Information processing apparatus, information processing system, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To enable a person in charge having authority for setting in each store to individually set contents of a message to be printed on a receipt when issuance of receipts in a plurality of stores is managed.SOLUTION: An information processing system 100 comprise a server device 1, a first terminal device 2, a second terminal device 3, and a printer 4. The server device 1 comprises: an authentication unit (control unit 11) which authenticates authority of a user; a specification unit (control unit 11) which, in response to authenticating that the user has first authority, specifies a store associated with the user; a first reception unit (communication unit 13) which receives user's operation of editing an individual message to be distributed to the specific store specified by the specification unit and to be printed on a receipt in the specific store; and a first distribution unit (control unit 11) which distributes the individual message to the specific store.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Receipts issued at stores may have preset messages printed on them in addition to information such as product names and prices. By printing such messages, stores can convey promotional information, temporary closure information, and other arbitrary messages to customers who use the store (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-228021 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Receipts are issued, for example, by a system in which a cash register installed in each store is connected to a server device. In such a conventional system, a person in charge with setting authority for each store cannot individually set the message to be printed on the receipt issued at each store.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to enable a person in charge with setting authority at each store to individually set the content of the message to be printed on receipts when managing the issuance of receipts at multiple stores. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the information processing device of the present invention includes an authentication unit that authenticates a user's authority, an identification unit that identifies a store associated with the user when the authentication unit authenticates that the user has a first authority, a first reception unit that accepts editing by the user of an individual message that is delivered to the specific store identified by the identification unit and printed on a receipt at the specific store, and a first distribution unit that distributes the individual message to the specific store.

[0007] The information processing system of the present invention includes the information processing device and an electronic device that functions as a cash register, and the electronic device causes a printing device to print a receipt on which at least the individual message is printed.

[0008] In addition, the program of the present invention causes a computer to function as an authentication unit that authenticates a user's authority, an identification unit that identifies a store associated with the user when the authentication unit authenticates that the user has a first authority, a first reception unit that accepts editing by the user of an individual message that is delivered to the specific store identified by the identification unit and printed on a receipt at the specific store, and a first delivery unit that delivers the individual message to the specific store.

[0009] In addition, the information processing method of the present invention authenticates a user's authority, and if it authenticates that the user has a first authority, identifies a store associated with the user, accepts editing by the user of an individual message that is delivered to the identified specific store and printed on a receipt at the specific store, and delivers the individual message to the specific store. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, when managing the issuance of receipts at multiple stores, a person in charge at each store who has setting authority can individually set the content of the message to be printed on the receipt. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when editing an individual message of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart showing an operation when editing a common message of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention when issuing a receipt. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a person in charge database of a server device of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a store database of a server device of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an editing screen displayed on a first terminal device of the information processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 shows an example of a receipt printed by a printing device of the information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] An information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0013] [1 Configuration Description] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 100 includes, for example, a server device 1, a first terminal device 2, a second terminal device 3, and a printing device 4, and each device is connected via a communication network N. In FIG. 1, only one each of the first terminal device 2, second terminal device 3, and printing device 4 are shown, but these devices will be installed in multiple stores that use this system to issue receipts. Furthermore, the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3 may be combined into a single device. Also, the second terminal device 3 and the printing device 4 may be configured as an integrated device, with a single device functioning as both the second terminal device 3 and the printing device 4.

[0014] [(1) Server equipment] The server device 1 is, for example, a computer owned by a company that manages and operates the information processing system 100, and accepts requests for editing messages to be used on receipts by each store, as described below, and distributes the edited messages to each store. As shown in FIG. 1, the server device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13.

[0015] The control unit 11 is a part that controls the operation of the server device 1 and is configured, for example, with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls each part of the server device 1 in cooperation with the CPU and program data, etc. stored in the memory unit 12.

[0016] The memory unit 12 is a part where various information required for the operation of the server device 1 is stored, and is composed of, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, etc., and stores data required for the operation of the server device 1, such as program data, in a manner that can be read and written by the control unit 11.

[0017] The memory unit 12 is equipped with a staff member database 121 in which staff member information D1, which is information related to the staff member in charge of editing messages to be printed on receipts belonging to each store and who is a user of the information processing system 100, is stored for each of a plurality of staff members, and a store database 122 in which store information D2, which is information related to the store that issues receipts using the information processing system 100, is stored for each of a plurality of stores.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the person in charge information D1 includes person in charge identification information D1-1, which is information indicating each person in charge, password information D1-2, which is information related to the password set for each person in charge, group information D1-3, which is information indicating the group (a group of companies consisting of multiple companies) to which each person in charge belongs, company information D1-4, which is information indicating the company to which each person in charge belongs, store information D1-5, which is information indicating the store to which each person in charge belongs, and editing authority information D1-6, which is information related to whether each person in charge has authority to edit messages, and these are stored in association with each person in charge.

[0019] The person in charge identification information D1-1 may include information relating to the code, number, etc. individually assigned to each person in charge, the group information D1-3 may include information relating to the code, number, etc. individually assigned to each group, the company information D1-4 may include information relating to the code, number, etc. individually assigned to each company, and the store information D1-5 may include information relating to the code, number, etc. individually assigned to each store.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, store information D2 includes store identification information D2-1, which is information indicating each store, group information D2-2, which is information indicating the group to which each store belongs, company information D2-3, which is information indicating the company to which each store belongs, individual message information D2-4, which is information related to messages to be printed on receipts that are set individually for each store, and common message information D2-5, which is information related to messages to be printed on receipts that are set commonly for multiple stores belonging to the same company, and these are stored in association with each store.

[0021] The store identification information D2-1 may include information relating to codes, numbers, etc. assigned individually to each store, similar to the affiliated store information D1-5 included in the person in charge information D1, the affiliated group information D2-2 may include information relating to codes, numbers, etc. assigned individually to each group, similar to the affiliated group information D1-3 included in the person in charge information D1, and the affiliated company information D2-3 may include information relating to codes, numbers, etc. assigned individually to each company, similar to the affiliated company information D1-4 included in the person in charge information D1.

[0022] In addition, the individual message information D2-4 includes information relating to a specific message set individually for each store, which is edited in the process of step S1 in the operation description described below, and the common message information D2-5 includes information relating to a specific message set commonly to multiple stores belonging to the same company, which is edited in the process of step S2 in the operation description described below.

[0023] The storage unit 12 also stores a program including various commands to the control unit 11 for operating the server device 1, as described later in the description of the operation.

[0024] The communication unit 13 is a part used for communication between the server device 1 and the first terminal device 2 and the second terminal device 3, and is, for example, a communication interface having a communication IC (Integrated Circuit) and a communication connector, etc., and performs data communication via the communication network N using a predetermined communication protocol under the control of the control unit 11.

[0025] [(2) First terminal device] The first terminal device 2 is, for example, an information device such as a PC (Personal Computer) installed in each store that uses this system, and is used when editing messages to be printed on receipts as described below.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the first terminal device 2 includes, for example, a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23, similar to the server device 1, and further includes a display unit 24 and an operation unit 25.

[0027] The configurations of the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 are the same as those of the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 in the server device 1, respectively. The storage unit 22 is configured, for example, with a HDD, a semiconductor memory, etc., and stores a program including various commands to the control unit 21 for operating the first terminal device 2 as described later in the description of the operation.

[0028] The display unit 24 includes a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays an image based on a display control signal output from the control unit 21 on the display.

[0029] The operation unit 25 includes, for example, a keyboard having character input keys, number input keys, and other keys associated with various functions, and receives an operation input from a user of the first terminal device 2 and outputs an operation signal corresponding to the operation input to the control unit 21. The operation unit 25 may be, for example, a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 24.

[0030] [(3) Second terminal device] The second terminal device 3 is, for example, an information device such as a tablet terminal installed in each store that uses this system, and functions as an electronic cash register as described below, and is used to issue receipts as described below.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the second terminal device 3 includes, like the first terminal device 2, a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, a display unit 34, and an operation unit 35, for example.

[0032] The configurations of the control unit 31, communication unit 33, display unit 34, and operation unit 35 are the same as those of the control unit 21, communication unit 23, display unit 24, and operation unit 25 in the first terminal device 2, respectively. The memory unit 22 is composed of, for example, a HDD, semiconductor memory, etc., and stores a program including various commands to the control unit 31 for operating the second terminal device 3 as described in the operation explanation below, and further stores individual message information D2-4 and common message information D2-5 to be printed on receipts at the store where each second terminal device 3 is installed.

[0033] [(4) Printing device] The printer 4 is a device used to print receipts, and prints receipts in accordance with the information output from the second terminal device 3.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 4 includes a control unit 41 and a communication unit 42, similar to the server device 1, the first terminal device 2, and the second terminal device 3, and further includes a printing unit 43.

[0035] The printing unit 43 is a unit that prints receipts, and is not particularly limited as long as it can print images under the control of the control unit 41.

[0036] (5) Communications Networks The communication network N may be, for example, the Internet, a telephone line network, a mobile phone communication network, a wireless LAN communication network, etc., and connects between the server device 1 and a first terminal device 2, between the server device 1 and a second terminal device 3, and between the second terminal device 3 and a printing device 4, as shown in FIG. 1. The communication network N is not particularly limited as long as it can connect the devices as described above and transmit and receive data between them.

[0037] [2 Operation Description] Next, the operation of information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The operation of the information processing system 100 is roughly divided into three steps: editing an individual message (step S1), editing a common message (step S2), and issuing a receipt (step S3).

[0038] [(1) Step S1: Editing an individual message] First, the operation of a person in charge of each store when editing an individual message set for each store will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0039] When editing an individual message, first, a person in charge at the store (here, we will explain as an example the case where the person in charge whose person identification information D1-1 in Figure 5 is 001 (hereinafter referred to as "person in charge 001") is editing the message) uses the operation unit 25 of the first terminal device 2 to input the person's assigned person identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 (step S1-1).

[0040] When the person in charge identification information D1-1 and the password information D1-2 are input, the control unit 21 of the first terminal device 2 transmits the input information from the communication unit 23 to the server device 1 via the communication network N (step S1-2).

[0041] In the server device 1, which receives the person in charge identification information D1-1 and the password information D1-2 transmitted from the first terminal device 2 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 authenticates the authority (step S1-3).

[0042] Specifically, when the person in charge database 121 in the storage unit 12 is referenced and the received person in charge identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 are stored in association with each other, and when the editing authority information D1-6 indicates that the person in charge 001 has authority to edit an individual message for the store associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 stored in association with the received person in charge identification information D1-1, the person in charge 001 is authenticated as having authority to edit an individual message for the store associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 authenticated in this way. In other words, the authority to edit an individual message for the store associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 authenticated in this way corresponds to the first authority, which is the authority to edit an individual message.

[0043] On the other hand, if the received person in charge identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 are not stored in association with each other in the person in charge database 121 of the memory unit 12, and if the editing authority information D1-6 stored in association with the received person in charge identification information D1-1 indicates no authority, the control unit 11 sends an instruction to the first terminal device 2 to display a specified error message and terminates the processing.

[0044] Next, the control unit 11 extracts information related to a store whose group matches that of the person in charge 001 from the store information D2 stored in the store database 122 (step S1-4).

[0045] That is, the control unit 11 extracts the belonging group information D1-3 (in this case, "100") that is stored in association with the person in charge identification information D1-1 received in step S1-2 from the person in charge database 121 of the memory unit 12, and then extracts the store information D2 that includes the belonging group information D2-2 that matches this.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 extracts information related to a store whose company matches the person in charge 001 from the store information D2 extracted in step S1-4 (step S1-5).

[0047] That is, the control unit 11 extracts the affiliated company information D1-4 (in this case, "1000") that is stored in association with the person in charge identification information D1-1 received in step S1-2 from the person in charge database 121 in the memory unit 12, and then extracts the store information D2 that includes the affiliated company information D2-3 that matches this.

[0048] Next, the control unit 11 extracts information related to the store to which the person in charge 001 belongs from the store information D2 extracted in step S1-5 (step S1-6).

[0049] That is, the control unit 11 extracts the affiliated store information D1-5 (in this case, "10000") that is stored in association with the person in charge identification information D1-1 received in step S1-2 from the person in charge database 121 in the memory unit 12, and then extracts the store information D2 that includes the store identification information D2-1 that matches this.

[0050] Next, the server device 1 creates a screen (editing screen E) having information about the store extracted in step S1-6 and an editing field for individual messages, and transmits data related to that screen (editing screen data D3) from the communication unit 13 to the first terminal device 2 via the communication network N (step S1-7).

[0051] The editing screen E includes, for example, an individual message editing section E1 for editing individual messages, as shown in FIG. 7. The individual message editing section E1 has a printing / non-printing selection field E11 for selecting whether or not to print an individual message on a receipt, an individual message input field E12 for editing the individual message, and an editable store display E13 which displays the store names of stores where individual messages can be edited.

[0052] Note that the number of stores for which each staff member with editing authority can edit individual messages is not limited to one. Staff member information D1 may include affiliated store information D1-5 for multiple stores, linked to a single staff member identification information D1-1, allowing staff members with editing authority to edit individual messages related to multiple stores.

[0053] Figure 7 illustrates a case where individual messages can be edited for three stores: Store A, Store B, and Store C. In this case, the three stores are displayed as editable store display E13, and a person with editing authority can select the store to be edited from this display by operating the operation unit 25 of the first terminal device 2 in step S1-9 described below, and then enter a message in the individual message input field E12.

[0054] The editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 may also include a common message editing section E2 for editing the common message described in step S2, so that a person having editing authority can edit the individual message and the common message at the same time. Such a case is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0055] In the first terminal device 2 that receives the editing screen data D3 transmitted from the server device 1 in step S1-7 via the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display the editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 (step S1-8).

[0056] When the editing screen E relating to the editing screen data D3 is displayed on the display unit 24, the person in charge 001 uses the operation unit 25 of the first terminal device 2 to input text relating to the edited individual message into the individual message input field E12 of the individual message editing unit E1 (step S1-9).

[0057] It is preferable that the individual message input field E12 displays a message related to the individual message information D2-4 that has been set up in the past and allows the message to be edited. Fig. 7 shows a case where a message related to the individual message information D2-4 that has been set up in the past for a store whose store identification information D2-1 is 10000 is displayed.

[0058] When the text for the edited individual message is input, the control unit 21 of the first terminal device 2 transmits the input information (edited individual message information D2-4A) from the communication unit 23 to the server device 1 via the communication network N (step S1-10).

[0059] In the server device 1 that has received the edited individual message information D2-4A via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the editing of the individual message to be reflected in the shop database 122 (step S1-11).

[0060] Specifically, the control unit 11 simply replaces the individual message information D2-4 stored in the store database 122 of the memory unit 12 in association with the store identification information D2-1 extracted in step S1-6 with the edited individual message information D2-4A received in step S1-10.

[0061] When the edited individual message information D2-4A is stored in the store database 122 of the storage unit 12, the server device 1 distributes the edited information (step S1-12).

[0062] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server device 1 transmits edited individual message information D2-4A to the second terminal device 3 provided in the store associated with the store identification information D2-1 extracted in step S1-6 (here, the store whose store identification information D2-1 is 10,000).

[0063] In the second terminal device 3 that receives the edited individual message information D2-4A via the communication unit 33, the control unit 31 stores the received edited individual message information D2-4A in the memory unit 32 in place of the individual message information D2-4 that was previously stored (step S1-13).

[0064] There is no particular limit to the timing of distribution of the edited information in step S1-12. For example, the server device 1 may automatically distribute the information each time the information is updated, or the information may be distributed only to the second terminal device 3 associated with the requested store upon a request from the store (when the server device 1 receives a request from the second terminal device 3 to transmit the latest information).

[0065] [(2) Step S2: Editing the common message] Next, the operation of a person in charge at each store when editing a common message set commonly to stores belonging to the same company will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0066] When editing a common message, first, a person in charge at the store (again, we will explain the case where person in charge 001 edits the message as an example) uses the operation unit 25 of the first terminal device 2 to input the person-in-charge identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 assigned to him / her (step S2-1).

[0067] When the person in charge identification information D1-1 and the password information D1-2 are input, the control unit 21 of the first terminal device 2 transmits the input information from the communication unit 23 to the server device 1 via the communication network N (step S2-2).

[0068] In the server device 1, which receives the person in charge identification information D1-1 and the password information D1-2 transmitted from the first terminal device 2 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 authenticates the authority (step S2-3).

[0069] Specifically, when the person in charge database 121 in the storage unit 12 is referenced and the received person in charge identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 are stored in association with each other, and when the editing authority information D1-6 indicates that the person in charge 001 has authority to edit the common message for the multiple stores belonging to the company associated with the affiliated company information D1-4 stored in association with the received person in charge identification information D1-1, the person in charge 001 is authenticated as having authority to edit the common message for the multiple stores belonging to the company associated with the affiliated company information D1-4. In other words, the authority to edit the common message for the multiple stores belonging to the company associated with the affiliated company information D1-4 authenticated in this manner corresponds to the second authority, which is the authority to edit the common message.

[0070] On the other hand, if the received person in charge identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2 are not stored in association with each other in the person in charge database 121 of the memory unit 12, and if the editing authority information D1-6 stored in association with the received person in charge identification information D1-1 indicates no authority, the control unit 11 sends an instruction to the first terminal device 2 to display a specified error message and terminates the processing.

[0071] Next, the control unit 11 extracts information related to the store whose group matches the person in charge 001 from the store information D2 stored in the store database 122 (step S2-4).

[0072] That is, the control unit 11 extracts the belonging group information D1-3 (in this case, "100") that is stored in association with the person in charge identification information D1-1 received in step S2-2 from the person in charge database 121 of the memory unit 12, and then extracts the store information D2 that includes the belonging group information D2-2 that matches this.

[0073] Next, the control unit 11 extracts information related to a store whose company matches the person in charge 001 from the store information D2 extracted in step S2-4 (step S2-5).

[0074] That is, the control unit 11 extracts the affiliated company information D1-4 (in this case, "1000") that is stored in association with the person in charge identification information D1-1 received in step S2-2 from the person in charge database 121 in the memory unit 12, and then extracts the store information D2 that includes the affiliated company information D2-3 that matches this.

[0075] Next, the server device 1 creates a screen (editing screen E) having an editing field for the common message, and transmits data relating to the screen (editing screen data D3) from the communication unit 13 to the first terminal device 2 via the communication network N (step S2-6).

[0076] The editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 includes a common message editing section E2 for editing the common message, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. The common message editing section E2 has a printing / non-printing selection field E21 for selecting whether or not to print the common message on the receipt, and a common message input field E22 for editing the common message.

[0077] As described in the explanation of editing an individual message, the editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 may also include an individual message editing section E1 for editing the individual message described in step S1, so that a person with editing authority may edit the common message and the individual message at the same time. FIG. 7 illustrates such a case.

[0078] In the first terminal device 2 that receives the editing screen data D3 transmitted from the server device 1 in step S2-6 via the communication unit 23, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display the editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 (step S2-7).

[0079] When the editing screen E related to the editing screen data D3 is displayed on the display unit 24, the person in charge 001 uses the operation unit 25 of the first terminal device 2 to input text related to the edited common message into the common message input field E22 of the common message editing unit E2 (step S2-8).

[0080] It is preferable that the common message input field E22 displays a message related to the common message information D2-5 that has been set up in the past and then allows the message to be edited. Fig. 7 shows a case where a message related to the common message information D2-5 that has been set up in the past for a store belonging to a company whose affiliated company information D2-3 is 1000 is displayed.

[0081] When the text for the edited common message is input, the control unit 21 of the first terminal device 2 transmits the input information (edited common message information D2-5A) from the communication unit 23 to the server device 1 via the communication network N (step S2-9).

[0082] In the server device 1 that has received the edited common message information D2-5A via the communication unit 13, the control unit 11 causes the editing of the common message to be reflected in the shop database 122 (step S2-10).

[0083] Specifically, the control unit 11 replaces all of the common message information D2-5 stored in the store database 122 of the storage unit 12 in association with the same affiliated company information D2-3 (here, "1000") extracted in step S2-5 with the edited common message information D2-5A received in step S2-9. This makes it possible to collectively replace the common message information related to all stores that are in the same company as the store where the edit was performed.

[0084] When the edited common message information D2-5A is stored in the store database 122 of the storage unit 12, the server device 1 distributes the edited information (step S2-11).

[0085] Specifically, the control unit 11 of the server device 1 extracts all store identification information D2-1 that is linked to and stored with the same affiliated company information D2-3 (here, "1000") extracted in step S2-5, and then transmits edited common message information D2-5A to the second terminal device 3 provided in the stores related to the extracted store identification information D2-1 (here, the stores with store identification information D2-1 of 10,000 and 20,000).

[0086] In the second terminal device 3 that receives the edited common message information D2-5A via the communication unit 33, the control unit 31 stores the received edited common message information D2-5A in the memory unit 32 instead of the common message information D2-5 that was previously stored (step S2-12).

[0087] In this case, too, the timing of distribution of the edited information in step S2-11 is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be performed automatically by the server device 1 each time the information is updated, or it may be performed only to the second terminal device 3 related to the requested store upon a request from the store (when the server device 1 receives a request from the second terminal device 3 to send the latest information).

[0088] [(3) Step S3: Issuing a receipt] Next, the operation of issuing a receipt in a store equipped with a second terminal device 3 in which edited individual message information D2-4A is stored in memory unit 32 in step S1 and edited common message information D2-5A is stored in memory unit 32 in step S2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0089] When issuing a receipt, first, a staff member at each store uses the operation unit 35 of the second terminal device 3 to input information required to issue a receipt (receipt information) such as the product name, amount, etc. (step S3-1).

[0090] When the receipt information is input, the control unit 31 of the second terminal device 3 creates receipt data D4, which is image data of a receipt that includes the input receipt information as well as the edited individual message information D2-4A and the edited common message information D2-5A stored in the memory unit 32 (step S3-2).

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, the image related to the receipt data D4 (receipt image R) has a receipt information field R1 in which the receipt information entered in step S3-1 is entered, an individual message field R2 in which edited individual message information D2-4A is entered, and a common message field R3 in which edited common message information D2-5A is entered. Further, the individual message entry field R2 is arranged so as to be located below the common message entry field R3.

[0092] Figure 8 shows a case where an individual message is edited in step S1 to read "A sale is being held from December 10th to 15th," and a common message is edited in step S2 to read "Thank you for using our service," and these messages are entered in the individual message entry field R2 and the common message entry field R3.

[0093] After creating the receipt data D4, the control unit 31 then transmits the created receipt data D4 from the communication unit 33 to the printing device 4 via the communication network N (step S3-3).

[0094] In the printing device 4, which has received the receipt data D4 via the communication unit 42, the control unit 41 causes the printing unit 43 to print an image related to the receipt data D4 (step S3-4).

[0095] This allows the printing device 4 to issue a receipt that includes both a message set for each store according to the edited individual message information D2-4A, and a message set commonly for all stores belonging to the same company according to the edited common message information D2-5A.

[0096] [3 Explanation of effects] Next, the effects of the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0097] According to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the server device 1 authenticates the authority of the staff member belonging to each store who is a user of this system, and certifies that the user has the authority to edit the individual message to be printed on receipts at the specific store associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 stored in association with the staff member identification information D1-1 related to that user, as described in step S1-3.

[0098] Then, as described in steps S1-4 to S1-6, the server device 1 identifies the store associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 that is associated with the person in charge identification information D1-1 related to the user, and then, as described in steps S1-7 to S1-11, accepts edits by the user for the individual message that is delivered to the identified store and printed on receipts at the store, and delivers the edited individual message to a second terminal device 3 provided in the store, as described in step S1-12.

[0099] This makes it possible, when a single system is used to manage the issuance of receipts at multiple stores, for staff with setting authority at each store to individually set the content of the message to be printed on the receipt.

[0100] Furthermore, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the server device 1 authenticates the authority of the staff members who belong to each store and are users of this system, and certifies that the user has the authority to edit the common message to be printed on receipts at multiple stores belonging to the company associated with the company information D1-4 stored in association with the staff member identification information D1-1 related to that user, as described in step S2-3.

[0101] Then, as described in steps S2-6 to S2-10, the server device 1 accepts edits by the user for a common message to be distributed to multiple stores belonging to the company associated with the affiliated company information D1-4 corresponding to the person in charge identification information D1-1 relating to the user and printed on receipts at these multiple stores, and distributes the edited common message to second terminal devices 3 provided in these multiple stores, as described in step S2-11.

[0102] This makes it possible for a person in charge at each store who has the authority to set messages to set the content of a common message printed on receipts at multiple stores, in addition to individual messages printed on receipts at a specific store.

[0103] Furthermore, when authenticating the authority in step S1-3, if at least the person in charge identification information D1-1 relating to the user is associated with the affiliated store information D1-5 relating to a specific store, it is authenticated that the user has the authority to edit the individual message to be printed on receipts at that store, making it possible to clearly identify the authority to edit the individual message depending on the store to which the user belongs.

[0104] Furthermore, when authenticating the authority in step S2-3, if at least the person in charge identification information D1-1 relating to the user is associated with the company information D1-4 relating to a specific company, it is possible to authenticate that the user has the authority to edit the common message printed on receipts at multiple stores belonging to the company related to the company information D1-4, thereby making it possible to clearly identify the authority to edit the common message depending on the company to which the user belongs.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the information processing system 100 of this embodiment, the individual message printed on the receipt at each store can only be edited by a specific user associated with that store (in the staff information D1, the staff identification information D1-1 is linked to the affiliated store information D1-5 relating to that store and stored), and no other users can edit the individual message. This makes it possible to allow only users who have editing authority to edit individual messages.

[0106] In addition, in step S1-7, the server device 1 transmits editing screen data D3 to the first terminal device 2 and causes the display unit 24 of the first terminal device 2 to display an editing screen E including an individual message editing section E1, which is a screen for the user to edit the individual message, thereby enabling the user to easily edit the individual message by inputting information into the screen.

[0107] Furthermore, when there are multiple stores for which the user has editing authority for individual messages, the individual message editing section E1 of the editing screen E includes an editable store display E13 that functions as a selection section for selecting a store for which the user will edit the individual message from among the multiple stores, thereby enabling the user to easily select a store for which the user will edit the individual message from among the multiple stores for which the user has editing authority.

[0108] In addition, in step S2-6, the server device 1 transmits editing screen data D3 to the first terminal device 2 and causes the display unit 34 of the first terminal device 2 to display an editing screen E including a common message editing section E2, which is a screen for the user to edit the common message, thereby enabling the user to easily edit the common message by inputting information into the screen.

[0109] In addition, the information processing system of this embodiment includes, in addition to the server device 1, a second terminal device 3 that functions as a cash register, and the second terminal device 3 causes the printing device 4 to print a receipt including an individual message entry field R2, making it possible to issue a receipt on which an individual message edited by the user is printed.

[0110] Furthermore, since the receipt printed by the second terminal device 3 using the printing device 4 includes a common message entry field R3 in addition to the individual message entry field R2, it is possible to issue a receipt on which the common message edited by the user is printed in addition to the individual message edited by the user.

[0111] Furthermore, on the receipt printed by the second terminal device 3 using the printer 4, the individual message entry field R2 is positioned below the common message entry field R3, and the individual message is printed below the common message, so that the messages can be arranged so that customers at the store receiving the receipt see the common message first, followed by the individual message.

[0112] [4 Variations] Next, a modification of the above embodiment will be described.

[0113] [(1) Variation 1: Simultaneous editing of individual and common messages] In the above description of the operation, the editing of the individual message in step S1 and the editing of the common message in step S2 are described as separate processes, but these can also be performed simultaneously, in which case the user can edit the individual message and the common message simultaneously.

[0114] In other words, since there are many common parts between the processes from step S1-1 to step S1-8 in step S1 and the processes from step S2-1 to S2-7 in step S2, these can be carried out simultaneously, and since, as described above, the editing screen E includes both the individual message editing section E1 and the common message editing section E2, a person in charge using the first terminal device 2 on which the editing screen E is displayed on the display unit 24 can use the displayed editing screen E to both edit an individual message using the individual message input field E12, and edit a common message using the common message input field E22.

[0115] When both an individual message and a common message are edited in the first terminal device 2, information relating to both edited messages (both edited individual message information D2-4A and edited common message information D2-5A) is transmitted to the server device 1, and the process of reflecting the edits in the server device 1 and the process of distributing the edited information are performed on both the individual message and the common message.

[0116] [(2) Modification 2: Notification when an individual message and a common message are similar] Both an individual message and a common message are printed on the receipt related to receipt image R issued in step S3 of the operation description, but if these messages are similar, customers at the store receiving the receipt may get the impression that the messages are annoying.

[0117] In order to prevent such a situation, when an individual message and a common message are similar, information to that effect may be notified to the person who edited the message.

[0118] Specifically, first, when editing an individual message in step S1, in the server device 1 which received the edited individual message information D2-4A in step S1-10, the control unit 11 compares the received edited individual message information D2-4A with the common message information D2-5 relating to the store stored in the store database 122 of the memory unit 12, and if it determines that the two are similar, it transmits a predetermined message from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the first terminal device 2 to inform the person in charge of editing that they are similar, and causes this message to be displayed on the first terminal device 2.

[0119] Furthermore, when editing the common message in step S2, in the server device 1 that received the edited common message information D2-5A in step S2-9, the control unit 11 compares the received edited common message information D2-5A with the individual message information D2-4 related to the store stored in the store database 122 of the memory unit 12, and if it determines that the two are similar, it transmits a predetermined message from the communication unit 13 via the communication network N to the first terminal device 2 to inform the person in charge of editing that they are similar, and causes this to be displayed on the first terminal device 2.

[0120] Furthermore, as described in the first modification, when an individual message and a common message are edited at the same time, the similarity may be determined by comparing the individual message and the common message after editing.

[0121] The criterion for determining whether an individual message and a common message are similar in server device 1 is that if the two messages are completely identical, they will naturally be considered to be similar. However, other possible methods can be adopted, such as determining that the messages are similar if a specified percentage of the characters in the messages are the same, or if the messages contain the same keyword (for example, "Store XX", "Sale", etc.).

[0122] [(3) Variation 3: Change in authentication method] In steps S1-3 and S2-3 of the above operation description, the authentication of each person's authority is described as being performed using person identification information D1-1 and password information D1-2, but the authentication method need not be limited to the method using such identification information and password as long as it can confirm the authority held by each person.

[0123] [(4) Modification 4: Other modifications] It goes without saying that the detailed configurations and operations of the devices constituting the information processing system 100 in the above-described embodiment can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0124] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 100 Information Processing Systems 1. Server device (information processing device) 11 control unit (authentication unit, identification unit, first distribution unit, second distribution unit, first display control unit, second display control unit, notification unit) 12 Storage section 13. Communications Department (First Reception Department, Second Reception Department) 2. First terminal device (terminal device) 21 Control section 22 Memory section 23 Communications Department 24 Display section 25 Control section 3. Second terminal device (electronic device) 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 33 Communications Department 34 Display section 35 Control section 4 Printing device 41 Control section 42 Communications Department 43 Printing Department N Communication Network E Edit screen (1st edit screen, 2nd edit screen) E1 Individual Message Editorial Department E11 Printing selection field E12 Individual message input field E13 Editable store display (selection section) E2 Common Message Editorial Department E21 Printing selection field E22 Common message input field R Receipt image R1 Receipt information section R2 Individual message field R3 Common message entry field

Claims

1. an authentication unit for authenticating user authority; an identification unit that identifies a store associated with the user when the authentication unit authenticates that the user has a first authority; a first reception unit that receives, by the user, editing of an individual message that is to be delivered to the specific store identified by the identification unit and printed on a receipt at the specific store; A first distribution unit that distributes the individual message to the specific store; An information processing device comprising:

2. a second reception unit that receives, when the authentication unit has authenticated that the user has a second authority, an edit by the user of a common message that is distributed to a plurality of stores and printed on receipts at the plurality of stores; and A second distribution unit that distributes the common message to the plurality of stores; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the authentication unit authenticates that the user has the first authority at least when the user is associated with a specific store.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the authentication unit authenticates that the user has the second authority at least when the user is associated with a specific company.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first accepting unit accepts only edits from the user associated with the specific store identified by the identifying unit.

6. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a first display control unit that displays a first editing screen for the user to edit the individual message on a display unit of the terminal device.

7. The information processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the first editing screen includes a selection section for selecting a store for which the user will edit the individual message from among the multiple specific stores when there are multiple specific stores.

8. 3 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a second display control unit that causes a display unit of the terminal device to display a second editing screen for the user to edit the common message.

9. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising an alarm unit that notifies when the individual message accepted for editing by the first reception unit is similar to the common message printed on the receipt by the same store, or when the common message accepted for editing by the second reception unit is similar to the individual message printed on the receipt by the same store.

10. 10. An information processing device according to claim 1 , and an electronic device that functions as a cash register, The information processing system is characterized in that the electronic device causes a printing device to print a receipt on which at least the individual message is printed.

11. 11. The information processing system according to claim 10, wherein a common message that is printed on receipts at a plurality of stores is printed on the receipt in addition to the individual message.

12. 12. The information processing system according to claim 11, wherein the individual message is printed below the common message on the receipt.

13. Computer, an authentication section for authenticating user privileges; an identification unit that identifies a store associated with the user when the authentication unit authenticates that the user has a first authority; a first reception unit that receives, by the user, editing of an individual message that is to be delivered to the specific store identified by the identification unit and printed on a receipt at the specific store; a first distribution unit that distributes the individual message to the specific store; A program to function as a

14. Authenticate the user's permissions, If the user is authenticated as having a first authority, a store associated with the user is identified; accepting edits by the user for an individual message to be distributed to the identified specific store and printed on a receipt at the specific store; An information processing method comprising the steps of: delivering the individual message to the specific store.

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