JP7503828B2 - Product data processing system, product data processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

Application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act On November 27, 2019, Teraoka Seiko Co., Ltd. sold and introduced to E-Mart Yakuin Value Co., Ltd. an "accounting machine," a product that incorporates the implementation technology of the "product data processing system, product data processing method, and program" jointly invented by Takahashi Hiroto and Kashiwatani Masahiro, and E-Mart Yakuin Value Co., Ltd. disclosed the contents of the invention by starting to use the product.

The present invention relates to a product data processing system, a product data processing method, and a program.

Conventionally, in stores, for example, registered members are given points according to the number of visits to the store, and discounts are given according to the number of points. As a related technique, a system has been proposed that sets security levels according to purchasing frequency (see Patent Document 1 below).

Customers may also want to check the number of points they have when they start shopping, in the middle of shopping, or while they are waiting to pay. For this reason, display terminals that display member information including the number of points are placed in the store, and customers can check their member information at any time by having the display terminal read their member card.

JP 2006-285329 A

However, for example, if a customer only checks the membership information and then leaves the display terminal, the membership information of that customer may remain on the display terminal. If a transaction is then carried out using the membership information of that customer, the transaction will be carried out using the membership information of a customer that is not related to the transaction. This causes a mismatch between the customer conducting the transaction and the customer indicated by the membership information remaining on the display terminal, resulting in the problem that points cannot be appropriately awarded to the customer conducting the transaction and an unsuitable transaction cannot be carried out.

The present invention was made in light of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that enables optimal transactions.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product data processing system comprising: an acquisition means for acquiring member information; a display means for displaying the member information acquired by the acquisition means; a generation means for generating transaction information based on registered product information; a reception means for accepting an operation for the acquisition means to acquire the member information; a display control means for changing the display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted; a transaction control means for, when the operation is accepted, including the member information acquired after the operation is accepted in the transaction information and conducting a transaction; a timing means for, when the operation is accepted, measuring the time from the acceptance; and a prohibition means for prohibiting acceptance by the acceptance means when the timing means has clocked a certain period of time .

1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a POS terminal 20. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal 20. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a POS terminal 20. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a member information display terminal 30. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a member information display terminal 30. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a membership card. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing flow of the POS system 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by a POS terminal 20. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in normal mode. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a receipt issued by the POS terminal 20 and a point statement issued by the member information display terminal 30. 11A to 11C are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in the full self-service mode.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a POS (Point Of Sales) system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The POS system 1 is an example of a product data processing system. The POS system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a store controller (store computer, management device) 10, a monitoring terminal 11, three POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3, three member information display terminals 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3, and a member information server 40. Hereinafter, the POS terminals 20-1, 20-2, and 20-3 will be referred to as the POS terminal 20 unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the member information display terminals 30-1, 30-2, and 30-3 will be referred to as the member information display terminal 30 unless otherwise specified. The member information display terminal 30 is an example of a member information reading terminal.

The store controller 10, the monitoring terminal 11, the POS terminal 20, and the member information display terminal 30 are communicatively connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 55. The member information display terminal 30 and the member information server 40 are communicatively connected via a network 56. The network 56 is, for example, the Internet, a LAN, or a WAN (Wide Area Network). In the POS system 1, the number of POS terminals 20 is three, but may be one, or four or more. Similarly, the number of member information display terminals 30 is three, but may be one, or four or more.

The POS system 1 can be installed in a variety of stores, including supermarkets, home centers, convenience stores, and various supply stores. The store controller 10 records various information such as the types and prices of products in the store, inventory status, sales history, and deposit and withdrawal records. The monitoring terminal 11 displays the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controls the POS terminal 20.

The POS terminal 20 is a register device that registers products and settles accounts.
The member information display terminal 30 is a computer device that is connected to the POS terminal 20 and displays customer member information. For example, when the member information display terminal 30 reads a member code (member identification information) on a member card held by a customer, it is possible to display the member information corresponding to the read member code on the display.

The member information server 40 is a server device that manages the member information of each customer. The member information includes a member code (member identification information) that identifies the member, the member's name, and information on benefits (e.g., points) granted to the member. When a request to transmit member information is received from the member information display terminal 30, the member information server 40 refers to the member information database to identify the member information corresponding to the member code read by the member information display terminal 30, and transmits the identified member information to the member information display terminal 30. The member information database is a database that stores member information for each member. The member information database may be provided in the member information server 40, or may be provided in an external device different from the member information server 40.

The POS system 1 may also include a mobile terminal carried by the store clerk. This mobile terminal is capable of displaying the status of the POS terminal 20 (operation mode, processing status, etc.) and controlling the POS terminal 20. This mobile terminal is also capable of receiving information from the POS terminal 20 to call a store clerk and displaying that information.

(Configuration of POS terminal 20)
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Fig. 2(A), a counter is placed on the right side of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. A shopping basket can be placed on the counter. Although not shown in the figure, the counter may also be placed on the left side of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side in Fig. 2(A). In other words, the counter may be placed on both sides of the POS terminal 20.

The POS terminal 20 also includes a sign pole 220. The sign pole 220 includes a light-emitting unit. The light-emitting unit of the sign pole 220 is, for example, a lamp or an LED (light emitting diode), and can be illuminated in a predetermined color or in a predetermined lighting pattern. Depending on the lighting pattern of the sign pole 220, it can indicate that the POS terminal 20 is in use or issue a notification to call a store clerk. The sign pole 220 is provided at the highest position of the POS terminal 20, and can allow store clerks who are not around the POS terminal 20 to recognize the lighting pattern.

Next, the configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.
Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the POS terminal 20. Fig. 3(A) is a front view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a front view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same reference numerals.

Below, an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The POS terminal 20 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random access Memory) 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card payment unit 208, a change machine 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that reads and executes various programs stored in the ROM 202 to control the operation of the POS terminal 20. The various programs include a product data processing program according to this embodiment.
The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

RAM 203 is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., product master data acquired from store controller 10) and information generated during processing. This information is, for example, registration information (registration data) generated during the registration process to register products, and settlement information generated during the settlement process to settle (pay) the registered products (purchased products).

The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing.

The customer display unit 205 is a touch display for customers. The customer display unit 205 displays various information to customers and receives various inputs from customers.
The customer-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customers, and optically reads various information. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 206 optically reads barcodes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on bills (registered trademarks). In addition to the above, the customer-side scanner unit 206 may read codes (barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc.) printed on gift certificates (gift certificates, coupons, preferential coupons) and various cards (e.g., membership cards, point cards, etc.). Note that product registration is not limited to registration by reading codes by the customer-side scanner unit 206. For example, a preset key (a button for ordering a product) corresponding to a product may be displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, and the product may be registered by operating (pressing) the preset key by the customer.

The card payment unit 208 is a payment mechanism that uses various cards. The various cards include credit cards, prepaid cards for electronic money, and point cards. The amount (balance) is stored (charged) in the prepaid cards. The card payment unit 208 is equipped with a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit. The card recognition unit magnetically or electrically reads the information on the various cards. The read information is used to settle the purchase. The card recognition unit can also recognize information to be used in settling the purchase, for example, when using points held on a point card. The card recognition unit can also recognize information that is not used in settling the purchase, for example, when adding points to a point card.

In this embodiment, the card payment unit 208 includes a card recognition unit, a display unit, and an operation unit, but is not limited to these and may include at least a card recognition unit. The card recognition unit is compatible with non-contact cards (IC cards) and contact cards (IC cards, magnetic cards).

The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism, and has an input port for banknotes and coins, and an output port for banknotes and coins. The change machine 209 calculates the amount inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and outputs the change from the output port. The change machine 209 faces the customer side, and accepts various operations and cash insertion from customers. The change machine 209 has a sensor that detects banknotes and coins inserted into the input port. The sensor detects that banknotes or coins have been inserted into the input port, detects the number of banknotes by denomination, and so on. The card settlement unit 208 and the change machine 209 form a settlement unit.

The store clerk display unit 210 is a touch display for store clerks. The store clerk display unit 210 displays various information to the store clerk and accepts various inputs from the store clerk.

The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (hardware keys, buttons). The key operation unit 211 accepts various inputs from the store clerk. Specifically, the key operation unit 211 includes a mode switching button 211a, a collective switching button 211b, and a checkout-only mode switching button 211c. The mode switching button 211a is a button for switching the operation mode. The collective switching button 211b is a button for switching the operation mode of each POS terminal 20 collectively by being operated on a specific POS terminal 20 (for example, a POS terminal 20 to which a store manager or the like is logged in). The checkout-only mode switching button 211c is a button for switching to the "checkout-only mode (semi-self mode)" described below.

The mode switching button 211a is a button that can switch the destination mode in a predetermined order each time it is pressed. This order is preset, for example, as follows: normal mode → full self-service → checkout only mode → normal mode → ... For this reason, to switch from normal mode to checkout only mode, the store clerk needs to press the mode switching button 211a twice.

The button for switching modes is not limited to a hard key (mechanical key) such as the mode switching button 211a, but may be a selection button (soft key) displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. This selection button may, for example, display multiple buttons corresponding to the destination modes. Specifically, if the current mode is the normal mode, a button for switching to the checkout only mode and a button for switching to the full self-service mode may be displayed. This makes it possible to switch modes with a single touch. In other words, the store clerk does not need to press a button multiple times, but only needs to press the button for the mode to be switched to once.

However, the selection button displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 may be a single button, similar to the mode switching button 211a, that switches to the destination mode in a predetermined order each time it is pressed.

In principle, the button for switching modes is displayed on the clerk display unit 210, but it may also be displayed on the customer display unit 205. For example, if it is determined that a clerk is clearly on the customer side, it is also possible to display the button on the customer display unit 205. Examples of situations in which a clerk is clearly on the customer side include when the clerk code on the clerk's name tag is read using the customer scanner unit 206 and the screen transitions to a maintenance screen exclusively for clerks, or when the customer display unit 205 is operated to transition to a maintenance screen exclusively for clerks.

The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for store clerks, and optically reads various types of information. For example, the store clerk scanner unit 212 optically reads barcodes attached to products and store clerk codes attached to store clerk nametags. In addition to the above, the store clerk scanner unit 212 may also read codes printed on bills, gift certificates, and various cards.

Note that product registration is not limited to registration by reading a code using the store clerk's scanner unit 212. For example, a key corresponding to a product (e.g., a key corresponding to a sports newspaper) may be placed on the key operation unit 211, and the product may be registered by the store clerk operating (pressing) that key. It is also possible to display a preset key corresponding to the product on the store clerk's display unit 210, and register the product by the store clerk operating that preset key.

The printing unit 213 prints and outputs various media (receipts, bills, etc.). The printing unit 213 can change the direction of the media issuing port. Specifically, the printing unit 213 has a rotatable mechanism, and is configured so that the media issuing port faces from the store clerk side to the customer side, and from the customer side to the store clerk side. The orientation of the media issuing port may be changeable manually, or may be changeable automatically in response to a change in the operating mode. The printing unit 213 may be equipped with a sensor that detects whether the orientation of the printing issuing port is correct. In the following, a change in operating mode may sometimes be referred to as a transition in operating mode.

The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance, warning sounds, etc. The audio guidance and warning sounds relate to, for example, product registration and payment.
The communication unit 215 is an interface for sending and receiving information to and from other devices (the store controller 10, the monitoring terminal 11, the member information display terminal 30, and other POS terminals 20).

(Overview of each operation mode)
Next, the operation modes of the POS terminal 20 will be described. The POS terminal 20 has multiple operation modes. The multiple operation modes are operation modes during normal business (operation modes related to registration processing and settlement processing). The multiple operation modes are a normal mode, a checkout-only mode, and a full self-service mode. The POS terminal 20 is controlled to one of the multiple operation modes.

In addition to the above operating modes, there are also other modes such as tally mode, maintenance mode, and training mode. The tally mode is used to tally and inquire about sales and inventory. The maintenance mode is used by store clerks and maintenance personnel to perform setup and maintenance work. The training mode is used by new employees to receive training.

Below, we will mainly explain in detail the normal mode, the checkout only mode, and the full self-service mode. Note that below, the checkout only mode and the full self-service mode may be collectively referred to as "self-service mode."

(Normal mode)
The normal mode is an operation mode in which product registration by the store clerk (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "product registration") is enabled and product registration by the customer is disabled. In other words, the normal mode is an operation mode in which registration processing by the store clerk is executed without executing registration processing by the customer. In product registration by the store clerk, purchased products are registered using the store clerk scanner unit 212, the store clerk display unit 210, and the key operation unit 211.

In addition, in normal mode, settlement is possible, such as inserting currency (banknotes and coins) and reading various cards. Specifically, in normal mode, for example, it is possible to accept operations for settlement with cash (inserting currency into the change dispenser 209). In the following, settlement in normal mode may be referred to as "face-to-face settlement."

In normal mode, registration information can be sent to other POS terminals 20. Sending registration information to other POS terminals 20 means sending the registration information generated in the registration process to another POS terminal 20 that can execute the checkout process (a POS terminal 20 in the accounting-only mode). The registration information may be sent directly from the POS terminal 20 to the other POS terminal 20, or may be sent indirectly to the other POS terminal 20 via another device such as the store controller 10 or the monitoring terminal 11. In the following explanation, the sending of information between the devices is not described in detail, but it may be sent directly or indirectly, as with the sending of registration information.

In addition, in normal mode, it is possible to issue a receipt. Issuing a receipt means that the registration information generated in the registration process is coded and printed on a print medium (receipt). Other POS terminals 20 can carry out the settlement process by reading the code on the receipt.

In addition, in the normal mode, it is also possible to receive registration information from other POS terminals 20. That is, in the normal mode, it is possible to execute the settlement process based on the registration information generated in the other POS terminals 20. In addition, when the POS terminal 20 receives registration information in the normal mode, it may switch to the accounting-only mode (semi-self mode). Similarly, in the normal mode, the POS terminal 20 may switch to the accounting-only mode when it reads the code on the bill in the normal mode. In addition, after switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may return from the accounting-only mode to the normal mode automatically or with the permission of the store clerk. In addition, even after switching to the accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may remain in the accounting-only mode. In addition, in the normal mode, it may be possible to disable the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20, to disable the reading of the bill, or to disable both of these.

(Accounting only mode)
The accounting-only mode is an operation mode in which the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20, the reading of accounting tickets, and the insertion of coins are enabled, and product registration by the store clerk and the customer is disabled. The reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 is a function of receiving registration information generated in the registration process of the other POS terminals 20. The registration information may be received directly from the other POS terminals 20, or may be received indirectly from the other POS terminals 20 via other devices such as the store controller 10 or the monitoring terminal 11. Although the following description does not go into detail about the reception of information between the devices, the reception may be direct or indirect, as with the reception of registration information.

Reading a receipt means reading the code printed on the receipt or reading the encoded information. The receipt-only mode is an operating mode in which the terminal does not execute the registration process, but executes the settlement process solely based on the registration information generated in another POS terminal 20. Note that because the receipt-only mode is an operating mode in which the registration process is not executed, i.e., registration information is not generated, sending of registration information to other POS terminals 20 and issuing receipts are both disabled.

(Full selfie mode)
The full self-service mode is an operation mode in which product registration by the customer is enabled. In other words, the full self-service mode is an operation mode that assumes registration processing on the customer's side. In product registration on the customer's side, the customer scanner unit 206 and the customer display unit 205 are used to register purchased products.

In addition, in full self-service mode, it is possible to enable product registration by the store clerk as well. In other words, full self-service mode is an operating mode that assumes registration processing on the customer side, but also allows registration processing on the store clerk side. Note that a state in which registration processing is performed on both the customer side and the store clerk side is sometimes called double scan mode. In full self-service mode, product registration by the store clerk side may be disabled.

Furthermore, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the settlement process can be performed at the terminal itself. Specifically, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which the insertion of coins is enabled, and the transmission of registration information to other POS terminals 20 and the issuance of accounting tickets are disabled.

Furthermore, like the accounting-only mode, the full self-service mode is an operating mode in which both the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 and the reading of accounting tickets are enabled. In other words, like the accounting-only mode, in the full self-service mode, it is possible to carry out the settlement process based on the registration information generated in other POS terminals 20.

When the POS terminal 20 receives registration information in full self-service mode, it may switch to accounting-only mode (semi-self-service mode). Similarly, when the POS terminal 20 reads the code on a bill in full self-service mode, it may switch to accounting-only mode. After switching to accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may automatically return from accounting-only mode to full self-service mode. Even after switching to accounting-only mode and completing the settlement process, it may remain in accounting-only mode. In full self-service mode, the reception of registration information from other POS terminals 20 may be disabled, the reading of bills may be disabled, or both may be disabled.

(Configuration of member information display terminal 30)
Next, the configuration of the member information display terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG.
Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the member information display terminal 30. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the member information display terminal 30. In Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The configuration of the member information display terminal 30 shown in FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. The member information display terminal 30 comprises a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, a memory 604, a member information display unit 605, a scanner unit 606, a printing unit 607, an audio output unit 608, and a communication unit 609. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

The CPU 601 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the member information display terminal 30 by reading and executing various programs stored in the ROM 602 .
The ROM 602 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 601, including programs.

RAM 603 is a readable and writable memory that stores various information. For example, RAM 603 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., member information acquired from member information server 40) and information generated during processing.

Memory 604 stores various information. For example, memory 604 may store programs executed by CPU 601 instead of ROM 602. Also, memory 604 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing instead of RAM 603.

The member information display unit 605 is a touch display. Specifically, the member information display unit 605 displays various information to the customer, such as member information, and receives various inputs from the customer.
The scanner unit 606 optically reads the member code (member identification information) attached to the member card.

The printing unit 607 prints and outputs various media. Specifically, the printing unit 607 prints and outputs a point statement showing the points given to the member.
The audio output unit 608 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 608 outputs audio guidance, warning sounds, and the like.
The communication unit 508 is an interface for sending and receiving information to and from other devices (such as the POS terminal 20 and the member information server 40).

(Example of a membership card)
Next, an example of a membership card will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a membership card. As shown in FIG. 7, the membership card 700 is a card on which the points granted to the member are not directly written. Specifically, the membership card 700 includes a store display 701, a name field 702, and a membership code 703. The store display 701 includes an indication of the store name and an indication that the customer is a member of the store. The name field 702 is an area in which the member's name is written. The member's name is written, for example, by the member (customer) himself/herself.

The member code 703 is a barcode indicating member identification information that identifies the member. The member code 703 may be represented as a two-dimensional code. As shown in FIG. 7, since no member information (e.g., points) is written on the member card 700, the customer can check the member information by having the member information display terminal 30 read the member code 703 and display the member information on the member information display terminal 30.

(Functional Configuration of POS System 1)
Next, the functional configuration of the POS system 1 will be described. The POS system 1 comprises an acquisition unit, a display unit, a generation unit, a reception unit, a transaction control unit, a display control unit, and a notification unit. Specifically, the member information display terminal 30 of the POS system 1 comprises an acquisition unit and a display unit. These functional units are realized by a CPU 601 possessed by the member information display terminal 30. In other words, the CPU 601 executes a predetermined program to realize these functions.

The POS terminal 20 of the POS system 1 also includes a generation unit, a reception unit, a display control unit, a transaction control unit, a notification unit, a timing unit, and a prohibition unit. These functional units are realized by the CPU 201. That is, the CPU 201 realizes these functions by executing a predetermined program (e.g., a product data processing program).

The acquisition unit acquires member information. Specifically, the acquisition unit acquires member information from the member information server 40. The display unit displays the member information acquired by the acquisition unit on the member information display unit 605.

The generation unit generates transaction information based on the registered product information. The transaction information includes the registered product information (price, product name), information indicating the amount to be paid at the time of settlement, and information on points to be awarded at the time of settlement.

The reception unit accepts operations (hereinafter referred to as "acquisition operations") for the acquisition unit to acquire member information. In normal mode, the reception unit displays a button for acquiring member information (member information read button) on the store clerk display unit 210 and accepts the acquisition operation by the store clerk (pressing the button). In full self-service mode and checkout-only mode, the reception unit displays a member information read button on the customer display unit 205 and accepts the acquisition operation by the customer.

When the acquisition operation is accepted, the display control unit changes the display mode of the member information displayed on the display unit. Specifically, the display control unit sends a signal to the member information display terminal 30 to change the display mode of the member information displayed on the display unit. As a result, the display unit of the member information display terminal 30 changes the display mode currently being displayed. The changed display mode may be a display mode that allows the user to recognize that the member information will not be used in a transaction. For example, this display mode may be a display mode in which the display color is changed, the font size is changed, or the font style is changed.

When the operation is accepted by the acceptance unit, the transaction control unit performs the transaction by including in the transaction information the member information acquired after the acquisition operation is accepted. In other words, the transaction control unit does not include in the transaction information the member information that was acquired before the acquisition operation was accepted by the acceptance unit. Including the member information in the transaction information means, for example, associating the member information with the transaction information.

When the reception unit receives an acquisition operation, the POS terminal 20 causes the member information display terminal 30 to acquire the member information. Specifically, the notification unit, which will be described later, issues a notification prompting the reading unit (e.g., the scanner unit 606) to perform an operation to read the member code 703, thereby causing the acquisition unit of the member information display terminal 30 to acquire the member information. After the notification, the transaction control unit performs the transaction by including the member information acquired by the acquisition unit in the transaction information.

In particular, in this embodiment, the display mode of the member information that is changed by the display control unit is a display mode that erases the member information. Specifically, the display control unit erases the member information displayed on the display unit. More specifically, the display control unit transmits a signal to the member information display terminal 30 to erase the member information displayed on the display unit. This causes the display unit of the member information display terminal 30 to erase the display mode that is being displayed. At this time, the member information display terminal 30 may also erase (clear) the member information being displayed from the storage unit (e.g., memory 604) in which the member information being displayed is stored.

When the acquisition operation is accepted, the notification unit issues a notification (hereinafter referred to as a "read prompt notification") to prompt the reading unit (e.g., scanner unit 606) to read the member identification information attached to the member medium. The member medium is, for example, the member card 700, but it may also be an app for members displayed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone. The read prompt notification is, for example, a notification in the form of a message such as "Please have the barcode read the member code on your member card." The notification unit displays the read prompt notification on the customer side display unit 205, for example. That is, the notification unit issues a read prompt notification to the customer.

However, the notification unit may display a read prompt notification on the store clerk display unit 210. In other words, the notification unit may issue a read prompt notification to the store clerk. In this case, the store clerk may prompt the customer to present the membership card 700, and the store clerk or the customer may perform an operation to have the reading unit read the member identification information.

The notification unit may also cause the member information display terminal 30 to display a read prompt notification. Specifically, the notification unit transmits a signal to the member information display terminal 30 to cause a read prompt notification to be issued. This causes the display unit of the member information display terminal 30 to display the read prompt notification. In this embodiment, the member information display terminal 30 is configured to constantly display the read prompt notification in the standby state. Therefore, even if the member information display terminal 30 receives a signal to cause a read prompt notification to be issued in the standby state, the display screen does not change.

However, it is also possible for the member information display terminal 30 to display a different screen (standby screen) in the standby state. In this case, the member information display terminal 30 can issue a read prompt notification by receiving a signal from the POS terminal 20 instructing the member information display terminal 30 to issue a read prompt notification.

The acquisition unit acquires the member information based on the member identification information read by the reading unit. The reading unit is realized, for example, by the scanner unit 606 of the member information display terminal 30. Specifically, when the scanner unit 606 reads the member code 703, the member information display terminal 30 transmits the code information (member identification information) indicated by the member code 703 to the member information server 40. The member information server 40 identifies the member information indicated by the member identification information and transmits the identified member information to the member information display terminal 30. When the communication unit 609 of the member information display terminal 30 receives the member information from the member information server 40, it transmits the received member information to the POS terminal 20. The acquisition unit acquires the member information transmitted from the communication unit 609. In this way, the acquisition unit acquires the member information based on the member identification information read by the reading unit.

The reading unit may be realized by the customer side scanner unit 206 of the POS terminal 20, or by the store clerk side scanner unit 212 of the POS terminal 20. The reading unit may also be realized by the card recognition unit of the card payment unit 208 of the POS terminal 20. The member identification information read by the reading unit is transmitted from the POS terminal 20 to the member information display terminal 30. When the member information display terminal 30 receives the member identification information from the POS terminal 20, it transmits the received member identification information to the member information server 40. When the member information display terminal 30 receives the member information from the member information server 40, it transmits the received member information to the POS terminal 20. Even in this manner, the acquisition unit can acquire the member information based on the member identification information read by the reading unit.

The manner in which the member information display terminal 30 (or the POS terminal 20) obtains the member identification information is not limited to being read by a reading unit, but may also be through operational input by the customer. In other words, the member information display terminal 30 (or the POS terminal 20) may be configured to accept operational input of the member identification information (numbers, symbols, etc.) attached to the member card from the customer.

Furthermore, when an acquisition operation is accepted by the acceptance unit, the timing unit measures the time from the acceptance. When the timing unit measures a certain period of time, the prohibition unit prohibits the acceptance unit from accepting an acquisition operation. The certain period of time is, for example, 10 seconds. Note that the certain period of time can be changed to any period of time. Prohibiting the acceptance of an acquisition operation may mean hiding the member information read button, or displaying the member information read button but making it impossible to press (disabled). This makes it possible for the POS terminal 20 to prevent the member information from being acquired after a certain period of time has elapsed.

The POS terminal 20 may enable reading by the reading unit (scanner unit 606 of the member information display terminal 30) until the timer unit has clocked a certain period of time, and may disable (prohibit) reading by the reading unit once the timer unit has clocked the certain period of time. In other words, the prohibition unit may prohibit reading by the reading unit once the timer unit has clocked the certain period of time. Even in this way, the POS terminal 20 can prevent member information from being acquired once the certain period of time has elapsed.

The POS terminal 20 may also issue a read prompt notification until the timer unit has clocked a certain period of time, and terminate (prohibit) the read prompt notification once the timer unit has clocked the certain period of time. In other words, the prohibition unit may prohibit the notification unit from issuing a read prompt notification once the timer unit has clocked the certain period of time. Even in this way, the POS terminal 20 can prevent the member information from being acquired once the certain period of time has elapsed.

(Processing flow of POS system 1)
Next, the flow of processing in the POS system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. In the following, the normal mode (face-to-face settlement) will be described as an example.
FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the process flow of the POS system 1.
Step S801: The member information display terminal 30 reads the member code 703 on the member card 700 presented by the customer.
Step S802: When the member information display terminal 30 reads the member code 703, it transmits the member identification information indicated by the read member code 703 to the member information server 40.

Step S803: Upon receiving the member identification information from the member information display terminal 30, the member information server 40 refers to the member information database to identify the member information that includes the member identification information.
Step S804: When the member information server 40 identifies the member information, it transmits the identified member information to the member information display terminal 30.

Step S805: When the member information display terminal 30 receives member information from the member information server 40, it displays the received member information on the member information display section 605. The member information display terminal 30 hides the displayed member information after a certain period of time has passed or when a specific button (for example, the back button or the erase button) is pressed. At this time, the member information display terminal 30 also erases the member information stored in the memory 604. Although not shown in the figure, if a transaction is not started, steps S801 to S805 are looped.

Step S806: The POS terminal 20 accepts pressing of the member information read button displayed on the store clerk display unit 210.
Step S807: When the POS terminal 20 accepts the pressing of the member information read button, it makes a request to the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information.

Step S808: When a request to delete the member information is received from the POS terminal 20, the member information display terminal 30 hides the member information and deletes the member information from the memory 604.
Step S809: When the POS terminal 20 accepts the pressing of the member information reading button, it issues a notification (reading prompt notification) to prompt the scanner unit 606 to read the member code 703.

Step S810: The member information display terminal 30 reads the member code 703 on the member card 700 presented by the customer.
Step S811: When the member information display terminal 30 reads the member code 703, it transmits the member identification information indicated by the read member code 703 to the member information server 40.

Step S812: Upon receiving the member identification information from the member information display terminal 30, the member information server 40 refers to the member information database to identify the member information that includes the member identification information.
Step S813: When the member information server 40 identifies the member information, it transmits the identified member information to the member information display terminal 30.

Step S814: Upon receiving the member information from the member information server 40, the member information display terminal 30 displays the received member information on the member information display section 605.
Step S815: The POS terminal 20 receives the member information from the member information display terminal 30, and displays the received member information on the store clerk display unit 210.
Step S816: The POS terminal 20 carries out the transaction by including the member information received from the member information display terminal 30 in the transaction information.

Step S817: When the transaction is completed at the POS terminal 20, the member information display terminal 30 reflects and displays the member information resulting from the transaction. Specifically, the member information display terminal 30 displays the points to be awarded this time and displays a display for accepting points to be used this time.
Step S818: The member information display terminal 30 transmits to the member information server 40 the member identification information indicated by the member code 703, as well as information on each point after the transaction (the points awarded this time and the points used).

Step S819: When the member information server 40 receives the member identification information and point information from the member information display terminal 30, it refers to the member information database and identifies the member information that includes the member identification information.

Step S820: Member information server 40 updates the member information using the received point information, and ends the process.
Step S821: When the transaction is completed, the POS terminal 20 issues a receipt and ends the process.
Step S822: When the transaction at the POS terminal 20 is completed, the member information display terminal 30 issues a points statement and ends the process.

(Example of processing performed by the POS terminal 20)
Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing an example of processing performed by the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 9, the POS terminal 20 judges whether the member information read button displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 has been pressed (step S901). The POS terminal 20 waits until the member information read button is pressed (step S901: NO). On the other hand, when the member information read button is pressed (step S901: YES), the POS terminal 20 makes a request to the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information (step S902).

The POS terminal 20 then starts counting the timer (step S903). Next, the POS terminal 20 displays a reading prompt notification on the customer display unit 205 (step S904). Note that the processes in steps S902 to S904 may be performed in any order. The POS terminal 20 then determines whether or not member information has been received from the member information server 40 via the member information display terminal 30 (step S905). If the POS terminal 20 has not received member information (step S905: NO), it determines whether or not 10 seconds have elapsed since the timer started counting (step S906).

If 10 seconds have not elapsed since the timer started (step S906: NO), the POS terminal 20 returns to step S905. On the other hand, if 10 seconds have elapsed since the timer started (step S906: YES), specifically, if 10 seconds have elapsed due to a communication failure or a failure to read the member identification information, the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S909. Note that when 10 seconds have elapsed since the timer started, the POS terminal 20 makes it impossible (prohibits) to press the member information read button. However, even after 10 seconds have elapsed since the timer started, the POS terminal 20 may allow the member information read button to be pressed. Specifically, even if 10 seconds have elapsed since the timer started, if the member information read button is pressed again before the settlement is completed, the POS terminal 20 may return to step S902.

If the POS terminal 20 receives the member information in step S905 (step S905: YES), it displays the member information on the store clerk display unit 210 (step S907). The POS terminal 20 may also display the received member information on the customer display unit 205. The POS terminal 20 then performs the transaction by including the member information in the transaction information (step S908).

Next, the POS terminal 20 determines whether the transaction has been completed (step S909). The end of the transaction means, for example, that the settlement process has been completed. The POS terminal 20 waits until the transaction is completed (step S909: NO). When the transaction is completed (step S909: YES), the POS terminal 20 determines whether the transaction includes member information (step S910).

If the transaction does not include member information (step S910: NO), the POS terminal 20 proceeds to step S912. On the other hand, if the transaction does include member information (step S910: YES), the POS terminal 20 transmits the post-transaction member information to the member information display terminal 30 (step S911). The POS terminal 20 then issues a receipt (step S912), and the process ends.

(An example of a screen in normal mode)
Next, the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in the normal mode will be described.
Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in normal mode. Figure 10 (A) shows the transition of screens displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20. Figure 10 (B) shows the transition of screens displayed on the customer display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20. Figure 10 (C) shows the transition of screens displayed on the member information display unit 605 of the member information display terminal 30.

As shown in FIG. 10(a1), a member information read button 1001 is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. The member information read button 1001 may be displayed at all times, such as before a product is registered, during product registration, and during checkout. The member information read button 1001 may also be displayed during a specific period, such as before a product is registered or during product registration, and may not be displayed outside of the specific period. When the store clerk presses the member information read button 1001 in FIG. 10(a1), the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 10(a2).

As shown in FIG. 10(a2), the store clerk display unit 210 displays a reading notification display 1002, which indicates that the customer is having the scanner unit 606 of the member information display terminal 30 read the member code 703 on the member card 700. Note that even when the reading notification display 1002 is displayed, it may be possible to register a product. The reading notification display 1002 may be, for example, a small display displayed in the corner of the screen, or may be a symbol or mark. In FIG. 10(a2), when the customer has the scanner unit 606 read the member code 703, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 10(a3).

As shown in FIG. 10 (a3), the member information display field 1003 is displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. Member information is displayed in the member information display field 1003. In the figure, the member number is displayed in the member information display field 1003. Note that the member information display field 1003 may be configured to display other member information such as the customer's name, the previous number of points, and the number of points available. Furthermore, when the store clerk presses the member information display field 1003, other member information may be displayed.

If a discount is available to the member, the discount can be applied to the product at the time of registration. Also, if the member has points, the points can be used at the time of payment. In other words, it is possible to carry out a transaction by including member information in the transaction information. Once the store clerk has completed product registration and the customer has completed payment, the points corresponding to this transaction are reflected in the member information display field 1003.

Figure 10 (b1) shows the screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 before the store clerk presses the member information read button 1001 in Figure 10 (a1). As shown in Figure 10 (b1), the customer display unit 205 displays the registration start screen 1011. When the store clerk presses the member information read button 1001, the screen displayed on the customer display unit 205 transitions to the screen shown in Figure 10 (b2).

Figure 10 (b2) shows a prompt notification screen 1012 that displays a reading prompt notification on the customer display unit 205. When the customer has the member code 703 on the member card 700 read by the scanner unit 606 of the member information display terminal 30, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Figure 10 (b3).

Figure 10 (b3) shows a screen similar to that of Figure 10 (b1). In Figure 10 (b3), the customer display unit 205 may display a notification screen indicating that the member information has been successfully read, or may display the member information. In addition, the customer display unit 205 may be configured to accept input of the number of points to be used.

Figure 10 (c1) shows a screen displayed on the member information display section 605 of the member information display terminal 30 before the store clerk presses the member information read button 1001 in Figure 10 (a1). As shown in Figure 10 (c1), the member information display section 605 displays a notification screen 1021 that prompts the user to read the member code 703. The notification screen 1021 shown in Figure 10 (c1) is also a standby screen that is always displayed when the member information display terminal 30 is in standby mode. In other words, the notification screen 1021 is also a standby screen that is displayed when the member information is not displayed. The standby state is a state to which the user transitions, for example, when a certain amount of time has passed or when a specific button is pressed after the member code 703 is read and the member information is displayed to check the customer's points.

Here, assume that member information was displayed in the member information display section 605 before the store clerk pressed the member information read button 1001 in FIG. 10 (a1). In this case, when the store clerk presses the member information read button 1001, the member information being displayed is erased and the notification screen 1021 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 10(c2), when the customer has the scanner unit 606 read the membership code 703, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 10(c3). When the scanner unit 606 reads the membership code 703, the membership information display terminal 30 requests the membership information server 40 to send the membership information, and receives the membership information from the membership information server 40. The membership information display terminal 30 then transmits the received membership information to the POS terminal 20 and displays it on the membership information display unit 605.

As shown in FIG. 10 (c3), member information is displayed on the member information display section 605 of the member information display terminal 30. The member information displayed on the member information display section 605 includes, for example, member identification information, points up to the previous time, and available points. The member information display section 605 also displays a back button 1023 and a use button 1024. When the back button 1023 is pressed, the screen returns to, for example, the notification screen 1021. Therefore, when the back button 1023 is pressed, the read member information is cleared. The use button 1024 is a button that accepts the use of points selected by the customer from the available points at the time of the current settlement. When the use button 1024 is pressed, the member information display terminal 30 transitions to a screen that accepts, for example, input of the number of points to be used.

(Example of receipt and point statement)
Next, an example of a receipt issued by the POS terminal 20 and a point statement issued by the member information display terminal 30 will be described.
11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a receipt issued by the POS terminal 20 and a point statement issued by the member information display terminal 30. Fig. 11(A) shows a receipt 1100 issued by the POS terminal 20. Fig. 11(B) shows a point statement 1110 issued by the member information display terminal 30.

The receipt 1100 shown in FIG. 11(A) is printed with the purchase date and time, receipt number, the unit price of the registered product, subtotal, tax rate, deposit amount, change, membership information, etc. Membership information includes the membership number, points before use, points currently awarded, and accumulated points. The receipt 1100 is issued after the transaction is completed.

The point statement 1110 shown in FIG. 11 (B) has the date and time of purchase and member information printed on it. The member information written on the point statement 1110 is the same as the member information written on the receipt 1100. The point statement 1110 is issued after the transaction is completed. The point statement 1110 can also be issued when the customer wants to check their points. Specifically, when not making a transaction, the customer has the scanner unit 606 read the member code and the member information is displayed on the member information display unit 605. At this time, the member information display terminal 30 displays a print button on the member information display unit 605, and when the button is pressed, the point statement 1110 is issued.

As shown in FIG. 11(A), the receipt 1100 contains the same information (membership information) as that contained in the points statement 1110. This allows the customer to check their own membership information using the receipt 1100.

(An example of a screen in full selfie mode)
Next, a description will be given of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in the full self-service mode. In the description of Fig. 12, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those described in Fig. 10, and the description will be omitted.

Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the transition of screens displayed on the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30 in full self-service mode. Figure 12 (A) shows the transition of screens displayed on the customer side display unit 205 of the POS terminal 20. Figure 12 (B) shows the transition of screens displayed on the member information display unit 605 of the member information display terminal 30.

Figure 12 (a1) shows a standby screen 1200 displayed on the customer display unit 205. The standby screen 1200 includes a member information read button 1201, which indicates that the customer possesses a member card 700, and a non-member button 1202, which indicates that the customer does not possess a member card 700. When the non-member button 1202 is pressed, the screen transitions to a screen (not shown) where a transaction can be started without including member information in the transaction information. When the member information read button 1201 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Figure 12 (a2).

Figure 12 (a2) shows a prompt notification screen 1210 that displays a reading prompt notification on the customer display unit 205. When the customer has the member code 703 on the member card 700 read by the scanner unit 606 of the member information display terminal 30, the screen transitions to the screen shown in Figure 12 (a3).

Figure 12 (a3) shows a screen where product registration can begin. As shown in Figure 12 (a3), a member information display field 1211 is displayed on the customer display unit 205. Member information is displayed in the member information display field 1211. In the figure, the member information display field 1211 displays the member number, the previous number of points, and the number of points available. The member information display field 1211 may also display the customer's name. Also, in Figure 12 (a3), the customer display unit 205 may display a notification screen indicating that the member information has been successfully read.

In addition, in FIG. 12(a3), the customer display unit 205 may be configured to accept points selected by the customer from among the available points to be used at the time of the current settlement. Specifically, for example, when the member information display field 1211 is pressed, a screen may be displayed that allows the customer to select the points to be used at the time of the current settlement.

If a discount is available to the member, the discount can be applied to the product at the time of registration. Also, if the member has points, the points can be used at the time of payment. In other words, it is possible to carry out a transaction by including member information in the transaction information. When the customer has completed product registration and payment, the points corresponding to this transaction are reflected in the member information display field 1211.

Figure 12 (b1) shows a screen displayed on the member information display section 605 of the member information display terminal 30 before the customer presses the member information read button 1201 in Figure 12 (a1). As shown in Figure 12 (b1), the member information display section 605 displays a notification screen 1021 that prompts the customer to read the member code 703. Note that the notification screen 1021 shown in Figure 10 (b1) is a screen that is always displayed when the member information display terminal 30 is in standby mode.

Here, assume that member information was displayed in the member information display section 605 before the customer pressed the member information read button 1201 in FIG. 12 (a1). In this case, when the customer presses the member information read button 1201, the member information being displayed is erased and the notification screen 1021 is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 12(b2), when the customer has the scanner unit 606 read the membership code 703, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 12(b3). When the scanner unit 606 reads the membership code 703, the membership information display terminal 30 requests the membership information server 40 to send the membership information, receives the membership information from the membership information server 40, and sends the received membership information to the POS terminal 20.

As shown in FIG. 12 (b3), member information is displayed on the member information display unit 605 of the member information display terminal 30. The member information displayed on the member information display unit 605 includes, for example, member identification information (member number), points accumulated up to the previous time, and available points. In addition, the member information display unit 605 displays a back button 1023 and a use button 1024.

Although not shown in the figure, in the accounting-only mode, it is possible to include member information in the transaction information and perform a transaction, just as in the full self-service mode. Specifically, in the accounting-only mode, the member information read button 1201 is displayed when settlement begins, and when the member information read button 1201 is pressed, the member information is included in the transaction information and the transaction is performed.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the POS terminal 20 accepts the pressing of the member information read button 1001, the POS system 1 changes the display mode of the member information displayed on the member information display unit 605, and performs the transaction by including the member information acquired after the pressing is accepted in the transaction information. This makes it easier for customers and store clerks to recognize that the member information displayed on the member information display unit 605 will not be used for the transaction. This makes it possible to prevent a transaction from being performed using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction. In other words, the customer performing the transaction can be matched with the customer indicated by the member information remaining in the member information display terminal 30, and the transaction can be performed. Therefore, points can be appropriately awarded to each customer, and an optimal transaction can be performed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the POS terminal 20 receives a press of the member information read button 1001, the member information displayed in the member information display section 605 of the member information display terminal 30 is erased. This makes it clearer that the member information displayed in the member information display section 605 will not be used in transactions.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, when the POS terminal 20 receives a press of the member information read button 1001, a read prompt notification is issued to prompt the user to operate the member code 703 attached to the member card 700 to be read. This allows the member code 703 to be read in response to the customer's operation, triggered by the press of the member information read button 1001. Therefore, the customer performing the transaction can be matched with the customer indicated by the member information remaining in the member information display terminal 30, and the transaction can be carried out.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 20 prohibits the member information read button from being pressed if a certain amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds) has passed since the member information read button was pressed. This makes it possible to prevent member information from being obtained if a certain amount of time has passed since the member information read button was pressed. Therefore, the member information obtained within the certain amount of time after the member information read button was pressed can be included in the transaction information to perform the transaction. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent a transaction from being performed using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the member information display terminal 30 has a function of acquiring member information and a function of displaying member information. This allows a customer to check member information at a time convenient to the customer by having the member information display terminal 30 located in the store read the member card, for example, when starting shopping, in the middle of shopping, or while waiting for payment.

(Modification of the embodiment)
Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. Note that in each of the following modifications, the contents described in the above embodiment will not be described as necessary.

(Variation 1)
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the POS system 1 is separately equipped with the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Modification 1, a configuration will be described in which the POS system 1 does not include the member information display terminal 30, but the function of the member information display terminal 30 is included in the POS terminal 20.

In the first variation, the customer can check the membership information at any time by having the customer-side scanner unit 206 of the POS terminal 20 read the membership code 703. This is explained in detail below.

First, the functional configuration of the first modification will be described. In the first modification, the POS terminal 20 includes an acquisition unit, a display unit, and a reading unit in addition to the functional units described in the embodiment. The acquisition unit and the display unit are realized by the CPU 201. The reading unit is realized by the customer side display unit 205.

The acquisition unit acquires the member information based on the member identification information read by the customer-side scanner unit 206. The POS terminal 20 displays the member information on the customer-side display unit 205. The customer-side scanner unit 206 of the POS terminal 20 also has the function of a reading unit, and reads the member code 703 on the member card 700. The POS terminal 20 is also directly connected to the member information server 40 via the network 56.

Here, the acquisition of member information will be specifically described. When the member code 703 is read by the customer-side scanner unit 206, the POS terminal 20 uses the function of the communication unit 215 to transmit the code information indicated by the member code 703 to the member information server 40 via the network 56. The member information server 40 identifies the member information corresponding to the member identification information indicated by the code information, and transmits the identified member information to the POS terminal 20 via the network 56. The communication unit 215 of the POS terminal 20 receives the member information from the member information server 40. The acquisition unit acquires the member information received by the communication unit 215. In this way, the acquisition unit acquires the member information based on the member identification information read by the customer-side scanner unit 206.

The display unit displays the member information acquired by the acquisition unit on the customer-side scanner unit 206. The reception unit accepts operations (acquisition operations) for the acquisition unit to acquire the member information. In normal mode, the reception unit displays, for example, a member information read button 1001 (see FIG. 10) for acquiring member information on the store clerk-side display unit 210, and accepts an acquisition operation (pressing the button) by the store clerk. In full self-service mode or checkout-only mode, the reception unit displays a member information read button 1201 (see FIG. 12) on the customer-side display unit 205, and accepts an acquisition operation by the customer.

When the reception unit accepts the operation, the transaction control unit performs the transaction by including in the transaction information the member information acquired after the acquisition operation is accepted. Specifically, when the reception unit accepts the acquisition operation, the POS terminal 20 causes the acquisition unit to acquire the member information. More specifically, the notification unit issues a notification to prompt the reading unit (e.g., the customer-side scanner unit 206) to perform an operation to read the member code 703, and the acquisition unit acquires the member information. The transaction control unit performs the transaction by including in the transaction information the member information acquired by the acquisition unit after the notification.

In this way, according to variant example 1, the POS system 1 can allow customers to check their membership information using the customer-side display unit 205 at a time convenient to the customer, even without being equipped with a membership information display terminal 30. It can also prevent transactions from being carried out using the membership information of another customer that is not related to the transaction. In other words, the transaction can be carried out by matching the customer performing the transaction with the customer indicated by the membership information remaining on the display terminal. Therefore, points can be appropriately awarded to each customer, allowing for optimal transactions to be carried out.

(Variation 2)
The above-described embodiment describes a configuration in which the member information display terminal 30 and the member information server 40 are directly connected in the POS system 1. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Modification 2, a configuration in which the POS terminal 20 and the member information server 40 are directly connected will be described.

Specifically, in the second modification, the POS terminal 20 may be connected to the member information server 40 via the network 56. When the member code 703 is read by the scanner unit 606, the member information display terminal 30 transmits the member identification information indicated by the member code 703 to the POS terminal 20. When the POS terminal 20 receives the member identification information from the member information display terminal 30, it transmits the received member identification information to the member information server 40. The member information server 40 identifies the member information that includes the member identification information, and transmits the identified member information to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 transmits the member information received from the member information server 40 to the member information display terminal 30. The member information display terminal 30 displays the member information received via the POS terminal 20 on the member information display unit 605.

According to the second modification, even if the member information display terminal 30 is not connected to the network 56, the member information display terminal 30 can display the member information based on the code information read by the scanner unit 606. This allows the customer to check the member information at any time of their choosing.

(Variation 3)
In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which both the receipt 1100 and the point statement 1110 are issued in a transaction. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Modification 3, a configuration will be described in which either the receipt 1100 or the point statement 1110 is issued.

To be more specific, in the third modification, when a transaction is made, the POS terminal 20 may issue a receipt 1100, and the member information display terminal 30 may not issue a point statement 1110. As shown in FIG. 11, the receipt 1100 contains the same information (member information) as that contained in the point statement 1110. Therefore, when the receipt 1100 is issued, that is, when a transaction is made with the member information included in the transaction information, the member information display terminal 30 may not issue the point statement 1110. To be more specific, the POS terminal 20 may send an instruction to the member information display terminal 30 indicating that the point statement 1110 should not be issued, thereby preventing the member information display terminal 30 from issuing the point statement 1110.

On the other hand, when the POS terminal 20 does not issue a receipt 1100, that is, when the customer checks the member information without any relation to a transaction, the member information display terminal 30 may issue a points statement 1110. In this case, the points statement 1110 does not necessarily have to be issued by the member information display terminal 30, but may also be issued by the POS terminal 20.

According to variant example 3, it is possible to avoid issuing a points statement 1110 when making a transaction, thereby reducing consumption of media used for the points statement 1110.

(Variation 4)
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when member information read button 1001 is pressed, member information is erased regardless of whether or not member information is displayed on member information display terminal 30. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Modification 4, a configuration will be described in which, when member information is not displayed on member information display terminal 30, processing to erase member information is not performed.

Specifically, in variant 4, the POS terminal 20 monitors whether the member information is being displayed on the member information display terminal 30 by receiving information from the member information display terminal 30 indicating whether the member information is being displayed or not. When the member information read button 1001 is pressed and the member information is not being displayed on the member information display terminal 30, the POS terminal 20 does not request the member information display terminal 30 to erase the member information. On the other hand, when the member information read button 1001 is pressed and the member information is being displayed on the member information display terminal 30, the POS terminal 20 requests the member information display terminal 30 to erase the member information.

In addition, in the fourth variant, the POS terminal 20 may display the member information read button 1001 depending on whether the member information is being displayed or not displayed on the member information display terminal 30. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 may display the member information read button 1001 when the member information is being displayed on the member information display terminal 30. Then, when the member information read button 1001 is not displayed, that is, when the member information is not being displayed on the member information display terminal 30, the POS terminal 20 may not request the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information.

Even if the POS terminal 20 does not request the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information, the POS terminal 20 issues a notification (read prompt notification) to prompt the scanner unit 606 to read the member code 703 in order to have the acquisition unit acquire the member information. The timing of the read prompt notification can be any timing from the start of the transaction to the completion of the transaction.

According to variant example 4, if member information is not displayed on the member information display terminal 30, the process of deleting the member information is not performed, thereby reducing the processing load on the member information display terminal 30 for deleting the member information.

(Variation 5)
In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when POS terminal 20 accepts pressing of the member information read button, it makes a request to delete member information to member information display terminal 30. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Variation 5, a configuration will be described in which a request to delete member information is made at the end of a transaction.

To be more specific, in variant 5, at the end of a transaction, for example when a receipt is issued (step S821 in FIG. 8 or step S912 in FIG. 9), the POS terminal 20 makes a request to the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information.

Variation 5 makes it possible to prevent the current customer's membership information from being mistakenly used in the next customer's transaction. In addition, privacy can be protected because the membership information used by the current customer in a transaction is not visible to the next customer.

(Variation 6)
In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which, when POS terminal 20 accepts pressing of the member information read button, it makes a request to delete member information to member information display terminal 30. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Variation 6, a configuration will be described in which a request to delete member information is made at the start of a transaction.

To be more specific, in variant 6, the POS terminal 20 requests the member information display terminal 30 to delete the member information at the start of a transaction, for example, when the registration of a product is first accepted. The timing at which the registration of a product is accepted is when the barcode attached to the product is read (scanned) or when a preset key is pressed.

According to variant example 6, even if the member information of the previous customer is to remain on the member information display terminal 30, it is possible to prevent the member information of the previous customer from being used in error. In addition, since the member information used by the previous customer in a transaction is not visible to the current customer, privacy can be protected.

(Variation 7)
In the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 20 is configured to acquire member information once during a transaction. In addition to or instead of this configuration, in Modification 7, a configuration will be described in which member information is acquired again during a transaction.

To be more specific, in variant 7, even after the POS terminal 20 has acquired the member information, it is possible for the POS terminal 20 to accept pressing of the member information read button at any time until the transaction is completed (a receipt is issued). In other words, the POS terminal 20 is able to acquire the member information two or more times in one transaction.

When the POS terminal 20 reacquires member information in a transaction, it erases the previously acquired member information and performs the transaction using the reacquired member information. Specifically, when the member information read button is pressed again in a transaction, the POS terminal 20 erases the member information already included in the transaction information, and displays and stores the newly acquired member information by including it in the transaction information. Also, when the member information read button is pressed again in a transaction, the POS terminal 20 requests the member information display terminal 30 to erase the member information, erases the member information displayed and stored by the member information display terminal 30, and displays and stores the newly acquired member information in the member information display terminal 30. In this way, when the member information is reacquired in a transaction, the member information is erased from both the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30.

According to variant example 7, if a user wishes to change the member information during a transaction, the member information can be changed. Therefore, even if a transaction is started using the member information of a previous transaction, the member information can be changed during the transaction and the changed member information can be included in the transaction information to carry out the transaction. This improves the convenience of transactions using member information.

(Variation 8)
In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which member information is erased upon receipt of a press of the member information read button 1001. In addition to or instead of such a configuration, in Modification 8, a configuration will be described in which the process of erasing member information is not necessarily performed.

To be more specific, in variant 8, after a customer has the member information display terminal 30 read their member card and display (confirm) their member information, the customer may continue to make a transaction. In this case, the POS terminal 20 may use (take over) the member information displayed on the member information display terminal 30 without erasing it.

Specifically, for example, the POS terminal 20 may display a button on the store clerk display unit 210 indicating that the member information will be taken over from the member information display terminal 30, and the member information may be taken over by pressing the button. Furthermore, the POS terminal 20 may take over the member information from the member information display terminal 30 if a transaction (e.g., product registration) is started within a predetermined time (e.g., within a few seconds) after the member information is displayed on the member information display terminal 30. When determining whether or not the predetermined time has passed, the POS terminal 20 may obtain, from the member information display terminal 30, time information indicating the timing at which the member information was displayed on the member information display terminal 30.

According to variant 8, after a customer confirms their membership information, the membership information can be carried over and included in the transaction information without being deleted. This simplifies the operation of reading the membership code.

The embodiments will be summarized below.
TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a product data processing system, a product data processing method, and a program.
[Background Art]
Conventionally, in stores, for example, points are given to registered members according to the number of visits to the store, and discounts are given according to the number of points. As a related technique, a system has been proposed that sets a security level according to purchase frequency (see Patent Document 1 below).
Also, customers may want to check their own points when they start shopping, in the middle of shopping, while they are waiting for their turn to pay, etc. For this reason, display terminals that display member information including the number of points are placed in the store, and customers can check their member information at any time they like by having the display terminal read their member card.
[Prior Art Literature]
[Patent Documents]
[Patent Document 1] JP 2006-285329 A [Summary of the Invention]
[Problem to be solved by the invention]
However, for example, if a customer only checks the member information and then leaves the display terminal, the member information of that customer may remain on the display terminal. If a transaction is then carried out using the member information of that customer, the transaction may be carried out using the member information of a customer that is not related to the transaction. This causes a discrepancy between the customer performing the transaction and the customer indicated by the member information remaining on the display terminal, resulting in a problem that points cannot be appropriately awarded to the customer performing the transaction and therefore an unsuitable transaction cannot be carried out.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables a suitable transaction to be carried out.
[Means for solving the problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a product data processing system comprising an acquisition means for acquiring member information, a display means for displaying the member information acquired by the acquisition means, a generation means for generating transaction information based on registered product information, a reception means for the acquisition means to accept an operation for acquiring the member information, a display control means for changing the display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted, and a transaction control means for, when the operation is accepted, carrying out a transaction by including the member information acquired after the operation is accepted in the transaction information.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it easier for customers and store clerks to recognize that the member information displayed on the display means will not be used for the transaction. This makes it possible to prevent a transaction from being carried out using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction. In other words, the transaction can be carried out by matching the customer who is carrying out the transaction with the customer indicated by the member information remaining on the display terminal. Therefore, points can be appropriately awarded to each customer, making it possible to carry out an appropriate transaction.
In the above configuration, the display control means may erase the member information displayed on the display means.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to more clearly indicate that the member information displayed on the display means will not be used for transactions.
In the above configuration, the device may further include an alarm means for issuing an alarm to prompt the reader to operate to read the member identification information attached to the member medium when the operation is accepted, and the acquisition means may acquire the member information based on the member identification information read by the reading unit.
According to the above configuration, the reception of the operation by the reception means is used as a trigger to read the member identification information according to the customer's operation. Therefore, the customer performing the transaction can be matched with the customer indicated by the member information remaining in the member information display terminal 30, and the transaction can be carried out.
In the above configuration, the device may be configured to include a timing means for timing the time from when the operation is accepted, and a prohibition means for prohibiting the acceptance of the operation by the acceptance means when the timing means has timed a certain period of time.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it impossible to obtain member information after a certain time has passed since the operation was accepted. Therefore, the member information obtained within a certain time after the member information read button was pressed can be included in the transaction information and used to perform the transaction. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent a transaction from being performed using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction.
In the above configuration, a member information reading terminal having the acquisition means and the display means may be provided.
According to the above configuration, a customer can use a member information reading terminal located in the store to check his/her member information at a time convenient to the customer, such as when he/she starts shopping, in the middle of shopping, or while waiting for his/her turn to pay, by having the member information reading terminal read his/her member card.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a product data processing method characterized in that a computer used in a product data processing system executes the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring member information; a display step of displaying the member information acquired in the acquisition step on a display means; a generation step of generating transaction information based on registered product information; a reception step of accepting an operation for acquiring the member information; a display control step of, if the operation is accepted, changing the display mode of the member information displayed on the display means; and a transaction control step of, if the operation is accepted, including the member information acquired after the operation is accepted in the transaction information and conducting the transaction.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it easier for customers and store clerks to recognize that the member information displayed on the display means will not be used for the transaction. This makes it possible to prevent a transaction from being carried out using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction. In other words, the transaction can be carried out by matching the customer who is carrying out the transaction with the customer indicated by the member information remaining on the display terminal. Therefore, points can be appropriately awarded to each customer, making it possible to carry out an appropriate transaction.
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, another aspect of the present invention is a program that causes a computer used in a product data processing system to function as an acquisition means for acquiring member information, a display means for displaying the member information acquired by the acquisition means, a generation means for generating transaction information based on registered product information, a reception means for the acquisition means to accept an operation for acquiring member information, a display control means for changing the display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted, and a transaction control means for carrying out a transaction by including the member information acquired after the operation is accepted in the transaction information.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to make it easier for customers and store clerks to recognize that the member information displayed on the display means will not be used for the transaction. This makes it possible to prevent a transaction from being carried out using the member information of another customer that is not related to the transaction. In other words, the transaction can be carried out by matching the customer who is carrying out the transaction with the customer indicated by the member information remaining on the display terminal. Therefore, points can be appropriately awarded to each customer, making it possible to carry out an appropriate transaction.

In the above description, the acquisition unit, display unit, generation unit, reception unit, transaction control unit, display control unit, notification unit, timing unit, and prohibition unit are configured to be included in the POS terminal 20 and the member information display terminal 30. These functional units may be included in other computer devices. For example, these functional units may be included in the store controller 10, the monitoring terminal 11, or other computer devices. Furthermore, the number of computer devices that include these functional units is not limited to one, and may be multiple. For example, some of the functional units may be included in one computer device, and other functional units may be included in other computer devices.

The program for implementing the POS system 1 described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program may be read into a computer system for execution. The term "computer system" as used herein includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. The term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes storage devices that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may also be for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions. Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, i.e., a differential file (differential program).

Reference Signs List 1 POS system 10 store controller 11 monitoring terminal 20 POS terminal 30 member information display terminal 40 member information server 201, 601 CPU
202, 602...ROM
203, 603...RAM
204: Hard disk 205: Customer display unit 206: Customer scanner unit 208: Card payment unit 209: Change machine 210: Clerk display unit 211: Key operation unit 212: Clerk scanner unit 213, 607: Printing unit 214, 608: Audio output unit 215, 609: Communication unit 604: Memory 605: Member information display unit 606: Scanner unit

Claims (6)

An acquisition means for acquiring member information;
a display means for displaying the member information acquired by the acquisition means;
A generating means for generating transaction information based on the registered product information;
a receiving means for receiving an operation for the acquiring means to acquire member information;
a display control means for changing a display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted;
a transaction control means for, when the operation is accepted, carrying out the transaction by including in the transaction information the member information acquired after the operation is accepted;
a timing means for timing a time from when the operation is accepted;
a prohibition means for prohibiting the reception means from accepting the request when the clock means has clocked a certain period of time;
A product data processing system comprising: The display control means erases the member information displayed on the display means.
2. The product data processing system according to claim 1. The method further includes a notification unit that, when the operation is accepted, issues a notification to prompt the reader to perform an operation to read the member identification information attached to the member medium,
The acquisition means acquires the member information based on the member identification information read by the reading unit.
3. The product data processing system according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The product data processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a member information reading terminal having said acquiring means and said display means. A computer used in a product data processing system,
An acquisition step of acquiring member information;
a display step of displaying the member information acquired in the acquisition step on a display means;
A generating step of generating transaction information based on the registered product information;
A reception step of receiving an operation for acquiring member information;
a display control step of changing a display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted;
a transaction control step of, when the operation is accepted, carrying out the transaction by including member information acquired after the operation is accepted in the transaction information;
a timing step of timing a time from the reception of the operation when the operation is received;
a prohibition step of prohibiting reception in the reception step when a certain time has been measured in the timing step;
A product data processing method comprising the steps of: A computer used in a product data processing system,
A means for acquiring member information;
a display means for displaying the member information acquired by the acquisition means;
A generating means for generating transaction information based on the registered product information;
a receiving means for receiving an operation for the acquiring means to acquire member information;
a display control means for changing a display mode of the member information displayed on the display means when the operation is accepted;
a transaction control means for, when the operation is accepted, carrying out the transaction by including in the transaction information the member information acquired after the operation is accepted;
a timing means for timing the time from when the operation is accepted;
a prohibition means for prohibiting the reception means from accepting the request when the clock means has clocked a certain period of time;
A program characterized by causing the program to function as a

Images