JP2016181238A - Pos terminal and method for processing electronic coupon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a POS terminal capable of applying an electronic coupon downloaded in a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: A POS terminal comprises: a communication unit that communicates with a mobile terminal of a customer, and obtains information on an electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal in association with a customer ID; a customer ID acquisition unit that acquires the customer ID during the settlement of a commodity; a commodity information acquisition unit that acquires information on the commodity related to the settlement; a storage unit that holds the information on the electronic coupon and the customer ID; and a control unit that controls the communication unit, customer ID acquisition unit, commodity information acquisition unit, and storage unit. The control unit causes the communication unit to obtain the information on the electronic coupon in association with the customer ID from the mobile terminal of the customer and stores it in the storage unit, causes the customer ID acquisition unit to acquire the customer ID and causes the commodity information acquisition unit to acquire the information on the commodity related to the settlement during the settlement of the commodity, and applies the electronic coupon to the payment of the commodity when determining that the electronic coupon is applicable to the payment of the commodity on the basis of the information on the commodity and the information on the electronic coupon corresponding to the customer ID.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a POS terminal and an electronic coupon processing method.

  Conventionally, an electronic coupon system that can download an electronic coupon to a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and present the electronic coupon at the time of settlement of the product in a store where the electronic coupon can be used, thereby discounting the product. It has been known.

  As a specific usage mode of such an electronic coupon system, at the time of payment of a product, a customer displays an electronic coupon corresponding to the product related to payment on the screen of the mobile terminal, and the electronic coupon is scanned with a scanner attached to the cash register. You can get discounts on products by reading coupons.

However, when using the electronic coupon, the customer has to search for the downloaded electronic coupon from the portable terminal and display it on the screen, which is a burden on the customer.
In addition, when a customer has downloaded a large number of electronic coupons, not only is it time-consuming to search for a target electronic coupon, but the presence of the downloaded electronic coupon may be forgotten. In this case, the downloaded electronic coupon may not be used at all, and the expiration date may pass as it is, and a lot of unused electronic coupons that have expired may be stored in the mobile terminal while being held in large quantities.

  In order to solve such problems, a portable terminal capable of wireless communication with a broadcast receiving terminal and a store electronic coupon information processing terminal, the coupon information of the electronic coupon received from the broadcast receiving terminal and the store electronic coupon information processing terminal The invention of the portable terminal characterized by having the store coupon information display means which displays the said store coupon information when the store coupon information received from is suitable is disclosed (for example, refer patent document 1). ).

JP2013-156976A

  However, even when an available electronic coupon is displayed on the screen of the mobile terminal, the customer must read the electronic coupon with a bar code scanner attached to the cash register. A high electronic coupon system was demanded.

  In view of such circumstances, the present invention provides a POS terminal and an electronic coupon processing method capable of applying an electronic coupon downloaded in a mobile terminal without requiring operation of the mobile terminal at the time of settlement of goods. There is to do.

This invention communicates with a customer's mobile terminal, associates with the customer ID that identifies the customer, acquires information on an electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal, and sets the customer ID when the product is settled A customer ID acquisition unit to acquire, a product information acquisition unit to acquire information on a product related to payment, a storage unit to hold electronic coupon information and the customer ID, the communication unit, the customer ID acquisition unit, the product An information acquisition unit and a control unit that controls the storage unit, the control unit associates the information of the electronic coupon with the customer ID from the customer's mobile terminal, acquires the communication unit and holds the information in the storage unit When the product is settled, the customer ID acquisition unit is made to acquire the customer ID, the product information acquisition unit is made to acquire the product information related to the settlement, and the product information and the customer ID are handled. Provided a POS terminal characterized in that, when it is determined that the electronic coupon is applicable to the product based on the information of the electronic coupon, the electronic coupon is applied to the product to perform a checkout process. is there.
In addition, the present invention communicates with a customer's mobile terminal, acquires and holds information on an electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal in association with a customer ID that identifies the customer, When the product ID related to the customer ID and the settlement is acquired and the electronic coupon is determined to be applicable to the product based on the product information and the information of the electronic coupon corresponding to the customer ID, the product An electronic coupon processing method is provided, wherein the electronic coupon is applied to perform a checkout process.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize a POS terminal and an electronic coupon processing method capable of applying an electronic coupon downloaded in a mobile terminal without requiring operation of the mobile terminal at the time of settlement of goods.

It is explanatory drawing of schematic structure of the electronic coupon system containing the POS terminal of this invention. (Embodiment 1) It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the server shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the portable terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the process of the electronic coupon of the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process of the goods of the POS terminal shown in FIG. 1, and the application process of an electronic coupon. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment process of the goods of the POS terminal shown in FIG. 1, and the application process of an electronic coupon. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the update process of the electronic coupon of the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the connection process with the POS terminal of the portable terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a flowchart which shows the transmission process of the electronic coupon information of the portable terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the server shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information by which the undelivered electronic coupon was newly delivered to the store from the server shown in FIG. 1, and was hold | maintained in the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the portable terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information for every customer hold | maintained in the POS terminal shown in FIG. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of a customer's purchase goods. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the screen displayed on a POS terminal. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the customer's electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the POS terminal before payment. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the customer's portable terminal after payment. (Embodiment 1) It is an example of the receipt which a customer receives after payment. (Embodiment 1) It is a table | surface which shows an example of the customer's electronic coupon information hold | maintained in the POS terminal after payment. (Embodiment 1)

Embodiment 1
<Configuration of electronic coupon system 10>
Hereinafter, based on FIGS. 1-4, the structure of the electronic coupon system 10 of this invention is demonstrated.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a schematic configuration of an electronic coupon system 10 including a POS terminal 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 4 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an electronic coupon system 10 of the present invention includes a POS terminal 1, an access point device 2, a server 3, and a portable terminal 4.
In addition, you may add the terminal for electronic coupon information processing which acquires the information of an electronic coupon separately from the POS terminal 1. FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the “customer ID acquisition unit” of the present invention is realized by the cooperation of the card reader 119 and the card reader control unit 120. The “product information acquisition unit” of the present invention is realized by the cooperation of the barcode scanner 117 and the barcode scanner control unit 118. The “storage unit” of the present invention is realized by the data storage unit 106. The “control unit” of the present invention includes the MPU 100, the external memory control unit 103, the non-volatile memory control unit 107, the image memory control unit 110, the key control unit 112, the pointing device control unit 114, the print control unit 116, the barcode. This is realized by the cooperation of the scanner control unit 118 and the card reader control unit 120.

  Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

The POS terminal 1 is a device that performs settlement of commodities such as an ECR (Electronic Cash Register) terminal such as a cash register or a POS (Point of Sales) terminal.
The POS terminal 1 communicates with the mobile terminal 4, acquires the electronic coupon information held in the mobile terminal 4, and holds it in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061.

  The access point device 2 is a communication device that is installed in a store or the like and wirelessly connects the POS terminal 1 and the mobile terminal 4 to each other via the network 5.

The server 3 is a device such as a POS server that manages the POS terminal 1 or a store server that exchanges information with the POS server. Moreover, you may be comprised by installing in portable terminals, tablet terminals, etc., such as a normal personal computer and a smart phone. Alternatively, it may be integrated with the POS terminal 1.
The server 3 distributes an electronic coupon that can be used in each store to the POS terminal 1 or the electronic coupon processing terminal in the store.

The network 5 is a communication network that connects the POS terminal 1, the access point device 2, and the server 3 to each other.
As the network 5, any network such as a wide area network (WAN) such as a LAN or the Internet, a dedicated communication line, or the like may be used.

The mobile terminal 4 is a mobile terminal having a communication function capable of transmitting and receiving various kinds of information. For example, a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a PHS, a PDA, a tablet terminal, a mobile navigation device, and a mobile music player. Device.
The portable terminal 4 communicates with the POS terminal 1 of the store and the electronic coupon processing terminal through a dedicated communication application provided by the company owned by the customer and issuing the electronic coupon.
It also controls electronic journals with a dedicated communication app.
In addition, the portable terminal 4 is not restricted to what a customer owns, A shop may lend to a customer.

<Configuration of POS terminal 1>
Hereinafter, each component shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

The MPU 100 is a part that controls the operation of each component of the POS terminal 1, and is realized mainly by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an I / O controller, a timer, and the like.
The MPU 100 transfers data in each memory based on a control program stored in advance in a ROM or the like, issues a control command to each processing unit to execute processing, interrupts from an input device, A function to receive data and perform data processing is realized. In addition, each hardware is organically operated to execute an operation process of the present invention as described later.

  The main memory 101 is a storage area necessary for moving a code from the program storage unit 105 and executing it in order to execute a program necessary for realizing various functions of the POS terminal 1. As the main memory 101, for example, a semiconductor element such as a RAM or a ROM, a storage medium such as a hard disk or a flash memory is used.

The external memory 102 is a storage area required for taking various data into the POS terminal 1 and extracting various data from the POS terminal 1. Examples of the external memory 102 include a USB memory and an external hard disk.
The external memory control unit 103 is a part that controls the external memory 102.

The communication unit 104 is a part that communicates with the server 3 and the mobile terminal 4 via the network 5.
The communication unit 104 performs various communication processes necessary for the processing of the POS terminal 1 such as transmitting / receiving sales data and product data to / from the server 3 and receives information on electronic coupons.
In addition, the communication unit 104 communicates with a dedicated store application (dedicated communication application for each convenience store or supermarket) installed in the customer's mobile terminal 4 via the access point device 2, and is stored in the customer's mobile terminal 4. Only coupon information that can be used at the store where the POS terminal 1 is installed is acquired from the electronic coupons stored in, or a new electronic coupon is transmitted to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer.

The program storage unit 105 is a part that holds various programs necessary for processing of the POS terminal 1.
The program storage unit 105 holds an electronic coupon information processing application 1051 and a dedicated communication application 1052. As the program storage unit 105, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is used.
The electronic coupon information processing application 1051 is an application for processing electronic coupon information.
The dedicated communication application 1052 is a dedicated communication application for performing transmission / reception of electronic coupon information, updating of electronic coupons, and the like.

The data storage unit 106 is a part that holds various data.
The data storage unit 106 holds an electronic coupon information storage area 1061. As the data storage unit 106, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory is used.
When the data storage unit 106 receives an electronic coupon from the mobile terminal 4, the data storage unit 106 stores the electronic coupon in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 for each customer ID.
The electronic coupon information storage area 1061 is a storage area for storing electronic coupon information.

  The nonvolatile memory control unit 107 is a part that controls the program storage unit 105 and the data storage unit 106.

The display unit 108 is a part that displays various information to the user (cash register operator) or customer of the POS terminal 1.
The display unit 108 displays a product settlement screen. The display unit 108 includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, or an LED lamp, and a display device such as a monitor or a line display for displaying electronic data such as a processing state by an operating system or application software. It is.

The image memory 109 is a memory that holds image data to be output to the display unit 108.
The image memory control unit 110 is a part that controls reading and writing of image data to and from the image memory 109.

The key operation unit 111 is an interface for performing operations such as payment and setting of the POS terminal 1. The user operates the key operation unit 111 to execute an instruction for the POS terminal 1. The key operation unit 111 includes a plurality of keys.
The key control unit 112 is a part that controls the key operation unit 111.

The pointing device operation unit 113 is an interface for performing operations such as settlement and setting of the POS terminal 1 by designating a position or coordinates on the screen of the display unit 108 such as a touch pad or a touch pen.
The pointing device control unit 114 is a part that controls the pointing device operation unit 113.

The printing unit 115 is a part that prints receipts or receipts at the time of product checkout, and confirmation data for various settings of the POS terminal 1. The printing unit 115 is not limited to a built-in type, but may be an external type.
The print control unit 116 is a part that controls the printing unit 115.

The barcode scanner 117 inputs product information by optically reading a two-dimensional barcode such as a one-dimensional barcode or QR code (registered trademark) attached to a product or a wrapping paper of the product with a barcode reader. It is a part to do.
The barcode scanner control unit 118 is a part that controls the barcode scanner 117.

The card reader 119 is a part that reads an ID card in which customer information (customer ID) is recorded. When the reading method is a contact method, a magnetic card reader is used.
Further, not only the contact method but also a non-contact reading method such as NFC (Near Field Communication) may be used.
The card reader control unit 120 is a part that controls the card reader 119.

  In the case of the POS terminal 1 having a touch panel, a touch panel operation unit and a touch panel control unit that controls the touch panel operation unit are provided, and operations such as settlement and setting of the POS terminal 1 are performed.

  In FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes an application for controlling the electronic coupon acquired from the mobile terminal 4 of the customer. However, another terminal (electronic coupon control device) performs control such as acquisition of the electronic coupon. You may do it. In that case, the POS terminal 1 and the electronic coupon control device exchange electronic coupons by communication.

<Configuration of server 3>
Next, a schematic configuration of the server 3 of the present invention will be described based on FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the server 3 shown in FIG.

  The components of 300 to 316, 3051 and 3061 in FIG. 3 correspond to the components of 100 to 116, 1051 and 1061 in FIG. Therefore, detailed description of the parts common to the constituent elements in FIG. 2 is omitted here, and only parts that are particularly different from the constituent elements in FIG. 2 will be described.

The communication unit 304 receives various sales data from the POS terminal 1 of each store, or transmits product information, electronic coupons, etc. to the POS terminal 1 of each store. I do.
The program storage unit 305 holds an electronic coupon information processing application 3051.

  In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the server 3 is connected to the POS terminal 1 or the electronic coupon processing terminal of each store through the network 5. However, in the case of a small-scale system such as a system of only one store, it may be used together with the POS terminal 1.

<Configuration of mobile terminal 4>
Next, a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 4 of the present invention will be described based on FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the mobile terminal 4 shown in FIG.

  The components 400 to 414, 4051, 4052, and 4061 in FIG. 4 correspond to the components 100 to 114, 1051, 1052, and 1061 in FIG. Therefore, detailed description of the parts common to the constituent elements in FIG. 2 is omitted here, and only parts that are particularly different from the constituent elements in FIG. 2 will be described.

  The communication unit 404 browses websites, sends and receives e-mails, performs various communication processes necessary for the process of the mobile terminal 4, and transmits electronic coupon information to the POS terminal 1 via the access point device 2. .

<Specific example of processing of electronic coupon of POS terminal 1>
Next, a specific example of the electronic coupon processing of the POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the electronic coupon of the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG.

In step S1 of FIG. 5, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the communication unit 104 has received a connection request from the mobile terminal 4 (step S1).
When the communication unit 104 receives a connection request from the portable terminal 4 (when the determination in step S1 is Yes), the MPU 100 causes the communication unit 104 to transmit a message that the connection to the portable terminal 4 is completed in step S2 ( Step S2).
On the other hand, when the communication unit 104 has not received a connection request from the portable terminal 4 (when the determination in step S1 is No), the MPU 100 repeats the determination in step S1 (step S1).

Next, in step S3, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the communication unit 104 has received the electronic coupon information from the portable terminal 4 (step S3).
When the communication unit 104 receives electronic coupon information from the portable terminal 4 (when the determination in step S3 is Yes), the MPU 100 stores the electronic coupon information in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 for each customer ID in step S4. (Step S4).
On the other hand, when the communication unit 104 has not received the electronic coupon information from the portable terminal 4 (when the determination of step S3 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination of step S5 (step S5).

Next, in step S5, the MPU 100 determines whether or not a predetermined number of reception retries has been exceeded (step S5).
When the predetermined number of reception retries is exceeded (when the determination in step S5 is Yes), the MPU 100 ends the processing of the electronic coupon, assuming that the mobile terminal 4 does not have an electronic coupon.
On the other hand, when the predetermined number of reception retries has not been exceeded (when the determination in step S5 is No), the MPU 100 repeats the process of step S3 (step S3).

  Next, in step S6, the MPU 100 classifies the electronic coupon information held in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 into usable / unusable coupons (step S6).

Next, in step S7, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the communication unit 104 maintains the connection with the portable terminal 4 (step S7).
When the communication unit 104 maintains the connection with the portable terminal 4 (when the determination in step S7 is Yes), the MPU 100 performs the process of step S8 (step S8).
On the other hand, when the communication unit 104 does not maintain the connection with the portable terminal 4 (when the determination in step S7 is No), the MPU 100 performs the process of step S10 (step S10).

  Next, in step S8, the MPU 100 performs processing for product settlement and application of an electronic coupon (step S8). Details of this processing will be described later in the description of FIGS.

Next, in step S9, the MPU 100 performs an electronic coupon update process (step S9). Details of this processing will be described later in the description of FIG.
Thereafter, the MPU 100 ends the processing of the electronic coupon.

  Next, in step S10, the MPU 100 deletes the customer's electronic coupon information received in step S3 before ending the processing of the electronic coupon (step S10).

<Specific example of payment processing of POS terminal 1 and application process of electronic coupon>
Next, based on FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, a specific example of merchandise item settlement and electronic coupon application processing of the POS terminal 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are flowcharts illustrating the product settlement and electronic coupon application processing of the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG.

  In step S11 of FIG. 6, the MPU 100 collates the information on the product related to the settlement with the information on the electronic coupon held and classified in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 (step S11).

  At this time, the cashier operator receives the membership card from the customer and reads the membership card with the card reader 119 to obtain the customer ID. The MPU 100 refers to the electronic coupon information corresponding to the customer ID among the electronic coupon information held in the coupon information area 1061.

Next, in step S12, the MPU 100 determines whether there is an available electronic coupon (step S12).
When there is an available electronic coupon (when the determination in step S12 is Yes), the MPU 100 refers to the setting of the electronic coupon in step S13 (step S13).
On the other hand, when there is no available electronic coupon (when the determination in step S12 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination in step S17 (step S17).

Next, in step S14, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the automatic use setting of the electronic coupon is valid based on the setting of the electronic coupon (step S14).
The customer sets in advance whether or not to enable the automatic use setting of the electronic coupon from the portable terminal 4.

In step S14, when the automatic use setting of the electronic coupon is valid (when the determination in step S14 is Yes), the MPU 100 performs a discount process for the electronic coupon in step S15 (step S15).
In step S16, the MPU 100 updates the electronic coupon information for which the discount process has been performed (step S16). Specifically, the usage status of the electronic coupon information is changed from “unused” to “used”.

  On the other hand, when the automatic use setting of the electronic coupon is not valid (when the determination in step S14 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination in step S17 (step S17).

Next, in step S17, the MPU 100 determines whether or not a manual operation of the electronic coupon has been performed (step S17).
Specifically, when performing discount processing for an electronic coupon, the cashier operator asks the customer whether or not the electronic coupon is used, and if the automatic use setting is valid, the customer will not use the electronic coupon. If there is a request to use an electronic coupon when the automatic use setting is invalid, an operation to cancel or apply the electronic coupon by operating the key operation unit 111 or the pointing device operation unit 113 I do.

In step S17, when a manual operation for applying an electronic coupon is performed (when the determination in step S17 is Yes), the MPU 100 performs cancellation processing or discount processing for the electronic coupon in step S18 (step S18).
In subsequent step S19, the MPU 100 updates the electronic coupon information for which the discount process has been canceled or the electronic coupon information for which the discount has been performed (step S19). Specifically, when the discount is canceled, the usage status of the electronic coupon information is returned from “used” to “unused”. When discounts are applied, the usage status of the electronic coupon is changed from “unused” to “used”.

  On the other hand, when the cancellation instruction for applying the electronic coupon is not received (when the determination in step S17 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination in step S20 of FIG. 7 (step S20).

Next, in step S20 of FIG. 7, the MPU 100 refers to the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 and determines whether there is an unused coupon (step S20).
When an unused coupon exists (when determination of step S20 is Yes), MPU100 displays on the display part 108 or the display part 408 of the portable terminal 4 that the said unused coupon exists in step S21 (step) (step S21). S21).

  On the other hand, when an unused coupon does not exist (when determination of step S20 is No), MPU100 performs determination of step S22 (step S22).

Next, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the settlement is completed in Step S22 (Step S22).
When the settlement is completed (when the determination at step S22 is Yes), the MPU 100 performs the determination at step S24 (step S24).
On the other hand, when the payment has not been completed (when the determination in step S22 is No), the MPU 100 proceeds to processing of the next product in step S23 (step S23) and performs the processing of step S11 (step S11).

Next, in step S24, the MPU 100 refers to the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 and determines whether there is an unused coupon (step S24).
When an unused coupon exists (when determination of step S24 is Yes), MPU100 performs determination of step S25 (step S25).
On the other hand, when an unused coupon does not exist (when determination of step S24 is No), MPU100 performs the process of step S27 (step S27).

Next, in step S25, the MPU 100 determines whether or not the unused coupon print setting is enabled (step S25).
The customer sets in advance whether or not to enable the print setting of the unused coupon of the electronic coupon from the portable terminal 4.

In step S25, when the unused coupon print setting is enabled (when the determination in step S25 is Yes), the MPU 100 adds the unused coupon data to the print data to be printed on the receipt in step S26. After that (step S26), the process of step S27 is performed.
Specifically, it is processed into a format for printing an information receipt of unused coupons and added to the print data of the receipt.

  On the other hand, when the unused coupon print setting is not valid (when the determination in step S25 is No), the MPU 100 performs the process of step S27 (step S27).

  Finally, in step S27, the MPU 100 controls the print control unit 116 to print a receipt on the printing unit 115 (step S27), and then ends the settlement process of the POS terminal 1.

<Specific example of electronic receipt update processing>
Next, a specific example of the electronic coupon update process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an electronic coupon update process of the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG.

In step S31 of FIG. 8, the MPU 100 determines whether or not there is an electronic coupon used in the current settlement (step S31).
When there is an electronic coupon used in the current payment (when the determination in step S31 is Yes), the MPU 100 transmits the data of the used electronic coupon to the portable terminal 4 by controlling the communication unit 104 in step S32. (Step S32).
On the other hand, when there is no electronic coupon used in the current payment (when the determination in step S31 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination in step S33 (step S33).

Next, in step S33, the MPU 100 determines whether there is a new electronic coupon that can be distributed (step S33).
Specifically, the server 3 transmits new electronic coupon data together with the product data to the POS terminal 1. The POS terminal 1 that has received the new electronic coupon information updates the electronic coupon information in the POS terminal 1 in advance. The electronic coupon information held in the POS terminal 1 is referred to, and it is checked whether or not there is an electronic coupon that is not held in the customer's mobile terminal 4 and can be distributed by the store.

In step S33, when there is a new electronic coupon that can be distributed (when the determination in step S33 is Yes), the MPU 100 transmits the new electronic coupon that can be distributed to the mobile terminal 4 in step S34 (step S34).
On the other hand, when there is no new electronic coupon that can be distributed (when the determination in step S33 is No), the MPU 100 performs the determination in step S35 (step S35).

Next, in step S35, the MPU 100 determines whether or not data has been transmitted to the portable terminal 4 in step S32 or step S34 (step S35).
When data is transmitted to the portable terminal 4 (when determination of step S35 is Yes), MPU100 controls the communication part 104 in step S36, and transmits the update information of an electronic coupon to the portable terminal 4 (step S36). ).
After the transmission is completed, in step S37, the MPU 100 updates the customer's electronic coupon information stored in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 (step S37).

  On the other hand, when data is not transmitted to the portable terminal 4 (when determination of step S35 is No), MPU100 performs the process of step S38 (step S38).

  Finally, in step S38, the MPU 100 deletes the customer's electronic coupon information held in the data storage unit 106 after the connection with the customer's mobile terminal 4 is disconnected (step S38).

<Specific Example of Connection Process of Portable Terminal 4 with POS Terminal 1>
Next, a specific example of connection processing with the POS terminal 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a connection process between the mobile terminal 4 and the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG.

In step S101 of FIG. 9, the dedicated communication application in the portable terminal 4 is activated.
The dedicated communication application may be activated manually when the customer enters the store, or may be automatically activated when the mobile terminal 4 is turned on. Further, it may be a permanent startup permanent after startup.
Alternatively, the dedicated communication application may be always activated.

Next, in step S102, the MPU 400 determines whether or not an expired electronic coupon exists in the mobile terminal 4 (step S102).
When an expired electronic coupon exists (when the determination in step S102 is Yes), the MPU 400 deletes the expired electronic coupon in step S103 (step S103). Thereafter, the MPU 400 performs the process of step S104 (step S104).
On the other hand, when there is no expired electronic coupon (when the determination in step S102 is No), the MPU 400 performs the process of step S104 (step S104).

  Next, in step S104, the MPU 400 transmits a connection request to the POS terminal 1 through the dedicated communication application (step S104).

Next, in step S105, the MPU 400 determines whether or not the dedicated communication application has received a connection completion notification from the POS terminal 1 (step S105).
When the dedicated communication application receives a connection completion notification from the POS terminal 1 (when the determination in step S105 is Yes), the MPU 400 performs electronic coupon information transmission processing in step S106 (step S106).
On the other hand, when the dedicated communication application has not received the connection completion notification from the POS terminal 1 (when the determination in step S105 is No), the MPU 400 performs the determination in step S107 (step S107).

Next, in step S107, the MPU 400 determines whether or not a predetermined number of connection retries has been exceeded (step S107).
When the predetermined number of connection retries is exceeded (when the determination in step S107 is Yes), the MPU 400 ends the electronic coupon information transmission process.
On the other hand, when the predetermined number of connection retries has not been exceeded (when the determination in step S107 is No), the MPU 400 repeats the process of step S104 (step S104).

<Specific example of transmission processing of electronic coupon information of portable terminal 4>
Next, a specific example of the electronic coupon information transmission process of the mobile terminal 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the electronic coupon information transmission process of the mobile terminal 4 shown in FIG.

  In step S111 of FIG. 10, the MPU 400 transmits electronic coupon information to the POS terminal 1 (step S111).

Next, in step S112, the MPU 400 determines whether or not the transmission of the electronic coupon information is completed (step S112).
When the transmission of the electronic coupon information is completed (when the determination in step S112 is Yes), the MPU 400 performs the determination in step S113 (step S113).
On the other hand, when the transmission of the electronic coupon information is not completed (when the determination in step S112 is No), the MPU 400 performs the determination in step S114 (step S114).

Next, in step S113, the MPU 400 determines whether or not the connection with the POS terminal 1 is maintained (step S113).
When the connection with the POS terminal 1 is maintained (when the determination in step S113 is Yes), the MPU 400 performs the determination in step S115 (step S115).
On the other hand, when the connection with the POS terminal 1 is not maintained (when the determination in step S113 is No), the MPU 400 performs the process of step S120 (step S120).

Next, in step S114, the MPU 400 determines whether or not a predetermined number of transmission retries has been exceeded (step S114).
When the predetermined number of transmission retries is exceeded (when the determination in step S114 is Yes), the MPU 400 stops transmitting electronic coupon information to the POS terminal 1 as a transmission error, and performs the process of step S120 (step S120). S120).
On the other hand, when the predetermined number of transmission retries has not been exceeded (when the determination in step S114 is No), the MPU 400 repeats the determination in step S112 (step S112).

Next, in step S115, the MPU 400 determines whether data has been transmitted from the POS terminal 1 (step S115).
When data is transmitted from the POS terminal 1 (when the determination in step S115 is Yes), the MPU 400 sends the used electronic coupon data / new electronic coupon / electronic coupon update data to the POS terminal 1 in step S116. (Step S116). Thereafter, in the subsequent step S117, the electronic coupon is updated (step S117).
Thereafter, the MPU 400 repeats the determination in step S113 (step S113).

  In addition, when there is no used electronic coupon data or new electronic coupon, these data are not transmitted from the POS terminal 1, and therefore, reception processing and update processing in the portable terminal 4 are not performed.

  On the other hand, when no data is transmitted from the POS terminal 1 in step S115 (when the determination in step S115 is No), the MPU 400 repeats the determination in step S113 (step S113).

  Finally, in step S120, the MPU 400 disconnects the communication unit 404 from the POS terminal 1 (step S120), and ends the electronic coupon information transmission process.

<Specific example of electronic coupon processing>
Next, a specific example of processing of an electronic coupon will be described based on FIGS.
FIG. 11 is a table showing an example of the electronic coupon information held in the server 3 shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of the electronic coupon information held in the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of electronic coupon information which is newly delivered to the store from the server 3 shown in FIG. 1 and is held in the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of electronic coupon information held in the mobile terminal 4 shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of electronic coupon information for each customer held in the POS terminal 1 shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of a customer's purchased product. FIG. 17 is a table showing an example of a screen displayed on the POS terminal 1. FIG. 18 is a table showing an example of customer electronic coupon information held in the POS terminal 1 before settlement. FIG. 19 is a table showing an example of electronic coupon information held in the mobile terminal 4 of the customer after settlement. FIG. 20 is an example of a receipt that a customer receives after settlement. FIG. 21 is a table showing an example of customer electronic coupon information held in the POS terminal 1 after settlement.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic coupon information includes electronic coupon number “No.”, “product name”, “product code”, and electronic coupon period (“period (start)” and “period (end)”). , Details of electronic coupons such as discounts (“coupon details”), “effective usage count”, stores to be distributed (“distribution targets”), availability of store distribution (“store distribution”) and “distribution status” Including.

The expired electronic coupon is automatically deleted, and only the electronic coupon that can be used at this time is always stored in the electronic coupon information storage area 3061.
Note that the electronic coupon information deleted due to expiration may be retained as a deleted electronic coupon information for a certain period in another area after deletion.

  Hereinafter, the contents of each item of the electronic coupon information will be described.

“No.” is a number that identifies an electronic coupon.
“Product name” is a product name for which an electronic coupon can be used.
Further, for example, a name that does not specify a product may be used, such as “December 1 limited 100 yen discount”.
“Product code” is the product code of the product.
In addition, in the case of an electronic coupon that does not specify a product, it is a code that registers information such as discounts unique to the company implementing the electronic coupon.
The “period” is an effective use period of the electronic coupon.
"Coupon details" are service contents of electronic coupons such as discounts.
“Effective usage count” is the effective usage count of the electronic coupon.
“Distribution target” is information on a store to which an electronic coupon is to be distributed.
For example, it is possible to set a target for distributing an electronic coupon, such as “all stores”, “store A”, and “Kansai store”.
The server 3 can centrally manage these electronic coupon information, and can select and transmit an electronic coupon that can be used in each store based on the distribution target.
“Store distribution” is information that specifies whether or not an electronic coupon is transmitted from the POS terminal of the store to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer.
The electronic coupon that is “permitted” can be automatically transmitted to the customer's mobile terminal 4 to the customer who made the payment at the store.
“Distribution status” indicates whether or not the server 3 has distributed to each store. If there are still undelivered electronic coupons, the electronic coupon information is distributed to each store.
When the distribution is completed, the distribution status becomes a “distributed” state.

  Note that the information on the electronic coupon shown in FIG. 11 is merely an example, and in addition to the information, information such as the convenience store and the supermarket, such as the manufacturer name, content, product description, and the like may be included. Good.

  FIG. 12 shows electronic coupon information distributed from the server 3 to the store A in Kansai and held in the POS terminal 1.

  12, among the electronic coupon information held in the server 3 shown in FIG. 11, “distribution target” is “all stores”, “store A”, “Kansai store”, and “distribution status” is already distributed. Electronic coupon information is displayed.

  FIG. 13 shows electronic coupon information newly delivered from the server 3 and held in the POS terminal 1 in the state shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, with respect to the electronic coupon information shown in FIG. 12, the “distribution status” of the electronic coupon information held in the server 3 shown in FIG. No. corresponding to “Store”. 36-No. A state where 38 electronic coupons are newly distributed from the server 3 and stored in the POS terminal 1 of the store A is shown.

FIG. 14 shows electronic coupon information held in the electronic coupon information storage area 4061 by the dedicated communication application of the customer's mobile terminal 4.
Note that the MPU 400 deletes the electronic coupon information that has passed the validity period so that the unnecessary electronic coupon does not remain in the mobile terminal 4.

Basic electronic coupon information is the same as in FIGS.
In addition to electronic coupon information, the customer's “membership number” and whether or not to automatically use electronic coupons (“automatic coupon usage”) and whether or not to print a list of stored coupons when printing a receipt Setting ("Unused coupon printing"), setting whether to notify when there is an unused coupon ("Unused coupon notification function"), period for notification ("Unused coupon notification period"), etc. Various setting information is also held.

  Hereinafter, the contents of various setting information items will be described.

“Membership number” is a number that identifies a customer.
“Automatic coupon use” is a setting for whether or not an electronic coupon is automatically used at the time of settlement when a product that is a target of an electronic coupon held by a customer is purchased at a store.
“Unused coupon printing” indicates whether or not a list of unused electronic coupons should be printed on a receipt at the time of settlement when there is an unused electronic coupon among electronic coupons held by a customer at a store. It is a setting.
The “unused coupon notification function” is a setting for whether or not to notify the customer that there is an unused electronic coupon on the mobile terminal 4 of the customer when there is an unused electronic coupon held by the customer. is there.
The “unused coupon notification period” is a setting for how many days before the end date of the valid period of the corresponding electronic coupon should be notified when “Yes” is set in the unused coupon notification function.
The “unused coupon notification function” means that an unused electronic coupon exists on the customer's mobile terminal 4 when the period set in the unused coupon notification period arrives even if the customer does not go to a store where the electronic coupon can be used. Is displayed.
On the other hand, when “None” is set in the unused coupon notification period, it is displayed when an unused electronic coupon within the valid period is stored. That is, it is displayed at a timing of midnight on the start date of the coupon valid period.
As a specific display method, any method may be used, such as notification to the status bar of the screen of the portable terminal 4 or a method of periodically displaying on the screen.
In this way, by notifying the customer that the unused coupon is held, the motivation for the customer to go to the store can be given.

  Each of these setting items is a description of a function associated with the present invention, and is not necessarily an essential item, and is not limited to the exemplified function.

  FIG. 15 shows electronic coupon information for each customer that is temporarily stored in the POS terminal 1 of the store when the customer visits a store where an electronic coupon can be used on November 30.

When the customer enters the store, the dedicated communication application of the mobile terminal 4 starts communication with the POS terminal 1 in the store via the access point device 2 in the store.
The electronic coupon processing application of the POS terminal 1 acquires the electronic coupon information that can be used in the store and is held in the mobile terminal 4 of the customer. Then, the MPU 100 holds the acquired electronic coupon information in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 for each customer ID (membership number).

  The electronic coupon information is stored in a different area from the electronic coupon information distributed from the server 3. At that time, the electronic coupon that can be used on the day and the electronic coupon that cannot be used on the day are distinguished and held.

  In FIG. 15, the “status” is “usable” for an electronic coupon that can be used on the day, “unusable” for an electronic coupon that cannot be used on the day because it has already been used, and “ -"Shall be registered.

FIG. 16 is an example of the purchased product of the customer having the membership number 12345567890 shown in FIG.
The user (register operator) of the POS terminal 1 performs the checkout process by inputting product information related to the checkout of the customer by an attached scanner, keyboard, touch panel operation, or the like.

  The MPU 100 of the POS terminal 1 refers to the electronic coupon information held in the electronic coupon information storage area 1061 shown in FIG. 15 for each product related to payment, and applies the electronic coupon corresponding to the customer ID. Check whether there is a possible product. When a product applicable to the electronic coupon is included in the product related to the settlement, the MPU 100 refers to the customer's electronic coupon information. Here, when the coupon automatic use is “Yes”, the MPU 100 performs processing such as discounting from the payment amount based on the information of the electronic coupon. In addition, the discounted product price after use of the electronic coupon is displayed on the display unit 108.

  On the other hand, if the coupon automatic use of the customer's electronic coupon information is “No”, the MPU 100 causes the display unit 108 to display that there is an electronic coupon available to the customer. The cashier operator confirms with the customer whether or not to use the electronic coupon. When a customer uses an electronic coupon, the key operation unit 111 or the pointing device operation unit 113 is operated to give an instruction to the MPU 100 to apply the electronic coupon. On the other hand, when the customer does not use the electronic coupon, A command is given to the MPU 100 so that payment is performed as it is without using the electronic coupon.

FIG. 17 is a screen displayed on the display unit 108 of the POS terminal 1 when a discount using an electronic coupon is applied.
Among the electronic coupons held by the customer with the membership number 12345567890 in the portable terminal 4, discounts are provided for “former chocolate” and “お よ び oolong tea” that can be used for this shopping.

  FIG. 18 shows customer electronic coupon information in the POS terminal 1 before the settlement process is performed by the POS terminal 1 and settlement by the customer is performed.

The MPU 100 updates the electronic coupon information by changing the status (in this case, updating from “available” to “used”) as information indicating that the used electronic coupon has been used.
At this time, when an unused electronic coupon that can be used on the day remains, information on the unused coupon is displayed on the cashier operator display of the POS terminal 1 and the customer display of the POS terminal 1.

If the cashier operator confirms that there is an unused coupon, the cashier operator can indicate to the customer that there is an unused electronic coupon and prompt additional purchase.
Specifically, in the electronic coupon information shown in FIG. 18, since the electronic coupon of “Oto shampoo” can be used on November 30, “Otsu shampoo 300 yen discount coupon remains, how about? ”, The cashier can speak to the customer and encourage the purchase.

If there is no problem with the payment using the electronic coupon, the payment (settlement) process is performed as it is.
In addition, when there is an offer from the customer that the coupon is not used, the use of the coupon can be invalidated.
In this case, the customer electronic coupon information in the POS terminal 1 of the store is returned to an unused state (in this case, the information is updated from “used” to “usable”), and the electronic coupon information is updated.

  After that, when the customer's payment processing is completed, the electronic coupon that is “used” in the customer electronic coupon information in the POS terminal 1 of the store and that is valid only once is used for the customer. The used data is transmitted to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer, and the electronic coupon information held in the electronic coupon information area 4061 in the customer's mobile terminal 4 is used.

  In addition, the MPU 100 compares the electronic coupon of the customer with the electronic coupon distributed from the server 3 and held in the POS terminal 1 or the electronic coupon processing terminal, and the customer has not yet held the electronic coupon, In addition, it is checked whether or not there is an electronic coupon whose store distribution is “permitted”, and when there is a corresponding electronic coupon, the electronic coupon is transmitted to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer.

FIG. 19 shows electronic coupon information in the customer's mobile terminal after settlement. As a result of this purchase, an electronic coupon of “丙 oolong tea” with one effective use was used, so the dedicated communication application received the used data of “丙 oolong tea” electronic coupon from the POS terminal 1 of the store, and the mobile terminal The electronic coupon information in 4 is in a “used” state.
On the other hand, since the used data is not transmitted from the POS terminal 1 of the store for the electronic coupon of “Kokoro” with no limit on the number of effective usage, even if the electronic coupon is used, the corresponding electronic coupon information is “unused” "Is maintained in the state of". "

In addition, electronic coupons for “戊 yogurt” and “self-pudding” that are “distributed” from the POS terminal 1 of the store are newly registered.
On the other hand, since “AAA Cup Ramen” for which the store distribution from the POS terminal 1 of the store is “permitted” is already registered in the customer's electronic coupon information, this electronic coupon is not distributed. Therefore, the electronic coupon information remains “used”.

FIG. 20 is an example of a receipt received by a customer.
When printing a receipt, the MPU 100 reads the setting of “unused coupon printing” from the customer's electronic coupon information. If the printing is set to “Yes”, the MPU 100 controls the print control unit 116 to print the receipt. 115 is printed. At this time, unused electronic coupon information is read from the customer's electronic coupon information and printed on a receipt in a predetermined format.
By printing on the receipt, the customer can confirm the presence of his / her unused electronic coupon, and can refer to the next purchase of goods or motivate the customer to visit the store.

  FIG. 21 shows customer electronic coupon information in the POS terminal 1 when the customer settlement is completed. Since the used data and the new electronic coupon information are transmitted to the mobile terminal 4 of the customer when the settlement is completed, the customer information of the POS terminal 1 is updated.

Specifically, the usage status of the electronic coupon that has transmitted the used data is updated to “used”, the status is updated to “unusable”, and the newly transmitted electronic coupon information is registered.
In this way, by updating the usage status and status, when the customer forgets to buy and purchases again in the store, the cash register operation can be performed with the latest electronic coupon information.

In addition, when communication with the customer's mobile terminal 4 is disconnected, the MPU 100 deletes the electronic coupon information for each customer from the POS terminal 1 based on certain rules.
Here, the fixed rule is a rule determined in advance by a company that implements the electronic coupon, such as three minutes after the communication with the customer's mobile terminal 4 is disconnected.

(Other embodiments)
1. In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of types or a plurality of electronic coupons that can be applied to the same product, the electronic coupon with the lowest purchase price may be applied to perform the settlement process (second embodiment). ).

  In this way, when there are a large number of electronic coupons that can be used, when it is prohibited to use a plurality of electronic coupons for the same product, the customer is saved from selecting the necessary electronic coupons. Can do.

  For example, when there are three types of electronic coupons with a discount rate of “5% discount”, “10% discount”, and “15% discount” for the same product, the MPU 100 has the lowest purchase price of the product. The “15% discount” electronic coupon is applied to the merchandise and the checkout process is performed.

2. In the first embodiment, when there are a plurality of types or a plurality of electronic coupons that can be applied to the same product, the settlement process may be performed by applying the electronic coupon having the shortest period until the expiration date (embodiment). 3).

  In this way, when there are a large number of electronic coupons that can be used, when it is prohibited to use a plurality of electronic coupons for the same product, the customer is saved from selecting the necessary electronic coupons. Can do. In addition, since an electronic coupon that is likely to expire is preferentially selected, the occurrence of an expired electronic coupon can also be prevented in advance.

  For example, when a customer visits a store where an electronic coupon can be used on November 30, the expiration date is “December 1”, “December 10”, and “December 31” for the same product. When the three types of electronic coupons exist, the MPU 100 applies the electronic coupon with the expiration date “December 1” that has the shortest number of days until the expiration date to the product, and performs the settlement process.

3. In Embodiments 1 to 3, when an electronic coupon that is more optimal than the electronic coupon held in the customer's mobile terminal 4 is applicable to a product related to payment, the MPU 100 transmits the electronic coupon to the customer's mobile terminal 4. Then, the electronic coupon may be applied to the product to perform a settlement process (Embodiment 4).

  In this way, it is possible to save the customer from downloading the optimal electronic coupon, so the convenience of the electronic coupon is improved.

3. In the first to fourth embodiments, the customer's electronic coupon information may not be deleted immediately after the merchandise is settled, but may be deleted after a predetermined period. (Embodiment 5)

  In this way, even when the customer returns to the store again, the trouble of acquiring the electronic coupon information again can be saved.

  For example, when the purchase amount is large, it may be possible to purchase the product in two parts so that the product purchased by the customer can be loaded into the car, which is useful in such a situation.

As mentioned above,
(I) A POS terminal according to the present invention communicates with a mobile terminal of a customer, associates with a customer ID that identifies the customer, acquires information on an electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal, A customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring the customer ID at the time of payment; a product information acquisition unit for acquiring information on a product related to payment; a storage unit for holding information on electronic coupons and the customer ID; the communication unit; An ID acquisition unit, a control unit that controls the product information acquisition unit, and the storage unit, the control unit causes the communication unit to acquire information on an electronic coupon from the customer mobile terminal in association with the customer ID. Stored in the storage unit, and when the product is settled, the customer ID acquisition unit acquires the customer ID, the product information acquisition unit acquires the product information related to the settlement, and the product information and Wherein based on the electronic coupon information corresponding to the customer ID, when the electronic coupon is determined to be applicable to the product, and performs a settlement process by applying the electronic coupon to the product.
The electronic coupon processing method according to the present invention communicates with a customer's portable terminal, acquires and holds information on the electronic coupon held in the portable terminal in association with a customer ID that identifies the customer, When the product is settled, the customer ID and the product information related to the settlement are acquired, and the electronic coupon is applicable to the product based on the product information and the electronic coupon information corresponding to the customer ID. When the determination is made, the electronic coupon is applied to the product to perform a checkout process.

  In the present invention, the “POS terminal” is a device for paying for a product such as an ECR (Electronic Cash Register) terminal such as a cash register or a POS (Point of Sales) terminal. is there.

Furthermore, the preferable aspect of this invention is demonstrated.
(Ii) After the said control part applies the said electronic coupon to the said goods and performs checkout processing, the said portable part of the customer is updated data reflecting that the said electronic coupon was used by controlling the said communication part. The POS terminal according to claim 1, wherein the POS terminal is transmitted to the terminal.

  If it does in this way, it will become possible to update the electronic coupon held in a customer's portable terminal after the check-out of goods from an unused state to a used state.

  (Iii) The storage unit holds an electronic coupon that can be used in a store, and the control unit applies the electronic coupon to the product and performs a checkout process, and then the electronic coupon held in the storage unit And when there exists what is not hold | maintained in the said portable terminal, the said communication part may be controlled and the said electronic coupon may be transmitted to the said customer's portable terminal.

  In this way, when there is an electronic coupon that can be used at the store after the product is settled and the customer has not downloaded, the customer is encouraged to purchase additional products by providing the electronic coupon to the customer. be able to.

  (Iv) When there are a plurality of types or a plurality of electronic coupons that can be applied to the product, the control unit may perform a settlement process by applying the electronic coupon that provides the lowest purchase price. .

  In this way, when there are many electronic coupons that can be used, it is possible to save the customer from having to select a necessary electronic coupon.

  (V) When there are a plurality of types or a plurality of electronic coupons applicable to the product, the control unit applies the electronic coupon with the shortest period until the expiration date to the product and performs a settlement process. There may be.

  In this way, when there are a large number of electronic coupons that can be used, it is possible to save the customer from having to select the necessary electronic coupons, and the electronic coupons that are likely to expire will be preferentially selected. Also, the occurrence of an expired electronic coupon can be prevented in advance.

  (Vi) The display further includes a display unit, and when the control unit determines that the electronic coupon is not applicable to the product at the time of payment of the product, the display prompts the purchase of the product targeted for the electronic coupon. It may be displayed on the part.

  In this way, it is possible to urge the customer to make additional purchases for products other than those related to payment.

  (Vii) The control unit controls the communication unit to control the electronic coupon when the electronic coupon more optimal than the electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal of the customer is held in the storage unit. You may make it transmit to a customer's portable terminal and apply the said electronic coupon to the said goods, and perform a check-out process.

  In this way, it is possible to save the customer from downloading a new electronic coupon, so the convenience of the electronic coupon is improved.

The “electronic coupon more optimal than the electronic coupon held in the customer's mobile terminal” is, for example, when there are two types of electronic coupons of “10% discount” and “20% discount” for the same product. , “20% discount” electronic coupon is applicable.
Further, when there are two types of electronic coupons with the same discount rate and different expiration dates for the same product, an electronic coupon with a short expiration date is applicable.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention include combinations of any of the plurality of embodiments described above.
In addition to the embodiments described above, there can be various modifications of the present invention. These modifications should not be construed as not belonging to the scope of the present invention. The present invention should include the meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

1: POS terminal, 2: Access point device, 3: Server, 4: Mobile terminal, 5: Network, 10: Electronic coupon system, 100, 300, 400: MPU, 101, 301, 401: Main memory, 102, 302 , 402: External memory, 103, 303, 403: External memory control unit, 104, 304, 404: Communication unit, 105, 305, 405: Program storage unit, 106, 306, 406: Data storage unit, 107, 307, 407: Nonvolatile memory control unit, 108, 308, 408: Display unit, 109, 309, 409: Image memory, 110, 310, 410: Image memory control unit, 111, 311, 411: Key operation unit, 112, 312 , 412: Key control unit, 113, 313, 413: Pointing device operation unit, 114, 314, 414: Pointing device control unit, 115, 315: Printing unit, 116, 316: Print control unit, 117: Bar code scanner, 118: Bar code scanner control unit, 119: Card Reader: 120: Card reader control unit, 1051: Electronic coupon information processing application, 1052: Dedicated communication application, 1061: Electronic coupon information storage area, 3051: Electronic coupon information processing application, 3061: Electronic coupon information storage area, 4051: Electronic Coupon information processing application, 4052: Dedicated communication application, 4061: Electronic coupon information storage area

Claims (8)

A communication unit that communicates with a mobile terminal of a customer, acquires information on an electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal in association with a customer ID that identifies the customer, and a customer ID that acquires the customer ID when the product is settled An acquisition unit, a product information acquisition unit that acquires information on a product related to payment, a storage unit that holds information on an electronic coupon and the customer ID, the communication unit, the customer ID acquisition unit, the product information acquisition unit, and A control unit for controlling the storage unit,
The control unit associates electronic coupon information with the customer ID from the mobile terminal of the customer, causes the communication unit to acquire the information, and stores the information in the storage unit. When the product is settled, the customer ID is stored in the customer ID acquisition unit. The electronic coupon can be applied to the product based on the information on the product and the information on the electronic coupon corresponding to the customer ID. A POS terminal that performs the checkout process by applying the electronic coupon to the product when it is determined that   The control unit applies the electronic coupon to the product and performs a checkout process, and then controls the communication unit to transmit update data reflecting the use of the electronic coupon to the mobile terminal of the customer. The POS terminal according to claim 1. The storage unit holds an electronic coupon that can be used in a store,
The control unit, after applying the electronic coupon to the product and performing a checkout process, when there is an electronic coupon held in the storage unit and not held in the portable terminal, The POS terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a communication unit is controlled to cause the electronic coupon to be transmitted to the mobile terminal of the customer.   The said control part applies the said electronic coupon from which the purchase price becomes the cheapest to the said product when the electronic coupon which can be applied to the said product is multiple types or multiple pieces, and performs a checkout process. The POS terminal according to any one of the above.   The control unit, when there are a plurality of types or a plurality of electronic coupons applicable to the product, performs the checkout process by applying the electronic coupon with the shortest period until the expiration date to the product. 4. The POS terminal according to any one of 3. A display unit;
The said control part makes the said display part display the display which prompts the purchase of the goods used as the object of the said electronic coupon, when it is judged that the said electronic coupon is not applicable to the said goods at the time of payment of goods. The POS terminal according to any one of 5.   The control unit controls the communication unit to carry the electronic coupon when the electronic coupon is more optimal than the electronic coupon held in the customer's mobile terminal. The POS terminal according to claim 1, wherein the POS terminal is transmitted to a terminal, and the electronic coupon is applied to the product to perform a checkout process.   Communicates with the customer's mobile terminal, acquires and holds information on the electronic coupon held in the mobile terminal in association with the customer ID that identifies the customer, and relates to the customer ID and the payment at the time of product checkout When the product information is acquired and the electronic coupon is determined to be applicable to the product based on the product information and the information of the electronic coupon corresponding to the customer ID, the electronic coupon is applied to the product. Then, an electronic coupon processing method characterized by performing a checkout process.