JP2023173312A - Information processor and program - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device and a program that enable efficient use of coupons. In an information processing system in which a server, a POS terminal, and a user terminal are communicably connected to each other via a network, the server, which is an information processing device, includes an acquisition unit and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires, from the accounting device, the user's first identification information or the user's second identification information, which is associated with the first identification information and issued by a business operator of a store that accounts for the user's transactions. The output unit is configured to output data of the plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information stored in the storage unit to be used at the store based on the first identification information or the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. If data of one or more possible coupons is included, data of one or more coupons usable at the store is output to the checkout device. [Selection diagram] Figure 2

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device and a program.

Coupons are distributed in retail or service industries. Coupons include paper coupons such as receipts, and electronic coupons that can be displayed on terminals such as smartphones.

When a store clerk uses a POS (Point of Sales) terminal to pay the bill, the customer presents the coupon to the clerk at the checkout location. For example, a store clerk inputs coupon information into a POS terminal by having the POS terminal read the coupon's identification code. The clerk visually checks the coupon and inputs the coupon information into the POS terminal by operating the POS terminal.

JP2016-99823A

Customers often look for coupons that can be used at checkout at the checkout location. However, customers have to search for electronic coupons using a terminal or search for paper coupons from their wallets or the like in a short period of time. Customers may lose the opportunity to use coupons because it is difficult to find coupons that can be used in a short period of time. Furthermore, if the coupon is a paper coupon, the customer may forget the coupon at home and thus lose the opportunity to use the coupon.

The problem to be solved by embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows coupons to be used efficiently.

In one embodiment, an information processing device includes an acquisition unit and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires, from the accounting device, the user's first identification information or the user's second identification information, which is associated with the first identification information and issued by a business operator of a store that accounts for the user's transactions. The output unit is configured to output data of a plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information stored in the storage unit to be used at the store based on the first identification information or the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. If data of one or more possible coupons is included, data of one or more coupons usable at the store is output to the checkout device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a server according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of customer code data according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of coupon management data according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of accounting processing by the processor of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of coupon processing accompanying checkout by the processor of the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a notification process when a coupon is added by the processor of the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing based on the expiration date by the processor of the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing based on a display request by the processor of the server according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing associated with coupon printing by the processor of the server according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[Embodiment]
(Configuration example)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S according to an embodiment.
The information processing system S includes a server 1, a POS terminal 2, and a user terminal 3. The server 1, POS terminal 2, and user terminal 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network. For example, the network may include one or more of various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The one or more networks may include wireless networks or may include wired networks. The information processing system S may refer to a system including at least two electronic devices of the server 1, the POS terminal 2, and the user terminal 3. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the information processing system S includes one POS terminal 2, the information processing system S may include a plurality of POS terminals 2.

The server 1 is an electronic device having an information processing function for promoting efficient use of coupons. Electronic devices include computers. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. A configuration example of the server 1 will be described later.

The POS terminal 2 is an electronic device capable of accounting for transactions at a store. Accounting includes payments for transactions involving goods or services. Accounting includes the meaning of payment. For example, the POS terminal 2 is a terminal where a store clerk registers a transaction object. Here, it is assumed that the POS terminal 2 is installed at a store a of supermarket A. The POS terminal 2 is an example of an accounting device. A configuration example of the POS terminal 2 will be described later.

The user terminal 3 is an electronic device owned by a user and capable of processing information. The user terminal 3 is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. Here, it is assumed that the user who owns the user terminal 3 is the user X. User includes the meaning of customer. The user terminal 3 is an example of a terminal.

An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the server 1 according to the embodiment.
The server 1 is an electronic device including a processor 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, and a communication interface 13. The parts constituting the server 1 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In FIG. 2, the interface is described as "I/F."

The processor 10 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. The processor 10 is a component of the computer of the server 1. For example, the processor 10 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. Processor 10 may be comprised of various circuits. The processor 10 loads a program stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 in advance into the main memory 11 . The program is a program that causes the processor 10 of the server 1 to realize each section described later and execute the functions of each section. The processor 10 executes various operations by executing programs loaded in the main memory 11.

The main memory 11 corresponds to the main memory portion of the server 1. The main memory 11 is a component of the computer of the server 1. Main memory 11 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or programs in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 is a component of the computer of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 10 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processing by the processor 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of a storage section.

Auxiliary storage device 12 includes a customer code storage area 121 . The customer code storage area 121 stores customer code data for each of a plurality of representative customer codes. The representative customer code is a unique code assigned to each user. The representative customer code differs for each user. The representative customer code is an example of first identification information. Here, it is assumed that user X is assigned a representative customer code "xxx". The customer code data includes one representative customer code of the user and a plurality of corporate customer codes of the user. A plurality of corporate customer codes are associated with a representative customer code. The corporate customer code is a different code from the representative customer code. A corporate customer code is a code issued by a business and is a unique code assigned to each user. The corporate customer code differs for each business operator even for the same user. Each user has a respective company customer code issued by each company. For example, a corporate customer code is a membership code. The corporate customer code is an example of second identification information.

Auxiliary storage device 12 includes coupon storage area 122 . The coupon storage area 122 stores a plurality of coupon management data associated with each of a plurality of representative customer codes. For example, the coupon storage area 122 stores a plurality of coupon management data associated with user X's representative customer code "xxx".

Coupon management data is data for managing coupons. A coupon is an incentive specified by a coupon type and a coupon value. Incentives arise with transactions. The coupon type is a type realized by a coupon such as a discount or a discount. The coupon type may include objects for which the coupon can be used. If the coupon type includes an object that can use the coupon, the discount or discount is a discount that specifies the object. A targeted discount is a discount from the targeted amount in a transaction. If the coupon type does not include a target for which the coupon can be used, the discount or discount is a discount that does not specify a target. A non-targeted discount is a discount from the transaction amount. The transaction amount is the total amount of the amounts of each object in the transaction. The coupon value is a value set for the coupon type. When the coupon type is a discount, the coupon value is a value indicating the amount of discount due to the discount. When the coupon type is discount, the coupon value is a value indicating the discount rate. Note that the coupon is not limited to a monetary discount. The coupon may be the provision of points or the like.

The coupon management data includes coupon data that specifies the coupon. The coupon data includes a coupon type and a coupon value. The coupon data may include a coupon code. A coupon code is a unique code assigned to a coupon. It can be said that the coupon storage area 122 stores coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with each of a plurality of representative customer codes. For example, it can be said that the coupon storage area 122 stores coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with user X's representative customer code "xxx". An example of the data structure of the coupon management data will be described later.

Auxiliary storage device 12 includes an electronic receipt storage area 123. The electronic receipt storage area 123 stores electronic receipt data regarding each transaction associated with each of a plurality of representative customer codes. Electronic receipt data is data that constitutes an electronic receipt indicating the details of a transaction. The transaction content may include details for each object in the transaction. The details of the object may include the amount of the object and the quantity of the object. The details of the transaction can include the amount of the transaction. The details of the transaction can include the details of the used coupon. For example, the electronic receipt storage area 123 stores electronic receipt data regarding each transaction associated with user X's representative customer code "xxx". The electronic receipt data related to each transaction associated with user X's representative customer code "xxx" is electronic receipt data related to a transaction using user X's representative customer code "xxx" or user X's corporate customer code. In this way, the representative customer code "xxx" of user X is identification information associated with electronic receipt data regarding user X's transactions.

The communication interface 13 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the server 1 to other electronic devices via a network according to a predetermined communication protocol.

Note that the hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted and changed, and new components to be added as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 10 will be explained.
The processor 10 implements an acquisition unit 101, an output unit 102, a determination unit 103, a generation unit 104, and a processing unit 105. Each unit implemented in the processor 10 can also be called each function. It can also be said that each unit implemented in the processor 10 is implemented in a control unit including the processor 10 and the main memory 11.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires data or information from the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 13 . The acquisition unit 101 acquires data or information from the user terminal 3 via the communication interface 13 .
The output unit 102 outputs data or information to the POS terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The output unit 102 outputs data or information to the user terminal 3 via the communication interface 13.
The determination unit 103 executes determination processing.
The generation unit 104 generates electronic receipt data.
The processing unit 105 processes data stored in the auxiliary storage device 12.

An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 2 will be explained.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment.
The POS terminal 2 is an electronic device including a processor 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a change machine interface 23, a communication interface 24, a scanner 25, an input device 26, a display device 27, a print device 28, and a card reader 29. . The processor 20, main memory 21, auxiliary storage device 22, change machine interface 23, communication interface 24, scanner 25, input device 26, display device 27, printing device 28, and card reader 29 are connected to each other so that they can input and output signals. ing. In FIG. 3, the interface is described as "I/F."

The processor 20 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 2. Processor 20 has the same hardware configuration as processor 10 described above. The processor 20 loads a program stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22 in advance into the main memory 21 . The program is a program that causes the processor 20 of the POS terminal 2 to realize each section described below and execute the functions of each section. The processor 20 executes various operations by executing programs loaded in the main memory 21.

The main memory 21 corresponds to the main memory portion of the POS terminal 2. Main memory 21 has the same hardware configuration as main memory 11 described above. Main memory 21 stores programs.

The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to an auxiliary storage portion of the POS terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 has the same hardware configuration as the auxiliary storage device 12 described above. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processor 20 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processing by the processor 20.

The change machine interface 23 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 23 inputs input amount data from an automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that communicably connect the POS terminal 2 to other electronic devices via a network according to a predetermined communication protocol.

The scanner 25 is a device that reads various code symbols and obtains information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbol is a barcode symbol or a two-dimensional code symbol. The code symbol may include a code symbol of a product in which a code that can identify the product is recorded. The product code symbol is an image attached to the product. The code symbol may include a code symbol recording a representative customer code. The code symbols may include code symbols that record corporate customer codes. The code symbol recording the representative customer code or the code symbol recording the corporate customer code may be an image attached to a card or an image displayable on the user terminal 3. The code symbol may include a code symbol for code payment.

The input device 26 is a device that can input instructions to the POS terminal 2. For example, input device 26 may include a keyboard. Input device 26 may constitute a touch screen together with display device 27.

The display device 27 is a device that can display various images under the control of the processor 20. Display device 27 may include a first display device for a store clerk and a second display device for a user. For example, the display device 27 is a liquid crystal display, an EL (electroluminescence) display, or the like.

The printing device 28 is a device for printing on a receipt. For example, the printing device 28 is a thermal printer, an inkjet printer, or the like.

The card reader 29 reads card data recorded on the magnetic stripe of the card medium.

Note that the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 is not limited to the above-described configuration. The POS terminal 2 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted and changed, and new components to be added as appropriate.

Each unit implemented in the above-mentioned processor 20 will be explained.
The processor 20 implements a detection unit 201, an acquisition unit 202, an output unit 203, a display control unit 204, and an accounting processing unit 205. Each unit implemented in the processor 20 can also be called each function. It can also be said that each unit implemented in the processor 20 is implemented in a control unit including the processor 20 and the main memory 21.

The detection unit 201 detects an instruction input via the input device 26.
The acquisition unit 202 acquires data or information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24 .
The output unit 203 outputs data or information to the server 1 via the communication interface 24.
The display control unit 204 controls the display of the display device 27.
The accounting processing unit 205 processes accounting for transactions. The accounting processing unit 205 processes transaction accounting according to the user's selection of a payment method. Payment methods include offline payment and online payment. Offline payment is a payment that does not require the POS terminal 2 to cooperate with other electronic devices via a network. For example, offline payment is payment using cash, gift certificates, and the like. Online payment is a payment performed by the POS terminal 2 in cooperation with other electronic devices via a network. For example, online payments include credit card payments, electronic money payments, debit card payments, and code payments.

Explain customer code data.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of customer code data.
The customer code storage area 121 stores customer code data for each of a plurality of representative customer codes.

Here, customer code data regarding the representative customer code "xxx" of user X will be explained as an example. It is assumed that User X has at least a corporate customer code of Super A, a corporate customer code of Super B, and a corporate customer code of Drug Store C. The customer code data includes a representative customer code "xxx". The customer code data includes a corporate customer code for supermarket A, a corporate customer code for supermarket B, and a corporate customer code for drugstore C. The corporate customer code of Super A, the corporate customer code of Super B, and the corporate customer code of Drugstore C are associated with the representative customer code "xxx".

The customer code storage area 121 stores a plurality of corporate customer codes associated with each of the plurality of representative customer codes using a plurality of customer code data. The number and types of corporate customer codes that each user has differs from user to user. Therefore, the number and types of corporate customer codes associated with the representative customer code vary from user to user.

The processing unit 105 updates the customer code data as appropriate. For example, when user X acquires a new corporate customer code, the processing unit 105 updates the customer code data so that the new corporate customer code is associated with the representative customer code "xxx". For example, when user X abolishes a corporate customer code, the processing unit 105 deletes this corporate customer code associated with representative customer code "xxx" from the customer code data.

Coupon management data will be explained.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of coupon management data.
The coupon management data shown in FIG. 5 is coupon management data associated with user X's representative customer code "xxx". For convenience of explanation, the coupon management data is numbered sequentially starting from 1, as shown in FIG. The coupon managed by the coupon management data with the number "1" is referred to as coupon "1". The coupon managed by the coupon management data with the number “2” is referred to as coupon “2”. The coupon managed by the coupon management data with the number “3” is referred to as coupon “3”.

The coupon management data includes a user company code, target store code, customer code, coupon code, coupon name, coupon content, coupon type, coupon value, expiration date, and issuing company code. These are related to each other. Coupon management data does not need to include all of these.

The usage company code is a unique company code assigned to a business that uses the coupon. The coupon management data with the number "1" includes the corporate code "AAA" of the supermarket A assigned to the supermarket A as the usage company code. Coupon "1" is a coupon that user X can use at supermarket A. Note that when the coupon management data includes a store code as a target store code to be described later, the use of the coupon is limited to the store indicated by the store code among the multiple stores of the business operator. Note that the coupon management data may not include a company code as a user company code. In this case, the coupon is a coupon that can be used by any business operator.

The target store code is a unique store code assigned to a store where the coupon can be used, among the multiple stores of the business that uses the coupon. The coupon management data with number "1" includes the store code "aaa" assigned to store a of supermarket A as the target store code. Coupon "1" is a coupon that can be used only at store a among the multiple stores of supermarket A. Note that the coupon management data may not include a store code as the target store code. In this case, the coupon can be used at any store of the business operator.

The customer code is a corporate customer code issued by the business operator indicated by the user company code. The coupon management data with number "1" includes user X's corporate customer code "yyy" as the customer code. The corporate customer code "yyy" of user X is a corporate customer code issued by Super A, which is indicated by the user company code "AAA." Note that businesses that do not operate a corporate customer code may use a representative customer code instead of the corporate customer code. In this case, the customer code is a representative customer code.

The coupon code is as described above.
The coupon name is the name of the product or service for which the coupon can be used.
The coupon content is information indicating the content of the coupon, such as the coupon type, coupon value, and expiration date.

The coupon types are as described above. The coupon management data with number "1" includes "discount for product i" which specifies the object for which coupon "1" can be used as the coupon type. The coupon management data with number "2" includes "discount for product j" which specifies the object for which coupon "2" can be used as the coupon type. The coupon management data with the number "3" includes "discount" as the coupon type, which does not specify a target for which the coupon "3" can be used.

The coupon value is as described above. The coupon management data with number "1" includes the discount amount "100 yen" as the coupon value. The coupon management data with number "2" includes the discount amount "50 yen" as the coupon value. The coupon management data with number "3" includes the discount rate "10%" as the coupon value.The expiration date is the time limit during which the coupon can be used. For example, the expiration date is the last date on which the coupon can be used.

The issuing company code is a unique company code assigned to the business that issued the coupon. The coupon management data with number "1" includes the company code "AAA" assigned to Super A as the issuing company code.

For example, when a new coupon is issued to user X, the processing unit 105 stores new coupon management data in the coupon storage area 122 in association with the representative customer code "xxx".

Note that the coupon may be an in-house coupon whose issuing company and user company match. For example, an in-house coupon is one that a supermarket or a restaurant issues to its customers, which can be used at its own store. The coupon may be a manufacturer coupon whose issuing company and user company match. For example, the manufacturer coupon is a discount coupon for carbonated drinks issued by a beverage manufacturer. The coupon may be a coupon from another industry where the issuing company and the using company do not match. Other-industry coupons are those in which an issuing company issues coupons from companies that use them to customers of the issuing company. For example, a drug store issues family restaurant coupons to drug store customers. By associating the representative customer code with the corporate customer code, it becomes possible to issue coupons that span such industries or business types.

(Operation example)
Next, an example of the operation of the information processing system S configured as described above will be described.
Note that the processing procedure described below is only an example, and each process may be changed as much as possible. Further, regarding the processing procedure described below, steps can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

The processing of the POS terminal 2 will be explained.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of accounting processing by the processor 20 of the POS terminal 2.
Here, an example in which user X purchases a product at store a will be described. Store A is a store that accounts for user X's transactions. It is assumed that the coupon data of the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" stored in the coupon storage area 122 includes coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at the store a.

User X takes the product to be traded at store A to the checkout location. For example, a store clerk uses the scanner 25 of the POS terminal 2 to register one or more products as objects of transaction. The clerk causes the scanner 25 to read the code symbol presented by the user X in which the representative customer code of the user X "xxx" or the corporate customer code of the user X "yyy" is recorded. The scanner 25 acquires user X's representative customer code "xxx" or user X's corporate customer code "yyy" from the code symbol. The corporate customer code "yyy" is the corporate customer code of user X issued by Super A, which is the operator of store a. It is assumed that, after registering each object of transaction, the clerk inputs accounting instructions regarding user X's transaction via input device 26. The accounting instruction is an instruction for starting transaction processing by the accounting processing unit 205.

The detection unit 201 detects the accounting instruction input via the input device 26 (ACT1).

The output unit 203 outputs information to the server 1 based on the accounting instruction (ACT2). In ACT2, for example, the output unit 203 outputs the representative customer code “xxx” or the corporate customer code “yyy” acquired by the scanner 25 to the server 1. The output unit 203 outputs the company code “AAA” of supermarket A and the store code “aaa” of store a to the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 22 may store the company code "AAA" of supermarket A and the store code "aaa" of store a. The company code "AAA" of Super A is an example of identification information regarding store a. The store code "aaa" for store a is an example of identification information regarding store a.

When the coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" includes coupon data of one or more coupons usable at store a, the acquisition unit 202 acquires the coupon data of one or more coupons usable at store a. Obtain coupon data from server 1 (ACT3). In ACT3, for example, the acquisition unit 202 obtains coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at store a as a response to the output unit 203 outputting the representative customer code “xxx” or corporate customer code “yyy” to the server 1. is obtained from server 1. Taking FIG. 5 as an example, the one or more coupons that can be used at store a are coupon "1" and coupon "2".

The accounting processing unit 205 determines whether the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at store a includes coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used in a transaction (ACT4). In ACT4, for example, the accounting processing unit 205 compares the object of the transaction and the coupon type included in the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction. Based on the comparison, the accounting processing unit 205 determines whether the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at store a includes the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used in a transaction.

An example in which product "i" and product "k" are the objects of user X's transaction will be described. It is assumed that the price of product "i" is 600 yen. It is assumed that the price of product "k" is 400 yen. Product "i" for which coupon "1" can be used is a transaction target. Therefore, coupon "1" is a coupon that can be used in transactions. Product "j" for which coupon "2" can be used is not subject to transaction. Therefore, coupon "2" is not a coupon that can be used in transactions. In this example, the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at store a includes coupon data of coupon "1" that can be used in a transaction. In ACT5 to ACT8 below, an example will be described in which product "i" and product "k" are the objects of user X's transaction.

An example in which product "k" and product "l" are transaction targets of user X will be described. Assume that the price of product "k" is 400 yen, as described above. It is assumed that the price of product "l" is 200 yen. Product “i” for which coupon “1” can be used is not subject to transaction. Therefore, coupon "1" is not a coupon that can be used in transactions. Product "j" for which coupon "2" can be used is not subject to transaction. Therefore, coupon "2" is not a coupon that can be used in transactions. In this example, the coupon data for one or more coupons that can be used at store a does not include coupon data for coupons that can be used in transactions. In ACT10 to ACT11 below, an example will be explained in which product "k" and product "l" are the objects of user X's transaction.

If the coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used at store a includes coupon data of one or more coupons that can be used in a transaction (ACT4, YES), processor 20 executes each process of ACT5 to ACT8. If the coupon data of one or more coupons usable at store a does not include coupon data of one or more coupons usable in a transaction (ACT4, NO), processor 20 executes each process of ACT10 to ACT11.

The accounting processing unit 205 applies one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction to the transaction (ACT5). In ACT5, for example, the accounting processing unit 205 obtains an amount of 500 yen by subtracting 100 yen indicated by the coupon value of coupon "1" from the amount of 600 yen for the product "i" that is the object of the transaction. The accounting processing unit 205 adds up the amount of 500 yen after applying coupon "1" to the amount of product "i" and the amount of 400 yen of product "k". The accounting processing unit 205 calculates the total amount of 900 yen as the amount of the transaction after applying one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction to the transaction.

The display control unit 204 causes the display device 27 to display the amount after applying one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction to the transaction (ACT6). In ACT6, for example, the display control unit 204 causes the display device 27 to display the transaction amount of 900 yen determined by the accounting processing unit 205.

The accounting processing unit 205 processes accounting for the transaction based on one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction (ACT7). In ACT7, for example, the accounting processing unit 205 processes the transaction amount of 900 yen determined by the accounting processing unit 205 in accordance with the selection of the payment method by the user. The accounting processing unit 205 treats coupons that can be used in transactions as coupons that have been used in transactions, based on transaction accounting processing. In the following, a coupon that has been used in a transaction is also referred to as a used coupon.

The output unit 203 outputs the used coupon information to the server 1 based on the transaction accounting process performed by the accounting processing unit 205 (ACT8). The used coupon information is information indicating one or more used coupons. The used coupon information may include coupon codes of one or more used coupons. For example, coupon "1" is a used coupon. The used coupon information may include the coupon code of coupon "1".

The output unit 203 outputs transaction data to the server 1 based on the transaction accounting process performed by the accounting processing unit 205 (ACT9). The transaction data is data indicating the details of the above-mentioned transaction. The transaction data is data used by the server 1 to generate electronic receipt data.

The display control unit 204 causes the display device 27 to display the amount of the transaction (ACT10). In ACT10, for example, the accounting processing unit 205 totals the amount of 400 yen for product "k" and the amount of 200 yen for product "l". The accounting processing unit 205 calculates the total amount of 600 yen as the transaction amount. The display control unit 204 causes the display device 27 to display the transaction amount of 600 yen determined by the accounting processing unit 205.

The accounting processing unit 205 processes transaction accounting (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the accounting processing unit 205 processes the transaction amount of 600 yen determined by the accounting processing unit 205 in accordance with the selection of the payment method by the user. The process transitions from ACT11 to ACT9 described above.

Note that in ACT2, the output unit 203 outputs information to the server 1 based on the accounting instruction, but the timing of outputting the information is not limited to this. The output unit 203 may output the information to the server 1 before issuing the accounting instruction. For example, the output unit 203 may output information to the server 1 based on the fact that the scanner 25 has acquired the representative customer code "xxx" or the corporate customer code "yyy".

The processing of the server 1 will be explained.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of coupon processing associated with checkout by the processor 10 of the server 1.
Here, an example in which user X purchases a product at store a will be described.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires information from the POS terminal 2 (ACT21). In ACT21, for example, the acquisition unit 101 acquires the representative customer code “xxx” or the corporate customer code “yyy” from the POS terminal 2. The acquisition unit 101 acquires the company code “AAA” and the store code “aaa” from the POS terminal 2.

Based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 101, the determination unit 103 determines whether the coupon data of the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code “xxx” includes coupon data of one or more coupons usable at store a. It is determined whether or not (ACT22). In ACT22, for example, the determination unit 103 determines coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code “xxx” based on the representative customer code “xxx” or the corporate customer code “yyy” acquired by the acquisition unit 101. Set as a judgment target. A case where the acquisition unit 101 acquires the representative customer code "xxx" will be described. Based on the representative customer code "xxx" acquired by the acquisition section 101, the determining unit 103 sets coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" in the coupon storage area 122 as a determination target. A case in which the acquisition unit 101 acquires the corporate customer code "yyy" will be described. The determining unit 103 acquires the representative customer code “xxx” associated with the corporate customer code “yyy” based on the customer code data including the corporate customer code “yyy” acquired by the acquiring unit 101. Based on the acquired representative customer code "xxx", the determination unit 103 sets coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" in the coupon storage area 122 as a determination target.

The determining unit 103 determines that coupon data of a plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code “xxx” can be used at store a based on the company code “AAA” and store code “aaa” acquired by the acquiring unit 101. Determine whether coupon data of one or more coupons is included. For example, the determination unit 103 compares the company code "AAA" and the store code "aaa" with the usage company code and target store code included in the coupon management data. Based on the comparison, the determining unit 103 determines whether the coupon data of the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" includes coupon data of one or more coupons usable at the store a. If the coupon management data includes the company code "AAA" as the usage company code and the store code "aaa" as the target store code, the coupon managed by the coupon management data is a coupon that can be used at store a. be. If the coupon management data includes the company code "AAA" as the usage company code but does not include the target store code, the coupon managed by the coupon management data is a coupon that can be used at store a. If the coupon management data does not include the user company code or target store code, the coupon managed by the coupon management data is a coupon that can be used at store a. If the coupon management data includes a company code different from the company code "AAA" as a usage company code, the coupon managed by the coupon management data is a coupon that cannot be used at store a. If the coupon management data includes the company code "AAA" as the user company code and a store code different from the store code "aaa" as the target store code, the coupon managed by the coupon management data will be used at store a. The coupon is not usable.

If the coupon data of the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" includes coupon data of one or more coupons usable at the store (ACT 22, YES), the output unit 102 outputs the coupon data of one or more coupons usable at the store a. The coupon data of the above coupons is output to the POS terminal 2 (ACT23).

When the acquisition unit 101 acquires used coupon information from the POS terminal 2 based on transaction accounting processing by the POS terminal 2 (ACT24, YES), the process transitions from ACT24 to ACT25. If the acquisition unit 101 does not acquire used coupon information from the POS terminal 2 based on the transaction accounting process by the POS terminal 2 (ACT 24, NO), the process transitions from ACT 24 to ACT 26.

The processing unit 105 processes the one or more used coupons so that the one or more used coupons cannot be used based on the used coupon information (ACT25). In ACT25, for example, the processing unit 105 may delete coupon management data including coupon data of used coupons from the coupon storage area 122. Thereby, the processing unit 105 can delete the coupon data of the used coupon. The processing unit 105 may add information indicating that the coupon cannot be used in association with the coupon data of the used coupon to the coupon management data including the coupon data of the used coupon. The manner in which the used coupon is processed by the processing unit 105 is not limited to this, and may be any manner in which the used coupon is rendered unusable.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires transaction data from the POS terminal 2 based on transaction accounting processing by the POS terminal 2 (ACT26).

The generation unit 104 generates electronic receipt data based on the transaction data (ACT27).

The processing unit 105 associates the electronic receipt data with the representative customer code "xxx" and stores it in the electronic receipt storage area 123 (ACT28).

If the coupon data of the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" does not include the coupon data of one or more coupons usable at store a (ACT 22, NO), the output unit 102 sends a notification to the POS terminal 2. (ACT29). The notification indicates that there are no coupons available for use at store a. The process transitions from ACT29 to ACT26 described above.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of notification processing performed by the processor 10 of the server 1 upon addition of a coupon.
Here, a case where a coupon is newly issued to user X will be explained as an example.

The processing unit 105 stores coupon data of a new coupon in the coupon storage area 122 in association with the representative customer code (ACT31). In ACT31, for example, the processing unit 105 stores coupon management data including coupon data of a new coupon in the coupon storage area 122 in association with the representative customer code "xxx". When the processing unit 105 stores the coupon data in the coupon storage area 122, the coupon becomes usable.

The output unit 102 outputs coupon information of the new coupon to the user terminal 3 (ACT32). The output unit 102 processes ACT32 based on the addition of coupon data of a new coupon associated with the representative customer code in the coupon storage area 122 by the processing unit 105. The coupon information of the new coupon is information indicating the content of the coupon included in the coupon management data that manages the new coupon. The user terminal 3 acquires coupon information of a new coupon from the server 1. The user terminal 3 displays coupon information of the new coupon.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing based on the expiration date by the processor 10 of the server 1.
Here, an explanation will be given using the coupon "1" associated with the representative customer code "xxx" of the user X illustrated in FIG. 5 as an example, but the same applies to any coupon.

The determining unit 103 determines whether the current processing date is a predetermined number of days before the expiration date set for the coupon "1" (ACT41). The predetermined number of days may be different for each coupon or may be the same. If the current processing date is not the predetermined number of days before the expiration date set for the coupon "1" (ACT41, NO), the determination unit 103 continues the processing in ACT41. If the current processing date is a predetermined number of days before the expiration date set for coupon "1" (ACT41, YES), the process transitions from ACT41 to ACT42. It is assumed that coupon "1" is not used after it becomes usable until a predetermined number of days before the expiration date.

The output unit 102 outputs the coupon information of coupon "1" to the user terminal 3 a predetermined number of days before the expiration date (ACT42). The coupon information of coupon "1" is information indicating the content of the coupon included in the coupon management data that manages coupon "1". The user terminal 3 acquires coupon information for coupon "1" from the server 1 a predetermined number of days before the expiration date. The user terminal 3 displays coupon information for coupon "1".

The determination unit 103 determines whether the current processing date has passed the expiration date set for the coupon "1" (ACT43). If the current processing date has not passed the expiration date set for the coupon "1" (ACT41, NO), the determination unit 103 continues the processing in ACT43. If the current processing date has passed the expiration date set for the coupon "1" (ACT43, YES), the processing transitions from ACT43 to ACT44. It is assumed that coupon "1" has not been used from a predetermined number of days before the expiration date until the expiration date.

The processing unit 105 processes the coupon "1" so that the coupon "1" cannot be used if the expiration date has passed without being used (ACT44). In ACT44, for example, the processing unit 105 may delete the coupon management data including the coupon data of coupon “1” from the coupon storage area 122. Thereby, the processing unit 105 can delete the coupon data of coupon "1". The processing unit 105 may add information indicating that the coupon "1" cannot be used in association with the coupon data of the coupon "1" to the coupon management data including the coupon data of the coupon "1". The manner in which the coupon "1" is processed by the processing unit 105 is not limited to this and may be any manner in which the coupon "1" is made unusable.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing based on a display request by the processor 10 of the server 1.
Here, the description will be made assuming that the user X inputs a coupon display instruction using the user terminal 3. The coupon display instruction is an instruction for causing the user terminal 3 to display coupon information of at least one coupon among the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx". The selection of at least one coupon among the plurality of coupons may be input by the user X at the user terminal 3.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires a coupon display request from the user terminal 3 (ACT51). The coupon display request is a request output from the user terminal 3 based on a coupon display instruction inputted at the user terminal 3.

Based on the coupon display request, the output unit 102 outputs coupon information of at least one coupon among the plurality of coupons associated with the representative customer code "xxx" to the user terminal 3 (ACT52). The coupon information of at least one coupon is information indicating coupon content included in coupon management data that manages each of the at least one coupon.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure involved in coupon printing by the processor 10 of the server 1.
Here, an explanation will be given using the coupon "1" associated with the representative customer code "xxx" of the user X illustrated in FIG. 5 as an example, but the same applies to any coupon. It is assumed that user X inputs an instruction to print coupon "1" onto a paper medium using user terminal 3.

The acquisition unit 101 acquires a notification of printing coupon "1" (ACT61). The print notification is a request output from the user terminal 3 based on a coupon print instruction input at the user terminal 3. The printing notification indicates that coupon "1" has been printed.

The processing unit 105 processes the coupon "1" so that the coupon "1" cannot be used based on the printing of the coupon "1" (ACT62). The processing of ACT62 may be similar to the processing of ACT44.

(effect)
An accounting device according to an embodiment will be described.
The acquisition unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment is configured to acquire data of a plurality of coupons associated with the user's first identification information stored in the storage unit, one or more coupons that can be used at the store where the user's transaction is to be accounted for. , data on one or more coupons that can be used at the store is obtained. The accounting processing unit of the accounting device performs transaction accounting based on the one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction, when the data on the one or more coupons that can be used at the store includes data on the one or more coupons that can be used in the transaction. process.
Thereby, the accounting device can automatically acquire one or more coupons that can be used in the user's transaction from among the plurality of coupons associated with the user's first identification information. Users do not have to search for available coupons in transactions, so they do not lose the opportunity to use coupons. Since the accounting device processes electronic coupons, the user does not forget the coupons at home and lose the opportunity to use them, unlike paper coupons. In this way, the accounting device allows coupons to be used efficiently. Additionally, time-consuming operations such as the user presenting the coupon at the checkout location and entering the coupon information into the checkout device are no longer necessary. Therefore, the occurrence of congestion at the checkout location is suppressed. Furthermore, even if the checkout device is a self-service POS terminal, there is no need to provide a clerk to visually check and collect paper coupons. Therefore, it is possible to make the store unmanned or to reduce the number of employees. Additionally, the checkout device does not require paper coupons, thereby reducing paper usage.

The output unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment outputs the first identification information or the second identification information of the user, which is associated with the first identification information and issued by the business operator of the store, to the information processing device. The acquisition unit of the accounting device acquires data of one or more coupons usable at the store from the information processing device in response to the output of the first identification information or the second identification information by the output unit.
Thereby, the accounting device can acquire data on one or more coupons that can be used at the store, regardless of whether the first identification information or the second identification information is input. Therefore, for example, by simply inputting a membership code unique to the store, the accounting device can not only acquire coupons that can be used at the store, but also process the awarding of points associated with the membership code.

In the accounting device according to the embodiment, the first identification information is identification information associated with electronic receipt data related to a transaction.
Thereby, the electronic receipt data for each transaction by the user can be managed in association with the first identification information, similarly to the plurality of coupons that can be used by the user. Therefore, for example, the user can view electronic receipts and view coupons using the same service using the first identification information.

The output unit of the accounting device according to the embodiment outputs information indicating one or more coupons used in the transaction based on the transaction accounting process performed by the accounting processing unit.
Thereby, the accounting device can notify the information processing device of information on used coupons based on the use of the coupons. Therefore, the information processing device can appropriately manage the coupons, such as disabling the used coupons so that they cannot be used, based on the information about the used coupons from the accounting device.

An information processing device according to an embodiment will be described.
The acquisition unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment acquires the user's first identification information or the user's second identification information that is associated with the first identification information and issued by the business operator of the store that accounts for the user's transactions. is obtained from the accounting device. The output unit of the information processing device outputs data of a plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information stored in the storage unit based on the first identification information or the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. includes data on one or more coupons usable at the store, the data on the one or more coupons usable at the store is output to the checkout device.
Thereby, the information processing device can automatically output to the accounting device one or more coupons that can be used at the store where the user's transaction is being accounted for, among the plurality of coupons associated with the user's first identification information. can. The information processing device can assist the accounting device in obtaining one or more coupons that can be used in a transaction without requiring user interaction. In this way, the information processing device allows coupons to be used efficiently.

The acquisition unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment acquires information indicating one or more coupons that have been used in a transaction from the accounting device, based on the accounting process of the transaction by the accounting device. The processing unit of the information processing device processes the one or more coupons used in the transaction so that the one or more coupons used in the transaction cannot be used, based on the information indicating the one or more coupons used in the transaction. .
Thereby, the information processing device can prevent used coupons from being used again. Therefore, the information processing device can appropriately manage coupons.

The output unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment outputs coupon information to a user's terminal based on the addition of coupon data associated with the first identification information in the storage unit.
Thereby, the information processing device can notify the user of coupon information each time a coupon is issued to the user. The information processing device can provide a user with an opportunity to use a newly issued coupon. The user can easily understand what kind of coupon has been issued to him/her.

In the information processing device according to the embodiment, the plurality of coupons include coupons with expiration dates set. The output unit of the information processing device outputs the coupon information to the user's terminal a predetermined number of days before the expiration date.
Thereby, the information processing device can notify the user of information about coupons that have not been used even a predetermined number of days before the expiration date. The information processing device can give the user an opportunity to use the coupon before the expiration date. The user can know which coupons can be used before the expiration date, even if the coupons have been issued for a number of days.

The processing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment processes the coupon so that the coupon cannot be used if the expiration date has passed without being used.
Thereby, the information processing device can prevent a coupon whose expiration date has passed from being used. Therefore, the information processing device can appropriately manage coupons.

The acquisition unit of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment acquires a coupon display request from a user's terminal. The output unit of the information processing device outputs information about at least one of the plurality of coupons to a user's terminal based on the display request.
Thereby, the information processing device can output information about at least one coupon that is centrally managed in association with the first identification information so that it can be displayed on the user's terminal. Therefore, the user can check coupon information in a list even if the coupons can be used by different businesses.

The processing unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment processes the coupons so that they cannot be used based on the printing of the coupons included in the plurality of coupons.
Thereby, when a coupon is printed, the information processing device can prevent the same coupon from being used for both paper media and data. Therefore, the information processing device can appropriately manage coupons.

[Other embodiments]
Although the above embodiment has been described using an example of transaction at a physical store, the present invention is not limited thereto. The accounting device program described in the embodiment can also be applied to transactions at EC (Electronic Commerce) sites such as online shops and online supermarkets. In this example, the "store" in the above embodiment includes a virtual store. A virtual store may also be read as an EC site or service.

In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 2, which has a registration function and a checkout function, and in which a store clerk intervenes in product registration and checkout, has been described as an example of an information processing device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The information processing device may be a self-service POS terminal that has a registration function and an accounting function, and allows a user to complete transactions from registration to accounting without the intervention of a store clerk. The information processing device may be a self-service POS terminal that has a checkout function and allows the user to pay the checkout without the intervention of a store clerk.

The information processing device may be realized by one electronic device, as explained using the server 1 as an example, or may be realized by a system in which functions are distributed among a plurality of electronic devices.

The above embodiment may be configured as follows.
[1] If the data of a plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information of the user stored in the storage unit includes data of one or more coupons that can be used at a store that accounts for the transaction of the user, the an acquisition unit that acquires data on one or more coupons that can be used at the store;
When data of one or more coupons usable at the store includes data of one or more coupons usable in the transaction, an accounting process for accounting for the transaction based on the one or more coupons usable in the transaction; a processing section;
Accounting device.
[2] further comprising an output unit that outputs the first identification information or second identification information of the user associated with the first identification information and issued by the business operator of the store to an information processing device;
The acquisition unit acquires data of one or more coupons that can be used at the store from the information processing device as a response to the output of the first identification information or the second identification information by the output unit.
The accounting device according to [1].
[3] The accounting device according to [1], wherein the first identification information is identification information associated with electronic receipt data regarding the transaction.
[4] The accounting device according to [1], further comprising an output unit that outputs information indicating one or more coupons used in the transaction based on the accounting process for the transaction by the accounting processing unit.
[5] To the computer,
If data on a plurality of coupons associated with the user's first identification information stored in the storage unit includes data on one or more coupons that can be used at a store that accounts for the user's transaction, the coupons can be used at the store. A function to obtain data of one or more possible coupons,
When data of one or more coupons usable at the store includes data of one or more coupons usable in the transaction, a function of processing accounting for the transaction based on the one or more coupons usable in the transaction. and,
A program to run.

The program may be transferred while being stored in the electronic device, or may be transferred without being stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or may be transferred while being recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is an electronic device readable medium. The recording medium may be any type of medium, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it can store a program and can be read by an electronic device.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Server, 2... POS terminal, 3 User terminal, 10... Processor, 11... Main memory, 12... Auxiliary storage device, 13... Communication interface, 20... Processor, 21... Main memory, 22... Auxiliary storage device, 23... Change machine interface, 24... Communication interface, 25... Scanner, 26... Input device, 27... Display device, 28... Printing device, 29... Card reader, 101... Acquisition section, 102... Output section, 103... Judgment section, 104... Generation unit, 105... Processing unit, 121... Customer code storage area, 122... Coupon storage area, 123... Electronic receipt storage area, 201... Detection unit, 202... Acquisition unit, 203... Output unit, 204... Display control unit, 205 ...Accounting processing department, S...Information processing system.

Claims (8)

an acquisition unit that acquires from an accounting device first identification information of the user or second identification information of the user associated with the first identification information and issued by a business operator of a store that accounts for transactions of the user; ,
Based on the first identification information or the second identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, data of a plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information stored in the storage unit is acquired at the store. an output unit that outputs data of one or more coupons usable at the store to the accounting device if the data includes data of one or more coupons that can be used at the store;
Information processing device. further comprising a processing unit that processes the coupon;
The acquisition unit acquires information indicating one or more coupons used in the transaction from the accounting device based on accounting processing of the transaction by the accounting device,
The processing unit processes the one or more coupons used in the transaction so that the one or more coupons used in the transaction cannot be used, based on information indicating the one or more coupons used in the transaction. ,
The information processing device according to claim 1. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the coupon information to the user terminal based on addition of coupon data associated with the first identification information in the storage unit. . The plurality of coupons include coupons with expiration dates set,
The output unit outputs the coupon information to the user's terminal a predetermined number of days before the expiration date.
The information processing device according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a processing unit that processes the coupon so that the coupon cannot be used if the expiration date has passed without the coupon being used. The acquisition unit acquires a coupon display request from the user's terminal,
The output unit outputs information on at least one coupon among the plurality of coupons to the user's terminal based on the display request.
The information processing device according to claim 1. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit that processes the coupon so that the coupon cannot be used based on printing of a coupon included in the plurality of coupons. to the computer,
a function of acquiring from an accounting device first identification information of the user or second identification information of the user associated with the first identification information and issued by a business operator of a store that accounts for transactions of the user;
Based on the acquired first identification information or second identification information, data of a plurality of coupons associated with the first identification information stored in the storage unit are available for use at the store. If the above coupon data is included, a function of outputting data of one or more coupons usable at the store to the accounting device;
A program to run.