JP5640039B2 - Point management system, point management server and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a point management system, a point management server, and a program for the server, in which a transaction processing apparatus and a point management server are connected to a network.

  A so-called point service system that calculates points based on the price of commercial transactions, accumulates these points for each customer, and gives the customer benefits based on the accumulated points, has been introduced at many stores for the purpose of customer containment. Yes. And in order to further enhance the customer's containment effect, assign a preferential rank to each customer according to the purchase results, etc., and calculate a point with a large ratio or add bonus points to customers with a high preferential rank It has already been implemented.

  When such a point service system is introduced to a plurality of stores, the store servers of POS (Point Of Sales) systems constructed as transaction processing devices at each store are connected by a network, and this network is connected to this network. Connect the point management server. And the point management server manages the preferential treatment rank of each customer, and the store server can manage the point magnification or the bonus point for each rank. By doing so, the preferential rank can be determined by comprehensively looking at the results at each store for each customer. On the other hand, each shop can set the point magnification or bonus point for each special rank.

  However, in this case, each time a business transaction with a customer occurs, the store server communicates with the point management server to acquire the preferential rank of the customer. Then, the store server calculates points for the commercial transaction by using the point magnification or bonus points set for the preferential rank. For this reason, for example, when communication with the point management server cannot be performed due to a communication failure or the like, the customer's preferential rank cannot be acquired, so that accurate points cannot be calculated.

JP 2011-253507 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to calculate an accurate point later even if the transaction processing device cannot calculate an accurate point because it cannot communicate with a point management server that manages a customer-specific preferential rank. It is intended to provide a point management system that can be managed by

In one embodiment, the point management system includes a transaction processing device and a point management server. The transaction processing device generates transaction data related to a commercial transaction with a customer. Further, the transaction processing apparatus acquires a customer identifier that identifies the customer, and inquires the point management server about the preferential treatment rank of the customer identified by the customer identifier. Then, when obtaining the answer of the preferential treatment rank from the point management server, the transaction processing device calculates the points given to the customer based on the parameters related to the point calculation set for the preferential treatment rank and the transaction data. To do. The transaction processing device transmits the calculated points to the point management server together with the customer identifier.
The point management server includes means for accessing a customer-specific point management file that stores the customer's preferential rank and the accumulated points specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier. When there is a customer preferential rank inquiry specified by the customer identifier from the transaction processing device, the point management server searches the customer point management file and returns the customer's preferential rank to the transaction processing device. When the point is received together with the customer identifier from the transaction processing device, the point management server adds the received point to the accumulated point stored for each customer identifier received together with the point in the customer-specific point management file.

In such a configuration, the transaction processing apparatus further includes a storage unit and a transmission unit. When the communication with the point management server is offline, the storage means stores offline data including transaction data related to a commercial transaction with a customer and the customer identifier of the customer in a buffer. When the communication with the point management server is restored from offline to online with offline data stored in the buffer, the transmission means point the offline data stored in the buffer together with the parameters set for each customer rank. Send to the management server.

  The point management server further includes receiving means, computing means, and accumulating means. The receiving means receives offline data transmitted from the transaction processing apparatus. When the calculation means receives the offline data, the calculation means obtains the customer's preferential rank specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data from the customer-specific point management file. And a calculating means acquires the parameter with respect to this special treatment rank from the parameter according to special treatment rank received with offline data, and calculates a point based on this parameter and the transaction data in the received offline data. The accumulating means adds the points calculated by the computing means to the accumulated points stored in correspondence with the customer identifier in the offline data received by the customer-specific point management file.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a point management system according to an embodiment. FIG. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a point management server. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a shop server and a POS terminal. The format figure of the data record preserve | saved at the point management file by customer. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the point magnification table classified by rank. The schematic diagram which shows the data structure of the bonus point table according to rank. Format diagram of offline data record stored in offline buffer. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure of 1 commercial transaction which CPU of a POS terminal performs. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of the shop server which received this point inquiry data performs. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of the point management server which received preferential treatment rank inquiry data performs. The flowchart which shows the information processing procedure which CPU of the point management server which received point transaction data performs. The figure which shows the one issue example of the receipt for point members at the time of online. The figure which shows the issuance example of the receipt for point members at the time of offline.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the point management system will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment corresponds to a point service system that assigns a preferential rank L to each customer according to the purchase results at two stores, store A and store B, and gives points calculated based on this preferential rank L. Is.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a point management system according to the present embodiment. The point management system includes a POS system 1 as a transaction processing device constructed in each of store A and store B, and a point management server 2. The POS system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 11 and a store server 12. Each POS terminal 11 is connected to the store server 12 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 13.

  Each POS terminal 11 has a function of reading a customer ID, which is a customer identifier of the customer, from a portable storage medium 14 carried by the customer, who is a point member, and a function of issuing a purchase receipt 15 in which details of a commercial transaction with the customer are printed. And at least. The store server 12 includes at least a rank-specific point magnification table 16, a rank-specific bonus point table 17, and an offline buffer 18 as a data storage unit.

  The point management system connects the store servers 12 of the store A and the store B with a network 3 such as the Internet. The point management system connects the point management server 2 to this network 3. The point management server 2 can access the customer-specific point management file 4 and writes and reads data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the point management server 2. The point management server 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21 as a control unit body, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22 and a RAM 23 as main storage units, an auxiliary storage unit 24, a clock unit 25, and a communication interface 26. With. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, auxiliary storage unit 24, clock unit 25, and communication interface 26 are connected by a bus line 27 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The auxiliary storage unit 24 is a large-capacity storage device built in or externally attached to the point management server 2, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used. The customer-specific point management file 4 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 24, and the CPU 21 includes means for accessing the customer-specific point management file 4.

  The clock unit 25 measures the current date and time. The communication interface 26 controls transmission / reception of data using the network 3.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the store server 12 and the POS terminal 11. The store server 12 includes a CPU 31 as a control unit main body, a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 as main storage units, an auxiliary storage unit 34, a clock unit 35, a communication interface 36, and a LAN controller 37. The CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, auxiliary storage unit 34, clock unit 35, communication interface 36, and LAN controller 37 are connected by a bus line 38 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The auxiliary storage unit 34 is a large-capacity storage device built in or externally attached to the store server 12, and an HDD, an SSD, or the like is used. The rank-specific point magnification table 16 and the rank-specific bonus point table 17 are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 34. The offline buffer 18 is formed in the RAM 33. The offline buffer 18 may be formed in the auxiliary storage unit 34. Further, at least one of the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and the rank-specific bonus point table 17 may be stored in the RAM 33.

  The clock unit 36 measures the current date and time. The communication interface 37 manages data transmission / reception using the network 3. The LAN controller 37 controls data communication with the POS terminal 11 connected via the LAN 13.

  The POS terminal 11 includes a CPU 41 as a control unit body, a ROM 42 and a RAM 43 as main storage units, a clock unit 44, a LAN controller 45, and a medium interface 46. The CPU 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, clock unit 44, LAN controller 45, and medium interface 46 are connected by a bus line 47 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  The clock unit 44 measures the current date and time. The LAN controller 45 controls data communication with the store server 12 connected via the LAN 13. The medium interface 46 performs data communication with the portable storage medium 14 and reads a customer ID and the like stored in the storage medium 14. As the portable storage medium 14, a card medium such as a magnetic card, an IC card, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card, a mobile phone, or the like is used.

  The POS terminal 11 includes input / output devices such as a keyboard 51, a scanner 52, an operator display 53, a customer display 54, and a receipt printer 55. Each input / output device is connected to the bus line 47 via a signal input / output circuit (not shown), and is controlled by the CPU 41.

  FIG. 4 is a format diagram of the point management data record 4R for one customer stored in the point management file 4 for each customer. As shown in FIG. 4, the customer-specific point management file 4 includes, for each customer, a customer ID, customer personal information, accumulated amount A, total points P, preferential rank L, latest update date D, recovered flag F A point management data record 4R comprising such items as is stored (flag storage means).

  The customer personal information is the name, sex, etc. of the customer specified by the corresponding customer ID. The accumulated amount A is the total amount paid by the customer in the commercial transaction between the store A and the store B, respectively. The total point P is a cumulative value of points calculated by the customer through a commercial transaction between the store A and the store B, respectively. When the customer uses points for payment, for example, the used points are subtracted from the total points P.

  The preferential treatment rank L is assigned according to the purchase results of the customer, and in the present embodiment, there are four stages from rank “1” to rank “4”. Each time the result increases, the rank increases from “1” to “2”, “3”, “4” by one step.

  The latest update date and time D is the latest date and time when the record R is updated. The recovered flag F is set to “1” when the record R is updated by offline transaction data described later, and is reset to “0” otherwise.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of the rank-specific point magnification table 16. As shown in FIG. 5, in the point-by-rank point magnification table 16, point magnifications are set for each of the preferential treatment ranks L (1, 2, 3, 4). The point magnification increases as the degree of special treatment increases.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of the rank-specific bonus point table 17. As shown in FIG. 6, in the bonus point table 17 for each rank, bonus points are set for each preferential rank L (1, 2, 3, 4) along with the data for the implementation period. Bonus points become larger as the degree of special treatment increases.

  FIG. 7 is a format diagram of the offline data record 18R stored in the offline buffer 18. As shown in FIG. 7, the offline buffer 18 includes items such as customer ID, transaction date and time, store ID, transaction number, purchase price, purchase points, bonus points, offline classification, rank ratio by rank, and bonus points by rank. A data record 18R is stored.

  The transaction date and time is the date and time when the commercial transaction with the customer specified by the corresponding customer ID is performed. The store ID is a store identifier that specifies a store in which a business transaction with the customer is performed. Different store IDs are assigned to store A and store B in advance. The transaction number is a transaction identification number issued at a store where a commercial transaction with the customer is performed.

  The purchase amount is a price paid by the customer in the business transaction with the customer. The purchase point is a point calculated by the customer from the payment price in the business transaction with the customer. Bonus points are points awarded in commercial transactions with the customer. Bonus points according to the customer's preferential rank are given to commercial transactions during the bonus point implementation period.

  The offline classification indicates that the data record 18R is data generated when communication with the point management server 2 is offline. The rank-specific point magnification and rank-specific bonus points are data set in the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and the rank-specific bonus point table 17, respectively.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an information processing procedure of one commercial transaction executed by the CPU 41 of the POS terminal 11. This procedure follows a control program stored in the ROM 42.
First, the CPU 41 resets the registration flag f1 and the member flag f2 to “0” (ST1). The registering flag f1 and the member flag f2 are stored in the RAM 33. Next, the CPU 41 waits until the customer ID is read (ST2) or the purchase registration of the product is performed (ST3).

  When the customer ID is read from portable storage medium 14 via medium interface 46 (YES in ST2), CPU 41 checks member flag f2 (ST4). When member flag f2 is reset to “0” (YES in ST4), CPU 41 stores the customer ID read from portable storage medium 14 in RAM 43 (ST5). Further, the CPU 41 sets the member flag f2 to “1” (ST6). When member flag f2 is set to “1” (NO in ST4), CPU 41 does not execute the processes of steps ST5 and ST6. Thereafter, the CPU 41 returns to step ST2. Then, the CPU 41 waits for the customer ID to be read or for the purchase registration of the product to be performed (ST2, ST3). Note that the procedures of step ST2 and step ST3 may be reversed. Similarly, the procedures of step ST5 and step ST6 may be reversed.

  When purchase registration data for a product is input by operating the keyboard 51 or the scanner 52 (YES in ST3), the CPU 41 checks the registration flag f1 (ST7). If registration flag f1 has been reset to “0” (YES in ST7), CPU 41 clears the totalizer area formed in RAM 43 (ST8). Further, the CPU 41 sets the registration flag f1 to “1” (ST9). If registration flag f1 is set to “1” (NO in ST7), CPU 41 does not execute the processes of steps ST8 and ST9.

  Thereafter, the CPU 41 registers product sales data such as a product code, a sales score, and a sales price of the product registered for purchase in the transaction area of the RAM. At this time, the CPU 41 displays the product name, sales price, etc. of the product on the operator display 53 and the customer display 54 (ST10). Further, the CPU 41 adds the sales amount to the data in the total area (ST11). Note that the procedures of step ST8 and step ST9 may be reversed. Similarly, the procedures of step ST10 and step ST11 may be reversed.

  The CPU 41 confirms whether or not registration closure has been declared (ST12). If registration closure is not declared (NO in ST12), CPU 41 returns to step ST2. Then, the CPU 41 waits for the customer ID to be read or for the purchase registration of the product to be performed (ST2, ST3).

  When registration closing is declared by inputting a closing key on keyboard 51 (YES in ST12), CPU 41 executes accounting processing (ST13). That is, the CPU 41 calculates the price for the commercial transaction based on the merchandise sales data registered in the transaction area. And CPU41 receives the input of the payment data with respect to this price, and will perform a change calculation etc., if payment data is input. At this time, the CPU 41 displays the total amount and change amount on the operator display 53 and the customer display 54.

  When the accounting process ends, the CPU 41 checks the member flag f2 (ST14). When member flag f2 is reset to “0” (NO in ST14), the transaction is with a customer who is not a point member. In this case, the CPU 41 operates the printer 55 to print and issue a purchase receipt for a non-point member (ST15). This purchase receipt prints the purchase details such as product name and price of the purchased product, accounting data such as the total amount (purchased amount) and change of the purchased product, along with transaction identification data such as transaction date and time, transaction number, etc. Has been.

  On the other hand, when member flag f2 is set to “1” (YES in ST14), the transaction is with a customer who possesses portable storage medium 14, that is, a point member. In this case, the CPU 41 creates current point inquiry data including the customer ID stored in the RAM 43 and the transaction date / time, transaction number, purchase price, etc. of the commercial transaction, and stores the inquiry data via the LAN controller 45 in the store server. 12 (ST16).

  The CPU 31 of the store server 12 that has received the current point inquiry data executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This processing is in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32.

  First, the CPU 31 acquires a customer ID from the current point inquiry data. Then, the CPU 31 creates preferential rank inquiry data including this customer ID, and transmits this inquiry data to the point management server 2 via the communication interface 36 (ST21).

  The CPU 21 of the point management server 2 which has received the preferential rank inquiry data executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process follows the point management program stored in the ROM 22.

  First, the CPU 21 acquires a customer ID from the received special treatment rank inquiry data. Then, the CPU 21 searches the customer-specific point management file 4 with this customer ID, and reads the point management data record 4R with the matching customer ID (ST41: file access means). If the corresponding point management data record 4R is read, the CPU 21 acquires the total point P, the preferential treatment rank L, and the recovered flag F from the point management data record 4R. Then, the CPU 21 creates special treatment rank answer data including the total point P, the special treatment rank L, and the recovered flag F, and transmits this answer data to the inquiring store server 12 via the communication interface 26 (ST42).

  Next, the CPU 21 checks the recovered flag F acquired from the point management data record 4R (ST43). If recovered flag F is set to “1” (YES in ST43), CPU 21 rewrites recovered flag F to “0” (ST44). If recovered flag F has been reset to “0” (NO in ST43), the process of step ST44 is not executed. Thus, the process according to the point management program ends.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The CPU 31 having transmitted the preferential rank inquiry data waits for a response from the point management server 2 (ST22). During this standby period, the CPU 31 checks whether or not the line with the point management server 2 is offline (ST23). The CPU 31 determines that the line is offline (YES in ST23) after measuring the waiting time after the preferential rank inquiry data is transmitted and a predetermined time has elapsed.

  If reply data of preferential rank L is received from point management server 2 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the preferential rank inquiry data is transmitted, that is, before the line is determined to be offline (YES in ST22) The CPU 31 acquires the preferential rank L from the received answer data. Then, the CPU 31 searches the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and acquires the point magnification set corresponding to the special treatment rank L (ST24).

  Next, the CPU 31 calculates a purchase point p from the purchase amount included in the current point inquiry data received from the POS terminal 11 and the point magnification acquired in the process of step ST24 (ST25). For example, the CPU 31 calculates the purchase point p by dividing the total amount by the point reference amount (for example, 100 yen) and multiplying the quotient by the point magnification. The method for calculating the purchase point p is not limited to the above method.

  Next, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the date counted by the clock unit 35 is within the implementation period set in the rank-specific bonus point table 17 (ST26). If within the implementation period (YES in ST26), the CPU 31 searches the rank-specific bonus point table 17 and obtains the bonus point b set in correspondence with the preferential rank L (ST27). If it is outside the implementation period (NO in ST26), the process in step ST27 is not executed. That is, the bonus point b is “0”. Note that the procedures of steps ST24 and ST25 and steps ST26 and ST27 may be reversed. That is, the bonus point b may be acquired first and the purchase point p may be acquired later.

  The CPU 31 calculates the latest total point P ′ by adding the purchase point p and the bonus point b to the total point P included in the preferential rank response data. Then, the CPU 31 creates current point answer data including the total point P (cumulative points up to the previous time), purchase point p, bonus point b, and total point P ′, and sends this answer data to the inquiry source via the LAN controller 37. To the POS terminal 11 (ST28).

  Further, the CPU 31 checks the recovered flag F included in the preferential rank response data (ST29). If the recovered flag F is set to “1” (YES in ST29), the CPU 31 transmits the message code “02” to the inquiring POS terminal 11 (ST30: notification means). When recovered flag F is set to “0” (NO in ST29), message code “02” is not transmitted.

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 stores the customer ID, transaction date and time, transaction number and purchase price included in the received current point inquiry data, the store ID set in advance for the store server 31, and the current point response data created. Point transaction data including the purchase points p and bonus points b included in. Then, the CPU 31 transmits this point transaction data to the point management server 2 via the communication interface 36 (ST31).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the line with point management server 2 is offline (YES in ST23), CPU 31 searches point-by-rank point magnification table 16 to set the lowest-ranking preferential rank L = 1. The set point magnification is acquired (ST32). Then, the CPU 31 calculates a purchase point p from the total amount included in the current point inquiry data received from the POS terminal 11 and the point magnification acquired in the process of step ST32 (ST33).

  Further, the CPU 31 checks whether or not the date counted by the clock unit 35 is within the implementation period set in the rank-specific bonus point table 17 (ST34). If within the implementation period (YES in ST34), the CPU 31 searches the rank-specific bonus point table 17 to obtain the bonus point b set for the lowest-level preferential rank L = 1 (ST35). . If it is outside the implementation period (NO in ST34), the process in step ST35 is not executed. That is, the bonus point b is “0”. Note that the procedures of steps ST32 and ST3 and steps ST34 and ST35 may be reversed. That is, the bonus point b of the lowest special treatment rank may be acquired first, and the purchase point p may be calculated later at the point magnification of the lowest special treatment rank.

  The CPU 31 creates offline point answer data including the purchase points p and bonus points b, and transmits this answer data to the inquiring POS terminal 11 via the LAN controller 37 (ST36). Further, the CPU 31 transmits the message code “01” to the inquiring POS terminal 11 (ST37).

  Thereafter, the CPU 31 stores the customer ID, transaction date and time, transaction number and purchase price included in the received current point inquiry data, the store ID set in advance for the store server 31, and the created offline point response data. Point transaction data including the purchase points p and bonus points b included in. The CPU 31 records one point record of the point transaction data together with the rank-specific point magnification data set in the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and the rank-specific bonus point data set in the rank-specific bonus point table 17. Is written into the offline buffer 18 (ST38: storage means). As described above, the CPU 31 ends the process when the point inquiry data is received this time.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The CPU 41 of the POS terminal 11 that has transmitted the point inquiry data this time to the store server 12 in step ST16 waits for a response from the store server 12 (ST17). From the store server 12, either the current point response data or the offline point response data is returned.

  When the point answer data is received this time (NO in ST17), the CPU 31 operates the printer 55 to print and issue a point member purchase receipt 15a as shown in FIG. 12 (ST18). The purchase receipt 15a includes purchase details data such as the name and price of the purchased product, accounting data such as the total amount (purchased amount) of the purchased product and change, together with transaction identification data such as transaction date and time and transaction number. Printed. In addition, the accumulated points P, purchase points (current points) p, bonus points b, and total points P ′ included in the current point answer data are printed. Further, when the message code “02” is received following the current point reply data, as shown in FIG. 12, a message 61 for notifying that the points for the transaction for which the previous error occurred is correctly accumulated, For example, “the point for the transaction that caused the previous error has been updated correctly. Sorry for the inconvenience” is printed (notification means). Such a message 61 is preset in the message table of the RAM 43 in association with the message code “02”.

  In contrast, when offline point answer data is received (YES in ST17), CPU 41 operates printer 55 to print and issue offline purchase receipt 15b as shown in FIG. 13 (ST19). . The purchase receipt 15b includes purchase details data such as the product name and price of the purchased product, accounting data such as the total amount (purchased amount) of the purchased product and change, together with transaction identification data such as transaction date and time, transaction number, etc. Printed. Further, the purchase points p and bonus points b included in the offline answer data are printed. The accumulated point P and the total point P ′ are not printed. Further, since the message code “01” is received following the offline answer data, as shown in FIG. 13, a message 71 for notifying that the current point is not correctly accumulated because it is offline, for example, “current time”. The points will be accumulated until the next transaction. Such a message 71 is preset in the message table of the RAM 43 in association with the message code “01”.

  In this way, when the purchase receipt 15 for non-point members, the purchase receipt 15a for point members, or the purchase receipt 15b for offline use is issued, the processing for one commercial transaction is completed. The CPU 41 returns to the process of step ST1, resets the registration flag f1 and the member flag f2 to “0”, and then reads the customer ID of the next commercial transaction (ST2) or performs purchase registration of the product. (ST3).

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the point transaction data reception process executed by the CPU 21 of the point management server 2. As described above, the store server 12 that makes an inquiry about the preferential treatment rank L to the point management server 2 and obtains the answer transmits the point transaction data to the point management server 2 in real time in the process of step ST31. On the other hand, when an inquiry about the preferential rank L is made but no answer is obtained, that is, when the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 is offline, the store server 12 stores the point transaction data. Save in the offline buffer 18. For example, when the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 is restored in the process after the store is closed, the store server 12 points the point transaction data stored in the offline buffer 18 via the communication interface 36. It transmits to the management server 2 (transmission means).

  The CPU 21 of the point management server 2 executes the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 every time point transaction data is received from the store server 12 via the communication interface 26 (receiving means). This process follows the point management program.

  First, the CPU 21 checks the offline classification of the received point transaction data (ST51). When the offline section is not a section indicating offline (NO in ST51), the received point transaction data is data transmitted from store server 12 in real time. In this case, the CPU 21 acquires the customer ID, transaction date and time d, purchase amount a, purchase point p, and bonus point b from the point transaction data (ST52). Further, the CPU 21 acquires the point management data record 4R having the same customer ID from the customer-specific point management file 4 (ST53). In addition, the process of step ST52 and the process of step ST53 may be reversed.

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 updates the point management data record 4R. That is, the CPU 21 adds the purchase amount a to the accumulated amount A. Further, the purchase point p and the bonus point b are added to the total point P. Further, the latest update date D is rewritten to the transaction date d (ST54: online processing means).

  On the other hand, when the offline section is a section indicating offline (YES in ST51), the point transaction data is data stored in offline buffer 18. Also in this case, the CPU 21 acquires the customer ID, the transaction date and time d, the purchase amount a, the purchase point p, and the bonus point b from the point transaction data (ST55). Next, the CPU 21 acquires the point management data record 4R having the same customer ID from the customer-specific point management file 4 (ST56). Note that the procedure of step ST55 and step ST56 may be reversed.

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 checks the preferential rank L of the point management data record 4R (ST57). When preferential treatment rank L is the lowest level (YES in ST57), point transaction data purchase point p and bonus point b are correct. Therefore, the CPU 21 omits the processes of steps ST58, ST59, and ST69 and proceeds to the process of step ST61.

  On the other hand, when preferential treatment rank L is not the lowest level (NO in ST57), point transaction data purchase point p and bonus point b are points calculated with an erroneous preferential treatment rank. In this case, the CPU 21 acquires the point magnification of the special treatment rank L from the special treatment rank point magnification data added to the received point transaction data (ST58). Then, the CPU 21 calculates a purchase point p from the purchase amount included in the received point transaction data and the point magnification obtained in the process of step ST58 (ST59: calculation means). Further, the CPU 21 acquires the bonus point b of the special treatment rank L from the special treatment rank bonus point data added to the received point transaction data (ST60). Thereafter, the CPU 21 proceeds to the process of step ST61. Note that the procedures of step ST58 and step ST59 and the process of step ST61 may be reversed.

  In step ST61, the CPU 21 compares the transaction date / time d included in the received point transaction data with the latest update date / time D of the point management data record 4R. If transaction date d is later than update date D (YES in ST61), CPU 21 adds purchase amount a to accumulated amount A of point management data record 4R. Further, the CPU 21 adds the purchase point p and the bonus point b to the total point P. Furthermore, the CPU 21 rewrites the latest update date D to the transaction date d (ST62: accumulating means). On the other hand, when transaction date d matches or is earlier than update date D (NO in ST61), CPU 21 adds purchase amount a to accumulated amount A of data record 4R. Further, the CPU 21 adds the purchase point p and the bonus point b to the total point P. However, the CPU 21 does not rewrite the latest update date D to the transaction date d (ST63).

  Thereafter, the CPU 21 sets the recovered flag F of the point management data record 4R to “1” (ST64), and ends the current transaction reception process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 is offline and the customer's preferential rank L cannot be acquired, the store server 12 sets the current point with the preferential rank of the lowest level. (Purchase point p and bonus point b) are calculated. In the store server 12, point transaction data including the current point is generated and stored in the offline buffer 18. In the POS terminal 11, an offline purchase receipt 15b as shown in FIG. 13 is issued to the customer.

  Thereafter, when the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 is restored, the point transaction data stored in the offline buffer 18 is transmitted from the store server 12 to the point management server 2 via the network 3.

  The point management server 2 checks the offline classification of this data every time point transaction data is received. If the offline category is not a category indicating offline, the point management server 2 accesses the customer-specific point management file 4 and the accumulated point P of the customer identified by the customer ID included in the point transaction data. In addition, the purchase point p and the bonus point b included in the point transaction data are added.

  On the other hand, when the offline classification is a classification indicating offline, the point management server 2 accesses the customer-specific point management file 4 and identifies the customer identified by the customer ID included in the point transaction data. The special treatment rank L is acquired. Here, to the point transaction data, data of the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and rank-specific bonus point table 17 set in the store server 12 of the data transmission source are added. Thereby, in the point management server 2, the point magnification and bonus point b of the customer store corresponding to the special treatment rank L of the customer are obtained. In the point management server 2, the purchase points p are recalculated at the acquired point magnification. Thereafter, the point management server 2 accesses the customer-specific point management file 4, and the calculated purchase points p and bonus points b are added to the accumulated points P of the customers identified by the customer ID included in the point transaction data. Is added.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the store server 12 cannot calculate an accurate point because it cannot communicate with the point management server 2 that manages the preferential rank for each customer, an accurate point is recovered after the line is restored. Can be calculated and managed.

  In this embodiment, when the total point P of the customer-specific point management file 4 is updated with the points recalculated by the point management server, the recovered flag F included in the record of the file 4 is “1”. Set to After that, when a business transaction with the customer is processed at the POS terminal 11 of any store and an inquiry about the preferential rank is generated from the store server 12 to the point management server 2, the recovered flag F is “1”. On the condition, the message 61 with the message code “02” is printed on the purchase receipt 15a issued to the customer. Accordingly, since the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 was offline in the previous transaction, the customer who received the receipt 15b as shown in FIG. 13 is as shown in FIG. 12 in this transaction. Since the receipt 15a is received, it can be confirmed that the points of the previous transaction are also accumulated correctly.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the store server 12 is provided with the rank-specific point magnification table 16 and the rank-specific bonus point table 17, but the present invention is also applicable to a POS system provided with only one of the tables 16 and 17. Can be applied.

  In the embodiment, when the line between the store server 12 and the point management server 2 is online, the point transaction data is transmitted from the store server 12 to the point management server 2 in real time, and the accumulated points are updated in real time. The present invention can also be applied to the case where the data is stored in the buffer even when online, as in the case of offline, and the accumulated points are updated by sending them to the point management server 2 collectively at night or the like.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although applied to the point service system which assigns the special treatment rank L to each customer according to the purchase performance in two stores, and gives the point calculated based on this special treatment rank L, the number of stores Is not particularly limited. Further, the store server 12 may be omitted, and each POS terminal 11 may communicate with the point management server 2 via the network 3. In this case, each POS terminal 11 includes a rank-specific point magnification table 16 and an offline buffer 18.

  In the embodiment, a control program for realizing the functions of the invention is recorded in advance in a ROM that is a program storage unit in the apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a similar program may be downloaded from the network to the apparatus. Alternatively, a similar program recorded on the recording medium may be installed in the apparatus. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[1] Generating transaction data relating to a commercial transaction with a customer, obtaining a customer identifier for specifying the customer, inquiring the point management server for a preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier, If the answer of the preferential treatment rank is obtained from, the points given to the customer are calculated based on the parameters related to the point calculation set for the preferential treatment rank and the transaction data, and the calculated points are A transaction processing device for transmitting to the point management server together with a customer identifier, and means for accessing a customer-specific point management file for storing a customer's preferential rank and cumulative points specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier of each customer The customer's preferential rank specified by the customer identifier from the transaction processing device The customer point management file is searched, the customer's preferential rank is returned to the transaction processing device, and when the point is received together with the customer identifier from the transaction processing device, the received point is A point management server that adds to the accumulated points stored for each customer identifier received together with the points in the customer point management file, and the transaction processing device is offline when the communication with the point management server is offline, When the communication with the point management server is online, the storage means for storing offline data including transaction data relating to the commercial transaction with the customer and the customer identifier of the customer, and the offline data stored in the buffer Along with the parameters set by customer rank Transmission means for transmitting to the point management server, the point management server receives the offline data transmitted from the transaction processing device, and when receiving the offline data by the reception means, The preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is acquired from the point management file for each customer, and the parameter for this preferential rank is acquired from the parameters for the preferential rank received together with the offline data. Calculation means for calculating points based on parameters and transaction data in the received offline data, and the points calculated by the calculation means, the customer identifier in the received offline data in the customer-specific point management file Cumulative stored corresponding to A point management system comprising: accumulating means for adding points.
[Supplementary Note 2] Flag storage means for storing a flag for identifying whether or not the accumulated points for each customer identifier stored in the customer-specific point management file are points added by the accumulating means. When the customer's preferential rank inquiry is received from the transaction processing device, when the accumulated point of the customer is identified as a point added by the accumulating unit from the flag stored by the flag storing unit A notification means for notifying the transaction processing apparatus that the accumulated points of the customer are points added by the accumulation means, and the transaction processing apparatus receives a notification by the notification means, The accumulated points of the customer who inquired about the preferential treatment rank are points added by the accumulating means. Informing means point management system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the and further comprising a notifying.
[3] The point management system according to [1] or [2], wherein the parameter for each special rank is a point multiplying factor that multiplies a point derived based on the transaction data.
[4] The point management system according to [1] or [2], wherein the parameter for each special rank is a bonus point added to a point derived based on the transaction data.
[5] File access means for accessing a customer-specific point management file for storing a customer's preferential rank and cumulative points specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier for specifying each customer; When there is a preferential rank inquiry of a specified customer, the point management file for each customer is searched, the preferential rank of the customer is answered to the transaction processing device, and calculated based on the preferential rank from the transaction processing device. When the point is received together with the customer identifier, the online processing means for adding the point to the accumulated point stored for each customer identifier in the customer point management file and when the communication between the point management server is offline Transaction data related to commercial transactions with customers generated by the transaction processing device And receiving means for receiving offline data including the customer identifier of the customer, and receiving the offline data by the receiving means, the preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is classified by customer. Calculation means for acquiring points from the point management file, acquiring parameters for the preferential treatment rank from the parameters for the preferential treatment rank received together with the offline data, and calculating points based on the parameters and the transaction data in the received offline data And accumulating means for adding the points calculated by the computing means to the accumulated points stored in correspondence with the customer identifier in the received offline data in the customer-specific point management file. A point management server characterized by
[6] For each customer identifier that identifies each customer, a computer that can access a point management file for each customer that stores the customer's preferential rank and the accumulated points specified by the customer identifier is specified from the transaction processing device by the customer identifier. When there is a customer's preferential rank inquiry, the customer's point management file is searched and the customer's preferential rank is returned to the transaction processing device, and the points calculated from the transaction processing device based on the preferential rank Is received together with the customer identifier, the online processing means for adding this point to the accumulated points stored for each customer identifier in the customer point management file, the transaction when the communication with the point management server is offline Transaction data related to commercial transactions with customers generated by the processing device When the offline data including the customer identifier of the customer is received, the preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is acquired from the customer point management file, and the parameter for the preferential rank is set as the offline data. And calculating means for calculating points based on the parameters received according to the preferential treatment rank and the transaction data in the received offline data, and the points calculated by the calculating means A point management program for causing a management file to function as accumulating means for adding to accumulated points stored in correspondence with a customer identifier in the received offline data.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... POS system, 2 ... Point management server, 3 ... Network, 4 ... Customer-specific point management file, 11 ... POS terminal, 12 ... Store server, 14 ... Portable storage medium, 15, 15a, 15b ... Purchase receipt, 16 ... Rank point magnification table, 17 ... Rank bonus point table, 18 ... Offline buffer.

Claims (6)

Transaction data relating to a commercial transaction with a customer is generated, a customer identifier for identifying the customer is obtained, a preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier is inquired of a point management server, and the preferential treatment from the point management server When the answer of the rank is obtained, the point given to the customer is calculated based on the parameter related to the point calculation set for the preferential rank and the transaction data, and the calculated point is combined with the customer identifier. A transaction processing device for transmitting to the point management server;
A means for accessing a customer-specific point management file for storing a customer's preferential rank and a cumulative point specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier, and the customer specified by the customer identifier from the transaction processing device; When there is a preferential rank query, the customer point management file is searched, the preferential rank of the customer is answered to the transaction processing device, and the point is received together with the customer identifier from the transaction processing device. A point management server that adds points to accumulated points stored by customer identifier received together with the points in the customer point management file,
The transaction processing apparatus
When the communication with the point management server is offline, storage means for storing in a buffer offline data including transaction data relating to a commercial transaction with the customer and a customer identifier of the customer;
When the communication with the point management server is restored from offline to online while the offline data is stored in the buffer, the offline data stored in the buffer is set according to the customer rank. And a transmission means for transmitting to the point management server,
The point management server
Receiving means for receiving the offline data transmitted from the transaction processing apparatus;
When the offline data is received by the receiving means, the customer's preferential rank specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is acquired from the customer point management file, and the parameter for the preferential rank is received together with the offline data. And calculating means for calculating points based on this parameter and the transaction data in the received offline data.
Accumulating means for adding the points calculated by the calculating means to the accumulated points stored in correspondence with the customer identifier in the received offline data in the customer-specific point management file. Point management system. The point management server, a flag storage unit for storing a flag for identifying whether or not the accumulated point for each customer identifier stored in the customer point management file is a point added by the accumulation unit;
When there is a preferential rank inquiry of the customer from the transaction processing device, when it is identified from the flag stored by the flag storage means that the accumulated point of the customer is a point added by the accumulation means, Notification means for notifying the transaction processing device that the accumulated points of the customer are points added by the accumulating means,
The transaction processing apparatus further comprises a notifying means for notifying that the accumulated point of the customer who inquired about the preferential rank is a point added by the accumulating means when receiving the notification by the notifying means. The point management system according to claim 1.   The point management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parameter for each special rank is a point multiplying factor that multiplies a point derived based on the transaction data.   The point management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the parameter for each special rank is a bonus point added to a point derived based on the transaction data. A file access means for accessing a customer-specific point management file for storing a customer's preferential rank and a cumulative point specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier specifying each customer;
When there is a customer's preferential rank inquiry specified by the customer identifier from the transaction processing device, the customer's point management file is searched and the customer's preferential rank is returned to the transaction processing device. On-line processing means for adding a point calculated based on a preferential treatment rank together with the customer identifier to add to the accumulated points stored for each customer identifier in the customer point management file;
Offline data including the transaction data and the customer identifier of the customer regarding transactions with customers communicate with the point management server is generated by the transaction processor when offline, communications with the point management server from offline Receiving means to receive after coming back online ,
When the offline data is received by the receiving means, the customer's preferential rank specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is acquired from the customer point management file, and the parameter for the preferential rank is received together with the offline data. And calculating means for calculating points based on this parameter and the transaction data in the received offline data.
Accumulating means for adding the points calculated by the calculating means to accumulated points stored in correspondence with the customer identifier in the received offline data in the customer-specific point management file;
Flag storage means for storing a flag for identifying whether or not the accumulated points for each customer identifier stored in the customer-specific point management file are points added by the accumulating means;
When there is a preferential rank inquiry of the customer from the transaction processing device, when it is identified from the flag that the accumulated point of the customer is a point added by the accumulating means, the accumulated amount of the customer in the transaction processing device Notification means for notifying that the points are points added by the accumulating means;
A point management server comprising: A computer that can access a customer-specific point management file that stores the customer's preferential rank and cumulative points specified by the customer identifier for each customer identifier that specifies each customer,
When there is a customer's preferential rank inquiry specified by the customer identifier from the transaction processing device, the customer's point management file is searched and the customer's preferential rank is returned to the transaction processing device. On-line processing means for adding a point calculated based on a preferential treatment rank together with the customer identifier to add to the accumulated points stored for each customer identifier in the customer point management file;
When the communication with the computer is offline, the offline data including the transaction data related to the business transaction with the customer generated by the transaction processing device and the customer identifier of the customer is recovered from the offline to the online communication with the computer. When received later, the preferential rank of the customer specified by the customer identifier in the received offline data is obtained from the customer-specific point management file, and the parameter for the preferential rank is obtained from the preferential rank-specific parameter received together with the offline data. obtained, the arithmetic means to calculate a point based on the transaction data is offline the received data and the parameter,
The points that are calculated by the arithmetic means, accumulation means for adding to the accumulated point stored in correspondence with the customer identifier offline in the received data in the customer-specific point management file,
Flag storage means for storing a flag for identifying whether or not the accumulated points by customer identifier stored in the customer-specific point management file are points added by the accumulating means; and
When there is a preferential rank inquiry of the customer from the transaction processing device, when it is identified from the flag that the accumulated point of the customer is a point added by the accumulating means, the accumulated amount of the customer in the transaction processing device Notification means for notifying that the points are points added by the accumulating means;
Point management program to function as.

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