JP7400066B2 - Point management system, point management device and information processing program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a point management system, a point management device, and an information processing program.

2. Description of the Related Art Services are widely implemented in which points are awarded according to a user's transaction performance, and benefits such as discounts are given to the user according to the number of points already earned.
Such services have traditionally been widely implemented by stamping stamps on stamp cards. In recent years, this has also been realized by a computer-managed method in which the number of points already earned is associated with a membership code determined for the user.

However, in the method of using a stamp card, the work of stamping the stamp card becomes a burden on the store clerk or the like. There is also the risk of fraud due to forged stamps. Furthermore, with computer management methods, services can only be provided to users who have registered as members.
Therefore, by associating the number of points that a user has earned with an identification code and managing it on the server, and by giving the user a voucher with a barcode representing the above identification code printed on it, the user can use this voucher to It is also considered to associate this with benefits. In other words, if the user wants to add the points awarded for a new transaction to the already acquired points, the user presents the voucher given to the store clerk during the previous transaction. The server uses the number of points managed in association with the identification code read from the voucher by the clerk's operation as the number of points already acquired by the user who presented the voucher, and adds the number of points awarded thereafter.

However, if a voucher is issued every time a new point is given to a user, a plurality of vouchers with barcodes representing the same identification code printed thereon will be issued. Then, whoever presents any one of these multiple vouchers is a user who has earned the number of points associated with the identification code shown on the voucher.
Therefore, for example, if a third party picks up a voucher that was discarded by the original user, the third party can use the discarded voucher instead of the original user.
Under these circumstances, it has been desired to be able to prevent the use of vouchers by third parties.

JP2009-129028A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a point management system, a point management device, and an information processing program that can reduce the risk of user impersonation by a third party.

The point management device of the embodiment includes a storage means, a determination means, a new registration means, an update registration means, and an output means. The storage means stores the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points. The determining means determines a point management code different from the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated. The new registration means determines the number of points to be given for the satisfaction of the condition when the condition for giving points is met and the point management code associated with the points stored in the storage means is not specified. is stored in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by. The update registration means is configured to update the number of points associated with the specified point management code when the condition is satisfied and a point management code associated with points stored in the storage means is specified. The number of points obtained by adding the number of points to be given for the establishment is stored in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by the determining means. The output means outputs command data including a command for issuing a stamp receipt representing the point management code determined by the determination means to the transaction processing device .

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a point management system and main circuit configurations of a POS terminal and a point management device according to an embodiment. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of data records included in the account management database in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor provided in the POS terminal in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor provided in the point management device in FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor provided in the point management device in FIG. 1. The figure which shows the stamp receipt as an example. The figure which shows the stamp receipt as an example.

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a point management system including a POS (point-of-sale) terminal and a point management device will be described as an example. A POS terminal is an example of a product sales processing device.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a point management system 100 and main circuit configurations of a POS terminal 10 and a point management device 20 according to the present embodiment.

This point management system 100 is configured by enabling a POS terminal 10 and a point management device 20 to communicate via a communication network 30. Note that although the point management system 100 typically includes a plurality of POS terminals 10, only one is shown in FIG. The plurality of POS terminals 10 may all be installed in one store, or may be installed in a distributed manner in a plurality of stores. Further, all of the plurality of stores may belong to a single company, or stores belonging to different companies may coexist.

The POS terminal 10 registers the contents of any transaction such as selling products, providing food and drink, or providing services, and further performs information processing for settling the price related to the transaction. That is, the POS terminal 10 has a function as a payment device for settling the price related to a transaction. When a transactor who has conducted a transaction presents a voucher for point service (hereinafter referred to as a stamp card receipt), the POS terminal 10 receives a point management code expressed as an identification code on the stamp card receipt. and the details of the transaction to the point management device 20. In the following, a case will be explained in which the target transaction is the sale of a product.

The point management device 20 manages the number of points already given to users for each point account. However, the point management device 20 does not associate point accounts with users.
As the communication network 30, the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN (local area network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. can be used alone or in an appropriate combination. As the communication network 30, a combination of the Internet, VPN, and mobile communication network is typically used.

The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, a reading device 16, a printer 17, a communication interface 18, and a transmission line 19. The processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the display device 14, the input device 15, the reading device 16, the printer 17, and the communication interface 18 are connected by a transmission path 19. The processor 11, main memory 12, and auxiliary storage device 13 are connected by a transmission line 19 to constitute a computer that performs information processing to control the POS terminal 10.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 10 by executing information processing according to information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores the above information processing program in a nonvolatile memory area. Further, the main memory 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11.

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 13 can be, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or other various known storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes and data generated by the processing by the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store an information processing program.

The display device 14 displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. As the display device 14, a well-known device such as a liquid crystal display device can be used, for example.
The input device 15 inputs various instructions from the operator. As the input device 15, well-known devices such as a touch sensor or a keyboard can be used alone or in combination.

The reading device 16 reads data stored on the storage medium. As the reading device 16, well-known devices such as a barcode scanner or a card reader can be used alone or in combination.
The printer 17 prints various images on receipt paper and issues various vouchers. The vouchers include transaction receipts and stamp card receipts.

Communication interface 18 performs data communication via communication network 30 . As the communication interface 18, for example, a known device configured to perform known processing for data communication via the Internet can be used.
The transmission line 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

The POS terminal 10 stores an information processing program describing information processing to be described later in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Note that the information processing program may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 when the hardware of the POS terminal 10 is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the above hardware. In the latter case, the information processing program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., or transferred via a network. In the latter case, it is assumed that the information processing program is provided as an upgrade program and used in place of another information processing program of the same type already stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

The point management device 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a communication interface 24, and a transmission path 25. The processor 21, main memory 22, auxiliary storage device 23, and communication interface 24 are connected by a transmission path 25. The processor 21, the main memory 22, and the auxiliary storage device 23 are connected by a transmission path 25 to constitute a computer that performs information processing to control the point management device 20.

The processor 21 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the point management device 20 by executing information processing according to information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs.

The main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 22 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores the above information processing program in a nonvolatile memory area. Further, the main memory 22 may store data necessary for the processor 21 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21.

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 23 can be, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, an SSD, or other various well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 23 may also store the above information processing program.

Communication interface 24 performs data communication via communication network 30 . As the communication interface 24, for example, a known device configured to perform known processing for data communication via the Internet can be used.
The transmission line 25 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

The point management device 20 can be realized, for example, by using a general-purpose computer device for a server as hardware and writing an information processing program describing information processing to be described later into the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. Note that the information processing program may be stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 when the point management device 20 is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the general-purpose computer device described above. In the latter case, the information processing program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., or transferred via a network.

Now, the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 includes the account management database DB1. The account management database DB1 is a collection of data records associated with each of a large number of point accounts.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a data record DR1 included in the account management database DB1.
Data record DR1 includes at least fields F1, F2, and F3. Data record DR1 may include fields after field F4.

An account management code for identifying the associated point account is set in field F1. The total number of points that have been given to the associated point account is set in field F2. Fields F3, F4, . . . are set with a data group representing the history of point allocation to associated point accounts. That is, each time points are assigned to the associated point account, a new field is added to the data record DR1 after field F4, and a data group regarding the point assignment is set.

The data group set in fields F3, F4, . . . includes fields F11, F12, F13, F14, as shown in FIG.
A point management code for temporarily identifying the associated point account is set in field F11. The number of points awarded is set in field F12. The date and time when points are awarded is set in field F13. A store code that identifies the store where the transaction that triggered the award of points was performed is set in field F14.

Next, the operation of the point management system 100 configured as above will be explained. Note that the contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and the order of some processes may be changed, some processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added as appropriate.
When the POS terminal 10 is in an operating state for transaction registration and accounting, the processor 11 executes the information processing described below based on the information processing program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor 11.
As Act 1, the processor 11 performs preparatory processing such as initializing or deleting data temporarily used in processing information regarding one transaction such as a product list.

In Act 2, the processor 11 checks whether the registration operation has been started. The registration operation is an operation performed by an operator to register a product as a transaction target. Note that the operator may be either a store clerk or a shopper. Then, if the corresponding operation has not been started, the processor 11 determines No, and proceeds to Act3.
In Act 3, the processor 11 checks whether the point management code has been input. Then, if the corresponding input has not been made, the processor 11 determines No, and returns to Act 2.
Thus, in Acts 2 and 3, the processor 11 waits for the registration operation to start or for the point management code to be input.

When starting registration, the operator performs a registration operation regarding the product to be traded. The registration operation is performed, for example, as an operation for causing the reading device 16 to read a barcode corresponding to the product, or as an operation on a predetermined input device 15 for specifying the product.
If the above registration operation is performed while the processor 11 is in the standby state in Acts 2 and 3, the processor 11 determines Yes in Act 2 and proceeds to Act 4.

As Act 4, the processor 11 performs registration processing and accounting processing. Specifically, the processor 11 converts the product code specified based on the information acquired by the reading device 16 or the product code specified based on the operation of the input device 15 into the product code of the product to be traded. shall be. Then, the processor 11 updates the information in the product list area set in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 in order to add the product identified by this product code to the product list. This is the registration process. At this time, the processor 11 may always obtain the latest subtotal amount by adding the unit price of the currently registered product to the subtotal amount.

Then, once all the products to be traded have been registered and an operation instructing the execution of accounting processing is performed, for example, on the input device 15, the processor 11 executes a process for buying and selling all the registered products. Calculate the payment amount to be paid. Then, the processor 11 settles the calculated payment amount using the payment method specified by the operator from among the plurality of payment methods. As a payment method, various payment methods using cash, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, electronic money, points, cash vouchers, etc. can be used as appropriate. The process for calculating the payment amount and making the payment is accounting processing.

As Act 5, the processor 11 notifies the point management device 20 of the details of the transaction that has been registered and accounted for as described above. Specifically, the processor 11 generates notification data that includes, for example, a command indicating that the transaction is a notification of the details of the transaction, and data indicating the details of the transaction. The data representing the details of the transaction is data necessary for determining the point allocation for the transaction, such as a list of products targeted for the transaction and the payment amount. The type of data to be included in the notification data as data representing the details of the transaction is determined as appropriate by, for example, the creator of the information processing program, taking into account the conditions for awarding points and the like. Note that if the point management code is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 as described later, the processor 11 also includes this point management code in the notification data. The processor 11 then sends the generated notification data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 18 to the point management device 20 . The notification data transmitted to the point management device 20 by the communication network 30 is taken into the point management device 20 by the communication interface 24.

In the point management device 20, the processor 21 executes the information processing described below based on the information processing program stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23.
4 and 5 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 21.

In Act 21, the processor 21 confirms whether notification of transaction details has been made. Then, if the corresponding notification has not been made, the processor 21 determines No, and proceeds to Act 22.
In Act 22, the processor 21 checks whether the validity inquiry has been made. Then, if the corresponding inquiry has not been made, the processor 21 determines No, and returns to Act 21.
Thus, in Acts 21 and 22, the processor 21 waits for either notification of transaction details or inquiry about validity to be made.

If the notification data is taken in by the communication interface 24 as described above, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 23.
In Act 23, the processor 21 checks whether or not the point granting conditions are satisfied for the transaction notified this time. Specifically, the processor 21 considers the data representing the details of the transaction included in the notification data and checks whether predetermined point granting conditions are satisfied for the transaction. In this embodiment, the granting condition is "one point is awarded for every 500 yen of payment amount." In this case, the processor 21 determines that the granting condition is met, for example, if the payment amount included in the data representing the details of the transaction is 500 yen or more. In such a case, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act 23 and proceeds to Act 24. However, the granting conditions may be determined as appropriate by, for example, a point service provider. Moreover, a plurality of grant conditions may be determined. When a plurality of grant conditions are defined, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act 23 if even one of the plurality of grant conditions is satisfied.

In Act 24, the processor 21 checks whether the point management code has been notified. If the notification data does not include the point management code, the processor 21 determines No and proceeds to Act 25. As will be described later, if the shopper does not wish to add points to his/her point account, the notification data will not include the point management code.

In Act 25, the processor 21 determines an account management code. For example, the processor 21 determines the account management code as a code that does not match any of the account management codes set in the field F1 of the data record DR1 included in the account management database DB1, according to a predetermined rule.

In Act 26, the processor 21 determines a point management code. For example, the processor 21 determines the point management code as a code that does not match any of the point management codes set in the field F11 of the data record DR1 included in the account management database DB1, according to a predetermined rule. As the processor 21 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 21 as its core functions as a determining means for determining a point management code.

In Act 27, the processor 21 updates the account management database DB1. Specifically, if the account management code has been determined in Act 25 as described above, the processor 21 controls the account management database DB1 to add a new data record DR1 with the account management code set in the field F1. Update. The processor 21 sets, in the field F2 of the new data record DR1, the number of points to be awarded, which is determined based on the granting conditions established as described above. Further, the processor 21 sets only one history data in the field F3 in the new data record DR1. The processor 21 sets each data in each field of the relevant history data as follows. That is, the processor 21 sets the point management code determined in Act 26 in the field F11. The processor 21 sets in the field F12 the number of points to be awarded, which is determined based on the granting conditions established as described above. The processor 21 sets the current date and time in the field F13. The processor 21 sets, in the field F14, the store code of the store where the POS terminal 10 that is the source of the aforementioned notification data is installed. In addition, when there are multiple points granting conditions, a condition code for identifying the plurality of granting conditions is determined in advance. Further, a field for setting the condition code is set in the data record DR1. Then, the processor 21 sets a condition code identifying the granting condition determined to be satisfied in Act 23 in the above field. Further, when a plurality of granting conditions are satisfied, the processor 21 adds a plurality of data records DR1 each set with a condition code for identifying those granting conditions to the account management database DB1. As the processor 21 executes information processing based on the information processing program in this manner, the computer including the processor 21 as a central part functions as a new registration means.

In Act 28, the processor 21 generates stamp receipt data. The stamp receipt data is data for causing the POS terminal 10 to issue a stamp receipt.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a stamp receipt SR1 as an example.
Stamp receipt SR1 includes image IM1 and barcode BC1. Image IM1 represents the point acquisition status by imitating a stamp card. Barcode BC1 represents barcode data that includes at least a point management code.

The processor 21 generates stamp receipt data as image data representing the image IM1 and the barcode BC1 as shown, or as data that allows the POS terminal 10 to generate such image data. Note that the processor 21 determines that the point management code to be included in the barcode data is the point management code determined in Act 26.

In Act 29, the processor 21 instructs the POS terminal 10, which is the notification source of the transaction details, to issue a stamped receipt. Specifically, the processor 21 generates command data including, for example, a command representing a stamp receipt issuing command and the stamp receipt data generated in Act28. The processor 11 then sends the generated command data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 24 to the corresponding POS terminal 10. The command data transmitted to the POS terminal 10 by the communication network 30 is taken into the POS terminal 10 by the communication interface 18 .

After the processor 11 in the POS terminal 10 notifies the details of the transaction in Act 5 in FIG. 3, the process proceeds to Act 6.
In Act 6, the processor 11 confirms whether an issuance command has been issued. Then, in response to the command data being taken in by the communication interface 18 as described above, the processor 11 determines Yes and proceeds to Act7.

In Act 7, the processor 11 receives the issue command. That is, the processor 11 receives command data from the communication interface 18.
In Act 8, the processor 11 controls the printer 17 to print a stamp receipt based on the stamp receipt data included in the command data. Under this control, the printer 17 prints an image based on the stamp receipt data on receipt paper. The printer 17 outputs the receipt paper on which the image based on the stamp receipt data has been printed, that is, the stamp receipt, to the outside of the POS terminal 10 . As a result, a stamped receipt will be issued. The stamped receipt is either given to the shopper by the store clerk or removed by the shopper.

In this way, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as a central part can print a barcode as a code symbol optically representing a point management code. It functions as a notification processing means that executes control of the printer 17 as a notification process. The functions of the processor 11 and the cooperation of the printer 17 realize a function as a notification means for notifying the user of the point management code.

As Act 9, processor 11 controls printer 17 to print the transaction receipt. The transaction receipt is a receipt that represents the details of the transaction, such as the list of products that were the subject of the transaction and the status of payment execution. Specifically, the processor 11 generates a transaction receipt image representing a character string or the like representing the transaction details based on the product list and the result of the payment process. The processor 11 includes, for example, store code, date and time, cash register number, clerk code, clerk name, user code, product code, product name, unit price, subtotal amount, tax amount, total amount, deposit amount, and change amount in the transaction receipt image. , including the number of transactions and receipt numbers. The processor 11 then sends the transaction receipt image to the printer 17 to print it on receipt paper. Note that what kind of information is displayed in what kind of arrangement in the transaction receipt image is arbitrary, and is appropriately determined in advance by the designer of the POS terminal 10 or the like. Under this control, the printer 17 prints the transaction receipt image on receipt paper. The printer 17 outputs the receipt paper on which the transaction receipt image has been printed, that is, the receipt, to the outside of the POS terminal 10 . As a result, a transaction receipt is issued. The transaction receipt is given to the shopper by the store clerk or removed by the shopper.
Once the printing of the transaction receipt is completed, the processor 11 returns to the standby state in Acts 2 and 3 via Act 1, and prepares for processing related to the next transaction.

Now, the shopper who has obtained the stamped receipt as described above keeps the stamped receipt. The next time you go shopping, give the stamped receipt to the store clerk before product registration begins. The store clerk causes the reading device 16 to read the barcode displayed on the stamped receipt handed over by the shopper. Alternatively, the shopper himself/herself causes the reading device 16 to read the barcode displayed on the stamped receipt. Then, the reading device 16 notifies the processor 11 of the barcode data represented by the barcode.
The above barcode data includes a point management code. Therefore, the processor 11 determines Yes in Act 3, and proceeds to Act 10.

In Act 10, the processor 11 inquires of the point management device 20 about the validity of the point management code included in the barcode data. Specifically, the processor 11 generates inquiry data including, for example, a command indicating that the inquiry is about validity and a point management code. The processor 11 then sends the generated inquiry data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 18 to the point management device 20 . The inquiry data transmitted to the point management device 20 via the communication network 30 is taken into the point management device 20 via the communication interface 24 .
If the inquiry data is taken in by the communication interface 24 as described above, the processor 21 in the point management device 20 determines Yes in Act 22, and proceeds to Act 30 in FIG.

In Act 30, the processor 21 receives the validity inquiry. That is, the processor 11 receives inquiry data from the communication interface 18. The inquiry data includes the point management code specified at the POS terminal 10, as described above. As the processor 21 executes information processing based on the information processing program in this way, the computer having the processor 21 as its core functions as an acquisition means for acquiring the specified point management code. The function as an input means is realized by the cooperation of this function as an acquisition means and the reading device 16.

In Act 31, the processor 21 searches for matching records from the data records DR1 included in the account management database DB1. The matching record is a data record DR1 that includes history data in which the point management code included in the inquiry data is set in field F11. Note that the processor 21 regards the data record DR1 containing a plurality of pieces of historical data as a matching record if the point management code is set in the field F11 of the most recently added historical data.

In Act 32, the processor 21 checks whether there is a matching record. If a matching record is found through the above search, the processor 21 determines Yes and proceeds to Act 33.

In Act 33, the processor 21 issues a validity notification to the effect that the point management code is valid. Specifically, the processor 21 generates notification data including, for example, a command indicating that the point management code is valid and data indicating that the point management code is valid. The processor 11 then sends the generated notification data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 24 to the POS terminal 10 that has made the inquiry.

On the other hand, if no matching record is found in the above search, the processor 21 determines No in Act 32 and proceeds to Act 34.
In Act 34, the processor 21 issues a validity notification to the effect that the point management code is invalid. Specifically, the processor 21 generates notification data including, for example, a command indicating that the point management code is a notification of validity and data indicating that the point management code is invalid. The processor 11 then sends the generated notification data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 24 to the POS terminal 10 that has made the inquiry.

When the processor 21 finishes Act 33 or Act 34, it returns to the standby state in Act 21 and Act 22 in FIG. Note that the notification data transmitted from the point management device 20 in Act 33 or Act 34 and transmitted to the corresponding POS terminal 10 via the communication network 30 is taken into the POS terminal 10 via the communication interface 18.

After the processor 11 in the POS terminal 10 makes the inquiry in Act 10 in FIG. 3, the process proceeds to Act 11.
As Act 11, the processor 11 receives the validity notification. That is, processor 11 receives notification data from communication interface 18 .

In Act 12, the processor 11 checks whether the point management code is valid based on the validity notification. Then, the processor 11 determines Yes if it is valid, and proceeds to Act13.
In Act 13, the processor 11 stores the point management code included in the barcode data in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 as a valid point management code.

However, if the point management code is invalid, the processor 11 determines No in Act 12 and proceeds to Act 14.
In Act 14, the processor 11 causes the display device 14 to display an error screen. The error screen is a screen for notifying the operator that the stamp receipt representing the barcode read by the operator is invalid. When the processor 11 finishes Act13 or Act14, it returns to the standby state in Act2 and Act3.
Thus, if the operator has a valid stamped receipt, he or she can reread the barcode represented thereon.
If the operator starts the registration operation with the valid point management code stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13, then in Act 5, the processor 11 stores the valid point management code in the notification data. It will be included.

When the processor 21 in the point management device 20 proceeds from Act 21 in FIG. 4 to Act 23 and Act 24 due to the reception of such notification data by the communication interface 24, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act 24. In this case, the processor 21 passes Act 25 and proceeds to Act 26. If the account management code is not determined in this manner, in Act 27, the processor 21 adds the notified point management code to the data record DR1 containing the history data set in the field F11 in Act 26. The account management database DB1 is updated to add new history data with the newly determined point management code set in the field F11. The processor 21 sets each data in the fields F12, F13, and F14 of the new history data in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, the processor 21 updates the value set in the field F2 in the data record DR1 to which the new history data is added to a value obtained by adding the value set in the field F12 of the new history data. As the processor 21 executes information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 21 as a core functions as an update registration means.

In this way, if registration and accounting are performed after reading the barcode of a valid stamp receipt, and the conditions for awarding the transaction are met, the number of points to be awarded for the transaction will be calculated based on the number of points that have already been awarded. The number of points will be added to the number of points, and the number of points after the addition will be associated with the newly determined point management code. Note that data record DR1 includes a plurality of pieces of historical data, but as described above, the point management code included in the most recently added historical data is valid, so the point management code shown in field F2 of data record DR1 is valid. The newly determined point management code as described above is associated with the number of points. Thus, the auxiliary storage device 23 that stores the account management database DB1 corresponds to a storage means that stores the total number of points, which is the number of points that the user has already earned, in association with a point management code for identifying the points. .
Then, a stamp receipt issued by the POS terminal 10 after the account management database DB1 is updated will have a new barcode representing barcode data including a new point management code.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a stamp receipt SR2 as an example.
Stamp receipt SR2 is an example of a stamp receipt issued after 2 points are added for a transaction after reading barcode BC1 shown in stamp receipt SR1 shown in FIG. Therefore, the stamp receipt SR2 includes an image IM2 representing that the number of acquired points is "5" instead of the image IM1. Furthermore, a barcode BC2 different from the barcode BC1 is displayed on the stamp receipt SR2.

By the way, if the granting condition is not satisfied, the processor 21 determines No in Act 23 and proceeds to Act 35.
In Act 35, the processor 21 checks whether the point management code has been notified. If the notification data does not include the point management code, the processor 21 determines No and proceeds to Act 36.

As Act 36, the processor 21 instructs the POS terminal 10, which is the notification source of the transaction details, not to issue a stamp receipt. Specifically, the processor 21 generates command data including, for example, a command indicating that the stamp receipt is not issued. The processor 11 then sends the generated command data to the communication network 30 from the communication interface 24 to the corresponding POS terminal 10. The command data transmitted to the POS terminal 10 by the communication network 30 is taken into the POS terminal 10 by the communication interface 18 . Note that when the processor 21 finishes issuing the non-issue command, it returns to the standby state in Acts 21 and 22.

Now, if the command data for the non-issuance command is taken in by the communication interface 18 as described above, the processor 11 in the POS terminal 10 determines No in Act 6 in FIG. In this case, the processor 11 passes Acts 7 and 8 and proceeds to Act 9. As a result, a stamp receipt will not be issued, but a transaction receipt will be issued.

If the notification data includes the point management code, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act 35 in FIG. 4, and proceeds to Act 37.
In Act 37, the processor 21 determines the point management code in the same manner as in Act 26.

In Act 38, the processor 21 updates the account management database DB1 in the same manner as in Act 27. However, the processor 21 adds new history data in which the point management code newly determined in Act 37 is set to the data record DR1 that includes history data in which the notified point management code is set in field F11. The account management database DB1 is updated to add the following. Also, at this time, the processor 21 sets "0" in the field F12 of the history data to be added, and does not change the number set in the field F2.

In Act 39, the processor 21 generates stamp receipt data. The stamp receipt data generated here represents a stamp receipt similar to the stamp receipt SR1 shown in FIG. 6, for example. However, the barcode represents barcode data including the new point management code determined in Act 37. In addition, the processor 21 determines that the text message "1 point has been awarded" is predetermined to notify the user that no points have been awarded, such as "no points have been awarded." Replace with

In Act 40, the processor 21 instructs the POS terminal 10, which is the notification source of the transaction details, to issue a stamped receipt in the same manner as in Act 29. The processor 21 then returns to the standby state in Acts 21 and 22.

As described above, according to the point management system 100, a user can earn points without registering as a member by keeping the point receipt issued when one transaction is completed and presenting it at the time of subsequent transactions. service is available. Moreover, according to the point management system 100, the points are managed by the computer by the point management device 20, and a point receipt is issued by the POS terminal 10, so there is no need to stamp a stamp card.

According to the point management system 100, stamp receipts related to one point account are repeatedly issued, but only the latest stamp receipt is always valid. Therefore, even if a third party obtains an old stamp receipt, the point management code contained in the barcode displayed on the old stamp receipt cannot be used, making it difficult to prevent third parties from using it. can. That is, even if a third party obtains an old stamp receipt, the third party cannot use the old stamp receipt to impersonate the original user. Of course, if a third party obtains the latest stamp receipt, spoofing is possible, but since the latest stamp receipt is necessary for the user, it is important to manage the latest stamp receipt so that it does not fall into the hands of a third party. This is easier than the case of .

Further, according to the point management system 100, a new stamp receipt is issued even when no points are awarded when the granting conditions are not met. On the other hand, if a stamp receipt is not issued when points are not given, the stamp receipt that has been presented at that time must also be presented at the time of another subsequent transaction. For example, in an operation where a store clerk performs an operation to read the barcode of a stamped receipt, the stamped receipt received before the start of the registration operation is held, and if it is confirmed that points will not be awarded, the stamped receipt will be held. It is necessary to return the stamp receipt to the user. In other words, management of stamp receipts becomes complicated. However, as mentioned above, by issuing a new stamp receipt even when no points are given, a stamp receipt whose barcode has been read once becomes invalid, and the management of stamp receipts becomes simpler and easier. Become.

Further, according to the point management system 100, although the point management code represented on the stamp receipt is changed sequentially, the number of points is managed in association with an unchanging account management code. Therefore, by associating a plurality of pieces of historical data with an account management code as in this embodiment, it becomes possible to check the progress of point allocation, point management codes used in the past, etc. after the fact.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The number of pieces of history data to be included in the data record DR1 is arbitrary, and may be appropriately determined in advance by the designer of the POS terminal 10 or the like. For example, since point services can be provided as long as the latest point numbers are managed, the processor 21 may update the account management database DB1 to include only the latest historical data. In this case, field F2 or field F12 may be omitted. Also, fields F13 and F14 are not essential. Further, another field may be provided in the data record DR1 and the history data, and other arbitrary data may be set therein.

The account management database DB1 may be a collection of data records in which the total number of points after adding the number of newly awarded points is associated with the latest point management code determined at the time of awarding the points.

The account management database DB1 may be stored in a storage device provided outside the point management device 20.

If no points are given, a new stamp receipt may not be issued.

For example, a receipt screen showing the appearance of a stamped receipt may be provided as a web page or as a display screen by a dedicated application. For example, a URL for accessing the point management device 20 is determined for each point account. Based on the URL accessed from any information terminal 40, the processor 21 provides the accessing information terminal 40 with data for displaying a receipt screen representing the stamp receipt of the associated point account. In this case, the barcode displayed on the receipt screen may include data that makes it possible to identify the barcode displayed on the receipt screen. Further, a stamped receipt may not be issued in response to reading of the barcode shown on the receipt screen. In this case, the user may bookmark the above URL in the information terminal 40. Alternatively, the above URL or receipt screen may be notified from the POS terminal 10 to the information terminal 40 using wireless communication such as close proximity wireless communication. As the information terminal 40, various existing devices such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a mobile phone device, or a personal computer can be applied.

Input of the point management code at the POS terminal 10 is performed by another method such as optical reading of another code symbol such as a two-dimensional code, reading from an electronic storage medium, or operation by an operator. You can. Furthermore, if the receipt screen is to be displayed on the information terminal 40 as described above, the identification code of the POS terminal 10 is input into the information terminal 40, and the identification code and the point management code displayed on the receipt screen are input to the information terminal 40. 40 may notify the point management device 20.

The point management code may be input at the POS terminal 10 while the registration process is being performed in Act 4 in FIG. In this case, if the point management code is input, the processor 11 interrupts the registration process and executes the processes in Acts 10 to 14 in the same manner as described above. After completing Act 13 or Act 14, the processor 11 returns to the registration process.

Information processing performed by the processor 21 in the point management device 20 may be performed by the processor 11 in the POS terminal 10. In this case, the account management database DB1 may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13, or may be stored in a storage device external to the POS terminal 10. That is, the point management system 100 can also be implemented as a single device such as the POS terminal 10.

Instead of the POS terminal 10, it is also possible to use a device that handles a different type of transaction than that handled by the POS terminal 10. For example, a vending machine or an automatic ticket vending machine that sells one specified product or ticket, or an order reception device that accepts orders for food and drink, etc., can be assumed as an alternative device to the POS terminal 10.

Points may be awarded by the point management system 100 for transactions that are performed free of charge.

The point management system 100 may award points for actions other than transactions.

Each function realized by the processor 11 or the processor 21 through information processing can be partially or entirely realized by hardware such as a logic circuit that executes information processing not based on a program. Further, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the above logic circuit.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of the present application will be added.
[Additional note 1] A storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
When the condition for awarding the points is satisfied and the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by;
When the condition is satisfied and the point management code associated with the points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is determined to be satisfied. update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
Notifying means for notifying the user of the point management code determined by the determining means;
A point management system equipped with
[Additional Note 2] Further comprising an input means for inputting a point management code specified by the user,
The new registration means defines a case where the point management code is not input by the input means as a case where the point management code is not specified,
The update registration means determines that the point management code is specified when the point management code input by the input means is associated with the points stored in the storage means.
Point management system described in Appendix 1.
[Additional Note 3] The notification means is:
A printer that prints images on print paper,
notification processing means for controlling the printer to print a code symbol optically representing the point management code as a notification process;
Equipped with
The input means includes:
a reading device that optically reads the code symbol;
acquisition means for acquiring the point management code represented by the code symbol read by the reading device as the specified point management code;
Equipped with
Point management system described in Appendix 2.
[Additional Note 4] A product sales processing device including the printer and the reading device;
a point management device comprising the storage means, the determination means, the new registration means, the update registration means, the notification processing means, and the acquisition means;
The point management system according to appendix 3, comprising:
[Additional note 5] Storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
When the condition for awarding the points is satisfied and the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by;
When the condition is satisfied and the point management code associated with the points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is determined to be satisfied. update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
a notification processing means that executes a notification process for notifying the user of the point management code determined by the determination means;
Point management device equipped with.
[Appendix 6] The computer,
a storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
When the condition for awarding the points is satisfied and the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by;
When the condition is satisfied and the point management code associated with the points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is set to satisfy the condition. update registration means for storing the number of points determined by adding the number of points to be given in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
a notification processing means that executes a notification process for notifying the user of the point management code determined by the determination means;
An information processing program that makes it work.

10... POS terminal, 11... Processor, 12... Main memory, 13... Auxiliary storage device, 14... Display device, 15... Input device, 16... Reading device, 17... Printer, 18... Communication interface, 19... Transmission path, 20 ... point management device, 21 ... processor, 22 ... main memory, 23 ... auxiliary storage device, 24 ... communication interface, 25 ... transmission path, 30 ... communication network, 40 ... information terminal, 100 ... point management system.

Claims (6)

a storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
When the condition for awarding the points is satisfied and a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by;
When the condition is satisfied and a point management code associated with points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is determined to be satisfied. update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
output means for outputting command data including a command for issuing a stamp receipt representing the point management code determined by the determination means to the transaction processing device ;
Point management device equipped with. an input means for inputting a point management code specified by the user;
Furthermore,
The new registration means defines the case where the point management code is not input by the input means as the case where the point management code associated with the points stored in the storage means is not specified,
When the point management code input by the input means is associated with the points stored in the storage means , the update registration means updates the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated. If specified,
The point management device according to claim 1. generation means for generating stamp receipt data representing the content of an image to be represented on the stamp receipt;
Furthermore,
The output means outputs command data including the command and stamp receipt data generated by the generation means.
The point management device according to claim 1 or claim 2. a storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from the point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated, and a URL associated with the point management code;
When the condition for awarding points is met and a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the determined point management code;
When the condition is met and a point management code associated with points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
output means for, when receiving an access from an information terminal, outputting screen data representing the point management code determined by the determination means to the information terminal from which the access is made, in association with the URL used for the access; ,
A point management device equipped with A computer included in a point management device comprising a storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by a user in association with a point management code for identifying the points,
determining means for determining a point management code different from a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
When the condition for awarding points is met and a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the determining means determines the number of points to be awarded for the fulfillment of the condition. new registration means for storing in the storage means in association with the determined point management code;
When the condition is met and a point management code associated with points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
output means for outputting command data including a command for issuing a stamp receipt representing the point management code determined by the determination means to the transaction processing device;
An information processing program that makes it work. Equipped with a transaction processing device and a point management device,
The point management device includes:
a storage means for storing the number of points already acquired by the user in association with a point management code for identifying the points;
determining means for determining a point management code different from a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated;
If the conditions for awarding the points are met with respect to a transaction processed by the transaction processing device, and a point management code with which the points stored in the storage means are associated is not specified, the points are awarded when the conditions are met. new registration means for storing the number of points in the storage means in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
When the condition is met and a point management code associated with points stored in the storage means is specified, the number of points associated with the specified point management code is update registration means for storing in the storage means the number of points determined by adding up the number of points to be given to the number of points, in association with the point management code determined by the determination means;
output means for outputting command data including a command for issuing a stamp receipt representing the point management code determined by the determination means to the transaction processing device;
Equipped with
The transaction processing device includes:
issuing means for issuing a stamp receipt based on the command data output by the output means;
Point management system with.