JP2009151639A - Discount information providing system, payment terminal, and discount information server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote the use of electronic money and the sales of merchandise by associating electronic money with a coupon. <P>SOLUTION: In this discount information providing system, a person in charge performs access from a store terminal 4 to a store server 7, and sets coupon information in the store server 7. Output conditions are set according to the attributes of a customer for specifying coupon issue candidates such as "wide" and "single male" or the other conditions. When the customer requests charge to a payment terminal 2, the payment terminal 2 charges the designated sum. In this case, the payment terminal 2 transmits electronic money function part ID or the like to a store server 7, and requests the transmission of the coupon information. When receiving the electronic money function part ID or the charge sum from the payment terminal 2, the store server 7 specifies the attributes of the customer from the electronic money function part ID. Then, the store server 7 selects the coupon information to be output by using the attributes of the customer, and transmits this to the payment terminal 2. The payment terminal 2 prints this on a coupon ticket 6. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a discount information providing system, a deposit terminal, and a discount information server.

Retail stores such as supermarkets and department stores issue discount coupons called coupons to improve customer attraction.
The coupon is printed on, for example, a newspaper insertion advertisement or the like such as “milk 30 yen discount”, and the customer cuts it out and brings it to the retail store, and gives it to the accountant at the time of accounting.
The person in charge of accounting collates the purchased product of the customer with the coupon, and if the purchased product is a discount object, performs accounting processing at a discounted fee. Coupon vouchers received by the accountant from the customer are stored and managed and aggregated later.

On the other hand, in recent years, payment systems using electronic money have been introduced and widely used in retail stores and department stores.
In the electronic money system, electronic data corresponding to money called “value” is stored in an electronic money card (which may be a mobile phone or the like) incorporating an IC chip, and the money value is moved by increasing or decreasing the electronic data.
The process of increasing the value stored in the IC chip is called charging, and the process of reducing the value is called settlement.

Electronic money cards can be charged and settled with an electronic money terminal linked to a store accounting device, and there is a dedicated charging machine called a deposit terminal as a device that can be charged easily.
The deposit terminal is installed in, for example, a corner of a store or a plaza, and includes a reader / writer unit for setting an electronic money card and a currency slot.

When the customer sets the electronic money card in the reader / writer unit and inserts the currency, the deposit terminal charges the electronic money card with the value of the currency amount.
As an invention using electronic money in this way, there is the following document by the present applicant.
JP 2003-141428 A

  By the way, ID information by the electronic money function unit ID is given to the electronic money card, and a more effective coupon can be provided by linking the electronic money function unit ID and issuance of the coupon. No such attempt was made.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to promote the use of electronic money and the sale of merchandise by associating electronic money with coupons.

In order to achieve the object, in the invention according to claim 1, an ID acquisition means for acquiring a money terminal ID for identifying the money terminal from a money terminal storing money value as electronic data, and the acquired money terminal Discount information acquisition means for acquiring discount information for ID information, and money amount change information transmission means for sending money amount change information for increasing the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount to the money terminal, A discount information providing system comprising: discount information output means for outputting the acquired discount information corresponding to the amount change information to be transmitted.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided attribute storage means for associating money terminal IDs with customer attributes, and discount information storage means for associating the customer attributes with discount information. The means acquires an attribute corresponding to the acquired money terminal ID from the attribute storage means, and acquires discount information corresponding to the acquired attribute from the discount information storage means. Provide the discount information provision system described.
The invention according to claim 3 comprises purchase history storage means for storing a purchase history associated with the money terminal ID, and attribute estimation means for estimating a customer attribute using the stored purchase history. And the said attribute memory | storage means memorize | stores the said estimated attribute corresponding to the said customer's money terminal ID, The discount information provision system of Claim 2 characterized by the above-mentioned is provided.
In the invention according to claim 4, ID acquisition means for acquiring a money terminal ID for identifying the money terminal from a money terminal storing money value as electronic data, and the acquired money terminal ID is transmitted to the discount information server. ID transmitting means, discount information receiving means for receiving discount information for the transmitted money terminal ID from the discount information server, and for the money terminal, the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount A deposit terminal comprising: an amount change information transmitting means for transmitting the amount change information to be increased; and a discount information output means for outputting the acquired discount information corresponding to the amount change information to be transmitted. provide.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the discount information output means provides the deposit terminal according to the fourth aspect, wherein the discount information is printed on a print medium and output.
The invention according to claim 6 provides the deposit terminal according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the discount information is a point at which a discount can be performed without specifying a product. .
In the invention according to claim 7, the money terminal ID receiving means for receiving the money terminal ID from the deposit terminal according to claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, and the money terminal ID and the customer attribute Acquired attribute storage means, discount information storage means associating the customer's attribute with discount information, obtaining an attribute corresponding to the received money terminal ID from the attribute storage means, from the discount information storage means, A discount information server comprising discount information transmission means for acquiring discount information corresponding to the acquired attribute and transmitting the discount information to the deposit terminal is provided.
The invention according to claim 8 comprises purchase history storage means for storing a purchase history associated with a money terminal ID, and attribute estimation means for estimating a customer attribute using the stored purchase history. 8. The discount information server according to claim 7, wherein the attribute storage unit stores the estimated attribute in association with the customer's money terminal ID.
The invention according to claim 9 provides the discount information server according to claim 7, wherein the discount information is a point at which a discount can be performed without specifying a product. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to promote the use of electronic money and the sale of merchandise by associating the electronic money and the coupon by issuing the coupon for the charge of the electronic money.

(1) Outline of Embodiment First, a person in charge at the headquarters accesses the store server 7 from the store terminal 4 (FIG. 1), and sets coupon information in the store server 7. Coupon ID and output conditions are set in the coupon information.
The output conditions are set according to, for example, “housewife”, “single male”, customer attributes that specify coupon issuers, “pay over 2,000 yen”, the amount to be charged, and other conditions. ing.

Then, when the customer sets the electronic money card 5 (denoted as “card” in FIG. 1) in the depositing terminal 2, inserts cash, and requests the depositing terminal 2 to charge, the depositing terminal 2 Access the card 5 and charge the specified amount.
At that time, the deposit terminal 2 transmits the electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 5 and the charge amount to the store server 7 to request transmission of coupon information.

The store server 7 stores the electronic money function unit ID and customer attributes in association with each other. Therefore, when the store server 7 receives the electronic money function unit ID and the charge amount from the deposit terminal 2, the store server 7 specifies the customer attribute from the electronic money function unit ID.
Then, the store server 7 selects coupon information to be output using customer attributes, charge amount, and the like, and transmits this to the deposit terminal 2.

When receiving the coupon information from the store server 7, the deposit terminal 2 prints the coupon information on a coupon ticket 6 (described as “coupon” in FIG. 1) composed of a printing medium such as paper and discharges it.
The coupon ticket 6 is printed with, for example, “XX soy 20 yen discount”, the discount target product and the split daily price, and the coupon ID is printed with a barcode, for example.
When the customer receives the coupon ticket 6 from the depositing terminal 2, the customer takes a discount target product or other product from the product display shelf, and requests settlement from the accountant at the settlement terminal 3.

The accountant reads the barcode of the product brought by the customer into the payment terminal 3 with a barcode reader and reads the coupon ID of the coupon 6 presented by the customer with the barcode reader.
The settlement terminal 3 downloads and stores coupon information in advance from the store server 7 and specifies coupon information using the coupon ID read from the coupon ticket 6.

Then, the settlement terminal 3 determines whether or not the product targeted for discount in the coupon information is included in the product purchased by the customer, and when the product purchased by the customer includes the discount target product. The accounting amount is calculated with the discount amount specified in the coupon information. If there is no discount target product, the accounting amount is calculated with the normal fee.
And a customer pays the price of goods with electronic money card 5 or cash.

(2) Details of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a coupon system according to the present embodiment.
The coupon system 1 includes a store terminal 4 and a store server 7 installed in the headquarters, a deposit terminal 2 installed in the store, a payment terminal 3, an electronic money card 5 carried by a customer, and the like.
The headquarters is installed in an office in a store when the store is small, and when the store is large and crosses over to another store, these are connected separately via a network.

The store server 7 receives and stores coupon information input from the person in charge at the headquarters via the store terminal 4, and transmits it to the deposit terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3.
The store server 7 stores customer attributes in association with the electronic money function unit ID, manages the inventory status of the product, etc., and stores coupon information according to these attributes and inventory status in a predetermined manner. It transmits to the deposit terminal 2 according to the rule.

The coupon information includes, for example, “ABC cheese 50 yen discount”, information for specifying a discount target product, information for specifying a discount amount, and a coupon ID, and functions as discount information.
The store server 7 also has a function as a sales management system, and manages product inventory, products purchased by customers, and coupon information used.
Therefore, the store server 7 may transmit the coupon information giving priority to the stock discharge to the depositing terminal 2 over the customer attribute or the like depending on the situation. Thus, the store server 7 has a function as a discount information server.

The payment terminal 2 is installed in a store or an area belonging to another store, and charges the electronic money card 5 and issues a coupon ticket 6.
The depositing terminal 2 charges the electronic money function part ID of the electronic money card 5, the charge amount, etc. to the store server 7 and uses the coupon information transmitted from the store server 7 to the coupon ticket. 6 is printed.

The coupon ticket 6 is printed with a bar code along with a print such as “XX mayonnaise 50 yen discount”, and can be read by the payment terminal 3.
Or coupon ID can also be comprised so that it may be printed by the row | line | column of a number. In this case, the settlement terminal 3 acquires the coupon ID of the coupon voucher 6 by an accountant in the store who inputs the number into the settlement terminal 3 or reads the number.

The electronic money card 5 is a money terminal that stores monetary values as electronic data called values, and has an electronic money function unit ID that is a unique ID.
The electronic money card 5 can be charged (increased) or settled (decreased) the stored amount of value based on the amount change information input from the outside.

  A merchandise display shelf is installed in the store to display retail merchandise. Each product has a price list. Each product is provided with a barcode, and the product purchased by the customer can be specified by reading the barcode with the barcode reader of the payment terminal 3.

The settlement terminal 3 is an accounting device that performs accounting processing for products purchased by the customer. The payment terminal 3 reads the price list of the products and the barcode printed on the coupon ticket 6 and the reader / writer that performs payment using the electronic money card 5. And an electronic money module and a cash settlement function.
The payment terminal 3 recognizes the product purchased by the customer and the coupon ID of the coupon voucher 6 using a barcode.

Further, the settlement terminal 3 downloads and stores coupon information from the store server 7 in advance, and uses a coupon ID read from the coupon ticket 6 or a coupon that is a string of numbers printed on the coupon ticket 6. By receiving the ID, coupon information corresponding to the coupon ticket 6 is specified.
Then, the identified coupon information and the product purchased by the customer are collated (matching, matching), and if there is a coupon target product among the products purchased by the customer, an accounting process is performed at a discount price.

As described above, in the coupon system 1, when the electronic money card 5 is charged by the depositing terminal 2, the coupon ticket 6 is issued, so that both use of the electronic money card 5 and product sales can be promoted.
Further, by using the electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 5, for example, a lunch box coupon ticket 6 is issued to a single man and a seasoning coupon ticket 6 is issued to a housewife. A suitable coupon 6 can be issued.
Here, although the deposit terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3 are described as separate devices, it is also possible to provide both functions with the same terminal.

Next, the electronic money card 5 will be described.
FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the electronic money card 5.
The electronic money card 5 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a high-frequency circuit 22, an antenna 26, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 24, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM 25). ing.

These elements are formed on an IC chip embedded in the electronic money card 5.
However, the antenna 26 is configured by an antenna line extending around the outer edge of the electronic money card 5 and has an end connected to the IC chip.
As described above, in this embodiment mode, the IC chip is a non-contact type that transmits and receives wirelessly. However, the IC chip may be configured by a contact type IC chip that is connected by electrodes.
Here, the IC chip functions as a money terminal that stores money value as electronic data.

The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that performs information processing according to programs stored in the ROM 23 and the EEPROM 25.
The antenna 26 is an antenna for performing short-distance wireless communication with an antenna built in the reader / writer unit.
The electronic money card 5 obtains driving power wirelessly from the reader / writer unit via the antenna 26 and performs wireless communication.

  The high frequency circuit 22 converts the high frequency transmitted from the reader / writer unit to the antenna 26 into a digital signal and outputs it to the CPU 21, or conversely converts the digital signal output from the CPU 21 into a high frequency and outputs it to the antenna 26. Transmit to the reader / writer.

The RAM 24 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory when the CPU 21 performs information processing.
The RAM 24 can hold the stored contents while power is supplied to the electronic money card 5, but the stored contents are lost when the supply of power stops.
The ROM 23 is a read-only memory that stores basic programs, parameters, data, and the like for causing the electronic money card 5 to function.

The EEPROM 25 is a ROM capable of writing and erasing information. Information stored in the EEPROM 25 is maintained even when power is not supplied to the electronic money card 5.
Various programs and data are stored in the EEPROM 25.
As the program, for example, an OS (Operating System) which is a basic program for causing the electronic money card 5 to function, an update of the value balance based on the amount update information, or an ID reference command to execute the electronic reference There is a value processing program for executing various commands such as outputting the money function unit ID to the deposit terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3, and the data is uniquely assigned corresponding to the value balance and the electronic money card 5 There is an electronic money function unit ID which is ID information.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram conceptually showing the function of the electronic money card 5.
The electronic money card 5 includes a communication unit 12, a value processing unit 14, a storage unit 16, and the like.
The communication unit 12 is configured using an antenna 26, a high-frequency circuit 22, and the like, and performs short-range wireless communication with the deposit terminal 2 and an electronic money terminal 4 (not shown).

  The value processing unit 14 is configured by the CPU 21 executing a value processing program stored in the EEPROM 25, and performs communication processing with the deposit terminal 2 and the electronic money terminal 4 via the communication unit 12, and money amount update information. Is used to update the value balance and output the electronic money function unit ID.

The storage unit 16 is formed in a predetermined area of the EEPROM 25, and stores an electronic money function unit ID, a value balance, and other data.
Here, the electronic money function unit ID functions as a money terminal ID that identifies a money terminal.

In this embodiment, the case where the electronic money card 5 is charged will be described. However, an IC chip similar to that built in the electronic money card 5 is also built in the mobile phone, and the electronic money card 5 5 can be used.
That is, it is possible to charge these portable terminals with the deposit terminal 2 in the same manner as the electronic money card 5 and receive the coupon ticket 6, and the settlement terminal 3 can perform settlement with value.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of the deposit terminal 2.
The deposit terminal 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a display operation section 31, a bill insertion slot 36, a ticket issuing slot 37, a deposit button 32, a cancel button 33, a receipt button 34, and a reader / writer section 38 are formed on the front panel. Yes.

The display operation unit 31 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays characters and symbols.
The display operation unit 31 can issue an instruction such as “Please set an electronic money card” or “Please insert banknotes” to the customer.

  The bill insertion slot 36 is a slot for inserting bills. The bill insertion slot 36 is provided with a slit-like opening, and when one end of the bill is inserted into the opening, the bill is automatically taken into and stored in the deposit terminal 2 by a mechanism such as a roller. .

  The ticket issuing opening 37 is a coupon ticket outlet for discharging the coupon ticket 6. The depositing terminal 2 includes a printing mechanism that prints coupon information on a paper medium using a printing mechanism such as a thermal head or an ink jet. For example, the depositing terminal 2 prints the coupon ticket and then issues it to the ticketing slot. Drain from 37.

The deposit button 32 is a button for causing the electronic money card 5 set in the reader / writer unit 38 to charge.
When a customer inserts a bill from the bill insertion slot 36 and presses the deposit button 32, the deposit terminal 2 starts a charge process.
The cancel button 33 is a button for ending the process halfway.

The receipt button 34 is a button for issuing a receipt. When the customer depresses the receipt button 34 after charging, the receipt is output from a receipt output port (not shown) provided in the upper part of the reader / writer unit 38.
Moreover, you may comprise so that a receipt may be discharged | emitted from the ticketing opening 37 with a coupon.

In the lower half of the front panel of the deposit terminal 2, there is a recess recessed toward the inside of the deposit terminal 2, and a reader / writer section 38 is provided on the flat portion at the lower end of the recess.
The reader / writer unit 38 has a built-in reader / writer, and the electronic money card 5 is placed in the recess to perform wireless communication between the deposit terminal 2 and these cards.
If the mobile phone has an IC chip built in, the mobile phone can be charged in the same manner as the electronic money card 5 by setting the mobile phone in the recess.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the deposit terminal 2.
As shown in FIG. 4, the deposit terminal 2 has a CPU 41, a ROM 43, a RAM 44, a communication control unit 45, a storage unit 46, an input unit 47, an output unit 48, a reader / writer unit 38, a deposit unit 49, a ticket issuing unit 50, etc. They are connected by a line 46.

The CPU 41 performs information processing in accordance with a predetermined program, performs control of the entire depositing terminal 2, etc., for example, communicates with the electronic money card 5 to charge or communicates with the store server 7 to acquire coupon information. In this way, a coupon ticket 6 is issued.
The ROM 43 is a read-only memory that stores a basic program and parameters for operating the deposit terminal 2.
The RAM 44 is a readable / writable memory that provides a working memory for the CPU 41 and loads and stores programs and data stored in the storage unit 46.

  The communication control unit 45 is a connection device that connects the deposit terminal 2 to the store server 7. Although not shown, in the electronic money system that manages the operation of the electronic money card 5, the electronic money server collects log data from the depositing terminal 2, and the depositing terminal 2 is electronically connected via the communication control unit 45. You can also connect to a money server.

  The storage unit 46 includes, for example, a storage medium configured by a semiconductor storage device, a hard disk, a magnetic storage medium, and the like, and a drive device that drives the storage medium, a program storage unit 52 that stores various programs, and stores data. The data storage unit 54 is configured.

  In the program storage unit 52, in addition to the OS that is a basic program for causing the deposit terminal 2 to function, the function of charging cash to the electronic money card 5 upon receipt of cash, and accessing the store server 7 to receive coupon information The program etc. which make CPU41 exhibit the function etc. which acquire and issue the coupon ticket 6 are memorize | stored.

In the data storage unit 54, a transaction log recording the processing contents with the electronic money card 5 is temporarily stored and transmitted to the electronic money server by batch processing or the like.
Further, the data storage unit 54 also stores a terminal ID which is its own ID information. In the electronic money system, the deposit terminal 2 is specified by the terminal ID.

The input unit 47 includes input devices such as a deposit button 32, a cancel button 33, and a receipt button 34, and accepts input of information from the outside.
The output unit 48 includes an output device such as a printer that prints a receipt and a display operation unit 31 (display 31).

The depositing unit 49 includes a bill insertion slot 36 and accepts input of bills from the outside. The depositing unit 49 determines the authenticity of the banknote, and further reads the face value with an optical device or the like.
The reader / writer unit 38 is as described above.
The ticket issuing unit 50 includes a printing mechanism and a ticket opening 37 and issues the coupon ticket 6 by printing it.
On the coupon ticket 6, for example, “XX mayonnaise 50 yen discount” and the like, a discount target product and a discount amount are printed, and a coupon ID is printed by a barcode or the like.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the store server 7.
The store server 7 includes a CPU 65, a ROM 66, a RAM 68, a communication control unit 67, a storage unit 69, and the like connected by a bus line.

  The CPU 65 is a central processing unit that performs various types of information processing according to a predetermined program. In the present embodiment, for example, input of coupon information is received from the person in charge at the headquarters via the store terminal 4 and stored, the stored coupon information is transmitted to the deposit terminal 2 or the settlement terminal 3, or As will be described later, the customer attributes are estimated from the customer purchase history.

The ROM 66 is a read-only memory, and stores basic programs and parameters for operating the store server 7.
The RAM 68 is a readable / writable memory, and provides a working memory for the CPU 65, loads and stores programs and data stored in the storage unit 69, and the like.

The communication control unit 67 communicates with the deposit terminal 2 and the settlement terminal 3 to transmit coupon information to the deposit terminal 2 and the settlement terminal 3.
Further, the store server 7 is connected to the store terminal 4 via the communication control unit 67 so that coupon information can be added, deleted, edited, etc. from the store terminal 4.

The storage unit 69 is configured by using a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk, and includes a program storage unit 70 that stores various programs, a data storage unit 71 that stores data, and the like.
The program storage unit 70 transmits an OS, which is a basic program for causing the store server 7 to function, a tool for a person in charge at the headquarters to operate coupon information, and coupon information to the deposit terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3. Programs for estimating customer attributes from purchase histories, and the like.

In the data storage unit 71, a coupon DB (DB is a database), an attribute DB, a purchase history DB, a product management DB, and other databases are formed for managing coupon information and products.
The store server 7 manages coupon information and product information using these databases.

The hardware configuration of the payment terminal 3 is basically the same as that of the store server 7, and is a CPU, RAM, ROM, storage unit, communication control unit, reader / writer that communicates with the electronic money card 5, and printing that prints a receipt. It is comprised using a part etc.
The settlement terminal 3 downloads the coupon information from the store server 7 in advance, and can specify the coupon information by the coupon ID read from the coupon ticket 6 or printed on the coupon ticket 6.
Then, the settlement terminal 3 performs settlement at a discount fee when there is a discounted product among the products to be settled by the customer.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of a logical configuration of the coupon DB.
The coupon DB is used to register and manage coupon information and to provide coupon information to the deposit terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3.

The item “coupon ID” is ID information uniquely assigned to each coupon information. The store server 7 and the payment terminal 3 can specify coupon information by a coupon ID.
The item “product” is a product to be discounted. Here, general product names such as “mayonnaise” and “soy sauce” are collectively recorded, but individual product names such as “OO mayonnaise” may be used.

The item “barcode” is a barcode assigned to the product, and is recorded as a string of numbers. In the barcode, a country code, a manufacturer code, a product code, and the like are recorded.
When the deposit terminal 2 prints a bar code, the numeric string is converted into a bar-like display form.
The item “discount amount” is a discount amount for discounting the discount target product, and the item “output number” is the number of coupon coupons 6 to be issued.

The item “output condition” is a condition for providing coupon information to a customer. The output condition includes a deposit amount condition, an attribute condition, a settlement condition, a store visit number condition, and other conditions.
The amount condition is a condition defined by the amount charged at the deposit terminal 2 such as “pay over 1,000 yen”.

The attribute conditions are, for example, “customer type”, “single male type”, “female type”, etc., which classify the purchase characteristics (purchasing propensity) of the customer. It is specified by receiving.
In this way, the coupon DB functions as a discount information storage unit that associates customer attributes with discount information (coupon information).

The settlement condition is a condition defined by an amount settled with the electronic money card 5, such as “settlement of 30,000 yen or more last month”.
The store visit condition is a condition defined by the number of visits by the customer, such as “visit more than 10 visits last month”.

  The store server 7 receives the electronic money function unit ID and the charge amount from the deposit terminal 2 and determines which coupon information is to be transmitted. Which output condition is used to search for the coupon information? Can be set by the person in charge accessing the store server 7 from the store terminal 4.

For example, when giving priority to the attribute condition, the store server 7 searches for coupon information that matches the attribute specified by the electronic money function unit ID, and when giving priority to the number of visits, the store server 7 Or search.
Moreover, the shop side can also set unilaterally the coupon information which preferentially transmits inventory discharge, without using output conditions.

FIG. 6B is a diagram showing a logical configuration of the attribute DB.
The item “electronic money functional unit ID” is an electronic money functional unit ID of the electronic money card 5 possessed by the customer. Thus, the customer is specified by the electronic money function unit ID.
The item “gender” is the gender of the customer. For example, it is set when the gender of the customer is known, such as when the customer makes a declaration in the store membership registration.

The item “attribute type” is a type that classifies the purchase characteristics of customers, and includes “housewife type”, “single male type”, and so on.
The purchase characteristics of the customer are set by analyzing the purchase history of the customer. Therefore, the “housewife type” is not necessarily a housewife, and even a single man is classified as a “housewife type” if he / she has purchase characteristics like a housewife.
As described above, the attribute DB functions as an attribute storage unit that associates the money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) with the customer attribute.

The item “number of visits last month” is the number of times the customer visited the store last month. This can be understood by examining the payment history at the electronic money card 5 and the charge history at the deposit terminal 2.
The item “payment amount” is the amount that the customer has settled at the store last month with the electronic money card 5 and is calculated from the purchase history.
Note that these “last month” are merely examples, and may be, for example, the number of visits to the store or the payment amount in the past three months, and the settings can be edited from the store terminal 4.

FIG. 6C is a diagram showing a logical configuration of the purchase history DB.
In this case, the store server 7 receives and accumulates the payment history of the electronic money card 5 from the payment terminal 3.
The item “electronic money functional unit ID” is an electronic money functional unit ID of the electronic money card 5 owned by the customer.
The item “purchase date and time” is the date and time when the customer made a payment for purchasing the product with the electronic money card 5.

The item “product” is a product purchased by the customer. Here, the general name of the product is used, but it is also possible to record the product code so that the product can be specified.
The item “manufacturer” is the manufacturer of the product purchased by the customer.
The item “category” is a category of a product purchased by the customer, and includes “condiment”, “kitchen utensils”, “food”, and the like.
In the purchase history described above, the purchase date / time and category are used by the store server 7 to analyze customer attributes later.
Thus, the purchase history DB functions as a purchase history storage unit that stores a purchase history associated with a money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID).

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a logical configuration of the product management DB.
The store server 7 manages the product management DB in real time or as close to real time as possible by receiving the sales status of the products sequentially from the payment terminal 3 and updating the product management DB.
The item “product name” is a general name of a product sold in the store.
The item “product code” is an ID uniquely assigned to the product, and the product is specified thereby. The product code is also included in the product price list barcode.
The item “manufacturer” is a manufacturer that manufactures a product or a delivery source.
The item “unit price” is the selling price, and the item “delivery date” is the date on which the product is delivered.

The item “expiration date” is the expiration date of the product. In addition, since there are fresh foods etc. in the product, when necessary, the unit is set to the hour and minute.
The item “number of deliveries” is the quantity delivered, and the item “number of sales” is the quantity sold.
The item “stock quantity” is the current stock quantity, and is obtained by subtracting the sales quantity from the delivery quantity.
Here, the stock is used, for example, to adjust the issuance of the coupon 6 depending on the stock status. For this reason, the coupon ticket 6 can be output only for the number of stocks.

Next, attribute estimation processing in which the store server 7 estimates customer attributes will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
The following processing is performed by the CPU 65 regularly or irregularly according to a predetermined program.
The store server 7 specifies one electronic money function unit ID (that is, one customer) in the purchase history DB, and searches and acquires a purchase history for a predetermined period (for example, the past one month).

Then, the store server 7 determines whether or not the product category recorded in the retrieved purchase history is uneven (that is, whether or not the customer's purchased product is uneven) (step 5). Here, as an example, “condiment”, “bento”, and “confectionery” are used as categories.
The bias can be calculated, for example, by summing the settlement amounts for each category, and when the category with the largest settlement amount is 50% or more of the total settlement amount, the category is biased. Moreover, you may define unbalance using this other method.

If the category is unevenly distributed (step 5; Y), the store server 7 determines which category is unevenly distributed (step 10).
When it is concentrated on confectionery (step 10; confectionery), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to “general type” (step 25).
If the lunch box is biased (step 10; lunch box), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to “single male type” (step 20).

When it is concentrated on the seasoning (step 10; seasoning), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to the housewife type or the female type as follows (step 15).
That is, when the purchase date / time is uneven from 9 o'clock to 12 o'clock, it is set as “housewife type”, and when it is in other time zones, it is set as “female type”.
As described above, when there are a plurality of attributes derived from the category determination, it is possible to further narrow down the attributes by auxiliary determination of purchase date and time.

Next, when there is no deviation in the category of the product recorded in the purchase history of the customer (step 5; N), the store server 7 analyzes the shopping time from the purchase date and time.
When the most frequently shopping time is from 9:00 to 12:00 (step 30; 9:00 to 12:00), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to “Housewife” (step 35). ).

When the most frequently shopping time is from 12:00 to 17:00 (step 30; 12:00 to 17:00), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to “female” (step 40). ).
When the most frequently shopping time zone is from 17:00 to 22:00 (step 30; 17:00 to 22:00), the store server 7 sets the attribute of the customer to “general type” (step 45). ).

When the store server 7 estimates the customer attribute as described above, the store server 7 records the estimation result in the “attribute type” of the attribute DB.
Thereafter, in the same manner, the store server 7 estimates attributes for other customers and records them in the attribute DB.

The attribute estimation process is performed every month, and the attribute may change, for example, when a customer is updated from “housewife type” to “single male type” due to a change in purchase characteristics of the customer.
Thus, the store server 7 can perform attribute assignment based on the recent purchase characteristics of the customer.

As described above, the store server 7 includes attribute estimation means for estimating customer attributes using the purchase history stored in the purchase history DB.
In this way, attributes can be estimated from a plurality of elements such as a plurality of elements (such as purchase time and purchased product category), and the degree of estimation can be increased. In this embodiment, the attribute is estimated with priority over the category over the time zone.

FIG. 9 is a table showing an example of a selection rule for selecting coupon information to be transmitted when the store server 7 receives a request for coupon information from the deposit terminal 2.
When the store server 7 transmits coupon information to the deposit terminal 2, the store server 7 refers to the “output condition” of the coupon DB and selects coupon information to be transmitted according to the following rule.
This selection rule is an example, and the person in charge can access the store server 7 from the store terminal 4 and edit it arbitrarily.

In this example, when the stock of discount target products is less than a certain number and there is a certain time (room) until the expiration date, coupon information is selected using the customer attribute as a key.
Further, when the number of stocks is less than a certain number and there is no fixed time (room) until the expiration date, coupon information of a product to be discharged is selected. The products to be discharged from the inventory are set separately along with their priorities.

On the other hand, when the stock quantity is a certain number or more and there is a certain time until the expiration date, the coupon information is selected using the coupon information and the attribute of the product to be discharged as a key. In this case, two pieces of coupon information are selected.
Further, when the number of stocks is equal to or greater than a certain number and there is no fixed period until the expiration date, the store server 7 selects coupon information of a product to be stocked.

With the above rules, a constant in stock and a certain time can be set from the store terminal 4 by the person in charge at the headquarters.
As described above, the store server 7 mainly transmits coupon information for the purpose of stock discharge to the depositing terminal 2 when the inventory is large, and when the inventory status is good (small), the coupon information by attribute. Send.
Moreover, even when there is a large amount of stock, coupon information based on attributes can be transmitted.

Further, the store server 7 compares the “output number” of the coupon DB with the “stock quantity” of the product management DB, and when the output number reaches the stock quantity, the store server 7 stops sending coupon information of the product, Send coupon information for other products.
The next coupon information to be transmitted when the transmission of the coupon information is stopped is set in plural together with the priority order.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure until the deposit terminal 2 issues the coupon ticket 6.
First, a person in charge at the head office accesses the store server 7 from the store terminal 4 and sets coupon information (step 100).
This operation is performed by setting a coupon ID, a product, a barcode, a discount amount, an output condition, an output number, and the like. A selection rule is also set separately.

The store server 7 accepts the registration operation from the store terminal 4, and stores and registers the coupon information in the coupon DB (step 105). It also accepts selection rule settings.
Next, the store server 7 transmits the coupon information registered in the coupon DB to the payment terminal 3. When there are a plurality of payment terminals 3, the information is transmitted to all the payment terminals 3.
The settlement terminal 3 receives the coupon information from the store server 7 and stores it (step 110).
Since the payment terminal 3 can perform the discount process if the coupon ID, the barcode, and the discount amount are known in the coupon information, only the information may be transmitted.

As described above, after registering coupon information in the store server 7 and the settlement terminal 3 so that the coupon can be used, the customer sets the electronic money card 5 in the depositing terminal 2, deposits cash, and charges it. Request.
Then, the deposit terminal 2 accepts the deposit (step 115), performs processing such as reading the electronic money function unit ID from the electronic money card 5, and then generates amount change information for increasing the value of the charge amount. The electronic money card 5 is transmitted and charged to the electronic money card 5 (step 120).

  In this way, the deposit terminal 2 acquires an ID for acquiring a money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) that identifies the money terminal from a money terminal (electronic money card 5) that stores the money value as electronic data (value). And a money amount change information transmitting means for transmitting to the money terminal money amount change information for increasing the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount (amount of money received).

Next, the deposit terminal 2 transmits the electronic money function unit ID of the electronic money card 5 and the charged amount to the store server 7 and requests transmission of coupon information (step 125).
As described above, the deposit terminal 2 includes an ID transmission unit that transmits the money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) acquired from the electronic money card 5 to the discount information server (store server 7).

When the store server 7 receives the electronic money function unit ID and the charged amount from the deposit terminal 2, the store server 7 searches for coupon information that matches this according to the selection rule (step 130).
For example, when searching for coupon information that matches the customer's attribute, the store server 7 obtains the user's attribute by checking the electronic money function unit ID against the attribute DB, and the coupon information that matches this is obtained as a coupon. Search from DB. At this time, filtering can be performed by comparing the charge amount with the deposit amount of the output condition.

In addition, when searching for coupon information of a product to be discharged, the coupon information of a product having a high discharge priority is searched.
As described above, the store server 7 acquires the attribute corresponding to the money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) received from the deposit terminal 2 from the attribute storage unit (attribute DB), and the discount information storage unit (coupon DB). And discount information transmitting means for acquiring discount information (coupon information) corresponding to the acquired attribute and transmitting it to the deposit terminal.

When the store server 7 searches for coupon information in this way, it transmits it to the deposit terminal 2 (step 135).
Upon receipt of the coupon information from the store server 7, the deposit terminal 2 prints and outputs the coupon ticket 6 using the coupon information (step 140).

  Thus, the depositing terminal 2 receives discount information (coupon information) for the money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) transmitted to the store server 7 from the discount information server (store server 7). In addition, discount information output means for printing discount information acquired from the store server 7 corresponding to the money amount change information transmitted to the electronic money card 5 on a print medium and outputting it is provided.

In the above example, the deposit terminal 2 requests coupon information from the store server 7 after charging the electronic money card 5, but this can be done at any time, for example, before charging. .
Moreover, although the coupon ticket 6 was output after the charge of the electronic money card 5, the coupon ticket 6 can be output simultaneously with the charging, or the coupon ticket 6 can be output before the charging.
As described above, the deposit terminal 2 and the store server 7 are connected via a communication network and function as a discount information providing system.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for the customer to use the coupon ticket 6.
First, the customer brings the product to be purchased to the payment terminal 3 and gives it to the accountant. The accountant reads the barcode of the product with the barcode reader of the payment terminal 3, whereby the payment terminal 3 accepts the input of the product (step 200) and can specify the product purchased by the customer.

After the accounting person inputs all commodities, when the customer presents the coupon 6 to the person in charge, the person in charge reads the coupon ID of the coupon 6 with a barcode reader. In the case of a method of printing the coupon ID with a number, the person in charge inputs the number.
The settlement terminal 3 searches for coupon information stored in advance using the coupon ID as a key, and reads a coupon ID that matches the coupon ticket 6 (step 205).
Next, the settlement terminal 3 determines whether or not the product that is the discount target in the coupon information is present in the product received in Step 200 (Step 210).

When the discount target product exists (step 210; Y), the price of the product is discounted by the discount amount specified by the coupon information (step 215).
When the user installs the electronic money card 5 in the reader / writer of the payment terminal 3, the payment terminal 3 provides the electronic money card 5 with money amount change information for reducing the barcode of a value obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the total amount of shopping. Transmit and execute settlement (step 220).

On the other hand, when there is no discount target product (step 210; N), the electronic money card 5 is used for settlement without discounting (step 220).
After settlement, the payment terminal 3 transmits the electronic money function unit ID, purchase date / time, product code, etc. of the electronic money card 5 to the store server 7, and the store server 7 records this in the purchase history DB, Update the number of sales, inventory, etc. in the management DB.
The above is settled with the electronic money card 5, but it is also possible to settle with cash. In this case, it is not recorded in the purchase history DB, but the product management DB is updated.

(Modification 1)
In the embodiment described above, coupon information is downloaded from the store server 7 to the payment terminal 3 and the discount target product is confirmed by the payment terminal 3, but this processing is performed by the store server 7. You can also
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure until the deposit terminal 2 according to the present modification issues a coupon ticket 6. The same steps as those in FIG. 10 are given the same step numbers.
As shown in FIG. 12, in this process, step 110 is omitted from FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a procedure for the customer to use the coupon 6 in the present modification. The same steps as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same step numbers, and description thereof is omitted or simplified.
The settlement terminal 3 reads the coupon ID from the coupon ticket 6 and transmits it to the store server 7 (step 207).

When the store server 7 receives the coupon ID from the settlement terminal 3, the store server 7 searches the coupon DB for coupon information using this as a key, and responds by transmitting the product code and the discount amount to the settlement terminal 3 (step 208).
Then, the payment terminal 3 determines whether or not the product for discount in the coupon information is present in the product received in Step 200 (Step 210). Hereinafter, it is the same as FIG.
The payment terminal 3 makes an inquiry to the store server 7 for coupon information. A mechanism for responding to the coupon information using this coupon ID is incorporated in the POS system so that the payment terminal 3 makes an inquiry to the POS system. It can also be configured.

(Modification 2)
In the previous embodiment, the coupon ID is printed on the coupon ticket 6, but it is also possible to configure so that the product code and the discount amount are printed.
In this case, since the store server 7 can directly read the discount target product and the discount amount from the coupon ticket 6, by matching the product purchased by the customer with the discount target product read from the coupon ticket 6, Discount processing can be performed.
This eliminates the need for the store server 7 to download and store coupon information from the store server 7.

(Modification 3)
In the present embodiment, the coupon DB is installed in the store server 7 and the deposit terminal 2 requests the coupon information from the store server 7. However, the coupon DB and the coupon information search function are incorporated in the deposit terminal 2, It can also comprise so that the terminal 2 may issue the coupon ticket 6 independently.
In this case, the deposit terminal 2 has an ID acquisition means for acquiring a money terminal ID (electronic money function unit ID) for identifying the money terminal from a money terminal (electronic money card 5) that stores the money value as electronic data. The discount information acquisition means for acquiring discount information for the acquired ID information (from the coupon DB) and the money terminal increase the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount (charge) ) Comprising: money amount change information transmitting means for transmitting money amount change information; and discount information output means for outputting the acquired discount information (coupon ticket 6) corresponding to the money amount change information to be transmitted. Functions as a discount information provision system.

(Modification 4)
In the present embodiment, the coupon voucher 6 composed of a print medium is used as the coupon information output destination, but the electronic money card 5 may be configured to store the coupon information.
In this case, an application for managing coupon information is incorporated into the electronic money card 5 so that it can be used as an electronic coupon card.

  Note that points can be written in the electronic money card 5 instead of coupon information. In this case, the point granting condition, the attribute determination method, and the like are performed by the same procedure as in the present embodiment, and the point grant rate is determined from the category, attribute, purchase time, weather of the day, and the like.

For example, a point ticket printed with “100 points” or the like may be issued at the depositing terminal 2, or an application for storing and managing the points on the electronic money card 5 is incorporated into the depositing terminal. 2 may be written to the electronic money card 5.
Note that the point functions as discount information that can be discounted without specifying a product.

In this case, the customer can simultaneously charge the electronic money card 5 and write the coupon ID at the deposit terminal 2.
At the time of accounting, the settlement terminal 3 reads the coupon ID from the electronic money card 5 and collates it with the coupon information stored in the settlement terminal 3.

(Modification 5)
Further, for example, by using the deposit terminal 2 so that a customer who has charged 1,000 yen or more is charged an extra 5%, the use of the electronic money card 5 can be further promoted.
In this case, for example, a customer who charges 1,000 yen can obtain a value of 50 yen free of charge, and a customer who charges 2,000 yen can charge a value of 100 yen free of charge.

In addition, when charging, if the store server 7 refers to the purchase history DB and is a customer who satisfies a specific condition such as a customer or a housewife, the charge can be increased. .
Thus, a synergistic effect can be expected by providing a value increase service and a coupon service, and the use of electronic money and the sale of stores can be promoted.

The following effects can be obtained by the embodiment and the modification described above.
(1) When charging the electronic money card 5 at the deposit terminal 2, a coupon ticket 6 can be issued.
(2) By linking the charging of the electronic money card 5 and the issuance of the coupon ticket 6, both the use of electronic money and the sale of goods can be promoted.
(3) It is possible to issue a coupon voucher 6 corresponding to the purchase characteristics of the customer using the customer attribute.
(4) It is possible to give the attribute by estimating the purchase characteristic of the customer from the purchase history of the customer.
(5) Since the store can flexibly set coupon information to be provided to the customer according to the stock status, so-called unsold goods can be reduced, and inventory management can be promoted.
(6) Since the store can manage the coupon usage history with the coupon system 1, it is not necessary to collect the coupon usage history manually and save labor.

It is the block diagram which showed an example of the coupon system. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of an electronic money card. It is the schematic diagram which showed the external appearance of the money_receiving | payment terminal. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware structure of a money_receiving | payment terminal. It is the figure which showed an example of the hardware structure of a shop server. It is a figure for demonstrating the logical structure of various databases. It is a figure for demonstrating the logical structure of merchandise management DB. It is a flowchart for demonstrating an attribute estimation process. It is a figure for demonstrating the selection rule of coupon information. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which issues a coupon. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which utilizes a coupon. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which issues the coupon ticket which concerns on a modification. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which utilizes the coupon which concerns on a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Coupon system 2 Deposit terminal 3 Settlement terminal 4 Store terminal 5 Electronic money card 6 Coupon ticket 7 Store server

Claims (9)

ID acquisition means for acquiring a money terminal ID for identifying the money terminal from a money terminal that stores the money value as electronic data;
Discount information acquisition means for acquiring discount information for the acquired money terminal ID information;
Amount change information transmitting means for transmitting amount change information for increasing the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount to the money terminal;
Discount information output means for outputting the acquired discount information corresponding to the amount change information to be transmitted;
A discount information providing system characterized by comprising: Attribute storage means for associating money terminal IDs with customer attributes;
Discount information storage means associating the customer attributes with discount information;
Comprising
The discount information acquisition unit acquires an attribute corresponding to the acquired money terminal ID from the attribute storage unit, and acquires discount information corresponding to the acquired attribute from the discount information storage unit. The discount information providing system according to claim 1. Purchase history storage means for storing a purchase history associated with the money terminal ID;
Attribute estimation means for estimating customer attributes using the stored purchase history;
Comprising
3. The discount information providing system according to claim 2, wherein the attribute storage unit stores the estimated attribute in association with the customer's money terminal ID. ID acquisition means for acquiring a money terminal ID for identifying the money terminal from a money terminal that stores the money value as electronic data;
ID transmitting means for transmitting the acquired money terminal ID to a discount information server;
Discount information receiving means for receiving discount information for the transmitted money terminal ID from the discount information server;
Amount change information transmitting means for transmitting amount change information for increasing the amount of money value stored in the money terminal by a predetermined amount to the money terminal;
Discount information output means for outputting the acquired discount information corresponding to the amount change information to be transmitted;
A payment terminal characterized by comprising:   5. The deposit terminal according to claim 4, wherein the discount information output means prints the discount information on a print medium and outputs it.   6. The deposit terminal according to claim 4, wherein the discount information is a point at which a discount can be performed without specifying a product. A money terminal ID receiving means for receiving a money terminal ID from the deposit terminal according to claim 4, claim 5, or claim 6;
Attribute storage means for associating money terminal IDs with customer attributes;
Discount information storage means associating the customer attributes with discount information;
Discount information transmitting means for acquiring an attribute corresponding to the received money terminal ID from the attribute storage means, acquiring discount information corresponding to the acquired attribute from the discount information storage means, and transmitting the discount information to the deposit terminal. ,
A discount information server characterized by comprising: Purchase history storage means for storing a purchase history associated with the money terminal ID;
Attribute estimation means for estimating customer attributes using the stored purchase history;
Comprising
The discount information server according to claim 7, wherein the attribute storage unit stores the estimated attribute in association with the customer's money terminal ID.   The discount information server according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the discount information is a point at which a discount can be performed without specifying a product.

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