JP6194332B2 - Sales data processing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sales data processing apparatus and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system has been introduced in each store that accumulates points according to the payment amount on a shopper's point card. The shopper receives a point card by pre-registration. By allowing the point card to be read when the purchased product is settled at a POS (Point of Sales) terminal of the sales data processing apparatus, points corresponding to the settlement amount can be accumulated on the point card. This point can be used as a substitute for money when purchasing the product from the next time.

  However, some shoppers do not present a point card when paying at a POS terminal because they have not issued a point card or have left it at home. In such a case, there is a risk that a cashier such as a part-time job may conduct an internal fraud that causes his / her point card to be read and the points generated by the customer's payment amount to be intercepted.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a sales data processing apparatus and program capable of detecting an internal fraud in which a cashier accumulates points generated at the time of customer checkout on his / her point card.

  The sales data processing apparatus according to the embodiment performs reading means for reading point card owner identification information, and point grant processing for accumulating point values for the point card from which the owner identification information is read by the reading means. Point granting means, the owner identification information of the point card on which the point grant processing has been performed, storage means for storing the use frequency information of the point card, and storage of the owner identification information read by the reading means And a notification means for outputting a notification signal when the use frequency information stored in the means exceeds a threshold value.

FIG. 1 is an example of a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a POS terminal shown as an example. FIG. 3 is an example of a configuration diagram of the POS terminal. FIG. 4 is an example of a data configuration diagram of the setting file and threshold data. FIG. 5 is an example of a functional block diagram of the POS terminal. FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing the point processing operation of the POS terminal. FIG. 7 is an example of the setting state diagram of the setting file. FIG. 8 is an example of a notification screen in the POS terminal. FIG. 9 is an example of a functional block diagram according to the first modification. FIG. 10 is an example of a configuration diagram of a notification buzzer according to the second modification. FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen diagram of the store computer according to the third modification. FIG. 12 is an example of a configuration diagram of a POS terminal according to the fourth modification. FIG. 13 is an example of a flowchart of processing by the generation unit. FIG. 14 is an example of layout data.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a sales data processing apparatus and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this embodiment, an example of application to a POS terminal of a POS (Point of Sales) system is shown as the sales data processing apparatus.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a POS system shown as an example in the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 1 includes a plurality of POS terminals 2 and a store computer 3. The store computer 3 is disposed in a management room or the like, and each POS terminal 2 is disposed side by side in a checkout cash register lane. The store computer 3 and each POS terminal 2 are connected by a communication line 4 such as a LAN (Local Area Network).

  The store computer 3 is responsible for overall control of the POS system 1 and manages the POS terminal 2 through the communication line 4. The store computer 3 has a computer configuration and includes a store controller, a keyboard, a display, a communication interface, and the like. Among these, the store controller includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The store controller constitutes a function for comprehensively managing the POS terminal 2 by executing a ROM storage program by the CPU, and performs online communication with a plurality of POS terminals 2 via a communication interface.

  The POS terminal 2 has a cash register function, and transmits, for example, already-sales sales registration data to the store computer 3. The POS terminal 2 has a point processing function, and performs point processing by connecting to a point granting server (not shown) that performs point granting authentication and the like. Connection to the point grant server is performed via a communication line such as a LAN or VPN (Virtual Private Network). The point process will be described later in detail.

  FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the POS terminal 2 shown as an example. The main body 201 of the POS terminal 2 is placed on a drawer 203 for storing cash and controls opening / closing of the drawer 203 drawer.

  The main body 201 is provided with a mode key and a keyboard 202 for selecting various business modes such as registration, inspection, checkout, and setting on the front side. The keyboard 202 is used to input various operations such as numeric keys, subtotal keys, current total keys, closing keys, point declaration keys k1 (see FIG. 3), and clear keys k2 (see FIG. 3). The operation keys are arranged. The numeric key is an instruction key for the operator to enter a deposit amount. The subtotal key is an instruction key for instructing output of the total price of the product. The current total key is a key to be pressed after inputting the deposit amount. The closing key is a key for closing the processing of one transaction. The point declaration key k1 is a key for declaring the start of point processing. The clear key k2 is a key for instructing that the display content such as the notification screen has been confirmed.

  Furthermore, the main body 201 is provided with a display 204-1 for a clerk on the front side and a display 204-2 for the customer on the back side. The store clerk display 204-1 and the customer display 204-2 are display displays such as liquid crystal, for example. Those display displays display the name and price of the product being registered for sale, the total price for one transaction after the sales registration, the amount of change, notification information, and the like.

  The main body 201 incorporates a printer 26 (see FIG. 3) that prints a receipt. The receipt printed by the printer 26 is issued from a receipt issuing port provided on the front side of the main body 201.

  The POS terminal 2 also includes a card reader / writer 205 and a scanner 206 that are connected to the main body 201 via a signal cable. The card reader / writer 205 is a reader / writer that reads and writes information in a memory unit (for example, a memory chip) of the point card C. The card reader / writer 205 carries out a reading process of conveying the point card C in the storing direction and reading the point information from the memory unit. Further, a writing process for writing the point information after the point process into the memory unit is performed. When the reading process and the writing process are completed, the point card is conveyed in the discharge direction, and the point card is taken out to the take-out position. The scanner 206 is, for example, a laser scanner that reads a barcode attached to a product.

  Further, the POS terminal 2 is provided with a communication line cable inlet on the back side of the main body 201.

FIG. 3 is an example of a hardware block diagram of the POS terminal 2.
The POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 21, a communication I / F 22, an I / O device control unit 23, and the like. Each part is interconnected by a bus 24.

  The control unit 21 is a control board including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The ROM is a non-volatile memory that stores a control program for the POS terminal 2 and the like. The control program includes, for example, a program related to determination of illegal accumulation of point values. The RAM is a volatile memory that the CPU uses as a work area. The control unit 21 controls the entire POS terminal 2 by executing various programs by the CPU.

  The communication I / F 22 is a communication interface for connecting the POS terminal 2 to the store computer 3 via the communication line 4 (see FIG. 1). Further, the communication I / F 22 also operates as a communication interface for the POS terminal 2 to establish communication connection with the point grant server. A communication line cable drawn from the service port of the POS terminal 2 is connected to the communication I / F 22. The communication I / F 22 transmits sales registration data and the like to the store computer via the communication line cable under the control of the CPU. Further, the data related to the point processing is transmitted to the point grant server via the communication line cable.

  The I / O device control unit 23 includes an I / O device such as a memory 25, a keyboard 202, a store clerk display 204-1, a customer display 204-2, a printer 26, a card reader / writer 205, a scanner 206, and a buzzer 27. Is connected. The I / O device control unit 23 controls input / output between the control unit 21 and the various I / O devices.

  The memory 25 is configured by a hard disk, a flash ROM, or the like, and stores a setting file D1, threshold data D2, and the like. Further, although not shown, a product information file (not shown) is also stored. The buzzer 27 emits a first buzzer sound (for example, “beep”) notifying the completion of reading when the product is read by the scanner 206 in response to the input of the product reading signal from the CPU.

FIG. 4 is an example of a data configuration diagram of the setting file D1 and the threshold data D2.
The setting file D1 shown in FIG. 4 has data items of point card identification information K1 and continuous use count information (use count information) K2.

  The point card identification information K1 stores owner identification information for identifying the owner of the point card C (see FIG. 2), for example, a code combining alphanumeric characters. The owner identification information is a unique code associated with the owner information registered by the owner when the point card C is issued. In this example, the unique code is a five-digit number and is stored in the storage unit as non-rewritable.

  The continuous use count information K2 stores the continuous use count when the same point card C is continuously used by the same POS terminal 2.

  Each data value in the setting file D1 is read by the CPU for each transaction, and each value is updated.

  The threshold data D2 cannot be rewritten after the initial setting. FIG. 4 shows the setting item “threshold value” K3 and its data value d1 (“4 times as an example”). Below, the threshold value (upper limit value) of the continuous use frequency of the same point card C will be described as four times indicated by the data value d1.

  The control unit 21 implements various functions by the CPU executing a control program.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating one configuration of functional blocks of the control unit 21. Here, the main functions relating to the determination of illegal accumulation of point values are shown as an example. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 functions as a reading unit (reading unit) 50, a point giving unit (point unit) 51, a setting unit (storage unit) 52, a notification determination unit (notification unit) 53, and the like.

  The reading unit 50 controls the card reader / writer 205 (see FIG. 3) to read the owner identification information and the point value stored in the point card C (see FIG. 2). Specifically, upon detecting an input signal from the point declaration key k1, the reading unit 50 outputs a reading start instruction signal to the card reader / writer 205. When the owner identification information and the point value read from the point card are output by the card reader / writer 205, the reading unit 50 receives them.

  The point granting unit 51 performs authentication processing on the owner identification information read from the point card C by the reading unit 50. When the authentication is completed, the point value generated from the total amount of the customer's purchased products is added to the point card C.

  Specifically, the point granting unit 51 authenticates the owner identification information received by the point reading unit 50 by transmitting it to a point granting server (not shown). When the point grant server receives the owner identification information, it inquires the owner identification information in a customer database or the like. If the owner identification information matches the registered information, the point grant notification data and the data related to the point conversion formula are returned to the requesting POS terminal 2. To do. When the point granting unit 51 receives the notification data from the point granting server, the point granting unit 51 converts the total price of the customer's purchased product into a point value using the above conversion formula. Then, the point giving unit 51 outputs the point value to the card reader / writer 205, and causes the card reader / writer 205 to update the point value of the point card C.

  Upon receiving the point grant notification, the setting unit 52 reads the owner identification information of the point card identification information K1 in the setting file D1 stored in the memory 25. Further, the setting unit 52 compares the owner identification information with the owner identification information read by the reading unit 50, and determines a match. If they do not match, the setting unit 52 updates the set value of the point card identification information K1 with the owner identification information read by the reading unit 50. Further, the value of the continuous use count information K2 is reset to the default value “1”. On the other hand, if they match as a result of the comparison, the owner identification information set in the point card identification information K1 is left as it is, and the set value of the continuous use count information K2 is set to a value incremented from the existing value. cure. For example, if the existing value is “1”, the incremented value is reset to “2”.

  The notification determination unit 53 reads the value of the continuous use count information K2 whose setting has been changed by the setting unit 52 and the data value d1 (4 (times) in this example) of the threshold data D2. Then, both are compared, and when the value indicated by the continuous use count information K2 exceeds a threshold value (4 (times)), a notification signal is output indicating that there has been an incorrect accumulation of point values. In this example, a display control signal for displaying the notification screen G1 (see FIG. 8) on the salesclerk display 204-1 (or the customer display 204-2) is output as the notification signal.

  Each function for detecting the illegal accumulation of point values described above is a function that mainly works within one transaction in which the sales registration process and the settlement process of the product are performed. Although not shown in FIG. 5, various functions for realizing them in the control unit 21 are also appropriately realized when executing the sales registration process and the settlement process.

Next, the operation of the control unit 21 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit 21 during point processing.

  First, the control unit 21 performs a sales registration process for a product purchased by a customer (S1). As the sales registration process, the control unit 21 reads the product information of all the purchased products, generates a product list for the one transaction, and calculates the total amount thereof. Specifically, the operator sequentially reads the barcode attached to each product with a scanner. The control unit 21 acquires the product code of each product as the barcode decoding data from the scanner. The control unit 21 extracts product information such as product names and prices associated with those product codes from the product information file in the memory, and generates a product list of purchased products. When the operator finishes inputting the product codes of all products and inputs a subtotal key, the control unit 21 receives the input and calculates the total amount. Thereafter, the operator inputs the customer's deposit and presses the current key.

  After the sales registration process, the control unit 21 receives an input of a point declaration key (S2). After the total amount is calculated, the operator presses a point declaration key to add points according to the total amount to the point card. When the control unit 21 receives an input of a point declaration key, the control unit 21 executes point processing to be described later. When the operator inputs the closing key without inputting the point declaration key, the control unit 21 omits the point process and performs the closing process. For example, the control unit 21 performs processing such as opening the drawer 203 and issuing a receipt.

  In the point process, first, the reading unit 50 of the control unit 21 acquires the owner card identification information (second card number) (S3). Specifically, the reading unit 50 receives an input signal (command) from the point declaration key k1. Further, the reading unit 50 outputs a reading start instruction signal (command) to the card reader / writer 205 according to the command. The card reader / writer 205 starts the point card reading operation in response to a reading start command. The card reader / writer 205 conveys the point card to the internal reading position in the reading operation. Further, a 5-digit unique code and a point value at that time are read from the memory of the point card as owner identification information, and the read value is output. The reading unit 50 acquires the read value output from the card reader / writer 205.

  Next, the point giving unit 51 of the control unit 21 performs point giving processing (S4). In this point awarding process, the point awarding unit 51 first queries the point awarding server for authentication of the second card number. When the authentication of the point granting server is obtained, a point value corresponding to the total amount of purchased products is calculated, and a value obtained by adding the calculated point value to the original point value is output to the card reader / writer 205. The card reader / writer 205 overwrites the point value of the point card C with the point value output by the point giving unit 51, and discharges the point card C to the take-out position.

  Subsequently, as a part of the point process, the control unit 21 performs a determination process for illegally increasing point values as follows.

  First, the setting unit 52 of the control unit 21 acquires the value (first card number) of the point card identification information K1 of the setting file D1 stored in the memory 25 (S5). The first card number is a five-digit unique code of a point card in which points are accumulated in the transaction immediately before the current transaction.

  Subsequently, the setting unit 52 determines whether the first card number matches the second card number acquired by the reading unit 50 in step S3 (S6).

  It is assumed that the setting unit 52 determines “does not match” in the determination in step S6 (No determination). Then, the setting unit 52 updates the value of the setting file D1 stored in the memory 25 to that of the second card number (S7). Specifically, the setting unit 52 updates the set value (first card number) of the point card identification information K1 in the setting file D1 to the second card number read by the reading unit 50. Further, the setting unit 52 resets the value of continuous use count information K2 (referred to as variable i) to the default value “1”.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting state of the setting file D1 after the process of step S7. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, “XXXX3 (X is an alphanumeric character)” is set as the data value d10 of the point card identification information K1. “1” is set in the data value d11 of the continuous use count information K2. Here, it is assumed that the point card C to which the number “XXXX3” is assigned is not used for the immediately preceding transaction. For this reason, the point card C with this number does not correspond to continuous use, but is determined to be used for the first time this time, and “1 (times)” is set as the number of continuous use.

  After the processing of step S7 shown in FIG. 6, the point processing is finished, and the closing key is received and the closing processing is started.

  In the next transaction, the process proceeds in the same manner from step S1. When it is determined that the data does not match in step S6, points are added to the point card used in the transaction. Then, the setting value of the point card identification information K1 in the setting file D1 is updated to the point card number in which the points are added. Further, the value of the continuous use count information K2 is reset to the default value “1”.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the setting state of the setting file D1 at that time. The example shown in FIG. 7B shows a case where the point card with the number “XXXX5” is used in the next transaction after the point card with the number “XXXX3”. Therefore, “XXXX5” is set to the data value d20 of the point card identification information K1, and the reset value “1” is set to the data value d21 of the continuous use count information K2.

  Next, a process when the setting unit 52 determines “match” (Yes determination) in the determination process of step S6 of FIG. 6 will be described.

  First, the setting unit 52 resets the value of the continuous use count information K2 corresponding to the first card number in the setting file D1 to an incremented value. (S8).

  Subsequently, the notification determination unit 53 of the control unit 21 reads the value i of the continuous use count information K2 of the setting data D1 and the data value d1 (4 (times)) of the threshold data D2 (S9). And both are compared and it is determined whether the value i exceeded the threshold value (4 (times)) (S10). When the same point card is used twice consecutively, i = 2 (times), and i <threshold (4 (times)). In this case, since the value i is determined to be less than the threshold value (step S10: No determination), the control unit 21 ends the point process and receives the input signal of the closing key. When the operator operates the tightening key, the control unit 21 performs a process such as opening the drawer 203 and issuing a receipt on which transaction details are printed as a tightening process.

  Next, processing when the same point card is continuously used and the number of times exceeds a threshold value will be described. As an example, a case will be described in which the point card of the identification information “XXXX5” shown in FIG. 7B is used four times in succession and corresponds to the fifth use in the next transaction.

  In the fifth transaction, the same processing as described above is performed from step S1 to step S6 (Yes determination). In the subsequent step S8, the setting unit 52 resets the value of the continuous use count information K2 corresponding to the first card number in the setting file D1 to the incremented value “5 (times)”. .

  FIG. 7C shows an example of the setting state of the setting file D1 at that time. The value is reset to “5” as indicated by the data value d22 of the continuous use count information K2 in FIG.

  Subsequently, reading in step S9 is performed, and in step S10, the notification determination unit 53 of the control unit 21 determines whether or not the value i of the continuous use number information K2 of the setting data D1 exceeds a threshold value (4 (times)). Determine. Since the same point card is used five times in succession, i = 5 (see FIG. 7C). Since i> threshold value (4 (times)), the notification determination unit 53 determines that the value i exceeds the threshold value (step S10: Yes determination).

  If it determines with having exceeded the threshold value in step S10, the alerting | reporting determination part 53 will output a alerting | reporting signal further that there was an unauthorized accumulation of point values (S11). In this example, the notification screen G1 (see FIG. 8) is output as a notification signal to the store clerk display 204-1 (or the customer display 204-2) in a pop-up.

  Subsequently, the control unit 21 receives a signal (notification release signal) for releasing the notification state (S12). As the notification release signal, for example, a press signal from a clear key k2 provided on the keyboard 202 is accepted. When the notification release signal is received, the control unit 21 cancels the notification state, closes the notification screen G1 in this example, and receives the input signal of the tightening key. After the operation of the tightening key, the control unit 21 performs processing such as opening the drawer 203 and issuing a receipt on which transaction details are printed, as in the above-described tightening processing.

  FIG. 8 is an example of a notification screen. The notification screen G1 shown in FIG. 8 is a screen for the store clerk display 204-1. Informs the cashier to display notification information such as “The number of consecutive use of the point card has reached the upper limit” and to stop fraud.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a threshold value for the continuous use count is provided, and the continuous use count for the same point card in the same POS terminal is monitored. Then, when the number of times of continuous use exceeds the threshold value, a notification screen or the like is notified. This notification can prompt the cashier to stop the fraud if he / she is actually fraudulently reading his / her point card. In the case of a misjudgment in which the normal point granting process by the customer is regarded as fraudulent notification, since the points are accumulated on the customer's point card, it is only necessary to cancel the notification.

  In this example, the notification screen is displayed on the store clerk display in order to prevent the cashier from cheating. However, the present invention is not limited to this aspect, and other aspects may be taken. For example, a special notification buzzer sound indicating that there has been a fraud is sounded, and an LED, a rotating lamp, or the like is provided and turned on. You may deform | transform into the aspect of transmitting alerting | reporting information toward a high-order apparatus. Depending on the mode of the notification means, it is possible to notify the injustice not only to the cashier of the POS terminal but also to the purchaser, the cashier of another POS terminal, the store manager, and the like.

  Monitoring the number of continuous use of the same point card at the same POS terminal is a criterion for finding an internal fraud in which the cashier accumulates customer points on his / her point card. If the threshold is too small, for example, a normal point grant process such as a customer using a point card in line at the same cash register twice will be notified as an internal fraud. In addition, if the threshold is too large, normal point grant processing using another point card will be performed until the threshold is reached, so fraud detection is not performed and even if there is an internal fraud become unable. In this example, the threshold value is set to 4 times, but this is not limiting, and a value that increases the internal fraud detection rate may be set as appropriate.

  In this embodiment, the cashier monitors the number of consecutive use of the same point card in the same POS terminal in order to discover internal fraud that accumulates customer points on his / her point card. However, monitoring of the number of times the same point card is used is not limited to monitoring the number of times of continuous use indicating the use in one transaction to the next transaction. For example, the number of uses may be monitored when used at a transaction interval such as one transaction interval or two transaction intervals. In this case, the setting file D1 holds data of a set of point card identification information K1 and continuous use count information K2 until another point card is used within the transaction interval. In this holding state, the value of the continuous use count information K2 is incremented each time a point card having the value indicated by the point card identification information K1 (that is, the same point card) is used. Then, when the value of the continuous use count information K2 exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is an illegal accumulation of point values.

  Further, the number of times the same point card is used within a predetermined time may be monitored. In that case, the data of the set of the point card identification information K1 and the continuous use count information K2 is held in the setting file D1 until a predetermined time elapses. In this state, the value of the continuous use count information K2 is incremented each time the point card having the value indicated by the point card identification information K1 is used. Then, when the value of the continuous use count information K2 exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that there is an illegal accumulation of point values.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the points are converted at the POS terminal, and the converted point values are accumulated on the point card, but this is not restrictive. Some or all of these processes may be delegated to the point grant server. For example, point value conversion and point value management may be performed by a point grant server. In this case, the POS terminal reads the second card number from the point card and transmits the read second card number to the point server. Further, the POS terminal is caused to receive point grant information (for example, added point value, accumulated point value, etc.) from the point grant server, and thereafter, an illegal accumulation of points is determined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, after the point declaration, the point value is added to the point card, and then the illegal increase of the point value is determined. However, it may be modified such that the determination of the illegal accumulation of point values is performed before the accumulation of point values. If an illegal accumulation of point values is detected by this modification, the point awarding process may be modified to a process that substantially does not give points, such as accumulating 0 points on the point card. In this aspect, when the normal point grant process by the customer is detected as illegal, the point grant process for the customer's point card may be performed again.

(Modification 1)
In the first modification, an aspect of a POS terminal capable of changing the threshold will be described.
The POS terminal of Modification 1 further includes a changing unit in the configuration of the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment. As the changing means, for example, a threshold changing procedure is described in the control program of the embodiment. And the control part (CPU) of a POS terminal implement | achieves the function which concerns on a change means as a threshold value change part in a control part, by executing the said control program.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of functional blocks of the POS terminal according to the first modification. As shown in FIG. 9, the threshold value changing unit 80 is further realized in the functional block shown in the embodiment (see FIG. 5) in the control unit of the POS terminal of the first modification. The functional blocks shown in FIG. 9 indicate the main functions related to the point processing of the POS terminal, and other functions such as sales registration processing and checkout processing are appropriately realized as well as the embodiment. Is done.

  The threshold value changing unit 80 outputs a setting screen to the store clerk display 204-1 when the POS terminal is in the setting mode by switching the mode key, for example. This setting screen is screen data for setting various parameter values of the POS terminal, and is stored in advance in the memory 25 (see FIG. 3). This screen includes a setting item “change threshold”. The “change threshold” setting item is configured on the setting screen as, for example, an input area for inputting a threshold value as a numerical value or a selection area for selecting one of a plurality of candidates by using the up and down keys.

  Furthermore, the threshold value changing unit 80 receives an input of a change value of “threshold value” performed in the input area, the selection area, or the like. Then, the changed value is registered as a set value in the threshold data D2 (see FIG. 3) of the memory 25. Specifically, the change value is registered as a set value by updating the existing value indicated by the data value d1 of the threshold data D2 with the change value. For example, in the case of the existing value “4 (times)” and the changed value “3 (times)” of the data value d1, the data value d1 is updated from the existing value “4 (times)” to the changed value “3 (times)”.

  By this update, the “determination of illegal accumulation of point values” after the update is performed according to the threshold value “3 (times)”. The point processing operation in the registration mode (see FIG. 6) can be described in the same manner as the processing in the embodiment of FIG. 6 except that the threshold value that is the determination criterion in step S10 is lowered from “4” to “3”. . Therefore, since the description is repeated, further explanation of the operation is omitted here.

  Depending on the number of POS terminals arranged in the checkout lane, the number of customers, etc., the probability that one customer will repeatedly line up on the same POS terminal and perform settlement there varies. Therefore, the optimum setting value of the threshold value also varies. Therefore, in the POS terminal of the first modification, a threshold value changing unit is provided, and the setting value of the threshold value can be changed. For this reason, even after the initial threshold value is set, it is possible to increase the detection rate of internal fraud by changing the setting to an optimum threshold value for each store and each terminal according to the number of POS terminals and the number of customers. .

(Modification 2)
Modification 2 shows a modification of the notification unit of the embodiment. Here, as an example, in addition to the notification screen display of the embodiment, a mode in which fraud is notified by sounding two types of buzzers with different buzzer sounds is shown.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a notification buzzer.
As shown in FIG. 10, the notification buzzer 27 includes two types of buzzers (a first buzzer 27-1 and a second buzzer 27-2). The first buzzer 27-1 is a buzzer for sounding a conventionally used sound (for example, “beep”) indicating that the bar code of the product has been read. The second buzzer 27-2 is a buzzer that continues to sound until a cancel signal is input, such as a special buzzer sound for notifying fraud, for example, “Peep” or a predetermined melody. The first buzzer 27-1 is driven by a signal A (for example, one pulse signal indicating from start to end) that is output when the control unit reads the barcode of the product in the POS terminal of the first modification. The second buzzer 27-2 is driven by a signal B (one pulse signal indicating the start) output when the controller detects fraud.

  In the POS terminal according to the modified example 2, as in the POS terminal according to the embodiment, when the control unit executes the point process, the notification determination unit 53 performs an illegal determination process in step S10 (see FIG. 6). And if the same point card is used the number of times exceeding a threshold value continuously, the alerting | reporting determination part 53 will determine with the number of times of use exceeding the threshold value by step S10 (step S10: Yes determination). If the determination is Yes, the notification determination unit 53 subsequently outputs a notification signal for notifying that there has been an illegal accumulation of point values (S11). In the POS terminal of the second modification, the display control signal and the buzzer sound control signal (signal B) described above are output as the notification signal at this time.

  Subsequently, the control unit receives, for example, a press signal of the clear key k2 of the keyboard 202 as a notification release signal for canceling the notification state (S12). In the POS terminal according to the second modification, when the control unit receives the notification release signal, the control unit clears the notification screen G1, and further outputs a signal B (in this case, a one-pulse signal indicating a stop) to the second buzzer 27-2. To stop the buzzer sound. After that, the input signal of the closing key is received as in the embodiment.

  As described above, since the POS terminal according to the second modification generates a special buzzer sound when detecting an illegal accumulation of point values, the surrounding clerk can immediately find the fraud. Even if it is not fraudulent, since the customer is not informed of what the special sound represents, the normal settlement can be performed.

(Modification 3)
The POS terminal of Modification 3 is a mode that outputs a signal for displaying an icon of an emergency notification message to a higher-level device (store computer, headquarter server, etc., which is a store computer in this example). Here, a mode is shown in which the POS terminal of the third modification example transmits a command for displaying an icon indicating an emergency notification message set in the store computer from the POS terminal to the store computer 3 when an illegal accumulation of point values is detected. .

  Detection of illegal accumulation of point values in the POS terminal of the third modification is the same as the processing (see FIG. 6) of the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment. That is, in step S10, the notification determination unit 53 determines that the number of uses of the same point card has exceeded the threshold (step S10: Yes determination). Furthermore, in step S11, the notification determination unit 53 outputs a notification signal for notifying that there has been an illegal accumulation of point values. In the POS terminal of the third modification, a communication instruction command is output to the communication I / F 22 (see FIG. 3) in addition to the display control signal shown in the embodiment as the notification signal.

  Here, the communication instruction command is a transmission command for transmitting a command for displaying the icon of the emergency communication message to the host device (store computer in this example). Specifically, when the notification determination unit 53 detects an illegal accumulation of point values, first, the notification determination unit 53 outputs a display control signal to the store clerk display 204-1 to display the notification screen G1. Subsequently, the notification determination unit 53 outputs a communication instruction command to the communication I / F 22. With this command, the communication I / F 22 generates and transmits transmission data including the command to the store computer. Subsequently, as in the embodiment, the control unit clears the notification screen G1 by receiving the notification release signal in step S2, and then receives the input signal of the tightening key.

  On the other hand, when the store computer receives the transmission data from the POS terminal, the store computer performs the reception process and extracts the command from the transmission data. Then, the CPU of the store computer decodes the command and outputs an emergency notification message icon stored in the store computer on the display of the store computer.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of the display display of the store computer. As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU of the store computer displays an emergency notification message icon B1 on the display screen G2. With this display, the store manager or the like can look at the cash register in the store or check the video of the surveillance camera installed in the store, thereby confirming that the point value has been illegally added.

  Note that information indicating the content of the emergency notification may be further included in the transmission data from the POS terminal. For example, there are information indicating the illegal addition of points, information indicating the terminal number of the POS terminal where the illegality is performed, and the like. In that case, the store computer displays the icon B1 of the emergency notification message as a button as shown in FIG. 11, and accepts an icon button input. When the store manager or the like presses the icon, the CPU accepts the signal and displays the contents of the emergency notification on the display of the store computer.

  Moreover, you may deform | transform so that only the signal which displays the icon of an emergency notification message may be output as an alerting | reporting signal. In this case, the clear key k2 and the notification canceling operation in step S12 are unnecessary at the POS terminal.

  As described above, in the third modification, when the POS terminal detects an illegal accumulation of point values, an emergency notification message icon is displayed on the host device. This makes it easier for the store manager to grasp the illegal accumulation of point values performed in the store.

  Further, when only the signal for displaying the icon of the emergency notification message is output as the notification signal, the operator of the POS terminal does not need to perform the notification release operation. Therefore, the processing related to the determination of illegal accumulation is performed in the background, and the operator can proceed with the sales registration processing and the like as in the conventional processing. Even if fraud is detected, the store manager knows it, so there is no need to stop the sales registration process.

(Modification 4)
The POS terminal according to the modified example 4 outputs the identification number (responsible person number) of the cashier person in charge of the POS terminal and the card number of the point card on which the point value has been illegally added as transaction data, and transmits it to the host device Of the embodiment.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a POS terminal according to the fourth modification. A POS terminal 2-1 of Modification 4 of FIG. 12 includes an area for further storing transaction data D3 in the memory 25 in the configuration of the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment (see FIG. 3).

  In the POS terminal 2-1 of the fourth modification, the control unit 21 stores data generated in daily work processing such as sales registration processing in the above area as transaction data D3. The data generated in the daily work process also includes the point card number read by the control unit 21. The terminal number of the POS terminal 2-1 is also included in the transaction data D3 as a file name, for example.

  The POS terminal 2-1 of the modification 4 transmits the transaction data D3 stored in the above area to the store computer when detecting an illegal accumulation of point values.

  Detection of illegal accumulation of point values in the POS terminal 2-1 of the modification 4 is the same as the processing (see FIG. 6) of the POS terminal 2 of the embodiment. That is, in step S10, the notification determination unit 53 determines that the number of uses of the same point card has exceeded the threshold (step S10: Yes determination). Furthermore, in step S11, the notification determination unit 53 outputs a notification signal for notifying that there has been an illegal accumulation of point values. In the POS terminal 2-1 of the modification 4, in addition to the display control signal shown in the embodiment as the notification signal, a transmission command for the transaction D3 is output to the communication I / F 22.

  Specifically, when the notification determination unit 53 detects an illegal accumulation of point values, first, the notification determination unit 53 outputs a display control signal to the store clerk display 204-1 to display the notification screen G1. Subsequently, the notification determination unit 53 reads the transaction data D3 from the area of the memory 25, outputs the transaction data D3 to the communication I / F 22, and instructs transmission. The communication I / F 22 generates transmission data incorporating the transaction data D3, and transmits the transmission data to the store computer.

  The POS terminal 2-1 of the modification 4 performs the same processing as in the embodiment after outputting the notification signal in step S11. That is, in step S12, the control unit clears the notification screen G1, and then receives an input signal of a closing key.

  On the other hand, when the store computer receives the transmission data from the POS terminal 2-1, the store computer performs the reception process and extracts the transaction data D 3 from the transmission data. Then, the extracted transaction data D3 is illegally added and stored in a dedicated directory.

  As described above, the store manager or the like can determine that there is a possibility that the point value has been illegally added at the cash register by storing the transaction data D3 in the directory. Further, it is possible to identify which terminal is the POS terminal 2-1 that may have been illegally added from the file name of the transaction data D3.

  The transaction data D3 includes a business process history of the POS terminal 2-1 when the point value is illegally added. Therefore, when the store manager confirms the transaction data D3, it is possible to identify the data that may have been illegally added point values. For example, it is possible to confirm that the same point card is continuously used exceeding the threshold value by reading the number of the used point card retroactively from the last part of the history of the transaction data D3. Further, by reading the use date and time of the point card, it is possible to specify the charge of the cash register at that time.

  Note that it is also possible to extract only information related to illegal accumulation from the transaction data D3 and transmit the extracted data to the store computer instead of the transaction data D3. For example, the ROM of the control unit 21 stores the extraction data generation program. The CPU of the control unit 21 executes the generation program after outputting the notification signal, thereby realizing the function of the generation unit in the control unit 21.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart of processing of the generation unit.
The generation unit first searches the transaction data D3 and specifies the position of data (notification recording data) indicating that the notification signal has been output (S20).

  Next, the owner identification information (5-digit unique code in this example) immediately adjacent to the specified position of the notification record data, that is, the second card number used at the time of notification is acquired from the transaction data D3 (S21). ).

  Further, the history is traced back for each transaction from the specified position of the notification record data, and data on the continuous use date and time of the same point card is acquired from the transaction data D3 (S22). At this time, the number of data of the acquired continuous use date is counted as the number of continuous use.

  Subsequently, the identification number of the cashier person is acquired (S23). As the identification number of the cashier person in charge, for example, when the cashier enters the cash register in charge, an ID obtained by typing an ID into the POS terminal 2-1 is acquired.

  Then, data (layout data) in which various data acquired from the transaction data D3 are arranged in a predetermined format is transmitted to the store computer (S24).

FIG. 14 is an example of layout data transmitted to the store computer.
As shown in the layout data D4 of FIG. 14, “YYYY (Y is a number)” is associated with the identification number item d30 of the cashier person in charge of the POS terminal 2-1. In addition, “XXXX5” is associated with the item d31 indicating the number of the point card that has been illegally added. Furthermore, “5 times” is associated with the item d32 indicating the number of times of continuous use, and each use date and time is associated with the item d33 of the continuous use date and time.

  As described above, only the information related to illegal accumulation is extracted from the transaction data D3, and the extracted data is transmitted to the store computer instead of the transaction data D3. As a result, the store manager can receive only necessary information, so that the status of the terminals that have been illegally stacked can be confirmed at a glance.

  In this example, the generation program is executed after the notification signal is output. This execution timing may be immediately after the notification signal is output or may be a timing determined in a predetermined transmission schedule. The timing determined in the predetermined transmission schedule may be, for example, a timing at which the POS terminal 2-1 is shut down, a timing at regular intervals, or the like.

  In this way, the POS terminal 2-1 periodically transmits the layout data to the host device, so that the store manager can also confirm the occurrence of an illegal accumulation of point values after the fact.

  As described above, in the sales data processing device of the embodiment and each modification, it is possible to detect an internal fraud in which the cashier accumulates points generated at the time of customer checkout on his / her point card.

  Various programs used in the sales data processing apparatus of the present embodiment and the modification are files in an installable or executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). The program may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flash ROM of a sales data processing apparatus.

  Further, the program may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network.

  In the above embodiment and modification, the configuration of the sales data processing device and the program has been described. However, this embodiment and modification are presented as examples, and are intended to limit the scope of the invention. Absent. The novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

50 Reading unit 51 Point granting unit 52 Setting unit 53 Notification determining unit

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-63656

Claims (6)

A reading means for reading the point card owner identification information;
Point grant means for performing point grant processing for accumulating point values for the point card from which the owner identification information has been read by the reading means;
Storage means for storing the owner identification information of the point card on which the point grant processing has been performed, and the number-of-uses information of the point card;
Informing means for outputting an informing signal when the use number information stored in the storage means of the owner identification information read by the reading means exceeds a threshold;
A sales data processing apparatus comprising: The number-of-uses information is information indicating the number of times the point card is continuously used in consecutive transactions, information indicating the number of times the point card is used at a predetermined transaction interval, or information indicating the number of times the point card is used during a predetermined period. ,
The sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: It further comprises changing means for changing the value set as the threshold value.
The sales data processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. The notification means causes the host device to display an icon of an emergency notification message by outputting the notification signal.
The sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The notification means transmits the owner identification information of the point card whose use count information has exceeded the threshold to the host device together with the responsible person number information of the own device.
The sales data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A computer having a storage unit;
A reading means for reading the point card owner identification information;
Point grant means for performing point grant processing for accumulating point values for the point card from which the owner identification information has been read by the reading means;
Storage means for storing the owner identification information of the point card on which the point grant processing has been performed, and the use count information of the point card in the storage unit;
An informing means for outputting an informing signal when the number-of-uses information set in the storage unit of the owner identification information read by the reading means exceeds a threshold;
Program to function as.

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