JP7737882B2 - Accounting devices and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to accounting devices and programs.

Conventionally, coupons have been distributed to customers who purchase products as part of product sales promotions or to attract customers to stores. Customers can use the coupons to purchase products sold in the store at a discount, for example.

Coupons distributed may include coupons that are distributed to all customers, coupons related to the product purchased, coupons related to the customer if the customer can be identified, etc., and the number and types of coupons distributed may be large.

In recent years, payment devices have become common that automatically print and issue coupons on the receipt issued when payment for purchased items (checkout process) is completed. These payment devices display available coupons for customers to select, and customers can select the coupon they need from the displayed coupons and have it issued.

However, if there are a large number of coupons that can be issued, issuing all of them requires specifying each coupon individually and operating the issuing key, which takes time to issue the coupons and increases the burden of the issuing operation. Similar problems also arise when digitizing coupons and sending them to customer information terminals.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an accounting device and program that can print all coupons that can be printed with simple operations.

The accounting device of the embodiment comprises a payment processing means for performing payment processing for merchandise transactions, a receipt output means for outputting information related to the merchandise for which payment processing has been performed, a display means for displaying coupons that can be output on a display unit, a selection means for selecting a coupon to output from the displayed coupons, a coupon output means for outputting the selected coupon, and an all-coupon output means for outputting all of the coupons displayed by the display means with a single key operation without having to select one with the selection means .

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire checkout system according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the product data registration device. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the product data registration device and the accounting device. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a coupon selection screen on the checkout device. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the coupon server. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the product data registration device. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the accounting device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the accounting device. FIG. 10 shows an example of a receipt and coupon issued by the checkout device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the coupon server.

The following describes the checkout device according to the embodiment. In the embodiment, a checkout device in a semi-self-service checkout system equipped with a product data registration device and a checkout device will be described as an example of a checkout device. Also, in the embodiment, a checkout device that prints and issues coupons will be described as an example of a checkout device.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the entire checkout system 101 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the checkout system 101 comprises a product data registration device 102 where an operator O, who is a checker (store clerk), performs product registration operations, and an accounting device 103 where a customer C performs payment (accounting) operations themselves. The product data registration device 102 is installed on a horizontally long table-shaped workbench 104. Each product data registration device 102 and each accounting device 103 are electrically connected to each other via a network NT, such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

For example, two accounting devices 103 are provided for one product data registration device 102. In the example of Figure 1, two accounting devices 103, accounting device 1 and accounting device 2, are connected to one product data registration device 102. Furthermore, two accounting devices 103, accounting device 3 and accounting device 4, are connected to another product data registration device 102. Each accounting device 103 is installed close to the product data registration device 102.

The checkout system 101 also includes a coupon server 70. The coupon server 70 is electrically connected to the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 via the network NT. The coupon server 70 stores information on various coupons to be issued to customer C.

The coupons stored in the coupon server 70 are typically coupons for discounts on product prices, but they may also be coupons for things other than product price discounts, such as coupons for prizes, participation in events, points, etc., as long as they contribute to sales promotion, such as increasing customer C's desire to purchase and motivating them to visit the store.

Coupons issued by a store may be a variety of coupons, such as a general coupon issued to all customers C, a coupon issued to customers C who purchase specific products, a coupon appropriate for a specific age or gender, a coupon issued to a specific customer C, a coupon based on customer C's purchase history, or a coupon related to the date and time that customer C visited the store. Coupons issued to specific customers C are, for example, coupons issued to loyal customers of the store. Coupons based on customer C's purchase history are, for example, coupons related to products that customer C has purchased frequently in the past. Coupons related to the date and time that customer C visited the store are, for example, coupons issued to customers C who visited the store during the store's off-peak period. Other coupons may be specific to the payment method used by customer C. For example, a coupon issued when payment is made using a card issued by the store.

Next, the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 will be described in detail. First, the product data registration device 102 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the product data registration device 102. As shown in Figure 2, the product data registration device 102, which is installed on the top surface of the workbench 104, is constructed based on a vertical scanner 111 having a reading window 112. The scanner 111 has an imaging unit (not shown) located behind the reading window 112. The scanner 111 is a device that uses the imaging unit to capture and read code information such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes attached to products. Note that the scanner 111 may also be a device that optically reads code information.

The product data registration device 102 also has a display 114 with a touch panel 113 and an operation unit 115 above the scanner 111. The display 114 displays the product name, price, etc. of the product captured by the imaging unit of the scanner 111. The touch panel 113 and operation unit 115 are intended to assist in the input of product data.

A printer 116 is provided to the left of the product data registration device 102 when viewed from the operator O's side. The printer 116 issues receipts on which transaction data such as the identification data (described below) and the total amount for one transaction are printed.

In addition, a customer-side display 117 for customer C is provided on the left side of the product data registration device 102 as viewed from the operator O's side.

The product data registration device 102 references the PLU file F (see Figure 4) and acquires code information, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, attached to the product contained in the image captured by the imaging unit to identify the product. The product data registration device 102 then performs product data processing, described below, on the identified product.

Next, we will explain the accounting device 103. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting device 103. In this embodiment, the accounting device 103 is configured to also function as a self-service POS (Point of Sales) terminal when idle, allowing customer C to perform product registration and accounting operations.

The accounting device 103 comprises an information processing device 2 (see Figure 4), a vertical stationary scanner 5, a display/operation panel 6, a hand scanner 7, a card reader/writer 8, a printer 9, a first housing 10, and a second housing 11. The first housing 10 is a box that houses the information processing device 2 and is placed on the floor. The second housing 11 is the outer shell of the stationary scanner 5 and printer 9 and is provided on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10.

The stationary scanner 5 has an imaging window 5a provided at the top of the first housing 10 and an imaging unit (not shown) built into the first housing 10. The imaging unit captures an image of a code symbol, such as a barcode, held in front of the imaging window 5a and decodes the captured code symbol image. The imaging unit then outputs the decoded code information to the information processing device 2. When performing generic object recognition, the imaging unit captures an image of a product held in front of the imaging window 5a and outputs the image to the information processing device 2.

The hand scanner 7 is located at the top of the front surface 10b of the first housing 10. A holder 10c that holds the hand scanner 7 in a hooked state is provided at the top right of the front surface 10b of the first housing 10.

The display/operation panel 6 includes a display 61 (display unit) and a touch panel 62, and is provided in the second housing 11. The display 61 displays images under the control of the information processing device 2. The touch panel 62 is provided on the display surface of the display 61, and outputs information to the information processing device 2 based on the position touched by the operator O.

The card reader/writer 8 is disposed next to the second housing 11 and is provided on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10. The card reader/writer 8 electrically or magnetically reads and writes information on point cards, credit cards, etc.

The change machine 105 has a coin insertion slot 41, a banknote withdrawal slot 42, and a coin withdrawal section 43. The coin withdrawal section 43 has a payout opening 431 and a receiving tray 432. The change machine 105 accepts banknotes and coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 41, sorts them, and stores them. The change machine 105 then dispenses change from the payout opening 431 in response to a request from the information processing device 2. The dispensed change is received by the receiving tray 432.

The printer 9 has a printing unit (not shown) built into the second housing 11 and a receipt issuing port 91 provided on the front surface 11a of the second housing 11. The printer 9 issues (outputs) receipts printed by the printing unit from the receipt issuing port 91 in accordance with the control of the information processing device 2. The printer 9 also prints and issues (outputs) various coupons to be issued to customer C.

The information processing device 2 is built into the first housing 10 and provides overall control over the various components of the accounting device 103 (the change dispenser 105, the fixed scanner 5, the display/operation panel 6, the hand scanner 7, the card reader/writer 8, and the printer 9). The information processing device 2 acquires code information from the product data registration device 102. The information processing device 2 also outputs information to be displayed on the display 61 of the display/operation panel 6, and acquires information on operations performed by the operator O from the touch panel 62. Furthermore, the information processing device 2 tracks deposits into the change dispenser 105 and instructs the change dispenser 105 to dispense money.

The accounting device 103 also has a basket stand 21 on one side of the first housing 10. The basket stand 21 is a storage stand where customer C places a basket when making a payment.

Furthermore, the accounting device 103 has a display pole 22 erected on the top surface 10a of the first housing 10 as a notification unit that displays the current status of the accounting device 103. The display pole 22 has a light-emitting portion 22a at its tip that selectively emits light in blue or red.

Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103.

As shown in FIG. 4, the product data registration device 102 includes a computer-configured control unit 150 that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is an example of a processor, and storage media such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (neither of which are shown). The CPU is the main controller. The ROM stores various programs and data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs, and stores product information indicating product sales records and various screen display data to be displayed on the display 114. The control unit 150 executes the control processing of the product data registration device 102, which will be described later, by the CPU operating in accordance with a control program stored in ROM or the like and loaded into the RAM.

The control unit 150 controls devices such as the scanner 111, touch panel 113, display 114, operation unit 115 such as a keyboard, printer 116, customer-side display 117, and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 136 via the I/O (Input/Output) device control unit 139 and bus 138, and controls the entire product data registration device 102.

The operation unit 115 has a subtotal key 1151 for declaring the end of a transaction, and a transfer destination key 1154 for specifying the destination of the transaction data.

The HDD 136, which serves as storage means, stores a program 137 executable by the CPU of the control unit 150 and a PLU file F. The PLU file F is a file that stores and associates a product code uniquely assigned to each product with information about the product, such as the product name, price, and product classification.

The control unit 150 communicates with the coupon server 70 and the accounting device 103 connected to the network NT via the communication I/F 140.

As shown in FIG. 4, the accounting device 103 is equipped with a computer-configured control unit 50 in the information processing device 2, which is composed of a CPU, which is an example of a processor, and storage media such as ROM and RAM (neither shown). The CPU is the main controller. The ROM stores various programs and data executed by the CPU. The RAM temporarily stores data and programs when the CPU executes various programs, and stores sales data indicating product sales records and various screen display data to be displayed on the display 61. The control unit 50 executes the control processing of the accounting device 103, which will be described later, by the CPU operating in accordance with a control program stored in ROM or the like and expanded in RAM.

The control unit 50 controls devices such as the touch panel 62, display 61, fixed scanner 5, hand scanner 7, card reader/writer 8, printer 9, change dispenser 105, display pole 22, and HDD 36 via the I/O device control unit 39 and bus 38, and controls the entire accounting device 103.

The card reader/writer 8 reads information from a customer's point card or credit card inserted through the card insertion slot. The printer 9 prints receipts and coupons after the payment process and issues (outputs) them from the receipt issuing port 91. The change dispenser 105 processes bills and coins inserted into the coin insertion port 41. The change dispenser 105 also dispenses change from the dispensing port 431 upon request.

The HDD 36, which serves as the storage unit, stores programs 37 and PLU files F that can be executed by the control unit 50.

The control unit 50 communicates with the coupon server 70 and product data registration device 102 connected to a network NT such as a LAN via the communication I/F 40.

Next, we will explain the coupon selection screen on the accounting device 103. When the payment process is completed, the accounting device 103 displays a coupon selection screen for selecting coupons that can be issued to the customer C. Figure 5 shows an example of the coupon selection screen on the accounting device 103.

As shown in FIG. 5, coupon selection screen G is displayed on display 61. Coupon selection screen G displays one or more coupons that can be issued to customer C who is making a transaction. In the example of FIG. 5, images showing six types of coupons, coupons A to F, are displayed as coupon keys 611. A touch panel 62 is attached to display 61. By operating (touching) touch panel 62 at a position corresponding to coupon key 611, that coupon is selected (designated). For example, coupon A is selected by operating touch panel 62 at a position corresponding to coupon A (a position above coupon A). Hereinafter, operating touch panel 62 at a position corresponding to coupon key 611 will be referred to as operating coupon key 611.

In Figure 5, coupon keys 611 are displayed in the order of coupon A, coupon B, coupon C, coupon D, coupon E, and coupon F, arranged from top left to bottom right. This means that coupon A has the highest priority (high value for use, frequently used in the past) for customer C, and coupon F has the lowest priority (low value for use, not used much in the past), with coupons A to F arranged in order of priority. In other words, coupon A, located in the top left, is the coupon with the highest value for customer C, and is displayed in the most visible and easiest to select position. In other words, coupons are displayed in order from highest priority to lowest priority from top left to bottom right.

Coupon selection screen G also displays a print key 612. After selecting the coupon that customer C needs from the displayed image of the coupon key 611, customer C can operate the touch panel 62 at the position corresponding to the print key 612, which causes the printer 9, which serves as the printing unit, to print the selected coupon along with the receipt. Hereinafter, operating the touch panel 62 at the position corresponding to the print key 612 will be referred to as operating the print key 612.

The coupon selection screen G also displays a print all key 613. When the coupon key 611 is displayed, operating the touch panel 62 in the position corresponding to the print all key 613 without selecting a coupon will cause the printer 9 to print all of the coupons displayed as coupon keys 611 along with the receipt. Hereinafter, operating the touch panel 62 in the position corresponding to the print all key 613 will be referred to as operating the print all key 613. In other words, the print all key 613 is a key for printing all of the displayed coupons at once. If customer C wants to print all of the displayed coupons, customer C simply operates the print all key 613 without operating the coupon key 611 to select a coupon, and the control unit 50 of the checkout device 103 will print all of the coupons that can be issued to customer C and are displayed on the coupon selection screen G.

Coupon selection screen G also displays a No Coupon Required key 614. When the coupon key 611 is displayed and the touch panel 62 is operated at a position corresponding to the No Coupon Required key 614 without selecting a coupon, the control unit 50 executes a process to not print any of the displayed coupons. Hereinafter, operating the touch panel 62 at a position corresponding to the No Coupon Required key 614 will be referred to as operating the No Coupon Required key 614. In other words, the No Coupon Required key 614 is a key that prints a receipt for the transaction but does not print coupons that can be issued to customer C and are displayed on the display 61. If customer C does not need any of the displayed coupons, they can operate the No Coupon Required key 614 to avoid issuing the unnecessary coupons.

Next, the hardware configuration of the coupon server 70 will be described. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the coupon server 70. As shown in Figure 6, the coupon server 70 includes a CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74. The CPU 71 is the main controller. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, ROM 72, RAM 73, and memory unit 74 are connected to one another via a bus 75. The CPU 71, ROM 72, and RAM 73 constitute the control unit 700. In other words, the control unit 700 executes the control processing of the coupon server 70, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 72 or memory unit 74 and loaded in the RAM 73.

RAM 73 includes a coupon storage unit 731. The coupon storage unit 731 stores information about coupons that can be distributed to customer C who has made an inquiry (information about the image of the coupon key 611 displayed on the display 61).

The memory unit 74 is composed of non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, which retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 741 that stores the control program that controls the coupon server 70, and a coupon information unit 742. The coupon information unit 742 stores image information for all coupons issued by the store to customer C.

The control unit 700 is also connected to the operation unit 77 and display unit 78 via the bus 75 and controller 76.

The operation unit 77 is, for example, a keyboard or touch panel, operated by the operator of the coupon server 70. The display unit 78 is, for example, an LCD display, and displays information to the operator of the coupon server 70.

The control unit 700 is also connected to the communication unit 79 via the bus 75. The communication unit 79 is electrically connected to the product data registration device 102 and the accounting device 103 via the network NT, and transmits and receives information to and from them.

Next, we will explain the control of the product data registration device 102. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the product data registration device 102. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 150 of the product data registration device 102 determines whether a product code, which is product identification information that identifies the product, has been acquired based on the code information read by the scanner 111 (S11). If it is determined that a product code has been acquired (Yes in S11), the control unit 150 executes product data processing for the product based on the acquired product code (S12). Product data processing includes processing to acquire product information such as the product name and price of the product corresponding to the acquired product code from the PLU file F based on the acquired product code, display this on the display 114 and the customer-side display 117, and store this product information in RAM. The control unit 150 then returns to S11.

Also, if it is determined that the request is not to obtain a product code (No in S11), the control unit 150 determines whether the subtotal key 1151 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the subtotal key 1151 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 150 calculates the total amount for the transaction based on the product information stored in RAM and displays it on the display 114 and the customer-side display 117 (S22). The control unit 150 then searches for an accounting device 103 to which the product information and total amount for the transaction can be transferred (an accounting device that is not currently being used by another customer C), and displays a transfer destination key 1154 displaying the number indicating that accounting device 103 (S23). The operator O, who operates the product data registration device 102, operates the displayed transfer destination key 1154.

The control unit 150 determines whether the transfer destination key 1154 has been operated (S24). The control unit 150 waits until it is operated (No in S24), and if it determines that the transfer destination key 1154 has been operated (Yes in S24), the control unit 150 sends the product information and total amount information to the accounting device 103 specified by the operated transfer destination key 1154. The product information and total amount information may be sent directly from the product data registration device 102 to the accounting device 103, or may be sent from the product data registration device 102 to the accounting device 103 via a store server (not shown). The control unit 150 then ends processing and returns to S11. If it determines that the subtotal key 1151 was not operated (No in S21), the control unit 150 returns to S11.

The product data registration device 102, which executes this control, processes product data for the products purchased by customer C and transmits the product information and total price information to the accounting device 103.

Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the accounting device 103. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the accounting device 103. As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 50 of the accounting device 103 functions as a payment processing means 151, a receipt output means 152, a display means 153, a selection means 154, a coupon output means 155, an all-coupon output means 156, and a coupon rejection output means 157 by following the program 37 stored in the ROM or HDD 36.

The payment processing means 151 performs payment processing related to product transactions. Specifically, the payment processing means 151 executes payment processing based on product information and total amount information received from the product data registration device 102. The payment processing is processing related to customer C's payment of money based on the total amount information. For example, when paying with cash, the payment processing includes displaying the deposit amount and total amount inserted by customer C into the accounting device 103, as well as calculating and dispensing change based on the deposit amount and total amount. Furthermore, when payment is made using a medium such as a credit card or electronic money card, the payment processing includes reading customer identification information that identifies customer C from the medium, and processing payment using the medium related to that customer C.

The receipt output means 152 issues (outputs) a receipt on which information related to the product for which payment has been processed is printed. Specifically, the receipt output means 152 drives the printer 9 to issue a receipt on which product information and payment information are printed in connection with the payment processing for the transaction. Payment information includes total amount information, deposit amount information, change information, etc. Note that issuance is one form of output, and can mean cutting the printed receipt, transporting the printed receipt a predetermined distance, or simply printing information on receipt paper. Issuance can also mean transporting the printed receipt a predetermined distance and cutting it.

The display means 153 displays coupons that can be issued (output) on the display 61. Specifically, the display means 153 displays information about coupons that can be issued to customer C for the transaction (e.g., coupon content (e.g., information including the discount amount)) received from the coupon server 70 on the display 61. In this embodiment, the display means 153 displays coupons that can be issued on the display 61 on the condition that the payment processing means 151 has executed the payment process. The display means 153 also displays multiple coupons in a predetermined order of priority. Specifically, when there are multiple coupons to be issued, the display means 153 displays the multiple coupons in a descending order of priority according to the priority determined by the coupon server 70.

The selection means 154 selects the coupon to be printed from the displayed coupons. Specifically, the selection means 154 selects the coupon specified by customer C by operating the coupon key 611 from the coupons displayed on the display 61.

The coupon output means 155 prints and issues (outputs) the selected coupon. Specifically, the coupon output means 155 drives the printer 9 to print and issue the coupon selected by the selection means 154.

The all coupon output means 156 issues (outputs) all displayed coupons with a single key operation. Specifically, when the print all key 613 is operated without operating the coupon key 611 to select a coupon, the all coupon output means 156 drives the printer 9 to print and issue all coupons displayed on the display 61. In other words, the all coupon output means 156 issues all displayed coupons simply by operating the print all key 613, without having to select a coupon to print.

The coupon rejection output means 157 does not issue (output) any coupons displayed on the display 61. Specifically, when the display means 153 is displaying coupons on the display 61 as available for issuance and the coupon rejection key 614 is operated without operating the coupon key 611, the coupon rejection output means 157 does not print any of the displayed coupons.

Next, the control of the checkout device 103 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the checkout device 103. As shown in Figure 9, the control unit 50 of the checkout device 103 determines whether product information and total price information have been received from the product data registration device 102 (S31). The control unit 50 waits until reception occurs (No in S31), and if it determines that product information and total price information have been received (Yes in S31), the control unit 50 stores the received product information and total price information in RAM (S32).

The control unit 50 then displays a payment selection screen for selecting the payment medium (S33). Customer C selects their desired payment method (medium), such as cash, credit card, or electronic money, for example, by operating a key. The control unit 50 determines whether the payment medium for the transaction has been selected (S34). The control unit 50 waits until a selection is made (No in S34), and when a payment medium is selected (Yes in S34), the payment processing means 151 executes the payment process for the transaction using the selected medium (S35). When the payment processing is executed using a medium held by customer C, such as a credit card or electronic money card, the payment processing means 151 obtains customer identification information that identifies customer C from the card.

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether customer identification information that identifies the customer was acquired in the processing of S35 (S41). If it is determined that customer identification information has been acquired (Yes in S41), the control unit 50 sends the product information of the transacted product and the customer identification information, along with information that identifies the accounting device 103, to the coupon server 70 (S42). On the other hand, if it is determined that customer identification information has not been acquired (No in S41), the control unit 50 sends the product information of the transacted product, along with information that identifies the accounting device 103, to the coupon server 70 (S43).

Next, the control unit 50 determines whether it has received information about coupons that can be issued to the customer C in response to the processing of S42 or S43 (S44). It waits until such information is received (No in S44), and if it determines that information about coupons that can be issued has been received (Yes in S44), the display means 153 displays information about coupons that can be issued to the customer C received from the coupon server 70 on the display 61 (S45). In the case of this embodiment, for example, six types of coupons are displayed: Coupon A, Coupon B, Coupon C, Coupon D, Coupon E, and Coupon F.

Next, the selection means 154 determines whether any coupons displayed on the display 61 have been selected (S51). Whether any coupons have been selected is determined based on whether any one or more coupon keys 611 have been operated. If one or more coupon keys 611 have been operated, it is determined that there are selected coupons. If none of the coupon keys 611 have been operated, it is determined that there are no selected coupons. Furthermore, if the selection means 154 determines in S51 that there are selected coupons, it also determines which coupons have been selected.

If it is determined that a selected coupon exists (Yes in S51), the control unit 50 then determines whether the print key 612 has been operated (S52). The control unit 50 waits until the print key 612 has been operated (No in S52), and if it is determined that the print key 612 has been operated (Yes in S52), the receipt output means 152 drives the printer 9 to issue a receipt on which product information and payment information related to the transaction have been printed on receipt paper (S53). The coupon output means 155 then drives the printer 9 to issue a coupon on which the coupon determined to have been selected in S51 has been printed on receipt paper (S54). The control unit 50 then ends processing and returns to S31.

Figure 10 shows an example of a receipt issued by the accounting device 103 in step S53 and a coupon issued in step S54. Receipt R includes the date and time the receipt was issued, product information, payment information, and the payment method (credit card) used. In this embodiment, coupon K includes three selected coupons (e.g., coupons A, B, and C). Coupon A is issued to all customers C who purchase product D, offering a 10 yen discount when product D is purchased. Coupon B is issued if customer C makes a purchase in the morning. Coupon C is issued to a specific customer C. In this embodiment, a credit card was used as the payment method, so customer identification information is obtained from the credit card to identify customer C, and coupon C is then issued to the identified customer C.

Note that receipt R and coupon K are issued consecutively in the processes of S53 and S54, but receipt R and coupon K are either cut and issued separately, or are issued in a partially cut state. Furthermore, each coupon is either cut and issued separately, or is issued in a partially cut state.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 9 . If it is determined in S51 that no coupons have been selected (No in S51), the control unit 50 then determines whether the Print All key 613 has been operated (S55). If it is determined that the Print All key 613 has been operated (Yes in S55), the receipt output means 152 drives the printer 9 to issue a receipt on which product information and payment information related to the transaction are printed on receipt paper (S56). The all-coupon output means 156 then drives the printer 9 to issue a coupon on which all coupons displayed on the display 61 are printed on receipt paper (S57). In this embodiment, coupon A, coupon B, coupon C, coupon D, coupon E, and coupon F are printed and issued. The control unit 50 then ends processing and returns to S31. In this case, in FIG. 10, the issued coupons K are coupon A, coupon B, coupon C, coupon D, coupon E, and coupon F.

Also, if it is determined in S55 that the Print All key 613 was not operated (No in S55), the control unit 50 determines whether the No Coupons Required key 614 was operated (S58). If it is determined that the No Coupons Required key 614 was operated (Yes in S58), the receipt output means 152 drives the printer 9 to issue a receipt on which product information and payment information related to the transaction are printed on receipt paper (S59). The No Coupons Required output means 157 then ends the process without printing and issuing any of the displayed coupons, and returns to S31.

Next, we will explain the control of the coupon server 70. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the coupon server 70. The control unit 700 of the coupon server 70 determines whether it has received only product information and information identifying the checkout device 103 from the checkout device 103 (S61). If it determines that it has received only product information and information identifying the checkout device 103 (Yes in S61), the control unit 700 selects a coupon appropriate for the customer C from the coupon information stored in the coupon information unit 742. For example, the control unit 700 determines whether there is a coupon to be issued corresponding to the received product information, and if there is a coupon to be issued, selects that coupon (S62). For another example, the control unit 700 selects a coupon common to all customers C from the coupon information unit 742 (S62). For another example, the control unit 700 selects a coupon based on the date, time, or day of the week that the customer C visited the store (S62). The control unit 700 then stores the information of the selected coupon in the coupon storage unit 731 (S63). The control unit 700 then transmits the stored coupon information to the checkout device 103 identified by the received checkout device 103 identification information (S64). The control unit 700 then ends the process.

Furthermore, if it is determined that not only product information and information identifying the checkout device 103 have been received (No in S61), the control unit 700 determines whether product information, information identifying the checkout device 103, and customer identification information have been received from the checkout device 103 (S65). If it is determined that product information, information identifying the checkout device 103, and customer identification information have been received (Yes in S65), the control unit 700 selects a coupon appropriate for the customer C from the information stored in the coupon information unit 742. For example, the control unit 700 determines whether there is a coupon to be issued corresponding to the received product information, and if there is a coupon to be issued, selects that coupon (S66). For another example, the control unit 700 selects a coupon common to all customers C from the coupon information unit 742 (S66). For another example, the control unit 700 selects a coupon based on the date, time, or day of the week that the customer C visited the store (S66). For example, the control unit 700 selects a coupon specific to customer C from the coupon information unit 742 based on the customer identification information to be issued only to that customer C (S66). A coupon specific to customer C is, for example, a coupon related to a product frequently purchased by customer C based on that customer's purchase history. The coupon server 70 obtains the customer's purchase history information from a customer server (not shown) based on the obtained customer identification information, and extracts coupons related to that customer's purchase history. The control unit 700 then stores the information of the selected coupon in the coupon storage unit 731 (S63). The control unit 700 then transmits the stored coupon information to the accounting device 103 identified by the received information for identifying the accounting device 103 (S64). The control unit 700 then ends processing.

Thus, the accounting device 103 of this embodiment comprises payment processing means 151 that processes the payment for merchandise transactions, receipt output means 152 that issues a receipt on which information related to the merchandise for which payment has been processed is printed, display means 153 that displays coupons that can be issued on the display 61, selection means 154 that selects a coupon to print from the displayed coupons, coupon output means 155 that prints and issues the selected coupon, and all-coupon output means 156 that issues all displayed coupons with a single key operation.
The accounting device 103 of this embodiment issues all coupons that can be issued with a single key operation, making it possible to issue all coupons that can be issued with a simple operation.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This novel embodiment can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment, both receipts and coupons are issued by driving the printer 9. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the printer for issuing receipts and the printer for issuing coupons may be separate printers.

In addition, in the embodiment, the receipt output means 152 is configured to print and issue a receipt on the printer 9 as one form of output. The coupon output means 155 and all-coupon output means 156 are configured to print and issue coupons on the printer 9. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the receipt output means 152 may transmit (output) information on an electronic receipt, which is an electronic version of a receipt, so that it can be displayed on the customer's information terminal (smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.). The coupon output means 155 and all-coupon output means 156 may also transmit (output) information on an electronic coupon, which is an electronic version of a coupon, so that it can be displayed on the customer's information terminal.

In addition, in the embodiment, the coupons displayed on the display 61 are prioritized and displayed in descending order of priority. However, prioritizing the display of coupons is not required.

In addition, in the embodiment, the coupons that can be issued are displayed after the payment process is executed. However, this is not limited to this, and either the payment process or the display of the coupons that can be issued can be executed first.

In addition, in the embodiment, a device that also functions as a self-service POS terminal is used as the accounting device 103. However, this is not limited to this. For example, if the accounting device 103 is an accounting device in a semi-self-service checkout system, self-service POS terminal functions such as a fixed scanner 5 and a program to operate it are not required.

In addition, in the embodiments, an accounting device in a semi-self-service checkout system has been described as an example of an accounting device. However, the accounting device is not limited to this, and may be a self-service checkout device (POS terminal) where customer C performs product registration and payment operations, or a regular checkout device (POS terminal) where operator O performs product registration and payment operations.

In addition, the program executed by the accounting device 103 in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program executed by the accounting device 103 of the embodiment may also be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the accounting device 103 of the embodiment may also be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the programs executed by the accounting device 103 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

6 Display operation panel 8 Card reader/writer 9 Printer 36 HDD
37 Program 50 Control unit 61 Display 62 Touch panel 70 Coupon server 71 CPU
72 ROM
73 RAM
74 Memory unit 77 Operation unit 78 Display unit 91 Receipt issuing port 101 Checkout system 102 Product data registration device 103 Accounting device 150 Control unit 151 Payment processing means 152 Receipt output means 153 Display means 154 Selection means 155 Coupon output means 156 All coupon output means 157 Coupon not required output means 611 Coupon key 612 Print key 613 All print key 614 No coupon required key 700 Control unit 731 Coupon storage unit 741 Control program unit 742 Coupon information unit 1151 Subtotal key 1154 Transfer destination key

JP 2014-241094 A

Claims (6)

a payment processing means for performing payment processing relating to a product transaction;
a receipt output means for outputting information relating to the merchandise for which payment has been processed;
a display means for displaying coupons that can be output on a display unit;
a selection means for selecting a coupon to be output from the displayed coupons;
a coupon output means for outputting a selected coupon;
all-coupon output means for outputting all of the coupons displayed by the display means with a single key operation without selecting them with the selection means ;
An accounting device equipped with: The receipt output means drives a printing unit that prints on receipt paper to output the receipt,
The coupon output means drives the printing unit to print the coupon on the receipt paper and output the coupon;
The all-coupon output means drives the printing unit to print and output all of the coupons.
The accounting device of claim 1 . the display means displays the plurality of coupons that can be output in a predetermined order of priority.
The accounting device according to claim 1 or 2. the display means displays the coupon that can be output after the payment processing means has completed the payment processing.
4. The accounting device according to claim 1. The device further includes a coupon non-output means for not outputting any of the displayed coupons.
5. The accounting device according to claim 1. Computers as accounting devices
a payment processing means for performing payment processing relating to a product transaction;
a receipt output means for outputting information relating to the merchandise for which payment has been processed;
a display means for displaying coupons that can be output on a display unit;
a selection means for selecting a coupon to be output from the displayed coupons;
a coupon output means for outputting a selected coupon;
all-coupon output means for outputting all of the coupons displayed by the display means with a single key operation without selecting them with the selection means ;
A program to make it function as such.