JP4685393B2 - Information terminal equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information terminal device that is installed in a retail store or the like that provides a privilege to a customer who has become a member, and that allows member information to be confirmed and a privilege to be exchanged by a member's own operation.

  In recent years, there are many retail stores that have implemented a member service system that can give points to customers who become members in accordance with purchase results and return the accumulated points to discounts.

As an information terminal device for such a retail store, there has conventionally been an information terminal device that can receive a discount ticket of a desired amount at any time within the range of accumulated points by the operation of the customer. When the membership code recorded on the membership card is read by the card reader, the information terminal device discounts the membership information such as the member name and the current accumulated points stored and managed in correspondence with the membership code. It is displayed on the display together with a key for issuing a ticket. When a discount ticket is issued by operating the displayed key, the member issues a discount ticket of the amount desired by the member within the cumulative point range and points according to the amount of the discount ticket. The minutes are subtracted from the accumulated points (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-118181 A

  However, in this type of information terminal device in the past, when the previous information terminal device user confirms his / her member information on the display and then leaves the device without performing the end operation, the display contents on the display Will remain without being deleted, so the next user can view the member information of the previous user, and can operate the displayed key to receive a discount ticket illegally. There was a problem.

  The present invention has been made based on such circumstances. The purpose of the present invention is to prevent an unauthorized operation of the next user due to forgetting to operate the previous user and to improve security. An information terminal device is to be provided.

Whether the information terminal device of the present invention is provided with first member code input means for reading a member code from a code symbol , second member code input means for reading a member code stored in a medium to be inserted, a display unit and a privilege . Command means for commanding whether or not is provided. Then, when the member code is input via either the first or second member code input means , the member information acquisition means acquires the member information stored and managed corresponding to the member code. The control means, Ru is displayed on the display unit the obtained member information. Here, after the member information is displayed on the display unit, the fact that Ru kindly provided benefits by Directive means is commanded, membership code determining means is input immediately before the first, second member code input It is determined through which means the input is made. At this time, if it is determined that the member code has been input via the first member code input means, it waits for re-input of the member code via the first and second member code input means , When the member code is re- input via one of the two member code input means, the member code verification means compares the re-entered member code with the member code input immediately before to determine whether they match. To do . Provision of benefits when the re- entered member code matches the member code entered immediately before it , and when the judging means determines that the member code is entered via the second member code input means Means provide benefits based on member information. The medium inserted in the second member code input means is ejected upon completion of a series of processes started in response to the member code being input via either the first or second member code input means. It is designed to be discharged by means .

  According to the information terminal device of the present invention in which such a measure is taken, it is possible to prevent an unauthorized operation of the next user due to forgetting to operate the previous user and to improve security.

The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, it is installed at a retail store that has a member service system in which points are given to customers who become members according to purchase results and the accumulated points can be returned to discounts, etc. This is a case where the present invention is applied to an information terminal device that can be operated by the user to exchange member benefits such as confirmation of member information such as accumulated points and issuance of discount tickets.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to the present embodiment, in which 1 indicates a store and 2 indicates a head office that supervises each store 1. A headquarter server 21 is installed in the headquarters 2, and a store server 11 is installed in the store 1. The head office server 21 and the store server 11 are connected to each other through a communication line 3 such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) so as to be capable of mutual communication. Although only one store 1 is shown in the figure, the store servers 11 of a plurality of stores 1 managed by the headquarters 2 are actually connected to the headquarter server 21 via the communication line 3.

  A POS (Point Of Sales) terminal device 13 and an information terminal device 14 installed in the store are connected to the store server 11 via a communication line 12 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The headquarter server 21 is provided with a member file 22. In the member file 22, in addition to personal information such as customer name and member registration date for each unique member code assigned to the customer who became a member, the product file processed by the POS terminal device 13 of each store 1 is stored. A cumulative value of points calculated based on purchase record data is stored and managed.

  In this embodiment, as a member card (point card) issued to a customer who becomes a member, as shown in FIG. 2A, a magnetic code in which a member code or the like is magnetically recorded in the magnetic stripe portion 41 is used. As shown in FIG. 2B, there are two types: a member card 40 of the type and a bar code type member card 50 in which the member card is printed with a bar code 51 on the surface of the card body.

  FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the information terminal device 14, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the information terminal device 14. The information terminal device 14 includes a touch panel 61 as a display unit that displays operation information as member information and privilege receiving command means, and a self-propelled card reader 62 that reads a member code magnetically recorded on a magnetic type member card 40. And a scanner 63 for reading the barcode 51 printed on the barcode type membership card 50. In addition, a printer 64 for printing discount tickets is built in, and discount tickets printed by the printer 64 are issued from the discount ticket issuing port 65.

  The information terminal device 14 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 66 as a control unit main body. Also, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 67 in which fixed data such as a program is stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 68 in which a work area for temporarily storing data is formed, and the communication line 12 are used. A communication interface 69 that controls data transmission and reception with the connected store server 11, a touch panel controller 70 that controls the touch panel 61, a printer controller 71 that controls the printer 64, a card reader controller 72 that controls the card reader 62, and the scanner A scanner controller 73 for controlling 63 is mounted. The CPU 66, ROM 67, RAM 68, communication interface 69, and controllers 70 to 73 are connected by a bus line 74 such as an address bus or a data bus.

  In the information terminal device 14 having such a configuration, the RAM 68 has two areas for temporarily storing the member code input from the member card 40 or 50 through the member code input means of the card reader 62 or the scanner 63, in particular. (First member code area M1 and second member code area M2) are formed.

Thus, the CPU 66 controls each unit according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 in accordance with a preset program.
First, the CPU 66 displays an initial menu screen on the touch panel 61 as ST (step) 1. In this state, the CPU 66 waits for the member code to be input as ST2.

  Here, when the magnetic type membership card 40 is inserted into the card reader 62 and the membership code magnetically recorded on the membership card 40 is read and input via the card reader controller 72, or the barcode type is read by the scanner 63. When the barcode of the membership code printed on the membership card 50 is read and inputted via the scanner controller 73, the CPU 66 writes the inputted membership code in the first membership code area M1 as ST3. At this time, “1” is added to the head of the member code when the member code is input via the card reader 62, and “2” is added when the member code is input via the scanner 63. . Thereafter, the CPU 66 inquires about the member information with respect to the headquarter server 21 with the member code inputted as ST4 (member information acquisition means).

  In response to this, member information such as the member name and the accumulated points obtained by searching the member file 22 is returned from the headquarters server 21. Therefore, when the member information is returned as ST5, the CPU 66 returns the member information. Is displayed on the touch panel 61. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the issue button 81 and the confirmation button 82 which are touch buttons are displayed together with the member information such as the member name and the accumulated points. The issue button 81 is a button for instructing to redeem the accumulated points for a discount ticket that is a privilege, functions as a privilege receiving command means, and is activated by being displayed on the touch panel 61 (control means).

  In this state, the CPU 66 waits for the confirmation button 82 to be touched or the issue button 81 to be touched in ST7. When it is detected that the confirmation button 82 is touched by a signal to the touch panel controller 70, the process returns to the start of the process, and the screen of the touch panel 61 is returned to the initial menu screen. At this time, if the membership card 40 is inserted in the card reader 62, the membership card 40 is ejected and then returned to the initial menu screen.

  When it is detected that the issue button 81 is touched by a signal to the touch panel controller 70, the CPU 66 determines that the member code stored in the first member code area M1 as ST9 is the first member code input means. It is determined whether the code is input via the scanner 63 or the code input via the card reader 62 as the second member code input means. This determination is made depending on whether the first member code stored in the first member code area M1 is “1” or “2”. That is, if the member code starts with “1”, the member code is input via the card reader 62, and the CPU 66 proceeds to the point reduction process of ST14.

  On the other hand, when the member code starts with “2”, the member code is input via the scanner 63, so the CPU 66 re-enters the member code as shown in FIG. 7 at ST10. A guide message for urging (for example, “Please enter the member code again”) is displayed on the touch panel 61. Then, it waits for the member code to be input as ST11.

  Here, when the magnetic type membership card 40 is inserted into the card reader 62 and the membership code magnetically recorded on the membership card 40 is read and input via the card reader controller 72, or the barcode type is read by the scanner 63. When the barcode of the membership code printed on the membership card 50 is read and inputted through the scanner controller 73, the CPU 66 writes the inputted membership code in the second membership code area M2 as ST12. At this time, write “2” at the beginning of the member code.

  Thereafter, the CPU 66 compares the member code stored in the first member code area M1 with the member code stored in the second member code area M2 in ST13 and determines whether or not they match (member). Code verification means). If the two member codes match, that is, the member code input in ST2 is input from the barcode-type member card 50 via the scanner 63, and the same member by the scanner 63 in ST11. When the member code of the card 50 is scanned, the CPU 66 proceeds to the point return process of ST14 (privilege providing means).

  In this point redemption process, for example, the maximum number of discount tickets issued from the accumulated points and the number buttons are displayed on the touch panel 61, and a numerical value equal to or less than the maximum number is issued by touching the number buttons. In this process, the discount tickets for the numerical value are printed by the printer 64 and issued from the discount ticket issuing port 65. Note that the content of the point reduction process is not limited to the above.

  When the point reduction process ends, the CPU 66 returns to the start of this process and returns the screen of the touch panel 61 to the initial menu screen. At this time, if the membership card 40 is inserted in the card reader 62, the membership card 40 is ejected and then returned to the initial menu screen.

  On the other hand, if the two member codes do not match in ST13, the CPU 66 causes the touch panel 61 to display an error message such as “The member code is different” together with the confirmation button 82 in ST15. If it is detected in ST16 that the confirmation button 82 has been touched, the process returns to the start, and the screen of the touch panel 61 is returned to the initial menu screen. At this time, if the membership card 40 is inserted in the card reader 62, the membership card 40 is ejected and then returned to the initial menu screen.

  If the response of the member information cannot be received from the headquarter server 21 even after a predetermined time has passed in ST5, the CPU 66 confirms an error message such as “cannot obtain customer information” as ST17. 82 is displayed. If it is detected in ST18 that the confirmation button 82 has been touched, the process returns to the start of the process as described above, and the screen of the touch panel 61 is returned to the initial menu screen. Also in this case, when the membership card 40 is inserted in the card reader 62, the membership card 40 is discharged, and the screen is returned to the initial menu screen.

  In the present embodiment configured as described above, a customer who uses the information terminal device 14 first inputs his / her member code into the information terminal device 14. That is, a customer who has a magnetic card type membership card 40 inserts the membership card 40 into the card reader 62. A customer who has a barcode type membership card 50 scans the barcode 51 printed on the membership card 50 with the scanner 63.

  Thus, when the membership code is input to the information terminal device 14 via the card reader 62 or the scanner 63, the membership code is stored in the first membership code area M1 and is sent to the head office server 21 by this membership code. Member information is queried. When the headquarter server 21 responds to the inquiry with member information such as the member name and the accumulated points, the member information is displayed on the touch panel 61. At this time, the issue button 81 and the confirmation button 82 are also displayed on the touch panel 61, and the privilege receiving command means is activated.

  Thus, the customer can easily know the accumulated points up to the present time. Here, when the return to the privilege is not desired at the present time, the confirmation button 82 is touch-operated. Then, since the screen of the touch panel 61 returns to the initial menu screen, there is no possibility that the next user can see his / her member information.

  On the other hand, the customer who wishes to return to the privilege touches the issue button 81. At this time, in the case of a customer possessing a magnetic card type membership card 40, the point return process is executed unconditionally, and a benefit such as provision of a discount ticket within the accumulated point range can be obtained.

  On the other hand, in the case of a customer who has a barcode type membership card 50, a message prompting the user to re-enter the membership code is displayed on the touch panel 61. The customer then scans again the barcode 51 printed on the membership card 50 with the scanner 63. Then, since the member code input through the scanner 63 matches the member code stored and held in the first member code area M1, point reduction processing is executed. Thus, the customer can receive a privilege such as provision of a discount ticket within the cumulative point range.

  By the way, in the case of a customer possessing a magnetic card type member card 40, the member card 50 is not ejected from the card reader 62 unless the issue button 81 or the confirmation button 82 is operated. I rarely leave without operating. However, in the case of a customer who possesses a bar code type membership card 50, the customer who has confirmed his / her membership information is still present because the membership card 50 remains at hand even if the membership code is read by scanning operation. In some cases, the user leaves the apparatus without operating the issue button 81 or the confirmation button 82. In such a case, since the member information is still displayed on the touch panel 61, the next user can see his / her member information.

  However, even if the next user operates the issue button 81 illegally, the point reduction process is not executed, and a message prompting re-input of the member code is displayed. Then, even if the user reads the member code recorded (printed) on his / her member card 40 or 50 via the card reader 62 or the scanner 63, the member stored in the first member code area M1. Since it does not match the code, execution of point reduction processing is prohibited. Accordingly, the unauthorized operation of the next user due to forgetting to operate the previous user can be prevented in advance, so that the security can be improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage.

  For example, in the above embodiment, as the member code input means, the first member code input means for reading and inputting the barcode 51 printed on the barcode type membership card 50 by the scanner 63, and the magnetic card type membership card 40 are used. The information terminal device 14 having two kinds of second member code input means for reading and inputting the member code recorded in the card reader 62 has been described, but the information terminal device 14 having only the first member code input means has been described. The present invention can also be applied. In this case, in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the determination process of ST9 is not necessary, and when the issue button 81 is operated, a member code re-input instruction is displayed. Further, when the member codes are stored in the first and second member code areas M1 and M2, it is not necessary to add data “1” and “2” for identifying the input source to the head.

  In addition, as an example corresponding to the first member code input means, a user holds a magnetic card type member card by hand and inserts it into a slit of a card reader, and slides the card along the slit. A method of reading data, a method of using a card provided with a wireless tag called RFID, etc., performing contactless communication with the wireless tag of this card, and reading a member code stored in the tag, etc. Also good. In addition, a method in which a member code stored in a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone instead of a card is input to the information terminal device by communication can also be applied.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the display part of the information terminal device 14 was the touchscreen 61, the normal display which does not have a touchscreen sensor may be sufficient. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide a pointing device such as a mouse for moving a pointer on the screen or a keyboard on which at least an issue key and a confirmation key are arranged as a privilege receiving command means.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the member file 22 was provided in the headquarters server 21, you may provide in the shop server 11 or the information terminal device 14. FIG. Further, when using, for example, an IC card capable of storing a large amount of data as a member card, the member information may be stored in the card itself.

  In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

The system block diagram in one embodiment of this invention. The schematic diagram which shows the membership card used in the embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the information terminal device in the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the information terminal device in the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the principal part of the main process which CPU of the information terminal device in the embodiment performs. The top view which shows an example of the member information display screen displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal difference apparatus in the main process. The top view which shows an example of the error message screen displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal difference device in the main process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 ... Information terminal device, 22 ... Member file, 40, 50 ... Member card, 61 ... Touch panel, 62 ... Card reader, 63 ... Scanner, 64 ... Printer, 66 ... CPU, 67 ... ROM, 68 ... RAM.

Claims (2)

First member code input means for reading a member code from a code symbol ;
Second member code input means for reading the member code stored in the medium to be inserted;
A display unit;
A command means for commanding whether or not to receive a benefit;
When a member code is input via any one of the first and second member code input means, member information acquisition means for acquiring member information stored and managed corresponding to the member code;
And a Ru control means the member information to be displayed on the display unit was acquired by the member information acquisition means,
After the member information is displayed on the display unit, before SL when the fact that Ru kindly provided benefits by directive means is commanded, the membership code entered just before the first, the second member code input means A judging means for judging through which one is inputted,
If it is determined by the determining means is a member code that is input through the first member code input means, waiting to re-enter the member code through the first, second member code input means, the When the member code is re- entered via either the first or second member code input means, the re-entered member code is compared with the member code input immediately before to determine whether they match. Code verification means;
When the member code re-input by the member code collating means matches the member code inputted immediately before, and the member code inputted by the judging means via the second member code inputting means Privilege providing means for providing a privilege based on member information acquired by the member information acquiring means when determined ;
The medium inserted in the second member code input means is ejected upon completion of a series of processes started in response to the member code being input via either the first or second member code input means. Discharging means to perform,
An information terminal device comprising: The first member code input means is a scanner for reading a barcode of a member code recorded on a member card , and the second member code input means is a card for reading a member code magnetically recorded on a member card to be inserted. The information terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the information terminal device is a reader .

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