Transaction data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide a commodity sales data processing device and a program capable of improving the convenience of an electronic receipt.SOLUTION: A transaction data processing device includes: receipt data generation means for generating receipt data showing a transaction content of a commodity to be settled in a first data format for printing; output means for outputting the receipt data for one transaction to one or both of a printing device and an external device except for the printing device; and conversion means for converting the receipt data into a second data format that is different from the first data format when the output means outputs the receipt data to the external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction data processing apparatus, a transaction data processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a mechanism called an electronic receipt that electronically transfers a receipt or invoice given to a shopper from a store at the time of merchandise settlement to the shopper's mobile terminal or the like.

[0003] By making the receipt into electronic data in this way, it is beneficial for shoppers, such as enabling automatic bookkeeping of the household account book electronically. Also, by introducing electronic receipts, consumption of receipt paper can be reduced, which is also beneficial for the introducing store.

[0004] Also, conventionally, in an apparatus capable of performing both printing output to paper and output of an electronic receipt, a technique has been proposed for determining an output destination based on necessity information indicating the necessity of printing output preset for each customer.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, receipt data for printing output is generally created in an unstructured format such as text data. However, when providing this receipt data as an electronic receipt, there is a problem that the convenience is poor in terms of data management. Therefore, a technique capable of improving the convenience of electronic receipts is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The transaction data processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes a generation means, a conversion means, and an output means. The generation means generates receipt data including at least the details of the transaction in a first data format. The conversion means converts the receipt data into a second data format different from the first data format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying the customer. The output means outputs the receipt data converted into the second data format to an external device.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic receipt system includes a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1, a store server 2, an electronic receipt server 3, an electronic receipt management server 4, a promotion setting terminal 5, a promotion management server 6, and a mobile terminal 7.

[0010] The POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 are provided in the store P1. The POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 are communicably connected via an in-store network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 can be connected to a network N2 that connects the store P1 and the head office P2 via a network device (not shown) such as a router connected to the in-store network N1. Here, the network N2 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

[0011] The POS terminal 1 is a merchandise sales data processing device that executes merchandise sales data processing. The POS terminal 1 generates receipt data including the transaction details of the merchandise to be settled, and outputs a paper receipt by printing the receipt data with a printer 13 described later. Further, the POS terminal 1 outputs (transmits) an electronic receipt obtained by converting the data format of the receipt data to an electronic receipt server 3 via a network N2. The method of transmitting the electronic receipt is not particularly limited, and general-purpose protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used. Note that the number of POS terminals 1 provided in the store P1 is not particularly limited, and there may be a plurality of them.

[0012] The store server 2 comprehensively manages the management of merchandise sales data processing and the like performed by the POS terminal 1. For example, the store server 2 stores and manages the merchandise sales data generated by the merchandise sales data processing of the POS terminal 1, and stores and manages merchandise data files and the like used for the merchandise sales data processing.

[0013] Note that the number of POS terminals 1 arranged in the store P1 is not particularly limited, and there may be a plurality of them. Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the POS terminal 1 outputs an electronic receipt will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which the receipt data generated by the POS terminal 1 is output to the electronic receipt server 3 as an electronic receipt by converting the data format by the store server 2 or a conversion device (not shown).

[0014] The electronic receipt server 3 is provided at the head office P2 of an enterprise that operates a store or a chain store (hereinafter referred to as a store), and functions as a corporate receipt management server that manages receipt data for each enterprise that operates a store. The electronic receipt server 3 has functions such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management of an enterprise that operates a store, for example.

[0015] Further, the electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt transmitted from the POS terminal 1 via the network N2. Further, the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the received electronic receipt to an electronic receipt management server 4 via a network N3 that connects the head office P2 and the electronic receipt center P3.

[0016] Here, the network N3 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN. Also, the method of transmitting the electronic receipt is not particularly limited, and general-purpose protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used.

[0017] The electronic receipt management server 4 is provided in the electronic receipt center P3. The electronic receipt center P3 is, for example, a third-party organization other than the company that manages receipt data on the electronic receipt server 3. Note that a third-party organization or the like may also manage the electronic receipt server 3.

[0018] The electronic receipt management server 4 functions as a customer receipt management server that collectively manages the receipt data of various companies operating stores. The electronic receipt management server 4 stores and manages member data such as the names and member codes of each customer (member) who has registered as a member according to the procedures described later, and the transmission destination information (for example, email address) of the mobile terminal 7 that is the transmission destination of the electronic receipt, in the member master held in the database DB. Note that, separately from the electronic receipt management server 4, a configuration may be provided in which a member management server or the like that stores and manages member data is provided.

[0019] In addition, the electronic receipt management server 4 receives the electronic receipt transmitted from the electronic receipt server 3 via the network N3, and stores and manages this electronic receipt in the electronic receipt management area 43a, which will be described later, held in the database DB. More specifically, the electronic receipt includes, in addition to the transaction details of the product (product sales data), elements such as a member code, and is managed in association with the member data of the corresponding member.

[0020] In addition, the electronic receipt management server 4 receives additional information such as campaign information related to a campaign for a specific product from the promotion setting terminal 5 connected via the network N4 described later, and stores and manages this additional information in the additional information management area 43b described later held in the database DB. More specifically, the additional information is managed in association with elements that meet predetermined conditions among the elements included in the electronic receipt stored in the database DB.

[0021] Also, when the electronic receipt management server 4 stores an electronic receipt in the database DB, it identifies the transmission destination (mobile terminal 7) by referring to the transmission destination information associated with the membership code of this electronic receipt. Then, the electronic receipt management server 4 transmits the electronic receipt stored in the database DB to the transmission destination via the network N5 described later. When additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the transmission destination.

[0022] In addition, when the electronic receipt management server 4 receives an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a membership code from the mobile terminal 7 connected via the network N5 described later, it extracts the electronic receipt corresponding to the membership code from the database DB and transmits it to the mobile terminal 7. When additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the mobile terminal 7 that made the inquiry.

[0023] The promotion setting terminal 5 and the promotion management server 6 are provided in the consumer goods manufacturer P4 or the like. The promotion setting terminal 5 is a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer), and transmits additional information to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N4. Here, the network N4 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or VPN. Also, the method of transmitting the additional information is not particularly limited, and general-purpose protocols such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used.

[0024] The mobile terminal 7 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, mobile phone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet computer, etc., used by the user (customer) of this system. The mobile terminal 7 implements an application such as a web browser for browsing various information provided on the network N5. Note that instead of the mobile terminal 7, a terminal device such as a PC may be applied.

[0025] The mobile terminal 7 registers as a member of this system by accessing the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. Here, the network N5 is the Internet or various public networks.

[0026] By the way, the customer's member registration in this system is performed, for example, in the following procedure. The customer sends a blank email from the mobile terminal 7 to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. The electronic receipt management server 4 sends a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a page for member registration to the received email address. The customer accesses the URL indicating the page for member registration from the mobile terminal 7 to display an input screen for inputting matters necessary for member registration (name, destination information, etc.). After the customer finishes inputting the necessary matters, the electronic receipt management server 4 executes member registration in the member master. Thereafter, the electronic receipt management server 4 distributes a member registration completion email including a member code (customer code) and a password to the mobile terminal 7. Thereby, the member registration is completed.

[0027] After member registration as described above, as shown in FIG. 2, the mobile terminal 7 displays the customer's member code on the display unit 73 as a code symbol CS such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. When making a transaction settlement at the store P1, the customer presents the code symbol CS displayed on the mobile terminal 7 to the store clerk. The store clerk reads the code symbol CS displayed on the mobile terminal 7 with a code scanner 15 (see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 1. Thereby, it becomes possible to associate the customer's member code with the receipt data generated after the settlement by the merchandise sales data processing in the POS terminal 1.

[0028] Also, after the settlement (transaction) at the POS terminal 1, the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt of the transaction transmitted from the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. By transmitting an electronic receipt inquiry specifying the member code to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5, the electronic receipt of the member is received from the electronic receipt management server 4. Further, the mobile terminal 7 displays the received electronic receipt on the display unit 73 described later (see FIG. 17).

[0029] Furthermore, when additional information is associated with the received electronic receipt, the mobile terminal 7 displays an icon or the like for instructing an application to a plan related to a campaign based on this additional information (see FIG. 17). For example, connection destination information (such as a URL) indicating the application destination (for example, the promotion management server 6) of the plan can be set in the icon. In this case, when the mobile terminal 7 receives an operation on the icon, it accesses the promotion management server 6 via the network N5 and executes the processing related to the application.

[0030] The promotion management server 6 is a server device that accepts access from the mobile terminal 7 connected via the network N5. The promotion management server 6 has an entry master that manages the application history for each campaign type in association with the member code for identifying each member. When the promotion management server 6 receives an application for a campaign from the mobile terminal 7 via the network N5, it manages the application history for each campaign type in association with the member code. Note that when accessing the promotion management server 6, the mobile terminal 7 transmits the member code related to the user (member) of its own device held in the receipt data or the like.

[0031] In the electronic receipt system having such a configuration, an electronic receipt (receipt data) indicating the details of a transaction (settlement) generated by processing merchandise sales data at the POS terminal 1 of the store P1 is transmitted to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the electronic receipt server 3 and is publicly available on the Web. Therefore, the mobile terminal 7 equipped with a Web browser can download the receipt data publicly available on the Web to the mobile terminal 7 by specifying the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and view it with the Web browser. Note that an application for viewing the receipt data may be installed on the mobile terminal 7 for viewing.

[0032] Next, the configuration of the main devices for constructing the electronic receipt system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0033] First, the POS terminal 1, which is a merchandise sales data processing device, will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 1 includes a control unit 11 that comprehensively controls various operations and each part of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 11 is a computer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various programs and can store various data in a rewritable manner, an RTC (Real Time Clock) unit that measures the current date and time, and the like.

[0034] The control unit 11 is connected to an operation unit 12, a printer 13, a display unit 14, and a code scanner 15 via a bus 18.

[0035] The operation unit 12 has various operation keys for an operator to perform operation inputs. Examples of the operation keys include numeric keys for inputting numbers, cursor keys and selection determination keys for selecting predetermined items, a subtotal key for instructing the total output of the products for which sales registration is performed in a transaction, a closing key for declaring the closing process of a single transaction and settling the payment amount, and the like.

[0036] The printer 13 is a printer device that prints receipts, journals, etc. The printer 13 is equipped with a cutting mechanism (not shown) for cutting paper such as roll paper to be printed, and cuts the paper according to a cut command described later.

[0037] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc., and displays various information such as the name, price of the products registered for sale, the total amount of a single transaction for which payment has been declared, the change amount, and the like. The display unit 14 includes an operator display 14a that displays various information for the cashier and a customer display 14b that displays various information for the customer. Note that the display unit 14 may have a touch panel configuration. In this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 12.

[0038] The code scanner 15 is a scanner device that optically reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The code scanner 15 reads, for example, a code symbol attached to a product, a code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7, etc., and outputs the information held in the code symbol to the control unit 11. It is assumed that a product code or the like for identifying the product is held in the code symbol attached to the product. Also, it is assumed that a membership code (customer code) or the like for identifying the customer carrying the mobile terminal 7 is held in the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7.

[0039] Further, the control unit 11 is connected to the communication I / F (interface) 16 via the bus 18, and can be connected to the in-store network N1 and the network N2 via this communication I / F 16.

[0040] Also, the control unit 11 is connected to the storage unit 17 via the bus 18. The storage unit 17 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 17 stores programs for executing various POS operations including product sales data processing. The storage unit 17 also stores various data files related to product sales data processing, such as a product data file that stores product data such as the product name, product code, and unit price of each product. The storage unit 17 also stores a receipt data processing program 17a for performing processing related to product sales data processing and receipt data.

[0041] In addition, the storage unit 17 stores in the identification code management area 17b a POS number for identifying its own POS terminal 1 from other POS terminals 1, a company code (an identification code of the company operating the store), a business type and format code, a store code indicating the store P1 where the POS terminal 1 is installed, and the like. Here, the business type and format code is, for example, a code (classification code) for distinguishing the business type and format of a store, such as a convenience store, a supermarket, a department store, a pharmacy, a restaurant, a diner, etc. Note that such business types and formats can be arbitrarily changed according to the user's preference. Also, the company code (an identification code of the company operating the store) and the business type and format code may be registered in the electronic receipt server 3.

[0042] In addition, the storage unit 17 stores a receipt data schema 17c that describes conversion rules when converting unstructured-form receipt data into structured-form receipt data (hereinafter referred to as electronic receipts).

[0043] Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt server 3 that functions as a receipt management server for enterprises will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 4. The electronic receipt server 3 includes a control unit 31 that comprehensively controls various operations and each part of the electronic receipt server 3. The control unit 31 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and stores various data in a rewritable manner, an RTC unit that measures the current date and time, and the like.

[0044] The control unit 31 can be connected to the network N2 and the network N3 via a communication I / F 32 connected to the bus 34. Also, the control unit 31 is connected to the storage unit 33 via the bus 34.

[0045] The storage unit 33 stores electronic receipts for each company operating a store in the electronic receipt management area 33a. The electronic receipt includes a company code (an identification code of the company operating the store), a business type and format code, a store code, a member code of the shopper, a POS number of the POS terminal 1, a receipt number, merchandise sales data, and the like.

[0046] Further, the storage unit 33 stores an electronic receipt management program 33b for managing electronic receipts in the electronic receipt management area 33a. Also, the storage unit 33 stores an information transmission program 33c for transmitting the receipt data managed in the electronic receipt management area 33a to the electronic receipt management server 4.

[0047] Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt management server 4 that functions as a customer receipt management server will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic receipt management server 4 includes a control unit 41 that comprehensively controls various operations and each part of the electronic receipt management server 4. The control unit 41 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and stores various data in a rewritable manner, an RTC unit that measures the current date and time, and the like.

[0048] The control unit 41 can be connected to the network N3, the network N4, and the network N5 via the communication I / F 42 connected to the bus 44. Also, the control unit 41 is connected to the storage unit 43 via the bus 44.

[0049] In the storage unit 43, in addition to a member master management area (not shown) for storing and managing the member master, an electronic receipt management area 43a for collectively storing the electronic receipts of various enterprises operating stores is secured. More specifically, the electronic receipt management area 43a manages the electronic receipts of various enterprises operating stores for each member.

[0050] An electronic receipt includes a membership code, a company code (an identification code of the company operating the store), a store code, the POS number of POS terminal 1, a receipt number, product sales data (including date and time data), etc. Therefore, for example, a consumer goods manufacturer can obtain, from this electronic receipt, proof information of unique purchased products related to the manufacturer under specific conditions (for example, limited to a specific company operating the store, limited to a specific region, limited to a specific time, etc.). Note that a consumer goods manufacturer is a manufacturer of food products, beverages, clothing, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, daily sundries, etc.

[0051] Also, the storage unit 43 stores various additional information in the additional information management area 43b in association with a desired product (product code), a member (membership code), a company (company code), and a store (store code). Here, the additional information is, for example, desired product information and campaign information related to a campaign associated with specific conditions (for example, a specific company operating the store, a specific region, a specific store, a specific time, etc.). The additional information includes access information such as a URL linking to a homepage associated with a company's campaign, a URL linking to a homepage associated with a company's CM, and a URL linking to a company's coupon.

[0052] In addition to a membership management program (not shown) for the storage unit 43 to manage the member master in the member master area, the storage unit 43 stores an electronic receipt management program 43c for managing the electronic receipts and additional information of each company in the electronic receipt management area 43a and the additional information management area 43b. The storage unit 43 also stores an information transmission program 43d for transmitting the electronic receipt and the additional information of the desired product to the mobile terminal 7. Note that the member master management area, the electronic receipt management area 43a, and the additional information management area 43b correspond to the database DB shown in FIG. 1.

[0053] Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 7 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 7 includes a control unit 71 that comprehensively controls various operations and each part of the mobile terminal 7. The control unit 71 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and stores various data in a rewritable manner, an RTC unit that measures the current date and time, and the like.

[0054] The operation unit 72 is connected to the operation unit 72 and the display unit 73 via a bus 76. The operation unit 72 has various operation keys for the user (customer) to perform operation inputs and a pointing device. The display unit 73 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various information such as an electronic receipt described later. Note that the display unit 73 may have a touch panel configuration. In this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 72.

[0055] Also, the control unit 71 is connected to a communication I / F 74 via a bus 76, and can be connected to a network N5 via this communication I / F 74. Note that it may be configured to be connectable to a store internal network N1 via the communication I / F 74.

[0056] Also, the control unit 71 is connected to a storage unit 75 via a bus 76. The storage unit 75 stores, in addition to a web browser for browsing various information (contents) published on the web, an electronic receipt corresponding program 75a for receiving an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4, and an electronic receipt browsing program 75b for browsing the received receipt data.

[0057] Next, the operations of each part constituting the system of the present embodiment will be described.

[0058] First, the electronic receipt process executed by the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 1 operating according to the receipt data processing program 17a will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, the receipt data processing program 17a executed on the POS terminal 1 has a module configuration including a receipt data generation unit 111 that functions as a receipt data generation means and a customer code acquisition means, and a receipt data output unit 112 that functions as an output means and a conversion means. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 11 reads the receipt data processing program 17a from the storage unit 17 and executes it, so that each of the above units is loaded onto the RAM, and the receipt data generation unit 111 and the receipt data output unit 112 are generated on the RAM.

[0060] Here, the receipt data generation unit 111 is a functional unit corresponding to an existing application that mainly performs product sales data processing and generation of receipt printing data (receipt data). When the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a product code that identifies a product via the code scanner 15, it reads product data corresponding to the product code from the product data file and executes product sales data processing to calculate the settlement amount based on the unit price included in the product data. Then, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the product sales data processed during the product sales data processing, that is, the transaction details of the product.

[0061] In addition, when the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a membership code that identifies a customer via the code scanner 15 at any timing during a single transaction, it generates receipt data including the membership code.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an example of receipt data. Here, the receipt data is unstructured text data or the like and is used for printing by the printer 13. As shown in FIG. 8, the receipt data includes elements such as the above-described product sales data D1 and membership code D2. Here, the product sales data D1 has the product name (product code) of the product subject to settlement, its amount, the total amount of each product, the deposit amount paid by the customer, the change amount, and the like.

[0063] In addition, the receipt data includes elements such as a company code (company name) D3 indicating the company operating the store, a store code (store name) D4, the store's phone number D5, the address D6, the transaction date and time D7, a transaction number (receipt number) D8, a cash register number D9, the name of the person in charge D10, etc. Note that the elements included in the receipt data are not limited to the example in FIG. 8, and may include other elements such as industry and business type codes, or elements such as the phone number D5 and the address D6 may be removed.

[0064] In addition, when the receipt data generation unit 111 receives the pressing of the closing key, it determines that the processing of the product sales data for one transaction is completed, and outputs (issues) the generated receipt data to the receipt data output unit 112 together with a cut command. Here, the cut command is one of the commonly used printer control commands, and is instruction information for instructing the cutting (severing) of the paper on which the receipt data is printed. Note that the generation of the receipt data may be performed collectively along with the pressing of the closing key, or may be in a form of being sequentially generated each time a product code or a customer code is acquired.

[0065] The receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data every time the receipt data for one transaction is generated by the receipt data generation unit 111. More specifically, when the cut command is issued by the receipt data generation unit 111, the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data for one transaction has been generated. Then, the receipt data output unit 112 determines whether the generated receipt data includes a member code, and outputs the receipt data to the output destination determined according to the determination result.

[0066] Specifically, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the membership code is not included in the receipt data, it outputs the receipt data to the printer 13 together with a cut command. As a result, the printer 13 prints the receipt data on paper and then cuts the paper according to the cut command, thereby printing and outputting a paper receipt for one transaction. Note that when printing and outputting, all elements constituting the receipt data may be printed, or the membership code or the like may be removed, or printing may be performed with other information such as advertisements added.

[0067] Also, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the membership code is included in the receipt data, it converts the receipt data into a predetermined data format according to the conversion rules of the receipt data schema 17c. Then, the receipt data output unit 112 transmits (outputs) the receipt data with the converted data format, that is, the electronic receipt, to the electronic receipt server 3 that manages the electronic receipts in units of enterprises according to the enterprise code.

[0068] Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an example of an electronic receipt. As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic receipt is composed of data (structured document) in a structured format such as XML or CSV. Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which each element (D1 to D10) of the receipt data shown in FIG. 8 is converted into the XML format.

[0069] The conversion from the receipt data to the electronic receipt is performed based on the conversion rules described in the receipt data schema 17c. Specifically, in the receipt data schema 17c, a predetermined element constituting the receipt data and attribute information (tags, etc.) indicating the attributes of the element are defined. The receipt data output unit 112 generates a structured electronic receipt as shown in FIG. 9 by structuring each element of the receipt data using the corresponding attribute information. By using such a structured electronic receipt, the elements included in the electronic receipt can be efficiently utilized, and various advantages can be obtained in terms of data management.

[0070] In this way, upon issuance of a cut command by the receipt data generation unit 111, the receipt data output unit 112 determines that receipt data for one transaction has been generated and starts outputting the receipt data. As a result, since there is no need to notify the receipt data output unit 112 from the receipt data generation unit 111 of a dedicated signal for instructing the end of one transaction, for the receipt data generation unit 111 corresponding to an existing application, the receipt data output unit 112 can output the receipt data for one transaction without any special changes. Also, since the modified part of the receipt data generation unit 111 can be suppressed, it is possible to realize the output function of an electronic receipt while efficiently diverting the existing application.

[0071] In addition, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data according to whether a member code is included in the receipt data. As a result, it is possible to output a paper receipt or an electronic receipt without preparing information on the necessity of a paper receipt for each customer, so that the output destination of the receipt data can be efficiently determined. Also, for example, a customer (member) can select the output of a paper receipt or an electronic receipt by inputting or not inputting a member code for each transaction, thus improving the convenience for the customer.

[0072] Furthermore, when the receipt data output unit 112 outputs the receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, it converts the receipt data into an electronic receipt in which the elements included in the receipt data are structured and outputs the electronic receipt. As a result, since the elements included in the electronic receipt can be efficiently utilized, the convenience of the electronic receipt can be improved in the electronic receipt server 3 and the electronic receipt management server 4 that manage the electronic receipt, and in the mobile terminal 7 that displays the electronic receipt.

[0073] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal 1. First, the receipt data generation unit 111 of the POS terminal 1 determines whether a code symbol (product code) attached to a product or a code symbol (member code) displayed on the mobile terminal 7 has been read by the code scanner 15 (step S11). If the code symbol is not read (step S11; No), the receipt data generation unit 111 proceeds to step S16.

[0074] On the other hand, when the receipt data generation unit 111 determines that the code symbol has been read (step S11; Yes), it discriminates whether the information obtained by the reading is a product code or a member code (step S12).

[0075] In step S12, when a product code is obtained (step S12; product code), the receipt data generation unit 111 reads product data from the product data file for the product specified by the product code, and executes product sales data processing to calculate the settlement amount based on the unit price included in this product data (step S13). Next, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the product sales data processed during the product sales data processing (step S14).

[0076] Also, in step S12, when a member code is obtained (step S12; member code), the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the member code (step S15).

[0077] Here, in order to input the member code into the POS terminal 1, for example, a customer who is a member displays a code symbol including the member code or the like on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7, and a store clerk or the customer who is a member himself / herself reads it with the code scanner 15 of the POS terminal 1. Note that the receipt data generation unit 111 may be configured to perform exclusive processing or the like so that the member code input during one transaction is unique.

[0078] In the subsequent step S16, the receipt data generation unit 111 determines whether or not the start of the closing process is instructed by pressing the closing key or the like (step S16). If the start of the closing process is not instructed (step S16; No), the process returns to step S11. If the start of the closing process is instructed (step S16; Yes), the receipt data generation unit 111 issues (outputs) a cut command to the receipt data output unit 112 (step S17).

[0079] When the receipt data output unit 112 receives a cut command from the receipt data generation unit 111, it determines that the receipt data for one transaction has been generated, and determines whether or not the membership code is included in the receipt data (step S18).

[0080] If the membership code is not included in the receipt data (step S18; No), the receipt data output unit 112 outputs the receipt data for one transaction to the printer 13 together with the cut command, thereby printing and outputting the receipt data (step S19), and ending this process. As a result, the printer 13 prints the receipt data on paper and then cuts the paper according to the cut command, thereby printing and outputting a paper receipt for one transaction.

[0081] On the other hand, if the membership code is included in the receipt data (step S18; Yes), the receipt data output unit 112 generates an electronic receipt by converting the data format of the receipt data, which is in an unstructured format, into a structured format (step S20). Then, the receipt data output unit 112 transmits the generated electronic receipt to the electronic receipt server 3 via the communication I / F 16 (step S21), and ends this process.

[0082] In the above processing, when the membership code is included in the receipt data, the receipt data is output to the electronic receipt server 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the receipt data may be output to both the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3.

[0083] Also, when the receipt data includes a membership code, it may be configured to be able to select the output destination of the receipt data. For example, the mobile terminal 7 may be configured to hold output classification information for specifying the output destination of the receipt data in the code symbol CS to be displayed, and select the output destination based on this output classification information. In this case, the receipt data generation unit 111 includes the output classification information read by the code scanner 15 in the receipt data together with the membership code. Then, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes a membership code and that the output classification information exists, it determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output classification information. Note that it is possible to specify either one or both of the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3 in the output classification information.

[0084] Also, it may be configured to allow the output destination of the receipt data to be selected each time a product is settled. When using this configuration, for example, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes a membership code, it displays an output destination selection screen for selecting the output destination of the receipt data on the display unit 14.

[0085] Here, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the output destination selection screen G1 displayed on the display unit 14. As shown in the figure, the output destination selection screen G1 includes a first button B1 for specifying the printer 13, a second button B2 for specifying the electronic receipt server 3, and a third button B3 for specifying both the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3 as operators for specifying the output destination of the receipt data. When using this output destination selection screen G1, the operator of the POS terminal 1 confirms the output destination of the receipt data with the customer and operates the operator of the output destination selected by the customer. Then, when the receipt data output unit 112 receives the operation of the operator, it outputs the receipt data to the output destination corresponding to the operator.

[0086] Note that the display of the selection screen is not limited to the operator display 14a, and it may be displayed on the customer display 14b. Further, when the customer display 14b has a touch panel configuration, the customer himself / herself may select the output destination.

[0087] Also, during the processing of product sales data processing, it is also possible to confirm the output destination of the receipt data with the customer. When using this form, the receipt data generation unit 111 displays the output destination selection screen G1 etc. on the display unit 14, and includes the output destination corresponding to the operated operator as output classification information in the receipt data. Then, when the receipt data output unit 112 includes the membership code and the output classification information in the receipt data, it determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output classification information.

[0088] In this way, when the membership code is included in the receipt data, the receipt data output unit 112 automatically selects the output destination of the receipt data or accepts the manual selection of the output destination. As a result, the method for determining the output destination can be flexibly switched, so that the output destination of the receipt data can be efficiently determined.

[0089] Next, the flow of the electronic receipt management process executed by the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 operating according to the electronic receipt management program 33b and the information transmission process executed by operating according to the information transmission program 33c will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

[0090] When the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt transmitted from the POS terminal 1 via the communication I / F 32 (step S31; Yes), it stores it as an electronic receipt for each company in the electronic receipt management area 33a of the storage unit 33 (step S32). Then, the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipt stored in step S32 to the electronic receipt management server 4 (step S33), and returns to step S31.

[0091] Also, when the preset transmission timing arrives (step S31; No → step S34; Yes), the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipts stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 33a to the electronic receipt management server 4 (step S35), and returns to step S31. By this transmission in step S35, for example, the electronic receipts that leaked from the transmission target in step S33 can be transmitted to the electronic receipt management server 4. Note that in step S35, only the untransmitted electronic receipts may be controlled to be transmitted.

[0092] Next, the flow of the electronic receipt management process executed by the control unit 41 of the electronic receipt management server 4 operating according to the electronic receipt management program 43c and the product information transmission process executed by operating according to the information transmission program 43d will be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 13 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 14.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 have a module configuration including a receiving unit 411 that functions as a receiving means, an electronic receipt management unit 412, and an electronic receipt transmission unit 413. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 41 reads the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d from the storage unit 43 and executes them, so that the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the receiving unit 411, the electronic receipt management unit 412, and the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 are generated on the RAM.

[0094] The receiving unit 411 receives from the electronic receipt server 3 the electronic receipts at the enterprise level that are electronically processed instead of the receipts or vouchers printed and issued during the product sales data processing, and include the enterprise code indicating the enterprise operating the store.

[0095] The electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages the enterprise-level electronic receipts received by the reception unit 411 in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the storage unit 43. Also, the electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages additional information such as campaign information related to campaigns associated with desired products and elements of specific conditions (e.g., limited to a specific enterprise operating a store, limited to a specific region, limited to a specific time, etc.) in the additional information management area 43b of the storage unit 43.

[0096] The electronic receipt transmission unit 413 acquires from the electronic receipt management area 43a an electronic receipt including at least one or more enterprise codes associated with a given shopper's membership code and transmits it to the mobile terminal 7 associated with the membership code. Also, when additional information is associated with the elements constituting the electronic receipt, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 acquires the additional information from the additional information management area 43b and transmits it together with the electronic receipt.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the reception unit 411 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether it has received an electronic receipt transmitted from the electronic receipt server 3 of each enterprise via the communication I / F 42 (step S41).

[0098] When an electronic receipt is received (step S41; Yes), the electronic receipt management unit 412 of the electronic receipt management server 4 stores the electronic receipts of various enterprises in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the storage unit 43 (step S42). Here, when there is additional information related to the elements (product code, membership code, enterprise code, store code, etc.) of the stored electronic receipt, the additional information is associated with the elements. Subsequently, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 transmits the electronic receipt stored in step S42 to the transmission destination (mobile terminal 7) managed in association with the membership code of the electronic receipt (step S43), and returns to step S41. Also, in step S43, when additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the transmission destination.

[0099] Also, when there is an electronic receipt inquiry from the mobile terminal 7 (step S41; No → step S44; Yes), the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 of the electronic receipt management server 4 extracts the electronic receipts stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a according to the content of the electronic receipt inquiry (step S45), then transmits them to the mobile terminal 7 with the inquiry (step S46), and returns to step S41. Also, in step S46, when additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the mobile terminal 7 with the inquiry.

[0100] Next, the flow of the electronic receipt reception process executed by the control unit 71 of the mobile terminal 7 operating according to the electronic receipt corresponding program 75a and the electronic receipt browsing process executed by operating according to the electronic receipt browsing program 75b will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 15, the electronic receipt corresponding program 75a and the electronic receipt browsing program 75b executed on the mobile terminal 7 have a module configuration including a member association unit 711, an electronic receipt reception unit 712, and an electronic receipt display unit 713. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 71 reads out the electronic receipt corresponding program 75a and the electronic receipt browsing program 75b from the storage unit 75 and executes them, so that the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the member association unit 711, the electronic receipt reception unit 712, and the electronic receipt display unit 713 are generated on the RAM.

[0102] The member association unit 711 associates the member code of a predetermined shopper. The electronic receipt reception unit 712 receives the electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4. The electronic receipt display unit 713 displays the electronic receipt received by the electronic receipt reception unit 712 on the display unit 73.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 16, first, the member association unit 711 of the mobile terminal 7 accesses the electronic receipt management server 4 and executes an authentication process by inputting a member code and a password (step S51). As a result, the mobile terminal 7 is associated with the member code of a predetermined shopper.

[0104] After authentication, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 of the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the electronic receipt management server 4 corresponding to the input member code (step S52). Also, when additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also received from the electronic receipt management server 4. Note that the receipt data may be received by e-mail.

[0105] Next, the electronic receipt display unit 713 of the mobile terminal 7 displays the electronic receipt and the like received by the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 on the display unit 73 (step S53), and ends the process.

[0106] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the electronic receipt G2 displayed on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7. The electronic receipt G2 is displayed in the same layout and content as the receipt printed on paper. Also, within the electronic receipt G2, a cursor following the input of the operation unit 72 can be used to focus on the product a or the like indicating the traded product. Further, FIG. 17 shows an example in which a store name logo section G21 for displaying the logo of the store name and a banner display section G22 for displaying advertisements and the like are provided within the electronic receipt G2.

[0107] Note that the display form of the receipt data does not necessarily have to match the image of the receipt printed on paper. However, the receipt data is a substitute for the paper receipt and is electronic product purchase proof information for proving that a product has been purchased. Therefore, FIG. 17 shows an example in which the following information is displayed for use when presenting as product purchase proof information. · Store name · Purchase date and time · Details of purchased products · Total sales amount · Deposited amount · Change amount · Cash register number · Transaction number

[0108] Here, when a URL (access information) of a promotion management server 6 or the like is set as additional information for any of the products a, this URL is linked to the corresponding product name, or an icon b or the like serving as an operator for instructing access to this URL is displayed.

[0109] For example, when the access destination indicated by the URL is a server device (for example, the promotion management server 6) that accepts applications for a predetermined campaign, the control unit 71 of the mobile terminal 7 accesses the promotion management server 6 in response to the pressing of the icon b or the like, and executes the processing related to the application. It may be in a form of transmitting the member code of the own device held in the receipt data or the like when accessing the access destination. Then, the promotion management server 6 manages the application history for each campaign type in association with the member code for identifying each member.

[0110] When a plurality of receipt data are received, a selection screen for selecting each of the receipt data may be displayed based on the purchase date, company code, etc. included in the receipt data. In this case, the electronic receipt display unit 713 displays the receipt data selected from the selection screen on the display unit 73.

[0111] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, the membership code etc. is obtained using the code scanner 15, but it is not limited to this, and other methods may be used to obtain the membership code etc. Specifically, by equipping the POS terminal 1 and the mobile terminal 7 with a short-range wireless communication unit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), a configuration may be adopted in which the membership code etc. can be transmitted and received by short-range wireless communication. In this case, the mobile terminal 7 shall hold the membership code etc. in the storage unit 75 or an IC tag (not shown) etc.

[0113] Also, in the above embodiment, the membership code etc. is obtained from the mobile terminal 7, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be obtained from a medium capable of holding a membership code such as an IC card or a magnetic card. When using an IC card, the POS terminal 1 shall be equipped with a reading / writing unit such as an IC card reader / writer. When using a magnetic card, the POS terminal 1 shall be equipped with a card reader / writer for magnetic cards etc.

[0114] Also, in the above embodiment, the electronic receipt server 3 is provided at the head office P2, but it is not limited to this, and the electronic receipt server 3 for the store may be provided within the store P1. In this case, the POS terminal 1 outputs the electronic receipt to the electronic receipt server 3 connected to the in-store network N1 of its own store, and the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipt to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the in-store network N1 and the network N2.

[0115] Also, in the above embodiment, the electronic receipt generated by the POS terminal 1 is output to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the electronic receipt server 3, but it is not limited to this, and by accessing the electronic receipt management server 4 from the POS terminal 1 via the network N3, the electronic receipt may be directly output to the electronic receipt management server 4.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt via the electronic receipt management server 4. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mobile terminal 7 may directly receive the electronic receipt from the POS terminal 1. In this case, the POS terminal 1 outputs the generated electronic receipt to the mobile terminal 7 connected via the in-store network N1 or a short-range wireless communication unit (not shown). Further, in this case, the POS terminal 1 may perform an authentication process.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, the POS terminal 1 stores the product data file. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the store server 2 may store the product data file in a manner that can be referred to from the POS terminal 1.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0118] 1 POS terminal 2 Store server 3 Electronic receipt server 4 Electronic receipt management server 5 Promotion setting terminal 6 Promotion management server 7 Mobile terminal 11 Control unit 12 Operation unit 13 Printer 14 Display unit 15 Code scanner 16 Communication I / F 17 Storage unit 17a Receipt data processing program 17b Identification code management area 17c Receipt data schema 18 Bus 111 Receipt data generation unit 112 Receipt data output unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0119]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. Generating means for generating receipt data including at least the content of a transaction in a first data format; Converting means for converting the receipt data into a second data format different from the first data format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer; Output means for outputting the receipt data converted into the second data format to an external device; A transaction data processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The transaction data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the converting means converts the receipt data in an unstructured format, which is the first data format, into receipt data in a structured format, which is the second data format.

3. The transaction data processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the converting means converts the receipt data in the first data format into the receipt data in the second data format by structuring a predetermined element included in the receipt data in the first data format using attribute information indicating the attribute of the element.

4. Further comprising acquisition means for acquiring the customer code, The transaction data processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the acquisition means acquires the customer code, the generating means generates the receipt data including the customer code.

5. The transaction data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the receipt data in the first data format to a printing device.

6. The transaction data processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, wherein the output means determines an output destination according to whether the customer code is included in the receipt data.

7. A transaction data processing method including: a generating step of generating receipt data including at least the content of a transaction in a first data format; a converting step of converting the receipt data into a second data format different from the first data format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer; an outputting step of outputting the receipt data converted into the second data format to an external device.

8. A program for causing a computer of a transaction data processing apparatus to function as generating means for generating receipt data including at least the content of a transaction in a first data format; converting means for converting the receipt data into a second data format different from the first data format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer; output means for outputting the receipt data converted into the second data format to an external device. ​

Images