Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processor and a program that can facilitate the operation of a store pertaining to change and points generated by transactions.SOLUTION: An information processor according to an embodiment includes: point acquisition means for acquiring points having a monetary value and granted to a customer who has purchased an article in a single transaction; change amount acquisition means for acquiring a change amount generated by the single transaction; conversion means for converting the change amount acquired by the change amount acquisition means into the points; and point management means for managing the points for each customer by adding up the points acquired by the point acquisition means and the points converted by the conversion means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores that sell goods and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods"), a system for depositing change generated in transactions in the store is known. In this system, the amount of change generated in a transaction is written as a deposit on a change card held by a customer. The customer can use the deposit stored on the change card for shopping in subsequent transactions.

[0003] In order to expand the users of the above change card, a system for awarding premium points to the users of the change card has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, in this conventional technology, it is necessary to manage change and points separately, and the operation in the store has been complicated. For example, when a customer purchases a product using points and a deposit, processing related to the deposit and processing related to the points are required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program that can facilitate the operation of a store related to change and points generated in transactions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device of the embodiment includes a point acquisition means that acquires points which have monetary value and are awarded to a customer who purchases goods in a single transaction; a change acquisition means that acquires the amount of change generated in the single transaction; a conversion means that converts the amount of change acquired by the change acquisition means into points; and a point management means that aggregates the points acquired by the point acquisition means and the points converted by the conversion means and manages them for each customer. A means for aggregating the cumulative points of points awarded to each customer when the customer converts the change amount into points instead of receiving it in cash, and an output means for outputting the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means. It is equipped with. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a management system including a point system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the deposit and grant point setting table stored in the memory unit of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the transaction information management table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the point management table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of accounting processing by the control unit of the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of point management processing by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows a paper receipt issued by the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the receipt list screen displayed by the customer terminal of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes the information processing device and program of the embodiment with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below shows an example in which the information processing device is configured with a POS (Point of Sales) terminal and a server device. In other words, the embodiment described below shows an example in which the POS terminal and the server device cooperate to realize the functions of the information processing device. However, the functions of the information processing device may be consolidated into the POS terminal and the POS terminal may be used as the information device, or the functions of the information processing device may be consolidated into the server device and the server device may be used as the information processing device.

[0009] Furthermore, the embodiments described below describe an example in which the server device is applied to a server device that manages information for one store, but it is not limited to this. The server device may be, for example, a server device that manages information for multiple stores of the same company.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the management system 1. The management system 1 consists of an electronic receipt server 2, a customer terminal 3, and a point system 4. The electronic receipt server 2, the customer terminal 3, and the point system 4 are connected to each other via a network N such as the Internet, enabling them to communicate with one another.

[0011] The electronic receipt server 2 transmits electronic receipts to the customer terminal 3 of a member who is a customer using the electronic receipt service. An electronic receipt is electronic data containing transaction information that shows the details of a single transaction, which would normally be printed on a paper receipt. The electronic receipt server 2 generates electronic receipts by obtaining transaction information for each customer from the points system 4.

[0012] The electronic receipt server 2 may send an electronic receipt to the customer terminal 3 after the transaction is completed, or it may send an electronic receipt to the customer terminal 3 in response to a request from the customer terminal 3. In addition, the electronic receipt server 2 may send a list of receipt information for the customer's transactions within a predetermined period to the customer terminal 3 in response to a request from the customer terminal 3.

[0013] The electronic receipt server 2 may be managed by the company operating the store, or by another company operating the electronic receipt service. Furthermore, the electronic receipt server 2 may provide electronic receipt services to multiple companies. The points system 4 does not necessarily have to be connected to the electronic receipt server 2; in this case, the store issues paper receipts to customers.

[0014] Customer terminal 3 is an information terminal device owned by a customer who is a member of the electronic receipt service, and consists of, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer). Customer terminal 3 receives information such as electronic receipts and receipt information lists from the electronic receipt server 2 and displays the received information on the display unit of its device. An application program for the electronic receipt service is installed on customer terminal 3.

[0015] The point system 4 is applicable to stores such as supermarkets that sell groceries, clothing, and daily necessities. The point system 4 has multiple POS terminals 5 and a server device 6. The POS terminals 5 and the server device 6 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with one another via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The server device 6 is also connected to an electronic receipt server 2 and a customer terminal 3 so that they can communicate with each other via a network N such as the Internet. Note that the number of electronic receipt servers 2, customer terminals 3, POS terminals 5, and server devices 6 is not limited to the example shown.

[0016] The POS terminal 5 is installed in the store and performs accounting processes related to the payment of the price of goods purchased by customers. The accounting processes include processes such as product registration, settlement processing, and receipt issuance. The POS terminal 5 may be a POS terminal for a store clerk to perform operations related to product registration and accounting processes, or a self-POS terminal for the customer himself / herself to perform these operations. Also, the POS terminal 5 may be a semi-self-POS equipped with a registration device for a store clerk to perform operations related to product registration and an accounting device for a customer to perform operations related to accounting processes.

[0017] The POS terminal 5 sets points given to a customer who is a store member (hereinafter also referred to as a "member customer") in one transaction. Points have a monetary value and can be used for purchasing goods. In this embodiment, it is assumed that 1 point has a monetary value of 1 yen, but the monetary value of 1 point can be arbitrarily set by the store. The points given by the store to the customer include normal points, prepaid points, and conversion points.

[0018] In this embodiment, the normal points and the prepaid points are set by the POS terminal 5, and the conversion points are set by the server device 6. Note that all of the above various points may be set by the POS terminal 5. Also, all of the above various points may be set by the server device 6.

[0019] The normal points are calculated according to the amount purchased by the customer. For example, the normal points are points corresponding to an amount equal to 1 percent of the customer's purchase amount. The prepaid points are calculated according to the amount of change (hereinafter also referred to as the "change amount") when the customer does not receive the change in cash for the change generated in the transaction. For example, the prepaid points are set to 1 point when the change amount is less than 250 yen, 2 points when it is 250 yen or more and less than 500 yen, 3 points when it is 500 yen or more and less than 750 yen, 4 points when it is 750 yen or more and less than 1000 yen, and so on.

[0020] Conversion points are awarded when a customer does not receive change in cash during a transaction; the change amount is converted into points. For example, the conversion points are equal to the amount of change received, meaning they have the same monetary value as the change.

[0021] The methods for setting regular points, points awarded for deposits, and points for conversion can be arbitrarily determined by the store. For example, points awarded for deposits could be equivalent to 0.5 percent or 1 percent of the change amount.

[0022] In this embodiment, customers can convert change amounts less than 1,000 yen into conversion points instead of receiving the change in cash. This eliminates the need for customers to handle small change less than 1,000 yen in a single transaction, thus increasing the convenience of shopping. The amount that customers can convert into conversion points instead of receiving change in cash can be arbitrarily set by the store, such as 500 yen or less, or 5,000 yen or less. In the following explanation, the act of a customer converting change into conversion points instead of receiving it in cash may be referred to as "depositing the change."

[0023] By converting change into points instead of giving it to the customer and awarding those points to the customer, stores can expect that the customer will shop at their store again in the future. In other words, stores can retain customers. Furthermore, stores are encouraged to award points to customers who choose to deposit their change, as this encourages customers to do so.

[0024] POS terminal 5 issues paper receipts for transactions with customers who are not members of the electronic receipt service. The paper receipts issued by POS terminal 5 have transaction information and various information related to the customer's points printed on them.

[0025] Server device 6 functions as a store server that manages various store information. For example, server device 6 receives transaction information from each POS terminal 5, including product information and payment information such as payment method for items paid for during the accounting process. Server device 6 transmits the transaction information of electronic receipt members from the above transaction information to the electronic receipt server 2.

[0026] The server device 6 receives sales information from each POS terminal 5, showing the sales amount for a predetermined period (e.g., one day). The server device 6 centrally manages the transaction information, sales information, etc., received from each POS terminal 5 to perform sales management for a single store. Furthermore, the server device 6 periodically updates the product master, which stores information about the products sold by the store, and transmits it to each POS terminal 5.

[0027] Server device 6 retrieves the change amount for each transaction from POS terminal 5 and converts it into conversion points as needed. Server device 6 also manages various types of points awarded to member customers. For example, server device 6 manages the regular points, deposited points, and conversion points awarded to a customer for each transaction. Regular points and deposited points are retrieved from POS terminal 5, while conversion points are set in server device 6. Server device 6 also manages the points held by each customer, which are the sum of regular points, deposited points, and conversion points.

[0028] Next, the POS terminal 5 will be described in detail. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal 5. The POS terminal 5 includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 51, a display unit 52, an operation unit 53, a scanner 54, a card reader 55, a change dispenser 56, a printer 57, and a communication unit 58. The control unit 50, storage unit 51, display unit 52, operation unit 53, scanner 54, card reader 55, change dispenser 56, printer 57, and communication unit 58 are connected to each other via a bus 59, etc.

[0029] The control unit 50 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503. The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 are connected to each other via a bus 59.

[0030] The CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 5. The ROM 502 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 501. The RAM 503 is used as the work area for the CPU 501 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. The control unit 50 executes various control processes of the POS terminal 5 by having the CPU 501 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51 and loaded into the RAM 503.

[0031] The RAM 503 also includes a product information unit 5031. The product information unit 5031 stores product information (product code, product name, price, etc.) of the product identified by the product code read by the scanner 54. Product registration is performed when product information is registered (stored) in the product information unit 5031.

[0032] The storage unit 51 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 51 stores the control program 511, the product master 512, and the deposit and grant point setting table 513.

[0033] The control program 511 is a program that implements functions such as registering products based on product codes read by the scanner 54, processing accounting based on product information registered in the product information unit 5031, sending and receiving various information with the server device 6, and setting points to be awarded to customers in a single transaction.

[0034] The product master 512 is received from the server device 6. The product master 512 is a master file that stores product information such as product code, product name, and price for the products sold by the store. The POS terminal 5 receives and updates the product master 512 from the server device 6 at a predetermined time before opening each day, for example. The storage unit 51 may be configured not to store the product master 512. In this case, the POS terminal 5 can perform the same functions as a configuration that stores the product master 512 by communicating with the server device 6 and referring to the product master 612 (see Figure 5) stored in the server device 6.

[0035] The Deposit Points Award Setting Table 513 is a table that sets the deposit points awarded for the amount of change that customers do not receive in cash. The Deposit Points Award Setting Table 513 can be set arbitrarily by each store. Figure 3 shows the data structure of the Deposit Points Award Setting Table 513. The Deposit Points Award Setting Table 513 stores the change amount and the deposit points awarded in association.

[0036] The change amount is information indicating the amount of change given in a single transaction. The deposit points awarded are information indicating the deposit points awarded according to the change amount. For example, if a member customer does not receive change of 1 yen or more but less than 250 yen in cash, in other words, if the member customer deposits change of 1 yen or more but less than 250 yen, that member customer will be awarded 1 deposit point.

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, we will now describe the hardware configuration of POS terminal 5.

[0038] The display unit 52 is a display device and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 52 displays various information under the control of the control unit 50. For example, the display unit 52 displays product information of registered products, the total amount of a single transaction (transaction amount), etc. The display unit 52 also displays points awarded to the customer in a single transaction, etc.

[0039] The operation unit 53 is an input device and consists of a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 52, a keyboard provided separately from the display unit 52, and the like. The operation unit 53 inputs various information entered by the user operating the POS terminal 5 to the control unit 50. For example, the operation unit 53 inputs information to the control unit 50 indicating that the customer is depositing change in coins less than 1000 yen.

[0040] The scanner 54 reads the product code from a code symbol such as a barcode (hereinafter also referred to as "product barcode") attached to the product. Specifically, the scanner 54 recognizes the product barcode optically or by imaging. Then, the scanner 54 decodes the recognized product barcode and reads the product code indicated by the product barcode. The decoding of the product barcode recognized by the scanner 54 may be performed by the control unit 50. The scanner 54 also reads the store member's member ID and the electronic receipt service member ID from the barcode displayed on the customer terminal 3. The scanner 54 may be fixedly installed on the POS terminal 5, or it may be a handheld device that the user of the POS terminal 5 can pick up and operate.

[0041] The card reader 55 reads the store member ID from the customer's membership card. The card reader 55 also reads customer information necessary for credit card payment from the customer's credit card. The card reader 55 may be a magnetic card reader that reads information from magnetic cards, or an IC card reader that reads information from cards with a built-in IC chip.

[0042] The change dispenser 56 accepts the banknotes and coins paid by the customer when the customer pays for the purchase in cash, and dispenses change as needed. If information indicating that the customer is depositing change in coins less than 1,000 yen is entered into the operation unit 53, the change dispenser 56 will not dispense change in those coins.

[0043] The printer 57 prints a receipt at the end of each transaction. Under the control of the control unit 50, the printer 57 prints transaction information and various information related to customer points on the receipt.

[0044] The communication unit 58 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 6. The control unit 50 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 58, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0045] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the POS terminal 5 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the POS terminal 5. The control unit 50 functions as an input means 5001, a registration means 5002, a reception means 5003, a payment processing means 5004, a point setting means 5005, a display control means 5006, a receipt issuing means 5007, and a transmission / reception means 5008, with the CPU 501 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 502 and the memory unit 51. Note that each of these functions may be implemented using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0046] Various information is input to the input means 5001 from the scanner 54 or card reader 55. For example, the member ID of a store member or the member ID of an electronic receipt service member is input to the input means 5001 from the scanner 54 or card reader 55. In addition, the product code is input to the input means 5001 from the scanner 54.

[0047] The registration means 5002 performs product registration. Specifically, the registration means 5002 reads product information corresponding to the product code entered in the input means 5001 from the product master 512 and registers it in the product information unit 5031.

[0048] The reception means 5003 receives various information input to the operation unit 53. For example, the reception means 5003 receives information indicating that a customer will deposit change of less than 1,000 yen in a single transaction.

[0049] The settlement processing means 5004 performs settlement processing for a single transaction. Settlement processing is the process by which the customer completes payment for the purchase price. Based on the information registered in the product information unit 5031, the settlement processing means 5004 calculates the transaction amount and performs processing to complete cash payment, credit card payment, etc. When the customer makes a cash payment, the settlement processing means 5004 calculates the amount of change. The settlement processing means 5004 calculates the amount of change by subtracting the above transaction amount from the amount deposited into the change machine 56.

[0050] The point setting means 5005 sets various points to be awarded to the customer in a single transaction. Specifically, the point setting means 5005 calculates and sets the normal points based on the transaction amount of a single transaction. For example, the point setting means 5005 calculates the number of points as 1 percent of the transaction amount calculated by the settlement processing means 5004 and sets it as the normal points.

[0051] Furthermore, when a member customer deposits change of less than 1,000 yen, the point setting means 5005 refers to the deposit and award point setting table 513 and sets the deposit and award points. Specifically, the point setting means 5005 reads the deposit and award points corresponding to the amount of change calculated by the payment processing means 5004 from the deposit and award point setting table 513 and sets them.

[0052] The display control means 5006 causes the display unit 52 to display various information. For example, the display control means 5006 displays product information of registered products and the transaction amount of a single transaction on the display unit 52. The display control means 5006 also displays the points set by the point setting means 5005 on the display unit 52.

[0053] The receipt issuing means 5007 generates receipt data and transmits the receipt data to the printer 57, causing the printer 57 to issue a receipt. The receipt issuing means 5007 generates receipt data showing transaction information for a single transaction, including various points set by the point setting means 5005, and outputs it to the printer 57. The above receipt data is in a data format that the printer 57 can print.

[0054] The transmitting and receiving means 5008 transmits and receives various information with the server device 6. For example, the transmitting and receiving means 5008 transmits transaction information for a single transaction, including various points set by the point setting means 5005, to the server device 6. When a member customer deposits change in small coins of less than 1,000 yen, the transmitting and receiving means 5008 transmits the amount of change and information that the amount of change will be converted into points (hereinafter, both of which are also referred to as the "converted change amount") to the server device 6.

[0055] If the customer conducting the transaction is a member of the electronic receipt service, the transmitting / receiving means 5008 transmits the receipt data generated by the receipt issuing means 5007 to the server device 6. The server device 6 transmits the received receipt data to the electronic receipt server 2. The transmitting / receiving means 5008 also receives the current points held by the member customer conducting the transaction (total points of regular points, deposited points, and converted points) from the server device 6.

[0056] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving means 5008 transmits a POS terminal ID that identifies itself when transmitting information to the server device 6. This allows the server device 6 to identify the POS terminal 5 that is the source of the information and send a response to the received information to that POS terminal 5.

[0057] Next, the server device 6 will be described in detail. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 6. The server device 6 comprises a control unit 60, a storage unit 61, a display unit 62, an operation unit 63, and a communication unit 64. The control unit 60, storage unit 61, display unit 62, operation unit 63, and communication unit 64 are connected to each other via a bus 65, etc.

[0058] The control unit 60 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603. The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are connected to each other via a bus 65.

[0059] The CPU 601 comprehensively controls all parts of the server device 6. The ROM 602 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 601. The RAM 603 is used as the work area for the CPU 601 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61. The control unit 60 executes various control processes of the server device 6 by having the CPU 601 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 602 and the memory unit 61 and loaded into the RAM 603.

[0060] The storage unit 61 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 61 stores the control program 611, the product master 612, the transaction information management table 613, and the point management table 614.

[0061] The control program 611 is a program that implements functions such as obtaining various points and change amounts for a single transaction from the POS terminal 5, converting the change amount obtained from the POS terminal 5 into points, and managing various points.

[0062] Product master 612 is the same as product master 512 stored in POS terminal 5, so redundant explanations will be omitted. Since the products handled in the store change daily, product master 612 is updated as needed and transmitted to each POS terminal 5.

[0063] The transaction information management table 613 is a table that manages transaction information for each member customer. The transaction information management table 613 is updated each time a member customer makes a transaction based on the information obtained from the POS terminal 5. Transactions of customers other than store members are managed separately by the server device 6. Figure 6 shows the data structure of the transaction information management table 613. The transaction information management table 613 stores the electronic receipt member ID, transaction ID, transaction date and time, transaction amount, product code, regular points, points awarded and held, and converted points, associated with the member ID.

[0064] The Member ID is information that identifies a store member. The Electronic Receipt Member ID is information that identifies a member of the electronic receipt service. Among store members, only customers who are also members of the electronic receipt service will have their Electronic Receipt Member ID registered in association with their Member ID.

[0065] The transaction ID is information that identifies a transaction. The transaction date and time indicates the date and time when the accounting process was completed at POS terminal 5 for the transaction. The transaction amount is the amount of the transaction, i.e., the total amount of the goods purchased by the customer. The transaction amount field is registered in a way that allows recognition of the base price of the goods and the amount of consumption tax. The product code is information that identifies a product. If multiple products are purchased in a single transaction, multiple product codes will be registered in the product code field.

[0066] Regular points are the regular points awarded to the customer in a single transaction. Deposit points are the deposit points awarded to the customer in a single transaction. Converted points are the converted points awarded to the customer in a single transaction. Converted points are the points converted by the control unit 60 from the amount of change received from the POS terminal 5.

[0067] The points management table 614 is a table that manages the total points held by each member customer, which is the sum of various points held by that member customer. The points management table 614 is updated when a member customer uses points to purchase a product, or when a member customer purchases a product and various points are awarded. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the points management table 614. The points management table 614 stores the member ID and the points held in association.

[0068] As mentioned above, the Member ID is information that identifies a store member. The points held are the points currently held by the customer identified by the Member ID, and represent the total of regular points, deposited points, and converted points.

[0069] Returning to Figure 5, the hardware configuration of server device 6 will be explained.

[0070] The display unit 62 is a display device and is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 62 displays various information under the control of the control unit 60. For example, the display unit 62 displays an input screen for entering information into the product master 612, etc.

[0071] The operation unit 63 is an input device and consists of a touch panel, mouse, etc., provided on the surface of the display unit 62. The operation unit 63 inputs information entered by the user operating the server device 6 to the control unit 60.

[0072] The communication unit 64 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the electronic receipt server 2 and the POS terminal 5. The control unit 60 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 64, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0073] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the server device 6 will be described. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 60 of the server device 6. The control unit 60 functions as a transmitting / receiving means 6001, a conversion means 6002, an information management means 6003, and an aggregation means 6004, with the CPU 601 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 602 and the storage unit 61. Note that each of these functions may be implemented using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0074] The transmitting and receiving means 6001 transmits and receives various information with the electronic receipt server 2 and the POS terminal 5. For example, the transmitting and receiving means 6001 receives transaction information related to a single transaction from the POS terminal 5. The transaction information includes the regular points and deposited points set by the POS terminal 5 for a single transaction. The transmitting and receiving means 6001 functions as a point acquisition means that acquires points that have monetary value and are awarded to customers who purchased goods in a single transaction.

[0075] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving means 6001 receives the converted change amount from the POS terminal 5 in transactions where a member customer has decided to deposit change of less than 1,000 yen instead of receiving it in cash. The transmitting / receiving means 6001 also functions as a change amount acquisition means to acquire the amount of change generated in a single transaction.

[0076] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means 6004 to the electronic receipt server 2 or POS terminal 5. The cumulative points are the total of the points awarded and deposited by a single customer during a predetermined period. The transmitting / receiving means 6001 also functions as an output means that outputs the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means 6004.

[0077] The conversion means 6002 converts the converted change amount acquired by the change amount acquisition means (transmitting / receiving means 6001) into points. Specifically, the conversion means 6002 converts the converted change amount received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 into points having the same monetary value as the converted change amount. As described above, in this embodiment, 1 point is defined as having a monetary value of 1 yen, so for example, if the converted change amount received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 is 100 yen, the conversion means 6002 converts the converted change amount into 100 points.

[0078] The information management means 6003 manages various types of information. Here, managing information means storing information in the memory unit 41 or reading information from the memory unit 41. For example, the information management means 6003 reads information from the transaction information management table 613 and the point management table 614 as needed. The information management means 6003 calculates the current points held by a member and updates the point management table 614.

[0079] The information management means 6003 stores the regular points and deposited points received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 in the transaction information management table 613. The information management means 6003 also stores the converted points converted by the conversion means 6002 in the transaction information management table 613. The information management means 6003 functions as a point management means that manages the points acquired by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 and the points converted by the conversion means 6002 for each customer.

[0080] The aggregation means 6004 aggregates the cumulative points of deposited and awarded for each customer. For example, when the transmission / reception means 6001 receives a cumulative points request from the electronic receipt server 2, the aggregation means 6004 aggregates the deposited and awarded points for the member ID included in the cumulative points request. Specifically, the aggregation means 6004 extracts and aggregates (adds) the past deposited and awarded points for the corresponding member ID from the transaction information management table 613. The aggregation means 6004 may aggregate all past deposited points for the corresponding member ID, or it may aggregate points for a predetermined period, for example, the most recent month.

[0081] Next, we will explain the accounting process performed by the POS terminal 5 with the above configuration. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of accounting processing by the control unit 50 of the POS terminal 5. Accounting processing is performed when a customer pays for the goods they purchase.

[0082] The control unit 50 determines whether the receiving means 5003 has received a transaction start input from the operation unit 53 (step S1). If it has not received the input (step S1, N), it returns to the process of step S1 and waits. When the receiving means 5003 has received a transaction start input from the operation unit 53 (step S1, Y), the control unit 50 determines whether a product code has been entered into the input means 5001 (step S2).

[0083] When a product code is entered into the input means 5001 (Y in step S2), the registration means 5002 registers the product (step S3). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving means 5003 has received the payment instruction (step S4). If it has not received the instruction (N in step S4), it returns to the process in step S2. If no product code is entered into the input means 5001 (N in step S2), the control unit 50 skips the process in step S3 and proceeds to the process in step S4.

[0084] When the receiving means 5003 receives a payment instruction (Y in step S4), the payment processing means 5004 calculates the transaction amount (step S5). Specifically, the payment processing means 5004 calculates the total price of the products registered in the product information unit 5031 and the consumption tax. Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the store member's member ID has been entered into the input means 5001 (step S6). The control unit 50 determines whether or not the store member's member ID has been entered into the input means 5001 since the transaction start input was made.

[0085] If the store member's member ID is entered in the input means 5001 (Y in step S6), the point setting means 5005 sets the normal points (step S7). Specifically, the point setting means 5005 calculates the number of points as 1 percent of the transaction amount and sets it as the normal points. The transaction amount used to calculate the normal points may or may not include consumption tax.

[0086] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the receiving means 5003 has received information that the customer will make a cash payment (step S8). If the receiving means 5003 has received information that the customer will use their points, the transmitting / receiving means 5008 obtains the customer's points from the server device 6. The settlement processing means 5004 then subtracts the points the customer will use from the transaction amount. In the following explanation, the amount obtained by subtracting the points the customer will use from the transaction amount will also be referred to as the transaction amount.

[0087] When the receiving means 5003 receives information that the customer will make a cash payment (Y in step S8), the payment processing means 5004 calculates the amount of change (step S9). The payment processing means 5004 calculates the amount of change by subtracting the transaction amount from the amount deposited into the change machine 56.

[0088] The control unit 50 determines whether the receiving means 5003 has received a change deposit input indicating that the customer will deposit the change instead of receiving it in cash (step S10). If the receiving means 5003 has received the change deposit input (Y in step S10), the point setting means 5005 sets the deposit-grant points (step S11). Specifically, the point setting means 5005 refers to the deposit-grant point setting table 513 and reads the deposit-grant points corresponding to the amount of change generated in the transaction.

[0089] The transmitting / receiving means 5008 transmits transaction information to the server device 6 (step S12). The transaction information includes the normal points set by the point setting means 5005, the points awarded in deposit, the total points of normal points and deposited points, and the change amount (converted change amount) calculated by the settlement processing means 5004. The point setting means 5005 may also convert the converted change amount into points, in which case the total points will include the converted points converted by the point setting means 5005.

[0090] The transmitting / receiving means 5008 obtains the cumulative deposit points from the server device 6 (step S13). For example, when transmitting transaction information, the transmitting / receiving means 5008 also sends a request for cumulative deposit points to the server device 6 and receives the cumulative deposit points that the server device 6 sends in response to the request. Alternatively, the transmitting / receiving means 5008 may also receive the cumulative deposit points that the server device 6 automatically sends in response to the receipt of transaction information.

[0091] The transmitting / receiving means 5008 obtains the current points held by the customer who made the transaction from the server device 6 (step S14). Next, the receipt issuing means 5007 causes the printer 57 to issue a receipt (step S15). At this time, if the customer is a member of the electronic receipt service, the receipt issuing means 5007 outputs an instruction to the electronic receipt server 2 to issue an electronic receipt via the transmitting / receiving means 5008. Then, the control unit 50 completes the accounting process.

[0092] In the process of step S6, if no member ID is entered (N in step S6), that is, if the customer is not a store member, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the receiving means 5003 has received information that the customer will make a cash payment (step S16).

[0093] When the receiving means 5003 receives information that the customer will pay in cash (Y in step S16), the payment processing means 5004 calculates the amount of change in the same manner as in step S9 (step S17). The payment processing means 5004 outputs a dispensing instruction for the calculated amount of change to the change dispenser 56 (step S18), and the control unit 50 then proceeds to the processing in step S15.

[0094] In step S16, if the receiving means 5003 does not receive information that the customer intends to make a cash payment (N in step S16), the payment processing means 5004 executes cashless payment processing (step S19). Cashless payment processing is the process of completing payment using payment methods such as credit card payment, electronic money payment, and secondary code payment. The payment processing means 5004 communicates with a payment server (not shown) that performs various payments and completes payment using the payment method desired by the customer. Then, the control unit 50 proceeds to the processing in step S15.

[0095] In the process of step S8, if the receiving means 5003 does not receive information that the customer will make a cash payment (N in step S8), the payment processing means 5004 performs cashless payment processing in the same manner as in step S16 (step S20). Then, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S22.

[0096] In the process of step S10, if the receiving means 5003 does not accept the change deposit input (N in step S10), the settlement processing means 5004 outputs a payout instruction for the calculated change amount to the change dispenser 56 (step S21). The transmitting and receiving means 5008 transmits transaction information to the server device 6 (step S22). The transaction information includes the normal points set by the point setting means 5005. Then, the control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S14.

[0097] Through the above accounting process, the POS terminal 5 can complete the settlement related to the transaction and set the points to be awarded to the customer.

[0098] Next, we will explain the point management process performed by the server device 6. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the point management process performed by the control unit 60 of the server device 6. The point management process is the process of managing customer points based on transaction information received from the POS terminal 5.

[0099] The control unit 60 determines whether the transmitting / receiving means 6001 has received transaction information from the POS terminal 5 (step S31). If it has not received it (N in step S31), it returns to the process in step S31 and waits. When the transmitting / receiving means 6001 has received transaction information from the POS terminal 5 (Y in step S31), the conversion means 6002 determines whether the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 includes the amount of change to be converted (step S32).

[0100] If the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 includes the amount of change to be converted (Y in step S32), the conversion means 6002 converts the amount of change into conversion points (step S33). The aggregation means 6004 adds up the conversion points converted by the conversion means 6002 and the normal points and deposited points included in the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 (step S34).

[0101] Furthermore, the aggregation means 6004 aggregates the cumulative points awarded (step S35). Specifically, the aggregation means 6004 adds up the points awarded to customers registered in the transaction information management table 613 and the points awarded to customers received by the sending / receiving means 6001.

[0102] The transmitting / receiving means 6001 transmits the cumulative points awarded for deposits, which have been aggregated by the aggregation means 6004, to the POS terminal 5 (step S36). This allows the POS terminal 5 to display the cumulative points awarded for deposits on the receipt it issues. As a result, the store can appeal to customers about the benefits of converting change into points.

[0103] Next, the information management means 6003 updates the transaction information management table 613 and the point management table 614 based on the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 (step S37). Specifically, the information management means 6003 registers the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 and the converted points converted by the conversion means 6002 in the transaction information management table 613. The information management means 6003 also updates the point management table 614 by adding the points totaled by the processing in step S34 to the customer's points. Then, the control unit 60 terminates the point management process.

[0104] In step S32, if the transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 does not include the amount of change (N in step S32), the control unit 60 skips steps S33 to S36 and proceeds to step S37. In this case, in step S37, only the data related to normal points received by the transmitting / receiving means 6001 is updated.

[0105] Next, we will describe the receipt issued by the POS terminal 5 through its accounting process. Figure 11 shows a paper receipt issued by the POS terminal 5. The paper receipt has a header section 71, a purchase information section 72, a points information section 73, and a member information section 74.

[0106] The header section 71 prints the store name, transaction date and time, and the number of the POS terminal 5 that performed the accounting process. The purchase information section 72 prints the product name and price of the items purchased by the customer, the subtotal, tax amount, total amount, amount received from the customer, and the amount of change to be converted into points (current deposit).

[0107] The points information section 73 prints the points held at the time of the transaction, the total points awarded to date, and other information. The member information section 74 prints the member ID of the store member. The electronic receipt displayed on the customer terminal 3 displays the same information as printed on a paper receipt.

[0108] Figure 12 shows the receipt list screen displayed by the customer terminal 3. The receipt list screen displays the information that the electronic receipt server 2 has sent to the customer terminal 3 in response to the receipt list request from the customer terminal 3. The receipt list screen includes a receipt information section 31 and a points information section 32.

[0109] The receipt information section 31 displays a list of receipt information for a predetermined period. The receipt information includes the transaction date and time, store name, and transaction amount. The receipt information section 31 can be scrolled vertically to display all receipt information for the predetermined period. The points information section 32 displays the same information as the points information section 73 of a paper receipt, namely the points held at the time of the transaction and the cumulative points awarded to date.

[0110] By displaying the accumulated points on the paper receipt issued by the POS terminal 5, and on the electronic receipt and receipt list information issued by the electronic receipt server 2, customers can recognize the benefit of converting their change into points.

[0111] As described above, the server device 6 of the embodiment includes a point acquisition means (transmitting / receiving means 6001) that acquires points which have monetary value and are awarded to customers who purchase goods in a single transaction, a change amount acquisition means (transmitting / receiving means 6001) that acquires the amount of change generated in the single transaction, a conversion means 6002 that converts the amount of change acquired by the change amount acquisition means into points, and a point management means (information management means 6003) that aggregates the points acquired by the point acquisition means and the points converted by the conversion means 6002 and manages them for each customer.

[0112] This allows the server device 6 to manage the amount of change that customers did not receive in cash as points. Therefore, the server device 6 can manage the above change amount together with other points that the store awards to customers, making it easier for the store to manage change and points generated in transactions.

[0113] Furthermore, the information processing device comprising the POS terminal 5 and server device 6 of the embodiment further includes a point setting means 5005 for setting the points to be awarded to a customer in a single transaction.

[0114] This makes it easy for the information processing device to set various types of points, such as regular points, deposited points, and converted points.

[0115] Furthermore, the information processing device, consisting of the POS terminal 5 and server device 6 of the embodiment, has a point setting means 5005 that sets the deposit points to be awarded when a customer converts their change into points instead of receiving it in cash.

[0116] This allows the information processing device to facilitate the conversion of change amounts into redemption points by customers. Therefore, the information processing device can enable stores to retain customers.

[0117] In addition, the information processing device consisting of the POS terminal 5 and server device 6 of the embodiment has a point setting means 5005 that sets the deposit and award points according to the amount of change to be converted into points.

[0118] This allows the information processing device to increase the amount of change that customers convert into conversion points. Therefore, the information processing device can better facilitate customer retention by the store.

[0119] Furthermore, the information processing device comprising the POS terminal 5 and server device 6 of the embodiment further includes an aggregation means 6004 for aggregating the cumulative points of points awarded to each customer, and an output means (transmitting / receiving means 6001) for outputting the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means 6004.

[0120] This allows the information processing device to highlight the benefits customers gain from converting their change into conversion points. Therefore, the information processing device can more effectively encourage customers to convert their change into conversion points.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by each device, such as the POS terminal 5 and the server device 6, may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device in the above embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0122] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 5. POS terminal (information processing device) 6. Server equipment (information processing equipment) 5005 Point setting method 6001 Transmission and reception means (point acquisition means, change amount acquisition means, output means) 6002 Conversion means 6003 Information management means (point management means) 6004 Aggregation method [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0124] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-248867

Claims

1. A means of acquiring points that have monetary value and are awarded to customers who purchase goods in a single transaction, A means for obtaining the amount of change generated in the aforementioned transaction, The change amount acquisition means converts the change amount acquired by the change amount acquisition means into points, A point management means that manages the points acquired by the point acquisition means and the points converted by the conversion means for each customer, A means for aggregating the cumulative points of points awarded to each customer when the customer converts the aforementioned change amount into points instead of receiving it in cash, The output means outputs the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes a point setting means for setting the points to be awarded to the customer in a single transaction. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The point setting means sets the deposit and awarded points. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The point setting means sets the deposit points according to the amount of change to be converted into points. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. A program for controlling an information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device A means of acquiring points that have monetary value and are awarded to customers who purchase goods in a single transaction, A means for obtaining the amount of change generated in the aforementioned transaction, The change amount acquisition means converts the change amount acquired by the change amount acquisition means into points, A point management means that manages the points acquired by the point acquisition means and the points converted by the conversion means for each customer, A means for aggregating the cumulative points of points awarded to each customer when the customer converts the aforementioned change amount into points instead of receiving it in cash, The output means outputs the cumulative points aggregated by the aggregation means, A program that makes it function as such.

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