JP2009075745A - POS terminal and processing server for POS system - Google Patents

Abstract

【Task】
Provide additional information to customers efficiently at the time of payment.
[Solution]
The processing server (2a) according to the present invention is a processing server (2a) that communicates with a POS terminal and a database and creates additional information to be provided to a customer, and includes at least an POS terminal ID and a customer ID A POS terminal communication unit (22) that receives an information request from the POS terminal, a POS terminal authentication unit (211) that authenticates the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID, and searches the database using the customer ID as a search condition An output data creation unit (215) that obtains customer information of the customer and creates additional data to be provided to the customer as output data based on the customer information, from the POS terminal communication unit The output data is transmitted to the POS terminal.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a POS terminal and a processing server for a POS system, and more particularly to processing for providing a customer with output data including additional information such as points, advertisement information, and coupons in a point service.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sales promotion system that stores information obtained from a server in a POS system (Point of Sales system) or the like, prints it on a receipt, and provides it to a customer is known.
The POS system is a system that can total sales results of article sales on a single item basis. The POS system is mainly introduced in chain stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, hotels and drug stores.

  For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sales promotion system in which advertisement information obtained from a server is accumulated in a POS system, and accounting information and advertisement information are printed on a receipt and provided to a customer during accounting processing. .

  Patent Document 2 describes a system in which a store clerk determines a customer's gender and age group, inputs the information to a terminal, selects advertisement information accordingly, and provides it to the customer.

Further, there is a technique for providing an electronic coupon or the like from a non-contact IC reader / writer unit to a non-contact IC portable terminal using a non-contact IC communication technique. A specific example is ToruCa (registered trademark).
JP 2004-351720 A JP-A-10-134253

However, in the conventional technology, in electronic money payment using an IC medium, cash payment after authenticating a customer using a magnetic card, or payment using a magnetic card, depending on the point value and points in the point service An invention that provides additional information such as coupon information provided to a customer or advertisement information related to a product purchased by the customer has not been disclosed.
In addition, although the conventional technology can provide such additional information at the time of POS settlement, the POS terminal itself creates this additional information. Therefore, the algorithm for providing additional information must be managed for each POS terminal. There was a problem that it was complicated.

  In order to solve the above problem, a processing server according to the present invention is a processing server that communicates with a POS terminal and a database and creates additional information for providing to a customer, and includes at least a POS terminal ID and a customer ID. A POS terminal communication unit that receives an additional information request from the POS terminal, a POS terminal authentication unit that authenticates the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID, and the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition. An output data creation unit that obtains additional information to be provided to the customer as output data based on the customer information, and transmits the output data from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal To do.

  In another embodiment, the additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal, and the processing server creates output payment information data based on the additional information request including the payment amount. An output settlement information data creation unit is provided, and the output settlement information data can be transmitted from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal.

  In another embodiment, the additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal, and the processing server calculates a point value to be given from the payment amount, and calculates a new point value of the customer. A point calculation unit for calculating may be included, and the additional information may include the new point value.

  In order to solve the above problem, the POS terminal according to the present invention receives a customer ID, receives a customer ID acquisition unit for recognizing the balance, and a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases. And a processing server for transmitting an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID to the processing server and receiving output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server A communication unit, a calculation unit that performs payment processing by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount, and generates output payment information data including at least the payment amount; and the output payment information An output device for outputting the data and the output data received from the processing server.

  In order to solve the above problem, the POS terminal according to the present invention is a different form, and acquires a customer ID, a customer ID acquisition unit for recognizing the balance, and a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases And an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID to the processing server, and output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server. A processing server communication unit for receiving, a calculation unit for performing a settlement process by updating the balance of the customer ID using the settlement amount, and an output including at least the settlement amount received from the processing server A payment information data and an output device for outputting the output data.

  In another embodiment, the POS terminal further includes an IC chip writing unit that transmits and writes at least the output data to the IC chip.

  In order to solve the above problem, a program according to the present invention communicates with a POS terminal and a database, and generates additional information for providing to a customer. Additional information including at least a POS terminal ID and a customer ID is provided. A procedure for receiving a request from the POS terminal; a procedure for authenticating the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID; and acquiring customer information of the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition; A procedure for creating additional information for providing to a customer as output data based on the customer information and a procedure for transmitting the output data from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal are executed.

  In another embodiment, the additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal, and a procedure for creating output payment information data based on the additional information request including the payment amount; The processing server can further execute a procedure for transmitting the output settlement information data from the terminal communication unit to the POS terminal.

  In another embodiment, the additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal, and the program calculates a point value to be given from the payment amount and calculates a new point value of the customer. The additional information may include the new point value by causing the processing server to further execute a procedure for the additional information.

  In order to solve the above problem, a POS system according to the present invention is a POS system in which a POS terminal, a processing server for creating additional information to be provided to a customer, and a database are connected via a network. The POS terminal includes a customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring a customer ID and recognizing a balance, an input unit for inputting a payment amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases, the processing server, A processing server communication unit that performs communication, and a calculation unit that performs payment processing by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount, and generates output payment information data including at least the payment amount; The processing server includes a POS terminal communication unit that communicates with the POS terminal, a POS terminal authentication unit that authenticates the POS terminal, and additional information to be provided to the customer. The POS terminal transmits an additional information request including the POS terminal ID and customer ID to the processing server by the processing server communication unit, and the processing server When the POS terminal is authenticated based on the POS terminal ID, the customer information of the customer is acquired by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition, and the output data creation unit is configured to acquire the customer information based on the customer information. Additional information to be provided to the customer is created as output data, and this output data is transmitted to the POS terminal. The POS terminal receives the output settlement information data created by the POS terminal and the processing server. The received output data is output to an output device of the POS terminal.

  In order to solve the above problem, the POS system according to the present invention is another embodiment. The POS system includes a POS terminal, a processing server for creating additional information to be provided to a customer, and a database connected via a network. The POS terminal acquires a customer ID and recognizes a balance, a customer ID acquisition unit, an input unit for inputting a payment amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases, A processing server communication unit that communicates with the processing server; and a calculation unit that performs a payment process by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount, and the processing server communicates with a POS terminal. A POS terminal communication unit that performs authentication, a POS terminal authentication unit that authenticates a POS terminal, an output data creation unit that creates additional information to be provided to a customer as output data, An output payment information data creating unit that creates payment information data for output from the payment amount in the OS terminal, and the POS terminal sends the additional information request including the POS terminal ID, the customer ID, and the payment amount, When the processing server authenticates the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID, the processing server communication unit searches the database using the customer ID as a search condition to authenticate the customer's customer information. And generating additional information for providing to the customer based on the customer information as output data, and generating output payment information data from the payment amount, the POS terminal received from the processing server Outputting the output data and the output settlement information data to an output device of the POS terminal. It is a sign.

  The POS system according to the present invention is another embodiment. When the POS terminal creates the output settlement information data, the processing server does not create the output settlement information data, and the POS terminal does not create the output settlement information data. When the information data is not created, the processing server creates the output settlement information data. Here, information regarding whether the POS terminal creates the output settlement information data is stored in the POS terminal in the database. Can be managed for each.

  A data output method in a POS terminal according to the present invention includes a step of acquiring a customer ID, a step of acquiring a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases, and an additional information request including at least the POS terminal ID Transmitting to the server and receiving output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server; and performing a settlement process using the settlement amount, wherein at least the settlement amount is Generating output settlement information data included; and outputting the output settlement information data and the output data received from the processing server.

  The data output method in the POS terminal according to the present invention is another embodiment, and includes a step of acquiring a customer ID, a step of acquiring a payment amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases, and an addition including at least a POS terminal ID Transmitting an information request to the processing server, receiving output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server, and performing a settlement process using the settlement amount; And outputting output settlement information data including at least the settlement amount received from the processing server and the output data.

  In this specification and the claims of this application, “IC medium” refers to a non-contact IC card owned by a customer or a non-contact IC portable terminal owned by a customer.

  The non-contact type IC card is a kind of IC card and includes electronic components including an IC chip and an antenna. By using weak radio waves, data can be transmitted and received without contacting the terminal. The storage capacity is about 512 kilobytes to 1 megabyte, which is larger than the ID card. Specific examples include Edy (registered trademark) and Suica (registered trademark) using FeliCa (registered trademark).

  The non-contact IC portable terminal is a portable terminal such as a portable terminal equipped with the above-described non-contact IC card. A specific example is a portable terminal used in Mobile Suica (registered trademark).

  In the present specification and claims of the present application, the “magnetic card” refers to a customer-owned ID card provided with a magnetic recording medium in which a customer ID is stored. This magnetic recording medium has a storage capacity of about 8 bytes and can also store a balance.

  In the present specification and claims, the “recording medium” refers to a medium such as an IC chip or a magnetic recording medium.

  In the present specification and claims of the present application, the “POS terminal” refers to a terminal for performing a payment process using a customer ID and a payment amount. Usually, this POS terminal is provided with an output device such as a receipt printer, a salesclerk screen, and a customer screen.

In the present specification and claims of the present application, “additional information” refers to information that is additionally provided to a customer together with information related to payment after completion of payment. Specifically, a point value in the point service, a coupon provided to the customer according to the point, and the like can be exemplified. This point value is determined according to the payment amount. The electronic coupon may be determined according to the payment amount, or may be determined according to gender, age, or the like.
Further, the additional information referred to in the present invention includes advertisement information. This advertisement information may be of a type depending on the settlement amount or a type independent of the settlement amount. It can also be determined according to customer attributes (for example, date of birth) and purchased items. For example, when the purchased item is a beer of a manufacturer, the new product information of the manufacturer's beer can be used as advertisement information.
These additional information is information for increasing the customer's willingness to purchase and promoting sales.

  In the present specification and claims of the present application, the “additional information request” means at least a POS terminal ID and a customer ID transmitted from the POS terminal to the processing server in order to request the processing server to create additional information. It is data including. This additional information request may include information related to payment (purchased item, unit price, quantity, payment amount, etc.). Here, the customer ID is a concept including a member ID and a card ID.

  In the present specification and claims of the present application, “output settlement information data” is information related to settlement (purchased item, unit price, number, settlement amount, etc.) output from an output device provided in the POS terminal. It is data including.

If the above-mentioned additional information request includes information related to payment, the processing server creates output payment information data. The created output settlement information data is transmitted to the POS terminal and output from the POS terminal.
On the other hand, if the additional information request does not include information related to payment, the POS terminal creates and outputs output payment information data.

  According to the present invention, customized information can be provided to a customer by cooperating with a processing server at the time of settlement. Furthermore, according to the present invention, additional information is created collectively by the processing server, so that the management of the algorithm can also be integrated into the processing server. This eliminates the troublesome task of managing the additional information creation algorithm for each POS terminal when the POS terminal itself creates additional information, thereby improving workability and is advantageous in terms of cost, for example. .

  Next, the best form among the forms in which the processing server and the POS terminal according to the present invention are employed and the POS system is constructed will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a POS system including a processing server and a POS terminal according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 8 includes a POS terminal 1, a processing server 2, and a database 3.
The POS terminal 1 and the processing server 2 are communicably connected via the network 4. The network 4 is usually configured by a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Any of a wired line and a wireless line can be applied to these communication lines.

  The POS terminal 1 can communicate with the non-contact IC card 5 and the non-contact IC portable terminal 6. As described above, examples of the non-contact IC card 5 include Edy (registered trademark) and Suica (registered trademark). Moreover, as the non-contact IC portable terminal 6, a portable terminal that can be used in Mobile Suica (registered trademark) can be cited.

  The POS terminal 1 can also read the customer ID stored in the magnetic recording medium of the magnetic card. Further, when a balance is also stored in the magnetic recording medium, the balance can also be read.

  The processing server 2 receives the additional information request including the customer ID from the POS terminal 1 and creates additional information. For this reason, the processing server 2 searches the database 3 using the customer ID as a search condition. Here, the processing server 2 is communicably connected to the database 3. Then, the customer information of the customer is acquired, and additional information for providing to the customer is created based on the customer information. Further, the processing server 2 uses the created additional information as output data for an output device provided in the POS terminal. The functions of this series of processing servers 2 will be described in detail later.

  The database 3 is a device that manages customer information and the like. Existing hardware and software can be applied to this database for searching, changing and updating customer information. Tables held in the database 3 are shown in Tables 1 to 5.

  Table 1 is a terminal management table, which is searched by a POS terminal authentication unit (described later) in the processing server. This terminal management table is provided with a “store ID” column and a “terminal ID” column. Thereby, store ID and terminal ID can be tied.

  Table 2 is a customer management table. In this customer management table, a “customer ID” column, a “name” column, a “sex” column, and an “age” column are provided, and customer information is managed.

  Table 3 is a point management table, which is provided with a “customer ID” column and a “point value” column for storing the point value of the customer ID. The processing server searches the point management table using the customer ID as a search condition, and can acquire the point value of the corresponding customer.

  Table 4 is a history management table, which includes a “date and time” column, a “customer ID” column, a “store ID” column, a “terminal ID” column, a “payment amount” column, a “present grant point” column, and a “pre-grant point”. A column and a “post-granting point” column are provided. This table is created by the database in response to an instruction from the processing server for each customer and for each purchase date and time, according to the store ID, terminal ID, payment amount, and payment amount of the store purchased by the customer. The determined current grant points, pre-grant points, and post-grant points are stored in the respective columns. The point after grant is a value obtained by adding the present grant point to the point before grant. By referring to this table using the customer ID as a search condition, it is possible to obtain a history regarding changes in the points of the corresponding customer.

  Table 5 is a coupon management table, in which a “point value” column and a “reward coupon” column are provided. This table stores information about coupons that can be redeemed for a certain point value. For example, information that "2000" points and "travel tickets" can be redeemed is stored.

  Table 6 is a point grant rate management table, and the point grant rate with respect to the settlement amount is stored in the “point grant rate” column in percent units. Here, the point grant rate is 1% of the settlement amount (rounded down).

  FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 includes a control unit 11, a customer ID acquisition unit 12, a calculation unit 13, an input unit 14, a data writing unit 15, a processing server communication unit 16, A receipt printer 17, a clerk screen 18, and a customer screen 19 are provided. The receipt printer 17, the clerk screen 18, and the customer screen 19 constitute an output device.

The control unit 11 is connected to the constituent elements 12 to 19 and controls the constituent elements 12 to 19.
The customer ID acquisition unit 12 includes a magnetic recording medium reading unit 121, an IC chip reading unit 122, and a key input unit 123. The magnetic recording medium reading unit 121 is a part that reads a customer ID and a balance stored in the magnetic recording medium of the magnetic card 7. The IC chip reading part 122 is a part for reading the customer ID and the balance stored in the IC chip built in the non-contact IC card 5 or the non-contact IC portable terminal 6. The key input unit 123 is a part where a customer ID and a balance are input. That is, the customer ID acquisition unit 12 is a part that acquires a customer ID and a balance through any one of the magnetic recording medium reading unit 121, the IC chip reading unit 122, and the key input unit 123.
In general, the magnetic recording medium reading unit 121, the IC chip reading unit 122, and the key input unit 123 are portions having different physical configurations. However, in the present specification and claims of the present application, the customer ID acquisition unit 12 has a concept including a magnetic recording medium reading unit 121, an IC chip reading unit 122, and a key input unit 123.
The computing unit 13 is a part that mainly performs computations associated with payment processing. Note that the calculation unit 13 can also be configured as a part of the control unit 11.

  The input unit 14 is a part used to input a customer's purchase item, unit price, quantity, and settlement amount. Specific examples include a keyboard and a touch panel.

The data writing unit 15 includes a magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 and an IC chip writing unit 152. The magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 is a part that rewrites the balance stored in the magnetic recording medium of the magnetic card 7 to the balance after settlement. The IC chip writing unit 152 is a part that rewrites the balance stored in the IC chip built in the non-contact IC card 5 or the non-contact IC portable terminal 6 into the balance after settlement. The IC chip writing unit 152 can also write the output data and output settlement information data to the IC chip.
The magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 and the IC chip writing unit 152 are generally portions having different physical configurations. However, in the present specification and claims of the present application, the data writing unit 15 has a concept including a magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 and an IC chip writing unit 152.
The data writing unit 15 may be integrated with the customer ID acquisition unit 12.

The processing server communication unit 16 is a part that communicates with the processing server 2.
The receipt printer 17 is a device that prints output data on a receipt so that the customer can recognize it.
The clerk screen 18 and the customer screen 19 are screens for outputting the output data so that the clerk and the customer can recognize each other.

FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the processing server 2a. As shown in FIG. 3, the processing server 2 a includes a processing unit 21, a POS terminal communication unit 22, and a database communication unit 23.
The processing unit 21 is connected to the POS terminal communication unit 22 and the database communication unit 23. The POS terminal communication unit 22 and the database communication unit 23 are parts that communicate with the POS terminal 1 and the database 3, respectively.

Furthermore, the processing unit 21 includes a POS terminal authentication unit 211, a customer search unit 212, a point calculation unit 213, a coupon management unit 214, an output data creation unit 215, and a history storage unit 216.
The POS terminal authentication unit 211 searches the terminal management table using the store ID and terminal ID included in the additional information request received from the POS terminal 1 as search conditions, and if there is a corresponding record, the POS terminal is regarded as a regular terminal. It is a part to authenticate as.
The customer search unit 212 is a part that searches the customer management table using the customer ID included in the additional information request as a search condition.
The point calculation unit 213 is a part that calculates a point value to be given by multiplying the point grant rate acquired by searching the point grant rate management table and the settlement amount included in the additional information request. Further, the point calculation unit 213 adds the customer point value obtained by searching the point management table using the customer ID as a search condition, and the point value to be assigned calculated as described above, thereby adding the customer value. Calculate a new point value for.
The coupon management unit 214 is a part that searches the coupon management table and acquires a record that has a minimum point value that is greater than or equal to the new point value calculated by the point calculation unit 213. The coupon management unit 214 calculates the remaining point value up to the point that can be redeemed for the coupon by subtracting the new point value from the point value stored in the “point value” column of the corresponding record. be able to.
The output data creation unit 215 is a part that creates additional information provided to the customer as output data for transmission to the POS terminal.
The history storage unit 216 is a part that accesses the history management table and creates one record for each customer ID and for each purchase date and time. Specifically, the purchase date / time is set in the “date / time column”, and the “customer ID” column, the “store ID” column, the “terminal ID” column, and the “payment amount” column are included in the additional information request. Set the corresponding value. Further, the point value to be assigned calculated by the point calculation unit 213 is set in the “currently granted point” column, the point value acquired by the point calculation unit 213 from the point management table is set in the “point before grant” column, and point calculation is performed. The new point value calculated by the unit 213 is set in the “post-granting point” column.

FIG. 4 shows the internal configuration of the processing server 2b. 3 is substantially the same as the processing server 2a shown in FIG. 3 except that the processing unit 21 further includes an output settlement information data creation unit 217.
The output payment information data creation unit 217 outputs information related to payment (purchased item, unit price, number of pieces, payment amount, etc.) included in the additional information request to be transmitted to the POS terminal for the POS terminal to output. This is a part created as payment information data.

Next, a processing sequence for operating the POS system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and performing settlement will be described with reference to FIG. In this processing sequence, the processing server 2a according to the above embodiment is operated using the program according to the present invention. Here, it is assumed that the store has introduced a point service, and the point value given according to the payment amount and the point balance after the grant are output to the receipt and the screen.
Specific examples of stores include supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels.

First, the POS terminal 1a acquires information such as purchase items, unit prices, number of pieces, and payment amount input by the store clerk operating the input unit 14 (step St1).
Next, the customer is prompted through display of the customer screen or voice to hold the magnetic card, non-contact type IC card or non-contact type IC portable terminal over the customer ID acquisition unit of the POS terminal (step St2).
When a customer holds a magnetic card, a non-contact type IC card or a non-contact type IC portable terminal, the POS terminal passes through the magnetic recording medium reading unit 121 or the IC chip reading unit 122 in the customer ID acquisition unit 12, and the magnetic recording medium or IC The customer ID and balance stored in the chip are read (step St3). If the customer ID can be read normally, the processing is continued.
Subsequently, a settlement process is performed at the POS terminal 1a (step St4). The magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 or the IC chip writing unit 152 in the data writing unit 15 writes the balance after settlement to the magnetic recording medium or the IC chip.

Next, an additional information request including a store ID, a terminal ID, a customer ID, and a payment amount is transmitted from the POS terminal 1a to the processing server 2a (step St5).
Subsequently, the POS terminal 1a configures information related to payment as output payment information data (step St6). For example, the purchase item, unit price, number, and settlement amount can be configured as output settlement information data.
The POS terminal authentication unit 211 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2a searches the terminal management table in the database 3 using the store ID and the terminal ID included in the received additional information request as search conditions, and receives the result ( Step St7).

Based on the search result, the POS terminal authentication unit 211 authenticates the POS terminal (step St8). If a corresponding record is found, the terminal is authenticated as a legitimate terminal.
The customer search unit 212 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2a searches the customer management table using the customer ID included in the additional information request as a search condition (step St9).
The point calculation unit 213 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2a obtains the point value before the settlement of the customer from the point management table in the database 3, and obtains the point grant rate from the point grant rate management table. (Step St10).
Next, the point calculation unit 213 calculates the point value to be granted and the point value after the grant using the point value and the point grant rate acquired in step St9 and the settlement amount included in the additional information request. To do. Subsequently, the history storage unit 216 accesses the database 3 and creates a new record in the history management table (step St11).

Additional information is created from the granted point value and the post-grant point (step St12). At this time, the coupon management unit 214 accesses the coupon management table, calculates the number of remaining points up to the point value that can be redeemed for a certain coupon that is closest to the point after granting, and includes this remaining point number in the additional information. Can do. Further, additional information such as advertisement information and electronic coupons can be created based on the purchase items included in the additional information request and customer information in the database (step St12).
The output data creation unit 215 configures at least part of the data constituting the created additional information as output data for the customer (step St13).
The created output data is transmitted from the processing server 2a to the POS terminal 1a (step St14).
Subsequently, the calculation unit 13 in the POS terminal 1a sends an instruction for outputting the output settlement information data generated in step St6 and the received output data to the receipt printer 17, the clerk screen 18, and the customer screen 19. Send (step St15).
Next, the received output data and output settlement information data are output to a receipt, a customer screen, or a clerk screen (steps St16 and St17). At this time, the receipt, the customer screen, and the clerk screen, in addition to information related to payment, the remaining information up to the point value that can be redeemed for a coupon that is closest to the customer's name, post-grant point, and post-grant point The number of points can be output. Here, the calculation of the number of remaining points is performed by the processing unit of the processing server 2. An example of a receipt is shown in FIG. 7, in which the upper part is a part created by the POS terminal 1a, and the lower part is a part created by the processing server 2a.
In step St3, when the customer ID and balance stored in the IC chip instead of the magnetic recording medium are read, the IC chip writing unit 152 in the data writing unit 15 provided in the POS terminal reads the payment settlement information. The data and the output data are transmitted and written to the IC chip in the IC medium owned by the customer according to the command from the calculation unit 13 (step St18).

Next, a processing sequence for operating the POS system shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to perform settlement will be described with reference to FIG. In this processing sequence, the processing server 2b according to the above embodiment is operated using the program according to the present invention. The difference between FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 is that the output settlement information data is created by the POS terminal 1a in FIG. 5 (step St6), whereas in FIG. 6, the output settlement in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2b. The information data creation unit 217 performs this (step St109 described later). Hereinafter, FIG. 6 will be described focusing on this difference, but the description of points that are common to FIG. 5 will be omitted.
First, steps St101 to St108 are performed, which are the same as steps St1 to St5 and St7 to St9 in FIG.
Next, the output payment information data creation unit 217 configures the information related to the payment included in the additional information request as output payment information data (step St109). For example, the purchase item, unit price, number, and settlement amount can be configured as output settlement information data.
Subsequently, steps St110 to St113 are performed, which are the same as steps St10 to St13 in FIG.
The generated output settlement information data and output data are transmitted from the processing server 2b to the POS terminal 1b (step St114).
Next, the calculation unit 13 in the POS terminal 1b sends the received output settlement information data and an instruction to output the output data to the receipt printer 17, the clerk screen 18, and the customer screen 19 (step St115).
Subsequently, steps St116 to St118 are performed, which are the same as steps St16 to St18 in FIG.
An example of a receipt output as a result is shown in FIG. Unlike FIG. 7, the entirety is created by the processing server 2b.

Application example 1 in a supermarket
Here, one form of the processing sequence will be described for the supermarket in which the POS system described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 is introduced.
First, information such as purchased items (sashimi, wasabi, beer), unit prices (420 yen, 210 yen, 210 yen), each number (each one) entered by operating the input unit 14 by a supermarket clerk Is acquired by the POS terminal 1a (step St1).
Next, the customer is prompted through the display of the customer screen 19 and voice to hold the magnetic card 7 or the non-contact IC card 5 over the customer ID acquisition unit of the POS terminal 1a (step St2). For example, the customer is prompted by displaying “Please hold your membership card over here” on the customer screen 19.
When the customer holds the non-contact type IC card 5, the POS terminal 1a reads the customer ID and balance stored in the IC chip through the IC chip reading unit 122 in the customer ID acquisition unit 12 (step St3).
Subsequently, the POS terminal 1a performs a payment process (step St4). The IC chip writing unit 152 in the data writing unit 15 writes the balance after settlement to the IC chip.

  Next, an additional information request including a store ID (100), a terminal ID (100002), a customer ID (123456789), and a payment amount (840 yen) is transmitted from the POS terminal 1a to the processing server 2a ( Step St5).

  Subsequently, the POS terminal 1a configures the purchased item (sashimi, wasabi, beer), each unit price (420 yen, 210 yen, 210 yen) and the settlement amount (840 yen) as output settlement information data (step St6). .

  The POS terminal authentication unit 211 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2a uses the store ID (100) and the terminal ID (100002) included in the received additional information request as a search condition to search the terminal management table in the database 3. Search and receive the result (step St7).

Based on the search result, the POS terminal is authenticated (step St8). In this example, since the corresponding record exists, the process proceeds to the subsequent processing.
Subsequently, the customer search unit 212 searches the customer management table using the customer ID (123456789) included in the additional information request as a search condition, and receives the result (step St9). In this example, since the corresponding record exists, the process proceeds to the subsequent processing.
The point calculation unit 213 acquires the point balance (1130 points) before the settlement of the customer from the point management table of the database 3, and obtains the point grant rate (1% of the settlement amount) from the point grant rate management table. Obtain (step St10).
Next, the processing server 2a uses the point balance and the point grant rate acquired in step St8 and the settlement amount included in the additional information request to give a point value (840 × 1% = 8 points, The fraction of the decimal point is rounded down) and the point balance after grant (1130 + 8 = 1138 points) is calculated. Thereafter, the history storage unit 216 accesses the point management table in the database 3, updates the point balance of the customer to 1138 points, and inserts a change in point value (8 points increase) into the history management table (step St11). ).

Subsequently, the coupon management unit 214 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2a accesses the coupon management table in the database 3 through the database communication unit 23, and the minimum point value (1138 points) or more after the grant is given. Search for records with 2000 points). And the process part 21 calculates the information (travel ticket) regarding the coupon which can be exchanged for 2000 points, and calculates the remaining point value (2000-1138 = 862 points) as additional information (step St12).
At this time, as part of the additional information, new product information of beer that is one of the purchased items, data related to the beer discount coupon, and the like can be created based on the customer information and the settlement amount (step St12). .
Next, the output data creation unit 215 sets the post-grant points and the remaining point values, which are part of the data constituting the created additional information, as output data for the customer (step St13).
The created output data is transmitted from the processing server 2a to the POS terminal 1a (step St14).
The calculation unit 13 in the POS terminal 1a issues an instruction to output the output settlement information data created in step St6 and the received output data to the receipt printer 17, the clerk screen 18, and the customer screen 19. (Step St15). The output settlement information data and the output data are output to the receipt, the customer screen, and the clerk screen (steps St16 and St17).
Subsequently, the IC chip writing unit 152 in the data writing unit 15 provided in the POS terminal 1a uses the output settlement information data generated in step St6 and the received output data as a customer according to a command from the calculation unit 13. Is transmitted and written to the IC chip in the IC medium owned by (step St18).

Application example 2 in a supermarket
One form of the processing sequence will be described for the supermarket in which the POS system described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6 is introduced.
First, information such as purchased items (sashimi, wasabi, beer), unit prices (420 yen, 210 yen, 210 yen), each number (each one) entered by operating the input unit 14 by a supermarket clerk Is acquired by the POS terminal 1b (step St101).
Next, the customer is prompted through the display and voice of the customer screen 19 to hold the magnetic card 7 or the non-contact type IC card 5 over the customer ID acquisition unit of the POS terminal 1b (step St102). For example, the customer is prompted by displaying “Please hold your membership card over here” on the customer screen 19.
When the customer holds the magnetic card 7 over, the POS terminal 1b reads the customer ID stored in the magnetic recording medium of the magnetic card 7 through the magnetic recording medium reading unit 121 in the customer ID acquisition unit 12 (step St103).
Subsequently, the POS terminal 1b performs a payment process (step St104). The magnetic recording medium writing unit 151 in the data writing unit 15 writes the balance after settlement to the magnetic recording medium.

  Next, store ID (100), terminal ID (100002), customer ID (123456789), settlement amount (840 yen), purchased items (sashimi, wasabi, beer), and unit prices (420 yen, 210 And an additional information request including each number (one for each) is transmitted from the POS terminal 1b to the processing server 2b (step St105).

  The POS terminal authentication unit 211 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2b uses the store ID (100) and the terminal ID (100002) included in the received additional information request as a search condition to search the terminal management table in the database 3. Search and receive the result (step St106).

Based on the search result, the POS terminal is authenticated (step St107). In this example, since the corresponding record exists, the process proceeds to the subsequent processing.
Subsequently, the customer search unit 212 searches the customer management table using the customer ID (123456789) included in the additional information request as a search condition, and receives the result (step St108). In this example, since the corresponding record exists, the process proceeds to the subsequent processing.
Subsequently, the output settlement information data creation unit 217 configures purchase items (sashimi, wasabi, beer), unit prices (420 yen, 210 yen, 210 yen) and settlement amount (840 yen) as output settlement information data. (Step St109).

The point management unit 213 obtains the point balance (1130 points) before the settlement of the customer from the point management table of the database 3, and obtains the point grant rate (1% of the settlement amount) from the point grant rate management table. Obtain (step St110).
Next, the point management unit 213 uses the point balance and the point grant rate acquired in step St110 and the settlement amount included in the additional information request to give a point value (840 × 1% = 8 points). , And the point balance after grant (1130 + 8 = 1138 points) is calculated. Thereafter, the point management table in the database 3 is accessed, the point balance of the customer is updated to 1138 points, and the history storage unit 216 inserts a change in point value (8 points increase) into the history management table (step St111). ).

Subsequently, the coupon management unit 214 in the processing unit 21 of the processing server 2b accesses the coupon management table in the database 3 through the database communication unit 23, and the minimum point value (1138 points) after the grant and the minimum point value ( Search for records with 2000 points). And the coupon management part 214 calculates the information (travel ticket) regarding the coupon which can be exchanged for 2000 points, and calculates the remaining point value (2000-1138 = 862 points) as additional information (step St112).
At this time, as part of the additional information, new product information of beer that is one of the purchased items, data related to the beer discount ticket, and the like can be created based on the customer information and the settlement amount (step St112). .
Next, the output data creation unit 215 sets the added points and the remaining point values, which are a part of the data constituting the created additional information, as output data for the customer (step St113).
The created output settlement information data and output data are transmitted from the processing server 2b to the POS terminal 1b (step St114).
The calculation unit 13 in the POS terminal 1b issues a command to output the received output settlement information data and output data to the receipt printer 17, the clerk screen 18, and the customer screen 19 (step St115). Then, the output data is output to the receipt, the customer screen, and the salesclerk screen (steps St116 and St117).

  The specific embodiment of the POS system using the POS terminal and the processing server according to the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and all changes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are included in the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, for example, the following forms are also possible.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that there are POS terminals that generate output settlement information data and POS terminals that do not generate output settlement information data. Here, when these two types of POS terminals coexist in a certain POS system, the processing server can control whether or not to generate output settlement information data according to the type of the POS terminal.
As an example, a “terminal type” column is added to the terminal management table of Table 1, and information indicating whether or not the POS terminal is a type that creates output payment information data is stored. For example, the “terminal type” column of the records whose terminal IDs in Table 1 are “100001” and “100002” is set to “A” (a POS terminal of a type that creates output settlement information data). Further, the “terminal type” column of the record having the terminal ID “101001” in Table 1 is set to “B” (a POS terminal of a type that does not create output settlement information data). Then, when searching the terminal management table in step St7 of FIG. 5 or step St106 of FIG. 6, the processing server can acquire information set in the “terminal type” column. If the terminal type is “A”, the processing server does not create output settlement information data, and if the terminal type is “B”, the processing server creates output settlement information data. You can control the server.

In the above embodiment, the POS terminal acquires the customer balance from the IC chip or the magnetic recording medium. However, since the magnetic recording medium has a smaller storage capacity than the IC chip, there are cases where only the customer ID is stored without storing the balance. In this case, the processing server can acquire the balance from the database. As an example, a “balance” column is added to the customer management table, and the current balance is stored in this column. In the processing sequence of FIG. 5, after the card reading in step St3 and before the settlement processing in step St4, the POS terminal transmits the customer ID acquired in step St3 to the processing server. Thereafter, the processing server performs a customer search in step St9 based on the received customer ID. Simultaneously with this customer search, the customer search unit 212 searches the customer management table using the customer ID as a search condition, and acquires the balance from the “balance” column. The processing server transmits the acquired balance to the POS terminal. Thereafter, the POS terminal can perform the settlement process in step St4 using the received balance.
The same can be done when the IC chip stores only the customer ID without storing the balance.

Although the modified example of the processing sequence of FIG. 5 has been described above, the modified example of the processing sequence of FIG. 6 will also be described below. First, after the card reading in step St103 and before the settlement process in step St104, the POS terminal transmits the customer ID acquired in step St103 to the processing server. Thereafter, the processing server performs a customer search in step St108 based on the received customer ID. Simultaneously with this customer search, the customer search unit 212 searches the customer management table using the customer ID as a search condition, and acquires the balance from the “balance” column. The processing server transmits the acquired balance to the POS terminal. Thereafter, the POS terminal can perform the settlement process in step St104 using the received balance.
The same can be done when the IC chip stores only the customer ID without storing the balance.

  In the above embodiment, the additional information is created according to the payment amount, but the additional information can also be created according to the customer information. As an example, when performing a customer search in step St9 or St108, the customer search unit 212 acquires the age of the customer from the customer management table. Next, in step St12 or St112, the coupon management unit 214 searches the age-specific coupon management table using the acquired age as a search condition. Here, as shown in Table 7, the age-specific coupon management table has an “age” column and a “reward coupon” column. As a result of this search, a coupon corresponding to the discount amount set in the “discount amount” column of the product set in the “exchange coupon” column of the obtained record can be created as additional information (step St12). Or St112).

  Further, the additional information provided to the customer after the settlement can include a two-dimensional code such as a still image, a moving image, or a QR code (registered trademark). Here, the advertisement information and the electronic coupon may be determined according to the settlement amount, or may be determined according to gender, age, and the like. As described above, since the IC chip built in the non-contact IC portable terminal has a storage capacity of about 512 kilobytes to 1 megabyte, it can store more information than the ID card.

When the IC medium owned by the customer is a non-contact IC portable terminal, the information distributed through the screen of the terminal can be confirmed.
On the other hand, when the IC medium is a non-contact IC card, for example, a non-contact type using FeliCa (registered trademark) such as Pasori (registered trademark) in a personal computer connected to the processing server via the Internet. An electronic coupon can be acquired from the processing server by connecting a USB-compatible reader / writer capable of reading and writing the IC card and reading the contactless IC card.
As a result, there is no need to output the output settlement information data and the output data to the receipt, and as a result, no receipt paper is required.

  It is also possible to place the database in the processing server.

  In the above point service, the point grant rate can be changed for each store, for each terminal, or according to a period. This is because the point grant rate management table is provided with a “store ID” column, a “terminal ID” column, and a “period” column to prepare a plurality of records, and the store ID and terminal ID included in the additional information request. As a search condition, and using the point grant rate of the corresponding record.

Further, in the above point service, a discount ticket can be printed on a receipt and output to a customer who satisfies a certain condition such that the point reaches a certain reference value. Or it is also possible to distribute an electronic coupon to a non-contact IC portable terminal.
It is also possible to store information related to the date of birth of the customer in the customer management table in the database, and provide information based on the customer's attributes such as a point-doubling service for the birth month. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide an electronic coupon according to customer attributes such as a birth month coupon.

  When the present invention is applied to a shopping center, a common POS system is introduced into each store in the center, and the customer's interest is considered high by analyzing the past purchase history and purchase frequency of the customer. It is also possible to provide advertisement information and electronic coupons for in-stores.

  As is apparent from the above description, the present invention includes a program that can be assembled by a person skilled in the art based on common general knowledge in order to create additional information on the processing server. .

It is a block diagram which shows the structure about one Embodiment of the POS system containing the processing server and POS terminal which concern on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the POS terminal which performs a payment process. It is a block diagram which shows the example of an internal structure of the processing server 2a which produces additional information. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural example of the process server 2b which produces additional information. Flow chart showing a processing sequence based on one embodiment when a point value provided according to a settlement amount and a point balance after grant are output to a receipt and a screen when a store has introduced a point service It is. A flow showing a processing sequence based on another embodiment when the point value provided according to the settlement amount and the point balance after the grant are output to the receipt and the screen when the store introduces the point service FIG. It is an example of the receipt produced based on one Embodiment. It is an example of the receipt produced based on another embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1, 1a, 1b POS terminals 2, 2a, 2b Processing server 3 Database 4 Network 5 Non-contact IC card 6 Non-contact IC mobile terminal 7 Magnetic card 8 POS system 11 Control unit 12 Customer ID acquisition unit 13 Calculation unit 14 Input unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Data writing part 16 Processing server communication part 17 Receipt printer 18 Salesclerk screen 19 Customer screen 21 Processing part 22 POS terminal communication part 23 Database communication part 121 Magnetic recording medium reading part 122 IC chip reading part 123 Key input part 151 Magnetic recording Medium writing unit 152 IC chip writing unit 211 POS terminal authentication unit 212 Customer search unit 213 Point calculation unit 214 Coupon management unit 215 Output data creation unit 216 History storage unit 217 Output payment information data creation unit

Claims (14)

A processing server that communicates with a POS terminal and a database and creates additional information to be provided to a customer.
A POS terminal communication unit for receiving an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID and a customer ID from the POS terminal;
A POS terminal authentication unit for authenticating the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID;
An output data creation unit that obtains customer information of the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition, and creates additional information to be provided to the customer as output data based on the customer information; A processing server for transmitting the output data from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal. The additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal,
The processing server includes an output settlement information data creation unit that creates output settlement information data based on the additional information request including the settlement amount;
The processing server according to claim 1, wherein the output settlement information data is transmitted from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal. The additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal,
The processing server has a point calculation unit that calculates a point value to be given from the settlement amount and calculates a new point value of the customer;
The additional information includes the new point value.
The processing server according to claim 1. A customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring a customer ID and recognizing a balance;
An input unit for inputting a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
A processing server communication unit that transmits an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID to the processing server and receives output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server;
A calculation unit that performs payment processing by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount, and creates output payment information data including at least the payment amount;
A POS terminal comprising: the output settlement information data; and an output device that outputs the output data received from the processing server. A customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring a customer ID and recognizing a balance;
An input unit for inputting a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
A processing server communication unit that transmits an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID to the processing server and receives output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server;
A calculation unit that performs a payment process by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount;
A POS terminal comprising: output settlement information data including at least the settlement amount received from the processing server, and an output device that outputs the output data.   The POS terminal according to claim 4, further comprising an IC chip writing unit that transmits and writes at least the output data to the IC chip. For processing servers that communicate with POS terminals and databases and create additional information to provide to customers,
A procedure for receiving an additional information request including at least a POS terminal ID and a customer ID from the POS terminal;
Authenticating the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID;
Obtaining customer information of the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition, and creating additional information for providing to the customer as output data based on the customer information;
A program for executing the procedure of transmitting the output data from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal. The additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal,
A procedure for creating output payment information data based on the additional information request including the payment amount;
The program according to claim 7, further causing the processing server to execute a procedure of transmitting the output settlement information data from the POS terminal communication unit to the POS terminal. The additional information request further includes a payment amount when payment is made at the POS terminal,
8. The additional information includes the new point value, wherein the additional information is calculated from the settlement amount, and further causes the processing server to execute a procedure for calculating a new point value of the customer. program. In a POS system in which a POS terminal, a processing server for creating additional information to be provided to a customer, and a database are connected via a network,
The POS terminal is
A customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring a customer ID and recognizing a balance;
An input unit for inputting a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
A processing server communication unit for communicating with the processing server;
A calculation unit that performs payment processing by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount, and generates output payment information data including at least the payment amount;
With
The processing server
A POS terminal communication unit for communicating with the POS terminal;
A POS terminal authentication unit for authenticating the POS terminal;
An output data creation unit that creates additional data to be provided to customers as output data,
The POS terminal transmits an additional information request including the POS terminal ID and a customer ID to the processing server by the processing server communication unit,
When the processing server authenticates the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID, the processing server obtains customer information of the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition, and the output data based on the customer information Additional information to be provided to the customer by the creation unit is created as output data, and the output data is transmitted to the POS terminal,
The POS terminal outputs the output settlement information data created by the POS terminal and the output data received from the processing server to an output device of the POS terminal. In a POS system in which a POS terminal, a processing server for creating additional information to be provided to a customer, and a database are connected via a network,
The POS terminal is
A customer ID acquisition unit for acquiring a customer ID and recognizing a balance;
An input unit for inputting a settlement amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
A processing server communication unit for communicating with the processing server;
A calculation unit that performs a payment process by updating the balance of the customer ID using the payment amount;
With
The processing server
A POS terminal communication unit for communicating with the POS terminal;
A POS terminal authentication unit for authenticating the POS terminal;
An output data creation unit that creates additional information to be provided to the customer as output data;
An output settlement information data creation unit that creates the settlement information data for output from the settlement amount in the POS terminal,
The POS terminal transmits an additional information request including the POS terminal ID, a customer ID, and the payment amount to the processing server by the processing server communication unit,
When the processing server authenticates the POS terminal based on the POS terminal ID, the processing server obtains customer information of the customer by searching the database using the customer ID as a search condition, and sends the customer information based on the customer information. Create additional information to provide as output data, create payment information data for output from the payment amount,
The POS terminal outputs the output data and the output settlement information data received from the processing server to an output device of the POS terminal. The POS system according to claim 10, further comprising the POS terminal according to claim 11,
When the POS terminal is the POS terminal according to claim 10 which creates the output settlement information data, the processing server does not create the output settlement information data.
If the POS terminal is a POS terminal according to claim 11, wherein the POS terminal does not create the output settlement information data, the processing server creates the output settlement information data.
Here, the information regarding whether or not the POS terminal creates the output settlement information data is managed for each POS terminal in the database. Obtaining a customer ID;
Obtaining a payment amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
Transmitting an additional information request including at least the POS terminal ID to the processing server, and receiving output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server;
Performing payment processing using the payment amount, and creating output payment information data including at least the payment amount;
A data output method in a POS terminal, comprising: outputting the output settlement information data and the output data received from the processing server. Obtaining a customer ID;
Obtaining a payment amount when a customer having the customer ID purchases;
Transmitting an additional information request including at least the POS terminal ID to the processing server, and receiving output data including additional information created in response to the additional information request from the processing server;
Performing a payment process using the payment amount;
A data output method in a POS terminal, comprising: outputting output settlement information data including at least the settlement amount received from the processing server and the output data.

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