Information processing apparatus and electronic receipt system

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and an electronic receipt system configured to analyze electronic receipt data in real time.SOLUTION: A store server 1, which is a kind of information processing apparatus, includes a sales data transmission unit 112 which transmits electronic receipt data generated for each transaction of a purchaser in a store via a network NW2, to an electronic receipt server 3 which accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction content in one transaction of each purchaser in the store and presents the electronic receipt data of each purchaser to each purchaser via a network, and generates and accumulates duplicates of the electronic receipt data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and an electronic receipt system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a mechanism known as an electronic receipt system in which a paper receipt or invoice given to a shopper by a store at the time of payment for merchandise is electronically transferred to an information terminal such as a mobile terminal of the shopper.

[0003] In an electronic receipt system, electronic network data is sent from a store to an electronic receipt server via a network such as the Internet, and stored there. In response to a request from a shopper's information terminal via the network, the electronic receipt server sends the corresponding electronic receipt data to the information terminal. Therefore, such an electronic receipt system is beneficial for shoppers because it converts paper receipts into electronic data, allowing them to automatically keep track of their household accounts electronically. In addition, the introduction of electronic receipts is also beneficial for the stores that introduce them, as it reduces the consumption of receipt paper.

[0004] In addition, the electronic receipt server performs various analyses using the accumulated electronic receipt data of various shoppers from various stores for a certain period such as a day, week, or month, and provides various analysis results that do not include personal information to various customers including the stores. Therefore, each customer of such an electronic receipt system has the advantage that he or she can easily obtain the analysis results he or she needs, such as the sales status of various products and the sales trends of each product in his or her own store.

[0005] However, since the analysis in the electronic receipt server is performed at fixed intervals such as daily, weekly, or monthly, it is not possible to obtain real-time analysis results required by stores, such as current product sales trends. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-187793 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an electronic receipt system capable of analyzing electronic receipt data in real time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the information processing device is configured to transmit electronic receipt data via a network to an electronic receipt server that stores electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at a store and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each purchaser via the network, and includes a transmitting means. The transmitting means transmits electronic receipt data created for each transaction of the purchaser at the store to the electronic receipt server via the network, and also creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration and a program outline of the store server in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure of main information processing executed by the processor of the store server. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment. The electronic receipt system includes a plurality of store servers 1 arranged in each of a plurality of stores S, a headquarters server 2 arranged in each of a plurality of headquarters H, and an electronic receipt server 3 arranged in an electronic receipt center C.

[0012] Each store S includes one or more POS (Point Of Sales) terminals P and an administrator terminal SM in addition to a store server 1. The store server 1, the POS terminals P, and the administrator terminal SM are communicatively connected via an in-store network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The store server 1 can be connected to a network NW1 connecting the store S and the electronic receipt center C via an external communication interface such as a router connected to the in-store network. Here, the network NW1, which is a first network, is, for example, the Internet or various public networks. Alternatively, the store server 1 can be connected to a network NW2 connecting the store S and the headquarters H via an external communication interface. Here, the network NW2, which is a second network, is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0013] The POS terminal P is a fixed terminal installed at a counter or self-service register where the cashier, who is a store clerk in charge of accounting, or the shopper, who is the purchaser, registers and settles the purchased items. The POS terminal P calculates the payment amount of the registered purchased items, and the shopper pays the price equivalent to the payment amount. The price can be paid by cash, credit card, electronic money, points, gift certificates, etc. The POS terminal P is an example of a sales data processing device that processes the registration and accounting of purchased items. When the accounting is completed, the POS terminal P generates sales data including transaction data indicating the transaction details of the items to be paid for, payment data related to the settlement of the transaction, etc., and issues a paper receipt by printing the sales data with a printer. In addition, if the shopper is a member of the electronic receipt system, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data by generating information in a structured format from the sales data, and outputs (transmits) this to the store server 1 via the in-store network. There is no particular limit to the method of transmitting the electronic receipt data, and a general-purpose protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used. There is no particular limit to the number of POS terminals P provided in the store S.

[0014] The administrator terminal SM is a terminal that serves as a user interface for the store server 1. The person in charge of the store S or the administrator who manages the system within the store S operates the administrator terminal SM to input various commands to the store server 1, and uses the administrator terminal SM to check the processing results in the store server 1. There is no particular limit to the number of administrator terminals SM placed in the store S, and there may be multiple terminals.

[0015] The store server 1 comprehensively manages sales data processing and the like performed by the POS terminal P. For example, the store server 1 stores and manages sales data generated by the sales data processing of the POS terminal P, and stores and manages product data files and the like used in the sales data processing.

[0016] The store server 1 disposed in an independent store S not managed by the head office H transmits electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 each time it is received. That is, the store server 1 functions as a relay device for electronic receipt data, transferring the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P to the electronic receipt server 3. Note that there is no particular restriction on the method of transmitting the electronic receipt data, and general-purpose protocols such as HTTP and HTTPS may be used.

[0017] On the other hand, the store server 1 arranged in the store S managed by the headquarters H transmits electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2 each time it receives the data. In other words, the store server 1 functions as a relay device for electronic receipt data, transferring the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2. In addition, the store server 1 transmits sales data to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2, for example, by batch processing at night.

[0018] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the store server 1 has a function of creating a copy of the electronic receipt data and storing it when transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 or to the head office server 2 via the network NW2. Then, in response to an analysis command from the manager terminal SM, the store server 1 performs an analysis specified in the analysis command on the copy of the stored electronic receipt data as the analysis target, and transmits the analysis result to the manager terminal SM to present the analysis result to the manager.

[0019] In this embodiment, a configuration is described in which the POS terminal P outputs electronic receipt data, but the present invention is not limited to this. The store server 1 may create electronic receipt data by converting the data format of the sales data generated by the POS terminal P.

[0020] The headquarters H is the headquarters of a company that operates a store or a chain of stores (hereinafter referred to as store S). Each headquarters H includes a manager terminal HM in addition to the headquarters server 2.

[0021] The headquarters server 2 and the manager terminal HM are communicatively connected via an in-store network such as a LAN. The headquarters server 2 can also be connected to a network NW1 connecting the electronic receipt center C and the headquarters H and a network NW2 connecting the stores S and the headquarters H via an external communication interface such as a router connected to the in-store network. The headquarters server 2 functions as a corporate management server that manages sales data for each company that operates a store. The headquarters server 2 has functions such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management for the companies that operate the stores.

[0022] The manager terminal HM is a terminal that serves as a user interface for the headquarters server 2. The person in charge of the headquarters H or the manager who manages the system in the headquarters H operates the manager terminal HM to input various commands to the headquarters server 2, and uses the manager terminal HM to check the processing results in the headquarters server 2. There is no particular limit to the number of manager terminals HM located in the headquarters H, and multiple units may be used. Also, some of the functions of the headquarters server 2, such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management, may be distributed and processed on terminals on the same network.

[0023] Furthermore, the head office server 2 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P via the network NW2. The head office server 2 transmits the received electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1. In other words, the head office server 2 functions as a relay device for the electronic receipt data, which transfers the electronic receipt data from the store server 1 to the electronic receipt server 3.

[0024] The electronic receipt server 3 is provided in an electronic receipt center C. The electronic receipt center C is, for example, a third-party organization other than a company that manages sales data in the store server 1 or the headquarters server 2. The store server 1 or the headquarters server 2 may also be managed by a third-party organization or the like.

[0025] The electronic receipt server 3 functions as a customer electronic receipt management server that collectively manages electronic receipt data. The electronic receipt server 3 stores and manages, in a member master database, member data such as the name and member code of each customer (member) who has registered as a member through a predetermined procedure, and destination information (e.g., email address) of the information terminal T to which the electronic receipt data is to be sent. Note that a member management server that stores and manages member data may be provided separately from the electronic receipt server 3.

[0026] Furthermore, the electronic receipt server 3 receives electronic receipt data transmitted from the head office server 2 via the network NW1, and stores and manages this electronic receipt data in an electronic receipt database. More specifically, the electronic receipt data includes elements such as a membership code in addition to the transaction details (sales data) of the product, and is managed in association with the membership data of the corresponding member.

[0027] Furthermore, when the electronic receipt server 3 stores the electronic receipt data in the electronic receipt database, it identifies the destination (information terminal T) by referring to the destination information associated with the membership code of the electronic receipt data. Then, the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipt data stored in the electronic receipt database to the destination via the network NW1.

[0028] In addition, when the electronic receipt server 3 receives an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a membership code from the information terminal T connected via the network NW1, the electronic receipt server 3 extracts electronic receipt data corresponding to the membership code from the electronic receipt database and transmits it to the information terminal T.

[0029] The information terminal T is a terminal device used by a user (customer) of this electronic receipt system, such as a smartphone, mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet computer, etc. The information terminal T is equipped with an application such as a web browser for viewing various information provided on the network NW1. Note that instead of the information terminal T, a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer) may be used.

[0030] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration and program outline of the store server 1. The store server 1 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a network interface 14, and a system transmission path 15. The system transmission path 15 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The store server 1 connects the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the network interface 14 to the system transmission path 15. The store server 1 constitutes a computer by the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, and the system transmission path 15 that connects them.

[0031] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the store server 1 according to an operating system and an application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), but is not limited to this. The processor 11 may be a multi-core / multi-threaded one, and can execute multiple processes in parallel. The processor 11 may also be an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Furthermore, the processor 11 may be realized in various other forms, including integrated circuits such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a SoC (System on a Chip), and a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The processor 11 may also be a combination of multiple of these.

[0032] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system and application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. For example, the nonvolatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used as the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes and data created by the processes in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0034] The network interface 14 transmits and receives data in accordance with a communication protocol between the POS terminal P and each part of the manager terminal SM connected via an in-store network NWL such as a LAN. In addition, in a store server 1 located in a store S managed by the headquarters H, as shown in Fig. 2, the network interface 14 transmits and receives data in accordance with a communication protocol between the headquarters server 2 connected via a network NW2 by an external communication interface INT such as a router connected to the in-store network NWL. In the case of a store server 1 located in an independent store S not managed by the headquarters H, the network interface 14 transmits and receives data in accordance with a communication protocol between the electronic receipt server 3 connected via a network NW1 by the external communication interface INT.

[0035] The store server 1 includes a product master database 131, a store member master database 132, an electronic receipt member master database 133, a sales data database 134, a duplicate electronic receipt database 135, and an analysis result database 136 in the auxiliary storage device 13. In FIG. 2, the databases are abbreviated as DB. The data stored in the product master database 131, the store member master database 132, and the electronic receipt member master database 133 can be updated to data sent from the headquarters server 2 by night batch processing, for example, in the store server 1 arranged in the store S managed by the headquarters H. Then, the data is sent to the POS terminal P when each POS terminal P in each store S is started, and is stored in the POS terminal P as a product data file, a store member data file, and an electronic receipt member data file for use. In both the store S managed by the headquarters H and an independent store S, it is also possible to update the contents of any of the master databases at any timing as needed by performing an update operation from the administrator terminal SM. In that case, the updated data is immediately sent to each POS terminal P after the update is completed and reflected. Some or all of the functions of the auxiliary storage device 13 may be located on the cloud.

[0036] The product master database 131 stores data on each product sold in the store. The product master database 131 stores data such as product ID, product name, price, and category name, with each product as one record. The product ID is a unique code set for each product to identify each product individually.

[0037] The store member master database 132 stores data on customers who have registered as point members or the like, that is, members. The store member master database 132 stores data on, for example, member IDs, with one member as one record. It may also store personal information such as the member's gender, age, name, address, and contact information. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to identify each member. Members own a recording medium on which the member ID is recorded. The recording medium is, for example, a magnetic card, a contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a contactless IC card, a smartphone, i.e., an information terminal T, or the like. A purchaser can enjoy the benefits of being a member by inputting the member code into the POS terminal P at any time before making a transaction at the POS terminal P. There are no particular limitations on the method of inputting the member code, and the code may be read from a medium by a scanner or reader by the cashier, who is the store clerk in charge of the transaction, or by the purchaser.

[0038] The electronic receipt member master database 133 stores data on members who have registered for the electronic receipt service. The electronic receipt member master database 133 includes, for example, member ID data, with one member as one record. The member ID is a unique code set for each member to individually identify each member of the electronic receipt service. Members own information terminals such as smartphones on which their member IDs are recorded. The data stored in this electronic receipt member master database 133 can be provided from the electronic receipt server 3 via the head office server 2 or directly. A member of the electronic receipt service who desires an electronic receipt instead of a paper receipt can input the member code into the POS terminal P at any time before making a transaction at the POS terminal P, which allows the POS terminal P to issue an electronic receipt instead of a paper receipt.

[0039] The sales data database 134 stores sales data generated in each transaction, which is transmitted from each POS terminal P at the end of the transaction. The sales data database 134 stores transaction data indicating the transaction details of the product to be paid and payment data related to the payment of the transaction, with each transaction being treated as one record. The transaction data includes the product name (product code) of the product to be paid and its amount, the total amount of each product, etc. The payment data includes the deposit amount paid by the purchaser and the amount of change, etc., when the payment is made by cash, and includes the payment method and result information, when the payment is made by credit card, electronic money, points, or voucher such as gift certificate. The sales data may include elements such as a membership code, a company code (company name) indicating the company that operates the store, a store code (store name), the store's telephone number, address, transaction date and time, transaction number (receipt number), register number, and the name of the person in charge. Note that the elements included in the sales data are not limited to these examples, and may include other elements such as industry / business type code, or elements such as telephone number and address may be removed. The POS terminal P, for example, uses a scanner to read a code symbol printed or affixed to a product to obtain a product code, reads product data for the product identified by the product code from a product data file, and registers the product data in the transaction data, thereby updating the sales data including the transaction data and payment data. When a membership code is obtained from a recording medium using a scanner, the POS terminal P checks whether the membership code is registered in the store member data file, and if registered, adds the membership code as a store member code to the transaction data, thereby updating the sales data. When the accounting process is completed, that is, when one transaction is completed, the POS terminal P prints the sales data on paper to issue a paper receipt for that transaction, and also transmits the sales data for that transaction to the store server 1. The sales data database 134 stores the sales data transmitted from each POS terminal P in this manner.

[0040] The duplicate electronic receipt database 135 stores a duplicate of the electronic receipt data created by each POS terminal P. When the POS terminal P acquires a membership code from a recording medium using a scanner, for example, it checks whether the membership code is registered in the electronic receipt membership data file, and if it is registered, it adds the membership code to the transaction data as an electronic receipt service membership code, thereby updating the sales data. When the transaction process is completed, that is, when one transaction is completed, if the sales data includes an electronic receipt service membership code, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data by generating structured information from the sales data in unstructured format. Then, the POS terminal P transmits the created electronic receipt data for one transaction to the store server 1. The duplicate electronic receipt database 135 stores a duplicate of the electronic receipt data thus transmitted from each POS terminal P.

[0041] The analysis result database 136 stores the analysis results of the duplicated electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135, which is performed in response to an analysis command from the manager terminal SM.

[0042] Next, each unit implemented in the processor 11 of the store server 1 will be described. The processor 11 implements, for example, a sales data receiving unit 111, a sales data transmitting unit 112, an electronic receipt transferring unit 113, an analyzing unit 114, and an analysis result utilizing unit 115. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as each functional module. Each unit implemented in the processor 11 can also be referred to as a program implemented in a control unit including the processor 11 and the main memory 12.

[0043] The sales data receiving unit 111 receives sales data for one transaction transmitted from the POS terminal P at the end of the transaction via the network interface 14. The sales data receiving unit 111 stores the received sales data in the sales data database 134.

[0044] In the store server 1 located at a store S managed by the headquarters H, the sales data transmission unit 112 transmits one day's worth of sales data stored in the sales data database 134 to the headquarters server 2 via the external communication interface INT and the network NW2, for example by batch processing at night.

[0045] The electronic receipt transferring unit 113 receives electronic receipt data for one transaction transmitted from the POS terminal P at the end of one transaction through the network interface 14. Then, in the store server 1 disposed in an independent store S not controlled by the headquarters H, the received electronic receipt data is transmitted to the electronic receipt server 3 through the network NW1 through the external communication interface INT. Also, in the store server 1 disposed in the store S controlled by the headquarters H, the received electronic receipt data is transmitted to the headquarters server 2 through the network NW2 through the external communication interface INT. Furthermore, in any store server 1, the electronic receipt transferring unit 113 creates a copy of the electronic receipt data to be transmitted to the electronic receipt server 3 or the headquarters server 2. When creating a copy of the electronic receipt, the electronic receipt transferring unit 113 adds information to the copied electronic receipt data indicating that it is a copy and not an original. For example, the electronic receipt transferring unit 113 adds a suffix to the transaction number (receipt number) included in the sales data. The electronic receipt transfer unit 113 stores the copy of the electronic receipt data thus created in the copy electronic receipt database 135.

[0046] The analysis unit 114 receives an analysis command sent from the manager terminal SM via the network interface 14, and executes analysis processing according to the received analysis command using the copy of the electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135. A specific example of this analysis processing will be described later. The analysis unit 114 stores the analysis result in the analysis result database 136.

[0047] The analysis result utilization unit 115 transmits the analysis results by the analysis unit 114 to the manager terminal SM via the network interface 14. In addition, the analysis result utilization unit 115 receives an analysis result utilization command, such as arranging a product in response to confirmation of the analysis result, from the manager terminal SM via the network interface 14, and executes processing in response to the analysis result utilization command.

[0048] The store server 1 can be realized, for example, by using a general-purpose computer device for servers as hardware, and writing the application program in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The application program may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 when the store server 1 is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the general-purpose computer device. In the latter case, the application program is transferred in a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or via a network.

[0049] Next, the operation of the electronic receipt system configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the various processes described below are merely examples, and various processes that can achieve similar results can be appropriately used.

[0050] Figures 3 and 4 are sequence diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the processes performed by the electronic receipt system include a process PRO1 that is repeatedly performed for each transaction at the store S, a process PRO2 that is performed in response to an analysis command from the manager terminal SM, a process PRO3 that is performed once a day, such as an overnight batch, and a process PRO4 that is performed at regular intervals, such as a day, a week, or a month. Figures 3 and 4 show a case where the store server 1 is located in a store S managed by the headquarters H.

[0051] First, the process PRO1 will be described. When a transaction and settlement is performed at the POS terminal P (step S101), the POS terminal P transmits sales data to the store server 1 (step S102). In the store server 1, the sales data receiving unit 111 receives the sales data and stores it in the sales data database 134 (step S103).

[0052] Furthermore, if the purchaser is a member of the electronic receipt service, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data from the sales data (step S104). Specifically, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data by generating information in a structured format from the sales data in an unstructured format. Thus, the POS terminal P functions as a creating unit that creates electronic receipt data. Then, the POS terminal P transmits the created electronic receipt data to the store server 1 (step S105). In the store server 1, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 receives the electronic receipt data (step S106) and creates a copy of it (step S107). Then, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 transmits the electronic receipt data (step S108).

[0053] In this transmission process, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 transmits the received electronic receipt data to the headquarters server 2, and also transmits the duplicated electronic receipt data to the duplicate electronic receipt database 135 and stores it there. In this way, the store server 1 can accumulate a duplicate of the electronic receipt data almost in real time when the electronic receipt is created. Here, "almost in real time" refers to the fact that there is a small delay in each process of transmitting the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P to the store server 1, creating a duplicate at the store server 1, and storing the duplicate electronic receipt in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135. If this delay is ignored, it can be said that the store server 1 can accumulate a duplicate of the electronic receipt created at the POS terminal P in real time.

[0054] The headquarters server 2 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the store server 1 and transmits it to the electronic receipt server 3 (step S201). That is, the headquarters server 2 transfers the electronic receipt data from the store server 1 to the electronic receipt server 3. At this time, if the sales data includes a membership code of the store S, the headquarters server 2 may delete it from the electronic receipt data before transmitting it to the electronic receipt server 3. In this way, the POS terminal P and the store server 1 function as a transmitting means that creates electronic receipt data for each transaction of a purchaser of the store S, transmits the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 through the network NW2 and the headquarters server 2, and also creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt.

[0055] In the case of the store server 1 disposed in an independent store S not managed by the headquarters H, in the transmission process of step S108, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 transmits the received electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, and also transmits the duplicated electronic receipt data to the duplicate electronic receipt database 135 and stores it therein. Thus, the POS terminal P and the store server 1 function as a transmission means that creates electronic receipt data for each transaction of a purchaser at the store S, transmits the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and also creates and stores a duplicate of the electronic receipt.

[0056] The electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the head office server 2 and stores it in the electronic receipt data database 31 included in the electronic receipt server 3 (step S301). In this way, the electronic receipt server 3 can accumulate the electronic receipt data almost in real time when the electronic receipt is created. If we ignore minute delays that occur in each process of transmission from the POS terminal P to the store server 1, creation of a copy at the store server 1 (transmission from the store server 1 to the electronic receipt server 3 via the head office server 2), and storage at the electronic receipt server 3, it can be said that the electronic receipt server 3 can accumulate the electronic receipt data created at the POS terminal P in real time.

[0057] Next, the process PRO2 will be described. In FIG. 3, the process PRO2 is described as being executed following the process PRO1, but it may be executed in parallel with the process PRO1. In the store server 1, the analysis unit 114 receives an analysis command from the manager terminal SM at any timing (step S109). The analysis unit 114 executes an analysis according to the received analysis command, and stores the analysis result in the analysis result database 136 (step S110). Specifically, the analysis unit 114 reads out a copy of the target electronic receipt data from among the copies of the electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135 based on the analysis conditions such as the product to be analyzed, the period to be analyzed, and the type of analysis included in the analysis command, and executes the instructed analysis. That is, the analysis unit 114 can execute the sales situation analysis at the current time point by using the copy of the electronic receipt data at the current time point stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135 in real time.

[0058] For example, the analysis unit 114 executes an analysis process for products with in-store codes. A store uses in-store codes exclusive to that store for prepared foods and fresh produce. These in-store codes cannot be treated as market data in the analysis by the electronic receipt server 3. The analysis unit 114 can also analyze products with these in-store codes. For example, the analysis unit 114 can compare the data with past data such as the sales and weather of the day to predict demand for each product, including the product with the in-store code.

[0059] The analysis unit 114 also performs analysis processing on private brand products. Some stores introduce private brand products. These private brand products cannot be used as market data for analysis by the electronic receipt server 3. Therefore, stores S that introduce such private brands cannot fully utilize the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3. The analysis unit 114 can also analyze these private brand products.

[0060] Furthermore, the analysis unit 114 executes an analysis process using personal information about members of the store S. The electronic receipt server 3 can perform an analysis using personal information linked to a membership code of the electronic receipt service, but the personal information held by the electronic receipt server 3 does not necessarily match the personal information held by the store server 1, and there are cases where the electronic receipt server 3 does not have the information required by the store S. With the member's permission, the analysis unit 114 can execute an analysis using personal information held by the store server 1 that is required by the store S. Since the duplicated electronic receipt database 135 can be regarded as being within an individual company, the duplicated electronic receipt data and personal information can be used for analysis as is without anonymization, statistical processing, etc.

[0061] In addition, the analysis unit 114 can detect products whose sales trends are different from usual by comparing the data with copies of past electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135, and analyze the factors behind this, such as the influence of television, social media, and weather.

[0062] The analysis result utilization unit 115 transmits the analysis result to the manager terminal SM (step S111).

[0063] Although not shown in FIG. 4, in this process PRO2, the analysis result utilization unit 115 in the store server 1 can receive an analysis result utilization command from the manager terminal SM and execute a process according to the analysis result utilization command. For example, the analysis result utilization unit 115 determines the menu and quantity to be produced for prepared foods, which are in-store code products, based on the demand forecast results stored in the analysis result database 136. This makes it possible to minimize sales opportunity losses and waste losses. In this way, being able to analyze the current sales situation, especially for prepared foods, can have a great effect.

[0064] Next, the process PRO3 will be described. In the store server 1, the sales data transmission unit 112 reads out the sales data for a specified period, for example, for the current day, stored in the sales data database 134 at a predetermined time, such as during the night (step S112). The sales data transmission unit 112 then transmits the read sales data to the headquarters server 2 (step S113).

[0065] The headquarters server 2 receives the sales data transmitted from the store server 1 and stores it, for example, in the sales data database 234 (step S202). In this way, the headquarters server 2 collects and accumulates sales data from each store S, for example, once a day. This accumulation of sales data is based on legal provisions that require past sales data to be stored for a certain period of time. Of course, the headquarters server 2 may have a function for carrying out any analysis using the sales data accumulated in the sales data database 234. However, since the sales data accumulated in the sales data database 234 is past sales data, not real-time sales data, it cannot be used to analyze real-time situations.

[0066] In the case of the store server 1 disposed in an independent store S that is not controlled by the headquarters H, the process PRO3 is not executed.

[0067] Next, the process PRO4 will be described. In the electronic receipt server 3, an analysis is performed by statistically processing the electronic receipt data stored in the electronic receipt data database 31 every time a certain period of time elapses (step S302). Thus, the processor included in the electronic receipt server 3 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer having the processor as the central part functions as a second analysis means for analyzing the electronic receipt data. Then, the electronic receipt server 3 stores the analysis result, and can output the analysis result to the request source in response to a request from, for example, the manager terminal HM of the headquarters H (step S303). Note that the analysis in the electronic receipt server 3 uses the electronic receipt data, so that it is possible to analyze the real-time situation. However, since the frequency of the analysis is limited, it is not possible to provide the real-time analysis result at the required timing.

[0068] Furthermore, the analysis in the electronic receipt server 3 uses electronic receipt data obtained from a plurality of stores S and a plurality of head office servers 2. Therefore, the analysis result utilization unit 115 of the store server 1 can compare the analysis result performed using a copy of the electronic receipt data obtained in its own store S with the analysis result in the electronic receipt server 3.

[0069] The operation of the store server 1 will be described in more detail below. When the store server 1 is in a normal operating state, the processor 11 executes information processing based on an application program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor 11. Note that the processing shown in this flowchart shows processing during the period when the POS terminal P and the manager terminal SM are operating. The processor 11 can perform various operational processing by executing processing according to a different flowchart from this flowchart in parallel, for example, a flowchart for processing for night batches. Note that unless otherwise specified, the processing of the processor 11 shown in FIG. 5 transitions from ACTn (n is a natural number) to ACT(n+1).

[0070] In ACT1, the sales data receiving unit 111 implemented in the processor 11 checks whether or not sales data has been received from any POS terminal P. If the processor 11 has received sales data, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT2. If the processor 11 has not received sales data, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT3.

[0071] In ACT 2, the sales data receiving unit 111 stores the received sales data in the sales data database 134.

[0072] In ACT3, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 implemented in the processor 11 checks whether electronic receipt data has been received from any of the POS terminals P. If electronic receipt data has been received, the processor 11 judges YES and proceeds to ACT4. If electronic receipt data has not been received, the processor 11 judges NO and proceeds to ACT7.

[0073] In ACT4, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 creates a copy of the received electronic receipt data.

[0074] As ACT5, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 transmits the received electronic receipt data. In the store server 1 arranged in the store S managed by the headquarters H, the transmission destination is the headquarters server 2. The headquarters server 2 transfers the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer including the processor 11 as the central part functions as an electronic receipt data transmission means that transmits electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2, thereby transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the headquarters server 2 and the network NW1. Also, in the store server 1 arranged in an independent store S not managed by the headquarters H, the transmission destination is the electronic receipt server 3. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer including the processor 11 as the central part functions as an electronic receipt data transmission means that transmits electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1.

[0075] As ACT6, the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 stores a copy of the created electronic receipt data in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135. In this way, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer having the processor 11 as its central part functions as a storage means that creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal.

[0076] In ACT7, the analysis unit 114 implemented in the processor 11 checks whether or not an analysis command has been received from the manager terminal SM. If the analysis command has been received, the processor 11 judges YES and proceeds to ACT8. If the analysis command has not been received, the processor 11 judges NO and proceeds to ACT12.

[0077] As ACT8, the analysis unit 114 reads out a copy of the target electronic receipt data from the copies of the electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 135 based on the analysis conditions such as the product to be analyzed and the period to be analyzed included in the received analysis command.

[0078] As ACT9, the analysis unit 114 performs an analysis based on the analysis conditions, such as the analysis type, included in the received analysis command, on the copy of the read electronic receipt data as the analysis target. In this way, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a first analysis means for analyzing the copied and stored electronic receipt data.

[0079] In ACT 10 , the analysis unit 114 stores the analysis results in the analysis result database 136 .

[0080] The analysis result utilization unit 115 implemented in the processor 11 as the ACT 11 transmits the analysis result to the manager terminal SM.

[0081] In ACT 12, the analysis result utilization unit 115 checks whether or not an analysis result utilization command has been received from the manager terminal SM. If the analysis result utilization command has been received, the processor 11 judges YES and proceeds to ACT 13. If the analysis result utilization command has not been received, the processor 11 judges NO and proceeds to the above ACT 1.

[0082] In ACT 13, the analysis result utilization unit 115 executes an analysis result utilization process in accordance with the received analysis result utilization command. Then, when this analysis result utilization process is completed, the processor 11 proceeds to the above ACT 1.

[0083] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the store server 1 as an information processing device transmits electronic receipt data via the network NW1 to the electronic receipt server 3 which accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at the store S and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each purchaser via the network NW1. When transmitting electronic receipt data generated for each transaction of the purchaser of the store S to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, the store server 1 creates and accumulates a copy of the electronic receipt data. In this manner, by accumulating a copy of the electronic receipt data in the store server 1, the store server 1 can perform an analysis using the copy of the electronic receipt data indicating real-time transaction details. This is equivalent to performing a real-time analysis of the electronic receipt data that is the source of the copy. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing device capable of performing a real-time analysis of electronic receipt data.

[0084] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic receipt system includes an electronic receipt server 3 that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at the store S and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each purchaser via the network NW1, a POS terminal P that creates electronic receipt data for each transaction of the purchaser at the store S, and a store server 1 as an information processing device according to the present embodiment that transmits the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and the store server 1 creates and accumulates a copy of the electronic receipt data when transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3. In this way, by accumulating a copy of the electronic receipt data in the store server 1, the store server 1 can perform an analysis using the copy of the electronic receipt data indicating real-time transaction details. This is equivalent to performing a real-time analysis of the electronic receipt data that is the source of the copy. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an electronic receipt system that can perform a real-time analysis of electronic receipt data can be provided.

[0085] Specifically, the electronic receipt system includes an electronic receipt server 3 and a store server 1 connected to one or more POS terminals P disposed in the store S, i.e., directly disposed in the store. In this electronic receipt system, electronic receipt data is created in the POS terminal P, and the store server 1 transmits the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1. Alternatively, the electronic receipt system further includes a headquarters server 2 disposed in a headquarters H that manages a plurality of stores S, which communicates with the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 and communicates with each of the store servers 1 via the network NW2, and the store server 1 transmits the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2, thereby transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 via the headquarters server 2. In the store server 1 of any electronic receipt system, a copy of the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal P is created and stored. In addition, the store server 1 analyzes the copied and stored electronic receipt data. In this way, real-time analysis of electronic receipt data can be performed by the store server 1. In addition, the store server 1 can also analyze private brand products introduced in the store S, and products using in-store codes exclusive to the store, such as prepared foods and fresh produce, that are not used in the analysis by the electronic receipt server 3.

[0086] Furthermore, the store server 1 can easily compare the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3 with the analysis results of its own store. To add to that, the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3 are highly general, reflecting transaction data from multiple businesses. On the other hand, the analysis results of the store server 1 are highly general, reflecting transaction data from a single business. According to the electronic receipt system of this embodiment, the business operating the store server 1 can perform highly unique product analysis while taking generality into consideration. Thus, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the application program, the computer with the processor 11 as its core portion functions as a comparison means for comparing its own analysis results with the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3.

[0087] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the store server 1 creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P, and then uses the stored electronic receipt data for analysis. However, such an operation may be performed by a server other than the store server 1. This embodiment is an example in which the head office server 2 creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P, and then uses the stored electronic receipt data for analysis. Such a head office server 2 can be regarded as an indirect store server 1 disposed in the store.

[0088] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the electronic receipt system also performs processes PRO1 to PRO4, but processes PRO3 and PRO4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Below, the information processing procedure in the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6, but the same procedures as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] In this embodiment, when the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 of the store server 1 receives the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P, it transmits it to the headquarters server 2 (step S114). That is, the store server 1 transfers the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2. In this way, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor 11 as the core portion functions as a first transfer unit that transmits the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2.

[0090] When the headquarters server 2 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the store server 1 (step S203), it creates a copy of the received electronic receipt data (step S204). Then, the headquarters server 2 transmits the electronic receipt data (step S205). In this transmission process, the headquarters server 2 transmits the received electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, and also transmits the copied electronic receipt data to the copied electronic receipt database 235 provided in the headquarters server 2 and stores it there. Thus, the processor provided in the headquarters server 2 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer having the processor as the core portion functions as a second transfer means that transmits the electronic receipt data transmitted from the store server 1 via the network NW2 to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1. Furthermore, the computer functions as a storage means that creates a copy of the electronic receipt data transmitted from the store server 1 via the network NW2 and stores it.

[0091] In this manner, in this embodiment, when an electronic receipt is created, the head office server 2 can accumulate a copy of the electronic receipt data almost in real time. If we ignore minute delays that occur in the processes of transmission from the POS terminal P to the store server 1, transmission from the store server 1 to the head office server 2, creation of a copy in the head office server 2, and storage in the duplicate electronic receipt database 235, we can say that the head office server 2 can accumulate a copy of the electronic receipt created in the POS terminal P in real time.

[0092] Next, the process PRO2 will be described. In this embodiment, the process PRO2 may be performed in parallel with the process PRO1. The headquarters server 2 receives an analysis command from the manager terminal HM at any timing (step S206). The headquarters server 2 performs an analysis according to the received analysis command, and stores the analysis result in the analysis result database 236 provided in the headquarters server 2 (step S207). Specifically, the headquarters server 2 reads out a copy of the target electronic receipt data from among the copies of the electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 235 based on the analysis conditions such as the product to be analyzed, the period to be analyzed, and the type of analysis included in the analysis command, and performs the instructed analysis. That is, the headquarters server 2 can perform a situation analysis at the current time point by using a copy of the electronic receipt data at the current time point stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 235 in real time. Thus, the processor provided in the headquarters server 2 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor as the core part functions as a first analysis means for analyzing the copied and stored electronic receipt data.

[0093] In the headquarters server 2, similar to the analysis in the store server 1 in the first embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis for each store S, such as analysis processing for products with in-store codes, analysis processing for private brand products, analysis processing using personal information about members of the store S, and analysis of factors of products whose sales trends are different from usual. In addition, since the headquarters server 2 can use copies of electronic receipt data from multiple stores S, it is possible to analyze the difference in sales status between each store S and other stores. For example, it is possible to analyze the impact of weather on product sales based on the weather information at the location of each store S at the current time. It is also possible to detect products whose sales performance is improving at a certain store S. It is also possible to detect the inventory quantity of each product at each store S from the sales performance at each store S.

[0094] Then, the headquarters server 2 transmits the analysis result to the manager terminal HM (step S208).

[0095] Although not shown in Fig. 6, in this process PRO2, the headquarters server 2 can receive an analysis result utilization command from the manager terminal HM and execute a process according to the analysis result utilization command. For example, based on the detection result of a product whose sales performance has increased in a certain store S, stored in the analysis result database 236, the headquarters server 2 can implement price adjustments such as raising the price of the product only in that store S or in all stores, or lowering the price of similar products. Also, based on the detection result of the inventory quantity of each product in each store S, stored in the analysis result database 236, the headquarters server 2 can implement inventory adjustments such as arranging for the movement of inventory products between stores, arranging for customers to be guided to stores that have inventory, and implementing price adjustments for products.

[0096] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic receipt system includes the electronic receipt server 3 that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at the store S and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each purchaser via the network NW1, the POS terminal P that creates electronic receipt data for each transaction of the purchaser at the store S, the store server 1 connected to each of the POS terminals P, and the headquarters server 2 as an information processing device according to the present embodiment that is disposed in the headquarters H that manages a plurality of stores S and communicates with the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 and with each of the store servers 1 via the network NW2. When transmitting electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P via the store server 1 to the electronic receipt server 3, the headquarters server 2 creates and accumulates a copy of the electronic receipt data. In this way, by accumulating a copy of the electronic receipt data in the headquarters server 2, the headquarters server 2 can perform an analysis using the copy of the electronic receipt data indicating real-time transaction details. This is equivalent to performing a real-time analysis of the electronic receipt data that is the source of the copy. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, an electronic receipt system that can perform real-time analysis of electronic receipt data can be provided.

[0097] Specifically, in the electronic receipt system, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data, and the store server 1 transmits the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 via the network NW2. The headquarters server 2 transmits the electronic receipt data transmitted from the store server 1 via the network NW2 to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and also creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data. The headquarters server 2 analyzes the copied and stored electronic receipt data. In this way, the headquarters server 2 can perform real-time analysis of electronic receipt data. The headquarters server 2 can also analyze private brand products and products using in-store codes that are not used in the analysis by the electronic receipt server 3. Furthermore, the headquarters server 2 can easily compare the analysis results by the electronic receipt server 3 with the analysis results for each store under its control, or with the analysis results for all stores. Therefore, according to the electronic receipt system according to this embodiment, the business operator who operates the headquarters server 2 can perform highly unique product analysis while taking into account generality. Thus, by the processor of the head office server 2 executing information processing based on the application program, the computer with the processor as its central part functions as a comparison means for comparing its own analysis results with the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3.

[0098] [Third embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, electronic receipt data is created at the POS terminal P, but in recent years, a mechanism called a cloud POS system has begun to be used in which the POS terminal P is used simply as an input / output device and transaction data and settlement data are created on the cloud. This embodiment is an example of application to this cloud POS system. Below, the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings, but the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used to designate the same parts as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, a cloud POS server 4 is connected to a network NW1, which is the Internet. This enables information to be transmitted and received via the network NW1 between the cloud POS server 4, the POS terminal P and the administrator terminal SM arranged in the store S, the administrator terminal HM arranged in the headquarters H, the electronic receipt server 3 arranged in the electronic receipt center C, and the information terminal T used by the member of the electronic receipt service who is the purchaser. The cloud POS server 4 physically or logically divides the processing area for each store S or headquarters H, for example, and is configured so that information of other companies cannot be accessed. The cloud POS server 4 may include a product master database, a store member master database, an electronic receipt member master database, a sales data database, a duplicate electronic receipt database, and an analysis result database for each store S or headquarters H. The cloud POS server 4 functions as a cloud sales data processing server that receives input information related to one transaction at the store S transmitted via the network NW1, creates sales data indicating the details of the transaction based on the received input information, creates electronic receipt data based on the created sales data, and transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1.

[0100] In this embodiment, the POS terminal P installed in the store S mainly functions as an input / output interface, and is not limited to a fixed terminal installed in a counter register or a self-checkout register, but may be a mobile terminal such as an information terminal attached to a cart used by a purchaser in the store. Furthermore, an information terminal T carried by a purchaser may be used as a mobile terminal.

[0101] 8 and 9 are sequence diagrams showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the processes performed by the electronic receipt system include processes PRO1, PRO2, and PRO4, but do not include process PRO3. In addition, since process PRO4 is the same as in the first embodiment, illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Below, the information processing procedure in the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9.

[0102] First, the process PRO1 will be described. When product registration and payment processing is executed in the POS terminal P (step S115), transaction data and payment data are created in the cloud POS server 4 (step S401). Specifically, the POS terminal P is used as an input terminal, and the product code, the membership code of the store S, and the membership code of the electronic receipt service read by a scanner or reader provided in the POS terminal P are sent to the cloud POS server 4, and the transaction data is created in the cloud POS server 4. Then, by sending payment information required for the transaction from the POS terminal P, the payment processing is carried out in the cloud POS server 4, and the payment data is created.

[0103] Alternatively, when the information terminal T is used as an input terminal in the store S and product registration and payment processing is executed on the information terminal T (step S116), transaction data and payment data are created on the cloud POS server 4 (step S402). Specifically, the product code, the membership code of the store S, and the membership code of the electronic receipt service read by a scanner or reader provided on the information terminal T are sent to the cloud POS server 4, and the transaction data is created on the cloud POS server 4. Then, by sending the payment information required for the transaction from the information terminal T, the payment processing is carried out on the cloud POS server 4 and the payment data is created.

[0104] When one transaction is completed, the cloud POS server 4 stores the sales data including the created transaction data and payment data in the sales data database 434 provided in the cloud POS server 4 (step S403). In this manner, in this embodiment, the sales data is stored in the sales data database 434 in the process PRO1, so that the process PRO3 is not required.

[0105] The cloud POS server 4 then transmits data for a paper receipt based on the sales data to the POS terminal P (step S404). Upon receiving this data for a paper receipt, the POS terminal P prints it out using the printer provided in the POS terminal P to issue a paper receipt (step S117).

[0106] Furthermore, if the transaction data includes a membership code of the electronic receipt service, the cloud POS server 4 generates structured information from the unstructured sales data, and generates electronic receipt data based on the structured information (step S405). Then, the cloud POS server 4 creates a copy of the electronic receipt data (step S406). At this time, the cloud POS server 4 adds information to the copied electronic receipt data indicating that it is a copy and not the original. Then, the cloud POS server 4 transmits the electronic receipt data (step S407). In this transmission process, the cloud POS server 4 transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, and also transmits the copied electronic receipt data to the duplicate electronic receipt database 435 included in the cloud POS server 4 and stores it there. In this way, the cloud POS server 4 can create an electronic receipt and accumulate a copy of the electronic receipt data in almost real time. If we ignore minute delays that occur in the processes of creating a copy in the cloud POS server 4 and saving it in the copy electronic receipt database 435, it can be said that the cloud POS server 4 can store copies of the created electronic receipts in real time. Thus, by the processor of the cloud POS server 4 executing information processing based on the application program, the computer having the processor as its core portion creates electronic receipt data for each transaction of a purchaser at the store S, transmits the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and functions as a transmitting means that creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt.

[0107] The electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the cloud POS server 4, and stores it in the electronic receipt data database 31 included in the electronic receipt server 3 (step S301). In this way, the electronic receipt server 3 can accumulate the electronic receipt data almost in real time when the electronic receipt is created. If we ignore minute delays that occur in the processes of creating a copy in the cloud POS server 4, transmitting the data from the cloud POS server 4 to the electronic receipt server 3, and storing the data in the electronic receipt server 3, it can be said that the electronic receipt server 3 can accumulate the electronic receipt data created in the cloud POS server 4 in real time.

[0108] Next, the process PRO2 will be described. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the process PRO2 is described as being executed following the process PRO1, but it may be executed simultaneously with the process PRO1. For example, the cloud POS server 4 receives an analysis command from the manager terminal SM of the store S at any timing (step S408). The cloud POS server 4 executes an analysis according to the received analysis command, and stores the analysis result in the analysis result database 436 provided in the cloud POS server 4 (step S409). Specifically, the cloud POS server 4 reads out a copy of the target electronic receipt data from among the copies of the electronic receipt data stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 435 based on the analysis conditions such as the product to be analyzed, the period to be analyzed, and the type of analysis included in the analysis command, and executes the instructed analysis. That is, the cloud POS server 4 can execute a situation analysis at the present time by using a copy of the electronic receipt data at the present time stored in the duplicate electronic receipt database 435 in real time. For example, the cloud POS server 4 can execute various analyses such as those given as examples of execution in the store server 1 and the headquarters server 2 in the first and second embodiments. Thus, by having the processor of the cloud POS server 4 execute information processing based on the application program, the computer with the processor as its central part functions as a first analysis means for analyzing the copied and accumulated electronic receipt data.

[0109] Then, the cloud POS server 4 transmits the analysis result to the manager terminal SM (step S410). Although not shown in Fig. 9, in this process PRO2, the cloud POS server 4 can receive an analysis result utilization command from the manager terminal SM and execute a process according to the analysis result utilization command.

[0110] Also, although not shown in FIG. 9, the cloud POS server 4 can also execute processing in response to analysis commands and analysis result utilization commands from the manager terminal HM of the headquarters H, rather than from the manager terminal SM of the store S.

[0111] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic receipt system includes the cloud POS server 4 as an information processing device according to the present embodiment, which receives input information related to one transaction at the store S transmitted via the network NW1, creates sales data indicating transaction details for one transaction based on the received input information, creates electronic receipt data based on the created sales data, and transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1. When transmitting the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, the cloud POS server 4 creates and stores a copy of the created electronic receipt data. In this way, by storing a copy of the electronic receipt data in the cloud POS server 4, the cloud POS server 4 can perform analysis using the copy of the electronic receipt data indicating real-time transaction details. This is equivalent to performing a real-time analysis of the electronic receipt data that is the source of the copy. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic receipt system that can perform real-time analysis of electronic receipt data.

[0112] In addition, in this embodiment, the cloud POS server 4 can analyze the copied and accumulated electronic receipt data. In this way, the cloud POS server 4 can perform real-time analysis of electronic receipt data. In addition, the cloud POS server 4 can also analyze private brand products introduced in the store S, and products using in-store codes limited to the store S, such as prepared foods and fresh produce, which are not used in the analysis by the electronic receipt server 3. Furthermore, the cloud POS server 4 can easily compare the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3 with its own analysis results for each store S and all stores managed by the headquarters H. Therefore, by using the electronic receipt system according to this embodiment, the business operator who operates the cloud POS server 4 can perform a highly unique product analysis while taking generality into consideration. In this way, the processor of the cloud POS server 4 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor as the core part functions as a comparison means for comparing its own analysis results with the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3.

[0113] [Fourth embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the electronic receipt data created at the POS terminal P is copied and stored at the store server 1 or the headquarters server 2, but it is also possible to create a copy at the POS terminal P and store it in the store server 1 or the headquarters server 2. The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the same reference symbols as in the first embodiment are used for the same parts as in the first embodiment and their description will be omitted.

[0114] Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a POS terminal P arranged in a store S is capable of transmitting electronic receipt data to an electronic receipt server 3 via a network NW1 such as the Internet. Furthermore, the POS terminal P is capable of creating a copy of the created electronic receipt data and transmitting it to the store server 1 via an in-store network NWL such as a LAN. Although not shown in the figure, the store server 1 includes an electronic receipt copy receiving means, instead of the electronic receipt transfer unit 113 in the configuration shown in Fig. 2, which receives a copy of the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P via a network interface 14 and stores the copy in a copy electronic receipt database 135.

[0115] Although the head office server 2 is omitted in FIG. 10, it goes without saying that the head office server 2 may be interposed between the store server 1 and the network NW1.

[0116] Fig. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the electronic receipt system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the electronic receipt system also performs processes PRO1 to PRO4, but processes PRO2 to PRO4 are the same as those in the first embodiment, so illustration and description thereof will be omitted. Below, the information processing procedure in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11, but the same procedures as those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] In this embodiment, the POS terminal P creates electronic receipt data as described in the first embodiment (step S104). Thus, the processor of the POS terminal P executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor as the core functions as a creating unit that creates electronic receipt data based on sales data. The POS terminal P then creates a copy of the created electronic receipt data (step S118). At this time, the POS terminal P adds information to the copied electronic receipt data indicating that it is a copy and not the original. Thus, the computer of the POS terminal P functions as a copying unit that creates a copy of the created electronic receipt data.

[0118] Then, the POS terminal P transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1 (step S119). The electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P and stores it in the electronic receipt data database 31 provided in the electronic receipt server 3 (step S301). Thus, the computer of the POS terminal P functions as a first data transmitting means that transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1.

[0119] The POS terminal P also transmits a copy of the created electronic receipt data to the store server 1 via the in-store network NWL such as a LAN (step S120). Thus, the computer of the POS terminal P functions as a second data transmitting means for transmitting a copy of the created electronic receipt data to the store server 1. In the store server 1, the electronic receipt copy receiving means receives the copy of the electronic receipt data from the POS terminal P and stores it in the copy electronic receipt database 135 (step S121). Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor 11 as its core portion functions as a storage means for storing the copy of the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P. In this way, in this embodiment, the store server 1 can store a copy of the electronic receipt data almost in real time when the electronic receipt is created. If we ignore the minute delays that occur in the processes of creating a copy at the POS terminal P, transmitting the copy from the POS terminal P to the store server 1, and saving the copy at the store server 1 in the duplicate electronic receipt database 235, we can say that the store server 1 can accumulate copies of electronic receipts created at the POS terminal P in real time.

[0120] Of course, the copy of the electronic receipt data may be stored in the headquarters server instead of the store server 1. In that case, the store server 1 may immediately transfer the copy of the electronic receipt data received from the POS terminal P to the headquarters server 2 without storing it.

[0121] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic receipt system is arranged in the store S, and transmits sales data indicating transaction details in one transaction to the store server 1, and creates electronic receipt data based on the sales data in one or more POS terminals P that communicate with the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, creates a copy of the created electronic receipt data, and stores the copy of the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal P in the store server 1. That is, the information processing device according to the present embodiment is configured to transmit electronic receipt data created for each transaction of a purchaser in the store S by the POS terminal P and the store server 1 to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network NW1, and creates and stores a copy of the electronic receipt data. In this way, by storing a copy of the electronic receipt data in the store server 1, it becomes possible to perform an analysis using the copy of the electronic receipt data indicating real-time transaction details in the store server 1. This is equivalent to performing a real-time analysis of the electronic receipt data that is the source of the copy. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an electronic receipt system that can perform a real-time analysis of electronic receipt data.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the copied and accumulated electronic receipt data can be analyzed in the store server 1. In this way, real-time analysis of electronic receipt data can be performed in the store server 1. In addition, the store server 1 can also analyze private brand products and products using in-store codes. In this way, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the application program, and the computer with the processor 11 as its core portion functions as a first analysis means for analyzing the copied and accumulated electronic receipt data.

[0123] Furthermore, the store server 1 can easily compare the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3 with the analysis results of its own store. Therefore, by using the electronic receipt system according to this embodiment, the business operator who operates the store server 1 can perform highly unique product analysis while taking into consideration generality. Thus, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the application program, the computer with the processor 11 as its core portion functions as a comparison means that compares its own analysis results with the analysis results of the electronic receipt server 3.

[0124] The above-described embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

[0125] For example, the flow of the information processing performed by the processor 11 described above is an example, and is not limited to this order. For example, the order of ACT1 to ACT2, ACT3 to ACT6, ACT7 to ACT11, and ACT12 to ACT13 in the flowchart of FIG. 5 may be reversed. Also, ACT1 to ACT2, ACT3 to ACT6, ACT7 to ACT11, and ACT12 to ACT13 may be performed in parallel. In this way, the order of the processing may be changed or multiple processing may be performed in parallel, as long as there is no discrepancy with the preceding or subsequent processing.

[0126] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1...store server, 2...headquarters server, 3...electronic receipt server, 4...cloud POS server, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...network interface, 15...system transmission path, 31...electronic receipt data database, 111...sales data receiving unit, 112...sales data transmitting unit, 113...electronic receipt transfer unit, 114...analysis unit, 115...analysis result utilization unit, 131...product master database, 132...store member master database, 133...electronic receipt member master database, 134,234,434...sales data database, 135,235,435...replica electronic receipt database, 136,236,436...analysis result database, C...electronic receipt center, H...headquarters, HM, SM...administrator terminal, INT...external communication interface, NW1, NW2...network, NWL...in-store network, P...POS terminal, S...store, T...information terminal.

Claims

1. An information processing device that transmits electronic receipt data via a network to an electronic receipt server that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at a store and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each purchaser via the network, a transmission means for transmitting the electronic receipt data created for each transaction of the purchaser at the store to the electronic receipt server via the network, and creating and storing a copy of the electronic receipt data; An information processing device comprising:

2. an electronic receipt server that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at a store and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each of the purchasers via a first network; A store server that is directly or indirectly disposed in the store and is connected to one or more POS terminals each having a means for creating the electronic receipt data; An electronic receipt system comprising: The store server, an electronic receipt data transmission means for transmitting the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal to the electronic receipt server via the first network; A storage means for creating and storing a copy of the electronic receipt data created by the POS terminal; An electronic receipt system comprising:

3. The store server includes: a first analyzing means for analyzing the copy of the electronic receipt data; The electronic receipt system according to claim 2 .

4. The electronic receipt server includes a second analysis unit configured to analyze the electronic receipt data, The store server further includes a comparison means for comparing the analysis result of the first analysis means with the analysis result of the second analysis means. The electronic receipt system according to claim 3 .

5. an electronic receipt server that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at a store and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each of the purchasers via a first network; a cloud sales data processing server that receives input information related to the one transaction at the store transmitted via the first network, creates sales data indicating the transaction details of the one transaction based on the received input information, creates the electronic receipt data based on the created sales data, transmits the created electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server via the first network, and copies and stores the electronic receipt data; An electronic receipt system comprising:

6. The cloud sales data processing server includes: a first analyzing means for analyzing the copy of the electronic receipt data; The electronic receipt system according to claim 5 .

7. The electronic receipt server includes a second analysis unit configured to analyze the electronic receipt data, The cloud sales data processing server further includes a comparison means for comparing the analysis result of the first analysis means with the analysis result of the second analysis means. The electronic receipt system according to claim 6.

8. an electronic receipt server that accumulates electronic receipt data indicating transaction details of one transaction of each purchaser at a store and presents the electronic receipt data of the purchaser to each of the purchasers via a first network; A store server that is directly or indirectly installed in the store; one or more POS terminals that are arranged in the store and transmit sales data indicating the transaction details of the transaction to the store server and communicate with the electronic receipt server via the first network; An electronic receipt system comprising: The POS terminal, a generating means for generating the electronic receipt data based on the sales data; a first data transmission means for transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server via the first network; A copy means for creating a copy of the electronic receipt data; A second data transmission means for transmitting a copy of the electronic receipt data to the store server; Equipped with The store server, A storage means for storing a copy of the electronic receipt data transmitted from the POS terminal; An electronic receipt system comprising:

9. The store server includes: a first analyzing means for analyzing the copy of the electronic receipt data; The electronic receipt system according to claim 8.

10. The electronic receipt server includes a second analysis unit configured to analyze the electronic receipt data, The store server further includes a comparison means for comparing the analysis result of the first analysis means with the analysis result of the second analysis means. The electronic receipt system according to claim 9.

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