JP2003006744A - Point management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a point management system, with which convenience is improved by issuing a service ticket according to a conversion unit desired by a client. SOLUTION: A service ticket issue rank desired by the client is set by a service ticket issue rank setting means 5 and the cumulative value of points, which are supplied when the client performs purchasing, is calculated by a cumulative computing means 3. When such a value corresponds to the service ticket issue rank set on the basis of the desire of the client, the service ticket is issued.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a point management system, for example, a mass retailer, a supermarket or the like provides points corresponding to a purchase amount as a service to customers, and the accumulated value of the points or the points. In a specific sale period, the cumulative value of values that have been subjected to a predetermined calculation such as doubling or multiplying by 3 is calculated, and the customer is provided with a service ticket corresponding to a cash voucher or an equivalent product according to the calculated value. The present invention relates to a point management system applied to a mechanism for issuing the points.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The above point management system is
Conventionally, for example, it is configured as a POS system. Usually, in such a conventional POS system, when the accumulated value of the paid points or the accumulated value of the values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation reaches a certain value, a cash voucher or a service ticket is issued. It was done.

On the other hand, a point card provided with a point storage unit for storing the number of points calculated from the purchase price of the customer and an evaluation exchange amount storage unit for storing the amount of money is used,
A point card reading device, a point card writing device, an input device for inputting sales amount, etc., a data recording device for storing each data, and an arithmetic device for converting points and amount of money. And a card terminal, and the purchase amount of the current time is input from the input device to be additionally registered in the data recording device, and the above calculation is performed from the purchase amount of the customer input to the input device. The device calculates the number of points based on a predetermined mathematical formula, adds it to the number of points read by the reading device, updates the number of points of the point card by the writing device, and stores the point card in the computing device. When it is determined that the number of points is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the remaining number of points obtained by subtracting the above predetermined value from the number of points is output to the writing device. The causes updated registration, even a system which is adapted to register the predetermined amount to the evaluation realization amount storage unit of the point card, it is proposed in JP-A-9-44732. In this system, the amount of money stored in the evaluation conversion amount storage unit of the point card corresponds to a cash voucher or a service ticket.

[0004]

However, in any of the conventional systems, a unit of conversion when converting the accumulated value of points into a monetary amount or a voucher or a service ticket, that is, one service ticket for every number of points. It was uniformly set by the operator of the system whether to issue the and to settle the accumulated points.

In such a conventional system, on the customer side, a large number of service tickets are issued at one time at an undesired time according to a uniform conversion unit, or an excessively long period is set, There was a problem that one or two service tickets were issued, which made it inconvenient to store, organize, and use.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a point management system with improved convenience by issuing service tickets in accordance with the conversion unit desired by the customer.

[0007]

In order to solve the above problems, the point management system according to the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

(1) The customer is provided with points corresponding to the purchase amount, and a cash voucher or the like is given to the customer according to the cumulative value of the paid points or the cumulative value of values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the points. A point management system applied to a mechanism for issuing a service ticket corresponding to an equivalent product, which is identified by a customer identifying means for identifying a customer and the customer identifying means when making a purchase. For the customer, the points paid in relation to the purchase up to the previous time or the cumulative value of the value obtained by performing the predetermined calculation on the points is further added to the points paid according to the purchase this time or the value obtained by performing the predetermined calculation on the points. However, when the cumulative calculation means for obtaining the cumulative update value as a result of the addition and the cumulative update value by the cumulative calculation means correspond to a preset service ticket issuing rank, And service coupons issued means for performing an output for issuing a service ticket worth its rank customer, and service ticket issue rank setting means for setting the service ticket issued rank to a predetermined value corresponding to a desired the customer,
When the service ticket is issued based on the output of the service ticket issuing means, the value of the point corresponding to the service ticket to be issued is subtracted from the updated cumulative value obtained by the cumulative computing means. A point management system comprising: subtraction means for adjusting the updated cumulative value up to the purchase.

(2) The service ticket issuing rank setting means is configured to set one selected by the customer from among a plurality of predetermined values prepared in advance as the service ticket issuing rank for the customer. The point management system according to (1) above, which has been performed.

(3) The service ticket issuance rank setting means sets one service ticket issuance rank related to the customer selected from a plurality of predetermined values prepared in advance as the service ticket issuance rank. The point management system according to (1) above, which is configured such that the set service ticket issuing rank can be updated and set according to the customer's request.

(4) The service ticket issuing means is configured to describe the service ticket issuing rank corresponding to the service ticket to be issued or a value corresponding to the rank on the service ticket. ) Point management system.

(5) When the service ticket issuing means recognizes that the updated cumulative value by the cumulative computing means reaches the preset service ticket issuing rank, it displays based on this recognition, Further, it is configured to output for issuing the service ticket in consideration of the fact that the customer agrees to issue the service ticket corresponding to the service ticket issuing rank. (1) Point management system.

(6) Identification of the customer by the customer identification means and recognition of the points paid for the purchase up to the last time of the customer or the cumulative value of the values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the points are information held in the point card. The point management system according to the above (1), which is configured to be performed based on the above.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Preferred embodiments of the point management system of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an embodiment of a point management system of the present invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the accounting processing operation unit 1 is configured to include a card reader, a bar code reader, an input key and the like similar to those provided in a register installed in a mass retailer or a supermarket. . When a store clerk (register operator) reads a customer's point card with a card reader or operates an input key to make an input from the transaction processing operation unit 1 during purchase, the customer identification means 2 identifies the customer corresponding to the input.

Information concerning the purchase amount from the accounting processing operation unit 1 and information indicating the customer identification result by the customer identification means 2 are supplied to the cumulative calculation means 3. The accumulative calculation unit 3 gives 2 points to the points that were paid for the customer identified by the customer identification unit 2 when the purchase was made and the points that were paid for the purchase up to the previous time, for example, during some campaign period.
To the cumulative value of the value that has been subjected to a predetermined operation such as doubling, the points that have been paid for the current purchase or the value that has been subjected to a predetermined operation are added, and the updated cumulative value as a result of the addition Is configured.

In addition, in the system using the point card, in addition to the above-mentioned identification of the customer, recognition of the points paid for the customer up to the previous purchase or the cumulative value of values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the points. May be configured to rely on information held on the point card.

The information indicating the number of points as the above-mentioned accumulated update value by the cumulative calculation means 3 issues a service ticket worth the rank to the customer when the point number corresponds to a preset service ticket issuing rank. It is supplied to the service ticket issuing means 4 for outputting. The output for issuing a service ticket is to display the service ticket to be issued to the operator of this system (operator of the register) and urge the customer to provide the service ticket, Alternatively, the service ticket to be issued may be of various forms such as printing out with a printer device.

In the present invention, the service ticket issuance rank can be set by the service ticket issuance rank setting means 5 for setting a constant value for each customer as desired.

In the present embodiment, the service ticket issuance rank is set by the service ticket issuance rank setting means 5 when the cumulative points (update cumulative value) exceeds 1000 points, the portion corresponding to 1000 points is designated as the service ticket. Depending on the customer's desire, it can be selected from the A rank issued, the B rank issued corresponding to 500 points, the C rank issued corresponding to 300 points, and the D rank issued corresponding to 200 points. It is configured so that the rank can be selectively set. This selective rank setting for each customer may be configured, for example, by a store clerk (register operator) operating the accounting processing operation unit 1 in response to a customer application.

Further, in the present embodiment, the issuance of the service ticket by the service ticket issuing means 4 has reached the point where the above-mentioned updated cumulative value by the cumulative computing means 3 corresponds to the preset service ticket issuing rank. When it is recognized, a display based on this recognition is displayed, for example, on the liquid crystal display, the number of accumulated points such as "Your number of points has reached B rank.""Do you want to issue a service ticket in this rank?" It displays the rank at which the updated cumulative value) has reached and the customer's confirmation of the intention to issue the service ticket. When the customer responds to this confirmation display or is prompted by the clerk based on this display and expresses the agreement, the clerk (register operator) operates the accounting processing operation unit 1 to display the customer. The service ticket issuance means 4 is informed of the fact that the service ticket is issued according to the service ticket issuance rank (here, B rank issued corresponding to 500 points). The service ticket issuing means 4 is thus configured to perform an output for issuing the service ticket in consideration of the fact that the customer has agreed to the service ticket issuance at that time. .

The service ticket issuing means 4 issues a service ticket issuing rank corresponding to the service ticket to be issued and a value such as the amount of money corresponding to the service ticket of that rank by printing by its own printer unit. It may be configured to be written (printed) on a ticket.

When the service ticket is issued as described above, the subtracting means 6 recognizes this issuance, and points corresponding to the service ticket to be issued from the updated cumulative value obtained by the cumulative calculation means 3. The update cumulative value up to the current purchase is settled by subtracting the value of. Of course, when the service ticket is not issued based on the output of the service ticket issuing means 4, the subtraction process is not performed.

The service ticket issuing means 4 may be constructed so that the service ticket issuing rank once set can be updated and set according to the customer's request. The customer does not agree to issue the service ticket at the time of this purchase, depending on the circumstances, and therefore,
It is also possible to choose to accumulate points without subtracting points in exchange for issuance, but in addition to this, the service ticket issuance rank, for example, from the above-mentioned B rank to A
The rank can be updated and registered, and the range of selection according to various situations is widened and the convenience is improved.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the situation of point management performed when a customer makes a purchase at a mass retailer or a supermarket having a service ticket issuing system to which the point management system of the present invention is applied. Is.

When a customer makes a purchase and performs an accounting process, an amount of money is input by a store clerk (operator of the register) or a point card is read by a card reader from the accounting process operation unit 1 of the register. When an input operation is performed (S1), the customer identification means 2 identifies the customer by searching the database in which the customer is registered (S2).

Based on the information indicating the customer identification status by the customer identification means 2 and the information about the purchase amount from the accounting processing operation unit 1, the cumulative calculation means 3 gives points to the customer for the previous purchase or the points. Is added to the accumulated value of the values obtained by the predetermined calculation and the value obtained by performing the predetermined calculation on the points provided in accordance with the current purchase, and the updated accumulated value as the result of the addition is obtained. (S3).

Next, by the service ticket issuing means 4,
Which of the service ticket issuance ranks set by the service ticket issuance rank setting means 5 according to the customer's wishes corresponds to the updated cumulative value obtained by the accumulating means 3, or
It is determined whether or not there is a corresponding rank (S4).

When there is a corresponding rank, that rank is displayed, and when there is no corresponding rank, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal display section or the like by the service ticket issuing means 4, and with the display of this rank, the rank is displayed. As described above, the display for confirming the intention of whether or not the customer agrees to the issuance of the service ticket is performed (S5).

Based on the information supplied from the accounting processing operation unit 1 indicating whether or not the customer agrees to issue the service ticket in that rank, it is determined whether or not the service ticket is issued (S6).

When it is determined in the above (S6) that it is appropriate to issue the service ticket, the service ticket is issued (S7).

Note that this issuance may be such that a service ticket is automatically printed and output every time the printer device needs to be issued, or alternatively, an appropriate service ticket type is issued. May be displayed, and based on this display, the clerk in charge may select the service ticket from the service tickets prepared in advance and hand it over.

When the service ticket is issued in the above (S7), the subtraction means 6 recognizes this issuance, and points corresponding to the service ticket to be issued from the updated cumulative value obtained by the cumulative calculation means 3. Value is subtracted, the above-mentioned update cumulative value up to the current purchase is settled, and the processing is ended (S
8).

In the judgment of (S4) above, at the time of the current purchase, it is judged that the cumulative value of the points paid up to that point is less than the number of points of the rank preset as described above. And when the above (S6)
If it is determined that the customer does not agree to issue the service ticket at the rank at the time of purchase and it is inappropriate to issue the service ticket, the issue of the service ticket in (S7) above The process ends without performing the subtraction process in S8).

The point management system of the present invention described above can be realized by the respective means included therein by a computer and an appropriate application program, and an appropriate functional unit connected to the computer by a line.

Further, the present invention can be configured as one subsystem belonging to the total system that constitutes the POS system as a whole.

[0037]

According to the present invention, there is provided a point management system in which convenience is improved by issuing a service ticket in accordance with a conversion unit desired by a customer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an embodiment of a point management system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart for explaining the situation of point management when a customer is shopping in a service ticket issuing mechanism to which the point management system of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Accounting processing unit 2 Customer identification means 3 Cumulative calculation means 4 Service ticket issuing means 5 Service ticket issuance rank setting means 6 subtraction means

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A customer is provided with points corresponding to the purchase amount, and a cash voucher or an equivalent is given to the customer according to the cumulative value of the paid points or the cumulative value of values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the points. Is a point management system applied to a mechanism for issuing service tickets corresponding to various products, etc., and a customer identification means for identifying a customer and a customer identified by the customer identification means when making a purchase. For the previous purchase, the points paid in connection with the purchase up to the previous time or the cumulative value of the values obtained by performing the predetermined calculation on the points are further added to the points provided corresponding to the purchase this time or the value obtained by performing the predetermined calculation on the points. A cumulative calculation means for obtaining an updated cumulative value as a result of the addition, and when the updated cumulative value by the cumulative calculating means corresponds to a preset service ticket issuing rank, the customer Service ticket issuing means for outputting to issue a service ticket worth the rank, service ticket issuing rank setting means for setting the service ticket issuing rank to a predetermined value according to the customer's desire, and the service When the service ticket is issued based on the output of the ticket issuing means, the value of the point corresponding to the service ticket to be issued is subtracted from the updated cumulative value obtained by the cumulative computing means until the current purchase. And a subtraction unit that settles the updated cumulative value. 2. The service ticket issuing rank setting means is configured to set one selected by the customer from among a plurality of predetermined values prepared in advance as the service ticket issuing rank for the customer. The point management system according to claim 1, wherein the point management system is a 3. The service ticket issuance rank setting means sets one selected by the customer from among a plurality of predetermined values prepared in advance as a service ticket issuance rank for the customer, and then performs this setting. The point management system according to claim 1, wherein the service ticket issuance rank is set so that it can be updated and set according to a customer's desire. 4. The service ticket issuing means is configured to describe a service ticket issuing rank corresponding to a service ticket to be issued or a value corresponding to the rank on the service ticket. The point management system according to claim 1. 5. The service ticket issuing means, when recognizing that the update cumulative value by the cumulative computing means has reached a preset service ticket issuing rank, displays the recognition based on this recognition, and , It is configured to output to issue a service ticket in consideration of the fact that the customer agrees to issue the service ticket corresponding to the service ticket issuing rank. The point management system according to claim 1, which is characterized in that. 6. The identification of the customer by the customer identification means and the recognition of the points paid for the purchase up to the last time of the customer or the cumulative value of the values obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the points is based on the information held in the point card. The point management system according to claim 1, wherein the point management system is configured to be relied upon.