Information terminal, digital passport management server, and digital passport management system

Abstract

To provide a technique for building a mechanism for collecting information regarding the presentation of digital passports.SOLUTION: An information terminal includes: a communication unit that communicates with a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information; a display unit that displays a digital passport corresponding to the digital passport information; and a processor. The processor receives the digital passport information from the digital passport management server via the communication unit, displays the digital passport corresponding to the received digital passport information on the display unit, and transmits date information to the digital passport management server via the communication unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information terminal, a digital passport management server, and a digital passport management system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there have been services in which, when a consumer presents a certificate (passport) indicating whether or not they meet certain conditions at a store or other such establishment, the consumer can receive benefits such as discounts or free items according to the contents of the certificate.

[0003] Specifically, there are services in which consumers can present a child-rearing support passport, a silver passport for the elderly, a disability certificate, etc., and receive discounts and other benefits according to the contents of the certificate (passport, certificate). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6359494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, because these passports are based on paper, there is no mechanism in place to collect information on whether consumers actually present their passports at stores.

[0006] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an information terminal, a digital passport management server, and a digital passport management system for building a mechanism for collecting information regarding the presentation of digital passports, which are electronic media instead of paper passports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment is an information terminal that communicates with a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information. The information terminal has a communication unit that communicates with the digital passport management server, a display unit that displays a digital passport corresponding to the digital passport information, and a processor. The processor receives the digital passport information from the digital passport management server via the communication unit, displays the digital passport corresponding to the received digital passport information on the display unit, and transmits date information to the digital passport management server.

[0008] Another embodiment is a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information. The digital passport management server has a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal that requests the provision of digital passport information, and a processor. The processor receives a request for the provision of digital passport information from the information terminal, transmits the digital passport information to the information terminal via the communication unit in response to the request, and receives information including date information from the information terminal.

[0009] Yet another embodiment is a digital passport management system having a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information, and an information terminal that communicates with the digital passport management server. The information terminal has a terminal-side communication unit that communicates with the digital passport management server, a display unit that displays a digital passport corresponding to the digital passport information, and a terminal-side processor. The terminal-side processor transmits a request for provision of digital passport information to the digital passport management server via the terminal-side communication unit, receives passport information from the digital passport management server via the terminal-side communication unit, and displays a digital passport corresponding to the received digital passport information on the display unit. The digital passport management server has a server-side communication unit that communicates with the information terminal, and a server-side processor. The server-side processor receives a request for provision of digital passport information from the information terminal, and transmits digital passport information to the information terminal via the server-side communication unit in response to the request. The terminal-side processor or the server-side processor transmits date information to the digital passport management server or the information terminal via the terminal-side communication unit or the server-side communication unit. The digital passport management server receives information including the date information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a digital passport management system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a passport server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a receipt server according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen of a receipt application displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a first operation example of the information terminal and the passport server in the passport management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a top screen of a passport application displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a passport display screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second operation example of the information terminal and the passport server in the passport management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third operation example of the information terminal and the passport server in the passport management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fourth operation example of the information terminal and the passport server in the passport management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal, the POS terminal, and the receipt server in the passport management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data table stored in the receipt server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] A digital passport management system according to an embodiment, and a digital passport management server and an information terminal used in the digital passport management system will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The digital passport management system is a system in which a consumer downloads a digital passport from a digital passport management server to an information terminal at a store that supports digital passports, displays the digital passport on the information terminal, and presents the digital passport to a store clerk or a reading device at the store, thereby receiving transaction benefits corresponding to the digital passport. For example, a transaction is a commercial transaction, such as the purchase of a product. Furthermore, transaction benefits include discounts when purchasing a product, free provision of a product, etc. However, transaction benefits are not limited to these in any way. A digital passport is also called an electronic certificate or membership card, which is an electronic version of a certificate that proves eligibility.

[0013] As a modified example, the digital passport may be downloaded to the information terminal in advance. In this case, even if the communication between the information terminal and the digital passport management server goes offline, the digital passport stored in advance in the information terminal can be displayed.

[0014] In the following description, the consumer refers to a person who receives the benefits of a transaction corresponding to a digital passport, and also refers to an operator of an information terminal at a corresponding store where the transaction is carried out.

[0015] (Digital Passport Management System) First, a digital passport management system 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital passport management system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0016] The digital passport management system 100 includes an information terminal 10 used by a consumer, a digital passport management server 30 that manages digital passport information, and an electronic receipt management server 80 that manages electronic receipt information. The digital passport management system 100 also includes a store 50 that accepts digital passports used by consumers. The store 50 has a POS terminal 60. The digital passport management system 100 further includes a network 110 that enables communication between the information terminal 10, the digital passport management server 30, the POS terminal 60, and the electronic receipt management server 80.

[0017] In the drawings, the digital passport management server is abbreviated as the passport server, the electronic receipt management server as the receipt server, and the POS terminal as the POS. In the following explanation, the digital passport management system is abbreviated as the management system, the digital passport management server as the passport server, the electronic receipt management server as the receipt server, the digital passport information as the passport information, and the digital passport as the passport.

[0018] For example, the network 110 is a wide area communication network such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The network 110 connects the information terminal 10 to the passport server 30 and the receipt server 80 so that they can communicate bidirectionally. The network 110 also connects the POS terminal 60 to the receipt server 80 so that they can communicate bidirectionally.

[0019] The information terminal 10 is a wireless communication device carried by a consumer. For example, the information terminal 10 is a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or the like. As a preparation for using a passport, the consumer first installs and starts a dedicated application program, performs user registration, and obtains a unique user ID. Then, the consumer uses the dedicated application program to store the linking information linked to the passport information in the information terminal 10. The linking information is information for identifying the user of the passport. For example, the linking information is a character string that is uniquely assigned to each passport without duplication, a passport number such as a serial number, or the like. In addition, the linking information is provided by a local government, a business entity, or the like that provides benefits to consumers, as a QR code (registered trademark), a barcode, text information, or the like. The consumer stores the linking information in the information terminal 10 by reading the QR code or barcode with the information terminal 10, or by inputting text information into the information terminal 10. The linking information is linked to the type of passport, the passport ID, and the member ID (electronic receipt ID) of the electronic receipt.

[0020] When using a passport, a consumer operates information terminal 10 to select the passport they wish to use. Information terminal 10 requests passport server 30 to provide passport information for the passport selected by the consumer. To this end, information terminal 10 transmits a request to passport server 30 via network 110 to download the passport information for the passport selected by the consumer. The request includes linking information linked to the passport information for the passport selected by the consumer.

[0021] The passport server 30 manages passport information. For example, the passport information includes information indicating the type of passport, passport identification information, information on whether the passport can be used, and the like. For example, the passport identification information is a passport ID, such as a character string or a serial number, that is uniquely assigned to each type of passport without duplication. That is, the passport ID corresponds one-to-one with the passport number described above. The information on whether the passport can be used includes, for example, information on the expiration date of the passport, information on whether the passport is unused or used for a passport that can be used only once, and information on the remaining number of times that the passport can be used for a passport that can be used only multiple times. For example, the information on whether the passport is unused or used is date information on the day the passport is presented. Alternatively, the information on whether the passport is unused or used may be a flag state. For example, a flag may be set in the initial setting, and the flag may be cleared when a request to download passport information is received. The passport information may include even more information. For example, the expiration date indicating the expiration date of the passport is included in the passport information. The passport server 30 manages the passport information and the linking information (for example, a passport number) linked to the passport information by linking them to each other.

[0022] When the passport server 30 receives a request to download passport information, it judges the validity of the request based on the linking information included in the received request. If the request to download passport information is valid, the passport server 30 permits the information terminal 10 that sent the request to download the passport information. If the request to download passport information is invalid, the passport server 30 notifies the information terminal 10 that sent the request of information that the passport requested to be downloaded cannot be used.

[0023] The corresponding store 50 is a business partner such as a store that provides the consumer with the benefits contained in the passport information, in other words, the benefits displayed on the passport. The consumer can receive the benefits by presenting the passport displayed on the information terminal 10 to a clerk or a reader at the corresponding store 50.

[0024] The corresponding store 50 may have a QR code 51 installed therein. Alternatively, the corresponding store 50 may have an NFC tag 52 installed therein. Furthermore, the corresponding store 50 may have both the QR code 51 and the NFC tag 52 installed therein. The QR code 51 and the NFC tag 52 may record various information. For example, the QR code 51 and the NFC tag 52 record store information. For example, the store information includes information indicating the corresponding store 50 (for example, a store code), business information indicating the business operator of the store, information on the address of the corresponding store 50, information indicating the manufacturer of the product (for example, a company ID), issuer information indicating the issuer of the passport or information on the organizer of the passport (for example, a local government, etc.). The store information may further include other information. In this way, the store information includes information other than the information indicating the corresponding store 50, but here, for convenience, it is referred to as store information. The store information may be written on the printing medium of the QR code 51, etc., together with the QR code 51, as a character string, a design, a picture, or the like.

[0025] The passport server 30 may also manage the store information in association with the passport information. For example, the passport server 30 may manage the type and usage of the passport in association with the store code, the company ID, and the like.

[0026] A POS terminal 60 is installed in the participating store 50. The POS terminal 60 has a function for registering sales data of products purchased by consumers, a function for settling commercial transactions (purchases) with consumers, etc. When settling a commercial transaction, the POS terminal 60 creates receipt data showing the details of the transaction and issues a receipt.

[0027] Receipt data includes information such as store information, member ID, transaction date and time, product ID, product name, unit price, and classification code. The product ID is product identification information for individually identifying each product. The product name is the name of the product identified by the product ID. The unit price is the price per unit of the product. The classification code is a code that identifies the classification of the product identified by the product ID, such as whether it is a food product or a miscellaneous item.

[0028] Receipts may be issued as paper receipts or as electronic receipts. When issuing a paper receipt, the POS terminal 60 controls a printer provided in the POS terminal 60 to print receipt data on a specified receipt paper. When issuing an electronic receipt, the POS terminal 60 digitizes the receipt data to generate electronic receipt information, and transmits this information to the receipt server 80 together with the consumer's member ID (electronic receipt ID) information read by a scanner provided in the POS terminal 60. The electronic receipt ID is an ID uniquely assigned to a member who is able to receive the electronic receipt service. In other words, the electronic receipt ID is identification information for identifying each electronic receipt member.

[0029] The receipt server 80 accumulates electronic receipt information issued to each consumer. For this reason, the receipt server 80 is provided with a storage device for saving the electronic receipt information. Every time the receipt server 80 receives electronic receipt information via the network 110, the receipt server 80 saves the received electronic receipt information in this storage device. Furthermore, when there is a request from the information terminal 10 to view an electronic receipt, the receipt server 80 reads out the electronic receipt information issued to the consumer who is the operator of the information terminal 10 from the storage device and transmits it to the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0030] The information terminal 10 is also a terminal for using an electronic receipt service configured by the POS terminal 60 and the receipt server 80. In this electronic receipt service, the information terminal 10 can request the POS terminal 60 to issue an electronic receipt, and can also request the receipt server 80 to view the electronic receipt.

[0031] To prepare for using the passport, the consumer must first install and launch a dedicated application program, register as an electronic receipt member, and obtain a unique member ID (electronic receipt ID).

[0032] When requesting the POS terminal 60 to issue an electronic receipt, the consumer starts an application program and causes the display device of the information terminal 10 to display a barcode representing the member ID. Next, the consumer causes the POS terminal 60 to read the barcode using a scanner provided in the POS terminal 60. When the POS terminal 60 reads the barcode, it recognizes that the transaction requires the receipt to be issued as an electronic receipt rather than a paper receipt. The POS terminal 60 then transmits electronic receipt information, which is an electronic version of a transaction receipt representing the details of the transaction, to the receipt server 80 together with the member ID obtained from the barcode. The receipt server 80 stores the electronic receipt information received from the POS terminal 60 in association with the member ID.

[0033] When requesting the receipt server 80 to view an electronic receipt, the consumer uses an application program to send a command to view electronic receipt information, including a member ID, from the information terminal 10 to the receipt server 80. When the receipt server 80 receives the command to view electronic receipt information, including a member ID, it sends electronic receipt information linked with the member ID to the information terminal 10 that sent the command. Under the control of the application program, the information terminal 10 displays a receipt image on the display device based on the received electronic receipt information. In this way, the consumer can receive the receipt that he or she did not receive from the POS terminal 60 at the time of payment as an electronic receipt.

[0034] Furthermore, the receipt server 80 receives passport information from the information terminal 10 and accumulates the received passport information. Every time the receipt server 80 receives passport information via the network 110, the receipt server 80 saves the received passport information in a storage device provided in the receipt server 80.

[0035] (Information terminal) Next, the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information terminal 10 according to the embodiment.

[0036] The information terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a touch panel 14, a clock 15, and a communication unit 16. The information terminal 10 preferably includes a QR code reader 17 and an NFC tag reader 18.

[0037] The processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary memory device 13, touch panel 14, clock 15, communication unit 16, QR code reading unit 17, and NFC tag reading unit 18 are connected by a system transmission path 19 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and data and commands can be sent and received via the system transmission path 19.

[0038] The components of the information terminal 10, that is, the processor 11, the main memory 12, the auxiliary storage device 13, the touch panel 14, and the system transmission line 19, constitute a computer.

[0039] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of a computer. The processor 11 is hardware that processes data and instructions. For example, the processor 11 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 10 according to an operating system and application programs.

[0040] The main memory 12 corresponds to a primary storage device of a computer. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a volatile memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory non-temporarily stores an operating system and application programs. The volatile memory is a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11, and temporarily stores data.

[0041] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 13 is composed of an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) (registered trademark), an SSD (solid state drive), an HDD (hard disk drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 non-temporarily stores application programs, data used by the processor 11 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 11, etc.

[0042] The touch panel 14 corresponds to an input / output device of a computer. The touch panel 14 functions as an input device and a display device in the information terminal 10. The touch panel 14 displays icons for starting application programs.

[0043] The clock 15 is a date information source for the information terminal 10. The processor 11 can obtain today's date information from the clock 15. That is, the clock 15 provides today's date information in response to an instruction from the processor 11. The date information includes current time information.

[0044] The communication unit 16 enables two-way data communication with the passport server 30 and the receipt server 80 via the network 110 .

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 13 non-temporarily stores a receipt application. The receipt application is an application program that causes the information terminal 10 to operate as an electronic receipt operation terminal for the receipt server 80 in the management system 100. The receipt application includes a passport application as a sub-application. The passport application is an application program that causes the information terminal 10 to operate as a passport operation terminal for the passport server 30 in the management system 100. The processor 11 displays an icon of the receipt application on the touch panel 14 under the control of the operating system. Furthermore, the processor 11 may display an icon of the passport application on the touch panel 14 in addition to the icon of the receipt application.

[0046] The consumer, i.e., the operator of the information terminal 10, can command the information terminal 10 to start the receipt application by operating the touch panel 14, for example, by touching an icon of the receipt application. Also, the operator of the information terminal 10 can command the information terminal 10 to start the passport application by, for example, touching an icon (button) of the passport application displayed on the top screen of the receipt application.

[0047] Upon receiving a command to start the receipt application, the processor 11 reads the receipt application from the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12 and executes it, causing the information terminal 10 to operate as an electronic receipt operation terminal for the receipt server 80 in the management system 100. The basic operation as an electronic receipt operation terminal is as described above.

[0048] Furthermore, upon receiving a command to start the passport application, the processor 11 reads the passport application from the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12 and executes it, thereby causing the information terminal 10 to operate as a passport operation terminal for the passport server 30 in the management system 100. The operation as a passport operation terminal will be described later.

[0049] QR code reader 17 has a function of reading store information recorded in QR code 51 (see FIG. 1) installed in compatible store 50, for example. For example, QR code reader 17 is composed of a camera mounted on information terminal 10 and a QR app that is an application program that uses the camera to read information recorded in a QR code. Note that QR code 51 is printed on a paper medium such as paper next to POS terminal 60 in store 50, for example, and is posted so as to be readable by the camera of information processing terminal 10.

[0050] Similar to a receipt application or a passport application, for example, the auxiliary storage device 13 non-temporarily stores the QR application, and the touch panel 14 displays an icon of the QR application. The QR application is activated in response to a touch operation of the QR application icon by a consumer, i.e., an operator of the information terminal 10.

[0051] NFC tag reader 18 has a function of reading store information recorded on NFC tag 52 (see FIG. 1) installed in compatible store 50, for example. For example, NFC tag 52 has a chip on which information is recorded and an antenna. NFC tag reader 18 is composed of an NFC chip mounted on information terminal 10 capable of wireless communication with NFC tag 52, and an NFC app which is an application program that uses the NFC chip to read information recorded on the NFC tag.

[0052] Similar to the receipt application and the passport application, for example, the auxiliary storage device 13 non-temporarily stores the NFC application, and the touch panel 14 displays an icon of the NFC application. The NFC application is started in response to a touch operation of the NFC application icon by a consumer, i.e., an operator of the information terminal 10.

[0053] (Passport Server) Next, the passport server 30 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the passport server 30 according to the embodiment.

[0054] The passport server 30 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock , a communication unit 35, and an input / output device .

[0055] The processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary memory device 33, clock 34, communication unit 35, and input / output device 36 are connected by a system transmission path 37 including an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc., and data and instructions can be sent and received via the system transmission path 37.

[0056] The components of the passport server 30, that is, the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the input / output device 36, and the system transmission line 37, constitute a computer.

[0057] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of a computer. The processor 31 is hardware that processes data and instructions. For example, the processor 31 may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the passport server 30 according to an operating system and application programs.

[0058] The main memory 32 corresponds to a primary storage device of a computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory such as a Read Only Memory (ROM) and a volatile memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory non-temporarily stores an operating system and application programs. The volatile memory is a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31, and temporarily stores data.

[0059] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to an auxiliary storage device of a computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 33 is configured with an SSD (solid state drive), an HDD (hard disk drive), etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 non-temporarily stores application programs, data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 31, etc.

[0060] The clock 34 is a date information source for the passport server 30. The processor 31 can obtain today's date information from the clock 34. That is, the clock 34 provides today's date information in response to an instruction from the processor 31. The date information includes current time information.

[0061] The communication unit 35 enables two-way data communication with the information terminal 10 via the network 110 .

[0062] The input / output device 36 is a device for inputting and outputting data, commands, etc. For example, the input / output device 36 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a communication device, etc.

[0063] The auxiliary storage device 33 non-temporarily stores a passport management program that causes the computer constituting the passport server 30 to operate as the passport server 30 that manages passport information. In Fig. 3, the passport management program is abbreviated to "passport program."

[0064] The auxiliary storage device 33 also non-temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of the passport management program. The data necessary for the operation of the passport management program includes passport information, linking information, store information, etc. Details of this information are as described above.

[0065] In response to input of a command to start the passport server 30 from the input / output device 36, the processor 31, under the control of the operating system, reads a passport management program from the auxiliary storage device 33 into the main memory 32 and executes it, thereby causing the computer that constitutes the passport server 30 to operate as the passport server 30 that manages passport information.

[0066] (POS terminal) Next, the POS terminal 60 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the POS terminal 60 according to the embodiment.

[0067] The POS terminal 60 includes a processor 61 , a main memory 62 , an auxiliary storage device 63 , a clock 64 , a keyboard 65 , a display 66 , a printer 67 , a scanner 68 , and a communication unit 69 .

[0068] The processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary memory device 63, clock 64, keyboard 65, display 66, printer 67, scanner 68 and communication unit 69 are connected by a system transmission path 70, and data and commands can be sent and received via the system transmission path 70.

[0069] The components of the POS terminal 60, that is, the processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the keyboard 65, the display 66, and the system transmission line 70, constitute a computer.

[0070] The processor 61 , main memory 62 , auxiliary storage device 63 , clock 64 and communication unit 69 of the POS terminal 60 are similar in hardware to those of the information terminal 10 .

[0071] The processor 61 controls each unit to realize various functions of the POS terminal 60 in accordance with an operating system and application programs.

[0072] The main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory non-temporarily stores the operating system and application programs. The volatile memory is a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 61 as appropriate, and temporarily stores data.

[0073] The auxiliary storage device 63 non-temporarily stores application programs, data used by the processor 61 when it performs various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 61, and the like.

[0074] The keyboard 65 is a dedicated input device that has various function keys such as a multiplication key, a subtotal key, and a closing key, in addition to number keys for entering numerical values ​​such as points and amounts. It may be a general-purpose keyboard to which functions required by the POS terminal 60 are assigned. The closing key is a key that the operator uses to declare the closing of the registration of a commercial transaction.

[0075] The display 66 is a display device for displaying the name (product name), price, total amount, change amount, etc. of the product registered in the POS terminal 60. There are two types of display 66, one for the store clerk who operates the POS terminal 60 and one for the customer. Note that a touch panel that serves as both an input device and a display device may be used in place of the keyboard 65 and the display 66.

[0076] The printer 67 prints receipt data showing details of the transaction on a specified receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is cut by a cutter and issued as a paper receipt.

[0077] The scanner 68 optically reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. Many products are affixed with code symbols that are a barcoded version of the product code unique to that product. The scanner 68 is used to read the code symbols affixed to products purchased by shoppers. Furthermore, a code symbol that is a barcoded version of a member ID is displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 on which the receipt application is launched. The scanner 68 is also used to read the code symbol displayed on the touch panel 14. In other words, the scanner 68 also functions as a member ID reader.

[0078] The member ID reader is not limited to scanner 68. For example, if information terminal 10 is a device that supports short-range wireless communication and uses this short-range wireless communication to transmit the member ID, the reader is a short-range wireless communication device for receiving the member ID.

[0079] The communication unit 69 enables data communication with the receipt server 80 via the network 110 .

[0080] The auxiliary storage device 63 non-temporarily stores a receipt printing program that causes the computer that constitutes the POS terminal 60 to operate as the POS terminal 60. Note that in Figure 4, the receipt printing program is abbreviated to "printing program."

[0081] The receipt issuing program is a program that realizes functions such as registering sales data for products purchased by consumers, accounting, i.e., settling commercial transactions with consumers, issuing receipts, and transmitting electronic receipt information to the receipt server 80.

[0082] The auxiliary storage device 33 also non-temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of the receipt printing program. The data necessary for the operation of the receipt printing program includes store information. Details of the store information are as described above.

[0083] The processor 61 loads a receipt production program from the auxiliary storage device 63 into the main memory 62 and executes it under the control of the operating system, thereby causing the computer that constitutes the POS terminal 60 to operate as the POS terminal 60 .

[0084] (Receipt server) Next, the receipt server 80 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the receipt server 80 according to the embodiment.

[0085] The receipt server 80 includes a processor 81 , a main memory 82 , an auxiliary storage device 83 , a clock 84 , a communication unit 85 , and an input / output device 86 .

[0086] The processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage device 83, clock 84, communication unit 85, and input / output device 86 are connected by a system transmission line 87, and data and commands can be sent and received via the system transmission line 87.

[0087] The components of the receipt server 80, that is, the processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage device 83, input / output device 86, and system transmission line 87, constitute a computer.

[0088] The processor 81 , main memory 82 , auxiliary storage device 83 , clock, communication unit 85 , input / output device 86 , and system transmission line 87 of the receipt server 80 are similar in hardware to those of the passport server 30 .

[0089] The processor 81 controls each unit to realize various functions of the receipt server 80 in accordance with the operating system and application programs.

[0090] The main memory 82 includes a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory. The non-volatile memory non-temporarily stores the operating system and application programs. The volatile memory is a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 81, and temporarily stores data.

[0091] The auxiliary storage device 83 non-temporarily stores application programs, data used by the processor 81 when it performs various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 81, and the like.

[0092] The clock 84 is a date information source for the receipt server 80. The clock 84 provides today's date information in response to an instruction from the processor 81. The date information includes current time information.

[0093] The communication unit 85 enables data communication with the information terminal 10 and the POS terminal 60 via the network 110 .

[0094] The input / output device 86 is a device for inputting and outputting data, commands, etc. For example, the input / output device 86 may include a keyboard, a mouse, a display, a communication device, etc.

[0095] The auxiliary storage device 83 non-temporarily stores an electronic receipt management program that causes the computer constituting the receipt server 80 to operate as the receipt server 80 that manages electronic receipt information. Note that in FIG. 5, the electronic receipt management program is abbreviated to the receipt program.

[0096] The electronic receipt management program is a program for realizing a function of receiving electronic receipt information transmitted by the POS terminal 60, a function of storing the received electronic receipt information, a function of receiving a command to view electronic receipt information transmitted by the information terminal 10, a function of transmitting electronic receipt information to the information terminal 10 in response to reception of the command to view electronic receipt information, a function of receiving passport information transmitted by the information terminal 10, a function of storing the received passport information, etc.

[0097] The auxiliary storage device 83 also non-temporarily stores data necessary for the operation of the electronic receipt management program. The data necessary for the operation of the electronic receipt management program are a receipt file and a passport file. A receipt file is a file that holds multiple pieces of received electronic receipt information as multiple records. A passport file is a file that holds multiple pieces of received passport information as multiple records.

[0098] Under the control of the operating system, the processor 81 reads an electronic receipt management program from the auxiliary storage device 83 into the main memory 82 and executes it, thereby causing the computer that constitutes the receipt server 80 to operate as the receipt server 80 that manages electronic receipt information and passport information.

[0099] (Example of operation of information terminal and passport server) An example of the operation of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the consumer starts up the receipt app, and when the top screen of the receipt app shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the touch panel 14, the consumer touches the icon (button) 20 of the passport app, commanding the information terminal 10 to start up the passport app.

[0100] (First operation example of information terminal and passport server) First, a first operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the first operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0101] 7, the operation of the information terminal 10 is shown on the left side, and the operation of the passport server 30 is shown on the right side. The operation of the information terminal 10 is performed by each unit of the information terminal 10 under the control of a processor 11 that executes a passport application. The operation of the passport server 30 is performed by each unit of the passport server 30 under the control of a processor 31 that executes a passport management program.

[0102] The first operation example is an operation example in which the consumer uses a passport without acquiring store information. The first operation example is also an operation example in which the information terminal 10 acquires information on the date when the consumer presents the passport, and transmits the date information to the passport server 30.

[0103] As described above, when a consumer touches the passport app icon displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 to input a command to launch the passport app into the information terminal 10, in ACT11, the processor 11 launches the passport app by reading the passport app from the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12 and executing it.

[0104] In ACT12, the processor 11 instructs the touch panel 14 to display the top screen of the passport application in accordance with the passport application, and the touch panel 14 displays the top screen of the passport application. An example of the top screen of the passport application displayed by the touch panel 14 is shown in FIG. 8. The top screen of the passport application shown in FIG. 8 is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. In other words, the top screen may be changed or modified as desired.

[0105] In the example of the top screen of the passport application shown in Fig. 8, a selection window 21 of available passports is displayed. Authenticated passports are displayed in the selection window 21. In the example shown in Fig. 8, passport A, passport B, and passport C are displayed in the selection window 21.

[0106] In ACT13, the information terminal 10, with the touch panel 14 displaying the top screen of the passport application, enters a state of waiting for the consumer to select an authenticated passport to be displayed in the option window 21. That is, the information terminal 10 continues to wait for the consumer to select a passport until the consumer selects a passport (during No in ACT13).

[0107] When the consumer selects a passport (Yes in ACT13), in ACT14, the information terminal 10 transmits a request to download passport information of the passport selected by the consumer to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0108] For convenience, it is assumed here that the consumer has selected passport A. When the consumer selects passport A, first, processor 11 instructs main memory 12 to read the linking information linked to the passport information of passport A. In response to this, main memory 12 reads and stores the linking information linked to the passport information of passport A from auxiliary storage device 13. Next, processor 11 creates a request for downloading the passport information of passport A and saves it in main memory 12. This request includes the linking information linked to the passport information of passport A. Next, processor 11 instructs communication unit 16 to transmit the request. In response to this, communication unit 16 transmits the request to passport server 30 via network 110.

[0109] The passport server 30 is always active and waits for a request sent by the information terminal 10. When the information terminal 10 sends a request, in ACT21, the passport server 30 receives the request. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the request, and the main memory 32 stores the request received by the communication unit 35.

[0110] Upon receiving the request, the passport server 30 determines whether the received request is appropriate in ACT 22. The determination as to whether the request is appropriate is made based on the linking information included in the request.

[0111] As described above, the auxiliary storage device 33 stores passport information, linking information, and store information. The linking information is information for identifying the user of the passport. The linking information is linked to the passport information.

[0112] To determine whether a request is appropriate, first, processor 31 acquires linking information from the request stored in main memory 32. Next, processor 31 searches for the acquired linking information among the linking information stored in auxiliary storage device 33. If the search results in the inability to find the linking information acquired from the request, processor 31 determines that the request is inappropriate, and main memory 32 stores the determination result that the request is inappropriate.

[0113] If the search finds the linking information obtained from the request, the main memory 32 reads and stores the passport information linked to the found linking information from the auxiliary storage device 33. As described above, the passport information includes information on whether the passport can be used. The processor 31 obtains the information on whether the passport can be used from the passport information stored in the main memory 32. Next, the processor 31 determines whether the received request is appropriate based on the information on whether the passport can be used.

[0114] If the information on whether the passport can be used indicates that the passport cannot be used, the processor 31 judges the request to be inappropriate, and the main memory 32 stores the judgment result that the request is inappropriate. Conversely, if the information on whether the passport can be used indicates that the passport can be used, the processor 31 judges the request to be appropriate, and the main memory 32 stores the judgment result that the request is appropriate.

[0115] Based on the judgment result of ACT 22, in ACT 23, the passport server 30 generates information to be transmitted. Specifically, if the judgment result indicates that the request is valid, the processor 31 sets the passport information stored in the main memory 32 as the information to be transmitted. On the other hand, if the judgment result indicates that the request is valid, the processor 31 creates, as the information to be transmitted, for example, a message indicating that the passport cannot be used, and the main memory 32 stores the message as the information to be transmitted.

[0116] In ACT24, the passport server 30 transmits the transmission information generated in ACT23 to the information terminal 10 via the network 110. Specifically, the communication unit 35 reads the transmission information stored in the main memory 32 and transmits it to the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0117] After transmitting the request, the information terminal 10 is in a waiting state for reception. When the passport server 30 transmits the information, in ACT15, the information terminal 10 receives the information transmitted by the passport server 30. In detail, the communication unit 16 receives the information, and the main memory 32 stores the information received by the communication unit 16.

[0118] In ACT15, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is passport information, the information terminal 10 can successfully download the passport information.

[0119] In this case, in ACT 16, the processor 11 instructs the main memory 12 to obtain today's date information. In response to this, the main memory 12 obtains and stores today's date information from the clock 15. Note that the main memory 12 stores linking information linked to the passport information of passport A, which was read from the auxiliary storage device 13 when the request was sent.

[0120] Next, in ACT17, the processor 11 instructs the communication unit 16 to transmit the linking information and the date information. In response to this, the communication unit 16 transmits the linking information and the date information to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0121] Next, the processor 11 creates a display screen of passport A based on the passport information and date information of passport A, and stores it in the main memory 12. Next, in ACT18, the processor 11 instructs the touch panel 14 to display the display screen of passport A, and the touch panel 14 displays the display screen of passport A.

[0122] An example of the display screen of the passport A displayed on the touch panel 14 is shown in Fig. 9. The display screen shown in Fig. 9 is merely an example and is not limited thereto. In other words, the display screen of the passport may be changed or modified as desired.

[0123] In the example of the display screen of passport A shown in FIG. 9, a passport window 25 showing the contents of passport A is displayed. For example, the passport window 25 includes text information, images, logos, etc. The text information includes information on the passport's expiration date. For example, in addition to the passport window 25, an explanatory text 26, and information 27 such as date information and a passport ID are displayed as accompanying information. The accompanying information does not have to be displayed. It is preferable that the passport display screen is easily recognizable by the staff of the corresponding store 50. The passport's expiration date and accompanying information are included in the passport information.

[0124] On the other hand, in ACT15, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is not passport information, for example, a message indicating that the passport cannot be used, the information terminal 10 omits the processing of ACT16 and ACT17, and displays the received message on the touch panel 14 in ACT18.

[0125] After transmitting the information in ACT24, the passport server 30 is in a waiting state for reception. When the information terminal 10 transmits the linking information and the date information to the passport server 30 in ACT17, the passport server 30 receives the linking information and the date information via the network 110 in ACT25. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the linking information and the date information, and the main memory 32 stores the linking information and the date information. Regarding the update of the passport information, for example, for a passport that does not have a limit on the number of times it can be used, the date information of the day the passport was presented may be written to the passport server 30 as information on the day the passport was used at the store. For example, during a payment process at a store, the day on which the passport window 25 showing the contents of the passport A was displayed on the display screen of the information terminal 10 by the consumer's operation is set as the date information of the day the passport was presented, and the information terminal 10 transmits the date information and the linking information to the passport server 30. The passport server 30 may update the passport information by accumulating and storing the received date information and linking information in the auxiliary storage device 33 each time.

[0126] In ACT26, the processor 31 updates the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 based on the linking information and date information stored in the main memory 32. For example, for a passport that can be used only once, the processor 31 writes the date information of the presentation date of the passport as information that the passport has been used. Alternatively, the processor 31 clears the flag. For a passport that can be used only multiple times, the processor 31 reduces the remaining number of times that the passport can be used by one.

[0127] The passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 may be provided to the passport organizer or its contractors, and may be used for analyzing the passport management status, etc.

[0128] (Second example of operation of information terminal and passport server) Next, a second operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the second operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0129] 10, the operation of the information terminal 10 is shown on the left side, and the operation of the passport server 30 is shown on the right side. The operation of the information terminal 10 is performed by each unit of the information terminal 10 under the control of a processor 11 that executes a passport application. The operation of the passport server 30 is performed by each unit of the passport server 30 under the control of a processor 31 that executes a passport management program.

[0130] The second operation example is an operation example in which the consumer uses a passport without acquiring store information. The second operation example is also an operation example in which the passport server 30 acquires information on the date the consumer presents the passport. The following description will focus on the differences from the first operation example. In other words, the same parts as the first operation example will be described briefly.

[0131] When a command to start the passport application is input to the information terminal 10, in ACT31, the information terminal 10 starts the passport application.

[0132] In ACT 32, the touch panel 14 displays the top screen of the passport application. An example of the top screen of the passport application is as described above.

[0133] In ACT33, the information terminal 10 waits for the selection of a passport with the touch panel 14 displaying the top screen of the passport application. That is, the information terminal 10 continues to wait for the selection of a passport by the consumer until the consumer selects a passport (during No in ACT33).

[0134] When the consumer selects a passport (YES in ACT33), in ACT34, the information terminal 10 transmits a request to download passport information of the passport selected by the consumer to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0135] The passport server 30 is in a state of waiting to receive a request transmitted by the information terminal 10. When the information terminal 10 transmits a request, in ACT41, the passport server 30 receives the request. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the request, and the main memory 32 stores the request received by the communication unit 35.

[0136] When receiving a request, in ACT42, the passport server 30 judges whether the received request is appropriate. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed based on the linking information included in the request. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed in the same manner as in the first operation example.

[0137] If the request is determined to be valid in ACT 42 (Yes in ACT 42), the processor 31 instructs the main memory 32 to acquire today's date information in ACT 43. In response to this, the main memory 32 acquires today's date information from the clock 34 and stores it.

[0138] On the other hand, if the request is judged to be inappropriate in ACT42 (No in ACT42), the process in ACT43 is omitted.

[0139] Based on the determination result in ACT42, in ACT44, the passport server 30 generates transmission information. Specifically, when the determination result indicates that the request is appropriate, the processor 31 sets the passport information and date information stored in the main memory 32 as transmission information. As described in the first operation example, when the linking information included in the request is found in the linking information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33, the main memory 32 reads from the auxiliary storage device 33 the passport information linked to the linking information included in the request and stores it.

[0140] On the other hand, if the request is determined to be valid, the processor 31 creates, as information to be transmitted, a message, for example, that the passport is unusable, and the main memory 32 stores the message as information to be transmitted.

[0141] In ACT45, the passport server 30 transmits the transmission information generated in ACT43 to the information terminal 10 via the network 110. Specifically, the communication unit 35 reads the transmission information stored in the main memory 32 and transmits it to the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0142] In ACT46, the processor 31 updates the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 based on the passport information and date information stored in the main memory 32. For example, for a passport that can be used only once, the processor 31 writes the date information of the presentation of the passport as information that the passport has been used. Or, the processor 31 clears the flag. For a passport that can be used only multiple times, the processor 31 reduces the remaining number of times the passport can be used by one. Regarding the update of the passport information, for example, for a passport that does not have a limit on the number of times it can be used, the processor 31 may write the date information of the presentation of the passport to the passport server 30 as information that the passport was used at the store. For example, during a payment process at a store, the date on which the passport window 25 showing the contents of the passport A was displayed on the display screen of the information terminal 10 by the consumer's operation is set as the date information of the presentation of the passport, and the information terminal 10 transmits the date information and the linking information to the passport server 30. The passport server 30 may update the passport information by accumulating and storing the received date information and linking information in the auxiliary storage device 33 each time.

[0143] After transmitting the request, the information terminal 10 is in a state of waiting for reception. When the passport server 30 transmits the information, in ACT 35, the information terminal 10 receives the information transmitted by the passport server 30. In detail, the communication unit 16 receives the information, and the main memory 32 stores the information received by the communication unit 16.

[0144] In ACT35, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is passport information and date information, the information terminal 10 can successfully download the passport information and also acquires the date information from the passport server 30. In this case, the processor 11 creates a passport display screen based on the passport information and date information received from the passport server 30, and stores it in the main memory 12.

[0145] Next, in ACT36, the processor 11 instructs the touch panel 14 to display the passport display screen, and the touch panel 14 displays the passport display screen.

[0146] On the other hand, in ACT35, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is not passport information, for example, a message indicating that the passport is unusable, the information terminal 10 displays the received message on the touch panel 14 in ACT36.

[0147] (Third operation example of information terminal and passport server) Next, a third operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the third operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0148] 11, the operation of the information terminal 10 is shown on the left side, and the operation of the passport server 30 is shown on the right side. The operation of the information terminal 10 is performed by each unit of the information terminal 10 under the control of a processor 11 that executes a passport application. The operation of the passport server 30 is performed by each unit of the passport server 30 under the control of a processor 31 that executes a passport management program.

[0149] The third operation example is an operation example in which a consumer acquires store information prior to using a passport. The third operation example is also an operation example in which information terminal 10 acquires information on the date on which the consumer presents the passport. Furthermore, the third operation example is an operation example in which information terminal 10 transmits the acquired store information and date information to passport server 30. The following description will focus on the differences from the previously described operation examples. In other words, the same parts as the previously described operation examples will be described briefly.

[0150] In response to a store information reading operation by the consumer, in ACT51, the information terminal 10 reads the store information of the affiliated store 50 (see FIG. 1).

[0151] In one example, the store information is read by a consumer operating the QR code reader 17 of the information terminal 10 to read a QR code 51 installed in an affiliated store 50. In response to the reading operation, the QR code reader 17 acquires an image of the QR code 51 and stores it in the main memory 12. Next, the QR code reader 17 causes the processor 11 to execute a QR application, thereby causing the processor 11 to acquire the store information recorded in the QR code 51 and storing the acquired store information in the main memory 12.

[0152] In another example, the store information reading operation is performed by holding the NFC tag reading unit 18 of the information terminal 10 over the NFC tag 52 installed in the corresponding store 50. Here, holding the NFC tag reading unit 18 over the NFC tag 52 includes an act of intentionally bringing the NFC tag reading unit 18 close to or in contact with the NFC tag 52, as well as an act of unintentionally bringing the NFC tag reading unit 18 close to the NFC tag 52. For example, the processor 11 is executing an NFC application, and the NFC tag reading unit 18 is in a standby state for communication with the NFC tag 52. In response to the reading operation, the NFC tag reading unit 18 communicates with the NFC tag 52, and stores the store information received from the NFC tag 52 in the main memory 12.

[0153] For example, the QR code reading unit 17 and the NFC tag reading unit 18 support deep links. For example, deep links have a function of linking to an application program installed in the information terminal 10. For example, the QR code reading unit 17 and the NFC tag reading unit 18 can issue a command to start a passport application when the acquisition of store information is used as a trigger. In response to this, the information terminal 10 starts the passport application.

[0154] In ACT 52, the touch panel 14 displays the top screen of the passport application. An example of the top screen of the passport application is as described above. In addition, store information of the participating stores 50 may be displayed on the top screen of the passport application.

[0155] In ACT53, the information terminal 10 waits for the selection of a passport with the touch panel 14 displaying the top screen of the passport application. That is, the information terminal 10 continues to wait for the selection of a passport by the consumer until the consumer selects a passport (during No in ACT53).

[0156] When the consumer selects a passport (Yes in ACT53), in ACT54, the information terminal 10 transmits a request to download passport information of the passport selected by the consumer to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0157] The passport server 30 is in a state of waiting to receive a request transmitted by the information terminal 10. When the information terminal 10 transmits a request, in ACT61, the passport server 30 receives the request. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the request, and the main memory 32 stores the request received by the communication unit 35.

[0158] Upon receiving the request, in ACT62, the passport server 30 judges whether the received request is appropriate. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed based on the linking information included in the request. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed in the same manner as in the first operation example.

[0159] Based on the judgment result of ACT 62, in ACT 63, the passport server 30 generates information to be transmitted. Specifically, if the judgment result indicates that the request is valid, the processor 31 sets the passport information stored in the main memory 32 as the information to be transmitted. On the other hand, if the judgment result indicates that the request is valid, the processor 31 creates, as the information to be transmitted, for example, a message indicating that the passport cannot be used, and the main memory 32 stores the message as the information to be transmitted.

[0160] In ACT64, the passport server 30 transmits the transmission information generated in ACT63 to the information terminal 10 via the network 110. Specifically, the communication unit 35 reads the transmission information stored in the main memory 32 and transmits it to the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0161] After transmitting the request, the information terminal 10 is in a state of waiting for reception. When the passport server 30 transmits the information, in ACT55, the information terminal 10 receives the information transmitted by the passport server 30. In detail, the communication unit 16 receives the information, and the main memory 32 stores the information received by the communication unit 16.

[0162] In ACT55, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is passport information, in ACT56, the processor 11 instructs the main memory 12 to acquire today's date information, and the main memory 12 acquires and stores today's date information from the clock 15. The main memory 12 stores the linking information read from the auxiliary storage device 13 when the request is transmitted.

[0163] Next, in ACT57, the processor 11 instructs the communication unit 16 to transmit the linking information and the date information, and the communication unit 16 transmits the linking information and the date information to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0164] Next, the processor 11 creates a passport display screen based on the passport information and the date information, and instructs the touch panel 14 to display the passport display screen in ACT58, and the touch panel 14 displays the passport display screen. An example of the passport display screen is as described above. In addition, store information of the participating stores 50 may be displayed on the passport display screen.

[0165] On the other hand, if the information received by the information terminal 10 in ACT55 is not passport information, the information terminal 10 omits the processes in ACT56 and ACT57, and displays the received information such as a message on the touch panel 14 in ACT58.

[0166] After transmitting the information in ACT 64, the passport server 30 is in a state of waiting to receive. When the information terminal 10 transmits the linking information and the date information in ACT 57, the passport server 30 receives the linking information and the date information in ACT 65. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the linking information and the date information, and the main memory 32 stores the linking information and the date information.

[0167] In ACT66, the processor 31 updates the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 based on the linking information and date information stored in the main memory 32. For example, for a passport that can be used only once, the processor 31 writes the date information of the presentation of the passport as information that the passport has been used. Or, the processor 31 clears the flag. For a passport that can be used only multiple times, the processor 31 reduces the remaining number of times the passport can be used by one. Regarding the update of the passport information, for example, for a passport that does not have a limit on the number of times it can be used, the processor 31 may write the date information of the presentation of the passport to the passport server 30 as information that the passport was used at the store. For example, during a payment process at a store, the date on which the passport window 25 showing the contents of the passport A was displayed on the display screen of the information terminal 10 by the consumer's operation is set as the date information of the presentation of the passport, and the information terminal 10 transmits the date information and the linking information to the passport server 30. The passport server 30 may update the passport information by accumulating and storing the received date information and linking information in the auxiliary storage device 33 each time.

[0168] (Fourth operation example of information terminal and passport server) Next, a fourth operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the fourth operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0169] 12, the operation of the information terminal 10 is shown on the left side, and the operation of the passport server 30 is shown on the right side. The operation of the information terminal 10 is performed by each unit of the information terminal 10 under the control of a processor 11 that executes a passport application. The operation of the passport server 30 is performed by each unit of the passport server 30 under the control of a processor 31 that executes a passport management program.

[0170] The fourth operation example is an operation example in which a consumer acquires store information prior to using a passport. The fourth operation example is also an operation example in which the information terminal 10 transmits the acquired store information to the passport server 30. Furthermore, the fourth operation example is an operation example in which the passport server 30 acquires information on the date on which the consumer presents the passport. The following description will focus on the differences from the previously described operation examples. In other words, the same parts as the previously described operation examples will be described briefly.

[0171] In response to a consumer's operation to read store information, in ACT51, the information terminal 10 reads store information of the affiliated store 50 (see FIG. 1). In addition, the information terminal 10 starts a passport application upon receiving the store information. The operation of reading store information and the operation of starting the passport application are performed in the same manner as in the third operation example.

[0172] In ACT 72, the touch panel 14 displays the top screen of the passport application. An example of the top screen of the passport application is as described above.

[0173] In ACT73, the information terminal 10 waits for the selection of a passport with the touch panel 14 displaying the top screen of the passport application. That is, the information terminal 10 continues to wait for the selection of a passport by the consumer until the consumer selects a passport (during No in ACT73).

[0174] When the consumer selects a passport (Yes in ACT73), in ACT74, the information terminal 10 transmits a request to download passport information of the passport selected by the consumer to the passport server 30 via the network 110.

[0175] The passport server 30 is in a state of waiting to receive a request transmitted by the information terminal 10. When the information terminal 10 transmits a request, in ACT81, the passport server 30 receives the request. In detail, the communication unit 35 receives the request, and the main memory 32 stores the request received by the communication unit 35.

[0176] Upon receiving the request, in ACT82, the passport server 30 judges whether the received request is appropriate. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed based on the linking information included in the request. The judgment as to whether the request is appropriate is performed in the same manner as in the first operation example.

[0177] If the request is determined to be appropriate in ACT82 (Yes in ACT82), in ACT83, the processor 31 instructs the main memory 32 to obtain today's date information, and the main memory 32 obtains today's date information from the clock 34 and stores it.

[0178] On the other hand, if it is determined in ACT82 that the request is inappropriate (No in ACT82), the processing in ACT83 is omitted.

[0179] Based on the determination result in ACT 82, in ACT 84, the passport server 30 generates transmission information. Specifically, when the determination result indicates that the request is appropriate, the processor 31 sets the passport information and date information stored in the main memory 32 as transmission information. As described in the first operation example, when the linking information included in the request is found in the linking information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33, the main memory 32 reads from the auxiliary storage device 33 the passport information linked to the linking information included in the request and stores it.

[0180] On the other hand, if the request is determined to be valid, the processor 31 creates, as information to be transmitted, a message, for example, that the passport is unusable, and the main memory 32 stores the message as information to be transmitted.

[0181] In ACT85, the passport server 30 transmits the transmission information generated in ACT83 to the information terminal 10 via the network 110. Specifically, the communication unit 35 reads the transmission information stored in the main memory 32 and transmits it to the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0182] In ACT86, the processor 31 updates the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 based on the passport information and date information stored in the main memory 32. For example, for a passport that can be used only once, the processor 31 writes the date information of the presentation of the passport as information that the passport has been used. Or, the processor 31 clears the flag. For a passport that can be used only multiple times, the processor 31 reduces the remaining number of times the passport can be used by one. Regarding the update of the passport information, for example, for a passport that does not have a limit on the number of times it can be used, the processor 31 may write the date information of the presentation of the passport to the passport server 30 as information that the passport was used at the store. For example, during a payment process at a store, the date on which the passport window 25 showing the contents of the passport A was displayed on the display screen of the information terminal 10 by the consumer's operation is set as the date information of the presentation of the passport, and the information terminal 10 transmits the date information and the linking information to the passport server 30. The passport server 30 may update the passport information by accumulating and storing the received date information and linking information in the auxiliary storage device 33 each time.

[0183] After transmitting the request, the information terminal 10 is in a waiting state for reception. When the passport server 30 transmits the information, in ACT 75, the information terminal 10 receives the information transmitted by the passport server 30. In detail, the communication unit 16 receives the information, and the main memory 32 stores the information received by the communication unit 16.

[0184] In ACT75, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is passport information and date information, the processor 11 creates a passport display screen based on the passport information and date information received from the passport server 30 and stores it in the main memory 12.

[0185] Next, in ACT76, the processor 11 instructs the touch panel 14 to display the passport display screen, and the touch panel 14 displays the passport display screen.

[0186] On the other hand, if the information received by the information terminal 10 is not passport information in ACT75, the information terminal 10 displays the received information such as a message on the touch panel 14 in ACT76.

[0187] (Example of operation of information terminal, POS terminal and receipt server) Below, an example of the operation of the information terminal 10, POS terminal 60, and receipt server 80 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described. In the following explanation, the operation of the POS terminal 60 will be described as starting with the reading of the barcode of the consumer's membership ID, and the operation of the information terminal 10 will be described as starting with the display of the passport.

[0188] An example of the operation of the information terminal 10, POS terminal 60, and receipt server 80 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the information terminal 10, POS terminal 60, and receipt server 80 in the management system 100 according to the embodiment.

[0189] 13, the operation of the information terminal 10 is shown on the left, the operation of the receipt server 80 is shown in the center, and the operation of the POS terminal 60 is shown on the right. The operation of the information terminal 10 is performed by each unit of the information terminal 10 under the control of a processor 11 that executes a passport application. The operation of the POS terminal 60 is performed by each unit of the POS terminal 60 under the control of a processor 61 that executes an electronic receipt issuing program. The operation of the receipt server 80 is performed by each unit of the receipt server 80 under the control of a processor 81 that executes an electronic receipt management program.

[0190] This operation example is an operation example of the information terminal 10, the POS terminal 60, and the receipt server 80, in comparison with an operation example in which a consumer presents a passport without obtaining store information and the information terminal 10 obtains the date information of the passport presentation (first operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 according to the flowchart of FIG. 7).

[0191] In ACT111, the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 displays a passport display screen.

[0192] Next, in ACT112, the information terminal 10 acquires location information of the information terminal 10.

[0193] Next, in ACT 113, the information terminal 10 transmits the passport information, date information (including time information), and location information to the receipt server 80.

[0194] In ACT 121, the receipt server 80 receives the passport information, date information, and location information transmitted by the information terminal 10 via the network 110.

[0195] Next, in ACT 122, the receipt server 80 accumulates the received passport information, date information, and location information. For example, the receipt server 80 adds and saves the received passport information, date information, and location information as a single record in a passport file held by the auxiliary storage device 83.

[0196] In ACT131, the POS terminal 60 reads the barcode of the consumer's member ID using the scanner 68. As a result, the POS terminal 60 recognizes that this is a commercial transaction in which a receipt is to be issued as an electronic receipt.

[0197] Thereafter, in ACT 132, the POS terminal 60 performs an accounting process to settle the commercial transaction with the consumer.

[0198] After the transaction process is completed, in ACT133, the POS terminal 60 creates receipt data showing details of the transaction, digitizes the receipt data, and transmits the electronic receipt information together with the consumer's member ID information to the receipt server 80. The receipt data includes information such as store information, member ID, transaction date and time (including time information), product ID, product name, unit price, classification code, etc. The store information includes information indicating the affiliated store 50 (for example, store code), address information of the affiliated store 50, etc.

[0199] In ACT 123, the receipt server 80 receives the electronic receipt information and the consumer's member ID information sent by the POS terminal 60 via the network 110.

[0200] Next, in ACT 124, the receipt server 80 accumulates the received electronic receipt information and the consumer's member ID information. For example, the receipt server 80 adds and saves the received electronic receipt information and the consumer's member ID information as one record in the receipt file held by the auxiliary storage device 83.

[0201] In ACT125, the receipt server 80, at an appropriate timing, references the date information (including time information) and location information of the record newly stored in the passport file held by the auxiliary storage device 83, and the transaction date and time information and address information of the record newly stored in the receipt file held by the auxiliary storage device 83. An appropriate timing is, for example, each time a record is additionally saved in the passport file, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the additional saving. Alternatively, the appropriate timing may be a predetermined time after a predetermined number of records have been additionally saved in the passport file.

[0202] The receipt server 80 then checks whether there is a record in the passport file where the date information (including time information) nearly matches the transaction date and time (including time information) in the receipt file record, and whether there is a record in the passport file where the location information nearly matches the address information of the corresponding store 50 in the receipt file record.

[0203] If there is a pair of records that meets this condition (Yes in ACT 125), the receipt server 80 links the pair of passport file records and receipt file records that meet the condition in ACT 126. After that, the receipt server 80 temporarily ends its operation.

[0204] If there is no pair of records that meets the condition (No in ACT125), the receipt server 80 skips the operation in ACT126 and ends the process.

[0205] As a result, the receipt server 80 stores electronic receipt information and passport information, and stores corresponding electronic receipt information and passport information in a linked manner.

[0206] This operation example is an example in which the information terminal 10 acquires the date information of passport presentation, however, as in the second operation example of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 following the flowchart of Figure 10, instead of the information terminal 10 acquiring the date information of passport presentation, the receipt server 80 may acquire the date information of passport presentation.

[0207] Furthermore, as in the third and fourth operation examples of the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 according to the flowcharts of Figures 11 and 12, when a consumer obtains store information, the operation of ACT112 for obtaining location information of the information terminal 10 is not necessary, and in ACT113, the already obtained store information can be transmitted instead of the location information.

[0208] (effect) According to the embodiment, when a consumer presents a digital passport at a supporting store 50, the consumer operates the information terminal 10 to send a request to download passport information to the passport server 30. If the request is valid, the passport server 30 sends the passport information to the information terminal 10. It is considered that the consumer, who is the operator of the information terminal 10 that has received the passport information, will present the digital passport at the supporting store 50. In other words, the passport server 30 can understand that the consumer has presented the digital passport at the supporting store 50 upon the transmission of the passport information.

[0209] This creates a mechanism for collecting information on whether consumers have presented their digital passports at participating stores 50.

[0210] Furthermore, the passport server 30 can obtain information on the date and time when the digital passport was presented, in addition to information on when the digital passport was presented, which makes it possible to grasp how the digital passport is being used.

[0211] Furthermore, consumers can obtain and check store information of participating stores 50 by using the QR code reader 17 and NFC tag reader 18. In addition, since the passport app is launched at the same time as obtaining the store information, the ease of use of the digital passport for consumers is improved.

[0212] Furthermore, since store information, in addition to information on the presentation of the digital passport and its date and time, is transmitted to the passport server 30, it becomes possible to grasp in more detail how the digital passport is being used.

[0213] Additionally, receipt information and passport information can be stored in the receipt server 80. Furthermore, corresponding receipt information and passport information can be stored in association with each other.

[0214] (Modification) The passport server 30 and the receipt server 80 may be configured as an integrated unit. Also, the receipt server 80 may have some of the functions of the passport server 30.

[0215] In the above explanation, it is assumed that the communication state between the passport server 30 and the information terminal 10 is online and the digital passport is downloaded when it is to be used, but as a modified example, the digital passport may be downloaded in advance to the information terminal 10. In this case, the digital passport stored in advance in the information terminal 10 can be displayed not only when the communication between the information terminal 10 and the digital passport management server 30 is online, but also when the communication is temporarily offline.

[0216] Specifically, the information terminal 10 downloads and acquires passport information from the passport server 30 in advance. The information terminal 10 stores the downloaded passport information in the auxiliary storage device 13. When communication between the passport server 30 and the information terminal 10 is offline, the information terminal 10 reads out the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 of the mobile terminal 30. The information terminal 10 displays the digital passport stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 on the screen. The information terminal 10 stores the date on which the digital passport was displayed on the screen in the auxiliary storage device 13. After that, when the passport server 30 and the information terminal 10 are restored from an offline state to an online state, the information terminal 10 transmits to the passport server 30 the date on which the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 of the information terminal 10 was presented. For example, in a transaction different from the transaction in which the passport information was presented in an offline state, if the information terminal 10 and the passport server 30 are online, when the consumer performs an operation to display the digital passport on the screen of the information terminal 10, the information terminal 10 transmits the date information on the date on which the offline passport was presented stored in the auxiliary storage device 13. In the information terminal 10, the passport information stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 for a predetermined period of time, and then is deleted from the auxiliary storage device 13 by the processor 11 of the information terminal 10.

[0217] With this configuration, even if the passport server 30 and the information terminal 10 are offline, the information terminal 10 can present the passport information, and when the online state is restored, the passport information is sent from the information terminal 10 to the passport server 30, so it can be considered that the consumer presented the digital passport at the supporting store 50. This establishes a mechanism for collecting information on whether the consumer presented the digital passport at the supporting store 50.

[0218] Furthermore, in the processes of ACT17 and ACT57, the information terminal 10 may transmit the member ID, passport information, information on the date the passport was presented, and store information to the receipt server 80. The receipt server 80 may receive the member ID, passport information, information on the date the passport was presented, and store information from the information terminal 10, and store the information in the auxiliary storage device 83 of the receipt server 80 as the data table shown in FIG. 14. In the data table shown in FIG. 14, the member ID is linked to the passport information, the date the passport was presented, and information on the store where the passport was presented. This allows the receipt server 80 to manage when, at which store, and what type of digital passport the customer presented, based on the member ID.

[0219] (others) The program according to the present embodiment may be transferred in a state where it is stored in an electronic device, or in a state where it is not stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing a program and is computer-readable.

[0220] 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]

[0221] 10...information terminal, 11...processor, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...touch panel, 15...clock, 16...communication unit, 17...QR code reading unit, 18...NFC tag reading unit, 19...system transmission path, 20...icon, 21...option window, 25...passport window, 26...explanatory text, 27...information, 30...digital passport management server, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 34...clock, 35...communication unit, 36...input / output device, 37...system transmission path, 50...for Applicable store, 51...QR code, 52...NFC tag, 60...POS terminal, 61...processor, 62...main memory, 63...auxiliary storage device, 64...clock, 65...keyboard, 66...display, 67...printer, 68...scanner, 69...communication unit, 70...system transmission path, 80...electronic receipt management server, 81...processor, 82...main memory, 83...auxiliary storage device, 84...clock, 85...communication unit, 86...input / output device, 87...system transmission path, 100...digital passport management system, 110...network.

Claims

1. An information terminal that communicates with a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information, A communication unit that communicates with the digital passport management server; a display unit that displays a digital passport corresponding to the digital passport information; a processor that receives the digital passport information from the digital passport management server via the communication unit, displays the digital passport corresponding to the received digital passport information on the display unit, and transmits date information to the digital passport management server. Information terminal.

2. A digital passport management server for managing digital passport information, a communication unit that communicates with an information terminal that requests the provision of the digital passport information; a processor for receiving a request for providing the digital passport information from the information terminal, and for transmitting the digital passport information to the information terminal via the communication unit in response to the request, and for receiving information including date information from the information terminal; Digital passport management server.

3. A digital passport management system having a digital passport management server that stores digital passport information, and an information terminal that communicates with the digital passport management server, The information terminal includes: A terminal-side communication unit that communicates with the digital passport management server; a display unit that displays a digital passport corresponding to the digital passport information; a terminal-side processor that transmits a request for provision of the digital passport information to the digital passport management server via the terminal-side communication unit, receives the digital passport information from the digital passport management server via the terminal-side communication unit, and displays the digital passport corresponding to the received digital passport information on the display unit; The digital passport management server includes: A server-side communication unit that communicates with the information terminal; a server-side processor that receives a request for provision of digital passport information from the information terminal and transmits the digital passport information to the information terminal via the server-side communication unit in response to the request; the terminal-side processor or the server-side processor transmits date information to the digital passport management server or the information terminal via the terminal-side communication unit or the server-side communication unit; The digital passport management server receives information including the date information. Digital Passport Management System.

4. the information terminal has a code reading unit capable of reading a code in which store information is recorded, and transmits the store information acquired by the code reading unit to the digital passport management server via the terminal side communication unit; The digital passport management system according to claim 3 .

5. the information terminal has an NFC tag reading unit capable of reading an NFC tag on which store information is recorded, and transmits the store information acquired by the NFC tag reading unit to the digital passport management server via the terminal side communication unit; The digital passport management system according to claim 3 .

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