Accounting device and program

Abstract

To provide an accounting device and a program capable of facilitating the operation of an operator.SOLUTION: An accounting device of an embodiment includes: accounting processing part which executes the account processing related to the transaction of a commodity; an input part which inputs the customer identification information for identifying a customer who performs the transaction; an acquisition part for acquiring a member type of the customer identified by the customer identification information inputted to the input part; and a display control part which displays a different screen on a display part according to the member type acquired by the acquisition part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accounting device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, stores that sell goods and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods") have been implementing services that provide benefits to customers who have registered as members in order to surround customers. For example, stores are offering services such as giving points at a predetermined ratio to the purchase amount to members.

[0003] In recent years, in order to execute promotions according to the characteristics of customers, the number of companies and stores (hereinafter also collectively referred to as "stores") that adopt multiple types of membership systems with different services has been increasing. Stores are setting up card members who possess a card with a member ID according to the customer's request, and app members who have installed a membership application program on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0004] When adopting multiple types of membership systems with different services in this way, the operation of the accounting device may differ depending on the customer who purchases the goods. For example, when coupons are distributed only to app members, coupon information may need to be input when the customer is an app member. For this reason, there has been a problem that the operation of the operator (store clerk or customer) who operates the accounting device is complicated.

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 accounting device and a program that can facilitate the operation of the operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The accounting device of the embodiment includes an accounting processing unit that performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods, an input unit into which customer identification information that identifies the customer performing the transaction is input, an acquisition unit that acquires the membership type of the customer identified by the customer identification information input into the input unit, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display different screens according to the membership type acquired by the acquisition unit. A scanner that reads one of the following from a code symbol shown on a medium: customer identification information, coupon identification information that identifies a coupon, and product identification information of the product to be purchased, and outputs it to the input unit. The display control unit is equipped with, If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the customer identification information, and the scanner is scanning the coupon identification information, the display of the screen will be maintained. If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the customer identification information, and the scanner is scanning the product identification information, the display unit will display error information. ru. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the store system according to the 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 product master stored in the memory unit of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the identification information management table stored in the memory unit of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the member type management table stored in the memory unit of the POS terminal of this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the member master stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the data structure of the coupon management file stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the transaction processing flow by the control unit of the POS terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows the member ID input guidance screen displayed by the display unit of the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows the coupon ID input guidance screen displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the member type selection process by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes the accounting device and program of the embodiment with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiment described below describes an example in which a self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal in which the customer performs operations related to product registration and accounting is used as the accounting device, but is not limited to this. The accounting device may be a POS terminal in which a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and accounting, a semi-self-service POS accounting device in which a store clerk performs operations related to product registration using a registration device and the customer performs operations related to accounting using an accounting device, or an accounting device in which the customer uses a smartphone or tablet terminal to obtain registered product information and perform accounting.

[0009] Furthermore, the embodiments described below will explain an example where the membership type is defined as the type of membership system, but the invention is not limited to this. The membership type may also be defined as the type of membership rank assigned to members of the same membership system.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the store system 1 of this embodiment. The store system 1 of this embodiment is applicable to specialty stores that mainly sell products of a specific genre, such as apparel, or to mass retailers such as supermarkets. The store system 1 has a plurality of POS terminals 2 and a server device 3. Each POS terminal 2 and the server device 3 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0011] POS terminal 2 is a self-service POS terminal where customers perform operations related to product registration and accounting. POS terminal 2 registers products by reading the product codes of the products purchased by the customer through the customer's own operation and storing the product information obtained based on the read product codes. POS terminal 2 also performs accounting based on the registered product information.

[0012] Accounting is the process for customers to make payments, and includes calculation, settlement, and receipt issuance. Calculation involves calculating the transaction amount. Settlement involves completing the payment of the transaction amount calculated in the calculation process, and includes calculating and dispensing change in the case of cash payments, and communicating with the settlement server in the case of cashless payments. Receipt issuance is the process of issuing paper or electronic receipts. POS terminal 2 is an example of an accounting device.

[0013] POS terminal 2 displays various screens to guide the operator during the accounting process. POS terminal 2 also receives the customer's member ID and obtains the customer's membership type, or in other words, the type of membership program the customer uses, based on that member ID. POS terminal 2 may obtain the membership type from server device 3 based on the received member ID, or it may obtain the membership type from a medium such as a card on which the member ID is stored. POS terminal 2 displays different screens to guide the operator depending on the customer's membership type obtained.

[0014] Furthermore, POS terminal 2 transmits transaction data for completed transactions to server device 3. The transaction data includes the date and time of the transaction, transaction number, transaction amount, product information of the purchased items, the customer's member ID, and the coupon ID of any coupons used in the transaction.

[0015] Here, a coupon is a medium on which coupon information for a customer to obtain a privilege is shown. For example, there are paper coupons with coupon information printed thereon, digital coupons with coupon information displayed on a customer's terminal, and the like. Also, a coupon ID is information for specifying a coupon. Privileges that a user can obtain with a coupon include a discount in which a certain amount is deducted from the selling price, a discount in which an amount of a certain percentage is deducted from the selling price (hereinafter also collectively referred to as a "discount"), receiving freebies such as small gifts or goods, receiving points having a monetary value, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the privilege that a user can obtain with a coupon is a discount.

[0016] The server device 3 receives and manages transaction data settled in accounting processing from the POS terminal 2. The server device 3 also manages the usage status of coupons issued by itself based on the transaction data and the like received from the POS terminal 2. Further, the server device 3 appropriately updates a product master storing product information of products handled in the store and transmits it to each POS terminal 2.

[0017] Next, the POS terminal 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a scanner 24, a printer 25, a card reader 26, a change dispenser 27, and a communication unit 28. The control unit 20, the storage unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, the scanner 24, the printer 25, the card reader 26, the change dispenser 27, and the communication unit 28 are connected to each other via a bus 29 or the like.

[0018] The control unit 20 has a computer configuration including a CPU 201 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 29.

[0019] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the POS terminal 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the POS terminal 2 by having the CPU 201 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0020] The RAM 203 also includes a product information unit 2031 and a membership type information unit 2032. The product information unit 2031 stores product information for products purchased by the customer. The product information stored in the product information unit 2031 is read from the storage unit 21 based on, for example, the product code read by the scanner 24 from the code symbol attached to the product. The process of storing (registering) product information in the product information unit 2031 is also called product registration.

[0021] The Member Type Information Unit 2032 stores the customer's membership type, etc., if the customer is a member. In this embodiment, the Member Type Information Unit 2032 stores information indicating whether the customer is a card member, an app member, or a member without coupons. In the following description, card members, app members, and members without coupons may be collectively referred to as "member types, etc."

[0022] Cardholders are customers who possess a membership card with a member ID and can earn points based on the purchase amount when purchasing goods. Points have monetary value that can be used for future purchases at the store and are a benefit granted by the store to cardholders. App members are customers who own a smartphone with the member application program installed and can earn the points mentioned above, as well as receive digital coupons (hereinafter simply referred to as "coupons"). Coupon-less members are app members who do not possess any coupons that can be used by using all of the coupons that have been issued.

[0023] The member type information stored in the member type information unit 2032 is obtained from the server device 3 based on the member ID read by the scanner 24 from the code symbol displayed on the customer's mobile terminal at the start of a transaction. Alternatively, the member type stored in the member type information unit 2032 is obtained from the server device 3 based on the member ID read by the card reader 26 from the customer's membership card at the start of a transaction.

[0024] The storage unit 21 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 21 stores the control program 211, the product master 212, the identification information management table 213, and the member type management table 214.

[0025] The control program 211 includes a program for registering products based on product codes read by the scanner 24, a program for performing accounting processing for a single transaction based on information stored in the product information unit 2031, a program for controlling the display on the display unit 22 based on information stored in the membership type information unit 2032, and a program for sending and receiving various information with the server device 3.

[0026] The product master 212 is a master file that stores product information for items sold by the store. It is transmitted from the server device 3 and stored in the storage unit 21. Since the products handled by the store change daily, the product master 212 is updated as needed. Figure 3 shows the data structure of the product master 212. The product master 212 stores product information associated with product codes. The stored product information includes product name, price, image, etc.

[0027] The product code is product identification information that identifies the product. The product name is the name of the product. The price is the price of the product. The amount registered as the price may be the price including tax or the price excluding tax. The image is image data that shows the appearance of the product.

[0028] The identification information management table 213 is a table that manages flags set to recognize what the barcode being read by the scanner 24 represents. The identification information management table 213 is arbitrarily set according to the store's operation, and more specifically, the type of information represented by the barcode read by the scanner 24. Figure 4 shows the data structure of the identification information management table 213. The identification information management table 213 stores barcode flags in association with information types.

[0029] The barcode flag is a flag set at the end of various barcodes that are read by scanner 24. These various barcodes include barcodes showing member IDs displayed on the customer's mobile device (hereinafter also referred to as "member barcodes"), barcodes showing coupon IDs displayed on the customer's mobile device (hereinafter also referred to as "coupon barcodes"), and barcodes attached to products (hereinafter also referred to as "product barcodes"). Note that the mobile device showing the member barcode or coupon barcode, and the product showing the product barcode, are examples of media that show the code symbol. All member barcodes end with flag "1", all coupon barcodes end with flag "2", and all product barcodes end with flag "3". The information type is the type of information that the barcode indicates.

[0030] This allows the POS terminal 2 to recognize whether the barcode recognized by the scanner 24 represents a member ID, a coupon ID, or a product code. Therefore, for example, when the display unit 22 is a screen guiding the user to enter a member barcode, in other words, when a product barcode or coupon barcode is recognized at the time when a member barcode should be entered, the POS terminal 2 can display the appropriate barcode type.

[0031] Note that the information registered in the identification information management table 213 is not limited to the example shown. For example, the identification information management table 213 may also contain information such as a barcode indicating the employee ID (employee identification information) entered when an employee operates the POS terminal 2.

[0032] The Member Type Management Table 214 is a table for setting specific member types. The Member Type Management Table 214 can be arbitrarily configured depending on the store's operation, and more specifically, which member types the store sets as specific member types. In this embodiment, app members who receive coupons are set as specific member types. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the Member Type Management Table 214. The Member Type Management Table 214 stores member types and other information in association with specific member type flags.

[0033] Membership types refer to the types of membership programs adopted by the store. In this embodiment, membership types are card members, app members, and members without coupons. The specific membership type flag indicates whether the corresponding membership type is a specific membership type. In this embodiment, information indicating that card members and members without coupons are not specific membership types is registered, while information indicating that app members are specific membership types is registered. App members are an example of specific membership types.

[0034] Here, the product master 212, the identification information management table 213, and the member type management table 214 may be stored in an external device such as a server device 3 instead of the storage unit 21. In this case, the POS terminal 2 can perform the same processing as when the product master 212, the identification information management table 213, and the member type management table 214 are stored in the storage unit 21 by referring to the product master, the identification information management table, and the member identification management table stored in the external device.

[0035] Returning to Figure 2, let's explain the hardware configuration of POS terminal 2.

[0036] The display unit 22 is a display device and consists of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 22 displays various information under the control of the control unit 20. For example, the display unit 22 displays product information of registered products and transaction amounts (total amount for one transaction). The display unit 22 also displays a guidance screen that guides the operator in entering various information.

[0037] The operation unit 23 is an input device and consists of a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, a keyboard provided separately from the display unit 22, and the like. The operation unit 23 inputs various information entered by the operator to the control unit 20. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs a transaction start input to the control unit 20 to instruct the start of accounting processing.

[0038] The scanner 24 reads information from various code symbols displayed on the medium. For example, the scanner 24 reads a product code from a product barcode attached to a product. The scanner 24 also reads a member ID from a member barcode displayed on an app member's mobile device. Furthermore, the scanner 24 reads a coupon ID from a coupon barcode displayed on an app member's mobile device. The scanner 24 may be permanently installed on the POS terminal 2, or it may be a handheld device that an operator can hold and operate.

[0039] The printer 25 prints and issues a receipt for a single transaction under the control of the control unit 20. The printer 25 prints transaction information, including the transaction amount, and various messages on the receipt. The printer 25 may also print the membership type on the receipt.

[0040] The card reader 26 reads information from various types of cards. For example, the card reader 26 reads customer information necessary for credit card payment from a customer's credit card. The card reader 26 also reads the member ID from a membership card owned by a cardholder. The card reader 26 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.

[0041] The change dispenser 27 accepts the banknotes and coins paid by the customer when the customer pays for the purchase in cash, and dispenses change as needed.

[0042] The communication unit 28 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the server device 3. The control unit 20 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 28, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0043] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the POS terminal 2 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the POS terminal 2. The control unit 20 functions as a transmit / receive unit 2001, an input unit 2002, a registration unit 2003, an accounting processing unit 2004, a determination unit 2005, and a display control unit 2006, with the CPU 201 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0044] The transmitting / receiving unit 2001 transmits and receives various information to and from external devices such as the server device 3. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 transmits the member ID entered in the input unit 2002 to the server device 3. The transmitting / receiving unit 2001 then receives the member type of the member identified by the transmitted member ID from the server device 3. The transmitting / receiving unit 2001 also functions as an acquisition unit that obtains the member type of the customer identified by the customer identification information entered in the input unit 2002.

[0045] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 may only receive the membership type, in other words, only information indicating whether the member is an app member or a card member. In this case, the server device 3 does not need to determine whether or not the app member possesses a coupon. The transmitting / receiving unit 2001 also receives information indicating the benefits of the coupon identified by the coupon ID entered in the input unit 2002. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 receives the discount amount as information indicating the benefits of the coupon.

[0046] The input unit 2002 receives customer identification information to identify the customer conducting the transaction. Specifically, the input unit 2002 receives the member ID of the app member from the scanner 24 and the member ID of the card member from the card reader 26. In addition, the input unit 2002 receives coupon IDs and product codes from the scanner 24. Furthermore, the input unit 2002 receives transaction start inputs and other information from the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of the accounting process. The input unit 2002 also receives barcode flags from the scanner 24.

[0047] The registration unit 2003 performs product registration. Specifically, the registration unit 2003 reads product information corresponding to the product code entered in the input unit 2002 from the product master 212 and registers (stores) it in the product information unit 2031. In addition, the registration unit 2003 registers the member type, etc., received by the transmission / reception unit 2001 from the server device 3 in the member type information unit 2032.

[0048] The accounting processing unit 2004 performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods. Specifically, the accounting processing unit 2004 calculates the transaction amount for a single transaction based on the information stored in the product information unit 2031. The accounting processing unit 2004 then performs settlement processing to complete the payment of the calculated transaction amount. If the customer pays with cash, the accounting processing unit 2004 calculates the change by subtracting the transaction amount from the amount inserted into the change dispenser 27 and dispenses the calculated change from the change dispenser 27. If the customer pays using cashless payment, the accounting processing unit 2004 communicates with the settlement server via the transmitting / receiving unit 2001. Once the settlement of the transaction is complete, the accounting processing unit 2004 controls the printer 25 to issue a receipt.

[0049] The determination unit 2005 determines whether the member type, etc., received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is a specific member type. Specifically, the determination unit 2005 refers to the member type management table 214 and determines whether information indicating that the member type is a specific member type is registered in the specific member type flag corresponding to the member type, etc., received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001.

[0050] The determination unit 2005 determines what information the barcode recognized by the scanner 24 represents, based on the code flags entered into the input unit 2002. Specifically, the determination unit 2005 refers to the identification information management table 213 and extracts the information type corresponding to the barcode flags entered into the input unit 2002.

[0051] The display control unit 2006 causes the display unit 22 to display various information. For example, the display control unit 2006 displays product information of registered products and the transaction amount of a single transaction on the display unit 22. The display control unit 2006 also displays a guidance screen on the display unit 22 to guide the operator in entering various information.

[0052] The display control unit 2006 displays different screens on the display unit 22 depending on the member type, etc., received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001. For example, if the member type, etc., received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is an app member, the display control unit 2006 displays a screen guiding the user to enter a coupon ID. If the member type, etc., received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is a card member or a member without a coupon, the display control unit 2006 displays a payment method selection screen, etc., without displaying a screen guiding the user to enter a coupon ID.

[0053] Next, the server device 3 will be described in detail. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 3. The server device 3 comprises a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, and a communication unit 34. The control unit 30, storage unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, and communication unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35, etc.

[0054] The control unit 30 has a computer configuration consisting of a CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303. The CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 35.

[0055] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the server device 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 301. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes for the server device 3 by having the CPU 301 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and loaded into the RAM 303.

[0056] The storage unit 31 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 31 stores the control program 311, the member master 312, the coupon management file 313, and the product master 314.

[0057] The control program 311 includes a program for acquiring transaction data from the POS terminal 2, a program for managing the usage status of coupons based on the acquired transaction data, and a program for selecting the membership type, etc., corresponding to the member ID received from the POS terminal 2 and sending it to the POS terminal 2.

[0058] The Member Master 312 is a master file that stores information about store members, i.e., customer information. Figure 8 shows the data structure of the Member Master 312. The Member Master 312 stores the name, gender, age, notification address, and membership type, associated with the Member ID. The notification address is, for example, the email address of the member's mobile device. The membership type is information indicating whether the member is a card member or an app member.

[0059] The coupon management file 313 is a file that manages information about coupons issued to app members. The coupon management file 313 is updated based on coupon information contained in the transaction data received from the POS terminal 2. Coupon information is information indicating that a coupon has been used. Figure 9 shows the data structure of the coupon management file 313. The coupon management file 313 stores the benefit, member ID, and usage flag associated with the coupon ID.

[0060] The coupon ID is coupon identification information that identifies the issued coupon. The benefit is information indicating the benefit of the coupon, and in this embodiment, the discount amount is stored. The discount amount is the amount that is deducted from the transaction amount by using the coupon.

[0061] The Member ID is customer identification information that identifies a customer who is a member. The Member ID field registers the Member ID of the app member to whom the coupon was issued. Stores usually distribute coupons to app members all at once, so multiple Member IDs are registered for each Coupon ID. The Usage Flag indicates whether or not the coupon has been used. The Usage Flag is registered in a one-to-one correspondence with the Member ID.

[0062] Returning to Figure 7, the hardware configuration of server device 3 will be explained.

[0063] The display unit 32 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. The display unit 32 displays information stored in, for example, the member master 312, the coupon management file 313, and the product master 314 as needed.

[0064] The operation unit 33 is for inputting information to the control unit 30 and consists of a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, etc.

[0065] The communication unit 34 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the POS terminal 2. The control unit 30 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 34, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0066] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the server device 3. The control unit 30 functions as a transmitting / receiving unit 3001, an input unit 3002, and a data management unit 3003, with the CPU 301 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 302 and the storage unit 31. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0067] The transmitting / receiving unit 3001 transmits and receives various information with the POS terminal 2. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 receives the member ID of the member conducting the transaction from the POS terminal 2 and transmits the member type and other information of the member identified by that member ID to the POS terminal 2. At the same time, the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 also transmits to the POS terminal 2 the coupon information of the coupons owned by the member whose member ID was received from the POS terminal 2. The transmitted coupon information includes the coupon ID and the benefits. The transmitting / receiving unit 3001 also receives transaction data from the POS terminal 2 at the end of the transaction.

[0068] Various information is entered into the input unit 3002 from the operation unit 33. For example, when manually updating the member master 312, coupon management file 313, or product master 314, information for updating is entered into the input unit 3002.

[0069] The data management unit 3003 registers and updates various data stored in the storage unit 31. The data management unit 3003 also reads information stored in the storage unit 31 as needed. For example, when the transmission / reception unit 3001 receives transaction data from the POS terminal 2, the data management unit 3003 updates the coupon management file 313 based on the transaction data. Also, when the transmission / reception unit 3001 receives a member ID from the POS terminal 2, the data management unit 3003 extracts the member type corresponding to that member ID from the member master 312. If the member type of the member ID received by the transmission / reception unit 2001 is an app member, the data management unit 3003 refers to the coupon management file 313 and reads the coupon information of any unused coupons corresponding to that member ID.

[0070] The following describes the transaction processing performed by the POS terminal 2 during a transaction in the store system 1 configured as described above. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of transaction processing by the control unit 20 of the POS terminal 2.

[0071] The control unit 20 determines whether or not a transaction start input has been made to the input unit 2002 (step S1). If no input has been made (step S1, part N), it returns to the process of step S1 and waits.

[0072] When a transaction start input is made to the input unit 2002 (Y in step S1), the control unit 20 determines whether or not a product code has been entered into the input unit 2002 (step S2). If it has not been entered (N in step S2), it returns to the process in step S2 and waits.

[0073] When a product code is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S2), the registration unit 2003 performs product registration (step S3). Specifically, the registration unit 2003 reads the product information corresponding to the product code entered into the input unit 2002 from the product master 212 and stores it in the product information unit 2031.

[0074] The display control unit 2006 causes the display unit 22 to display the registration screen (step S4). The registration screen displays product information such as the product name, price, and image of the registered product, as well as guidance. The displayed guidance instructs the user to complete the scanning of the product barcodes for all products to be purchased, and to enter payment instructions once the scanning of the product barcodes is complete.

[0075] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not an accounting instruction has been entered into the input unit 2002 (step S5). If no instruction has been entered (step S5, N), it returns to the process in step S2. When an accounting instruction has been entered into the input unit 2002 (step S5, Y), the control unit 20 determines whether or not a member has been entered into the input unit 2002 (step S6). At this time, the display control unit 2006 displays, for example, a message such as "Do you have a point card?", a yes button, a no button, etc., on the display unit 22. When the control unit 20 recognizes that the yes button has been pressed, it determines that a member has been entered, and when it recognizes that the no button has been pressed, it determines that a member has not been entered.

[0076] When member information is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S6), the display control unit 2006 displays a member ID input guidance screen on the display unit 22 (step S7). The member ID input guidance screen is an example of a screen that guides the user through the input of customer identification information.

[0077] Here, we will describe the member ID input guidance screen displayed by the display unit 22. Figure 12 is a diagram showing the member ID input guidance screen displayed by the display unit 22. The member ID input guidance screen has a message display area 221 and a guidance display area 222.

[0078] The message display area 221 displays the date and time and a message. The date and time indicate the year, month, day, and time at that moment. The message is a message inquiring whether the customer is an app member or a card member, such as "Please scan the barcode on your membership card or app."

[0079] The guidance display area 222 includes a guidance section 2221 for app members, a guidance section 2222 for card members, a cancel button 2223, and a staff call button 2224.

[0080] The app member guidance unit 2221 displays operational guidance for app members. The app member guidance unit 2221 displays the member barcode among multiple barcodes displayed on the customer's mobile device by the member application program, enclosing it in a red frame and indicating it with a red arrow. This allows the customer to understand that they only need to scan the designated member barcode with the scanner 24.

[0081] In this embodiment, the member application program displays the member barcode on the upper part of the customer's mobile terminal and the coupon barcode on the lower part. This allows the customer to display both the member barcode and the coupon barcode, which may be scanned with the scanner 24 during transaction processing, on the mobile terminal's display in a single operation. Meanwhile, the POS terminal 2 displays operational guidance for scanning the member barcode when it is time to read it. The display of the barcode on the mobile terminal and the guidance displayed on the POS terminal 2 improve the usability for the customer when scanning the member barcode with the scanner 24.

[0082] The cardholder guidance unit 2222 displays operational guidance for cardholders. The cardholder guidance unit 2222 displays instructions to insert the membership card into the card reader 26. This allows customers to understand that all they need to do is insert their membership card into the card reader 26.

[0083] The cancel button 2223 is used to cancel the input of a member ID. If a customer who is not a member accidentally enters a member ID, they can cancel the input of their member ID by operating the cancel button 2223. The staff call button 2224 is used to call a staff member. If a customer does not know how to operate POS terminal 2 or if there is a problem with POS terminal 2, they can use the staff call button 2224 to call a staff member.

[0084] Returning to Figure 11, the transaction process will be explained. The customer causes the scanner 24 or card reader 26 to read their member ID by following the operation guidance on the member ID input guidance screen shown in Figure 12. The determination unit 2005 determines whether or not the member ID has been entered into the input unit 2002 from the scanner 24 or card reader 26 (step S8).

[0085] When a member ID is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S8), the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 transmits the member ID to the server device 3 (step S9). Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 has received the member type, etc., from the server device 3 (step S10). If it has not received the information, it returns to the process in step S10 and waits.

[0086] When the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 receives the membership type, etc. (Y in step S10), the determination unit 2005 determines whether the received membership type, etc. is a specific membership type (step S11). That is, the determination unit 2005 determines whether the membership type, etc. received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is a membership type that indicates the user is an app member who possesses a coupon.

[0087] If the member type received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is a specific member type (Y in step S11), the display control unit 2006 displays a coupon ID input guidance screen on the display unit 22 (step S12). The coupon ID input guidance screen is an example of a screen that guides the user to input coupon identification information to identify the coupon.

[0088] Here, we will describe the coupon ID input guidance screen displayed by the display unit 22. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the coupon ID input guidance screen displayed by the display unit 22. The coupon ID input guidance screen has a message display area 223 and a guidance display area 224.

[0089] The message display area 223 displays the date and time and a message. The date and time indicate the year, month, day, and time at that moment. The message is a message prompting the customer to scan the coupon ID, for example, "Please scan the app coupon. If you do not have a coupon to use, please press the 'I don't have one' button."

[0090] The guidance display area 224 includes a guidance section 2241, a button for those who do not have one 2242, and a staff call button 2243.

[0091] The guidance unit 2241 displays operational guidance that directs the user to scan the coupon barcode. The guidance unit 2241 highlights the coupon barcode among multiple barcodes displayed on the customer's mobile device by the member application program, enclosing it in a red frame and indicating it with a red arrow. This allows the customer to understand that they only need to scan the designated coupon barcode with the scanner 24.

[0092] The "Do You Have No Coupon?" button 2242 is operated when a customer does not intend to use a coupon. Customers operate the "Do You Have No Coupon?" button 2242 if they do not intend to use any coupons they possess.

[0093] In this embodiment, the POS terminal 2 is configured not to display the coupon ID input guidance screen when the customer's membership type is a non-coupon member, that is, a coupon member who does not currently possess any coupons. However, it may be displayed. In this case, since the non-coupon member does not possess any usable coupons, they will operate the "Do you have one?" button 2242 according to the message displayed in the message display area 223. However, according to this embodiment, there is an advantage in that the operation for non-coupon members can be simplified by not displaying the coupon ID input screen to them.

[0094] The staff call button 2223 is an operator used to summon a staff member. Customers can use the staff call button 2223 to summon a staff member if they are unsure how to operate the POS terminal 2 or if a problem occurs with the POS terminal 2.

[0095] Returning to Figure 11, the transaction process will be explained. The customer causes the scanner 24 to read the coupon ID by following the operation guidance on the coupon ID input guidance screen shown in Figure 13. The determination unit 2005 determines whether or not the coupon ID has been entered from the scanner 24 into the input unit 2002 (step S13).

[0096] When a coupon ID is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S13), the accounting processing unit 2004 performs discount accounting processing based on the coupon information received by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 from the server device 3 (step S14). Discount accounting processing is accounting processing that deducts a discount from the transaction amount based on the coupon benefits and also awards points to the customer. Subsequently, the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 transmits the transaction data of the completed transaction to the server device 3 (step S15). Then, the control unit 20 terminates the transaction processing.

[0097] In the process of step S6, if the customer is not a member (N in step S6), the accounting processing unit 2004 performs normal accounting processing for non-members (step S16). Normal accounting processing for non-members is accounting processing that does not involve discounts or point accrual. After normal accounting processing for non-members, the control unit 20 proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0098] In the process of step S8, if no member ID is entered (N in step S8), the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not a coupon ID has been entered into the input unit 2002 (step S17). Specifically, the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not the barcode flag of the barcode recognized by the scanner 24 is 2.

[0099] If a coupon ID is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S17), the control unit 20 returns to the process in step S8. In other words, if a coupon ID is entered while the member ID input guidance screen is displayed on the display unit 22, the control unit 20 waits for the member ID to be entered without performing any special control. As described above, since the member barcode and coupon barcode are displayed on the same screen on the mobile terminal's display unit, it is easy for the coupon ID to be scanned by mistake when scanning the member ID. In this case, if an error message is displayed on the display unit 22 each time, the operator will need to perform an error clearing operation, which will make the operator's operation cumbersome. For this reason, in this embodiment, when a coupon ID is entered while the member ID input guidance screen is displayed, no error message is displayed to improve the operator's usability.

[0100] If no coupon ID is entered in the input unit 2002 (N in step S17), the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not a product code has been entered in the input unit 2002 (step S18). Specifically, the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not the barcode flag of the barcode recognized by the scanner 24 is 3. If no product code is entered in the input unit 2002 (N in step S18), the control unit 20 returns to the process in step S8.

[0101] When a product code is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S18), the display control unit 2006 causes the display unit 22 to display error information (step S19). For example, the display unit 22 displays a message prompting the customer to enter a member ID as error information. The fact that a product code has been entered means that the customer is bringing the product close to the scanner 24 and scanning the product barcode. In this case, it is clear that the customer is scanning incorrectly, so the display control unit 2006 prompts the customer to perform the correct operation by displaying an error on the display unit 22. Then, the control unit 20 returns to the process in step S8.

[0102] In the process of step S11, if the customer is not of a specific membership type (N in step S11), the accounting processing unit 2004 determines that the customer is a member who does not use coupons and performs normal accounting processing for the member (step S20). Normal accounting processing for members is accounting processing that includes point accrual. POS terminal 2 does not display the coupon ID input guidance screen for transactions of customers who do not possess coupons, thus improving operator usability. After normal accounting processing for members, the control unit 20 proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0103] In the process of step S13, if no coupon ID is entered (N in step S13), the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not a member ID has been entered in the input unit 2002 (step S21).

[0104] If a member ID is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S21), the control unit 20 returns to the process in step S13. In other words, if a member ID is entered while the coupon ID input guidance screen is displayed on the display unit 22, the control unit 20 waits for the coupon ID to be entered without performing any special control. This is to improve the operator's usability, similar to the case where a coupon ID is entered while the member ID input guidance screen is displayed on the display unit 22.

[0105] If no member ID is entered in the input unit 2002 (N in step S21), the determination unit 2005 determines whether or not a product code has been entered in the input unit 2002 (step S22). If no product code is entered in the input unit 2002 (N in step S22), the control unit 20 proceeds to the process in step S20. In this case, it is desirable that information indicating that the coupon will not be used is entered from the operation unit 23 into the input unit 2002. In other words, it is desirable that the accounting processing unit 2004 performs normal accounting processing for the member after the operator has declared that the coupon will not be used.

[0106] When a product code is entered into the input unit 2002 (Y in step S22), the display control unit 2006 displays error information on the display unit 22 (step S23). This is to prompt the customer to perform the correct operation, similar to when a product code is entered while the member ID input guidance screen is displayed on the display unit 22. Then, the control unit 20 returns to the process in step S13.

[0107] Through the above transaction processing, the POS terminal 2 can improve operator usability by displaying or omitting operation guidance depending on the customer's membership type.

[0108] Next, we will explain the member type selection process performed by the server device 3. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the member type selection process by the control unit 30 of the server device 3.

[0109] The control unit 30 determines whether the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 has received the member ID (step S31). If it has not received it (N in step S31), it returns to the process in step S31 and waits.

[0110] When the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 receives a member ID (Y in step S31), the data management unit 3003 selects the member type (step S32). Specifically, the data management unit 3003 refers to the member master 312 and reads the member type corresponding to the member ID received by the transmitting / receiving unit 3001.

[0111] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the member type read by the data management unit 3003 is a specific member type, i.e., an app member (step S33). If it is a specific member type (Y in step S33), the data management unit 3003 determines whether the customer has a coupon that can be used (step S34). Specifically, the data management unit 3003 refers to the coupon management file 313 and determines whether there is a coupon ID that corresponds to the member ID received by the transmission / reception unit 3001 and for which information indicating that it is unused is registered in the usage flag.

[0112] If there are available coupons (Y in step S34), the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 transmits the membership type to the POS terminal 2 (step S35). In this case, the membership type transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 is app member. Then, the control unit 30 terminates the membership type selection process.

[0113] In step S33, if the customer is not of a specific membership type (N in step S33), that is, if the customer is a card member and not an app member, the control unit 30 skips step S34 and proceeds to step S35. In this case, the membership type transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 in step S35 is card member.

[0114] In step S34, if there are no available coupons (N in step S34), the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 sends information to the POS terminal 2 indicating that the member does not have coupons (step S36). Then, the control unit 30 terminates the member type selection process.

[0115] Through the above membership type selection process, server device 3 can determine not only whether the member of the received membership ID is an app member or a card member, but also whether or not they are an app member who possesses a coupon. In other words, server device 3 can determine the membership type of the member of the received membership ID.

[0116] As described above, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment includes an accounting processing unit 2004 that performs accounting processing related to product transactions, an input unit 2002 into which a member ID identifying the customer performing the transaction is entered, a transmitting / receiving unit 2001 that acquires the member type of the customer identified by the member ID entered in the input unit 2002, and a display control unit 2006 that displays different screens on the display unit 22 according to the member type acquired by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001.

[0117] This allows the POS terminal 2 to display a screen on the display unit 22 that is appropriate for the membership type of the customer conducting the transaction. This makes it easier for the operator to operate the POS terminal 2.

[0118] Furthermore, in the embodiment, if the member type acquired by the transmitting / receiving unit 2001 is an app member eligible for coupon issuance, the POS terminal 2 displays a coupon ID input guidance screen that guides the user to input a coupon ID to identify the coupon.

[0119] This allows POS terminal 2 to confirm with customers whether they wish to use a coupon if the transaction involves a customer with a membership type for which a coupon has been issued. This helps prevent customers from forgetting to use their coupons and promotes their use. Furthermore, POS terminal 2 simplifies operator operations by not displaying the coupon ID input guidance screen for transactions involving customers with membership types for which coupons have not been issued.

[0120] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment further includes a scanner 24 that reads either a member ID, a coupon ID, or a product code of the product to be purchased from a code symbol shown on the medium and outputs it to the input unit 2002. The display control unit 2006 maintains the display of the screen when the coupon ID or product code is scanned by the scanner 24 while the display unit 22 is displaying a screen that guides the user to enter a member ID.

[0121] As a result, in situations where both the member ID and coupon ID are displayed on a single screen (medium) of the customer's mobile device, that is, in usage scenarios where there is a high probability of reading the coupon ID when reading the member ID, POS terminal 2 will not display any error messages even if it reads the coupon ID. Therefore, operators do not need to perform operations to clear error messages that may frequently occur, improving usability.

[0122] In addition, in the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, the display control unit 2006 displays error information on the display unit 22 when the scanner 24 scans a product code while the display unit 22 is showing a screen guiding the user to enter a member ID.

[0123] As a result, POS terminal 2 will display an error message if it recognizes that incorrect information is entered at the time the member ID is entered, but will not display an error message if it recognizes that it is unnecessary. Therefore, POS terminal 2 enables the operator to perform the correct operation without making the operator's operation unnecessarily complicated.

[0124] Furthermore, the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment further includes a scanner 24 that reads either a member ID, a coupon ID, or a product code of the product to be purchased from a code symbol shown on the medium and outputs it to the input unit 2002. The display control unit 2006 maintains the display of the screen when the scanner 24 scans a member ID or product code while the display unit 22 is displaying a screen that guides the user to input a coupon ID.

[0125] As a result, in situations where both the member ID and coupon ID are displayed on a single screen (medium) of the customer's mobile device, that is, in usage scenarios where there is a high probability of reading the member ID when reading the coupon ID, POS terminal 2 will not display any error messages even if it reads the member ID. Therefore, operators do not need to perform operations to clear error messages that may frequently occur, improving usability.

[0126] Furthermore, in the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment, the display control unit 2006 displays error information on the display unit 22 when the product code is scanned by the scanner 24 while the display unit 22 is showing a screen guiding the user to enter a coupon ID.

[0127] As a result, if incorrect information is entered at the time the coupon ID is entered, POS terminal 2 will display an error message when it recognizes it as necessary, and will not display an error message when it recognizes it as unnecessary. Therefore, POS terminal 2 enables the operator to perform the correct operation without making the operator's operation unnecessarily complicated.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the control programs executed by the POS terminal 2 and the server device 3 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each of the above devices 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.

[0129] 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]

[0130] 2 POS terminal (accounting device) 22 Display section 24 Scanners 2001 Transmitting / receiving unit (acquisition unit) 2002 Input Section 2004 Accounting Processing Department 2006 Display Control Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0131] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-47262

Claims

1. An accounting processing unit that performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods, An input unit into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer performing the aforementioned transaction, An acquisition unit that acquires the membership type of a customer identified by the customer identification information entered into the input unit, The display control unit causes the display unit to display different screens according to the member type acquired by the acquisition unit, A scanner that reads one of the following from a code symbol shown on a medium: customer identification information, coupon identification information that identifies a coupon, and product identification information of the product to be purchased, and outputs it to the input unit. Equipped with, The display control unit, If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the customer to input the customer identification information, and the scanner is scanning the coupon identification information, the display of the screen will be maintained. If the product identification information is scanned by the scanner while the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the customer identification information, the display unit will display error information. Accounting device.

2. An accounting processing unit that performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods, An input unit into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer performing the aforementioned transaction, An acquisition unit that acquires the membership type of a customer identified by the customer identification information entered into the input unit, The display control unit causes the display unit to display different screens according to the member type acquired by the acquisition unit, A scanner that reads one of the following from a code symbol shown on a medium: customer identification information, coupon identification information that identifies a coupon, and product identification information of the product to be purchased, and outputs it to the input unit. Equipped with, The display control unit, If the member type acquired by the acquisition unit is a specific member type eligible for coupon issuance, a screen guiding the user to enter the coupon identification information will be displayed. If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the coupon identification information, and the customer identification information is scanned by the scanner, the display of the screen will be maintained. If the product identification information is scanned by the scanner while the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the coupon identification information, the display unit will display error information. Accounting device.

3. A program for controlling accounting equipment with a computer, The aforementioned computer, An accounting processing unit that performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods, An input unit into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer performing the aforementioned transaction, An acquisition unit that acquires the membership type of a customer identified by the customer identification information entered into the input unit, The display control unit causes the display unit to display different screens according to the member type acquired by the acquisition unit, and make it work The input unit receives the output of a scanner that reads either the customer identification information, the coupon identification information that identifies the coupon, or the product identification information of the product to be purchased from the code symbol shown on the medium. The display control unit, If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the customer to input the customer identification information, and the scanner is scanning the coupon identification information, the display of the screen will be maintained. If the product identification information is scanned by the scanner while the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the customer identification information, the display unit will display error information. program.

4. A program for controlling accounting equipment with a computer, The aforementioned computer, An accounting processing unit that performs accounting processing related to the transaction of goods, An input unit into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer performing the aforementioned transaction, An acquisition unit that acquires the membership type of a customer identified by the customer identification information entered into the input unit, The display control unit causes the display unit to display different screens according to the member type acquired by the acquisition unit, and make it work The input unit receives the output of a scanner that reads either the customer identification information, the coupon identification information that identifies the coupon, or the product identification information of the product to be purchased from the code symbol shown on the medium. The display control unit, If the member type acquired by the acquisition unit is a specific member type eligible for coupon issuance, a screen guiding the user to enter the coupon identification information will be displayed. If the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the coupon identification information, and the customer identification information is scanned by the scanner, the display of the screen will be maintained. If the product identification information is scanned by the scanner while the display unit is showing a screen guiding the user to input the coupon identification information, the display unit will display error information. program.

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