Information processing apparatus and information processing system

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of efficiently performing processing to a plurality of sections.SOLUTION: An information processing device for managing a communication service with an external device for each section includes a start information processing unit and an execution processing unit. The start information processing unit acquires, based on a processing request of the communication service from a terminal of any one of a plurality of categories, information indicating a start date of the communication service of the category, and determines, based on the start date, whether the communication service has been started for the category. The execution processing unit executes processing in accordance with a determination result of the start information processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information processing device and an information processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art When a commercial facility such as a supermarket performs payment processing at a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal, the processing is performed in cooperation with an external server of a credit card company, a point service company, or the like.

[0003] Conventionally, when payment processing or point processing is performed at each facility, a management server or the like is provided at each facility, and the management server performs processing in cooperation with an external server or the like, which is costly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-226394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for technology that enables a single server to process data for multiple facility classifications.

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables efficient processing of multiple sections. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, an information processing device that manages communication services with external devices for each category includes a start information processing unit and an execution processing unit. The start information processing unit acquires information indicating a start date of the communication service for one of a plurality of categories based on a processing request for the communication service from a terminal in the category, and determines whether the communication service for the category has started based on the start date. The execution processing unit executes processing according to the determination result of the start information processing unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing by the information processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure before the start of a service by the server according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for information processing related to a change in the start date by the server according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of each part in each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may be changed as appropriate. Also, for the sake of explanation, each drawing used in the following description of the embodiments may omit components.

[0010] The following description will be given using an example of a store that sells products. The store is assumed to be a physical store. Products include not only tangible products but also non-tangible products such as services or tickets. Services are services provided to customers. The store may be a store that primarily sells tangible products, or a store that primarily sells the provision of services. For example, stores that primarily sell tangible products include, but are not limited to, convenience stores, supermarkets, and home improvement stores. For example, stores that primarily sell the provision of services include, but are not limited to, restaurants and sports gyms.

[0011] A product transaction is the transfer of costs from a customer to a store in connection with the sale of a product by the store. From the store's perspective, the transaction involves the sale of a product. From the customer's perspective, the transaction involves the purchase of a product.

[0012] For example, a store is operated by a business operator. The business operator may be of any type. For example, a business operator operates multiple stores. The term "business operator" refers not only to the business operator itself, but also to a group of businesses. A group of businesses is a group that operates stores recognized as a group. For example, a group of businesses is a group that operates stores using the same name. A group of businesses may also include franchisees in which the business operator is involved as a franchisor. The term "store" may also be read as "facility." A facility is, for example, a commercial facility that includes multiple stores.

[0013] A store is a division that processes or manages transaction information, payment information, or point information. A division is also called a unit. For example, if payment information or point information is managed for each store, a store is an example of a division. If payment information or point information is managed for each facility, a facility is an example of a division. One division may refer to one store or one facility. One division may include multiple stores or multiple facilities. Divisions can be set arbitrarily by the administrator of the information processing system, etc.

[0014] In the following examples, one division indicates one store. Multiple divisions indicate multiple stores. For example, a division may indicate a branch of a supermarket. Multiple divisions may indicate the Osaka store, Tokyo store, Nagoya store, etc. of a supermarket operated by one business. In this case, one division may indicate each store, such as the Osaka store, Tokyo store, Nagoya store, etc. Note that when one division indicates one facility, one facility may include multiple stores. Multiple stores included in one facility are stores that belong to the same division.

[0015] (Configuration example) FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an information processing system S. The information processing system S includes a server 1, terminals 2 to 2N, and an external device 3. The server 1, terminals 2 to 2N, and external device 3 are communicably connected to one another via a network NA. For example, the network NA is configured from one or more networks selected from various networks such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, and a LAN. The one or more networks may include a wireless network or a wired network.

[0016] The information processing system S includes a terminal 2 installed in each store. In FIG. 1, for example, a terminal 2 is provided in each of stores X to N. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which one terminal 2 is provided in each store, a store may also include multiple terminals including terminal 2. The configuration of the multiple terminals may be similar to the configuration of terminal 2.

[0017] The information processing system S provides a communication service. The information processing system S performs communication between a terminal 2 and an external device 3 to provide the communication service. The terminal 2 installed in each store transmits information addressed to the external device 3 to the server 1. The server 1 transmits the received information to the external device 3. For example, when performing a payment process via the external device 3, the terminal 2 transmits information necessary for the process to the server 1. The server 1 transmits information necessary for the payment process to the external device 3. The external device 3 performs the payment process based on the information acquired via the server 1.

[0018] The communication service is a service that the terminal 2 executes in cooperation with an external device 3 via the network NA. The communication service includes a payment processing service, a point processing service, etc. The payment processing service is a service that performs electronic payment based on communication with the external device 3. Electronic payment is payment using an online payment service. Electronic payment is also called online payment. Online payment is, for example, payment that the terminal 2 executes in cooperation with an external device 3 via the network NA. Examples of online payment include credit card payment, prepaid card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, and point payment. The point processing service is a service that performs electronic point processing based on communication with the external device 3. Point processing is processing related to a member's service points. Point processing includes calculating, adding, subtracting, updating, or deleting points based on the member's point information. In the following explanation, the communication service will be described as a payment processing service.

[0019] The server 1 is an electronic device that collects and processes data. The electronic device includes a computer. The server 1 is communicably connected to the terminal 2 and the external device 3 via a network NA. The server 1 receives various data from the terminal 2 and the external device 3 and outputs various data to the terminal 2 and the external device 3. The server 1 manages communication services between the terminal 2 and the external device 3 for each of a plurality of stores. The server 1 may be a store server managed by a store operator. The server 1 may function as a relay server that relays between the terminal 2 and the external device 3. The server 1 may be a cloud server. In this case, some of the information processing functions performed by the terminal 2 may be located on the cloud. An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described later. The server 1 is an example of an information processing device. In the following description, "output" may be read as "transmit".

[0020] Terminal 2 is a device that processes transactions at store X. Terminal 2 is mainly used by a store clerk at store X. The store clerk at store X may be interpreted as a store clerk, a user, or a person. The store clerk at store X is an example of a user of terminal 2. Terminal 2 is installed in one of multiple stores. Terminal 2 performs processing based on a communication service with external device 3 via server 1.

[0021] For example, terminal 2 has a product registration function. Terminal 2 processes the registration of one or more products that are the subject of a transaction using the product registration function. Hereinafter, product registration is also referred to as product registration. Products that are the subject of a transaction are also referred to as trading products. Product registration is registering a product as a trading product. For example, product registration includes adding data regarding the trading product to data regarding the transaction. The data regarding the transaction may include data regarding the trading product for each trading product for one transaction. The data regarding the transaction is also referred to as transaction data or transaction information. For example, the transaction data is stored in a transaction management server that manages each transaction. The transaction management server may be a server different from server 1. The transaction management server may be a cloud server.

[0022] The product registration may be a registration of a dummy product. For example, the product registration may include the registration of a fictitious product by a store clerk using terminal 2. For example, the store clerk may register a dummy product when checking the connection between terminal 2 and server 1 or testing functionality before starting a communication service.

[0023] For example, terminal 2 has a payment function. Terminal 2 processes the payment of a transaction based on transaction data using the payment function. Payment is payment for a transaction. Payment includes accounting. Completion of payment by terminal 2 includes the conclusion of the transaction. Terminal 2 may be a POS terminal or a payment device with a payment function.

[0024] Payment methods for settling a transaction include online and offline payments. Offline payments are payments that do not require the terminal 2 to connect with an external device 3 via a network NA. For example, offline payments include payments with cash, gift certificates, etc.

[0025] The external device 3 provides a communication service with the terminal 2 via the network NA. The external device 3 is, for example, a payment server. The payment server is, for example, a server that provides an online payment service. The payment server performs payment processing based on instructions from the server 1. The payment server is, for example, realized as a cloud server, and provides payment processing services at multiple stores. The external device 3 may also be, for example, a point server. The point server is a server that provides a point service. In the following example, the external device 3 will be described as a payment server.

[0026] The information processing system S may also refer to a system including at least two devices among a server 1, a terminal 2, and an external device 3. The device includes electronic devices.

[0027] An example of the configuration of the server 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of an example of the configuration of the server 1. As shown in FIG. The server 1 includes a processing circuit 10, a main memory 11, an auxiliary storage device 12, and a communication interface 13. In Fig. 2, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0028] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the server 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes based on multiple functions. For example, the circuit may be, but is not limited to, a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). For example, the processor may be, but is not limited to, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processing circuit 10 loads a program that is pre-stored in the main memory 11 or the auxiliary storage device 12 into the main memory 11. The program is a program that can cause the processing circuit 10 to execute the processes of each unit realized by the processing circuit 10, which will be described later. The processing circuit 10 performs various processes by executing the program loaded into the main memory 11.

[0029] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the server 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the server 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 11 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 11 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the server 1. The auxiliary storage device 12 may be, but is not limited to, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 12 stores the above-mentioned programs, data used by the processing circuit 10 to perform various processes, and data generated by the processes in the processing circuit 10. The auxiliary storage device 12 is an example of a storage portion of the server 1.

[0031] The auxiliary storage device 12 includes a start information storage area 121. The start information storage area 121 stores start information. The start information is a collection of start information records generated for each store. The start information record includes information such as a store ID and a start date. The store ID is unique identification information assigned to each store to identify the store individually. The store ID is also referred to as store identification information. The start date is information indicating the start date of use of the communication service. The start date indicates the date on which the communication service between the terminal 2 and the external device 3 starts. Starting the communication service indicates that the external device 3 starts the communication service for the terminal 2. Starting the communication service indicates that the terminal 2 starts using the communication service. For example, the terminal 2 can use the payment processing service provided by the external device 3 after the start date. The period after the start date is also referred to as "after start." The terminal 2 cannot use the payment processing service provided by the external device 3 before the start date. The server 1 communicates with the external device 3 after the start date to realize the payment processing service. The server 1 does not communicate with the external device 3 before the start date. Before the start date is also referred to as before the start. The start date can be set or updated as appropriate by a store manager or the like. A different start date can be set for each store. The start date information may include information about the start time.

[0032] The start date may be different for each store. For example, when the server 1 provides a communication service between a plurality of stores and the external device 3, it is possible to stagger the start dates for some of the stores. For example, when the server 1 provides a communication service between 100 stores and the external device 3, the server 1 may start the communication service for each of the stores in turn, ten stores at a time. In this case, the server 1 can store a different start date for each of the stores. The server 1 provides the communication service with the external device 3 based on the different start date for each store.

[0033] The start information record may include a terminal ID capable of identifying the terminal 2 provided in each store. The terminal ID is unique identification information assigned to each terminal in order to individually identify the terminal 2. The terminal ID is also referred to as terminal identification information. For example, if terminal 2 is provided in store X, the start information record may include the store ID of store X, the terminal ID of terminal 2, and information on the start date. If multiple terminals 2 are provided in store X, the start information record may include the terminal IDs of the multiple terminals 2. The information included in the start information record is also referred to as information indicating the start date.

[0034] The auxiliary storage device 12 may store category information. Category information is information that can identify terminals belonging to each category. Category information is, for example, information that links information that can identify a category with information that can identify terminals belonging to the category. If a category is a store, the category information includes a store ID and a terminal ID of a terminal that belongs to each store. Category information may be read as store information.

[0035] The communication interface 13 is an interface for connecting the server 1 to other devices so that they can communicate with each other. The communication interface 13 is an example of a communication unit of the server 1.

[0036] The hardware configuration of the server 1 is not limited to the above configuration, and the server 1 allows the omission or modification of the above components and the addition of new components as appropriate.

[0037] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 will be described. The processing circuit 10 realizes a communication processing unit 101, a start information processing unit 102, and an execution processing unit 103. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as each function. Each unit realized by the processing circuit 10 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuit 10 and main memory 11.

[0038] The communication processing unit 101 processes communications with the terminal 2 and the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 outputs information to the terminal 2 or the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 acquires information from the terminal 2 or the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. In the following description, "acquire" may be read as "receive."

[0039] The communication processing unit 101 acquires a processing request from the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The processing request is, for example, a processing request for a communication service. For example, the processing request includes a payment instruction for performing payment processing by the external device 3. The processing request may also include a point processing instruction for performing point processing by the external device 3. The communication processing unit 101 acquires a setting change request from the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The setting change request includes, for example, a start date change request for changing the start date setting. The communication processing unit 101 outputs the processing result acquired from the external device 3 to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 outputs a notification to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The notification is, for example, a notification based on the processing result in the server 1.

[0040] The communication processing unit 101 outputs a processing request to the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. The communication processing unit 101 acquires a processing result from the external device 3 via the communication interface 13.

[0041] The start information processing unit 102 determines whether use of the communication service has started based on a processing request from terminal 2. The start information processing unit 102 acquires information indicating the start date of the communication service for the store to which terminal 2 belongs based on the processing request from terminal 2. The start information processing unit 102 determines whether use of the communication service for the store to which terminal 2 belongs has started based on the start date.

[0042] The start information processing unit 102 changes the settings based on a setting change request from the terminal 2. The start information processing unit 102 updates the start date based on a start date change request from the terminal 2. The start information processing unit 102 determines, based on the updated start date, whether communication services have been started for the store to which the terminal 2 belongs.

[0043] The execution processing unit 103 executes processing according to the determination result of the start information processing unit 102. The execution processing unit 103 performs different processing depending on whether or not use of the communication service has started. The execution processing unit 103 performs processing for the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has started. The execution processing unit 103 performs processing different from the processing for the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has not started. The different processing is processing that does not involve communication with the external device 3. The different processing is also referred to as pre-start processing. The pre-start processing refers to processing performed before the communication service starts. The pre-start processing is processing performed by the server 1. The pre-start processing includes outputting a notification to the terminal 2. The notification includes, for example, a pre-start notification indicating that it is before the start date of the communication service. The pre-start notification may include a message indicating that it is before the start date of the communication service. The message indicating that it is before the start date of the communication service includes, for example, "Service has not yet started." The pre-start notification may include a message indicating that communication between the terminal 2 and the server 1 has been established. A message indicating that communication has been established includes, for example, "Communication has been confirmed." The pre-start processing includes outputting a log to the terminal 2. The log indicates processing on the server 1. The log may indicate, for example, that pre-start processing has been performed on the server 1. The log may include information indicating the date and time of the processing on the server 1. The pre-start processing includes recording the log in the auxiliary storage device 12.

[0044] An example of the configuration of the terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

[0045] The terminal 2 includes a processing circuit 20, a main memory 21, an auxiliary storage device 22, a change machine interface 23, a communication interface 24, a scanner 25, an input device 26, a display device 27, a printing device 28, a reader 29, an audio output device 30, and an input / output interface 31. The main memory 21, the auxiliary storage device 22, the change machine interface 23, the communication interface 24, the scanner 25, the input device 26, the display device 27, the printing device 28, the reader 29, the audio output device 30, and the input / output interface 31 are connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Fig. 3, the interface is indicated as "I / F".

[0046] The processing circuit 20 corresponds to the central part of the terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 2. The processing circuit 20 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned processing circuit 10. The processing circuit 20 performs various operations by executing programs that are pre-stored in the main memory 21 or the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0047] The main memory 21 includes elements corresponding to the main storage portion of the terminal 2. The main memory 21 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 2. The main memory 21 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned main memory 11. The main memory 21 stores programs.

[0048] The auxiliary storage device 22 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 is an element that constitutes the computer of the terminal 2. The auxiliary storage device 22 has the same hardware configuration as the above-mentioned auxiliary storage device 12. The auxiliary storage device 22 stores the above-mentioned programs.

[0049] The auxiliary memory device 22 may store a product master. The product master data includes various information about each product, such as the product code, price, and product name. The auxiliary memory device 22 may store a product registration list. The product registration list includes information about each trading product. The information about the trading product includes all or part of the product code, name, price, number of items, amount, and type of the trading product. The information about the trading product may include information other than these. The product registration list may include the total amount of the transaction. The information about the trading product may include the payment amount. The payment amount is the amount paid for the transaction using the payment method selected by the customer.

[0050] The change machine interface 23 inputs and outputs data signals to and from the automatic change machine. For example, the change machine interface 23 receives inserted amount data from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23 outputs change amount data to the automatic change machine. The automatic change machine dispenses banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount according to the change amount data.

[0051] The communication interface 24 includes various interfaces that connect the terminal 2 to other devices via the network NA in a manner that allows communication therebetween in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

[0052] The scanner 25 is a device that reads various code symbols and acquires information from the code symbols. For example, the code symbols are barcode symbols or two-dimensional code symbols. The code symbols may include the code symbols of products that record product codes. The code symbols of products are images attached to the products.

[0053] The input device 26 is a device that can input information to the terminal 2. For example, the input device 26 may include a keyboard. The input device 26 may form a touch panel together with the display device 27.

[0054] The display device 27 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 20. The display device 27 is a display device for the store clerk to view mainly. For example, the display device 27 is a liquid crystal display or an EL display. The display device 27 is an example of a display unit of the terminal 2. The display device 27 may include a display device for the customer to view mainly.

[0055] The printing device 28 is a device for issuing transaction details by printing on a medium. For example, the medium is paper. For example, the printing device 28 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer. The transaction details are a medium that shows the details of the transaction. Although the transaction details are described as being a receipt, they may also be a receipt with a space for entering the recipient's name.

[0056] For example, the transaction details include all or part of information about the store where the transaction took place, information about the transaction date and time, and product registration information. The transaction details may also include information other than these. For example, the information about the store where the transaction took place includes the name of the store. The information about the store where the transaction took place may also include information other than this information. For example, the information about the transaction date and time includes the transaction date and time. The information about the transaction date and time may also include information other than this information.

[0057] The reader 29 is a device that reads card data recorded on a card medium. The reader 29 may include a contact reader that reads card data recorded on a magnetic stripe of the card medium. The reader 29 may include a contactless reader that reads card data recorded on an IC (Integrated Circuit) tag of the card medium. The IC tag includes an IC chip and an antenna. The reader 29 may include a writer function that records card data on the card medium.

[0058] The audio output device 30 is a device that can output audio under the control of the processing circuit 20. For example, the audio output device 30 is a speaker.

[0059] The input / output interface 31 is an interface for connecting the terminal 2 to an external device, and includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0060] The hardware configuration of the terminal 2 is not limited to the above configuration, and the terminal 2 may appropriately omit or change the above components and add new components.

[0061] Each unit realized by the processing circuit 20 will be described. The processing circuitry 20 realizes a product registration processing unit 201, a communication processing unit 202, a payment processing unit 203, and a display processing unit 204. Each means realized by the processing circuitry 20 can also be referred to as each unit or each function. Each means realized by the processing circuitry 20 can also be referred to as being realized in a control unit including the processing circuitry 20 and the main memory 21.

[0062] The product registration processing unit 201 processes the registration of one or more trading products. The product registration processing unit 201 processes the registration of dummy products.

[0063] The communication processing unit 202 processes communication with the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The communication processing unit 202 outputs information to the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The communication processing unit 202 acquires information from the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0064] The communication processing unit 202 outputs a processing request to the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The communication processing unit 202 outputs a setting change request to the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The communication processing unit 202 acquires a processing result from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The communication processing unit 202 acquires a notification from the server 1 via the communication interface 24.

[0065] The settlement processing unit 203 performs settlement processing for the transaction based on information about the transaction product. The settlement processing unit 203 outputs a settlement processing request to the server 1 via the communication processing unit 202. The settlement processing unit 203 performs settlement processing based on the result of the settlement processing by the external device 3.

[0066] The display processing unit 204 displays an image on the display device 27. The display processing unit 204 displays a notification image on the display device 27 based on information indicating the notification. The notification image includes, for example, an image indicating a pre-start notification. The display processing unit 204 displays a setting change image on the display device 27 based on a user operation. The setting change image includes, for example, a setting change image for changing the start date. Note that the setting change request does not necessarily have to be made from the terminal 2. For example, the setting change may be made by launching a setting change screen displayed on an information processing device called a client PC connected to the server 1. Note that the client PC is a terminal that does not have the function of registering products and the function of paying for registered products that a POS terminal has, and is a terminal used, for example, for viewing information, setting, and other operations.

[0067] (Example of operation) The processing of the information processing system S will be described. In the following description focusing on the server 1, the server 1 may be read as the processing circuit 10. Similarly, in the following description focusing on the terminal 2, the terminal 2 may be read as the processing circuit 20. In the following description focusing on the external device 3, the external device 3 may be read as the processing circuit of the external device 3. The processing procedures described below are merely examples, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, steps may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. In the following example, a case will be described in which a user (a store clerk) of terminal 2 in store X uses a communication service with external device 3. The communication service is assumed to be a payment processing service, and external device 3 is assumed to be a payment server. In the following example, it is assumed that the customer has selected online payment as the payment method.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the procedure of information processing by the information processing system S according to the embodiment.

[0069] The processing circuit 20 of the terminal 2 registers a product based on a product registration operation performed by a user of the terminal 2 (ACT1). ACT1 may be processing by a product registration processing unit 201 implemented by the processing circuit 20. The product registration operation may include, for example, an operation of reading a code symbol attached to a product via the scanner 25. The product registration operation may also include an operation of selecting a product registration button displayed on the screen of the terminal 2 by touch input or the like. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 20 acquires a product code recorded in the code symbol. The processing circuit 20 references a product master stored in the auxiliary storage device 22 and acquires product data of a product corresponding to the product code. The product data includes data such as a product code, product name, product price, and product quantity. A product corresponding to a product code is also referred to as a transaction product. The processing circuit 20 may also reference a product master stored in a server such as a transaction management server and acquire transaction product data of a product corresponding to the product code. The processing circuit 20 may also register a product based on a product registration operation performed by a user of the terminal 2 for a dummy product. For example, the user of the terminal 2 may read the code symbol attached to the dummy product via the scanner 25. The processing circuit 20 may obtain the product code of the dummy product and acquire the product data.

[0070] The processing circuit 20 acquires a payment instruction based on a user operation of the terminal 2. For example, the processing circuit 20 acquires a payment instruction based on a user operation on a product registration image displayed on the display device 27. The user operation indicates, for example, an operation of selecting a checkout button included in the product registration image by touch input or the like. The checkout button is a button that can input a payment instruction. The processing circuit 20 outputs the payment instruction to the server 1 via the communication interface 24 (ACT2). ACT2 may be processing by the communication processing unit 202 realized by the processing circuit 20. The payment instruction includes the terminal ID of the terminal 2 and the store ID of the store X. The payment instruction may also include information about the payment method. The payment instruction is an example of a processing request. The information about the payment method includes the type of payment method. The type of payment method indicates credit card payment, prepaid card payment, electronic money payment, debit card payment, code payment, point payment, etc. The information about the payment method includes information necessary for payment, such as credit card information.

[0071] The processing circuit 10 of the server 1 acquires a payment instruction from the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The processing circuit 10 determines the service start date for store X based on the payment instruction (ACT11). ACT11 may be processing by the start information processing unit 102 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT11, for example, the processing circuit 10 identifies the store X to which the terminal 2 belongs based on the payment instruction. The processing circuit 10 identifies store X based on, for example, the store ID. The processing circuit 10 may refer to the category information and identify the store X to which the terminal 2 belongs based on the terminal ID of the terminal 2. The processing circuit 10 acquires information indicating the start date of the payment processing service for store X from the start information storage area 121. The processing circuit 10 determines whether the payment processing service for store X has started based on the information indicating the start date.

[0072] The processing circuit 10 may determine whether the current time is before the start date or after the start date based on time information indicating the current time, for example. If the current time is before the start date, the processing circuit 10 determines that the payment processing service has not started. If the current time is after the start date, the processing circuit 10 determines that the payment processing service has started.

[0073] If the payment processing service has started (ACT11: YES), the process proceeds from ACT11 to ACT 12. If the payment processing service has not started (ACT11: NO), the process proceeds from ACT11 to ACT13.

[0074] The processing circuit 10 performs payment processing based on the determination that the payment processing service has started (ACT12). The payment processing is an example of processing of a communication service. ACT12 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT12, for example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a processing request for payment processing to the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. The processing request includes, for example, information regarding the payment method. The external device 3 acquires the processing request from the server 1. The external device 3 executes the payment processing based on the information regarding the payment method. The external device 3 outputs a processing result to the server 1 based on the completion of the payment processing. The server 1 acquires the processing result from the external device 3 via the communication interface 13. The server 1 outputs the processing result to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The terminal 2 acquires the processing result from the server 1 via the communication interface 24. The terminal 2 displays, for example, an image indicating the processing result on the display device 27.

[0075] The processing circuit 10 performs pre-start processing (ACT13) based on the determination that the payment processing service has not started. The pre-start processing is processing different from the payment processing service. The pre-start processing is an example of processing that does not involve communication with the external device 3. ACT13 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. The pre-start processing will be described later. The processing circuit 10 outputs a notification including the processing result of the pre-start processing to the terminal 2, for example, via the communication interface 13.

[0076] In this example, the server 1 manages payment processing services with the external device 3 for each store, and, based on a processing request for payment processing services from a terminal 2 at one of the multiple stores, acquires information indicating the start date of the payment processing services for the store to which the terminal 2 belongs, determines whether the payment processing services have been started for the store to which the terminal 2 belongs based on the start date, and executes processing according to the determination result. For example, the server 1 can manage payment processing services based on different start dates for each store. Therefore, the server 1 can control payment processing services for multiple stores with different service start dates using a single server. This allows the server 1 to efficiently process multiple categories. Furthermore, the server 1 can reduce hardware resources and costs.

[0077] Furthermore, the server 1 can execute different processes depending on whether the payment processing service has been started, based on a start date set for each store. For example, the server 1 processes the payment processing service based on the determination that the payment processing service has been started. Therefore, if the payment processing service has been started based on the start date set for each store, the server 1 can communicate with the terminal 2 for each store and the external device 3 to perform the payment processing service. This allows the server 1 to control the external device 3 to perform payment processing only when the payment processing service has been started, thereby managing only payment processing information after the payment processing service has been started. This allows the server 1 to efficiently process multiple categories.

[0078] For example, when it is determined that the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 performs processing different from the processing of the payment processing service. When it is determined that the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 performs processing that does not communicate with the external device 3. Therefore, when the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 controls the external device 3 not to perform payment processing, thereby preventing product registration information, etc., before the start of the payment processing service from being reflected in the payment processing information. Furthermore, when the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 can treat data obtained from the terminal 2 as test data. Therefore, the server 1 can check the connection with the terminal 2 before the payment processing service starts. This allows the server 1 to efficiently perform processing for multiple categories.

[0079] The pre-start process will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing procedure before the start of a service by the server 1 according to the embodiment. The following process corresponds to the process in ACT13 in FIG. It is assumed that the processing circuit 10 has determined that the payment processing service has not been started.

[0080] The processing circuit 10 outputs a notification based on the determination that the payment processing service has not started (ACT101). ACT101 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT101, for example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a pre-start notification to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. For example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a notification to the terminal 2 indicating that the payment processing service with the external device 3 for store X has not yet started. The processing circuit 10 may determine that a connection between the terminal 2 and the server 1 has been established based on the acquisition of a payment processing instruction from the terminal 2. For example, the processing circuit 10 may output a notification to the terminal 2 indicating that a connection between the terminal 2 and the server 1 has been established. The pre-start notification may be for notifying that the payment processing service has not yet started. The pre-start notification may be for notifying that a connection between the terminal 2 and the server 1 has been established. The pre-start notification may be for notifying that the payment processing service has not yet started and that a connection between the terminal 2 and the server 1 has been established.

[0081] The terminal 2 receives the pre-start notification via the communication interface 24. The terminal 2 may generate a notification image based on the pre-start notification. The terminal 2 displays the notification image on the display device 27.

[0082] The processing circuit 10 outputs a log (ACT102). ACT102 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT102, for example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a log to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13. The log may be information indicating that a payment processing instruction has been obtained from the terminal 2. The log may be information indicating that pre-start processing has been performed based on the payment processing instruction from the terminal 2. The terminal 2 obtains the log via the communication interface 24. The terminal 2 may store the log in the auxiliary storage device 22.

[0083] The processing circuit 10 records a log (ACT103). ACT103 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT103, the processing circuit 10 stores the log in the auxiliary storage device 12, for example.

[0084] According to this example, the server 1 performs pre-start processing based on the determination that the payment processing service has not started. For example, the server 1 can perform processing that does not involve communication with the external device 3. Therefore, if the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 can control the external device 3 not to perform payment processing. Furthermore, if the payment processing service has not started, the server 1 can check the connection between the server 1 and the terminal 2. The terminal 2 can check the connection with the server 1 even before the communication service with the external device 3 has started. This allows the server 1 to efficiently perform processing for multiple categories.

[0085] Furthermore, the user of terminal 2 can recognize that the payment processing service has not yet started based on the pre-start notification. Furthermore, even if the payment processing service has not yet started, the user of terminal 2 can check the connection with server 1 based on the pre-start notification.

[0086] The process of changing the start date will be explained. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for information processing related to a change in the start date by the server 1 according to the embodiment.

[0087] In the following processing, it is assumed that the processing circuit 10 has determined that the payment processing service has not been started.

[0088] Similar to ACT101, the processing circuit 10 outputs a notification based on the determination that the payment processing service has not started (ACT201). ACT201 may be processing by the execution processing unit 103 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT201, for example, the processing circuit 10 outputs a pre-start notification to the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13.

[0089] The terminal 2 receives the pre-start notification via the communication interface 24. The terminal 2 may generate a notification image based on the pre-start notification. The terminal 2 displays the notification image on the display device 27.

[0090] Terminal 2 displays, for example, a start date setting image on display device 27 that allows the start date to be changed. The start date setting image includes information indicating the set start date. The start date setting image may include a setting button or the like that allows an instruction to change the start date to be input. The user of terminal 2 inputs the change instruction by selecting the setting button. The start date setting image may also include an input box or the like that allows an input of the changed start date to be input. The user of terminal 2 inputs the changed start date in the input box. Terminal 2 outputs a request to change the start date to server 1 via communication interface 24. The change request includes, for example, the terminal ID of terminal 2 and the store ID of store X to which terminal 2 belongs. The change request includes information indicating the changed start date.

[0091] The processing circuit 10 acquires a request to change the start date from the terminal 2 via the communication interface 13 (ACT202). ACT202 may be processing by the communication processing unit 101 realized by the processing circuit 10.

[0092] The processing circuit 10 updates the start date based on the request to change the start date (ACT203). ACT203 may be processing by the start information processing unit 102 realized by the processing circuit 10. In ACT201, for example, the processing circuit 10 identifies the store X to which the terminal 2 belongs based on the change request. The processing circuit 10 identifies the store X based on the store ID of the store X. The processing circuit 10 changes the start date of the payment processing service for the store X based on information indicating the changed start date. The processing circuit 10 changes the start date of the payment processing service for the store X stored in the start information storage area 121 to the changed start date.

[0093] Processing circuit 10 determines whether payment processing services have been initiated for store X based on the updated start date.

[0094] According to this example, the server 1 updates the start date based on a request to change the start date from a terminal 2 of one of multiple stores, and determines whether the payment processing service has started for the store to which the terminal 2 belongs based on the updated start date. For example, the server 1 can update the start date of the payment processing service for each store based on the operation of a user of the terminal 2 belonging to each store. Therefore, the server 1 can update the start date of the payment processing service for each store in real time. The server 1 can update the start date of the payment processing service for each store without affecting the start dates of the payment processing services of other stores.

[0095] In the above example, the case has been described where terminal 2 displays the start date setting image on display device 27 based on the receipt of a pre-start notification, but this is not limiting. For example, terminal 2 may display the start date setting image on display device 27 based on an operation by the user of terminal 2. The user of terminal 2 can update the start date of the payment processing service at any time.

[0096] (Variation) In the above example, the communication service is a payment processing service, but this is not limiting. The communication service may also be a point processing service. In this case, the external device 3 is, for example, a point server. In ACT2, the terminal 2 outputs a point processing instruction. In ACT11, the server 1 determines the service start date of the point processing service of store X based on the point processing instruction. In ACT12, the server 1 performs point processing based on the determination that the point processing service has started.

[0097] In the above example, the case where the category is a store has been described, but this is not limited to this. The category may be a facility that includes multiple stores. The server 1 receives a processing request for a communication service from a terminal 2 that belongs to one of the multiple facilities. The server 1 determines the service start date for each facility based on the processing request.

[0098] (Other embodiments) The information processing device may be realized by one device as explained using the server 1 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0099] The terminal may be realized by one device as explained using the terminal 2 as an example, or may be realized by a plurality of devices with distributed functions.

[0100] When the functions of terminal 2 are provided in a cloud server, the information processing system may be a system in which the functions of terminal 2 are realized by a system including a tablet terminal communicably connected to this cloud server.

[0101] The above-described embodiments may be applied to a method executed by an apparatus, a program that can cause a computer of the apparatus to execute each function, or a recording medium that stores the program.

[0102] Each of the one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of a single circuit, the single circuit performs all of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, each of the multiple circuits performs a part of the multiple processes. The part of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. When the processing circuit is composed of multiple circuits, the multiple circuits may be included in a single device or may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0103] The program may be transferred in a state where it is stored in the device according to the embodiment, or in a state where it is not stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or in a state where it is recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or a memory card, as long as it is capable of storing the program and is computer-readable.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The above embodiment may be expressed as follows. (1) An information processing device that manages communication services with external devices for each category, a start information processing unit that acquires information indicating a start date of the communication service for one of a plurality of categories based on a processing request for the communication service from a terminal of the category, and determines whether the communication service for the category has been started based on the start date; an execution processing unit that executes processing in accordance with a determination result of the start information processing unit; An information processing device comprising: (2) The execution processing unit performs processing of the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has been started. An information processing device according to (1). (3) The execution processing unit performs a process different from the process of the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has not been started. An information processing device according to (1). (4) The different process is a process that does not communicate with the external device. (3) An information processing device according to the present invention. (5) The start information processing unit updates the start date based on a request to change the start date from a terminal in any one of the plurality of categories; determining whether the communication service has been started for the segment based on the updated start date; An information processing device according to (1). (6) an information processing device that manages communication services with external devices for each category; An information processing system including a terminal of any one of a plurality of categories, The information processing device includes: a start information processing unit that acquires information indicating a start date of the communication service for the category based on a processing request for the communication service from the terminal, and determines whether the communication service for the category has started based on the start date; an execution processing unit that executes processing in accordance with a determination result of the start information processing unit; Equipped with The terminal a communication processing unit that outputs a processing request for the communication service; Information processing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...server, 2...terminal, 3...external device, 10...processing circuit, 11...main memory, 12...auxiliary storage device, 13...communication interface, 20...processing circuit, 21...main memory, 22...auxiliary storage device, 23...change machine interface, 24...communication interface, 25...scanner, 26...input device, 27...display device, 28...printing device, 29...reader, 30...audio output device, 31...input / output interface, 101...communication processing unit, 102...start information processing unit, 103...execution processing unit, 121...start information storage area, 201...product registration processing unit, 202...communication processing unit, 203...payment processing unit, 204...display processing unit, NA...network, S...information processing system.

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages communication services with external devices for each category, a start information processing unit that acquires information indicating a start date of the communication service for one of a plurality of categories based on a processing request for the communication service from a terminal of the category, and determines whether the communication service for the category has been started based on the start date; an execution processing unit that executes processing in accordance with a determination result of the start information processing unit; An information processing device comprising:

2. the execution processing unit performs processing of the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has been started. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. the execution processing unit performs a process different from the process of the communication service based on the determination that the communication service has not been started. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

4. the different process is a process that does not involve communication with the external device; The information processing device according to claim 3 .

5. the start information processing unit updates the start date based on a request to change the start date from a terminal in any one of the plurality of categories; determining whether the communication service has been started for the segment based on the updated start date; The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. an information processing device that manages communication services with external devices for each category; An information processing system including a terminal of any one of a plurality of categories, The information processing device includes: a start information processing unit that acquires information indicating a start date of the communication service for the category based on a processing request for the communication service from the terminal, and determines whether the communication service for the category has started based on the start date; an execution processing unit that executes processing in accordance with a determination result of the start information processing unit; Equipped with The terminal a communication processing unit that outputs a processing request for the communication service; Information processing system.

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