Information processing system, information processing method and program

Abstract

To support the distribution of transaction data.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to an embodiment includes a first communication processing unit, a first data processing unit, a second data processing unit, and a second communication processing unit. The first communication processing unit acquires transaction data relating to transaction merchandise. The first data processing unit stores the transaction data of a prescribed format related to the transaction merchandise on the basis of the transaction data relating to the transaction merchandise acquired by the first communication processing unit in a storage unit. The second data processing unit generates information on the basis of a plurality of pieces of the transaction data of the prescribed format stored in the storage unit. The second communication processing unit outputs the information generated by the second data processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Customer transaction data at retail stores is used to analyze store sales, customer purchasing trends, and other transaction conditions. Retail stores share data with data service providers that provide analysis solutions.

[0003] However, retailers need to link data to each data service provider in a format specific to each data service provider. For example, the data required by each data service provider may differ from one data service provider to another. The encryption tool for transmitting data to the data service provider may differ from one data service provider to another. For this reason, retailers remove member ID data from the transaction data, or encrypt the transaction data using a different encryption tool for each provider. Furthermore, retailers need to take various measures for each data service provider, such as sending aggregated data of the transaction data to the data service provider, or sending the transaction data as is to the data service provider. In this way, if the data link destination differs for each solution, data linking work occurs for each solution. This places a heavy workload on retailers.

[0004] Furthermore, the format of the transaction data depends on the software executed by the POS (Point of Sales) device. With the emergence of various payment methods, the location in the transaction data format where the payment information is stored as a record varies depending on the payment method. Since the format of the transaction data is an original specification of each retailer, the location in the transaction data where the member ID is stored may vary depending on the format of the transaction data. Furthermore, the format of the transaction data may differ depending on how each retailer handles gift certificates, local gift certificates, coupons, etc., and the data representation of coupons / gift certificates / discounts, etc. may differ. When the format of the transaction data differs in this way, work is also required to unify the format of the transaction data.

[0005] As such, the distribution of transaction data requires a lot of work. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-015338 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique for supporting the distribution of transaction data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An information processing system according to an embodiment includes a first communication processing unit, a first data processing unit, a second data processing unit, and a second communication processing unit. The first communication processing unit acquires trading data related to a trading commodity. The first data processing unit stores trading data in a predetermined format related to the trading commodity in a storage unit based on the trading data related to the trading commodity acquired by the first communication processing unit. The second data processing unit generates information based on the plurality of trading data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit. The second communication processing unit outputs the information generated by the second data processing unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration example of a server according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the second POS data according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second POS data collection process performed by the processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the second POS data collection process performed by the processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a display information output process performed by a processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the display information output process by the processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a setting process of an extraction condition by the processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a usage authority setting process performed by a processing circuit of the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image for inputting extraction conditions displayed on a display device of the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image of a content displayed on a display device of the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image for inputting extraction conditions displayed on a display device of the terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image for inputting usage rights to be set for other vendors, which is displayed on a display device of the terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] [Embodiment] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be shown with the configuration omitted.

[0011] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the server 1. As shown in FIG. The server 1 is a device that supports the distribution of POS (Point of sales) data. For example, the server 1 provides a cloud service.

[0012] The POS data is transaction data collected from the POS device 2. The transaction data is data related to the transaction item. The POS data is data for each transaction item. The POS data is data generated by the POS device 2 based on the processing of the transaction by the POS device 2. The POS data is data stored in the POS device 2. The format of the POS data is a data format that depends on the software executed by the POS device 2. Therefore, the format of the POS data may be original specifications of each retailer. The storage location of information in the POS data may differ depending on the format of the POS data. For example, the location where the membership number is stored in the POS data may differ depending on the format of the POS data. In addition, the format of the POS data may differ depending on the handling of gift certificates, local gift certificates, coupons, etc. at each retailer, such that the representation of data such as coupons / gift certificates / discounts may differ.

[0013] A transaction product is a product sold at a store through a purchase by a customer. A transaction is a delivery of a product sold based on a settlement. A transaction includes the meaning of purchase from the customer's perspective. A transaction includes the meaning of sales from the store's perspective. A product sold at a store. A product includes not only physical products but also products other than tangible objects such as services or tickets. A customer's purchase may include not only a situation in which a customer visits a store to purchase a product sold at a store, but also a situation in which a customer purchases a product sold at a store online. A store may be a physical store or an EC (Electronic Commerce) store. For example, a store is operated by a retailer. A retailer is a business that operates a store that sells products. The genre of the retailer may be any. A retailer may be a business that operates a store that sells products in many genres, such as a supermarket or a convenience store. A retailer may be a business that operates a store that sells products in a specific genre. A retailer includes not only a retailer itself but also a group of retailers. A group of retailers is a group that operates stores that are recognized as a series. For example, a group of retailers is a group of stores operating under the same name. A group of retailers may include franchisees in which a retailer acts as a franchisor. A retailer is an example of an organization.

[0014] The POS data includes various items of data. For example, the POS data includes all or some of the following items: member number, store code, terminal number, transaction number, transaction date, transaction time, product code, unit price, number of items, and amount. The POS data may include items other than these items.

[0015] The membership number is a code that can uniquely identify a customer as a member of the retail business operated by the retailer. The store code is a code that can uniquely identify a store. The terminal number is a code that can uniquely identify the POS device 2 that processed the transaction. The transaction number is a code that can uniquely identify a transaction. The transaction date is the date of the transaction. The transaction time is the time of the transaction. The product code is a code that can uniquely identify a product. The unit price is the price per unit of the traded product. Below, data in the unit price item included in the POS data is also referred to as the transaction price. Points is the number of products traded. Below, data in the points item included in the POS data is also referred to as the transaction points. The amount is the transaction amount calculated by multiplying the transaction price and the transaction points.

[0016] The server 1 provides the terminal 3 with display information about the content. The display information is information for display on terminal 3. For example, the display information is image information for displaying content on terminal 3. The display information may be information for displaying an image of the content in a table format, or may be information for displaying an image of the content in a graph format. The display format of the content is not limited to these. Display of the content includes not only display in one display area, but also display distributed across multiple display areas. The display area is an area for displaying an image of the content. The display area may refer to a graph or a table, or may refer to a browser. The display area is not limited to these.

[0017] The content is the content of the display information. The content is content in which the display information is generated by the server 1 based on multiple POS data. The content is content related to transaction results. The transaction results are values ​​that represent transaction results obtained based on the aggregation of multiple POS data. For example, the transaction results correspond to the transaction results of a specific retailer. The specific retailer is one retailer, but may be two or more retailers. The aggregation of multiple POS data is a process of consolidating multiple POS data.

[0018] In one example, the value obtained based on the aggregation of multiple POS data is an aggregated value of any item included in the multiple POS data. The aggregated value may be a value obtained by adding up the values ​​of any item included in the multiple POS data. For example, the aggregated value is a value obtained by adding up the transaction amount, transaction price, or transaction points, but is not limited to these. The aggregated value may be a value obtained by uniquely counting any item included in the multiple POS data. For example, the aggregated value is the number of customers obtained by uniquely counting membership numbers, but is not limited to these. The aggregated value may be a corrected value. For example, the correction is rounding, but is not limited to this. The correction may be any calculation to change a value. Rounding is a calculation process to change a value according to rules. Rounding is a process such as rounding up, rounding down, and rounding off, but is not limited to these.

[0019] In another example, a value obtained based on the aggregation of multiple POS data is a statistical value based on the aggregated values ​​of one or more items. The statistical value is a value obtained by a calculation using the aggregated values ​​of one or more items. For example, the statistical value is an average value, a difference, a ratio, etc., but is not limited to these. The statistical value may be a corrected value. For example, the correction is rounding, but is not limited to this.

[0020] For example, the display information is information of content generated based on the processed data. The processed data is data generated based on an aggregation of a plurality of POS data. The processed data may include transaction results. The transaction results may include an aggregated value. The transaction results may include a statistical value.

[0021] The server 1 is communicatively connected to the POS device 2 via a network NW. The network NW includes one or more networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN. Although FIG. 1 shows one POS device 2, the server 1 communicates with each of the multiple POS devices 2.

[0022] The server 1 is communicably connected to the terminal 3 via the network NW. Although FIG. 1 shows one terminal 3, the server 1 communicates with each of a plurality of terminals 3.

[0023] The server 1 may be realized by one device, or may be realized by multiple devices with distributed functions. The server 1 is an example of an information processing system realized by one device or multiple devices. An information processing system realized by one device is also called an information processing device.

[0024] The POS device 2 is a device that processes transactions. For example, the POS device 2 has a payment function for processing transactions. The POS device 2 may be a device that has a product registration function for transactions in addition to the payment function, or may be a device with a separate product registration function. The POS device 2 may be a device installed in a store, or may be a device that is not installed in a store that provides cloud services.

[0025] The terminal 3 is a terminal capable of displaying information. The terminal 3 is a tablet terminal, a smartphone, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0026] An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described. The server 1 includes a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, and a communication interface 14. In Fig. 1, the interface is described as "I / F".

[0027] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that execute multiple processes by multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processing circuit 11 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 11 to execute processes by each unit described later. The processing circuit 11 executes the program loaded into the main memory 12, thereby enabling various processes to be executed.

[0028] The main memory 12 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the server 1. The main memory 12 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The main memory 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a nonvolatile memory area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 13 includes one or more storage devices. The storage device is, but is not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 11 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 11. Each storage area included in the auxiliary storage device 13, which will be described later, may be included in one device or may be distributed among multiple devices. Each storage area is an example of a storage unit of the server 1.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a coupon information storage area 131. The coupon information storage area 131 stores coupon information for each coupon. A coupon is a benefit that is beneficial to a customer. For example, a coupon may be, but is not limited to, a free exchange of a product, a discount, or points. Coupon information is information that indicates a coupon. The coupon information is associated with a coupon issuing condition. A coupon issuing condition is a condition for issuing a coupon. For example, a coupon issuing condition may be, but is not limited to, a condition regarding a transaction product or a condition regarding a transaction amount. The data in the coupon information storage area 131 is updated by adding, updating, or deleting coupon information, or adding, updating, or deleting issuing conditions.

[0031] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a POS data storage area 132. The POS data storage area 132 stores, for each transaction commodity, POS data in a predetermined format based on the POS data acquired by the server 1. The predetermined format is a predetermined data format. The predetermined format is a common format independent of the software executed by the POS device 2. The predetermined format can be set as appropriate. Hereinafter, the POS data acquired by the server 1 is also referred to as first POS data. The POS data in the predetermined format is also referred to as second POS data. The first POS data and the second POS data are examples of POS data. The data in the POS data storage area 132 is updated by adding or deleting the second POS data. Note that the coupon may be issued on paper or may be distributed as electronic data via e-mail or an app installed on a smartphone.

[0032] The auxiliary storage device 13 includes a setting information storage area 133. The setting information storage area 133 stores setting information. The setting information is information set for the second POS data stored in the POS data storage area 132.

[0033] In one example, the setting information storage area 133 stores setting information of extraction conditions for each retailer. The setting information of extraction conditions is information indicating extraction conditions set for the second POS data stored in the POS data storage area 132. The extraction conditions are conditions for extracting the second POS data used to generate display information for the content. The extraction conditions can be set for each content of the display information.

[0034] The extraction conditions may include conditions related to a specific retailer's store. The conditions related to a specific retailer's store are the target range of retailers for extracting the second POS data. The target range of retailers is the range of target stores among all stores of a specific retailer. The target range of retailers may be all stores of a specific retailer. The target range of retailers may be stores of a specific business type among all stores of a specific retailer. For example, the business type is a classification according to the business form of a store, such as a supermarket, a home center, a convenience store, or a drug store. The target range of retailers may be stores in a specific area among all stores of a specific retailer. The target range of retailers may be stores of a specific business type in a specific area among all stores of a specific retailer. The area may be a region or region such as the Kanto region and the Kansai region, a prefecture, or a city, town, or village. The target range of retailers may be a specific store among all stores of a specific retailer. The processing circuit 11 can extract the second POS data that satisfies the conditions related to the store of a specific retailer based on the store code data included in the second POS data.

[0035] The extraction conditions may include product-related conditions. The product-related conditions are a target range of products for extracting the second POS data. The target range of products is a range of target products among all products. The target range of products may be all products. The target range of products may be merchandise products or non-merchandise products among all products. Merchandise products are physical products such as food and clothing. Non-merchandise products are non-physical products such as services and tickets. The target range of products may be products of a specific product type. For example, the product type is a classification according to the characteristics of products such as clothing and food. The target range of products may be a specific product. The processing circuit 11 can extract the second POS data that satisfies the product-related conditions based on the product code data included in the second POS data.

[0036] The extraction conditions may include a condition related to a period. The condition related to a period is a range of a period for extracting the second POS data. The target period may be one day, or a period of two or more days. The period of two or more days may be one month, one week, or any other period. The processing circuit 11 can extract the second POS data that satisfies the condition related to the period based on the transaction date data included in the second POS data.

[0037] The extraction conditions may include conditions related to customer attributes. The conditions related to customer attributes are a range of customers for extracting the second POS data. The range of customers may include gender, or may include attributes other than gender. The processing circuit 11 can extract the second POS data that satisfies the conditions related to customer attributes based on customer attribute data linked to membership number data included in the second POS data.

[0038] When the extraction condition is set, the processing circuit 11 generates display information based on a plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction condition at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing may be set by the server 1 or by the user. The predetermined timing may differ depending on the content, or may be the same regardless of the content.

[0039] The setting information storage area 133 may store setting information of extraction conditions for each of other vendors, which will be described later.

[0040] The data in the setting information storage area 133 is updated by setting or deleting extraction conditions. The setting of extraction conditions includes not only new setting modes but also change modes.

[0041] In another example, the setting information storage area 133 stores setting information of the use authority for each of the other vendors. The setting information of the use authority is information indicating the use authority of the other vendors set for the second POS data of the retailer stored in the POS data storage area 132. The other vendor is a vendor different from the retailer that grants the use authority of the second POS data. For example, the other vendor is a manufacturer or a wholesaler, but is not limited to these. The other vendor is an example of another organization. The use authority is the authority to use the second POS data. The use authority may include the range of the retailer's store. The range of the retailer's store is the range of the store that grants the other vendor the authority to use the second POS data of the retailer. The range of the store may include an individual store, may include the type of store, or may include the area of ​​the store. For example, the retailer grants the use authority to the other vendor by selling the data.

[0042] The data in the setting information storage area 133 is updated by setting or deleting the usage authority. The setting of the usage authority includes not only a new setting mode but also a change mode.

[0043] The communication interface 14 is an interface for connecting the server 1 to other devices so as to enable communication therebetween. The communication interface 14 is an example of a communication unit of the server 1.

[0044] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned configuration. The server 1 allows the above-mentioned components to be omitted or changed and new components to be added as appropriate.

[0045] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 will be described. The processing circuit 11 realizes a first communication processing unit 111, a coupon processing unit 112, a first data processing unit 113, a second communication processing unit 114, and a second data processing unit 115. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 can also be called each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 11 can also be called a control unit including the processing circuit 11 and the main memory 12.

[0046] The first communication processing unit 111 processes communication between the server 1 and the POS device 2 via the communication interface 14. For example, the first communication processing unit 111 acquires first POS data from the POS device 2 via the communication interface 14. The format of the first POS data depends on the POS device 2 that is the issuer of the first POS data. The format of the first POS data may be a predetermined format, or may be a format different from the predetermined format. In the following, a format different from the predetermined format is also referred to as another format. For example, the first communication processing unit 111 outputs coupon information to the POS device 2 via the communication interface 14.

[0047] The coupon processor 112 extracts coupon information from the coupon information storage area 131 based on the first POS data.

[0048] The first data processing unit 113 stores the second POS data in the POS data storage area 132 based on the first POS data.

[0049] The second communication processing unit 114 processes communication between the server 1 and the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. For example, the second communication processing unit 114 acquires a request from the terminal 3 in response to a user's operation of the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. For example, the second communication processing unit 114 outputs display information to the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14.

[0050] The second data processing unit 115 generates display information based on the plurality of second POS data stored in the POS data storage area 132. The second data processing unit 115 sets extraction conditions based on the user's operation of the terminal 3. The second data processing unit 115 sets usage authority for other vendors based on the user's operation of the terminal 3.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the second POS data. In this example, the second POS data includes data on a member number, a store code, a terminal number, a transaction number, a transaction date, a transaction time, a product code, a unit price, a quantity, and an amount.

[0052] (Example of operation) Next, the process in the server 1 will be described. Note that the process steps described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. In addition, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate for the process steps described below depending on the embodiment.

[0053] In the following description, the components realized by the processing circuit 11 will be mainly described, but the notation of the components realized by the processing circuit 11 may be read as the processing circuit 11.

[0054] Two examples of the collection process of the second POS data by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1 will be described.

[0055] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a collection process of the second POS data by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. As shown in FIG. The processing circuit 11 of the server 1 executes the process shown in FIG. 3 for each trading product at any timing.

[0056] The first communication processing unit 111 acquires the first POS data (ACT1). In ACT1, for example, the first communication processing unit 111 acquires the first POS data from the POS device 2 via the communication interface .

[0057] The first data processing unit 113 stores the second POS data in the POS data storage area 132 based on the first POS data acquired by the first communication processing unit 111 (ACT2).

[0058] A case where the format of the first POS data is a predetermined format will be described. In this example, the second POS data based on the first POS data is the same as the first POS data. The first data processing unit 113 stores the acquired POS data in the predetermined format in the POS data storage area 132.

[0059] A case where the format of the first POS data is another format will be described. In this example, the second POS data based on the first POS data is data obtained by converting the format of the first POS data. The first data processing unit 113 converts the format of the first POS data into a predetermined format. The first data processing unit 113 generates second POS data through the conversion. The first data processing unit 113 stores the generated second POS data in the POS data storage area 132.

[0060] As described above, the server 1 can generate the second POS data by converting the format of the first POS data into a predetermined format. This allows the server 1 to manage the POS data in a unified format.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another example of the second POS data collection process by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. In FIG. The example shown in FIG. 4 differs from the example shown in FIG. 3 in that the server 1 acquires the first POS data output from the POS device 2 for the purpose of inquiring about coupon information. The processing circuit 11 of the server 1 executes the process shown in FIG. 3 for each trading item.

[0062] The first communication processing unit 111 acquires the first POS data (ACT11). In ACT11, for example, the first communication processing unit 111 acquires the first POS data output from the POS device 2 for an inquiry about coupon information via the communication interface 14.

[0063] Although the POS devices 2 operating at each retailer that makes inquiries about coupon information have different POS data formats, common application software for making inquiries about coupon information is installed, so the format of the first POS data for making inquiries about coupon information is common. The POS devices 2 convert the POS data to match the format of the first POS data and store the data. The POS devices 2 transmit the converted POS data to the server 1.

[0064] The first data processing unit 113 stores the second POS data in the POS data storage area 132 based on the first POS data acquired by the first communication processing unit 111 (ACT12). The process of ACT12 is similar to the process of ACT2.

[0065] The coupon processing unit 112 extracts coupon information from the coupon information storage area 131 based on the first POS data (ACT13). In ACT13, for example, the coupon processing unit 112 compares the traded product or transaction of the first POS data with the coupon issuance conditions stored in the coupon information storage area 131. If the traded product or transaction of the first POS data satisfies the coupon issuance conditions, the coupon processing unit 112 extracts coupon information associated with the coupon issuance conditions from the coupon information storage area 131.

[0066] If the coupon processing unit 112 extracts coupon information from the coupon information storage area 131 (ACT13, YES), the process transitions from ACT13 to ACT 14. If the coupon processing unit 112 does not extract coupon information from the coupon information storage area 131 (ACT13, NO), the process ends.

[0067] The first communication processing unit 111 outputs the coupon information extracted by the coupon processing unit 112 (ACT14). In ACT14, for example, the first communication processing unit 111 outputs the coupon information to the POS device 2 via the communication interface 14. When the POS device 2 acquires the coupon information from the server 1, it provides the customer with a coupon indicated by the coupon information. The POS device 2 may provide the customer with the coupon by issuing a piece of paper on which an image of the coupon is printed. The POS device 2 may provide the customer with the coupon in a form in which the image of the coupon can be displayed on the terminal.

[0068] As described above, the server 1 acquires the first POS data output from the POS device 2 for the coupon information inquiry. The server 1 can collect the first POS data without requiring the retailer to upload the first POS data, which allows the retailer to omit the task of uploading the first POS data.

[0069] Two examples of the display information output process by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1 will be described.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a display information output process by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. As shown in FIG. Here, a user of a retailer accesses the server 1 using the terminal 3 to display an image of an arbitrary content on the terminal 3. The user uses the terminal 3 to select one content from a plurality of contents and inputs extraction conditions for extracting second POS data to be used for generating display information of the content. For example, the user uses the terminal 3 to input conditions related to a specific retailer's store as conditions related to the store of the retailer. Information indicating the extraction conditions input at the terminal 3 based on the operation of the terminal 3 by the user is also referred to as input information of the extraction conditions. The input information of the extraction conditions includes information indicating the content. After inputting the extraction conditions, the user inputs an output instruction using the terminal 3. The output instruction is an instruction to cause the server 1 to output display information of the content to the terminal 3. The output instruction is also an instruction to cause the terminal 3 to display an image of the content. The terminal 3 outputs an output request and input information of the extraction conditions to the server 1 based on the input of the output instruction by the user using the terminal 3. The output request is a request to cause the server 1 to output display information of the content to the terminal 3.

[0071] The second communication processing unit 114 acquires input information of an output request and extraction conditions (ACT 21). In ACT 21, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 acquires the input information of the output request and extraction conditions from the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14.

[0072] The second data processing unit 115 generates display information based on the plurality of second POS data (ACT22). The second data processing unit 115 generates display information for one content selected from the plurality of contents selected by the user. In ACT22, for example, the second data processing unit 115 searches the POS data storage area 132 for a plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction condition indicated by the input information based on the output request. The plurality of second POS data is data stored in the POS data storage area 132. The plurality of second POS data is data collected from one or more POS devices 2. The plurality of second POS data is data related to a plurality of transaction items. The plurality of second POS data is data for a specific retailer. When the specific retailer is one retailer, the plurality of second POS data is data for the same retailer. The plurality of transaction items related to the plurality of second POS data are sales items at the same retailer.

[0073] The second data processing unit 115 generates display information based on a plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction condition. For example, the second data processing unit 115 generates processing data based on an aggregation of a plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction condition. The processing data includes a transaction record. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain a transaction record based on an aggregation of a plurality of second POS data. The second data processing unit 115 generates display information for the content based on the processing data.

[0074] Here, the transaction results included in the processing data differ depending on the content. The processing data may include the transaction results for each processing unit. The processing unit is a collection for which the transaction results are obtained. The processing unit may be defined by one item, or may be defined by two or more items. Below, some examples of items that define the processing unit will be described, but the items are not limited to these.

[0075] The processing data may include transaction results for at least one processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer is a group included in the target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be the entire target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be a group for each business type included in the target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be a group for each area included in the target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be a group for each combination of business type and area included in the target range of the retailer. The processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be each store included in the target range of the retailer. At least one processing unit defined in the target range of the retailer may be determined according to the content, or may be set by the user.

[0076] The processing data may include transaction results for at least one processing unit in the target range of the product. The processing unit defined by the target range of the product is a group included in the target range of the product. The processing unit defined by the target range of the product may be the entire target range of the product. The processing unit defined by the target range of the product may be a group of goods or non-goods included in the target range of the product. The processing unit defined by the target range of the product may be a group by product type included in the target range of the product. The processing unit defined by the target range of the product may be each product included in the target range of the product. At least one processing unit defined by the target range of the product may be determined according to the content, or may be set by the user.

[0077] The processing data may include transaction results for at least one processing unit defined by at least the target period. The processing unit defined by the target period may be the entire target period. The processing unit defined by the target period is a grouping of a predetermined period in the target period. The predetermined period may be one month. The predetermined period may be one week. The predetermined period may be any period. At least one processing unit defined by at least the target period may be determined according to the content, or may be set by the user.

[0078] The transaction data may include transaction records for at least a transaction unit defined as a decil. A decil is a group of customers divided into 10 groups according to the largest purchase amount.

[0079] The second data processing unit 115 searches for one or more second POS data included in the processing unit from a plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction condition for each processing unit. For example, the second data processing unit 115 can search for one or more second POS data included in the processing unit based on various data such as a transaction date, a transaction time, a store code, and a product code included in the second POS data. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain a transaction record for each processing unit based on one or more second POS data included in the processing unit.

[0080] This allows the server 1 to generate processing data for each piece of content based on the tally required for each piece of content, and therefore the server 1 can provide a platform capable of outputting information corresponding to various pieces of content.

[0081] The display information about the content is information generated based on the processed data. The display information about the content is information for displaying the content on the terminal 3. The display about the content includes a display based on the transaction record of the content. The display based on the transaction record is a display using the transaction record.

[0082] The display based on the transaction performance includes a display showing the transaction performance depending on the display format of the content. The display showing the transaction performance includes a display showing the value of the transaction performance. The display showing the transaction performance includes not only a display showing the value of the transaction performance from the perspective of the transaction, but also a display showing the value of the transaction performance from the perspective of a purchase by a customer or a sale by a store. For example, if the transaction performance includes the transaction price, the display showing the transaction price includes a display showing the value of the transaction price as a purchase price or a sale price.

[0083] The display based on the trading performance may include a display showing a value obtained by correcting the trading performance. For example, the correction may be, but is not limited to, rounding. The correction may be any calculation for changing the value of the trading performance. The display based on the trading performance includes a display showing a value obtained by correcting the trading performance according to the display format of the content. The display showing a value obtained by correcting the trading performance includes not only a display showing a value obtained by correcting the trading performance from a trading perspective, but also a display showing a value obtained by correcting the trading performance from a purchasing or selling perspective.

[0084] The display of the content may include display based on transaction performance for at least one transaction unit defined by at least the target range of the retailer. The display of the content may include display based on transaction performance for at least one transaction unit defined by at least the target range of the product. The display of the content may include display based on transaction performance for at least one transaction unit defined by at least the target period. The display of the content may include display based on transaction performance for at least the transaction unit defined by the deciles.

[0085] The display of the content may include display of information that can identify the processing unit. For example, when the processing unit is defined for each product included in at least the target range of the products, the information that can identify the processing unit is the name of the product, etc. The display of the content may include other information.

[0086] The second communication processing unit 114 outputs the display information generated by the second data processing unit 115 (ACT23). In ACT23, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 outputs the display information to the terminal 3 of the retailer's user via the communication interface 14. The terminal 3 displays an image of the content based on the display information.

[0087] As mentioned above, the server 1 can output information for display to the terminal 3 of the retailer's user. This enables the server 1 to output information according to various contents based on a plurality of second POS data for a particular retailer to the terminal 3 of a user of the particular retailer. By accessing the server 1, retailers can easily obtain information corresponding to various contents that are solutions, thereby improving convenience.

[0088] Here, a user of a retailer has been described as an example, but the same applies to users of other businesses. In this case, in the description using FIG. 5, the expression "user of the retailer" may be read as "user of other businesses." The multiple second POS data used to generate the display information is data for which usage rights have been set for other businesses. Therefore, the multiple second POS data is data for a specific retailer different from other businesses. The multiple second POS data may be data for the same retailer. The multiple second POS data may be data for two or more retailers depending on the number of usage rights set for other businesses.

[0089] As described above, the server 1 can output information corresponding to various contents based on a plurality of second POS data for which usage rights have been set, to the terminals 3 of users of other businesses. This allows the server 1 to provide information to other businesses that have been granted permission to use the platform that provides information to retailers in the same manner. Other businesses can easily obtain information corresponding to various contents that are solutions by accessing the server 1, thereby improving convenience.

[0090] Some examples of content will be described. For example, the content includes "sales" content, "customer analysis" content, and "recommendation" content. "Sales" content is content that allows sales at a specific retailer to be understood. Sales is the amount that a specific retailer obtains through a transaction. "Customer analysis" content is content that allows purchasing trends of customers at a specific retailer to be understood. "Recommendation" content is content that allows improvements at a specific retailer to be understood. "Sales" content may include "sales report" content and "sales summary" content. "Customer analysis" content may include "decile analysis" content, "ABCD analysis" content, and "brand switch" content. "Recommendation" content may include "dynamic pricing" content and "product lineup" content. The content is not limited to these. The content can be set as appropriate. The transaction results described below are examples and can be set as appropriate.

[0091] The contents of the "Sales Report" will be explained. The "sales report" content is content related to sales at the time of tallying processing, which is carried out multiple times at predetermined times on the day of operation.

[0092] In this example, the transaction result may include a transaction result (A). The transaction result (A) is a total value at the time of tallying processing, which is performed multiple times at predetermined times on the day of operation. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction result (A) corresponds to sales at the time of tallying processing. The processing data includes the transaction result (A) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can determine the transaction result (A) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0093] For example, the processed data may include transaction results (A) for all stores as a whole. The processed data may include transaction results (A) for each area. The processed data may include transaction results (A) for each combination of business type and area. The processed data may include transaction results (A) for product sales. The processed data may include transaction results (A) for non-product sales. The processed data may include transaction results (A) for each product type.

[0094] The display of the "Sales Report" content includes a display based on the transaction record (A) with respect to sales at the time of the tallying process. Note that the display of the "Sales Report" content is not limited to the above example. The transaction record may include values ​​different from the transaction record (A).

[0095] The "Sales Report" content allows retailers to grasp sales at the time of tallying up from the perspective of store or product groups.

[0096] The contents of "Sales Summary" will be explained. The "Sales Summary" content is content related to sales summary. Sales summary is the total amount of sales over two or more days.

[0097] In this example, the transaction record can include a transaction record (B). The transaction record (B) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up transaction amounts for a period of two or more days. From the viewpoint of sales by a store, the transaction record (B) corresponds to a sales aggregate. The processed data includes the transaction record (B) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (B) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0098] The transaction performance may include transaction performance (C). The transaction performance (C) is a statistical value obtained by dividing the transaction performance (B) of a certain year by the transaction performance (B) of the previous year. This statistical value is a ratio. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction performance (C) corresponds to the year-on-year change in sales tally. The processed data includes the transaction performance (C) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction performance (C) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0099] For example, the processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (B) and transaction performance (C) for all stores combined. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (B) and transaction performance (C) for each area. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (B) and transaction performance (C) for each product type. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (B) and transaction performance (C) for the entire target period. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (B) and transaction performance (C) for each specified period in the target period.

[0100] The display of the "Sales Summary" content includes a display based on transaction performance (B) with respect to the sales summary. The display of the "Sales Summary" content includes a display based on transaction performance (C) with respect to the year-on-year comparison of the sales summary. Note that the display of the "Sales Summary" content is not limited to the above examples. The transaction performance may include values ​​different from the transaction performance (B) and the transaction performance (C).

[0101] The "Sales Summary" content allows retailers to grasp trends in sales summaries from the perspective of store groupings or product groupings.

[0102] The contents of "Decil Analysis" will be explained. The "Decil Analysis" content is content related to purchase history by decil. Purchase history is the record of product purchases by customers. For example, purchase history may include, but is not limited to, all or part of the total purchase amount, purchase amount ratio, and purchase amount per person. The total purchase amount is the amount obtained by adding up the purchase amounts of customers. The purchase amount ratio is the ratio of the total purchase amount of one decil to the total purchase amount of all deciles. The purchase amount per person is the average purchase amount of customers included in one decil.

[0103] In this example, the transaction history may include a transaction history (D). The transaction history (D) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction amount for each decibel. From the perspective of the customer's purchase, the transaction history (D) corresponds to the total purchase amount. The processed data includes the transaction history (D) for each decibel. The second data processing unit 115 may obtain the transaction history (D) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0104] The transaction history may include a transaction history (E). The transaction history (E) may include a statistical value obtained by summing up the transaction history (D) of all deciles and dividing the value by the transaction history (D) of one decil. This statistical value is a ratio. From the perspective of a customer's purchase, the transaction history (E) corresponds to a purchase amount ratio. The processed data includes the transaction history (E) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may obtain the transaction history (E) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0105] The transaction history may include a transaction history (F). The transaction history (F) is a statistical value obtained by dividing the transaction history (D) by the number of customers included in one decil. From the viewpoint of purchases by customers, the transaction history (F) corresponds to the purchase amount per person. The processed data includes the transaction history (F) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction history (F) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0106] For example, the processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (D), transaction performance (E), and transaction performance (F) for each decibel for all stores collectively. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (D), transaction performance (E), and transaction performance (F) for each decibel for all products collectively. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (D), transaction performance (E), and transaction performance (F) for each decibel for the entire target period.

[0107] The display of the "Decil Analysis" content includes a display based on transaction history (D) with respect to the total purchase amount. The display of the "Decil Analysis" content includes a display based on transaction history (E) with respect to the purchase amount ratio. The display of the "Decil Analysis" content includes a display based on transaction history (F) with respect to the purchase amount per person. Note that the display of the "Decil Analysis" content is not limited to the above examples. The transaction history may include values ​​different from the transaction history (D), transaction history (E), and transaction history (F).

[0108] The "Decile Analysis" content allows retailers to understand purchasing trends by decile.

[0109] Explain the contents of "ABCD Analysis". The "ABCD Analysis" content is content related to sales performance for each product. Sales performance is the performance of sales of products by a store. For example, sales performance may include, but is not limited to, all or part of sales, units sold, and sales amount ratio per decibel. Units sold is the number of products sold by a store. Sales amount ratio is the ratio of the total purchase amount of one decibel to sales.

[0110] In this example, the transaction record may include a transaction record (G). The transaction record (G) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction amount for each product. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (G) corresponds to the sales of each product. The processed data includes the transaction record (G) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (G) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0111] The transaction record may include a transaction record (H). The transaction record (H) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction points for each product. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (H) corresponds to the sales points for each product. The processing data includes the transaction record (H) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may obtain the transaction record (H) based on the transaction points included in the second POS data.

[0112] The transaction result may include a transaction result (I). The transaction result (I) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction amount for each decibel for one product. From the customer's perspective of purchase, the transaction result (I) corresponds to the total purchase amount for each decibel. The processed data includes the transaction result (I) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction result (I) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0113] The transaction history may include a transaction history (J). The transaction history (J) includes a statistical value obtained by dividing the transaction history (G) for each product by the transaction history (I) for each decibel. This statistical value is a ratio. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction history (J) corresponds to the sales amount ratio for each product for each decibel. The processed data includes the transaction history (J) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction history (J) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0114] For example, the processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (G), transaction performance (H), transaction performance (I), and transaction performance (J) for each product for all stores combined. The processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (G), transaction performance (H), transaction performance (I), and transaction performance (J) for each product for the entire target period.

[0115] The display of the "ABCD analysis" content includes a display based on transaction performance (G) regarding sales for each product. The display of the "ABCD analysis" content includes a display based on transaction performance (H) regarding the number of sales points for each product. The display of the "ABCD analysis" content includes a display based on transaction performance (J) regarding the sales amount ratio for each decibel for each product. Note that the display of the "ABCD analysis" content is not limited to the above examples. The transaction performance may include values ​​different from the transaction performance (G), transaction performance (H), transaction performance (I), and transaction performance (J).

[0116] The "ABCD analysis" content allows retailers to understand the purchasing trends of each product by decil. For example, retailers can easily identify products that are purchased by customers of a decil who spend a large amount of money, but have low overall sales.

[0117] Explain the contents of "Brand Switch". The content of "Brand Switch" is content related to the sales performance of each product for each predetermined period in the target period. For example, the sales performance includes, but is not limited to, the number of items sold and all or a part of the sales amount.

[0118] In this example, the transaction record can include a transaction record (K). The transaction record (K) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction points for each product for each predetermined period in the target period. From the perspective of sales by the store, the transaction record (K) corresponds to the sales points for each product for each predetermined period in the target period. The processed data includes the transaction record (K) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (K) based on the transaction points included in the second POS data.

[0119] The transaction record may include a transaction record (L). The transaction record (L) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction amounts for each product for each predetermined period in the target period. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (L) corresponds to the sales for each product for each predetermined period in the target period. The processed data includes the transaction record (L) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may obtain the transaction record (L) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0120] For example, the processed data may include all or a part of the transaction performance (K) and transaction performance (L) for each product for each predetermined period in the target period for all stores combined.

[0121] The display of the "Brand Switch" content includes a display based on the transaction history (K) regarding the number of sales for each product for each specified period in the target period. The display of the "Brand Switch" content includes a display based on the transaction history (K) regarding the sales for each product for each specified period in the target period. Note that the display of the "Brand Switch" content is not limited to the above example. The transaction history may include values ​​different from the transaction history (K) and the transaction history (L).

[0122] The "Brand Switch" content allows retailers to understand the transition of customers' purchasing trends for each product over time. For example, retailers can identify brand switching by looking at the transition of purchasing trends for multiple similar products. This allows retailers to find effective special sale products.

[0123] Explain the contents of "Dynamic Pricing". "Dynamic pricing" content is content related to sales performance for a specific product for each time period. For example, sales performance may include, but is not limited to, all or part of the number of items sold, average selling price, sales, and number of customers. The average selling price is the average selling price of the specific product. The number of customers is the number of customers who visited the store regardless of whether they purchased the specific product. The specific product is a product whose selling price varies depending on the time period. For example, the specific product is, but is not limited to, prepared food, fish, meat, etc. For example, the time period may be, but is not limited to, every hour, etc.

[0124] In this example, the transaction record can include a transaction record (M). The transaction record (M) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction points for a specific product for each time period. From the perspective of sales by the store, the transaction record (M) corresponds to the sales points for a specific product for each time period. The processed data includes the transaction record (M) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (M) based on the transaction points included in the second POS data.

[0125] The transaction history may include a transaction history (N). The transaction history (N) is a statistical value calculated by averaging the transaction price for a specific product for each time period. This statistical value is an average value. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction history (N) corresponds to the average selling price for a specific product for each time period. The processed data includes the transaction history (N) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may calculate the transaction history (N) based on the transaction price included in the second POS data.

[0126] The transaction record may include a transaction record (O). The transaction record (O) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction amounts for a specific product for each time period. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (O) corresponds to the sales for a specific product for each time period. The processed data includes the transaction record (O) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (O) based on the transaction amount included in the second POS data.

[0127] The transaction record may include a transaction record (P). The transaction record (P) is an aggregate value obtained by uniquely counting the member number for each time period for a specific product. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (P) corresponds to the number of customers for each time period for a specific product. The processed data includes the transaction record (P) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 can obtain the transaction record (P) based on the member number included in the second POS data.

[0128] For example, the processed data may include all or a portion of the transaction performance (M), transaction performance (N), transaction performance (O) and transaction performance (P) for each time period for a particular product for each store.

[0129] The display of the "Dynamic Pricing" content includes a display based on the transaction history (M) regarding the number of sales for a specific product per time period. The display of the "Dynamic Pricing" content includes a display based on the transaction history (N) regarding the average selling price for a specific product per time period. The display of the "Dynamic Pricing" content includes a display based on the transaction history (O) regarding the sales for a specific product per time period. The display of the "Dynamic Pricing" content includes a display based on the transaction history (P) regarding the number of customers for a specific product per time period regarding the number of sales for a specific product per time period. Note that the display of the "Dynamic Pricing" content is not limited to the above examples. The transaction history may include values ​​different from the transaction history (M), transaction history (N), transaction history (O), and transaction history (P).

[0130] The "dynamic pricing" content allows retailers to determine whether the selling price of a particular product is appropriate at each time of day.

[0131] The contents of "Product Assortment" will be explained. The "product lineup" content is content related to sales performance for each product. For example, sales performance may include, but is not limited to, all or part of the total number of units sold and the selling price for each store. The total number of units sold is the sum of the number of units sold by each store for one product. The selling price is the price at which one product was sold at each store.

[0132] In this example, the transaction performance may include a transaction performance (Q). The transaction performance (Q) is an aggregate value obtained by adding up the transaction points for each product. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction performance (Q) corresponds to the total sales points. The processed data includes the transaction performance (Q) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may obtain the transaction performance (Q) based on the transaction points included in the second POS data.

[0133] The transaction record may include a transaction record (R). The transaction record (R) is a statistical value calculated by averaging the transaction prices for each product and for each store. This statistical value is an average value. From the viewpoint of sales by the store, the transaction record (R) corresponds to the sales price for each store. The processed data includes the transaction record (R) for each processing unit. The second data processing unit 115 may calculate the transaction record (R) based on the transaction price included in the second POS data.

[0134] For example, the processed data may include all or a portion of the trading performance (Q) and trading performance (R) for the entire time period.

[0135] The display of the "Product Assortment" content includes a display based on the transaction history (Q) regarding the total sales number for each product. The display of the "Product Assortment" content includes a display based on the transaction history (R) regarding the sales price for each product per store. Note that the display of the "Product Assortment" content is not limited to the above examples. The transaction history may include values ​​different from the transaction history (Q) and the transaction history (R).

[0136] The "Product lineup" content allows retailers to compare purchasing trends for each product between stores. For example, by comparing sales prices between stores, retailers can determine whether or not they have forgotten to return products to their original selling prices.

[0137] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another example of the display information output process by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. In FIG. Here, it is assumed that the extraction conditions are set for retailer content.

[0138] The second data processing unit 115 detects that a predetermined timing set in the content has been reached (ACT31). If the predetermined timing has been reached (ACT31, NO), the second data processing unit 115 continues the processing of ACT31. If the predetermined timing has not been reached (ACT31, YES), the processing transitions from ACT31 to ACT32.

[0139] The second data processing unit 115 generates display information based on the plurality of second POS data based on the setting information of the extraction conditions (ACT32). In ACT32, for example, the second data processing unit 115 searches the POS data storage area 132 for the plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction conditions indicated by the setting information, similar to ACT22. The second data processing unit 115 generates display information based on the plurality of second POS data that satisfy the extraction conditions.

[0140] The second communication processing unit 114 acquires an output request (ACT33). In ACT33, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 acquires the output request from the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14. Here, it is assumed that a user of the retailer accesses the server 1 using the terminal 3 to cause the terminal 3 to display display information of one content selected from a plurality of contents. The user inputs an output instruction using the terminal 3. The terminal 3 outputs the output request to the server 1 based on the input of the output instruction by the user using the terminal 3.

[0141] The second communication processing unit 114 outputs the display information generated by the second data processing unit 115 (ACT34). In ACT34, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 outputs the display information to the terminal 3 of the retailer's user via the communication interface 14. The terminal 3 displays an image of the content based on the display information.

[0142] Here, a user of a retailer has been described as an example, but the same applies to users of other businesses. In this case, in the description using FIG. 6, the expression "user of the retailer" may be read as "user of other businesses." The multiple second POS data used to generate the display information is data for which usage rights have been set for other businesses. Therefore, the multiple second POS data is data for a specific retailer different from other businesses. The multiple second POS data may be data for the same retailer. The multiple second POS data may be data for two or more retailers depending on the number of usage rights set for other businesses.

[0143] The extraction condition setting process performed by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1 will be described.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the extraction condition setting process performed by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. Here, a retailer user accesses server 1 using terminal 3 to set extraction conditions for any content. The user uses terminal 3 to input extraction conditions for this content. For example, the user uses terminal 3 to input conditions related to a specific retailer's store as conditions related to this retailer's store. After inputting the extraction conditions, the user uses terminal 3 to input an instruction to set the extraction conditions. The instruction to set the extraction conditions is an instruction to have server 1 set the extraction conditions. Based on the user's input of an instruction to set extraction conditions using terminal 3, terminal 3 outputs a request to set extraction conditions and input information for the extraction conditions to server 1. The request to set extraction conditions is a request to have server 1 set extraction conditions.

[0145] The second communication processing unit 114 acquires a setting request for the extraction conditions and input information for the extraction conditions (ACT 41). In ACT 41, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 acquires the setting request for the extraction conditions and input information for the extraction conditions from the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14.

[0146] The second data processing unit 115 sets extraction conditions based on the user's operation of the terminal 3 (ACT42). In ACT42, for example, the second data processing unit 115 sets extraction conditions indicated by the input information for the retailer's content based on a request to set the extraction conditions. The second data processing unit 115 saves the setting information of the set extraction conditions in the setting information storage area 133.

[0147] Although a user of a retailer has been taken as an example, the user who operates the terminal 3 is not limited to a user of the retailer, and may be any user who has been granted setting authority by the retailer.

[0148] As described above, the server 1 can set extraction conditions based on the operation of the terminal 3 by the user. In this way, by setting the extraction conditions in advance, the user of the retailer can omit inputting the extraction conditions when displaying the image of the content on the terminal 3.

[0149] Here, a user of a retailer has been used as an example for explanation, but the same applies to users of other businesses. In this case, in the explanation using FIG. 7, the notation "user of the retailer" may be read as "user of another business." For example, a user uses terminal 3 to input conditions related to a store of a specific retailer different from other businesses. In this example, the user operating terminal 3 is not limited to a user of another business, but may be a user who has been granted the authority to make settings by the other business.

[0150] The process of setting the usage authority by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1 will be described.

[0151] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a usage authority setting process performed by the processing circuit 11 of the server 1. In FIG. Here, a user of a retailer accesses server 1 using terminal 3 to set usage authority for another vendor. The user uses terminal 3 to input usage authority for the other vendor. Information indicating the usage authority input at terminal 3 based on the user's operation of terminal 3 is also referred to as input information of usage authority. The input information of usage authority includes information indicating the other vendor. After inputting the usage authority, the user inputs an instruction to set usage authority using terminal 3. The instruction to set usage authority is an instruction to have server 1 set usage authority. Based on the user's input of the instruction to set usage authority using terminal 3, terminal 3 outputs a request to set usage authority and the input information of usage authority to server 1. The request to set usage authority is a request to have server 1 set usage authority.

[0152] The second communication processing unit 114 acquires a request for setting the right of use and input information for the right of use (ACT 51). In ACT 51, for example, the second communication processing unit 114 acquires the request for setting the right of use and input information for the right of use from the terminal 3 via the communication interface 14.

[0153] The second data processing unit 115 sets the use authority of the other vendor based on the user's operation of the terminal 3 (ACT52). In ACT52, for example, the second data processing unit 115 sets the use authority of the other vendor indicated by the input information of the use authority based on the request for setting the use authority. The second data processing unit 115 saves the setting information of the use authority of the other vendor that has been set in the setting information storage area 133.

[0154] Although a user of a retailer has been taken as an example, the user who operates the terminal 3 is not limited to a user of the retailer, and may be any user who has been granted setting authority by the retailer.

[0155] As mentioned above, the server 1 can set usage rights for other vendors. In this way, the server 1 can support the distribution of POS data from retailers to other businesses. Retailers can easily distribute their own POS data to other businesses by using the platform provided by the server 1 that manages their own POS data.

[0156] (Display example) An example of an image displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal 3 will be described. The display device 31 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display, but is not limited to these.

[0157] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image for inputting extraction conditions displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. The display device 31 displays an image IMA for inputting extraction conditions for the content. Here, the content is the "Sales Summary" content. The extraction conditions are conditions to be input in order to display an image for the "Sales Summary" content on the display device 31.

[0158] Image IMA includes an area 301 in which extraction conditions can be input. Area 301 includes an area for an "organization filter," an area for a "product filter," an area for a "period filter," and an area for a "customer filter." The area for the "organization filter" is an area in which conditions relating to a particular retailer's store can be input. The area for the "product filter" is an area in which conditions relating to products can be input. The area for the "period filter" is an area in which conditions relating to periods can be input. The area for the "customer filter" is an area in which conditions relating to customer attributes can be input. The image IMA includes a "display" button 302 through which an output instruction can be input.

[0159] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image of the content displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. The display device 31 displays an image IMB about the content based on the display information. The display information is generated based on the extraction conditions input by the server 1 in the image IMA illustrated in Fig. 9. In this example, the content is "sales summary". Image IMB displays the above-mentioned transaction results (B) in the form of a bar graph as a sales summary for the sales summary content. The display of the sales summary in the form of a bar graph is an example of a display based on the first transaction results (B). For the "Sales Summary" content, the above-mentioned transaction results (C) are displayed in the form of a line graph as a year-on-year comparison of the sales summary. The display of the year-on-year comparison of the sales summary in the form of a line graph is an example of a display based on the first transaction results (C). Here, the sales summary and year-on-year comparison of the sales summary values ​​are values ​​for the entire target period for each combination of product type and area.

[0160] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an image for inputting extraction conditions displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal 3. As shown in FIG. The display device 31 displays an image IMC for inputting extraction conditions to be set for the content. The image IMC includes an area 303 where a menu can be input. The menu is content for setting extraction conditions. Image IMC includes an area 304 in which extraction conditions can be entered. Area 304 includes an area for an "organization filter," an area for a "product filter," an area for a "period filter," and an area for a "customer filter." The area for the "organization filter" is an area in which conditions relating to a particular retailer's store can be entered. The area for the "product filter" is an area in which conditions relating to products can be entered. The area for the "period filter" is an area in which conditions relating to periods can be entered. The area for the "customer filter" is an area in which conditions relating to customer attributes can be entered. The image IMC includes a "New" button 305 and a "Modify" button 306 that can be used to input instructions for setting extraction conditions. The "New" button 305 is a button that can be used to input instructions for setting new extraction conditions for the input menu. The "Modify" button 306 is a button that can be used to input instructions for updating the extraction conditions for the input menu.

[0161] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the display device 31 of the terminal 3 for inputting the usage authority to be set for other vendors. The image IMD includes an area 307 in which a sold-to company can be entered. A sold-to company is another business that the retailer authorizes to use. The image IMD includes an area 308 in which a retailer's store range can be entered as usage rights. The image IMD includes a "New" button 309 and a "Modify" button 310 that can be used to input instructions for setting usage rights. The "New" button 309 is a button that can be used to input instructions for setting new usage rights for the other vendor that have been input. The "Modify" button 310 is a button that can be used to input instructions for updating the usage rights for the other vendor that have been input. The image IMD includes a "delete" button 311 that allows an instruction to delete the usage rights to be input. The instruction to delete the usage rights is an instruction to have the server 1 delete the usage rights.

[0162] (effect) According to the embodiment, the server 1 can store the second POS data based on the first POS data in the POS data storage area 132. The server 1 can output information based on a plurality of the second POS data. This allows the server 1 to provide a platform for managing POS data in a unified format and outputting information corresponding to various contents based on the POS data in the unified format. By providing such a platform, the server 1 can support the distribution of POS data, such as the collection of POS data and the output of information based on the POS data. The retailer's workload is reduced because the retailer does not need to share data in a format specific to each data service provider. The retailer can easily obtain information according to various contents that are solutions.

[0163] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment may be applied to a method executed by the system. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a program capable of causing a computer of the system to execute each function. The above-described embodiment may be applied to a recording medium for storing the program.

[0164] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more processes among the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits executes a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in one device, or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0165] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is readable by a computer.

[0166] 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.

[0167] The above embodiment may be expressed as follows. (1) a first communication processing unit that acquires trading data relating to a trading product; a first data processing unit that stores transaction data in a predetermined format regarding the trading product in a storage unit based on the transaction data regarding the trading product acquired by the first communication processing unit; a second data processing unit that generates information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; a second communication processing unit that outputs the information generated by the second data processing unit; An information processing system comprising: (2) The information processing system according to (1), wherein the first communication processing unit acquires transaction data relating to the transaction item output from a POS device in order to inquire about coupon information. (3) An information processing system as described in (1) or (2), in which the first data processing unit generates trading data in the specified format regarding the trading product by converting the format of the trading data regarding the trading product acquired by the first communication processing unit into the specified format.

[0168] (4) The multiple transaction data are data from the same organization, The information processing system according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the second communication processing unit outputs the information to a terminal of a user of the organization. (5) An information processing system described in any of (1) to (4), wherein the second data processing unit sets conditions for extracting transaction data in the specified format to be used to generate the information based on a user's operation of a terminal. (6) An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the second data processing unit sets usage rights of another organization different from the organization for the transaction data in the specified format of the organization based on a user's operation of a terminal. (7) the trading data relating to the plurality of trading products is data for which the other organization has been granted permission to use; The second communication processing unit outputs the information to a terminal of the user of the other organization. An information processing system according to any one of (1) to (6). (8) Obtaining transaction data relating to trading products; and storing trading data in a predetermined format relating to the trading product in a storage unit based on the acquired trading data relating to the trading product; generating information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; outputting the generated information; and An information processing method comprising: (9) To the computer: The ability to obtain transaction data regarding trading instruments; a function of storing transaction data in a predetermined format regarding the trading product in a storage unit based on the acquired transaction data regarding the trading product; a function of generating information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; A function for outputting the generated information; A program that can execute the following. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1...server, 2...POS device, 3...terminal, 11...processing circuit, 12...main memory, 13...auxiliary storage device, 14...communication interface, 111...first communication processing unit, 112...coupon processing unit, 113...first data processing unit, 114...second communication processing unit, 115...second data processing unit, 131...coupon information storage area, 132...POS data storage area, 133...setting information storage area, 301...area, 302..."Display" button, 303...area, 304...area, 305..."New" button, 306..."Modify" button, 307...area, 308...area, 309..."New" button, 310..."Modify" button, 311..."Delete" button, IMA...image, IMB...image, IMC...image, IMD...image, NW...network.

Claims

1. A first communication processing unit that acquires trading data related to a trading product; a first data processing unit that stores transaction data in a predetermined format regarding the trading product in a storage unit based on the transaction data regarding the trading product acquired by the first communication processing unit; a second data processing unit that generates information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; a second communication processing unit that outputs the information generated by the second data processing unit; An information processing system comprising:

2. The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the first communication processing unit acquires transaction data relating to the transaction item output from a POS device in order to inquire about coupon information.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the first data processing unit generates trading data in the specified format regarding the trading product by converting the format of the trading data regarding the trading product acquired by the first communication processing unit into the specified format.

4. The plurality of transaction data are data for the same organization, The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second communication processing unit outputs the information to a terminal of a user of the organization.

5. 2. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second data processing unit sets conditions for extracting the transaction data in the predetermined format used to generate the information, based on a user's operation of a terminal.

6. 2 . The information processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the second data processing unit sets usage rights of another organization different from the organization for the transaction data in the predetermined format of the organization based on a user's operation of a terminal.

7. the plurality of transaction data are data for which a usage right is set for the other organization, The second communication processing unit outputs the information to a terminal of the user of the other organization.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6.

8. Obtaining trading data relating to a trading instrument; storing trading data in a predetermined format relating to the trading product in a storage unit based on the acquired trading data relating to the trading product; generating information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; outputting the generated information; and An information processing method comprising:

9. On the computer, The ability to obtain transaction data regarding trading instruments; a function of storing transaction data in a predetermined format regarding the trading product in a storage unit based on the acquired transaction data regarding the trading product; a function of generating information based on the plurality of transaction data in the predetermined format stored in the storage unit; A function for outputting the generated information; A program that can execute the following.

Images