Product data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an article data processor and a program that enable a specific article that requires processing to be activated to be exchanged for points held by a customer.SOLUTION: An article data processor according to the embodiment includes: an input unit in which article identification information of an exchange article to be exchanged for points held by a customer is input; a determination unit that determines whether the exchange article identified by the article identification information input in the input unit is a specific article that requires activation to enable use of the exchange article; an activation processing unit that executes processing to activate the specific article if the determination unit determines that the exchange article is the specific article; and a point processing unit that executes point processing to update the points held by the customer based on a result of the processing by the activation processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a product data processing device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in stores that sell products and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "products"), in order to surround customers, a service is implemented to give points to customers who have registered as members. For example, a store gives members points at a predetermined ratio based on the purchase amount, and members can exchange the points given by the store for products sold at the store (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By the way, in recent years, stores have been selling prepaid cards called POSA (registered trademark) cards that can purchase application programs and digital contents such as music and videos. POSA is an abbreviation for "Point Of Sales Activation". When a POSA card is purchased, information for identifying the card is transmitted from the POS terminal to a server that manages the POSA card, and the POSA card is activated. A POSA card becomes usable when it is activated. The conventional point service has not been unable to exchange specific products that require processing for activation, such as POSA cards, with points held by customers.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a product data processing device and a program that can exchange specific products that require processing for activation with points held by customers.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The product data processing device of the embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires points held by a customer, an input unit into which product identification information of an exchange product to be exchanged with the points acquired by the acquisition unit is input, a determination unit that determines whether the exchange product identified by the product identification information input into the input unit is a specific product that requires activation to make the exchange product usable, and when the determination unit determines that the exchange product is the specific product, Information that identifies individual products sold in stores. The system comprises an activation processing unit that performs processing to activate the specified product based on the above, a points processing unit that performs points processing to update the points held by the customer based on the results of the processing by the activation processing unit, and a receipt issuing unit that issues a receipt indicating that points processing has been performed when points processing has been performed by the points processing unit. Furthermore, if some of the specified products become unusable as a result of the processing by the activation processing unit, the receipt issuing unit issues an error receipt indicating that some of the specified products are unusable, and a receipt indicating that points processing has been performed for the specified products other than those some of the specified products. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the point system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the data structure of the point management file stored in the storage unit of the point management server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of the specific product management file stored in the storage unit of the specific product management server of the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the product information section stored in the RAM of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the exchange product information section stored in the RAM of the POS terminal of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the product master stored in the memory unit of the POS terminal of this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the point system in the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the exchange process by the control unit of the POS terminal in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The following describes an embodiment of the product data processing device and program with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiments described below describe an example where a POS (Point of Sales) terminal that performs accounting processing for products purchased by a customer is used as the product data processing device, but the invention is not limited to this. The product data processing device may be a dedicated device used only when exchanging points for products. In the following description, the exchange of points for products may be referred to as "purchasing products with points" or "transactions using points."

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the point system 1 according to this embodiment. The point system 1 according to this embodiment is applied to stores such as mass retailers that sell POSA cards. The point system 1 includes a store system 2, a point management server 3, and a specific product management server 4. The store system 2, the point management server 3, and the specific product management server 4 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as the Internet.

[0009] The point management server 3 manages points for each store member who is a customer. In this embodiment, points have a monetary value that can be used for future purchases. Points are awarded to customers according to the amount of their purchases. Points can be used as part of the transaction amount or can be exchanged for goods. Points may also only be exchangeable for goods or prizes when a predetermined number is reached. Figure 2 shows the data structure of the point management file 31 stored in the storage unit of the point management server 3. The point management file 31 stores the member ID and the points held in association. The member ID is information that identifies the customer. The points held is information that indicates the number of points the customer holds.

[0010] The point management server 3 receives the number of points for each transaction from the POS terminal 5 via the store server 6 and manages the points for each member. Specifically, the point management server 3 receives the member ID indicating the customer of the settled transaction and the points awarded to the customer in that transaction from the POS terminal 5 and updates the point management file 31. More specifically, the point management server 3 adds the points received from the POS terminal 5 to the points held by the member ID received from the POS terminal 5 in the point management file 31.

[0011] Furthermore, the point management server 3 receives the member ID indicating the customer of the settled transaction and the points used by the customer in that transaction from the POS terminal 5, and updates the point management file 31. More specifically, in the point management file 31, the point management server 3 subtracts the points received from the POS terminal 5 from the points held corresponding to the member ID received from the POS terminal 5.

[0012] Here, "transaction" is defined as a concept that includes both cases where a customer purchases goods with money and cases where a customer purchases goods with points. In this embodiment, however, in the case of a transaction using points, no points are awarded to the customer as a result of that transaction.

[0013] The point management file 31 may be updated each time a payment is made at the POS terminal 5, or it may be updated periodically, such as once a day. For example, the point management server 3 receives point-related information from the store server 6, which manages transaction data for each POS terminal 5, at a rate of once a day through batch processing by the store server 6. The point management server 3 can then update the point management file 31 based on the information received from the store server 6.

[0014] The point management server 3 may manage the points of a customer at one store, or it may manage the points of customers at multiple stores. When managing the points of a customer at one store, the functions of the point management server 3 may be assigned to the store server 6. When managing the points of customers at multiple stores, it is desirable that the point management file 31 stores the store ID, which identifies the store, in association with the member ID. Note that multiple stores may be multiple stores operated by the same company, or multiple stores operated by different companies.

[0015] The specific product management server 4 manages information on specific products. Specific products are products that need to be activated (hereinafter also referred to as "activated") to be usable at the time of sale. POSA cards are an example of specific products that require activation. In this embodiment, the specific product management server 4 manages information on POSA cards. Figure 3 shows the data structure of the specific product management file 41 stored in the memory of the specific product management server 4. The specific product management file 41 stores the card ID, activation status, and remaining balance in association with each other.

[0016] The card ID is information that identifies each POSA card sold at a store, and may include, for example, the serial number of the POSA card. The card ID is registered by the specific product management server 4 based on information obtained from the store when the POSA cards arrive at the store.

[0017] Activation is information indicating whether the POSA card has been activated. When the card ID is registered, information indicating "not yet" is registered, and when the specific product management server 4 receives an activation request from the POS terminal 5, it is rewritten to information indicating "completed". The specific product management server 4 executes the activation of the POSA card by rewriting the activation information from "not yet" to "completed".

[0018] The remaining balance is information indicating the remaining balance of the POSA card. When the card ID is registered, the price of the POSA card is registered. Then, the remaining balance is rewritten based on settlement information obtained from an online store or the like where the specific product management server 4 has performed settlement using the POSA card.

[0019] Next, the store system 2 will be described. The store system 2 is applied to stores that sell specific products such as POSA cards. The store system 2 includes one or more POS terminals 5 and a store server 6. Each POS terminal 5 and the store server 6 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0020] The POS terminal 5 is for a store clerk to perform operations related to product registration and accounting processing. The POS terminal 5 reads the product code of the product purchased by the customer through the operation of the operator (store clerk), and executes product registration by storing the product information obtained based on the read product code. In addition, the POS terminal 5 executes accounting processing and receipt issuance processing based on the registered product information. Note that the POS terminal 5 may be a self-POS terminal where the customer performs operations related to product registration and accounting processing, or a semi-self-POS equipped with a registration device where the store clerk performs operations related to product registration and an accounting device where the customer performs operations related to accounting processing.

[0021] Accounting is the process for customers to make payments, and includes calculation and settlement processes. Calculation is the process of calculating the transaction amount. Settlement is the process of 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. Settlement also includes the process of awarding points to the customer according to the amount settled. Receipt issuance is the process of issuing paper or electronic receipts.

[0022] Furthermore, POS terminal 5 performs the exchange process. The exchange process is executed when a customer purchases goods using points. Details of the exchange process will be described later.

[0023] POS terminal 5 can perform exchange processing for specific products that require activation. Specifically, in the exchange processing for a specific product, POS terminal 5 performs activation processing and communicates with the specific product management server 4. The specific product management server 4 receives identification information for the specific product from POS terminal 5 and activates the specific product. In addition, in the exchange processing for a specific product, POS terminal 5 performs point processing, conditional on the activation being performed by the specific product management server 4. POS terminal 5 performs point processing and communicates with the point management server 3. The point management server 3 updates the points held by the customer who is purchasing the specific product using points. Specifically, it subtracts the points required to exchange the specific product from the points held by the customer. POS terminal 5 is an example of a product data processing device.

[0024] The store server 6 receives and manages transaction data settled during accounting from each POS terminal 5. The store server 6 centrally manages the transaction data received from each POS terminal 5 to perform sales management for each store. The store server 6 also updates the product master, which stores product information of the products handled by the store, as needed and transmits it to each POS terminal 5. The store server 6 transmits various information received from the POS terminal 5 to the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4 as needed. The store server 6 also transmits various information received from the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4 to the POS terminal 5.

[0025] Next, the POS terminal 5 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the POS terminal 5. The POS terminal 5 comprises a control unit 50, a storage unit 51, a display unit 52, an operation unit 53, a scanner 54, a printer 55, a card reader 56, a change dispenser 57, and a communication unit 58. The control unit 50, storage unit 51, display unit 52, operation unit 53, scanner 54, printer 55, card reader 56, change dispenser 57, and communication unit 58 are connected to each other via a bus 59, etc.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] The RAM 503 also includes a product information unit 5031 and an exchange product information unit 5032. The product information unit 5031 stores product information for products that the customer purchases with money. After a transaction start input declaring a monetary transaction is made to the control unit 50, product information is stored in the product information unit 5031. Figure 5 shows the data structure of the product information unit 5031. The product information unit 5031 stores the product name, price, card ID, and activation result, associated with the product code.

[0029] The product code is information that identifies a product, and is an example of product identification information. The product name is information that indicates the name of the product. The price is information that indicates the price of the product. The product price may be the price including tax or the price excluding tax. The card ID is information that identifies each individual POSA card. The activation result is information that indicates the activation result by the specific product management server 4.

[0030] The product name and price are read from the storage unit 51 based on the product code read by the scanner 54 from the product barcode attached to the product. The card ID is read by the scanner 54 from a code symbol attached to the POSA card separately from the product barcode. The card ID may also be entered from the operation unit 53 by the operator. The card ID and activation result are registered if the product is a specific product.

[0031] The exchange product information unit 5032 stores product information for products that customers purchase with points, i.e., exchange products that are exchanged for points. After the control unit 50 receives an input to start a product exchange, declaring a transaction using points, the product information is stored in the exchange product information unit 5032. Figure 6 shows the data structure of the exchange product information unit 5032. The exchange product information unit 5032 stores the product name, exchange points, card ID, and activation result, associated with the product code.

[0032] The product code, product name, card ID, and activation result are the same as those in the product information unit 5031, so redundant explanations are omitted. Exchange points are information indicating the number of points required to purchase a product using points. Exchange points, like the product name and price, are read from the storage unit 51 based on the product code read by the scanner 54 from the product barcode attached to the product, for example. The storage (registration) of product information in the product information unit 5031 or the exchange product information unit 5032 is also called product registration.

[0033] 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 and the product master 512.

[0034] The control program 511 includes programs for registering products based on product codes read by the scanner 54, programs for accounting processing of a transaction based on information stored in the product information unit 5031, and programs for performing exchange processing based on information stored in the exchange product information unit 5032.

[0035] The product master 512 is a master file that stores product information for products sold by the store, and is transmitted from the store server 6 and stored in the storage unit 51. Since the products handled by the store change daily, the product master 512 is updated as needed. If the store has set up products that can only be purchased with points, in other words, prizes that are only available for point exchange, the product master 512 also stores information about those prizes that are only available for point exchange. Figure 7 is a diagram showing the data structure of the product master 512. The product master 512 stores the product name, price, image, specific product flag, and exchange points, associated with the product code.

[0036] As mentioned above, the product code is information that identifies the product, the product name is information that indicates the name of the product, and the price is information that indicates the price of the product. The image is image data such as a photograph or illustration that shows the appearance of the product.

[0037] The specific product flag indicates whether a product is a specific product or not. If a product is a specific product, the specific product flag is set to "1," and if a product is not a specific product, the specific product flag is set to "0." In this embodiment, only POSA cards have the specific product flag set to "1."

[0038] Furthermore, if 1 point is set to be equivalent to 1 yen, the product master 512 does not need to store the exchange points. In this case, the price value and the exchange point value are the same, so the price value can be treated as the number of exchange points.

[0039] Returning to Figure 4, we will explain the hardware configuration of POS terminal 5.

[0040] The display unit 52 is a display device and consists 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 and transaction amounts (total amount for one transaction). The display unit 52 also displays various operation screens for the operator to perform operations.

[0041] 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 operator to the control unit 50. For example, the operation unit 53 inputs to the control unit 50 a transaction start input that instructs the start of accounting processing, a product exchange start input that instructs the start of exchange processing, and so on. The operation unit 53 also inputs to the control unit 50 a cancellation input for an exchange process selected on the selection screen.

[0042] The scanner 54 reads information from various code symbols displayed on the medium. For example, the scanner 54 reads the product code from the product barcode attached to the product. The scanner 54 reads the product code from the product barcode when a customer purchases a product or exchanges a product for points. The scanner 54 also reads the member ID from the barcode displayed on the customer's mobile device. The scanner 54 may be permanently installed on the POS terminal 5, or it may be a handheld device that an operator can hold and operate.

[0043] The printer 55 prints and issues a receipt for a single transaction under the control of the control unit 50. The printer 55 prints transaction information, including the transaction amount and points awarded for the transaction, as well as various messages, on the receipt.

[0044] Furthermore, the printer 55 prints an error receipt if the POSA card that the customer attempts to purchase with money or points is not activated. The error receipt will contain information indicating that the POSA card was not activated. The store clerk, acting as the operator, will then review the error receipt and take the necessary actions. For example, after reviewing the error receipt, the clerk can obtain another POSA card from the sales floor and perform the activation process for that POSA card.

[0045] The card reader 56 reads information from various types of cards. For example, the card reader 56 reads customer information necessary for credit card payment from a customer's credit card. It also reads the member ID from a customer's membership card. The card reader 56 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.

[0046] The change dispenser 57 accepts the banknotes and coins paid by the customer when the customer pays for the purchase in cash, and dispenses change as needed.

[0047] The communication unit 58 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 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. For example, the control unit 50 can send and receive information with the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4 via the communication unit 58 and the store server 6.

[0048] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 50 of the POS terminal 5 will be described. Figure 8 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 a transmitting / receiving unit 5001, an input unit 5002, a registration unit 5003, an accounting processing unit 5004, a determination unit 5005, an activation processing unit 5006, a point processing unit 5007, and a receipt issuing unit 5008, with the CPU 501 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 502 and the storage unit 51. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0049] The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 transmits and receives various information with the store server 6. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 receives the product master 512 from the store server 6. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 also sends transaction data for each transaction to the store server 6.

[0050] The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 transmits and receives various information with the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4 via the store server 6. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 sends a point inquiry to the point management server 3, which includes the member ID entered in the input unit 5002. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 then receives the points held by the member identified by the transmitted member ID from the point management server 3. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 functions as an acquisition unit that obtains points held by customers.

[0051] The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 sends a point notification to the point management server 3 indicating the points awarded to the customer in a transaction, or the points used by the customer in a transaction. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 then receives a point update notification from the point management server 3 indicating the points that have been updated based on the point notification.

[0052] When a customer purchases a POSA card, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 sends an activation request, including the card ID of the POSA card, to the specific product management server 4. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 then receives the activation result from the specific product management server 4. The activation result is information indicating whether or not the POSA card has been activated. If activation is not performed, for example, it is assumed that the card ID included in the activation request is not registered in the specific product management file 41 for some reason.

[0053] Furthermore, if the store server 6 cannot obtain the activation result due to a communication error between the store server 6 and the specific product management server 4, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 receives an error notification from the store server 6 indicating a communication error. An error notification indicating a communication error related to activation is an example of an activation result. When the POS terminal 5 receives information indicating that activation has not been performed, an error notification, or other activation results, it determines that the POSA card for which activation was requested is not in a usable state.

[0054] Various information is input to the input unit 5002 from the operation unit 53. For example, the input unit 5002 receives a transaction start input from the operation unit 53 to declare the start of a monetary transaction, and a product exchange start input from the operation unit 53 to declare the start of a point transaction. In addition, the input unit 5002 receives a confirmation input from the operation unit 53 to confirm the transaction.

[0055] The input unit 5002 receives product codes when transactions are conducted with money or points. The product codes to be entered are, for example, product codes read by the scanner 54 from the product barcode, or product codes entered by the operation unit 53.

[0056] The input unit 5002 receives a member ID that identifies the customer conducting the transaction. Specifically, the input unit 5002 receives the member ID read by the scanner 54 from the barcode displayed on the customer's mobile device, or the member ID read by the card reader 56 from the customer's membership card.

[0057] The registration unit 5003 performs product registration. Specifically, in monetary transactions, the registration unit 5003 reads product information corresponding to the product code entered in the input unit 5002 from the product master 512 and registers (stores) it in the product information unit 5031. In addition, in point transactions, the registration unit 5003 reads product information corresponding to the product code entered in the input unit 5002 from the product master 512 and registers it in the exchange product information unit 5032.

[0058] The accounting processing unit 5004 performs accounting processing related to the transaction. Specifically, in monetary transactions, the accounting processing unit 5004 calculates the transaction amount, points to be awarded to the customer, etc., based on the information stored in the product information unit 5031. Then, the accounting processing unit 5004 performs settlement processing to complete the payment of the calculated transaction amount.

[0059] If the operator chooses to pay in cash, the accounting processing unit 5004 calculates the change by subtracting the transaction amount from the amount inserted into the change dispenser 57, and dispenses the calculated change from the change dispenser 57. If the operator chooses to pay using cashless payment methods such as credit card, the accounting processing unit 5004 communicates with a payment server (not shown) via the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 to complete the payment.

[0060] The determination unit 5005 determines whether the product identified by the product code entered in the input unit 5002 is a specific product that requires activation to be usable. In other words, the determination unit 5005 determines whether the product purchased by the customer with money or points is a POSA card. Specifically, the determination unit 5005 refers to the product master 512 and determines whether the specific product flag corresponding to the product code entered in the input unit 5002 is "1".

[0061] The activation processing unit 5006 executes the activation process if the determination unit 5005 determines that the product is a specific product. In other words, the activation processing unit 5006 executes the activation process if the product that the customer purchases with money or points is a POSA card. The activation process is the process that the POS terminal 5 executes to activate the POSA card.

[0062] In detail, the activation processing unit 5006 reads the card ID of the product, i.e., the POSA card, that has been determined to be a specific product by the determination unit 5005, from the product information unit 5031 or the exchange product information unit 5032. Next, the activation processing unit 5006 causes the transmission / reception unit 5001 to send an activation request, including the read card ID, to the specific product management server 4. As a result, the activation processing unit 5006 performs the necessary processing as a POS terminal 5 to activate the POSA card. In addition, the activation processing unit 5006 may cause the display unit 52 to display a prompt to the operator to enter the card ID when the product has been determined to be a specific product by the determination unit 5005.

[0063] The points processing unit 5007 executes point processing related to transactions. For example, in a monetary transaction, the points processing unit 5007 causes the points processing unit 5004 to send a point notification, including the points calculated by the accounting processing unit 5004, to the points management server 3 via the transmission / reception unit 5001. In addition, in a point transaction, the points processing unit 5007 executes point processing to update the points held by the customer based on the results of processing by the activation processing unit 5006. Here, the results of processing by the activation processing unit 5006 refer to the results of the activation request by the activation processing unit 5006, the activation results output from the specific product management server 4, and communication errors.

[0064] In detail, if the activation result received by the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 from the specific product management server 4 indicates that the POSA card has been activated, the point processing unit 5007 sends a point notification, including the exchange points for the POSA card, to the point management server 3. However, if the activation result indicates that the POSA card has not been activated, or if it indicates a communication error related to the activation process, the point processing unit 5007 does not send a point notification to the point management server 3.

[0065] The receipt issuing unit 5008 controls the printer 55 to issue a paper receipt showing the details of the transaction. The receipt issuing unit 5008 may also issue an electronic receipt showing the details of the transaction. In this case, the electronic receipt is transmitted from an electronic receipt server (not shown) to a terminal device owned by the customer.

[0066] The receipt issuing unit 5008 issues a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for all of the specified products when product identification information for multiple specified products is entered into the input unit 5002 and, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006, all of the specified products become usable. In this case, the receipt will have information such as the product name and the number of points exchanged for each of the specified products printed on it. The POS terminal 5 terminates the processing related to the transaction by issuing the receipt.

[0067] If, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006, some of the specified products are not usable, the receipt issuing unit 5008 issues an error receipt indicating that some of the specified products are unusable. In this case, the error receipt will have information such as the card ID of the POSA card that was not activated printed on it. At the same time, the receipt issuing unit 5008 also issues a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for the specified products other than the aforementioned some specified products. The receipt will have information such as the product name and the number of points exchanged for the activated POSA card printed on it. The POS terminal 5 terminates the transaction processing by issuing the error receipt and the receipt.

[0068] The receipt issuing unit 5008 will not issue a receipt if, as a result of the activation process by the activation processing unit 5006, not all of the multiple specific products are available for use.

[0069] Next, we will explain the general operation of the point system 1 with the above configuration. Figure 9 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operation of the point system 1 in a point transaction. Note that this sequence chart shows the operation when the exchange item is one POSA card and the POSA card has been activated.

[0070] When a point-based transaction is made, the operator inputs the product exchange into the POS terminal 5 (step S1). Next, the member ID of the customer making the point-based transaction is entered into the POS terminal 5 (step S2). The POS terminal 5 sends a point inquiry, including the entered member ID, to the point management server 3 (step S3). When the POS terminal 5 sends information to the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4, it also sends a terminal ID that identifies itself. This allows the point management server 3 and the specific product management server 4 to recognize the POS terminal 5 as the source of the information and to identify the destination for the response to the information from the POS terminal 5.

[0071] When the point management server 3 receives a point holdings inquiry, it extracts the points held by the customer identified by the member ID included in the point holdings inquiry (step S4). Specifically, the point management server 3 extracts the points corresponding to the member ID included in the received point holdings inquiry from the point management file 31. The point management server 3 sends the extracted points to the POS terminal 5, which was the source of the point holdings inquiry (step S5).

[0072] The operator verifies the customer's points sent from the points management server 3 and has the scanner 54 read the product barcode of the exchange item. This causes the POS terminal 5 to register the exchange item (step S6). If the exchange item is a specific product, the POS terminal 5 sends an activation request for the registered product to the specific product management server 4 (step S7). In other words, the POS terminal 5 performs the activation process.

[0073] The specific product management server 4 refers to the specific product management file 41 and, if the card ID included in the activation request is registered, rewrites the activation information corresponding to that card ID to "Completed". This executes the activation by the specific product management server 4 (step S8). The specific product management server 4 then sets the activation result to "Available". The specific product management server 4 also refers to the specific product management file 41 and, if the card ID included in the activation request is not registered, sets the activation result to "Unavailable". The specific product management server 4 sends the activation result to the POS terminal 5, which is the source of the activation request (step S9).

[0074] The operator confirms that the activation result sent from the specific product management server 4 is "available" and performs a confirmation operation. This results in confirmation input on the POS terminal 5 (step S10). The POS terminal 5 notifies the point management server 3 of the exchange points for the activated POSA card (step S11).

[0075] The point management server 3 updates the points based on the received point notification (step S12). Specifically, the point management server 3 refers to the point management file 31 and subtracts the points included in the point notification from the points held corresponding to the member ID included in the point notification. The point management server 3 sends the point update result to the POS terminal 5, which was the source of the point notification (step S13). The point update result includes the points used this time and the remaining points.

[0076] POS terminal 5 issues a receipt that prints the received point update results (step S14). The receipt prints the points used, the name of the product exchanged for the points used, the remaining points, etc. This printed information is an example of information indicating that a point processing operation to deduct points has been performed.

[0077] Through the above steps, customers can exchange their accumulated points for POSA cards that require activation.

[0078] Next, we will explain the exchange process performed by the POS terminal 5. The exchange process is performed when a customer makes a transaction using points. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the exchange process by the control unit 50 of the POS terminal 5.

[0079] The control unit 50 determines whether or not a product exchange input has been made to the input unit 5002 (step S21). If no input has been made (N in step S21), it returns to the process of step S21 and waits.

[0080] When product exchange input is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S21), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a member ID has been entered into the input unit 5002 (step S22). If it has not been entered (N in step S22), it returns to the process in step S22 and waits.

[0081] When a member ID is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S22), the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 sends a point inquiry including the entered member ID to the point management server 3 (step S23). In response to the point inquiry, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 retrieves the points held by the member identified by the above member ID from the point management server 3 (step S24).

[0082] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a product code has been entered into the input unit 5002 (step S25). If it has not been entered (N in step S25), it returns to the process in step S25 and waits. When a product code is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S25), the registration unit 5003 performs product registration of the replacement product (step S26). Specifically, the registration unit 5003 reads the product information corresponding to the product code entered into the input unit 5002 from the product master 512 and stores it in the replacement product information unit 5032. At this time, no information is registered in the activation result of the replacement product information unit 5032.

[0083] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a confirmed input has been entered into the input unit 5002 (step S27). If no input has been entered (N in step S27), it returns to the process in step S25. The control unit 50 then waits until the next product code is entered. When a confirmed input is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S27), the control unit 50 determines whether or not there are enough points (step S28). That is, the control unit 50 compares the total exchange points for all exchange products registered in the exchange product information unit 5032 with the points held by the customer obtained in step S24.

[0084] If the customer has enough points (Y in step S28), that is, if the customer's points are equal to or greater than the total exchange points for all exchange items, the determination unit 5005 determines whether or not there is a specific item among the exchange items registered in the exchange item information unit 5032 (step S29). Specifically, the determination unit 5005 determines whether or not there is an item among the exchange items registered in the exchange item information unit 5032 that has "1" registered in the specific item flag of the product master 512.

[0085] If a specific product is registered in the exchange product information unit 5032 (Y in step S29), the control unit 50 determines whether or not a card ID has been entered into the input unit 5002 (step S30). If it has not been entered (N in step S30), it returns to step S30 and waits.

[0086] When a card ID is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S30), the registration unit 5003 registers the card ID with the exchange product information unit 5032 (step S31). Next, the activation processing unit 5006 performs the activation process (step S32). Specifically, the activation processing unit 5006 reads the card ID from the exchange product information unit 5032 and has the transmission / reception unit 5001 send an activation request containing the read card ID to the specific product management server 4.

[0087] The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 obtains the activation result (step S33). For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 receives the activation result of the POSA card identified by the card ID from the specific product management server 4 as a response to the activation request. Alternatively, the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 receives an error notification indicating a communication error from the store server 6. The control unit 50 determines whether all POSA cards have been activated and become usable as a result of the activation process (step S34).

[0088] When all POSA cards become usable (Y in step S34), the point processing unit 5007 sends a point notification to the point management server 3 (step S35). The point notification includes the total points exchanged for all POSA cards. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 obtains update points from the point management server 3 (step S36). The update points include the points used to purchase the POSA cards and the points held by the customer after purchasing the POSA cards.

[0089] Next, the receipt issuing unit 5008 issues a receipt (step S37). The receipt will have information printed on it, for example, the product name, card ID, and the number of points exchanged for each of the multiple POSA cards. Then, the control unit 50 finishes the exchange process.

[0090] In step S28, if the customer does not have enough points (N in step S28), the control unit 50 displays error information on the display unit 52 (step S38). The error information indicates that the customer does not have enough points to purchase the product using points. The control unit 50 then terminates the exchange process. In step S29, if the specific product is not available (N in step S29), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S35.

[0091] In the process of step S34, if there are any unusable POSA cards (N in step S34), the control unit 50 determines whether or not only some of the POSA cards have become usable as a result of the activation process (step S39). Here, POSA cards that are not usable are, for example, those whose card IDs are not registered in the specific product management file 41.

[0092] If only some POSA cards become usable (Y in step S39), the point processing unit 5007 sends a point notification to the point management server 3 regarding the POSA cards that have become usable (step S40). The point notification includes the total points of the POSA cards that have become usable. The transmitting / receiving unit 5001 obtains update points from the point management server 3 (step S41). The update points include the points used to purchase the POSA cards and the points held by the customer after purchasing the POSA cards.

[0093] Next, the receipt issuing unit 5008 issues a receipt and an error receipt (step S42). The receipt prints, for example, the product name, card ID, and number of points exchanged for POSA cards that have become usable. The error receipt prints, for example, the product name, card ID, and number of points exchanged for POSA cards that have not become usable. Then, the control unit 50 terminates the exchange process.

[0094] In the process of step S39, if only some of the POSA cards are unusable (N in step S39), in other words, if all POSA cards are unusable, the control unit 50 determines whether or not a product exchange cancellation input has been entered into the input unit 5002 (step S43). The product exchange cancellation input is entered by the operator operating the operation unit 53.

[0095] If a product exchange cancellation input is entered into the input unit 5002 (Y in step S43), the registration unit 5003 clears the information of the registered exchange product (step S44). Specifically, the registration unit 5003 deletes the product information registered in the exchange product information unit 5032. Then, the control unit 50 terminates the exchange process.

[0096] If no product exchange cancellation input is entered in the input unit 5002 (N in step S43), the control unit 50 returns to the process in step S32. If all registered POSA cards are unavailable, it is assumed that this is due to a temporary communication problem between the POS terminal 5 and the specific product management server 4. Therefore, if no product exchange cancellation input is entered, the activation processing unit 5006 retrys the activation process. In other words, if all registered POSA cards are unavailable, the control unit 50 will not terminate the exchange process until a product exchange cancellation input is entered in the input unit 5002.

[0097] Through the above exchange process, customers can purchase certain products, such as POSA cards, using points. Furthermore, point processing is performed to deduct the exchange points for the POSA card only if the POSA card has been activated. Therefore, there is no need to redo point processing for POSA cards that have not been activated. Specifically, after performing point processing and deducting the exchange points for the POSA card from the customer's points, if the POSA card is not activated, it would be necessary to return the deducted points, but in this embodiment, this point return process is not required. Therefore, the complexity of operator operations can be suppressed.

[0098] As described above, the POS terminal 5 of the embodiment includes a transmitting / receiving unit 5001 that acquires points held by the customer, an input unit 5002 into which the product identification code of the exchange product to be exchanged for the points acquired by the transmitting / receiving unit 5001 is entered, a determination unit 5005 that determines whether the exchange product identified by the product code entered into the input unit 5002 is a specific product that requires activation to make the exchange product usable, an activation processing unit 5006 that executes a process to activate the specific product if the determination unit 5005 determines that the exchange product is a specific product, and a point processing unit 5007 that executes a point processing to update the points held by the customer based on the result of the processing by the activation processing unit 5006.

[0099] This allows the POS terminal 5 to exchange points held by customers for specific products that require activation processing. Therefore, it enables stores that install the POS terminal 5 to expand their services.

[0100] Furthermore, in the POS terminal 5 of the embodiment, the point processing unit 5007 performs point processing to deduct points to be exchanged for the specified product, provided that the specified product becomes available as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006.

[0101] As a result, POS terminal 5 does not have to redo point processing for specific products that were not activated. Therefore, POS terminal 5 can reduce the complexity of operator operations.

[0102] Furthermore, the POS terminal 5 of the embodiment further includes a receipt issuing unit 5008 that issues a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for all of the specified products when the product codes of multiple specified products are entered into the input unit 5002 and, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006, all of the specified products become usable.

[0103] This allows the operator to verify that the necessary points have been processed by checking the issued receipt, once all specific items that a customer intends to purchase using points have been activated and become available for use.

[0104] In addition, in the POS terminal 5 of the embodiment, if, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006, some of the specified products are not available, the receipt issuing unit 5008 issues an error receipt indicating that some of the specified products are unavailable, and a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for the specified products other than those some of the specified products.

[0105] This allows operators to recognize, by reviewing issued receipts and error receipts, that some specific products were not activated, while other specific products were processed as required.

[0106] Furthermore, in the POS terminal 5 of this embodiment, the receipt issuing unit 5008 does not issue a receipt if, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit 5006, not all of the multiple specific products are available for use.

[0107] This allows the POS terminal 5 to inform the operator that the transaction related to points has not been completed, for example, if the activation of all specific products was not completed due to a temporary communication error. Therefore, the operator can retry the activation process by performing the necessary actions.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the POS terminal 5 may be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program executed by the POS terminal 5 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0109] 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]

[0110] 5. POS terminal (product data processing device) 5001 Transmitting / receiving unit (acquisition unit) 5002 Input section 5005 Judgment section 5006 Activation Processing Unit 5007 Point Processing Unit 5008 Receipt Issuance Department [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0111] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-182932

Claims

1. The acquisition unit acquires points held by the customer, The acquisition unit includes an input unit into which product identification information of the exchange product to be exchanged for the points acquired by the acquisition unit is entered. A determination unit that determines whether the replacement product identified by the product identification information entered into the input unit is a specific product that requires activation to make the replacement product usable, If the determination unit determines that the replacement product is the specified product, the activation processing unit executes a process to activate the specified product based on information that identifies each of the specified products sold in the store. A points processing unit that performs point processing to update the points held by the customer based on the results of processing by the activation processing unit, When point processing is performed in the point processing unit, a receipt issuing unit issues a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed, Equipped with, The receipt issuing unit is a product data processing device that, if some of a group of specific products become unusable as a result of processing by the activation processing unit, issues an error receipt indicating that some of the specific products are unusable, and a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for the specific products other than those some of the specific products.

2. The points processing unit executes a points processing operation to deduct points to be exchanged for the specified product, provided that the specified product becomes available as a result of processing by the activation processing unit. Product data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The receipt issuing unit shall not issue a receipt if, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit, all of the specified products become unusable. Product data processing device according to claim 1.

4. A program for controlling a product data processing device by computer, The aforementioned computer, The acquisition unit acquires points held by the customer, The acquisition unit includes an input unit into which product identification information of the exchange product to be exchanged for the points acquired by the acquisition unit is entered. A determination unit that determines whether the replacement product identified by the product identification information entered into the input unit is a specific product that requires activation to make the replacement product usable, If the determination unit determines that the replacement product is the specified product, the activation processing unit executes a process to activate the specified product based on information that identifies each of the specified products sold in the store. A points processing unit that performs point processing to update the points held by the customer based on the results of processing by the activation processing unit, When point processing is performed in the point processing unit, a receipt issuing unit issues a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed, To make it function as, The receipt issuing unit is a program that, if, as a result of processing by the activation processing unit, some of the specified products become unusable, issues an error receipt indicating that some of the specified products are unusable, and a receipt indicating that point processing has been performed for the specified products other than those specified.

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