Program, computer, information processing system and information processing method

Abstract

To provide a program, a computer, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of reducing a work load when settling expenses for paper receipts.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer (a server 30) to function as reception means 32, collation means 36, and storage means 38. The reception means 32 receives an image of a receipt captured by an imaging device (a smartphone 14) and to be input into a collection post 12 and receives an image of a receipt collected by the collection post 12 and read by a reading device (a scanner 22), and the collation means 36 causes a first external terminal (a collation terminal 42) to perform collation processing between the receipt captured by the imaging device and the receipt read by the reading device, where the images of these receipts are stored in the storage means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a computer, an information processing system, and an information processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various systems for reducing the workload when employees of business companies settle expenses have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that simplifies the expense application work such as transportation expenses and reduces the burden on employees for expense settlement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In conventional expense settlement systems, there is a problem that it is time-consuming for employees and accounting staff to settle expenses for paper receipts.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a program, a computer, an information processing system, and an information processing method capable of reducing the workload when settling expenses for paper receipts.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The program of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to function as a reception means, a verification means, and a storage means, The receiving means receives an image of a receipt to be placed in the collection box, which has been captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and also receives an image of a receipt that has been collected by the collection box and has been captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The storage means stores in the storage unit the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, respectively. The matching means is characterized in that it causes a first external terminal to perform a matching process between receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, each of which has an image stored in the storage unit, and receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device.

[0007] The program of the present invention, The aforementioned computer is further made to function as a transmission means, When the matching process is performed by the matching means, if the receiving means receives login information from the first external terminal, the transmitting means may transmit to the first external terminal the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, which is stored in the storage unit, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. If the receiving means receives information from the first external terminal that the two images match, the matching of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device may be completed.

[0008] Furthermore, the receiving means receives at least one of the following pieces of information stored in the storage unit: the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt whose image was captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When the transmission means transmits images of receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and images of receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, which are stored in the storage unit, to the first external terminal, it may also transmit to the first external terminal at least one of the following pieces of information from the receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device: the date of use, the details, and the amount.

[0009] Furthermore, when the receiving means receives an image of a receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, it may receive the image in a state where at least one of the following pieces of information is linked to it: the employee's ID, the date of imaging, and the ID of the collection post.

[0010] Furthermore, the program of the present invention, The aforementioned computer is further made to function as a transmission means, The receiving means accepts the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device with the employee's ID information linked to it. If, during the matching process by the matching means, there are receipts for which an image was captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device but an image was not captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, the transmission means may transmit the employee ID information associated with the receipt to the second external terminal and display it on the second external terminal.

[0011] Furthermore, when the receiving means receives an image of a receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, it may receive the image in a state where at least one of the following pieces of information, the ID of the collection post and the scanning date, is linked to it.

[0012] The program of the present invention, The aforementioned computer is further made to function as a transmission means, The receiving means accepts the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device while the ID information of the collection post is linked to it. If, during the matching process by the matching means, there are receipts for which an image was not captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, but which were captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, the transmission means may transmit the information of the collection post ID associated with the receipt to the second external terminal and have it displayed on the second external terminal.

[0013] The computer of the present invention A computer that functions as a receiving means, a matching means, and a storage means by executing a program, The receiving means receives an image of a receipt to be placed in the collection box, which has been captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and also receives an image of a receipt that has been collected by the collection box and has been captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The storage means stores in the storage unit the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The matching means is characterized in that it causes a first external terminal to perform a matching process between receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, each of which has an image stored in the storage unit, and receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device.

[0014] The computer of the present invention By executing the aforementioned program, it further functions as a transmission means, When the matching process is performed by the matching means, if the receiving means receives login information from the first external terminal, the transmitting means may transmit to the first external terminal the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, which is stored in the storage unit, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. If the receiving means receives information from the first external terminal that the two images match, the matching of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device may be completed.

[0015] Furthermore, the receiving means receives at least one of the following pieces of information stored in the storage unit: the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt whose image was captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When the transmission means transmits images of receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and images of receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, which are stored in the storage unit, to the first external terminal, it may also transmit to the first external terminal at least one of the following pieces of information from the receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device: the date of use, the details, and the amount.

[0016] The information processing system of the present invention is A collection box in which receipts are placed, and a first imaging device for imaging or reading receipts to be placed in the collection box, A second imaging device for capturing images of receipts collected by the aforementioned collection post, or a second reading device for reading images of receipts, A computer that is communicated with the first imaging device or the first reading device and the second imaging device or the second reading device, respectively. Equipped with, The computer functions as reception means, matching means, and storage means by executing a program. The reception means receives an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and also receives an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The storage means stores, in a storage unit, an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, respectively. The matching means causes the first external terminal to perform a matching process between a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, in which images are respectively stored in the storage unit.

[0017] The information processing system of the present invention The computer further functions as transmission means by executing the program. When the reception means receives login information from the first external terminal when the matching process is performed by the matching means, the transmission means transmits an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, which are stored in the storage unit, to the first external terminal. When the reception means receives information indicating that the images of both are identical from the first external terminal, the matching between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device may be completed.

[0018] Furthermore, the receiving means receives at least one of the following pieces of information stored in the storage unit: the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt whose image was captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When the transmission means transmits images of receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and images of receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, which are stored in the storage unit, to the first external terminal, it may also transmit to the first external terminal at least one of the following pieces of information from the receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device: the date of use, the details, and the amount.

[0019] The information processing method of the present invention is An information processing method performed by an information processing system comprising: a collection box in which receipts are placed; a first imaging device or first reading device for imaging receipts to be placed in the collection box; a second imaging device or second reading device for imaging images of receipts collected by the collection box; and a computer that is communicatively connected to the first imaging device or the first reading device and the second imaging device or the second reading device, respectively. The process involves causing the computer to receive an image of a receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and also receiving an image of a receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, The process of storing in a storage unit the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, using the computer; A step of having a first external terminal perform a matching process between a receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, each of which has an image stored in the memory unit, and a receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0020] Furthermore, in the step of having the matching process performed by the first external terminal, when the computer receives login information from the first external terminal, the computer may transmit to the first external terminal the image of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, which is stored in the storage unit, and the image of the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. When the computer receives information from the first external terminal that the two images match, the matching of the receipt captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device may be completed.

[0021] The information processing method of the present invention is The process further includes causing the computer to receive at least one of the following information stored in the memory unit: the date of use, details, and amount of a receipt whose image was captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When transmitting images of receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and images of receipts captured by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, which are stored in the storage unit, to the first external terminal, at least one of the following pieces of information from the receipts captured by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device may also be transmitted to the first external terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the program, computer, information processing system, and information processing method of the present invention, the workload involved in settling expenses using paper receipts can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1]This figure schematically shows the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a chart illustrating the flow of information between each component in the information processing system and the movement of receipts. [Figure 3] This flowchart shows the process an employee performs when processing receipts in the information processing system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This flowchart shows the process in the information processing system shown in Figure 1, where the first operator inputs the date of use of a receipt based on an image of the receipt captured by a smartphone. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system when receipts collected from a collection box are read by a scanner at a data reading facility. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the operation in the information processing system shown in Figure 1 when an image of a receipt captured by a smartphone and an image of a receipt read by a scanner are compared by a second operator. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the process when an accounting staff member checks a list of receipts that have undergone matching processing in the information processing system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 show an information processing system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0025] The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of collection posts 12 installed in an office 10, a smartphone 14 installed in each collection post 12, a data reading facility 20 equipped with a scanner 22, and a server 30. Here, the server 30 is a server that can be used via an internet connection, and is provided in the form of a virtual dedicated server built within a physical server accessible via the internet. Each smartphone 14 and scanner 22 are connected to the server 30 so as to be able to communicate via a network such as an internet connection. In addition, an input terminal 40, a matching terminal 42, and an accounting terminal 44 are connected to the server 30 so as to be able to communicate via a network such as an internet connection. Each component of this information processing system 1 will be described below.

[0026] The offices 10 of the business company that are the target of the information processing system 1's services are divided into multiple areas A, B, C, and D, for example, by department, and a collection box 12 is installed in each area A, B, C, and D. Each collection box 12 is assigned an ID (specifically, for example, an identification number). A long, narrow slit hole is formed on the top surface of the collection box 12, and employees can insert paper receipts into the collection box 12 through this slit hole. In addition, each collection box 12 is equipped with a smartphone 14, and employees can take a picture of the receipt with the camera of the smartphone 14 before inserting the receipt into the collection box 12 to obtain an image of the receipt. More specifically, employees can log in to the receipt processing application by performing biometric authentication with the smartphone 14, scanning a QR code on their employee ID card with the camera of the smartphone 14, or entering their ID (specifically, for example, employee number or email address, and password) into the smartphone 14. The smartphone 14 installed in each collection post 12 may be detachable from the collection post 12. Alternatively, employees may use their own smartphone 14 to photograph receipts instead of the smartphone 14 installed in each collection post 12. In this case, employees log in to the receipt processing app with their own smartphone 14 and then photograph the receipt with the smartphone 14's camera. After an employee logs into the receipt processing app with their smartphone 14 and photographs the receipt with the smartphone 14's camera, the image of the photographed receipt, the employee's ID, and the date of the photograph are acquired, and this acquired information is sent from the smartphone 14 to the server 30. Note that the information sent from the smartphone 14 to the server 30 may be the date and time of the photograph, rather than the date of the photograph.

[0027] In office 10, receipts are periodically collected from collection boxes 12 by the business company's administrator, and the collected receipts are sent by mail to the data reading facility 20. At this time, the receipts are separated by collection box 12 and sent to the data reading facility 20, and each receipt is managed with the ID of collection box 12 linked to it. The data reading facility 20 is equipped with a scanner 22, and the staff of the data reading facility 20 read images of the receipts sent from office 10 using the scanner 22. In this way, the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22, the ID of collection box 12, the scan date, and other information are sent from the scanner 22 to the server 30. In addition, if the scanner 22 extracts information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt from the scanned image of the receipt using OCR or the like, the extracted information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt may be sent from the scanner 22 to the server 30 with the information of the receipt image linked to it.

[0028] Server 30 functions as a receiving means 32, a transmitting means 34, a matching means 36, and a storage means 38 by executing a predetermined program. The receiving means 32 receives various information from external devices (for example, each smartphone 14, scanner 22, input terminal 40, matching terminal 42, and accounting terminal 44). The transmitting means 34 transmits various information to external devices (for example, input terminal 40, matching terminal 42, and accounting terminal 44). Details of the information received by the receiving means 32 and the information transmitted by the transmitting means 34 will be described later. The matching means 36 causes the matching terminal 42 to perform a matching of the receipt image captured by the smartphone 14 with the receipt image read by the scanner 22. Details of the matching process performed by the matching means 36 will be described later. The storage means 38 stores various information, including images of receipts transmitted from the smartphone 14 and images of receipts transmitted from the scanner 22, in the memory of the server 30, or in a cloud database or external memory located outside the server 30. Details of the functions of these receiving means 32, transmitting means 34, matching means 36, and storage means 38 will be described later.

[0029] The input terminal 40 includes a personal computer installed in the office of the management company that manages the information processing system 1, and a first operator, who is an employee of the management company, operates the input terminal 40 to send and receive information to and from the server 30. Specifically, the first operator can input the date of use, details, amount, etc. of a receipt captured by the smartphone 14 by operating the input terminal 40. The date of use of the receipt includes the date the receipt was issued or the date of reissue if the receipt was reissued after being lost. The details of the receipt include information on at least one of the following: the recipient of payment and the items for which payment was made for the purchased goods or services. In addition, the first operator may also be able to input the date of use, details, amount, etc. of a receipt based on the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 by operating the input terminal 40.

[0030] The matching terminal 42 includes a personal computer installed in the office of the management company that manages the information processing system 1, and the second operator operates the matching terminal 42 to send and receive information to and from the server 30. Specifically, the second operator can operate the matching terminal 42 to match receipts whose images have been captured by the smartphone 14 with receipts whose images have been read by the scanner 22.

[0031] The accounting terminal 44 includes personal computers, etc., installed in the offices of business companies that are service targets of the information processing system 1 (i.e., personal computers, etc., of the customer companies), and accounting personnel can send and receive information to and from the server 30 by operating the accounting terminal 44. Specifically, by operating the accounting terminal 44, accounting personnel can check a list of matching receipts.

[0032] Next, the processing flow of the information processing system 1 of this embodiment will be explained using the chart shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 is a chart showing the flow of information between each component in the information processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 (shown by solid lines) and the movement of receipts (shown by dashed lines).

[0033] First, the process of an employee processing receipts in office 10 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. When an employee has a receipt they wish to process, they first log in to the receipt processing app by performing biometric authentication using a smartphone 14 installed in a collection box 12 located in their department's area (for example, one of areas A to D) or by using their own smartphone 14, or by scanning a QR code on their employee ID card with the camera of their smartphone 14, or by entering their ID into their smartphone 14 (Step St11). When the employee takes a picture of the receipt with the camera of their smartphone 14, the smartphone 14 acquires the image of the receipt, the employee's ID, and the date of the image, and this acquired information is sent from the smartphone 14 to the server 30 (Step St12). When the receiving means 32 of the server 30 receives the receipt image, employee ID, and date of image information sent from the smartphone 14 to the server 30, the storage means 38 of the server 30 stores the information received by the receiving means 32 in a predetermined memory or the like. Afterward, the employee places the receipt, which has been photographed with their smartphone 14, into the collection box 12 (step St13).

[0034] Next, the operation of the first operator entering the date of use of a receipt based on the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 4. The first operator, an employee of the management company that manages the information processing system 1, operates the input terminal 40 to access the server 30. Specifically, when the first operator operates the input terminal 40 to log in to the receipt processing browser, login information is sent from the input terminal 40 to the server 30. Then, the transmission means 34 of the server 30 sends information about the images of receipts that have been sent from each collection post 12 but have not yet been processed for input to the input terminal 40 that received the login information. As a result, the monitor of the input terminal 40 displays the images of the receipts that have not yet been processed for input (step St21). Then, the first operator, while looking at the image of the receipt displayed on the monitor of the input terminal 40, enters the date of use of the receipt, details (for example, the recipient of payment for the purchased goods or services, items, etc.), amount, etc. (step St22). If there are multiple receipts that have not yet been processed, the monitor of the input terminal 40 will display an image of one of the receipts that has not yet been processed. Once the first operator completes the input of the date of use and other information for this receipt, the image of the next unprocessed receipt will be displayed. The information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt entered by the first operator is transmitted from the input terminal 40 to the server 30. When the receiving means 32 receives this information, the storage means 38 of the server 30 stores the information received by the receiving means 32 in a predetermined memory or the like, linked to the image of the receipt (step St23).

[0035] Next, the operation when receipts collected from collection posts 12 are read by scanner 22 at data reading facility 20 will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 5. For example, the manager of the business company collects receipts from collection posts 12 in each area A to D once a week and sends the collected receipts to data reading facility 20 by mail. At this time, the receipts are sent to data reading facility 20 separated by collection post 12, and each receipt is managed with the ID of collection post 12 linked to it. The receipts sent to data reading facility 20 are scanned by scanner 22 by staff at data reading facility 20 (step St31). The image of the receipt read by scanner 22, the ID of collection post 12, the scan date, and other information are transmitted from scanner 22 to server 30 (step St32). Note that the information transmitted from scanner 22 to server 30 may be the date and time of scanning, rather than the scan date. When the receiving means 32 of the server 30 receives this information, the storage means 38 of the server 30 stores the information received by the receiving means 32 in a predetermined memory or the like. Also, if the scanner 22 extracts information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt from the scanned image of the receipt using OCR or the like, the extracted information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt is transmitted from the scanner 22 to the server 30 in a state linked to the information of the receipt image. In this case, the storage means 38 also stores the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt transmitted from the scanner 22 in a predetermined memory or the like, linked to the information of the receipt image. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the server 30 may extract information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt from the image of the receipt transmitted from the scanner 22 using OCR or the like. In this case, the storage means 38 also stores the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt extracted by OCR or the like in the server 30 in a predetermined memory or the like, linked to the information of the receipt image. In yet another configuration, the first operator may also operate the input terminal 40 to input the date of use, details, amount, etc., of the receipt based on the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22.Specifically, the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 and transmitted from the scanner 22 to the server 30 is transmitted from the server 30 to the input terminal 40, and the monitor of the input terminal 40 displays the image of the receipt that has not yet been processed. The first operator then inputs the date of use, details (for example, the recipient of payment for the purchased goods or services, the items, etc.), amount, etc. of the receipt while looking at the image of the receipt displayed on the monitor of the input terminal 40. The information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt entered by the first operator is transmitted from the input terminal 40 to the server 30, and when the receiving means 32 receives this information, the storage means 38 of the server 30 stores the information received by the receiving means 32 in a predetermined memory or the like, linked to the image of the receipt.

[0036] Next, the operation when the receipt image captured by the smartphone 14 and the receipt image read by the scanner 22 are matched by the second operator will be explained using the flowchart shown in Figure 6. The second operator, who is an employee of the management company that manages the information processing system 1, operates the matching terminal 42 to access the server 30. Specifically, when the second operator operates the matching terminal 42 to log in to the receipt processing browser, the login information is sent from the matching terminal 42 to the server 30.

[0037] When the server 30's receiving means 32 receives login information from the matching terminal 42, the matching means 36 instructs the matching terminal 42 to perform a matching process between the receipt read by the scanner 22 and the receipt imaged by the smartphone 14, as shown below. Specifically, the server 30's transmitting means 34 sends to the matching terminal 42, which has received the login information, information stored in memory about receipts whose images have been read by the scanner 22 and receipts whose images have been captured by the smartphone 14 and whose usage date, etc., has been entered by the input terminal 40, for which the matching process has not yet been performed. As a result, the monitor of the matching terminal 42 displays the receipts whose images have been read by the scanner 22 and receipts whose images have been captured by the smartphone 14, for which the matching process has not yet been performed (step St41). Furthermore, information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt, entered by the first operator using the input terminal 40, is also transmitted to the matching terminal 42 via the server 30's reception means 32 and displayed on the matching terminal 42's monitor. In addition, for receipts whose images have been read by the scanner 22, if the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of this receipt is stored in a predetermined memory, receipts that closely match the date of use, details, and amount of that receipt entered by the first operator for receipts sent from the smartphone 14 to the server 30 are preferentially displayed on the matching terminal 42's monitor.

[0038] Then, the second operator compares the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 and the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14, which are displayed on the monitor of the matching terminal 42, to perform a matching of the receipt image read by the scanner 22 and the receipt image captured by the smartphone 14 (step St42). Specifically, when the second operator selects a receipt from among the multiple receipts read by the scanner 22 displayed on the monitor of the matching terminal 42, the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 that most closely resembles the image of this receipt is displayed. Alternatively, when the second operator selects a receipt from among the receipts captured by the smartphone 14 displayed on the monitor of the matching terminal 42, the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 that most closely resembles the image of this receipt may be displayed. Alternatively, the monitor of the matching terminal 42 may display images of multiple receipts read by the scanner 22 and images of multiple receipts captured by the smartphone 14, and the second operator may select an image of one receipt read by the scanner 22 and an image of a corresponding receipt captured by the smartphone 14 using the matching terminal 42.

[0039] Furthermore, when the second operator uses the matching terminal 42 to compare receipts scanned by the scanner 22 with receipts photographed by the smartphone 14, if there are errors in the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipts entered by the first operator using the input terminal 40, the second operator can correct the incorrect information using the matching terminal 42. The corrected information is then transmitted from the matching terminal 42 to the server 30. This improves the accuracy of receipt searches.

[0040] If the second operator determines that the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 and the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14, as displayed on the monitor of the matching terminal 42, match (YES in step St43), the second operator inputs information indicating that the two match into the matching terminal 42. This performs a matching process between the receipt read by the scanner 22 and the receipt captured by the smartphone 14. Specifically, the matching result is sent from the matching terminal 42 to the server 30, and when the receiving means 32 of the server 30 receives the matching result, the storage means 38 associates information such as the ID of the collection post 12, the employee ID, the date the image was captured by the smartphone 14, the date the receipt was used, the details, and the amount with the image of the matching receipt and stores it in a predetermined memory (step St44).

[0041] If the second operator determines that the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 and the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14, as displayed on the monitor of the matching terminal 42, do not match ("NO" in step St43), the second operator inputs information indicating that the two do not match into the matching terminal 42. In this case, the monitor of the matching terminal 42 displays either an image of a different receipt read by the scanner 22 or an image of a different receipt captured by the smartphone 14. If there is no receipt read by the scanner 22 that corresponds to the receipt whose image was captured by the smartphone 14 ("YES" in step St45), the matching terminal 42 determines that the receipt whose image was captured by the smartphone 14 was not placed in the collection post 12 (step St46), and this determination is transmitted from the matching terminal 42 to the server 30. Furthermore, if there is no receipt whose image was captured by the smartphone 14 that corresponds to the receipt whose image was read by the scanner 22 ("NO" in step St45), the matching terminal 42 determines that the receipt was placed in the collection box 12 without an image being captured by the smartphone 14 (step St47), and this determination result is transmitted from the matching terminal 42 to the server 30.

[0042] This matching process is carried out until the matching of all receipts registered in the server 30 (specifically, all receipts stored in a designated memory, etc.) is completed (step St48). Alternatively, one second operator may perform the matching process for some of the receipts registered in the server 30 using the matching terminal 42, and another second operator may perform the matching process for the remaining receipts registered in the server 30 using the matching terminal 42.

[0043] Next, we will explain the operation when an accounting staff member checks the list of receipts that have undergone matching processing, using the flowchart shown in Figure 7. First, an accounting staff member of a business company that is a service target of the information processing system 1 accesses the server 30 by operating the accounting terminal 44. Specifically, when the accounting terminal 44 logs in to the receipt confirmation browser by operating the accounting terminal 44, login information is sent from the accounting terminal 44 to the server 30. When the receiving means 32 of the server 30 receives the login information from the accounting terminal 44, the transmitting means 34 sends the list of receipts that have undergone matching processing, which is stored in memory, to the accounting terminal 44 that sent the login information. As a result, the list of receipts that have undergone matching processing is displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44 (step St51). When an accounting staff member selects a receipt from the list of receipts that have undergone matching processing, displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44, the image of that receipt, the ID of the collection box 12, the employee's ID, the date the smartphone 14 captured the image, the date the receipt was used, the details, the amount, etc., which are stored in memory, are displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44.

[0044] Furthermore, if there are receipts for which an image was taken by the smartphone 14 but which were not placed in the collection box 12 ("YES" in step St52), the server 30's transmission means 34 sends the image of the receipt taken by the smartphone 14, the employee ID associated with this image, and the date the image was taken to the accounting terminal 44, and displays this information on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44 (step St53). This allows the accounting staff or the manager who receives a report from the accounting staff to prompt the employee whose ID is displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44 to put the receipt for which an image was taken by the smartphone 14 into the collection box 12, as they may have forgotten to do so.

[0045] Furthermore, if there are receipts that have been placed in the collection box 12 without an image being captured by the smartphone 14 ("YES" in step St54), the transmission means 34 of the server 30 transmits the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22, the ID of the collection box 12, and the scan date information to the accounting terminal 44, and displays this information on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44 (step St55). If a receipt is placed in the collection box 12 without an image being captured by the smartphone 14, it is difficult to identify the employee who placed the receipt in the collection box 12. However, since the ID of the collection box 12 is displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44, the accounting staff or the manager who receives a report from the accounting staff can notify employees in the area where the collection box 12 is located that they forgot to take an image of the receipt placed in the collection box 12 using the smartphone 14, for example, along with an image of the receipt. In this case, the number of employees to be notified can be narrowed down compared to notifying all employees in office 10.

[0046] According to the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, which have the above configuration, when the program is executed, the server 30 (computer) functions as a receiving means 32, a matching means 36, and a storage means 38. The receiving means 32 receives images of receipts to be placed in the collection post 12, which are captured by the smartphone 14 (first imaging device), and also receives images of receipts that have been collected by the collection post 12 and read by the scanner 22 (second reading device). The storage means 38 stores the images of receipts captured by the smartphone 14 and the images of receipts read by the scanner 22 in a storage unit (a predetermined memory, etc.). The matching means 36 causes the matching terminal 42 (first external terminal) to perform the matching process between the receipts captured by the smartphone 14 and the receipts read by the scanner 22, whose images are stored in the storage unit, respectively. As a result, employees of a business company that receives services from the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can process expense reimbursement simply by taking a picture of the receipt with the camera of their smartphone 14 and then dropping it into the collection box 12. This eliminates the need to fill in the date of use, details, and amount on the expense application form, thus reducing the workload for employees. Furthermore, accounting staff of a business company that receives services from the information processing system 1 of this embodiment can check a list of receipts that have been matched by the matching means 36 simply by accessing the server 30 via the accounting terminal 44. This reduces the workload for accounting staff compared to receiving receipts and expense application forms from employees and inputting the data contained in these documents into the accounting terminal 44.

[0047] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the program further functions the server 30 (computer) as a transmission means 34. When matching processing is performed by the matching means 36, if the receiving means 32 receives login information from the matching terminal 42 (first external terminal), the transmission means 34 transmits the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 and the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 (second reading device), which are stored in the storage unit (a predetermined memory, etc.), to the matching terminal 42. When the receiving means 32 receives information from the matching terminal 42 that the two images match, the matching of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 and the receipt read by the scanner 22 is completed. In this case, the matching terminal 42 can perform the receipt matching process more reliably.

[0048] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the receiving means 32 receives information on the date of use, details, and amount of receipts whose images have been captured by the smartphone 14 (first imaging device), which is stored in the storage unit (a predetermined memory, etc.). The transmitting means 34 also transmits the images of receipts captured by the smartphone 14 and the images of receipts read by the scanner 22 (second reading device) to the matching terminal 42 (first external terminal), and at the same time transmits the information on the date of use, details, and amount of receipts whose images have been captured by the smartphone 14 to the matching terminal 42. In this case, even if the first operator makes an input error in the date of use, details, and amount of receipts based on the images of receipts captured by the smartphone 14, the date of use, details, and amount of receipts entered by the first operator will be displayed on the matching terminal 42, so the second operator can correct the input error made by the first operator.

[0049] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, the receiving means 32 receives the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 (first imaging device) with the employee's ID and the date of capture linked to it. In this case, the server 30 can also manage the employee's ID and the date of capture associated with the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14.

[0050] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, when the receiving means 32 receives an image of a receipt captured by the smartphone 14 (first imaging device), it receives the image with the employee's ID information linked to it. If, during the matching process by the matching means 36, there is a receipt for which an image was captured by the smartphone 14 but was not read by the scanner 22 (second reading device), the transmitting means 34 sends the employee's ID information linked to the receipt to the accounting terminal 44 (second external terminal) and displays it on the accounting terminal 44. In this case, the accounting staff or the manager who has received a report from the accounting staff can prompt the employee whose ID is displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44 to put the receipt, for which an image was captured by the smartphone 14, into the collection box 12, as they have forgotten to do so.

[0051] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, when the receiving means 32 receives the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 (second reading device), it receives the image with the ID of the collection post 12 and the scan date information linked to it. In this case, the server 30 can also manage the ID of the collection post 12 and the scan date information associated with the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22.

[0052] Furthermore, in the information processing system 1, server 30, program, and information processing method of this embodiment, as described above, when the receiving means 32 receives an image of a receipt read by the scanner 22 (second reading device), it receives the image with the ID information of the collection post 12 linked to it. If, during the matching process by the matching means 36, there is a receipt that was read by the scanner 22 but whose image was not captured by the smartphone 14 (first imaging device), the transmitting means 34 sends the ID information of the collection post 12 linked to the receipt to the accounting terminal 44 (second external terminal) and displays it on the accounting terminal 44. In this case, since the ID of the collection post 12 is displayed on the monitor of the accounting terminal 44, the accounting staff or the manager who has been reported by the accounting staff can notify employees in the area where the collection post 12 is installed that they forgot to take an image of the receipt they put into the collection post 12 using the smartphone 14, along with an image of the receipt. In this case, it is possible to narrow down the employees to whom the notification is sent compared to notifying all employees in office 10.

[0053] Furthermore, the information processing system 1 and information processing method according to this embodiment are not limited to the above-described configurations, and various modifications can be made.

[0054] For example, in the office of a management company that manages the information processing system 1, instead of having separate input terminals 40 and matching terminals 42, a single terminal integrating both input terminals 40 and matching terminals 42 may be shared.

[0055] Furthermore, when the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 is transmitted to the server 30, the receipt image, employee ID, and information on the date of capture are not all transmitted to the server 30. At least one of the employee ID and information on the date of capture may be transmitted to the server 30 along with the receipt image. Alternatively, only the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 may be transmitted to the server 30. In addition, the smartphone 14 installed in the collection post 12, or the smartphone 14 owned by the user, may store information on the ID of the collection post 12 into which the user should deposit the receipt. In this case, when the image of the receipt captured by the smartphone 14 is transmitted to the server 30, the information on the ID of the collection post 12 is also transmitted to the server 30 and stored in a predetermined memory by the storage means 38.

[0056] Furthermore, when the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 is transmitted to the server 30, the receipt image, the ID of the collection post 12, and the scan date information are not all transmitted to the server 30. At least one of the ID of the collection post 12 and the scan date information may be transmitted to the server 30 along with the receipt image. Alternatively, only the image of the receipt read by the scanner 22 may be transmitted to the server 30.

[0057] Furthermore, the first operator does not have to input all of the receipt's usage date, details, and amount, which have been captured by the smartphone 14, into the input terminal 40. Instead, the operator may input at least one of the receipt's usage date, details, and amount. In this case, the receiving means 32 receives at least one of the receipt's usage date, details, and amount information entered by the first operator via the input terminal 40. When the transmitting means 34 transmits the receipt's image captured by the smartphone 14 and the receipt's image read by the scanner 22, which are stored in a predetermined memory, to the matching terminal 42, it transmits at least one of the receipt's usage date, details, and amount information, which have been captured by the smartphone 14, to the matching terminal 42.

[0058] Furthermore, the imaging device installed in each collection post 12 is not limited to a smartphone 14. Any device other than a smartphone 14 may be used as the imaging device installed in each collection post 12, as long as it is capable of capturing images of receipts and acquiring images. In addition, each collection post 12 may be equipped with a scanner (first reading device), and the scanner may read an image of the receipt, and the read image of the receipt may be transmitted to the server 30 along with at least one of the following pieces of information: the employee's ID, the date of scanning, and the ID of the collection post 12.

[0059] Furthermore, the reading device installed in the data reading facility 20 is not limited to the scanner 22. Any device capable of reading images of receipts may be used as the reading device installed in the data reading facility 20, other than the scanner 22. In addition, the data reading facility 20 may be equipped with a camera (second imaging device), which may capture images of receipts, and the captured images of receipts may be transmitted to the server 30 along with at least one of the following pieces of information: the date of capture and the ID of the collection post 12.

[0060] Furthermore, instead of the first operator inputting information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt image captured by the smartphone 14 using the input terminal 40, the employee possessing the smartphone 14 may input the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt themselves. In this case, the information such as the date of use, details, and amount of the receipt is transmitted from the smartphone 14 to the server 30, linked to the information in the receipt image. When the receiving means 32 receives this information, the storage means 38 of the server 30 stores the information received by the receiving means 32 in a predetermined memory or the like, linked to the receipt image.

[0061] Furthermore, the computer in the information processing system according to the present invention is not limited to server 30. Instead of a virtual dedicated server built within a physical server accessible via the Internet, a physical computer may be used as the computer in the information processing system according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Information Processing System 10 Offices 12 collection posts 14 Smartphones 20 Data Reading Facilities 22 Scanners 30 servers 32 Reception methods 34 Transmission method 36 Butting means 38 Memory means 40 Input terminals 42 Matching terminal 44 Accounting terminals

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to function as reception means and matching means, wherein the reception means receives an image of a receipt imaged by a first imaging device or read by a first reading device, and also receives an image of a receipt imaged by a second imaging device or read by a second reading device, and the matching means causes a first external terminal to perform a matching process between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device.

2. The program further causes the computer to function as transmission means, wherein when the reception means receives login information from the first external terminal when the matching process is performed by the matching means, the transmission means transmits an image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, and when the reception means receives information from the first external terminal indicating that the two images match, the matching between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device is completed. The program according to Claim 1.

3. The reception means receives at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and when the transmission means transmits an image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, the transmission means also transmits at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device to the first external terminal. The program according to Claim 2.

4. The reception means receives, in a state where at least any one of the information of the employee ID, the imaging date, and the ID of the collection post into which the receipt is inserted is associated, the image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The computer is further caused to function as a transmission means, The reception means receives, in a state where the information of the employee ID is associated, the image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. In the matching process by the matching means, when there is a receipt that has been imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device but not imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, the transmission means transmits the information of the employee ID associated with the receipt to a second external terminal and causes it to be displayed on the second external terminal. The program according to claim 1.

6. The reception means receives, in a state where at least any one of the information of the ID of the collection post into which the receipt is inserted and the scanning date is associated, the image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The computer is further caused to function as a transmission means, The reception means receives, in a state where the information of the ID of the collection post into which the receipt is inserted is associated, the image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. In the matching process by the matching means, when there is a receipt that has not been imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device but has been imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device, the transmission means transmits the information of the ID of the collection post associated with the receipt to a second external terminal and causes it to be displayed on the second external terminal. The program according to claim 1.

8. A computer that functions as a reception means and a matching means by executing a program, The reception means receives an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and also receives an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The verification means is a computer that causes a first external terminal to perform a verification process between a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device.

9. When further functioning as a transmission means by executing the program, When the reception means receives login information from the first external terminal when the verification process is performed by the verification means, the transmission means transmits an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal. When the reception means receives information from the first external terminal indicating that the images of both match, the verification of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device is completed. The computer according to claim 8.

10. The reception means receives at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When the transmission means transmits an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, the transmission means also transmits at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device to the first external terminal. The computer according to claim 9.

11. A first imaging device for imaging a receipt or a first reading device for reading a receipt, A second imaging device for imaging a receipt or a second reading device for reading a receipt, A computer communicably connected to the first imaging device or the first reading device and the second imaging device or the second reading device respectively, Comprising The computer functions as reception means and matching means by executing a program. The reception means receives an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device, and also receives an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. The matching means causes a first external terminal to perform a matching process between a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device. An information processing system.

12. The computer further functions as transmission means by executing the program. When the reception means receives login information from the first external terminal when the matching process is performed by the matching means, the transmission means transmits an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal. When the reception means receives information from the first external terminal indicating that the images of both match, the matching between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device is completed. The information processing system according to claim 11.

13. The reception means receives at least any one of the use date, details, and amount of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When the transmission means transmits an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, the transmission means also transmits at least any one of the use date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device to the first external terminal. The information processing system according to claim 12.

14. An information processing method performed by an information processing system including a first imaging device for imaging a receipt or a first reading device for reading a receipt, a second imaging device for imaging a receipt or a second reading device for reading a receipt, and a computer communicably connected to the first imaging device or the first reading device and the second imaging device or the second reading device, comprising: causing the computer to receive an image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device; causing a first external terminal to perform a matching process between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device; An information processing method comprising the above.

15. In the step of causing the first external terminal to perform the matching process, when the computer receives login information from the first external terminal, the computer transmits an image of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, and when the computer receives information from the first external terminal indicating that the two images match, the matching between the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and the receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device is completed. The information processing method according to Claim 14.

16. The computer further includes a step of causing the computer to receive at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device. When transmitting an image of a receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device and an image of a receipt imaged by the second imaging device or read by the second reading device to the first external terminal, at least any one of information on the usage date, details, and amount of the receipt imaged by the first imaging device or read by the first reading device is also transmitted to the first external terminal. The information processing method according to claim 15.

Images