Information terminal and program thereof

Abstract

To provide an electronic receipt system and a server device configured to make a customer who receives a receipt with electronic receipt information realize the benefits of use of coupons even after payment.SOLUTION: In an electronic receipt system 1, an electronic receipt server includes a storage unit which stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitalizing a receipt indicating transaction details including the amount discounted from the total price of the transaction through the use of an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information identifying a customer of the transaction. Acquisition means (configured by a processor of a center server that cooperates with a communication interface and a processor of the electronic receipt server) acquires, in response to receiving a calculation request command including the customer identification information, electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the total request command, from the storage unit. Calculation means (the processor of the center serve) calculates the total amount of discount from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an electronic receipt system capable of distributing electronic coupon information, a server device for this system, and a program for causing a computer to function as the server device. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known electronic receipt system that digitizes the receipt given to a shopper by a store when settling a commercial transaction (the act of buying and selling goods between the store and the shopper) and distributes this digitized receipt data, so-called electronic receipt information, to an information terminal used by the shopper via a line network such as the Internet. There is also a known electronic coupon system that distributes digitized coupon data, so-called electronic coupon information, to an information terminal used by a shopper via a communication network by a product manufacturer or retailer.

[0003] Stores that have introduced electronic receipt systems will see a reduction in receipt paper consumption as more shoppers receive receipts in electronic receipt information format. This will also reduce the frequency of tedious tasks such as replacing receipt paper or dealing with paper jams. Therefore, in order to increase the usefulness of electronic receipt systems, it is being considered to distribute electronic coupon information separately from receipt data to the information terminals of shoppers who receive receipts in electronic receipt information format.

[0004] When electronic coupon information is distributed to a shopper's information terminal, the shopper can receive the discount by showing the electronic coupon information displayed on the information terminal to a store clerk at the time of checkout. However, there is a concern that the shopper can only feel that they have received the discount while they are checking out. This issue can be resolved, for example, by allowing the shopper to feel that they have received the coupon benefit when they view the electronic receipt information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-194745 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide an electronic receipt system and a server device for this system that enable shoppers who receive receipts in the form of electronic receipt information to realize the benefits they have received by using a coupon even after paying. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the server device includes a storage unit, an acquisition means, a tallying means, and a transmission means. The storage unit stores electronic receipt information, which is a digitized receipt showing transaction details including an amount deducted from the bill for the transaction by using a digitized coupon, in association with customer identification information identifying the customer who is the subject of the transaction. In response to receiving a tally request command including the customer identification information, the acquisition means acquires from the storage unit the electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the tally request command. The tallying means tally the discounted amount from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquisition means. The transmission means transmits data including the amount tally'd by the tallying means to a sender of the tally request command. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an electronic receipt server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a center server. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an electronic receipt record stored in a receipt file. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a member record stored in a member file. [Figure 8] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coupon record stored in a coupon file. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a delivery management record stored in a delivery management file. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an update process executed by a processor of the center server. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a coupon checking process executed by a processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a top screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a no-coupon notification screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a coupon list screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a coupon use screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a coupon request command reception process executed by a processor of the center server. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scanning process executed by a processor of a POS terminal. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of coupon determination processing in the scanning processing. [Figure 19] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a closing key process executed by a processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a receipt data receiving process executed by a processor of the center server. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt list screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 22]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a summary item selection screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tally screen displayed on a touch panel of an information terminal. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a tally request command reception process executed by a processor of the center server. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic receipt system and a server device for this system will be described with reference to the drawings, which allows shoppers who receive receipts in the form of electronic receipt information to realize the benefits they have received by using a coupon even after payment.

[0010] [Electronic receipt system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system 1 according to this embodiment. The electronic receipt system 1 includes a POS system 2, a server system 3, and a network 4 for connecting the two systems 2 and 3 so that they can communicate with each other freely. The network 4 is a wide-area communication network such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The electronic receipt system 1 also connects to an information terminal 6 equipped with a wireless communication function via a base station 5 on the network 4. The information terminal 6 is, for example, a wireless communication device carried by a shopper, and corresponds to a personal computer, smartphone, mobile phone, tablet terminal, etc.

[0011] The POS system 2 includes a plurality of POS terminals 21 (two in the figure), a store server 22, a router 23, and a LAN (Local Area Network) 24. The POS system 2 is configured by connecting each of the POS terminals 21, the store server 22, and the router 23 to the LAN 24. The LAN 24 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Such a POS system 2 is established in a retail store or the like that sells products.

[0012] The POS terminal 21 has functions such as registering and processing sales data for products purchased by shoppers and settling commercial transactions with those shoppers. When settling a commercial transaction, the POS terminal 21 creates receipt data showing the details of the transaction and issues the receipt. Receipts can be issued as either paper or electronic receipts. When issuing a paper receipt, the POS terminal 21 controls the printer 217 (see FIG. 3) to print the receipt data on a specified receipt paper. When issuing an electronic receipt, the POS terminal 21 sends the electronic receipt data to the server system 3 along with a member ID, which is customer identification information read by a reading device.

[0013] The store server 22 has a product master file that stores information about each product sold in the store. The information includes a product ID, which is product identification information for individually identifying each product. The product master file also stores the name (product name) of the product identified by the product ID, the price per item (unit price), a classification code indicating the product classification, and the like. The classification code is a code that identifies the classification of the product identified by the corresponding product ID, such as whether the product is a food product or a miscellaneous item. When a product ID inquiry is made from the POS terminal 21 via the LAN 24, the store server 22 responds to the inquiring POS terminal 21 with product information such as the product name, unit price, and classification code, including the product ID.

[0014] The router 23 relays data communication between the LAN 24 and the network 4. Electronic receipt information (electronic receipt data) sent from the POS terminal 21 to the server system 3 via the LAN 24 is sent to the server system 3 on the network 4 via the router 23.

[0015] Although FIG. 1 shows the POS system 2 of one store, typically, the POS systems 2 of multiple stores are connected to the network 4, and together with the server system 3, the electronic receipt system 1 is configured.

[0016] The server system 3 includes an electronic receipt server 31 and a center server 32. The electronic receipt server 31 collectively stores electronic receipt information issued to each shopper. Specifically, the electronic receipt server 31 is provided with a storage device for saving electronic receipt information, and stores electronic receipt information received via the network 4 in this storage device. Upon receiving a request from an information terminal 6, the electronic receipt server 31 reads out electronic receipt information issued to the shopper who is the user of the information terminal 6 from the storage device, and transmits the electronic receipt information to the information terminal 6 via the network 4.

[0017] The center server 32 collectively stores digitized coupon data, so-called electronic coupon information. Specifically, the center server 32 is equipped with a storage device for saving electronic coupon information, and stores electronic coupon information input from the outside in the storage device. The outside may be a computer device connected to the network 4, or a reading device that reads data from a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, USB memory, or semiconductor memory. Upon receiving a request from an information terminal 6, the center server 32 reads electronic coupon information that can be used at a retail store or the like by the shopper who is the user of the information terminal 6 from the storage device and transmits the information to the information terminal 6 via the network 4.

[0018] [Information terminal configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 6. As shown in FIG. The information terminal 6 is a portable main body that includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a touch panel 65, a wireless unit 66, etc. The processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the clock 64, the touch panel 65, and the wireless unit 66 are connected by a system transmission path 67 that includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc.

[0019] The information terminal 6 is a computer that includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, and a system transmission line 67 that connects these components. The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the information terminal 6 in accordance with an operating system and application programs.

[0020] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system and application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may also store data required for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each component in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 61 as needed.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) is used as the auxiliary storage device 63. A hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) may also be used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0022] The clock 64 functions as a time information source for the information terminal 6. The processor 61 keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 64. The touch panel 65 functions as an input device and a display device of the information terminal 6. On the touch panel 65, icons for starting the above-mentioned application programs are displayed. The wireless unit 66 performs wireless data communication with the base station 5 using a wireless LAN, mobile data communication, or the like.

[0023] By installing the electronic receipt terminal program P1, which is an application program, on the information terminal 6 configured as above, the information terminal 6 becomes a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic coupon information. That is, the information terminal 6 can receive electronic receipt information distributed from the electronic receipt server 31 via the wireless unit 66 and display a receipt image on the touch panel 65. The information terminal 6 can also receive electronic coupon information distributed from the center server 32 via the wireless unit 66 and display a coupon list on the touch panel 65. Furthermore, the information terminal 6 can also display purchase record data calculated based on the electronic receipt information on the touch panel 65.

[0024] The electronic receipt terminal program P1 controls the processor 61 so that the information terminal 6 functions as a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt terminal program P1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 63. Additionally, an electronic receipt management area W1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 63 together with this electronic receipt terminal program P1.

[0025] In order for a user of the information terminal 6 to receive a receipt from a retail store as electronic receipt information, the user must register as a member in advance. Member registration can be performed from the information terminal 6 under the control of the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Therefore, the user must install the electronic receipt terminal program P1 in the information terminal 6 before registering as a member.

[0026] When a user starts the electronic receipt terminal program P1 on the information terminal 6 on which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed and selects the member registration mode, a member registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 65. The user then enters user information such as name, age, gender, and postal code to register as a member. Upon this member registration, a member ID for identifying the user is issued by the server system 3. The member ID is saved in the electronic receipt management area W1 of the information terminal 6. Hereinafter, a user who has registered as a member will be referred to as a member.

[0027] [POS terminal configuration] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 21. As shown in FIG. The POS terminal 21 includes a processor 211, a main memory 212, an auxiliary storage device 213, a clock 214, a keyboard 215, a display 216, a printer 217, a scanner 218, and a communication interface 219. The processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, the clock 214, the keyboard 215, the display 216, the printer 217, the scanner 218, and the communication interface 219 are connected by a system transmission path 2110. The processor 211 , main memory 212 , auxiliary storage device 213 and clock 214 of the POS terminal 21 are the same as those of the information terminal 6 .

[0028] The keyboard 215 is a dedicated input device that has number keys for entering numerical values such as points and amounts, as well as various function keys such as a multiplication key, a subtotal key, and a closing key. It may be a general-purpose keyboard to which any key is assigned a function required by the POS terminal 21. The closing key is a key that the operator uses to declare the closing of the registration of a commercial transaction.

[0029] The display 216 is a display device for displaying the name (product name), price, total amount, change amount, etc. of the product registered in the POS terminal 21. There are two types of displays 216: one for the store clerk who operates the POS terminal 21, and one for the customer. Note that a touch panel that serves as both an input device and a display device may be used instead of the keyboard 215 and the display 216.

[0030] The printer 217 prints receipt data showing details of the transaction on a specified receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is cut by a cutter and issued as a paper receipt.

[0031] The scanner 218 optically reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. Many products are affixed with code symbols that are barcodes of product codes unique to the product. The scanner 218 is used to read the code symbols affixed to products purchased by shoppers. Furthermore, a code symbol that is a barcode of a member ID is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 on which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed. The scanner 218 is also used to read the code symbols displayed on the touch panel 65. In other words, the scanner 218 also functions as a member ID reader.

[0032] The member ID reader is not limited to the scanner 218. For example, if the information terminal 6 is a device that supports short-range wireless communication and uses this short-range wireless communication to transmit the member ID, the reader is a short-range wireless communication device for receiving the member ID.

[0033] The communication interface 219 is connected to the LAN 24. The communication interface 219 performs data communication with devices connected via the LAN 24 in accordance with a preset communication protocol.

[0034] The POS terminal 21 configured as described above becomes a checkout device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the electronic receipt issuing program P2, which is an application program. In other words, the POS terminal 21 can issue receipts generated in commercial transactions with members as electronic receipts. The POS terminal 21 can also process discounts according to the electronic coupon information presented by the member. Discount processing includes discounts per product and discounts on the subtotal. Note that in this embodiment, discounts using coupons are defined as price discounts, but coupon discounts may also be discounts that reduce the price by a specified rate, or price changes that reduce the price of products by an amount lower than the normal unit price.

[0035] The electronic receipt issuing program P2 controls the processor 211 so that the POS terminal 21 functions as a checkout device of the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt issuing program P2 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 213.

[0036] [Electronic receipt server configuration] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt server 31. The electronic receipt server 31 includes a processor 311, a main memory 312, an auxiliary storage device 313, a clock 314, and a communication interface 315. The processor 311, the main memory 312, the auxiliary storage device 313, the clock 314, and the communication interface 315 are connected by a system transmission path 316. The processor 311, main memory 312, auxiliary storage device 313, and clock 314 of the electronic receipt server 31 are the same as those of the information terminal 6 and the POS terminal 21.

[0037] The communication interface 315 is connected to the network 4. The communication interface 315 performs data communication with devices connected via the network 4 in accordance with a preset communication protocol.

[0038] The electronic receipt server 31 configured as described above becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic receipt information by installing the electronic receipt server program P3, which is an application program. That is, the electronic receipt server 31 collectively stores the electronic receipt information issued from each POS terminal 21. Furthermore, the electronic receipt server 31 transmits the corresponding electronic receipt information to the information terminal 6 in response to a request from the information terminal 6.

[0039] The electronic receipt server program P3 controls the processor 311 so that the electronic receipt server 31 functions as a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic receipt information. The electronic receipt server program P3 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 313. A receipt file FL1 is also created in the auxiliary storage device 313 together with the electronic receipt server program P3. The receipt file FL1 is used as an area for collectively storing electronic receipt information.

[0040] [Center server configuration] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the center server 32. As shown in FIG. The center server 32 includes a processor 321, a main memory 322, an auxiliary storage device 323, a clock 324, and a communication interface 325. The processor 321, the main memory 322, the auxiliary storage device 323, the clock 324, and the communication interface 325 are connected by a system transmission path 326. The processor 321 , main memory 322 , auxiliary storage device 323 , clock 324 and communication interface 325 of the center server 32 are the same as those of the electronic receipt server 31 .

[0041] The center server 32 configured as described above becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic coupon information by installing the electronic coupon management program P4, which is an application program. In other words, the center server 32 collectively stores electronic coupon information planned by product manufacturers, etc. In addition, in response to a request from the information terminal 6, the center server 32 transmits electronic coupon information to the information terminal 6, the electronic coupon information being distributed to the group to which the member carrying the information terminal 6 belongs.

[0042] The electronic coupon management program P4 controls the processor 321 so that the center server 32 functions as a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon management program P4 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 323. Along with this electronic coupon management program P4, a member file FL2, a coupon file FL3, and a distribution management file FL4 are also formed in the auxiliary storage device 323. The member file FL2 is used as an area for collectively storing information about members. The coupon file FL3 is used as an area for collectively storing electronic coupon information. The distribution management file FL4 is used as an area for storing information for managing the distribution of each piece of electronic coupon information.

[0043] [Configuration of each file] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an electronic receipt record FL1R stored in a receipt file FL1. The electronic receipt record FL1R is made up of a member ID and receipt data (electronic receipt information) issued to a member identified by the member ID.

[0044] Receipt data includes store code, transaction date and time, transaction number, product sales data, coupon used data, payment data, etc. The store code is a unique code assigned to each retail store to identify the store. Product sales data consists of product ID, which is an identification code for the product purchased by the member, product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. Coupon used data consists of coupon ID, which is identification information for the electronic coupon information used by the member, discount amount, etc. Payment data consists of payment amount for commercial transactions with the member, payment type, etc.

[0045] Here, the receipt file FL1 constitutes a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing transaction details including the amount deducted from the transaction bill by using an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer who is the subject of the transaction.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a member record FL2R stored in the member file FL2. The member record FL2R consists of a member ID, and the name, gender, age, postal code, transaction history data, coupon history data, rank, etc. of the member identified by the member ID.

[0047] Name, gender, age, and postal code are data entered when registering as a member. Transaction history data is data that compiles the product purchase history of members. Transaction history data is generated by compiling product sales data contained in receipt data. Coupon history data is data that compiles the use history of members' electronic coupon information. Coupon history data is generated by compiling coupon usage data contained in receipt data. Rank indicates the degree of preferential treatment given to members. For example, a rank is set for each shopper according to the cumulative amount of purchases. The cumulative amount of purchases can be determined from the transaction history data.

[0048] 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coupon record FL3R stored in the coupon file FL3. The coupon record FL3R is composed of a coupon ID, and the product ID, product name, discount amount, start date, end date, distribution conditions, validity count, etc. related to the electronic coupon information identified by this coupon ID.

[0049] The product ID is the ID of the product to which the discount is applied via the electronic coupon information. The product name is the name of the product identified by the corresponding product ID. The discount amount is the amount of the discount applied via the electronic coupon information. The start date and end date are the start and end dates of the period during which the electronic coupon information can be used. The distribution conditions determine the group of members to whom the electronic coupon information is distributed. Groups can be grouped by customer attributes, such as gender, age, postal code, and rank, from the data that makes up the member record FL2R. For example, if the distribution condition is "Female, 20s," female members between the ages of 20 and 29 will be eligible to receive the electronic coupon information. Similarly, if the distribution condition is "Rank 1," members ranked 1 will be eligible to receive the electronic coupon information. The validity count is the maximum number of times a member can use the electronic coupon. For example, if the electronic coupon information can only be used once per member, the validity count is "1." For example, if the electronic coupon information can only be used twice per member, the validity count is "2."

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a distribution management record FL4R stored in the distribution management file FL4. The distribution management record FLR4 is composed of a coupon ID and paired data of a member ID and an allowable number of times N. The member ID identifies a member belonging to a group to which the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is to be distributed. The allowable number of times N has an initial value that is the valid number of times the electronic coupon information is valid, and is counted down each time the electronic coupon information is used by the member identified by the corresponding member ID. When the allowable number of times N reaches "0," the member will no longer be able to use the coupon in the electronic coupon information.

[0051] [Electronic receipt system operation] First, the operation up to when a member acquires electronic coupon information from the center server 32 will be described.

[0052] 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the update process executed by the processor 321 of the center server 32 each time the date measured by the clock 324 changes to the next day. This update process is performed in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in FIG. 10 and described below is merely an example, and various other processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0053] In Act 1, the processor 321 reads a coupon record FL3R from the coupon file FL3. The coupon file FL3 stores a large number of coupon records FL3R related to electronic coupon information offered by product manufacturers, etc. The processor 321 then executes the processing from Act 2 onward for the read coupon record FL3R.

[0054] That is, in Act 2, the processor 321 checks whether the start date of the coupon record FL3R matches the date measured by the clock 324. If they do not match (NO in Act 2), the processor 321 checks whether the end date of the coupon record FL3R matches the date (Act 3). If they do not match (NO in Act 3), the processor 321 proceeds to the processing of Act 13.

[0055] If the start date of the coupon record FL3R matches the date on the clock 324 (YES in Act 2), the processor 321 stores the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R in the work area in Act 4. The processor 321 also recognizes the distribution conditions of the coupon record FL3R in Act 5.

[0056] Having recognized the distribution conditions, the processor 321 searches the member file FL2 in Act 6. Then, in Act 7, the processor 321 determines whether the distribution conditions are met for each member record FL2R. If a member record FL2R that meets the distribution conditions is found (YES in Act 7), the processor 321 stores the paired data of the member ID of that member record FL2R and the validity count of the coupon record FL3R in the work area in Act 8. If the member record FL2R does not meet the distribution conditions (NO in Act 7), the processor 321 does not store the paired data of the member ID and the validity count in the work area.

[0057] In Act 9, the processor 321 determines whether the search of the member file FL2 has ended. If the search has not ended (YES in Act 9), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 6. That is, the processor 321 continues searching the member file FL2. Then, every time the processor 321 finds a member record FL2R that satisfies the distribution conditions, the processor 321 stores the paired data of the member ID and the valid number of times in the work area.

[0058] Once the search for the member file is completed (NO in Act 9), the processor 321 creates a delivery management record FL4R in Act 10. The delivery management record FL4R includes the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R read from the coupon file FL3 in the processing of Act 1 and the paired data of the member ID and the validity number created in the processing of Act 8. The created delivery management record FL4R is stored in the work area. After that, the processor 321 proceeds to the processing of Act 13.

[0059] On the other hand, if the end date of the coupon record FL3R matches the date on the clock 324 (YES in Act 3), the processor 321 searches the delivery management file FL4 in Act 11 and deletes the delivery management record FL4R that stores the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R. The processor 321 also deletes the coupon record FL3R from the coupon file FL3 in Act 12. After that, the processor 321 proceeds to the processing of Act 13. Note that "deletion" of the coupon record FL3R and distribution management record FL4R does not simply mean physically deleting the record from the file. For example, "deletion" also includes invalidating a record by adding flag information indicating invalidity to the record.

[0060] In Act 13, the processor 321 determines whether or not there is a next coupon record FL3R. If there is a next coupon record FL3R in the coupon file FL3 (YES in Act 13), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 1. Then, the processor 321 executes the processing from Act 1 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0061] If the coupon file FL3 does not have the next coupon record FL3R (NO in Act 13), the processor 321 saves the delivery management record FL4R stored in the work area in the delivery management file FL4 in Act 14. This completes the update process.

[0062] This update process stores all distribution management records FL4R related to the electronic coupon information within the distribution period in the distribution management file FL4. Each distribution management record FL4R contains a pair of data between the member ID of a member who satisfies the distribution conditions of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID and the allowable number of times N for that member.

[0063] Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the coupon confirmation process, which is part of the process executed by the processor 61 of the information terminal 6. Figs. 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 65 by executing the coupon confirmation process. The processor 61 executes this coupon confirmation process in accordance with the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Note that the content of the process shown in Fig. 11 and described below is just an example, and various processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0064] An icon for starting the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 on which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed. When a member touches this icon, the electronic receipt terminal program P1 starts up.

[0065] When the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is started, the processor 61 changes the screen of the touch panel 65 to the top screen G1 (see FIG. 12) in Act 21. As shown in FIG. 12, a barcode symbol 71 is displayed on the top screen G1. This barcode symbol 71 is a barcode of the member ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1. In addition, a coupon confirmation icon 72 for instructing the member to check the electronic coupon information and a receipt icon 73 for instructing the member to check the electronic receipt information are also displayed on the top screen G1.

[0066] With the top screen G1 displayed, the processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched in Act 22. When it detects that the screen has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 65 (YES in Act 22), the processor 61 checks whether the coupon confirmation icon 72 has been touched in Act 23. If an area of the screen other than the coupon confirmation icon 72 has been touched (NO in Act 23), the processor 61 executes processing according to the touch position. For example, if the receipt icon 73 has been touched, the processor 61 causes the touch panel 65 to display a receipt list screen. The receipt list screen is a screen that lists simplified information such as the transaction date, store name, and total amount of electronic receipt information issued to the member. When the member touches a desired simplified information display field, a receipt image of the transaction corresponding to the simplified information in that field is displayed on the touch panel 65.

[0067] If the coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched (YES in Act 23), the processor 61 sends a coupon request command using the member ID as a search key to the center server 32 in Act 24. That is, the processor 61 reads the member ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. Then, the processor 61 notifies the wireless unit 66 to send a coupon request command including this member ID to the center server 32.

[0068] Upon receiving this notification, the wireless unit 66 wirelessly transmits a coupon request command with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the information terminal 6 as the source address. This coupon request command includes the member ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1. The wirelessly transmitted coupon request command is received by the base station 5 and transmitted to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0069] Upon receiving the coupon request command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes a receiving process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 16. This process is in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in Figure 16 and described below is merely an example, and various other processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0070] When the process of receiving a coupon request command starts, processor 321 acquires a member ID in Act 41. As described above, the coupon request command includes a member ID for identifying the member who is the user of information terminal 6 that is the sender of the command. Processor 321 acquires the member ID from the coupon request command.

[0071] When the member ID is acquired, the processor 321 forms a coupon list in the volatile memory area of the main memory 322 in Act 42. Next, the processor 321 searches the delivery management file FL4 in Act 43. Then, the processor 321 checks whether the acquired member ID is included in each delivery management record FL4R in Act 44. If a delivery management record FL4R containing the member ID is detected (YES in Act 44), the processor 321 checks whether the allowable number N of times that the member ID and paired data are configured is "1" or greater in Act 45.

[0072] If the allowable number of times N is "1" or more (YES in Act 45), the processor 321 acquires the coupon ID from the distribution management record FL4R in Act 46. Then, the processor 321 reads the coupon record FL3R containing the coupon file from the coupon file FL3 in Act 47, and creates electronic coupon data using the coupon ID, product ID, product name, discount amount, etc. of this coupon record FL3R. The processor 321 registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list in Act 48. If the distribution management record FL4R does not contain a member ID (NO in Act 43) or if the allowable number of times N is "0" (NO in Act 45), the processor 321 does not execute the processes of Act 46, Act 47, and Act 48.

[0073] In Act 49, the processor 321 checks whether the search of the delivery management file FL4 has ended. If the search has not ended (NO in Act 49), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 43. That is, the processor 321 continues searching the delivery management file FL4. Then, every time the processor 321 detects a delivery management record FL4R that includes the member ID acquired from the coupon request command and for which the allowable number N of times that this member ID and paired data are formed is equal to or greater than "1," the processor 321 creates electronic coupon data that includes the coupon ID of that delivery management record FL4R. Then, the processor 321 registers this electronic coupon data in the coupon list.

[0074] After completing the search of the distribution management file FL4 (YES in Act 49), the processor 321 checks whether electronic coupon data is registered in the coupon list in Act 50. If electronic coupon data is registered (YES in Act 50), the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 to send coupon list data to the information terminal 6 that is the sender of the coupon request command in Act 51.

[0075] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends the coupon list data onto the network 4, with the communication address of the information terminal 6 that sent the coupon request command as the destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source. The coupon list data includes electronic coupon data registered in the coupon list.

[0076] On the other hand, if the electronic coupon data is not registered in the coupon list (NO in Act 50), the processor 321 instructs the communication interface 325 to send data notifying that no coupon is available to the information terminal 6 in Act 52.

[0077] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends no-coupon notification data onto the network 4 with the communication address of the information terminal 6 that sent the coupon request command as the destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source.

[0078] The coupon list data or no-coupon notification data transmitted onto the network 4 is wirelessly transmitted from the base station 5 and received by the information terminal 6 having the communication address of the destination.

[0079] Returning to the explanation of FIG. The processor 61 of the information terminal 6 that sent the coupon request command to the center server 32 waits for data to be sent from the center server 32 in Act 25. Here, if data notifying that no coupon is available is received via the wireless unit 66 (NO in Act 25), the processor 61 changes the screen of the touch panel 65 to the no-coupon notification screen G2 (see FIG. 13) in Act 26. As shown in FIG. 13, the no-coupon notification screen G2 displays a barcode symbol 71 of the member ID and a message 74 notifying that there is no usable electronic coupon information. Therefore, a member who touches the coupon confirmation icon 72 can confirm from this message 74 that there is no usable electronic coupon information at the current time.

[0080] When coupon list data is received from the center server 32 (YES in Act 25), the processor 61 changes the screen of the touch panel 65 to the coupon list screen G3 (see FIG. 14) in Act 27. As shown in FIG. 14, the coupon list screen G3 displays a coupon list 75 together with a barcode symbol 71 of the member ID. Also displayed on the coupon list screen G3 is a selection end icon 76, which allows the member to end the selection of electronic coupon information. The coupon list 75 represents a list of electronic coupon data included in the coupon list data. Specifically, the coupon list 75 displays a list of the names of products eligible for coupons and the discount amounts. Therefore, a member who touches the coupon confirmation icon 72 can check from this coupon list 75 the products eligible for currently available coupons and the discount amounts that would be obtained if the coupons were used.

[0081] In this way, in the electronic receipt system 1, distribution conditions are set for each piece of electronic coupon information. Then, electronic coupon information is distributed only to members who satisfy these distribution conditions. Therefore, it is possible to group members who receive receipts as electronic receipt information according to the distribution conditions, and distribute electronic coupon information to each group.

[0082] Next, the operation when a member who has acquired electronic coupon information uses the coupon to pay for a commercial transaction will be described.

[0083] After checking coupon list 75, the member searches list 75 for electronic coupon information that they wish to use at a retail store. If they find electronic coupon information that they wish to use, they touch the row in coupon list 75 that displays the product name that the coupon applies to. At this time, if they wish to use two or more coupons from electronic coupon information, they touch each row in succession. After they have finished selecting electronic coupon information, the member touches selection completion icon 76.

[0084] With the coupon list screen G3 displayed, processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched in Act 28. When processor 61 detects that the screen has been touched by a signal from touch panel 65 (YES in Act 28), processor 61 checks whether a row of coupon list 75 has been touched in Act 29 or whether selection end icon 76 has been touched in Act 30. If an area other than coupon list 75 or selection end icon 76 has been touched (NO in Act 29, NO in Act 30), processor 61 executes processing according to the touch position.

[0085] When a row of coupon list 75 is touched (YES in Act 29), processor 61 stores electronic coupon data (coupon ID, product ID, product name, discount amount, etc.) including the product name and discount amount displayed in the touched row in the work area in Act 31. After that, processor 61 returns to the processing of Act 28 and waits for the screen to be touched again.

[0086] On the other hand, if the selection end icon 76 is touched (YES in Act 30), the processor 61 changes the screen of the touch panel 65 to the coupon use screen G4 (see FIG. 15) in Act 32. As shown in FIG. 15, the coupon use screen G4 displays a barcode 77 representing the coupon ID together with the barcode symbol 71 of the member ID. The product name and discount amount are also displayed in association with this barcode 77. The barcode 77 is a barcode version of the coupon ID included in the electronic coupon data stored in the work area. The product name and discount amount included in the electronic coupon data are then displayed in association with this barcode 77. Therefore, the coupon ID of the electronic coupon selected by the member is displayed in the form of a barcode on the touch panel 65 together with the member ID of the member.

[0087] If the member touches the selection completion icon 76 without selecting electronic coupon information, the barcode 77 will not be displayed on the coupon use screen G4 because no electronic coupon data is stored in the work area.

[0088] A member who wants to use a coupon from the electronic coupon information presents the coupon use screen G4 to the accounting staff member. Upon receiving the coupon use screen G4, the staff member first uses the scanner 218 of the POS terminal 21 to scan the member ID barcode displayed on the coupon use screen G4. The staff member then scans the coupon ID barcode 77 displayed on the coupon use screen G4 and the product ID barcode attached to the purchased product. After completing the scanning, the staff member enters the closing key to declare the transaction registration closed.

[0089] Here, the order in which the coupon ID barcode 77 and the product ID barcode are scanned is not particularly limited. The coupon ID barcode 77 may be scanned all at once, followed by the product ID barcode. Conversely, the product ID barcodes may be scanned all at once, followed by the coupon ID barcode 77. Alternatively, when scanning the product ID barcode, the person in charge may check whether or not there is an electronic coupon for that product, and if there is an electronic coupon, the product ID barcode and the coupon ID barcode 77 may be scanned consecutively.

[0090] The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 can analyze the scanned barcode data using well-known techniques to identify whether it is a member ID barcode, a coupon ID barcode 77, or a product ID barcode.

[0091] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the steps of the scanning process executed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. Figure 18 is a flowchart specifically showing the steps of the coupon determination process within the scanning process. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the steps of the closing key process executed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. The processor 211 executes these processes in accordance with the electronic receipt issuance program P2. Note that the contents of the processes shown in Figures 17 to 19 and described below are just examples, and various processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0092] When the electronic receipt issuance program P2 is launched, the processor 211 performs initialization in Act 61. This initialization clears the data in the transaction buffer and coupon buffer formed in the volatile memory area of the main memory 212. The transaction buffer is an area that temporarily stores data related to commercial transactions with members. The coupon buffer is an area that temporarily stores data related to electronic coupon information used by members. This initialization also resets the member flag F1 and coupon flag F2 to "0." The member flag F1 is 1-bit information that is set to "1" in commercial transactions with members who receive a receipt in the form of electronic receipt information. The coupon flag F2 is 1-bit information that is set to "1" in commercial transactions with members who use a coupon in the electronic coupon information. The member flag F1 and coupon flag F2 are stored in, for example, a volatile memory area. Note that a screen created based on the data in the transaction buffer is displayed on the display 216. Therefore, this initialization also resets the screen of the display 216 to the initial screen.

[0093] After completing the initialization, the processor 211 checks in Act 62 whether scanning has been performed. If scanning has not been performed (NO in Act 62), the processor 211 checks in Act 63 whether key input has been performed. If key input has not been performed (NO in Act 63), the processor 211 returns to the processing of Act 62. Therefore, the processor 211 waits for scanning or key input to be performed through the processing of Act 62 and Act 63.

[0094] When a barcode is scanned by the scanner 218 (YES in Act 62), the processor 211 checks the member flag F1 in Act 64. If the member flag F1 is reset to "0", the processor 211 checks whether the scanned barcode is a member ID barcode in Act 65. If it is not a member ID barcode (NO in Act 65), the processor 211 checks whether the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode in Act 66. If it is not a product ID barcode (NO in Act 66), the processor 211 executes processing according to the type of barcode.

[0095] If the scanned barcode is a member ID barcode (YES in Act 65), the processor 211 stores member data related to the member ID obtained by analyzing the barcode in the work area in Act 67. The member data includes the member ID. It may also include the name, gender, age, rank, etc., which are associated with the member ID and stored in the member file FL2. The name, gender, age, rank, etc. data may be obtained from the center server 32 each time the member ID barcode is scanned, or a local file of the member file FL2 may be saved in advance on the store server 22 and the data may be obtained from this local file.

[0096] The processor 211 sets the member flag F1 to "1" in Act 68. After that, the processor 211 returns to the processing of Act 62. Therefore, when a barcode is scanned next (YES in Act 62), the member flag F1 is set to "1" (YES in Act 64), so the processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 69. In Act 69, the processor 211 checks whether the scanned barcode is a coupon ID barcode. If it is not a coupon ID barcode (NO in Act 69), the processor 211 checks whether the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode in Act 70. If it is not a product ID barcode (NO in Act 70), the processor 211 executes processing according to the type of barcode.

[0097] If the scanned barcode is a coupon ID barcode (YES in Act 69), the processor 211 analyzes the barcode and stores the used coupon data associated with the coupon ID in the coupon buffer in Act 71. The used coupon data includes the coupon ID and the product ID, product name, discount amount, etc. that are associated with the coupon ID and stored in the coupon file FL3. The data such as the product ID, product name, and discount amount may be obtained from the center server 32 each time the coupon ID barcode is scanned, or a local file of the coupon file FL3 may be stored in advance in the store server 22 and the data may be obtained from this local file.

[0098] After storing the used coupon data in the coupon buffer, the processor 211 checks the coupon flag F2 in Act 72. If the coupon flag F2 is reset to "0" (NO in Act 72), the processor 211 sets the coupon flag F2 to "1" in Act 73. If the coupon flag F2 is set to "1" or if the coupon flag F2 is already set to "1" (YES in Act 72), the processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 76.

[0099] On the other hand, if the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode (YES in Act 66 or Act 70), the processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 74. In Act 74, the processor 211 generates product sales data from the product ID obtained by analyzing the barcode. The product sales data includes the product ID, the name (product name) of the product identified by the product ID, the unit price, the number of units sold, the sales amount, etc. The product name and unit price data are obtained from the product master file. The number of units sold is usually "1", and if a multiplier is keyed in immediately before scanning the product ID, it becomes that multiplier. The sales amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the number of units sold. The processor 211 stores the product sales data in the transaction buffer.

[0100] Next, the processor 211 checks the coupon flag F2 in Act 75. If the coupon flag F2 is reset to "0" (NO in Act 75), the processor 211 proceeds to the process of Act 79. If the coupon flag F2 is set to "1" (NO in Act 75), the processor 211 proceeds to the process of Act 76.

[0101] In Act 76, the processor 211 executes the coupon determination process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 18. That is, in Act 761, the processor 211 collates the product ID. The coupon determination process may be performed in two ways: when the scanned barcode is a coupon ID and through the processing of Act 71, or when the scanned barcode is a product ID and through the processing of Act 74. In the former case, the processor 211 checks the product ID of the used coupon data stored in the coupon buffer in the processing of Act 71 against the product ID of the product sales data already stored in the transaction buffer. In the latter case, the processor 211 checks the product ID of the product sales data stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act 74 against the product ID of the used coupon data already stored in the coupon buffer.

[0102] In Act 762, the processor 211 checks whether the product ID in the coupon data used matches the product ID in the product sales data. If the product IDs match (YES in Act 762), the processor 211 sends a count request command to the center server 32, using the coupon ID and member ID as search keys. That is, the processor 211 instructs the communication interface 219 to send a count request command to the center server 32, including the coupon ID acquired from the coupon data used including the product ID that matches through the matching process, and the member ID stored in the processing of Act 67.

[0103] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 transmits a count request command in Act 763, with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the source address. The count request command includes the coupon ID acquired from the used coupon data including the product ID that matched in the collation process, and the member ID stored in the process of Act 67. The count request command is transmitted from the router 23 to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0104] The processor 321 of the center server 32 that received the count request command searches the delivery management file FL4. If the processor 321 finds a delivery management record FL4R that includes the coupon ID included in the count request command, it acquires the paired data included in this delivery management record FL4R in which the member ID included in the count request command is set. The processor 321 then instructs the communication interface 325 to transmit response data including the allowable number N of this paired data to the POS terminal 21 that sent the count request command.

[0105] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends response data to the network 4, with the communication address of the POS terminal 21 that sent the count request command as the destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source. The response data includes the member ID and the allowable number of times N that constitutes paired data. The response data is received by the router 23 and sent via the LAN 24 to the POS terminal 21 that sent the count request command.

[0106] The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 that sent the count request command to the center server 32 waits for response data sent from the center server 32 in Act 764. Then, when the response data is received (YES in Act 764), the processor 211 determines whether the allowable number of times N included in the response data is "0" or "1" or more in Act 765. If the allowable number of times N is "1" or more (NO in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that the coupon is applicable in the work area in Act 766. If the allowable number of times N is "0" (YES in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that the coupon is not applicable in the work area in Act 767. This completes the coupon determination process.

[0107] Returning to the explanation of FIG. When the coupon determination process is completed, the processor 211 checks the status information stored in the work area by the coupon determination process in Act 77. If the status information indicates that the coupon is applicable (YES in Act 77), the processor 211 transfers the used coupon data, the product ID of which is confirmed to match in the coupon determination process, from the coupon buffer to the transaction buffer in Act 78. Thereafter, the processor 211 proceeds to the display update process in Act 79. If the status information indicates that the coupon is not applicable (NO in Act 77), the processor 211 proceeds to the process in Act 79 without executing the process in Act 78.

[0108] In Act 79, the processor 211 updates the screen of the display 216, which is created based on the data in the transaction buffer. Therefore, when product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act 74, the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc., which constitute this product sales data, are displayed on the screen. When used coupon data is stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act 78, the product name, discount amount, etc., which constitute this used coupon data, are displayed on the screen. In addition, the amount obtained by subtracting the total discount amount of the used coupon data from the total sales amount of the product sales data is displayed as the transaction amount.

[0109] After updating the screen of the display 216, the processor 211 returns to the processing of Act 62. Therefore, when the barcode is scanned again, the processor 211 executes the processing from Act 69 onwards again.

[0110] On the other hand, if any key on keyboard 215 is pressed (YES in Act 63), processor 211 executes a process according to the pressed key. That is, if the pressed key is the closing key, processor 211 starts the process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0111] First, in Act 81, the processor 211 checks whether the purchased items of the transaction have been registered. That is, the processor 211 checks whether the product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer. If the product sales data is not stored in the transaction buffer (NO in Act 81), the processor 211 determines that the closing key was entered erroneously when the purchased items of the transaction had not been registered. In this case, the processor 211 treats the entry of the closing key as an error.

[0112] If product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer (Act 81: YES), the processor 211 executes payment processing in Act 82. In this payment processing, the processor 211 generates payment data including the total price of the purchased products, the payment amount for that total price, and the payment type (cash payment, credit card payment, etc.). Then, the processor 211 stores this payment data in the transaction buffer in Act 83.

[0113] Next, the processor 211 checks the member flag F1 in Act 84. If the member flag F1 is reset to "0," meaning the transaction is with a shopper who is not an electronic receipt member, the processor 211 controls the issuance of a paper receipt in Act 85. Specifically, the processor 211 generates receipt data as print data from the data stored in the transaction buffer, and outputs this receipt data to the printer 217 to issue a paper receipt.

[0114] On the other hand, if the member flag F1 is set to "1", that is, if the transaction is with an electronic receipt member, the processor 211 controls the issuance of an electronic receipt in Act 86. Specifically, the processor 211 generates electronic receipt data using the data stored in the transaction buffer, and notifies the communication interface 219 to send this receipt data and the member ID of the member data stored in the work area in the processing of Act 67 to the center server 32.

[0115] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 sends receipt data with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the source address. The receipt data includes the member ID, product sales data, and used coupon data. The receipt data is sent from the router 23 to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0116] Upon receiving the receipt data, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes the processing steps shown in the flowchart of Fig. 20. Note that the processing shown in Fig. 20 and described below is merely an example, and various other processing steps that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0117] The processor 321 acquires the member ID from the receipt data in Act 91. The processor 321 also acquires transaction detail data from the receipt data in Act 92. The transaction detail data is product sales data or coupon usage data.

[0118] The processor 321 determines whether the transaction detail data is product sales data or coupon usage data in Act 93. If it is product sales data (NO in Act 93), the processor 321 updates the transaction history data of the member record FL2R including the member ID acquired in the processing of Act 91 in Act 94.

[0119] In the case of used coupon data (YES in Act 93), the processor 321 updates the coupon performance data of the member record FL2R including the member ID acquired in the processing of Act 91 in Act 95. The processor 321 also searches the delivery management file FL4 using the coupon ID of the used coupon data and the member ID acquired in the processing of Act 91 as search keys in Act 96. Then, the processor 321 reduces by "1" the allowable number N of times that paired data can be formed with the member ID that matches the search key, among the paired data included in the delivery management record FL4R where the search key and coupon ID match.

[0120] When the processing of Act 94 or Act 97 is completed, the processor 321 checks whether there is next transaction detail data in Act 98. If there is next transaction detail data (YES in Act 98), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 92 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

[0121] If there is no next transaction detail data (NO in Act 98), the processor 321 transfers the receipt data received from the POS terminal 21 to the electronic receipt server 31 in Act 99. The electronic receipt server 31 saves the receipt data in a receipt file FL1.

[0122] In this way, in the electronic receipt system 1, when a member uses a coupon of electronic coupon information, the allowable number of times N of that electronic coupon information for that member is reduced. Then, for a member whose member ID has this allowable number of times set to "0," that electronic coupon will no longer be distributed, even if it is within the distribution period. Therefore, with the electronic receipt system 1, it is possible to limit the number of times a member can use each electronic coupon, and to control so that electronic coupon information is not distributed to members who have exceeded the number of times of use.

[0123] Here, the computer of the center server 32, which is mainly composed of the processor 321, cooperates with the communication interface 325 to constitute a receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information from the accounting device (POS terminal 21) that settles the transaction.

[0124] Next, an operation in which a member who receives electronic receipt information using the information terminal 6 checks actual purchase data calculated based on the electronic receipt information on the information terminal 6 will be described with reference to Figs. 21 to 24. Figs. 21 to 23 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 during this operation. Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a tally command receiving process executed by the processor 321 of the center server 32.

[0125] A member who wants to check the purchase history data touches, for example, the receipt icon 73 displayed on the top screen G1. This switches the screen of the touch panel 65 to the receipt list screen G5 (see FIG. 21). As shown in FIG. 21, the receipt list screen G5 displays the total amount for each month. Furthermore, when any of the month columns are touched, simplified information of the electronic receipt information that occurred in that month, including the date, store name, and transaction amount, is displayed. Furthermore, when the simplified information column is touched, a receipt image of the electronic receipt information determined from the simplified information is displayed. Such display control of electronic receipt information is a well-known technique, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 21, a tally icon 78 is displayed on the receipt list screen G5. A member who wants to check the actual purchase data touches the tally icon 78. Doing so switches the screen of the touch panel 65 to the tally item selection screen G6 (see FIG. 22). As shown in FIG. 22, the selection screen G6 displays a transaction icon 791, a daily icon 792, a weekly icon 793, a monthly icon 794, etc. A member touches the transaction icon 791 when checking actual purchase data on a transaction basis. A member touches the daily icon 792 when checking actual purchase data on a daily basis. A member touches the weekly icon 793 when checking actual purchase data on a weekly basis. A member touches the monthly icon 794 when checking actual purchase data on a monthly basis.

[0127] For example, when a member touches transaction icon 791, an input box for the date and store name is displayed on touch panel 65, and the member inputs the date and store name of the transaction for which the member wants to check the purchase performance data. Then, processor 61 of information terminal 6 creates a tally request command with the date and store code as tally condition data.

[0128] For example, when a member touches the daily icon 792, a date input box is displayed on the touch panel 65, and the member inputs the date for which they want to check the purchase performance data. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 creates a tally request command with the date as the tally condition data.

[0129] For example, when a member touches the weekly icon 793, a week input box is displayed on the touch panel 65, and the member inputs the week for which they wish to check the actual purchase data. This causes the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 to create a tally request command that uses the week as the tally condition data.

[0130] For example, when a member touches the monthly icon 794, a month input box is displayed on the touch panel 65, and the member inputs the month for which they wish to check the actual purchase data. This causes the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 to create a tally request command with the month as the tally condition data.

[0131] When the tally request command is created, the processor 61 transmits the tally request command to the center server 32. That is, the processor 61 reads the member ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. Then, the processor 61 notifies the wireless unit 66 to transmit the tally request command including the member ID to the center server 32.

[0132] Upon receiving this notification, the wireless unit 66 wirelessly transmits a tally request command with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the information terminal 6 as the source address. This tally request command includes the member ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1. The wirelessly transmitted tally request command is received by the base station 5 and transmitted to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0133] Upon receiving the tally request command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes the process shown in the flowchart of Fig. 24. This process is in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in Fig. 24 and described below is merely an example, and various other processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0134] When starting the reception process of the tally request command, the processor 321 performs initialization in Act 101. This initialization allocates first, second, and third areas in the work area of the main memory 322. After completing the initialization, the processor 321 acquires the member ID from the tally request command in Act 102. Then, the processor 321 commands the electronic receipt server 31 to collect electronic receipt information using the member ID acquired from the tally request command in Act 103. Upon receiving this command, the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 searches the receipt file FL1, acquires digitized receipt data (so-called electronic receipt information) from the electronic receipt record FL1R that includes the corresponding member ID, and sends it to the center server 32.

[0135] Meanwhile, the processor 321 of the center server 32 acquires the tallying condition data from the tallying request command in Act 104 and stores the data in the first area. Then, every time the processor 321 receives electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt server 31 in Act 105, the processor 321 determines whether the electronic receipt information satisfies the tallying condition in Act 106.

[0136] For example, if the aggregation condition data is a date and a store code, electronic receipt information whose date and store code match this data satisfies the aggregation condition. Other electronic receipt information does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a date, electronic receipt information whose date matches this data satisfies the aggregation condition. Other electronic receipt information does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a week, electronic receipt information whose week of date matches this data satisfies the aggregation condition. Other electronic receipt information does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a month, electronic receipt information whose month of date matches this data satisfies the aggregation condition. Other electronic receipt information does not satisfy the aggregation condition.

[0137] When electronic receipt information that satisfies the tallying condition is detected (YES in Act 106), the processor 321 stores the electronic receipt information in the second area in Act 107. Next, the processor 321 checks whether the electronic receipt information includes used coupon data in Act 108. If used coupon data is included (YES in Act 108), the processor 321 extracts the used coupon data from the electronic receipt information and stores it in the third area in Act 109. At this time, the used coupon data is cleared from the second area.

[0138] If the electronic receipt information does not satisfy the tallying condition (NO in Act 106), the processor 321 does not execute the processes of Act 107 to Act 109. Also, if the used coupon data is not included (NO in Act 108), the processor 321 does not execute the process of Act 109.

[0139] When the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 finishes searching the receipt file FL1, it notifies the center server 32 that the search has ended. The processor 321 of the center server 32 checks whether it has received a search end notification in Act 110. If the processor 321 receives the next electronic receipt information instead of a search end notification (NO in Act 110), the processor 321 executes the processes from Act 105 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0140] Here, the processor 321 of the center server 32 cooperates with the communication interface 325 and the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 to configure an acquisition means. That is, in response to receiving a tally request command including a member ID, the processor 321 acquires electronic receipt information stored in the receipt file FL1 in association with the member ID included in the tally request command. More specifically, it acquires electronic receipt information that satisfies the tally conditions included in the tally request command from the electronic receipt information stored in the receipt file FL1 in association with the member ID included in the tally request command.

[0141] When the search completion notification is received (YES in Act 110), the processor 321 performs a counting process on the electronic receipt information in Act 111. Specifically, the processor 321 totals the sales amounts obtained from the electronic receipt information stored in the second area by classification, such as food expenses and miscellaneous goods. The processor 321 also totals the discount amounts obtained from the used coupon data stored in the third area. Note that in an electronic receipt system 1 including the POS systems 2 of multiple retail stores, the sales amounts can be totaled by classification by unifying the classification codes used in each store or by setting a common classification code in the electronic receipt system 1 and providing a data table in the center server 32 for converting the classification code of each store into the common classification code.

[0142] Here, processor 321 constitutes a counting means. That is, processor 321 counts the amount deducted from the transaction bill, i.e., the discount amount included in the used coupon data, from the used coupon data stored in the third area.

[0143] The processor 321 creates tally screen data in Act 112. Then, the processor 321 instructs the communication interface 325 to transmit this tally screen data to the information terminal 6 that sent the tally request command.

[0144] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends the tally screen data onto the network 4 with the communication address of the information terminal 6 that sent the tally request command as the destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source.

[0145] Here, processor 321 constitutes a transmission means in cooperation with communication interface 325. That is, processor 321 transmits tally screen data including the total amount obtained by adding up the discount amounts of the used coupon data stored in the third area to the sender of the tally request command.

[0146] The tally screen data transmitted onto the network 4 is wirelessly transmitted from the base station 5 and received by the information terminal 6 having the communication address of the destination. As a result, the tally screen G7 (see FIG. 23) is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6.

[0147] FIG. 23 shows a monthly summary screen G7. As shown in FIG. 23, the summary screen G7 displays a total sum of sales amounts for one month, categorized by food expenses, miscellaneous goods, etc. The total sum of discounted amounts obtained by using electronic coupon information in the same month is also displayed on the summary screen G7. In particular, in the example screen of FIG. 23, the total discount amount is displayed together with a message informing the user that this is a benefit they have received only because they are an electronic receipt member.

[0148] In this way, when a member operates the information terminal 6 to check the total price by category of products purchased during a month, for example, from electronic receipt information issued during that period, the total price by category and the total amount of discounts made using electronic coupon information used by the member during that period are displayed on the screen of the information terminal 6. This allows the member to realize the benefits he or she has received by using the coupon. Here, the coupon is electronic coupon information distributed to members who receive receipts as electronic receipt information. In other words, since it is a benefit that can be received by becoming an electronic receipt member, it can contribute to the spread and expansion of electronic receipt systems.

[0149] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 21 transmits electronic receipt information generated in a commercial transaction with an electronic receipt member to the center server 32, and after the processing at the center server 32 is completed, the center server 32 transfers the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31. In this regard, the POS terminal 21 may transmit the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31, and the electronic receipt server 31 may store the electronic receipt information in a receipt file FL1 and transfer it to the center server 32. Alternatively, the POS terminal 21 may transmit the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32 in parallel.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes information processing in response to the tally request command. However, the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 may execute information processing in response to the tally request command.

[0151] Furthermore, the server system 3 does not necessarily have to include both the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32. One server device can also function as both the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32. Alternatively, the store server 22 constituting the POS system 2 may have the functions of the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32. In this case, the server system 3 is omitted from the electronic receipt system 1.

[0152] In the above embodiment, the discount amounts and the like of the used coupon data are tallyed by transaction, day, week, and month. The tallying unit is not limited to this. For example, tallying may be done by year. Furthermore, since the electronic receipt information includes the store code, tallying by store code is also possible. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the product sales data is tallyed by product category, but it does not have to be by category. For example, even if the total amount of each transaction is compared with the total amount of the discount amounts due to the coupons used in those transactions and displayed on the screen of the information terminal 6, this sufficiently achieves the effect of allowing the member to realize the benefits of using the coupons.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the tally icon 83 is placed on the receipt list screen G5. For example, the tally icon 83 may be placed on the top screen G1.

[0154] The server device (electronic receipt server 31 and center server 32) is generally transferred with the programs of the above-described embodiment stored in its main memory. However, this is not limiting, and the transferred programs may be written to a writable storage device of the server device in response to a user's operation. The programs may be transferred by recording them on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the programs and is readable by the device. Furthermore, the functions obtained by installing or downloading a program may be realized in cooperation with the device's internal operating system (OS).

[0155] Although several 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 embodied 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1...electronic receipt system, 2...POS system, 3...server system, 4...network, 5...base station, 6...information terminal, 21...POS terminal (accounting device), 31...electronic receipt server (server device), 32...center server (server device), FL1...receipt file (memory unit), FL2...membership file, FL3...coupon file, FL4...distribution management file.

Claims

1. a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing transaction details including the amount deducted from the transaction bill by using an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer who is the subject of the transaction; an acquisition means for acquiring, in response to reception of a tally request command including the customer identification information, from the storage unit, the electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the tally request command; a counting means for counting the discounted amount from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquiring means; a transmitting means for transmitting data including the amount totaled by said totaling means to the sender of said totaling request command.

2. The tally request command further includes tally conditions for the electronic receipt information, 2. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the acquiring unit acquires the electronic receipt information that satisfies the tally condition included in the tally request command from the electronic receipt information stored in the storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the tally request command.

3. a second counting means for counting the amount of the merchandise traded from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquiring means; 3. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits data including the amount totaled by the totaling means and the amount totaled by the second totaling means to a source of the totaling request command.

4. 4. The server device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits data for displaying the totaled amount on a screen of a terminal that is a sender of the total request command.

5. A server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; an accounting device that generates electronic receipt information upon settlement of a transaction and outputs the electronic receipt information to the server device.

6. a computer that inputs and outputs information to and from a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic copy of a receipt showing details of a transaction including an amount deducted from the bill of the transaction by using an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer who is the subject of the transaction; a function of acquiring, in response to reception of a tally request command including the customer identification information, from the storage unit, the electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the tally request command; A function of tallying up the discounted amount from the acquired electronic receipt information; and A program for realizing the function of transmitting data including the totaled amount to the sender of the totaling request command.

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