automatic change dispenser 134 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also dispenses coins and bills as change.

[0042] The communication unit 135 performs communication via a LAN.

[0043] The scanner 136 reads product information and obtains the product code of the product. Various well-known types of scanners can be used as the scanner 136. The scanner 136 may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, the scanner 136 may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 136 may also include a type that identifies products using image recognition technology from product images.

[0044] The touch panel 137 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI screen. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD. The touch sensor is disposed on top of the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 130. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0045] The printer 138 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues receipts by printing various characters and images onto receipt paper.

[0046] Card reader / writer 139 reads data recorded on a card and writes data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various other cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards. Card reader / writer 139 may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0047] The CPU 130, ROM 131, RAM 132, auxiliary storage unit 133, automatic change dispenser 134, communication unit 135, scanner 136, touch panel 137, printer 138, and card reader / writer 139 exchange data via a system transmission path. The system transmission path may be a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses to each unit.

[0048] The hardware configuration of the payment device 13 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used as the hardware of the payment device 13. The payment device 13 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0049] The communication server 14 supports data communication processing between the product registration device 11, the printer 12, the settlement device 13 and the point server 20.

[0050] The point server 20 stores member information for registered shoppers 22, or so-called members. The member information includes a unique member ID assigned to each member to identify them individually. The member ID corresponds to identification information, a member code, and an account. The member information includes the validity of the member registration, information about points, and a history of merchandise purchased by the member. The member information corresponds to account information. Information about points includes point information indicating points awarded to the member. The point information includes the total points accumulated up to the previous transaction (hereinafter also referred to as "previous points"), the points acquired in the current transaction (hereinafter also referred to as "current points"), and the total points reflecting the current transaction (hereinafter "current cumulative points"). For example, a commercial transaction includes a payment process and is a transaction of merchandise purchased upon completion of the payment process. A commercial transaction includes a payment process. A commercial transaction is also referred to as a transaction. Points are awarded according to the content of the commercial transaction.

[0051] In response to the fact that the cumulative value of the previous points has exceeded a predetermined value, the point server 20 instructs the issuance of a perfect point ticket for the current commercial transaction. A perfect point ticket is, for example, a voucher certifying the right to receive a benefit for the previous cumulative value of points having exceeded a predetermined value. For example, a perfect point ticket is a voucher certifying the right to receive a 500 yen discount benefit for the previous cumulative value of points having exceeded the predetermined value of 500 points. A perfect point ticket is an example of a benefit ticket. The point server 20 stores information related to points. The information related to points includes a perfect point ticket status indicating that a perfect point ticket has been issued. The perfect point ticket status is an example of information indicating that a perfect point ticket has been issued. The point server 20 outputs information related to points to the product registration device 11 or the payment device 13 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14.

[0052] Next, we will explain each unit implemented in the CPU 110 of the above-mentioned product registration device 11. For example, the CPU 110 loads a program stored in advance in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113 into the RAM 112, and implements each unit described below.

[0053] The CPU 110 implements an acquisition unit 1101, a registration unit 1102, a detection unit 1103, a communication control unit 1104, a display control unit 1105, a payment processing unit 1106, and an issuance unit 1107. Each unit implemented in the CPU 110 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit implemented in the CPU 110 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the CPU 110, ROM 111, and RAM 112.

[0054] The acquisition unit 1101 acquires data of various codes read by the scanner 114 or the card reader / writer 118. The acquisition unit 1101 acquires various information based on the acquired data. In one example, when the barcode of a purchased item is read by the scanner 114, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires the product code indicated by the barcode of the purchased item. The product code is a unique ID assigned to each item to identify the item individually. The acquisition unit 1101 acquires product sales information associated with the acquired product code. The product sales information is various information associated with the product code. The product sales information includes the sales price, etc. The product sales information may be stored in advance in the auxiliary storage unit 113 or may be downloaded to the product registration device 11 from a server (not shown) via the network 1. The product sales information may be updated as appropriate. In another example, when the card reader / writer 118 reads the membership code recorded on the membership card, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires the membership code. The membership code may be read by the scanner 114 from a code symbol such as a barcode attached to the membership card.

[0055] The registration unit 1102 registers various information based on data read by the scanner 114. In one example, when the barcode of a purchased item is read by the scanner 114, the registration unit 1102 registers product information of the purchased item. For example, the product information includes the product code of the purchased item.

[0056] The detection unit 1103 detects touch input to the screen of the first touch panel 115 by the operator. The touch input is realized when the operator touches the screen in accordance with various messages displayed on the first touch panel 115. The screen on which the messages are displayed includes buttons for specifying an operation. The operator specifies an operation by touching the displayed button. The touch input is an example of an input. Note that the message corresponds to a notification.

[0057] The communication control unit 1104 communicates various information with the payment device 13 via the network 1. The communication control unit 1104 also communicates various information with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14.

[0058] The display control unit 1105 outputs various notifications. Notifications may be displayed in any manner, including pop-up display.

[0059] The payment processing unit 1106 executes payment processing. For example, the payment processing unit 1106 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment method selected by the shopper 22, which will be described later.

[0060] The issuing unit 1107 operates the printer 117 to issue a receipt showing the details of the current transaction.

[0061] Note that, although the detection unit 1103, the communication control unit 1104, and the display control unit 1105 have been described as being implemented in the CPU 110 by executing a program, this is not limiting. The detection unit 1103 and the display control unit 1105 may be realized by the first touch panel 115. The communication control unit 1104 may be realized by the communication unit 119. The detection unit 1103 and the display control unit 1105 may be realized by the CPU 110 cooperating with a device such as the first touch panel 115 by executing a program. The communication control unit 1104 may be realized by the CPU 110 cooperating with a device such as the communication unit 119 by executing a program.

[0062] Next, we will explain each unit implemented in CPU 130 of the above-mentioned payment device 13. For example, CPU 130 loads a program stored in advance in ROM 131 or auxiliary storage unit 133 into RAM 132, and implements each unit described below.

[0063] The CPU 130 implements a communication control unit 1301, a payment processing unit 1302, and an issuing unit 1303. The units implemented in the CPU 130 can also be referred to as functions. The units implemented in the CPU 130 can also be referred to as being implemented in a control unit including the CPU 130, ROM 131, and RAM 132.

[0064] The communication control unit 1301 communicates various information with the product registration device 11 via the network 1. The communication control unit 1301 also communicates various information with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14.

[0065] The payment processing unit 1302 executes payment processing. For example, the payment processing unit 1302 executes payment processing in accordance with the payment method selected by the shopper 22, which will be described later.

[0066] The issuing unit 1303 operates the printer 138 to issue a receipt showing the details of the current transaction.

[0067] Although the communication control unit 1301 has been described as being implemented in the CPU 130 by executing a program, the present invention is not limited to this. The communication control unit 1301 may be realized by the communication unit 135. The communication control unit 1301 may be realized by the CPU 130 and a device such as the communication unit 135 working together to execute a program.

[0068] Next, an example of a screen displayed on the first touch panel 115 of the merchandise registration device 11 will be described.

[0069] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the first touch panel 115 of the merchandise registration device 11 according to the embodiment. As shown in the figure, a text message ME and a button B are displayed on the notification screen SC. The text message ME displays a message in the form of a string of characters notifying the employee 21 that a perfect ticket has been issued. The button B is operated by the employee 21 to declare that the notification screen SC will be closed. The text message ME may be displayed as a video message by using video data, or may be output as an audio message by using audio data.

[0070] Next, the procedure of the product registration process by the product registration device 11 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the product registration process by the product registration device 11 according to the embodiment. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps in the processing procedures described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. The operator may be read as employee 21 or shopper 22.

[0071] First, when the barcode of the purchased item is read by the scanner 114, the item registration device 11 starts the item registration process shown in Fig. 4 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113. Note that the timing for starting the item registration process is not limited to this. For example, the item registration device 11 may automatically start the item registration process when a certain time has passed after completing the process for the previous shopper 22.

[0072] The registration unit 1102 registers various information based on data read by the scanner 114 (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires the product code of the purchased product read by the scanner 114 in response to the barcode of the purchased product being read by the scanner 114. The registration unit 1102 registers product information of the purchased product based on the product code of the purchased product acquired by the acquisition unit 1101. For example, the registration unit 1102 generates a list of the product codes of the purchased products (hereinafter referred to as a product list) and registers the product list in the auxiliary storage unit 113. Since this product registration process is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0073] The acquisition unit 1101 acquires a membership code (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires the membership code in response to the card reader / writer 118 reading the membership code recorded on the membership card. The acquisition unit 1101 may also acquire the membership code in response to the scanner 114 reading the membership code from a two-dimensional code attached to the membership card.

[0074] The communication control unit 1104 communicates with the point server 20 based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition unit 1101, and performs communication processing (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the communication control unit 1104 communicates with the point server 20 via network 1, network 2, and communication server 14, and performs communication processing. The communication control unit 1104 acquires, through communication processing, information about points associated with the membership code acquired by the acquisition unit 1101 from the point server 20. The information about points includes previous points, current points, and current cumulative points. When the point server 20 determines that the previous points have exceeded a predetermined value and issues a full-point ticket, the information about points includes a full-point ticket status.

[0075] For example, the communication processing includes dummy transaction processing. The dummy transaction processing is, for example, a payment processing based on information about a fictitious product. The dummy transaction is an example of a commercial transaction. In this example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires information about points based on the dummy transaction with the point server 20. The communication processing in ACT3 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0076] The display control unit 1105 displays the information about points acquired by the communication control unit 1104 in ACT3 on the first touch panel 115 (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the display control unit 1105 displays the previous points on the first touch panel 115. The operator can also determine whether a perfect ticket has been issued this time by checking whether the previous points exceed a predetermined value. The display control unit 1105 may display the current points and some or all of the current cumulative points on the first touch panel 115 in addition to the previous points. In one example, the current cumulative points are the sum of the previous points and the current points. In another example, when a perfect ticket has been issued, the current cumulative points are the sum of the previous points and the current points minus a predetermined number of points. If the information about points includes a perfect ticket status, the display control unit 1105 displays the perfect ticket status on the first touch panel 115. For example, the display control unit 1105 displays information indicating the issuance of a perfect ticket from the printer 12 based on the perfect ticket status on the first touch panel 115, as in the notification screen SC (see FIG. 3). By checking the perfect ticket status, the operator can directly understand that a perfect ticket has been issued this time.

[0077] The display control unit 1105 does not necessarily have to display the previous points on the first touch panel 115. The display control unit 1105 does not necessarily have to display the current points and some or all of the current cumulative points on the first touch panel 115. The full ticket status has been described as information indicating that a full ticket has been issued, but is not limited to this. The full ticket status may be information indicating that a full ticket has been issued or that a full ticket has not been issued. In this example, the full ticket status is an example of information indicating whether a full ticket has been issued. Regardless of whether the point server 20 issues a full ticket, the information regarding points acquired from the point server 20 by the communication control unit 1104 always includes the full ticket status. The display control unit 1105 displays the full ticket status on the first touch panel 115.

[0078] According to this example, the product registration device 11 can notify the operator that a full-point ticket has been issued before the payment process. Therefore, the product registration device 11 can prevent the operator from forgetting to take the full-point ticket issued by the printer 12. Also, the operator of the product registration device 11 can obtain the full-point ticket and hand it to the shopper 22 before payment, which can prevent the shopper 22 from forgetting to take the full-point ticket. Furthermore, it can also reduce the time required to reissue a full-point ticket if the shopper forgets to take it.

[0079] The detection unit 1103 detects a checkout instruction (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the detection unit 1103 detects an input of touching the checkout button on the first touch panel 115 by the operator. The checkout instruction is an instruction to end the registration process of the purchased items and transition from the registration process to the payment process. The touch input of the checkout button is an example of a checkout instruction. For example, the detection unit 1103 detects that the checkout button has been touched by a signal from the first touch panel 115.

[0080] In response to the detection of a transaction instruction by the detection unit 1103, the communication control unit 1104 outputs a transaction start notification to the point server 20 (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the communication control unit 1104 transmits the transaction start notification to the point server 20 via network 1, network 2, and communication server 14. The transaction start notification is a notification of the start of a commercial transaction.

[0081] The communication control unit 1104 outputs the membership code acquired by the acquisition unit 1101 to the point server 20 (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the communication control unit 1104 transmits the membership code to the point server 20 via network 1, network 2, and the communication server 14.

[0082] The communication control unit 1104 acquires member information associated with the member code from the point server 20 (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires member information from the point server 20 via network 1, network 2, and communication server 14. For example, the member information includes information indicating that the member identified by the member code is already registered.

[0083] The detection unit 1103 detects the designation of a payment method (ACT9). In ACT9, for example, the display control unit 1105 displays a payment screen (not shown) on the first touch panel 115. The payment screen displays a "Cash" button and an "Other" button for designating a payment method. The "Cash" button is a button for the shopper 22 to designate payment by cash. The "Other" button is a button for designating payment by a method other than cash, such as a credit card or a gift certificate. For example, when the detection unit 1103 detects, based on a signal from the first touch panel 115, that the "Cash" button has been touched (ACT9: YES), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT10. On the other hand, when the detection unit 1103 detects, based on a signal from the first touch panel 115, that the "Other" button has been touched (ACT9: NO), the process transitions from ACT9 to ACT11.

[0084] In response to the detection unit 1103 detecting that the "Cash" button has been touched, the communication control unit 1104 transfers the payment information and the membership code to the payment device 13 (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the communication control unit 1104 transfers payment information based on the product list registered in the auxiliary memory unit 113 by the registration unit 1102 to the payment device 13 via the network 1. The payment information includes the product list. The payment information may also include the sales price of the purchased product and the total amount acquired by the acquisition unit 1101 based on the product list. The communication control unit 1104 transfers the membership code acquired by the acquisition unit 1101 in ACT2 to the payment device 13 via the network 1. The payment device 13 acquires the payment information and the membership code and performs the communication processing shown in FIG. 7.

[0085] In response to the detection unit 1103 detecting that the "Other" button has been touched, the payment processing unit 1106 executes payment processing based on the payment information (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the payment processing unit 1106 executes payment processing according to the payment method, such as credit card, debit card, or gift certificate. For example, in the case of credit card payment, credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 118, and the credit card is authenticated. Once the credit card is authenticated, the payment processing is executed. In this payment processing, payment completion information, including the total amount, payment method, payment amount, etc., is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 113. Since this type of payment processing is well known, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0086] The communication control unit 1104 communicates with the point server 20 (ACT12). In ACT12, for example, the communication control unit 1104 communicates various information related to the actual transaction with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14. The actual transaction is an actual commercial transaction of the purchased product.

[0087] First, the communication control unit 1104 outputs product information to the point server 20 (process 1). In process 1, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs to the point server 20 a product code included in the product list registered in the auxiliary storage unit 113 by the registration unit 1102. Next, the communication control unit 1104 outputs the total amount to the point server 20 (processing 2). In processing 2, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs the total amount of the purchased products in the product list to the point server 20. Next, the communication control unit 1104 acquires benefit information based on the product information and the total amount from the point server 20 (process 3). In process 3, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires benefit information based on the product codes included in the product list and the total amount of the purchased products in the product list from the point server 20. For example, the benefit information is information related to the discount rate, the number of points awarded, etc., awarded according to a specific purchased product or a predetermined purchase amount. Next, the communication control unit 1104 outputs the payment amount to the point server 20 (Process 4). In Process 4, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs the payment amount to the point server 20 based on the payment completion information acquired in the payment process in ACT11. Next, the communication control unit 1104 outputs a transaction completion notice to the point server 20 (process 5). The transaction completion notice is a notice of the completion of the commercial transaction. Next, the communication control unit 1104 acquires information related to points from the point server 20 (process 6). In process 6, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires information related to points associated with the membership code acquired in ACT2 from the point server 20. In this case, the information related to points is the same as the information related to points acquired in ACT3. In other words, the information related to points includes the previous points, the current points, and the current cumulative points. Since the full ticket status is acquired in ACT3, the information related to points acquired in process 6 does not include the full ticket status.

[0088] The issuing unit 1107 operates the printer 117 to issue a receipt showing the details of the transaction (ACT 13). The receipt includes, for example, information about points.

[0089] Next, the procedure of the communication process (ACT3) by the merchandise registration device 11 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication processing by the merchandise registration device 11 according to the embodiment. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0090] First, the communication control unit 1104 communicates with the point server 20 based on the member code acquired by the acquisition unit 1101, and starts the communication processing shown in Fig. 5 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 111 or the auxiliary storage unit 113. For example, the communication control unit 1104 communicates with the point server 20 via network 1, network 2, and communication server 14, and starts the communication processing. The communication processing described below corresponds to a dummy transaction. The dummy transaction is executed before payment for the purchased item.

[0091] In response to the member code being acquired by the acquisition unit 1101, the communication control unit 1104 outputs a transaction start notification to the point server 20 (ACT21). In ACT21, for example, the communication control unit 1104 transmits a transaction start notification to the point server 20. ACT21 is the same process as ACT6 shown in FIG.

[0092] The communication control unit 1104 outputs the membership code acquired by the acquisition unit 1101 to the point server 20 (ACT22). In ACT22, for example, the communication control unit 1104 transmits the membership code to the point server 20. ACT22 is the same processing as ACT7 shown in FIG.

[0093] The communication control unit 1104 acquires member information associated with the member code from the point server 20 (ACT23). In ACT23, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires member information including information indicating that the member identified by the member code has already been registered from the point server 20. ACT23 is the same process as ACT8 shown in FIG.

[0094] The communication control unit 1104 outputs the product information to the point server 20 (ACT24). In ACT24, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs a dummy product code to the point server 20. The dummy product code is a code indicating a fictitious product different from the product purchased by the shopper 22. ACT24 is the same process as process 1 in ACT12 shown in FIG. 4.

[0095] The communication control unit 1104 outputs the total amount to the point server 20 (ACT25). In ACT25, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs information indicating a dummy total amount to the point server 20. The dummy total amount may be preset as "0 yen" or may be the amount ("0 yen") associated with the dummy product code. ACT25 is the same processing as process 2 in ACT12 shown in FIG. 4.

[0096] The communication control unit 1104 acquires benefit information based on the product information and the total amount from the point server 20 (ACT26). In ACT26, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires dummy benefit information based on a dummy product code and the dummy total amount from the point server 20. The dummy benefit information may be preset as information indicating "no benefit," or may be benefit information ("no benefit") associated with the dummy product code and the dummy total amount. ACT26 is the same process as process 3 in ACT12 shown in FIG. 4.

[0097] The communication control unit 1104 outputs the payment amount to the point server 20 (ACT27). In ACT27, for example, the communication control unit 1104 outputs information indicating a dummy payment amount to the point server 20. The dummy payment amount may be preset as "0 yen" or may be an amount ("0 yen") associated with a dummy product code or a dummy total amount. ACT27 is the same processing as process 4 in ACT12 shown in FIG. 4.

[0098] The communication control unit 1104 outputs a transaction completion notification to the point server 20 (ACT28). ACT28 is the same process as process 5 in ACT12 shown in FIG.

[0099] The communication control unit 1104 acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the point server 20 (ACT29). In ACT29, for example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires information about points associated with the membership code acquired in ACT2 based on a dummy transaction with the point server 20. In a typical example, the communication control unit 1104 acquires information about points based on outputting a dummy product code, information indicating a dummy total amount, and information indicating a dummy payment amount to the point server 20. The information about points includes previous points, current points, and current cumulative points. If the point server 20 issues a full-point ticket, the information about points includes the full-point ticket status. ACT28 is the same process as process 6 in ACT12 shown in FIG. 4.

[0100] The communication control unit 1104 outputs information about the dummy transaction as the current commercial transaction in accordance with the specifications for the point server 20 to output information about points after the current commercial transaction. The communication control unit 1104 outputs information indicating the dummy product code, the dummy total amount, and the dummy payment amount to the point server 20, but is not limited to this. The information about the dummy transaction that the communication control unit 1104 outputs to the point server 20 can be changed according to the specifications of the point server 20. The communication control unit 1104 may output part of the information indicating the dummy product code, the dummy total amount, and the dummy payment amount to the point server 20.

[0101] According to this example, by replacing the processing of an existing real transaction between the merchandise registration device 11 and the point server 20 with a dummy transaction processing, the merchandise registration device 11 can obtain information about points before the settlement processing. Therefore, there is no need to change the specifications of the point server 20. Also, it is highly versatile in relation to the point server 20.

[0102] Next, the procedure for issuing the document by the printer 12 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the issuing process by the printer 12 according to the embodiment. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0103] First, the printer 12 communicates with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14, and starts the issuing process shown in FIG.

[0104] The printer 12 acquires an instruction to issue a perfect ticket from the point server 20 (ACT31). In ACT31, for example, if the point server 20 determines that the previous points exceeded a predetermined value, it outputs an instruction to issue a perfect ticket to the printer 12. The point server 20 outputs an instruction to issue a perfect ticket to the printer 12 installed near the product registration device 11, which is the output destination of information related to points.

[0105] The printer 12 issues a full points ticket (ACT32) in response to receiving an instruction to issue a full points ticket from the point server 20. In ACT32, for example, the printer 12 issues a full points ticket before the payment process.

[0106] According to this example, the product registration device 11 can issue a full-point ticket before the payment process for the purchased product is carried out. Therefore, compared to when the payment device 13 issues a full-point ticket after the payment process, the risk of forgetting to take the full-point ticket can be reduced.

[0107] Although an example in which the printer 12 issues a perfect point ticket has been described here, the present invention is not limited to this. The point server 20 may output an instruction to issue a perfect point ticket to the product registration device 11, which is the output destination of information related to points. In this example, the issuing unit 1107 of the product registration device 11 operates the printer 117 to issue a perfect point ticket.

[0108] Next, the procedure of communication processing by the settlement device 13 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of communication processing by the payment device 13 according to the embodiment. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0109] First, in ACT10, the settlement device 13 communicates with the merchandise registration device 11 via the network 1, and starts the communication process shown in Fig. 7 in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 131 or the auxiliary storage unit 133. The settlement device 13 communicates with the merchandise registration device 11 and the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14.

[0110] The communication control unit 1301 acquires the payment information and the membership code from the product registration device 11 (ACT41). In ACT41, for example, the communication control unit 1301 receives the payment information and the membership code from the product registration device 11 via the network 1.

[0111] The communication control unit 1301 outputs a transaction start notification to the point server 20 (ACT42). In ACT42, for example, the communication control unit 1301 transmits a transaction start notification to the point server 20 based on the acquisition of payment information. ACT42 is the same processing as ACT6 shown in FIG. 4 except that the subject is different.

[0112] The communication control unit 1301 outputs the membership code to the point server 20 (ACT43). In ACT43, for example, the communication control unit 1301 transmits the membership code acquired from the product registration device 11 to the point server 20. ACT43 is the same process as ACT7 shown in FIG. 4 except that the subject is different.

[0113] The communication control unit 1301 acquires member information associated with the member code from the point server 20 (ACT44). In ACT44, for example, the communication control unit 1301 acquires member information including information indicating that the member identified by the member code has already been registered from the point server 20. ACT44 is the same processing as ACT8 shown in FIG. 4 except that the subject is different.

[0114] The payment processing unit 1302 executes the payment process (ACT45). In ACT45, for example, the payment processing unit 1302 executes the payment process by cash payment. The payment processing unit 1302 calculates the deposit amount and executes the payment process when it exceeds the total amount. When the change amount is calculated in this payment process, the payment processing unit 1302 operates the automatic change dispenser 134 and dispenses the change. The payment function is realized by cooperation between the payment processing unit 1302 and the automatic change dispenser 134. In this payment process, payment information including the total amount, payment method, payment amount, etc. is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 133. Since this type of payment process is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0115] The communication control unit 1301 communicates with the point server 20 (ACT46). In ACT46, for example, the communication control unit 1301 communicates various information related to the actual transaction with the point server 20 via the network 1, the network 2, and the communication server 14. The following processes 1' to 6' are similar to the above-mentioned processes 1 to 6 except that the subject is different.

[0116] First, the communication control unit 1301 outputs product information to the point server 20 (process 1'). In process 1', for example, the communication control unit 1301 outputs a product code included in a product list to the point server 20. Next, the communication control unit 1301 outputs the total amount to the point server 20 (process 2'). In process 2', for example, the communication control unit 1301 outputs the total amount of the purchased products in the product list to the point server 20. Next, the communication control unit 1301 acquires the product information and the benefit information based on the total amount from the point server 20 (process 3'). In process 3', for example, the communication control unit 1301 acquires the benefit information based on the product code included in the product list and the total amount of the purchased products in the product list from the point server 20. Next, the communication control unit 1301 outputs the payment amount to the point server 20 (processing 4'). In processing 4', for example, the communication control unit 1301 outputs the payment amount to the point server 20 based on the payment completion information acquired in the payment processing in ACT45. Next, the communication control unit 1301 outputs a transaction completion notification to the point server 20 (process 5').

[0117] Next, the communication control unit 1301 acquires information about points from the point server 20 (process 6'). In process 6', for example, the communication control unit 1301 acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the point server 20. In this case, the information about points is the same as the information about points acquired in ACT3. In other words, the information about points includes previous points, current points, and current cumulative points. Since the full ticket status is acquired in ACT3, the information about points acquired in process 6' does not include the full ticket status.

[0118] The issuing unit 1303 operates the printer 138 to issue a receipt showing the details of the current transaction (ACT 47). The receipt includes, for example, point information.

[0119] According to this example, the payment device 13 does not need to perform the process of issuing a full-point ticket, so the processing steps in the payment device 13 can be reduced.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the payment device 13 has been described as performing payment processing with cash, but payment processing with an electronic money card or a prepaid card is also possible.

[0121] In the above-described embodiment, a checkout system including a semi-self-service type payment device 13 is exemplified, but at least some of the functions of the payment device 13 of this embodiment may be implemented in a POS terminal where a store clerk performs operations from registering purchased items to paying for them. Also, at least some of the functions of the product registration device 11 or payment device 13 of this embodiment may be implemented in a so-called self-service type payment device where a customer performs operations from registering purchased items to paying for them. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of this embodiment may be implemented in a so-called cart POS terminal where a product scanner and a dedicated terminal operated by a customer are attached to a cart, or a so-called smartphone POS terminal where product registration is performed on a terminal such as a tablet or smartphone.

[0122] The information processing device may be realized by one device as exemplified by the product registration device 11, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of devices.

[0123] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The following is the scope of the claims as originally filed. (1) an acquisition unit that acquires a membership code; a communication control unit that communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition unit before payment for the product, and acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the external server; a display control unit that displays information about the points acquired by the communication control unit on a display unit; An information processing device comprising: (2) The information processing device according to (1), wherein the communication control unit acquires information regarding the points based on a dummy transaction with the external server. (3) The information processing device described in (1) or (2), wherein the communication control unit acquires information regarding the points based on the output of information indicating a dummy total amount and information indicating a dummy payment amount to the external server. (4) When the external server issues a reward ticket, the information about the points includes information indicating that the reward ticket has been issued, The display control unit causes the display unit to display information indicating that the bonus ticket has been issued. An information processing device according to any one of (1) to (3). (5) Obtain a membership code, Before paying for the product, communicating with an external server based on the acquired membership code and acquiring information on points associated with the membership code from the external server; displaying information about the acquired points on a display unit; An information processing method comprising: (6) On the computer, A function to acquire a membership code, a communication control function that communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition function before payment for the product, and acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the external server; a display control function that displays information about the points acquired by the communication control function on a display unit; An information processing program for executing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...network, 2...network, 10...checkout system, 11...product registration device, 12...printer, 13...payment device, 14...communication server, 20...point server, 21...employee, 22...shopper, 31...work table, 110...CPU, 111...ROM, 112...RAM, 113...auxiliary storage unit, 114...scanner, 115...first touch panel, 116...second touch panel, 117...printer, 118...card reader / writer, 119...communication unit, 130...CPU , 131...ROM, 132...RAM, 133...auxiliary memory unit, 134...automatic change machine, 135...communication unit, 136...scanner, 137...touch panel, 138...printer, 139...card reader / writer, 1101...acquisition unit, 1102...registration unit, 1103...detection unit, 1104...communication control unit, 1105...display control unit, 1106...payment processing unit, 1107...issuing unit, 1301...communication control unit, 1302...payment processing unit, 1303...issuing unit, B...button, ME...text message, SC...notification screen.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires a membership code; a communication control unit that communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition unit before payment for the product, and acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the external server; a display control unit that displays information about the points acquired by the communication control unit on a display unit; Equipped with the communication control unit acquires information about the points based on a dummy transaction with the external server; Information processing device.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication control unit acquires the information about the points based on output of information indicating a dummy total amount and information indicating a dummy payment amount to the external server.

3. A method executed by an information processing device, Obtain a membership code, Before paying for the product, communicating with an external server based on the acquired membership code and acquiring information on points associated with the membership code from the external server; displaying information about the acquired points on a display unit; Equipped with acquiring information about the points includes acquiring information about the points based on a dummy transaction with the external server; Information processing methods.

4. On the computer, A function to acquire a membership code, a communication control function that communicates with an external server based on the acquisition of the membership code by the acquisition function before payment for the product, and acquires information about points associated with the membership code from the external server; a display control function that displays information about the points acquired by the communication control function on a display unit; An information processing program for executing the communication control function acquires information about the points based on a dummy transaction with the external server; Information processing program.

Images