Accounting equipment, transaction processing equipment, and information processing program

Abstract

To enable an execution situation of discount to be specifically recognized afterward.SOLUTION: An accounting device of an embodiment includes selection means, determination means, payment means, and output means. The selection means selects a discount item for which applicable conditions conforming to the content of a transaction have been established from among a plurality of discount items. The determination means determines a discount amount concerning the discount item selected by the selection means. When the discount amount is determined by the determination means, the payment means pays a payment amount determined concerning the transaction including discount of a total amount of the determined discount amount. The output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means concerning the discount item in association with the discount item selected by the selection means after completion of payment by the payment means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, in a chain store, for a product that is on sale at a discounted price common to all stores, there may be a situation where an additional discount is made uniquely in a certain store. Specifically, when a product with a regular unit price of 1000 yen is sold at 800 yen with a 200 yen discount as a special sale common to all stores, there may be a situation where it is sold at 700 yen with an additional 100 yen discount as a clearance sale in a certain store. Conventionally, when multiple discounts are applied in duplicate in this way, the discount amount has been managed as the difference between the regular unit price and the actual selling price. Therefore, in post-sale management, it has been difficult to specifically grasp the implementation status of discounts. Under such circumstances, it has been desired to be able to specifically grasp the implementation status of discounts retrospectively.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device, a transaction processing device, and an information processing program that enable the implementation status of discounts to be specifically grasped retrospectively.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The accounting device of the embodiment comprises a selection means, a determination means, a settlement means, and an output means. The selection means determines whether there are applicable discount items from among multiple types of discount items for a product, and if there are applicable discount items, it selects one or more discount items. The determination means determines the discount amount for each of the discount items selected by the selection means. The settlement means settles the settlement amount determined for the transaction by applying the discount amount determined by the determination means. If multiple types of discount items are selected for a single product by the selection means, the output means distinguishes the multiple discount amounts for that single product. The departments that implemented the discounts for each discount amount Sales data, including the displayed discount data, is generated and output after payment is completed using the payment method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a POS system according to one embodiment and the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal device. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram illustrating one of the data record structures included in the discount item database shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram illustrating one of the data record structures included in the discount promotion table in Figure 1. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the transaction data in Figure 1. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the discount management data in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Transaction processing flowchart. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the POS system 1 according to this embodiment and the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device 100. POS system 1 is configured so that the POS terminal device 100, store server 200, and headquarters server 300 can communicate with each other via the communication network 2. While POS system 1 typically includes multiple POS terminal devices 100 and store servers 200, only one of each is shown in Figure 1. Communication network 2 is typically a LAN (local area network). However, in addition to LANs, communication network 2 can also include the internet, VPN (virtual private network), public communication networks, mobile communication networks, etc., either individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0008] The POS terminal device 100 processes transactions for the sale of goods to customers in a store. In other words, the POS terminal device 100 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions related to the sale of goods between a store operator and a customer. More specifically, the POS terminal device 100 has the function of a registration device that registers the details of a transaction and the function of an accounting device that performs accounting for the registered transactions. The POS terminal device 100 is a so-called face-to-face type, and is primarily operated by store employees. The POS terminal device 100 is installed inside the store facing the employee workspace. Customers usually wait in a designated waiting area separate from the workspace.

[0009] The store server 200 is installed in the store where the POS terminal device 100 is used, and collects and manages the discount history data, which will be described later, generated by each of the multiple POS terminal devices 100 used in that store. The headquarters server 300 is located at the headquarters that oversees multiple stores and collects and manages discount history data from the store servers 200 located at each of the stores.

[0010] The POS terminal device 100 includes a processor 101, a main memory unit 102, an auxiliary memory unit 103, a staff-side touch panel 104, a keyboard 105, a fixed scanner 106, a handheld scanner 107, a credit card reader 108, a proximity communication unit 109, a card reader / writer 110, a receipt printer 111, a change dispenser 112, a customer-side touch panel 113, a communication unit 114, and a transmission line 115. The processor 101, main memory unit 102, auxiliary memory unit 103, staff-side touch panel 104, keyboard 105, fixed scanner 106, handheld scanner 107, credit card reader 108, proximity communication unit 109, card reader / writer 110, receipt printer 111, change dispenser 112, customer-side touch panel 113, and communication unit 114 are connected to the transmission line 115.

[0011] The processor 101, the main memory unit 102, and the auxiliary memory unit 103 are connected by a transmission line 115 to form a computer for performing information processing related to the control of the POS terminal device 100. The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 101 controls various parts of the POS terminal device 100 in order to realize various functions of the POS terminal device 100 by executing information processing based on information processing programs such as the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main memory unit 102 and the auxiliary memory unit 103.

[0012] The main memory unit 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 102 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 102 may also store data necessary for the processor 101 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 102 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 101.

[0013] The auxiliary storage unit 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 103 includes well-known storage devices such as EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), HDD (hard disk drive), and SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 103 stores data used by the processor 101 in performing various information processing tasks, and data generated by processing performed by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage unit 103 may also store the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 103 stores the transaction processing program PRA. The transaction processing program PRA is an application program that describes the processing procedures related to the information processing (hereinafter referred to as transaction processing) described later for processing transactions. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 103 is used as an area for storing the discount item database DBA, the discount planning table TAA, the transaction data DAA, the discount management data DAB, and the discount history data DAC. The discount item database DBA is a database for managing each of multiple discount items, each with its own defined application conditions. The transaction data DAA is working data for managing the details of transactions that are the target of the transaction processing described later. The discount plan table TAA is a setting table for managing the details of discount plans that may be applied to transactions processed by the POS terminal device 100. The discount management data DAB is working data for managing the discounts that should be applied to transactions that are the target of the transaction processing described later. The discount history data DAC is a collection of sales data for each settled transaction.

[0014] The employee-side touch panel 104 is positioned facing the employee. The employee-side touch panel 104 displays a screen for presenting information to the employee. The employee-side touch panel 104 also accepts instructions from the employee via touch operations on the screen. The keyboard 105 has a number of keys for easy operation by the store staff from the store staff side. The keyboard 105 inputs the instructions of the store staff by pressing these keys.

[0015] The fixed scanner 106 has a reading window facing the store staff side. The fixed scanner 106 captures an image of the product obscured in front of the reading window, and then recognizes barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product by image processing. And the fixed scanner 106 outputs it to the processor 101. Note that the fixed scanner 106 can also use other well-known types of devices that optically read barcodes by using the reflection of laser light. Also, the fixed scanner 106 can use a well-known type of device that has a function of identifying a product by using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by imaging the product. The handheld scanner 107 is held by the store staff and optically reads the barcode facing the reading port. The handheld scanner 107 outputs the barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 101.

[0016] The credit card reader 108 reads card information from a credit card. The proximity communication unit 109 performs proximity wireless communication with a nearby wireless tag and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. Also, the proximity communication unit 109 writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag by the above proximity wireless communication.

[0017] The card reader / writer 110 reads card data recorded on a predetermined card such as a membership card and a prepaid card. Also, the card reader / writer 110 writes arbitrary data to the membership card.

[0018] The receipt printer 111 prints an image of a receipt, a receipt voucher, a sales slip, or the like on receipt paper. The receipt printer 111 discharges the receipt paper on which the above image is printed to the outside from the receipt discharge port. The change unit 112 counts the coins inserted through the coin slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 112 then discharges the coins stored in the storage compartment into a coin tray via a coin discharge port. The change unit 112 counts the banknotes inserted through the banknote slot and stores them in an internal storage compartment. The change unit 112 then discharges the banknotes stored in the storage compartment through a banknote discharge port. The banknote discharge port holds the discharged banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside.

[0019] The customer-side touch panel 113 is positioned facing the customer. The customer-side touch panel 113 displays a screen for presenting information to the customer. The customer-side touch panel 113 also accepts input from the customer through touch operations on the screen. The communication unit 114 performs communication processing for the processor 101 to exchange various data with any device, such as a store server 200, via the communication network 2. As the communication unit 114, a well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 2 can be used. The transmission path 115 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, etc. The transmission path 115 transmits data and signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0020] As the basic hardware for the POS terminal device 100, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal device can be used. In this case, the transfer of the POS terminal device 100 is generally carried out with the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. However, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, without the transaction processing program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to the auxiliary storage unit 103 in response to an operation by any worker. Alternatively, the hardware of the POS terminal device 100 and the transaction processing program PRA may be transferred separately, with a different version of the same type of information processing program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transaction processing program PRA may then be written to replace the information processing program already stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The transfer of the transaction processing program PRA can be carried out by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network. The transaction processing program PRA may be stored in the main memory unit 102.

[0021] Figure 2 schematically represents one structure of a data record REA included in the discount item database DBA. The discount item database (DBA) is a collection of data records (REA) associated with each discount item. A discount item is a classification criterion used to categorize multiple discounts with varying conditions. Discount items can be defined as appropriate, taking into account factors such as the operating policies of the store where the POS terminal device 100 is used.

[0022] The data record REA includes fields FAA, FAB, and FAC. Field FAA is set to the discount item code defined as the identifier of the associated discount item. Field FAB is set to the name defined for the associated discount item. Field FAC is set to the conditions under which the discount applies to the associated discount item. The conditions may be defined as follows: "The target product is included in the trading items," "The trading items include products belonging to the target product category," "A discount declaration operation was performed," "The discount barcode was scanned," "The target product is included in the trading items in a specified combination," "An emergency price change," "Clearance sale," etc.

[0023] Figure 3 schematically represents one structure of data record REB included in the discount promotion table TAA. The discount plan table TAA is a collection of data records REB associated with each discount plan that may be applied to transactions processed by the POS terminal device 100. The discount plan table TAA is updated as needed, with data records REB associated with a discount plan being added when the plan starts and deleted when the plan ends. The contents of the data records REB may be determined as appropriate by the person authorized to set the discount plan.

[0024] The data record REB includes the fields FBA, FBB, FBC, FBD, FBE, and FIF. The FBA field contains the promotion code, which serves as the identifier for the associated discount promotion. The FBB field contains the discount item code for the discount item applied in the associated discount promotion. The FBC field contains the product code, which serves as the identifier for the product used to determine whether the conditions for applying the associated discount promotion are met. The FBD field contains the product code for the product to which the discount in the associated discount promotion applies. The FBE field contains the discount information for the associated discount promotion. The discount information can represent, for example, the discount amount, the discount rate, or the discounted selling price. The FBE field contains any additional conditions regarding the application of the associated discount promotion, as needed.

[0025] For example, in a data record REB associated with a discount promotion such as "If product code 'M001' is included as a trading item, the product will be discounted by 50 yen," the fields FBB, FBC, FBD, and FBE will be set to "I001," "M001," "M001," and "-50 yen," respectively, if the discount item code for the discount item that has the application condition "Include the target product as a trading item" set is "I001." For example, in a data record REB associated with a discount promotion such as "If the transaction includes both product code "M001" and product code "M002", product code "M002" will be discounted by 30%", the fields FBB, FBC, FBD, and FBE will be set to "I002", "M001,M002", "M002", and "-30%", respectively, if the discount item code for the discount item with the applicable condition "bulk purchase of eligible products" is set to "I002". For example, in a data record REB associated with a discount promotion such as "After 5 PM, product code 'M001' will be sold at a clearance price of 300 yen," the fields FBB, FBC, FBD, and FBE will be set to "I003," "M001," "M001," and "30 yen," respectively, if the discount item code for the discount item with the applicable condition "clearance sale" is set to "I003," and the field FBF will be set to "17:00~."

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the transaction data DAA. Transaction data DAA includes fields FCA and FCB. Transaction data DAA may include any number of fields from field FCC onward. Field FDA is set with the transaction code as the identifier for the transaction in question. Field FDB is set with product data for the product registered as the subject of the transaction (hereinafter referred to as the transaction product). If there are two or more registered transaction products, product data is also set in each field from field FCC onward. Product data includes fields FDA, FDB, and FDC. Field FDA is set with the product code for the product in question. Field FDB is set with the product name for the product in question. Field FDC is set with the regular unit price for the product in question. The regular unit price is the unit price predetermined to apply to sales without discounts. Transaction data DAA is generated and updated as needed through the transaction processing described later.

[0027] Figure 5 schematically represents the structure of the discount management data DAB. The discount management data DAB is associated with the trading products to which the discount applies. If there are multiple trading products to which the discount applies in a transaction being processed, multiple discount management data DABs, each associated with one of those trading products, are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103.

[0028] The discount management data DAB includes fields FEA, FEB, and FEC. The discount management data DAB may also include any number of fields after field FED. Field FEA contains the product code of the associated product. Field FEB contains the regular unit price of the associated product. Field FEC contains discount data related to the discount promotion applied to the associated traded product. Each field after field FED contains discount data for the second and subsequent discount promotions if multiple discount promotions apply to the associated traded product.

[0029] Discount data includes fields FFA, FFB, and FFC. Field FFA contains the promotion code of the associated discount promotion. Field FFB contains the discount item code of the discount item to which the associated discount promotion belongs. Field FFC contains the discount amount to be applied for the associated discount promotion.

[0030] Next, we will explain the operation of POS system 1, which is configured as described above. The following explanation will focus on characteristic operations, and will omit explanations of some operations performed in existing similar POS terminal devices. Furthermore, the following explanation is just one example, and the order of some operations or the omission of some operations can be done as appropriate. When the POS terminal device 100 is started up in an operational state for transaction processing, the processor 101 starts transaction processing based on the transaction processing program PRA. Figure 6 is a flowchart of the transaction processing.

[0031] In ACT1, processor 101 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a trading product has been specified. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT2. As ACT2, processor 101 checks whether the predetermined upload timing has arrived. If processor 101 cannot confirm the event, it determines NO and returns to ACT1. Thus, processor 101, as ACT1 and ACT2, waits for either a product to be specified or for the upload timing to occur.

[0032] The store clerk performs a predetermined operation to instruct the system to register one of the items the customer intends to purchase as a transaction item. This operation may involve scanning the barcode displayed on the item using a fixed scanner 106 or a handheld scanner 107. The operation may also involve directly entering the product code using the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105, or pressing a preset key for a pre-configured product. In other words, the operation performed by the clerk may be similar to that performed on an existing POS terminal. In response to this operation, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT3.

[0033] As ACT3, the processor 101 generates transaction data. Specifically, the processor 101 determines a new transaction code, different from the transaction codes used to identify other transactions, according to predetermined rules, sets this transaction code in field FCA, and generates transaction data DAA by setting product data related to the product identified based on the above operation in field FCB, and stores it in the auxiliary storage unit 103. The processor 101 sets the product code, product name, and regular unit price of the relevant product in fields FDA, FDB, and FDC of the product data set in field FCB. The processor 101 obtains the product name and regular unit price from a product master database (not shown) stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103, for example. Alternatively, the processor 101 may obtain the product name and regular unit price from the store server 200. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as a registration means.

[0034] As ACT4, processor 101 checks whether there are any applicable discount plans (hereinafter referred to as "applicable plans") now that a new trading product has been registered as described above. Specifically, processor 101 checks, for example, each data record REB included in the discount plan table TAA, to determine whether the discount plan managed by that data record REB is applicable in light of the current trading data DAA, as follows: Processor 101 finds the data record REA in the discount item database DBA whose field FAA matches the discount item code set in field FBB of the target data record REB. Processor 101 then checks whether the conditions for the discount plan are met, which are determined by the application conditions set in field FAC of the found data record REA and the target products and additional conditions set in fields FBC and FBF of the target data record REB. Specifically, if the discount plan conditions determined by the application conditions set in field FAC of the found data record REA and the target products and additional conditions set in fields FBC and FBF of the target data record REB are "If the product with product code "M001" is included as a trading product, that product will be discounted by 50 yen," then the condition will be met if the product code of the trading product registered this time is "M001." Then, if the processor 101 finds that the discount plan conditions are met in this way, it determines that an application plan exists and YES, and proceeds to ACT5.

[0035] As ACT5, processor 101 generates discount management data. In other words, processor 101 generates discount management data so that discount plans that have been determined to meet certain conditions can be managed as applicable plans for the transaction being processed. For example, in the discount management data DAB generated here, processor 101 sets the product code and regular unit price set in the product data fields FDA and FDC in ACT3 in the fields FEA and FEB. For example, in the discount management data DAB generated here, processor 101 sets the discount data in the field FEC, which is determined to be the plan code and discount item code set in the data record REB fields FBA and FBB when it is determined that the conditions are met, and the discount amount determined based on the discount information set in the same data record REB field FBE, respectively, in the fields FFA, FFB, and FFC. If the discount information represents a discount rate, the processor 101 determines the discount amount by applying the corresponding discount rate to the regular unit price set in the field FDC. If the discount information represents a discounted selling price, the processor 101 determines the discount amount by subtracting the discounted unit price from the regular unit price set in the field FDC.

[0036] Furthermore, when registering product code "M001" as a trading item, if, for example, there are both discount promotions such as "50 yen discount on product code "M001" when it is included as a trading item" and "clearance sale of product code "M001" for 300 yen after 5 PM," then it is possible that the conditions for both of these discount promotions may be met. In such cases, processor 101, as ACT5, includes the discount data for each of the multiple discount promotions whose conditions are met in the discount management data.

[0037] In ACT6, processor 101 checks whether a change in the trading product has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT7. As ACT7, processor 101 checks whether accounting has been instructed. If processor 101 cannot confirm the relevant event, it determines NO and returns to ACT6. Thus, the processor 101 awaits change instructions or accounting instructions as ACT6 and ACT7.

[0038] The store clerk then sequentially performs predetermined operations to instruct the customer to change the items to be traded, so that all the items the customer intends to purchase become part of the traded items. Changes to the traded items include adding items, i.e., registering new items, deleting items, and changing the quantity of items. The operations performed by the store clerk here may be the same as those performed on existing POS terminals. Upon receiving this change instruction, processor 101 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT8.

[0039] As ACT8, processor 101 updates the transaction data in accordance with the above change instruction. That is, for example, if an add instruction is given to specify an item to be added to the transaction items, processor 101 adds a field after the last field of the transaction data DAA and sets the item data for the specified item. This processing may be the same as the processing performed in existing POS terminal devices, for example.

[0040] In this embodiment, if a product that has already been registered as a trading product is newly designated as an additional product, a new field will be added with product data corresponding to the additional product instruction. In other words, there may be multiple fields in the trading data DAA that each contain the same product data. However, it is also possible to prevent the existence of multiple fields in the trading data DAA that each contain the same product data by adding a field to set a score for the product data and updating the score set in this field.

[0041] In ACT9, processor 101 checks whether there are any discount plans already applied that should not be applied to transactions represented by the updated transaction data DAA as described above (hereinafter referred to as "expired plans"). For example, processor 101 checks each of the discount data set in each field from field FEC onwards in the discount management data DAB, in the same manner as in ACT5, whether the conditions for applying the discount plan identified by the plan code set in field FFA of the discount data are met. If processor 101 finds any discount plans for which the conditions are no longer met, it designates them as expired plans. If processor 101 finds any expired plans in this way, it determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10.

[0042] As ACT10, processor 101 updates the discount management data DAB to delete the fields containing discount data related to expired promotions. After this, processor 101 proceeds to ACT11. If no expired promotions are found, processor 101 determines NO in ACT9, skips ACT10, and proceeds to ACT11.

[0043] As ACT11, processor 101 checks whether there are any discount plans (hereinafter referred to as "additional plans") that should be applied to the transactions represented by the updated transaction data DAA, as described above, in addition to the discount plans that are already applicable. In other words, processor 101 finds a discount plan to be applied, for example, in the same way as in ACT4, and if the found discount plan includes a discount plan that is different from the applicable plan to which the discount data set in the discount management data DAB is associated, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT12.

[0044] As ACT12, processor 101 updates the discount management data DAB. That is, processor 101 generates discount data for the additional plan in the same way that it generated discount data for the applicable plan in ACT5. Then, if a discount management data DAB with the product code of the product subject to the additional plan set in field FEA is stored in auxiliary storage unit 103, processor 101 adds a new field containing the generated discount data after the last field of that discount management data DAB. If a discount management data DAB with the product code of the product subject to the additional plan set in field FEA is not stored in auxiliary storage unit 103, processor 101 adds and saves a new discount management data DAB with the generated discount data set in field FEC to auxiliary storage unit 103, leaving the already saved discount management data DAB as is. Thus, in such cases, multiple discount management data DABs are stored in auxiliary storage unit 103. After this, processor 101 returns to the waiting state for ACT6 and ACT7. If processor 101 does not find the relevant additional project in ACT11, it will determine NO and return to the waiting state for ACT6 and ACT7 without proceeding to ACT12.

[0045] As described above, the processor 101 generates and updates the discount management data DAB in ACT5, ACT10, and ACT12, so that the discount management data DAB becomes data representing the result of selecting discount items for which applicable conditions that match the content of the transaction are defined. Thus, by the processor 101 executing information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a selection means. Furthermore, the discount amount represented in the discount management data DAB is the discount amount for the selected discount item, and the computer with the processor 101 as its central part functions as a decision means for determining this discount amount.

[0046] Once the store clerk has finished registering all the items the customer intends to purchase as transaction items, they perform a predetermined operation to instruct the customer to pay, for example, using the clerk's touch panel 104 or keyboard 105. In response, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT13. As ACT13, processor 101 calculates the settlement amount. Specifically, processor 101 calculates the price of the goods before discounts as the sum of the regular unit prices set in each field FDC of the product data set in each field from field FCB onwards in the transaction data DAA. Processor 101 calculates the discount amount for one product as the sum of the discount amounts set in each field FFC of the discount data set in each field FEC onwards in one discount management data DAB. If there are multiple discount management data DABs, processor 101 calculates the discount amount for the transaction being processed as the sum of the discount amounts calculated for each of those multiple discount management data DABs. Then, processor 101 calculates the settlement amount by subtracting the discount amount for the transaction from the price of the goods before discounts.

[0047] As ACT14, processor 101 performs payment processing to settle the payment amount. This payment processing may be, for example, processing for credit card payment using credit card reader 108, processing for contactless payment using proximity communication unit 109, processing for prepaid payment using card reader / writer 110, or processing for cash payment using change unit 112, and may be the same as the processing performed in existing POS terminal devices of the same type. Thus, by having processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with processor 101 as its central component functions as a payment method.

[0048] As ACT15, processor 101 generates sales data for the current transaction and saves it by adding it to the discount history data DAC. The sales data represents all the transaction items that were the subject of the current transaction, and for items to which discounts were applied, it represents the discount amount for each discount item. For example, processor 101 includes all the discount data set in each field from field FEC onwards of all discount management data DAB stored in auxiliary storage unit 103 in the sales data. However, processor 101 does not have to include the promotion code set in the discount data field FFA in the sales data. For example, processor 101 may generate sales data as data that includes transaction data DAA and discount management data DAB.

[0049] Then, the processor 101 returns to the waiting state for ACT1 and ACT2. Although not shown in the diagram, when returning to the waiting state for ACT1 and ACT2, the processor 101 processes the transaction data DAA and all other data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103. Clear the discount management data (DAB) and prepare to start processing for another transaction.

[0050] The upload timing is expected to be set to every hour on the hour and after the store closes. However, the upload timing may be determined as appropriate by the administrator of POS system 1 or other relevant parties. When it's time to upload, processor 101 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT16. As ACT16, processor 101 uploads the discount history data DAC to at least one of the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300. The destination for uploading the discount history data DAC may be determined as appropriate by the administrator of POS system 1, etc. Also, the upload of the discount history data DAC to the headquarters server 300 may be performed via the store server 200. Processor 101 may upload all of the discount history data DAC, or it may extract and upload only the sales data contained in the discount history data DAC that has not been uploaded in the past. Alternatively, processor 101 may upload all of the discount history data DAC and then clear the discount history data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 103 after the upload is complete. After this, processor 101 returns to the waiting state for ACT1 and ACT2. The above upload is an example of outputting discount data to a store server 200 or headquarters server 300, which are examples of server devices. Thus, by having the processor 101 execute information processing based on the transaction processing program PRA, the computer with the processor 101 as its central component functions as an output means.

[0051] Now, at least one of the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300 performs aggregation processing when the discount history data DAC is uploaded. In the aggregation processing, the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300 calculate the discount amount for at least each discount item. In other words, for each discount item code in the discount history data DAC, the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300 calculate the sum of all discount amounts associated with that discount item code.

[0052] The store server 200 and the headquarters server 300 may start the aggregation process in response to the upload of the discount history data DAC, or they may store the uploaded discount history data DAC and start the aggregation process at a separately determined aggregation timing. The period for which the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300 will target the aggregation process may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the administrator of POS system 1. This period may be, for example, the period between two consecutive upload timings, or the period from the start to the end of business hours for the store. The aggregation process may be performed by the processor 101 on the POS terminal device 100, and the aggregation results may be uploaded to at least one of the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300.

[0053] As described above, the POS terminal device 100 outputs discount data to the store server 200 and the headquarters server 300, etc., which represents the discount items to be applied to the transaction and the discount amount for those discount items. This makes it possible to specifically grasp how each discount item is applied, that is, the status of discount implementation, based on the discount data output in this way. For example, as in the example above, if a discount promotion of "50 yen off when product code "M001" is included as a transaction item" and a discount promotion of "sale of product code "M001" for 300 yen after 5 PM" are both applied to the same transaction item, the accounting discount amount for that item will be 350 yen, but it is possible to confirm afterwards that this is a 50 yen discount due to the application of the discount item "include the target product in the transaction item" and a 300 yen discount due to the application of the discount item "sale of clearance item".

[0054] If the department with authority to implement the discount plan for each discount item is clearly defined in advance, it becomes possible to retrospectively determine which department was responsible for each discount.

[0055] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: ACT4, ACT5, and ACT9-ACT12 in Figure 6 can be omitted. Alternatively, if ACT7 determines YES, all applicable discount plans based on registered transaction details can be selected and discount management data generated before executing ACT13.

[0056] It can also be implemented as a fully self-service type POS terminal device.

[0057] This can also be implemented in semi-self-service type POS systems where the registration device and the accounting device are separate units.

[0058] Each function realized by the processor 101 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0059] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A selection method for selecting a discount item from among multiple discount items, each with different applicable conditions, that matches the content of the transaction subject to settlement, When one or more discount items are selected by the selection means, a determination means for determining the discount amount for one of the selected discount items, or the discount amount for each of the selected discount items, If one or more discount amounts are determined by the determination means, a settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction, including the total discount amount of the determined discounts, If one discount item is selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for that discount item, associated with the selected discount item; if multiple discount items are selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for each of the selected discount items, associated with each of the associated discount items, after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An accounting device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The selection means selects the discount item to which the discount plan belongs by selecting a discount plan to apply from among a plurality of discount plans, each of which has predetermined conditions consisting of a combination of conditions other than the application conditions and the application conditions. The accounting device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The output means uploads the discount data to a predetermined server device. The accounting device described in Appendix 1. [Note 4] A registration means for registering the details of the transactions subject to settlement, A selection means for selecting a discount item from among multiple discount items, each having different application conditions, that has application conditions that match the content of the transaction registered by the registration means, When one or more discount items are selected by the selection means, a determination means for determining the discount amount for one of the selected discount items, or the discount amount for each of the selected discount items, If one or more discount amounts are determined by the determination means, a settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction, including the total discount amount of the determined discounts, If one discount item is selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for that discount item, associated with the selected discount item; if multiple discount items are selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for each of the selected discount items, associated with each of the associated discount items, after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. A transaction processing device equipped with the following. [Note 5] The computer installed in the accounting device, A selection method for choosing a discount item from among multiple discount items, each with different applicable conditions, that matches the content of the transaction to be settled, When one or more discount items are selected by the selection means, a determination means for determining the discount amount for one of the selected discount items, or the discount amount for each of the selected discount items, If one or more discount amounts are determined by the determination means, a settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction, including the total discount amount of the determined discounts, If one discount item is selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for that discount item, associated with the selected discount item; if multiple discount items are selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for each of the selected discount items, associated with each of the associated discount items, after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Note 6] The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering the details of transactions subject to settlement, A selection means for selecting a discount item from among multiple discount items, each having different application conditions, that has application conditions that match the content of the transaction registered by the registration means, When one or more discount items are selected by the selection means, a determination means for determining the discount amount for one of the selected discount items, or the discount amount for each of the selected discount items, If one or more discount amounts are determined by the determination means, a settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction, including the total discount amount of the determined discounts, If one discount item is selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for that discount item, associated with the selected discount item; if multiple discount items are selected by the selection means, the output means outputs discount data representing the discount amount determined by the determination means for each of the selected discount items, associated with each of the associated discount items, after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1...POS system, 2...communication network, 100...POS terminal device, 101...processor, 102...main memory unit, 103...auxiliary memory unit, 104...employee-side touch panel, 105...keyboard, 106...fixed scanner, 107...handheld scanner, 108...credit card reader, 109...proximity communication unit, 110...card reader / writer, 111...receipt printer, 112...change unit, 113...customer-side touch panel, 114...communication unit, 115...transmission line, 200...store server, 300...headquarters server.

Claims

1. In a transaction consisting of one or more items subject to payment, A selection means for determining whether there are applicable discount items among multiple types of discount items for the aforementioned product, and if there are applicable discount items, selecting one or more discount items, A determination means for determining the discount amount for each of the discount items selected by the selection means, A settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction by applying the discount amount determined by the determination means, When multiple types of discount items are selected for a single item by the selection means, the output means distinguishes each of the multiple types of discount amounts for the single item, generates sales data including discount data representing the department that applied the discount for each discount amount, and outputs this data after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An accounting device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned discount items are subject to applicable conditions that match the nature of the transaction being settled. The selection means selects a discount item to which a discount plan belongs by selecting a discount plan to apply from among a plurality of discount plans, each of which has predetermined conditions consisting of a combination of conditions other than the application conditions and the application conditions. The accounting device according to claim 1.

3. The accounting device according to claim 1, wherein the output means uploads the sales data to a predetermined server device.

4. A registration method for registering the details of a transaction consisting of one or more items subject to payment, A selection means that determines whether there are applicable discount items among multiple types of discount items for a product registered as the subject of a transaction by the registration means, and if there are applicable discount items, selects one or more discount items. A determination means for determining the discount amount for each of the discount items selected by the selection means, A settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction by applying the discount amount determined by the determination means, When multiple types of discount items are selected for a single item by the selection means, the output means distinguishes each of the multiple types of discount amounts for the single item, generates sales data including discount data representing the department that applied the discount for each discount amount, and outputs this data after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

5. The computer installed in the accounting device, In a transaction consisting of one or more items subject to payment, A selection means for determining whether there are applicable discount items among multiple types of discount items for the aforementioned product, and if there are applicable discount items, selecting one or more discount items, A determination means for determining the discount amount for each of the discount items selected by the selection means, A settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction by applying the discount amount determined by the determination means, When multiple types of discount items are selected for a single item by the selection means, the output means distinguishes each of the multiple types of discount amounts for the single item, generates sales data including discount data representing the department that applied the discount for each discount amount, and outputs this data after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

6. The computer installed in the transaction processing unit A registration method for registering the details of a transaction consisting of one or more items subject to payment, A selection means that determines whether there are applicable discount items among multiple types of discount items for the goods of a transaction registered as the subject of a transaction by the registration means, and if there are applicable discount items, selects one or more discount items. A determination means for determining the discount amount for each of the discount items selected by the selection means, A settlement means for settling the settlement amount determined for the transaction by applying the discount amount determined by the determination means, When multiple types of discount items are selected for a single item by the selection means, the output means distinguishes each of the multiple types of discount amounts for the single item, generates sales data including discount data representing the department that applied the discount for each discount amount, and outputs this data after the settlement by the settlement means is completed. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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