Electronic receipt system and electronic receipt processing method

Abstract

To provide an electronic receipt system or the like capable of suitably providing an electronic receipt to a user.SOLUTION: An electronic receipt system includes a shop 20A and user terminals 30. When outputting a paper receipt showing transaction contents, a shop terminal 20A encodes the transaction contents, and outputs the paper receipt including the encoded transaction contents code, and a user terminal 30 can display an electronic receipt corresponding to the paper receipt by reading the transaction contents code displayed on the paper receipt, and can store the displayed electronic receipt.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic receipt system and an electronic receipt processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A product sales data processing system has been proposed that, when a customer purchases a product, if the customer is a member, an electronic receipt can be issued according to the customer's selection, and if the customer is a non-member, a printed receipt is issued (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-200727 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the system described in Patent Document 1, electronic receipts are not issued to non-members, and no consideration is given to a mechanism for issuing electronic receipts to non-members.

[0005] Furthermore, the system described in Patent Document 1 generates electronic receipts by configuring a registration device for registering purchased items to be network-connected to a management device that generates electronic receipts, and the management device communicates with external devices, but it is not possible to generate electronic receipts without connecting the registration device to a network.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an electronic receipt system and the like that can suitably provide electronic receipts to users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the electronic receipt system of the present invention comprises: An electronic receipt system comprising a transaction data processing device and a terminal, When outputting a paper receipt showing the transaction details, the transaction data processing device encodes the transaction details and outputs the encoded transaction details code in the paper receipt, The terminal can read the transaction content code displayed on the paper receipt to display an electronic receipt corresponding to the paper receipt, and can save the displayed electronic receipt. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an electronic receipt can be suitably provided to a user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic receipt server. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a store terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a user terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of a member transaction history, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of member information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of an electronic receipt server. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processing flow in an electronic receipt system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a processing flow in an electronic receipt system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an electronic receipt generation process. [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of the display of a website for an electronic receipt system. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of electronic receipt displays. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the electronic receipt system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A is a diagram showing a paper receipt according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a display example of an electronic receipt according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An electronic receipt system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) First, a description will be given of a first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic receipt system 100 and the electronic receipt server 10 of the first embodiment are configured so that even a non-member of the electronic receipt system 100 can receive an electronic receipt by performing a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt at the time of (before) a transaction at a store.

[0012] (System Configuration) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electronic receipt system 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the electronic receipt system 100 is composed of an electronic receipt server 10, a store terminal 20, and a user terminal 30. The electronic receipt server 10, the store terminal 20, and the user terminal 30 are connected via a network 90.

[0013] The electronic receipt server 10 is a server in the electronic receipt system 100 that provides an electronic receipt service to a user. The electronic receipt service is, for example, a service that stores transaction data of a user and provides an electronic receipt corresponding to the transaction data to the user. The electronic receipt server 10 receives transaction data related to products purchased by the user from the store terminal 20, and accumulates and stores the transaction data. Furthermore, when the electronic receipt server 10 receives an acquisition request (viewing request) for an electronic receipt from the user terminal 30, it generates electronic receipt information according to the acquisition request based on the transaction data and transmits the electronic receipt information to the user terminal 30. Furthermore, the electronic receipt server 10 stores member information in the electronic receipt system 100.

[0014] The store terminal 20 is, for example, a POS (Point of Sale) terminal installed in a store, and performs payment processing when a user, who is a customer, purchases a product via the user terminal 30, and transmits user information (such as a membership code of the electronic receipt system 100) and information on the purchased product (transaction data) read from the user terminal 30 to the electronic receipt server 10. The store terminal 20 is an example of a transaction data processing device. Although three store terminals 20 are shown in FIG. 1, a store terminal 20 is provided for each store, and therefore the number of store terminals 20 in the electronic receipt system 100 may be any number. Furthermore, multiple store terminals 20 may be provided for each store.

[0015] The user terminal 30 is a mobile terminal with communication capabilities, and is typically a smartphone owned by the user. The user terminal 30 may also be another communication terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartwatch. The user terminal 30 can display a code (a barcode, two-dimensional code, etc. indicating the member ID) corresponding to the member ID of the electronic receipt system 100 on the display. Note that a user who is not a member of the electronic receipt system 100 can obtain a new member ID at the time of a transaction using the user terminal 30, and can display the code corresponding to the new member ID.

[0016] The store terminal 20 can obtain the member ID (new member ID) by reading the code, and can transmit the member ID and transaction data to the electronic receipt server 10. Furthermore, once the payment process is completed after the store terminal 20 has read the member ID (new member ID), the user terminal 30 can then obtain electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt server 10 and display the electronic receipt on the display.

[0017] In this way, in the electronic receipt system 100, by reading the membership code at the store terminal 20 when making a payment, an electronic receipt can be issued instead of or in addition to issuing a paper receipt at the store terminal 20, and the electronic receipt can be received and viewed at the user terminal 30.

[0018] In this embodiment, the code that the user presents to the store terminal 20 in order to receive an electronic receipt is a code corresponding to the member ID of the electronic receipt system 100, but it is also possible to receive an electronic receipt by presenting a code corresponding to the member ID of each store. In this case, it is sufficient to link the member ID of each store with the member ID of the electronic receipt system 100 in advance.

[0019] The electronic receipt system 100 may also include other components such as an information processing terminal or server for the retailer (retailer, company, manufacturer) that manages the store where the store terminal 20 is located.

[0020] The network 90 is a communication network capable of transmitting various types of information, such as the Internet, a mobile communication network, or a dedicated line.

[0021] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the electronic receipt server 10. The electronic receipt server 10 includes, for example, a communication interface 13, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 14, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 15, a RAM (Read Only Memory) 16, and an auxiliary storage device 17.

[0022] The communication interface 13 is hardware for communicating via the above-mentioned network 90, and is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) module.

[0023] The CPU 14 performs overall control of the electronic receipt server 10. The ROM 15 stores various data and operation programs executed by the CPU 14. The RAM 16 is used as a work area for the CPU 14.

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 17 is configured by a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an eMMC (embedded MultiMediaCard), or a readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Examples of the readable / writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and a flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 17 stores a program for causing an information processing device such as a personal computer to function as the electronic receipt server 10 of this embodiment. The program for causing the information processing device to function as the electronic receipt server 10 may be stored in the ROM 15.

[0025] The program for causing the information processing device to function as the electronic receipt server 10 of this embodiment may be downloadable via a network, or may be stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magneto-optical disk, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, a HDD, an SSD, or an eMMC.

[0026] In addition, the auxiliary storage device 17 stores, for each member, a member transaction history 171, which is the transaction history of the member to whom the electronic receipt is provided.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5(A), the member transaction history 171 is information that associates a member ID, which is identification information of a member in the electronic receipt system 100, with the transaction history of that member. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the transaction history is information that associates a receipt ID, which is identification information of transaction data, with transaction data that includes information related to the transaction, such as the store, date and time, purchased items, item price, payment amount, and payment method. The transaction data may be, for example, information that is written on a regular receipt (paper receipt). In this way, the member transaction history 171 is information in which the member's transaction data is accumulated as transaction history. Note that the member transaction history 171 may also store detailed information about the member, such as name, age, gender, address, telephone number, and birthday, in association with other information.

[0028] In addition, the auxiliary storage device 17 stores member information 172, which is information about members in the electronic receipt system 100, for each member.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5(B), the member information 172 is information that associates a member ID, which is identification information of a member in the electronic receipt system 100, a temporary member flag, and login information. The temporary member flag indicates that the member ID has been issued to a temporary member. The member information 172 is generated when a new member ID is issued to a non-member user who registers as a new member or performs a new operation to receive an electronic receipt. The temporary member flag is turned on when a new (temporary) member ID is issued to a non-member who performs a new operation to receive an electronic receipt, and is turned off when the non-member (temporary member) registers as a member and becomes a new member (regular member). The login information is information that indicates a login ID (email address, etc.) and password used by a member to log in to the electronic receipt system 100 (for example, a website provided by the electronic receipt system 100). For example, the electronic receipt server 10 authenticates the user terminal 30 based on the login information, and if the authentication is successful, transmits a code corresponding to the member ID to the user terminal 30.

[0030] Member information 172 may store attribute information (basic information) of a member, such as name, age, sex, occupation, address, and telephone number, in association with the member. Member information 172 may also store other information, such as the member's birthday and blood type, in association with the member. Store (retail) membership numbers and the like may also be stored in association with the member ID. In this way, the store membership number can be read out using the member ID, and the member ID can be read out using the store membership number.

[0031] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the store terminal 20. The store terminal 20 includes, for example, a display 21, an input device 22, a communication interface 23, a CPU 24, a ROM 25, a RAM 26, an auxiliary storage device 27, a code scanner 28, and a printer 29.

[0032] The display 21 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. Under the control of the CPU 24, the display 21 displays product information and payment information in response to the results of reading by the code scanner 28 and operations received by the input device 22.

[0033] The input device 22 is composed of a keyboard, operation buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives operation inputs from store clerks and sends signals related to the received operations to the CPU 24.

[0034] The communication interface 23 is hardware for communicating via the above-mentioned network 90, and is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN module.

[0035] The CPU 24 performs overall control of the store terminal 20. The ROM 25 stores various data and operation programs executed by the CPU 24. The RAM 26 is used as a work area for the CPU 24.

[0036] The auxiliary storage device 27 is configured with a storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or eMMC, or a readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 27 stores a program for reading a code from the user terminal 30, performing a payment process, and transmitting transaction data corresponding to the payment process to the electronic receipt server 10. The program may be stored in the ROM 25.

[0037] The code scanner 28 reads code symbols such as barcodes on products or codes displayed on the user terminal 30, and sends a signal corresponding to the read content to the CPU 24.

[0038] The printer 29 is a printer device that prints and outputs receipts and the like corresponding to the transaction data. Note that the printer 29 may be omitted from the store terminal 20, and a printer device external to the store terminal 20 may be used to print and output receipts and the like. The store terminal 20 may also be configured with an external printer device and an information processing terminal such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0039] In this embodiment, information is sent from the store terminal 20 to the electronic receipt server 10, but it is also possible to provide a store server that accumulates product information and transaction data in the store, and send information from the store terminal 20 to the electronic receipt server 10 via the store server.

[0040] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 includes, for example, a display 31, an input device 32, a communication interface 33, a CPU 34, a ROM 35, a RAM 36, and an auxiliary storage device 37.

[0041] The display 31 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc. Under the control of the CPU 34, the display 31 displays various screens and the like in response to user operations.

[0042] The input device 32 is composed of key buttons, a touch panel, etc., and receives operation inputs from the user and sends signals related to the received operations to the CPU .

[0043] The communication interface 33 is hardware for communicating via the above-mentioned network 90, and is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN module.

[0044] The CPU 34 performs overall control of the user terminal 30. The ROM 35 stores various data and operation programs executed by the CPU 34. The RAM 36 is used as a work area for the CPU 34.

[0045] The auxiliary storage device 37 is composed of a readable and writable non-volatile semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage device 37 displays a barcode or two-dimensional code indicating the user's membership information (membership ID of the electronic receipt system 100) on the display 31, registers transaction data to the electronic receipt server 10 (issues an electronic receipt) during payment processing, and stores a program (for example, a web browser or an electronic receipt application) for acquiring an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt server 10.

[0046] The program of the electronic receipt application may be downloaded via a network, for example, and may be stored in the ROM 35.

[0047] The configurations of the devices shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 are merely examples, and additional configurations may be added or some configurations may be omitted.

[0048] At least some of the electronic receipt server 10, the store terminal 20, and the user terminal 30 may be dedicated hardware. At least some of the electronic receipt server 10, the store terminal 20, and the user terminal 30 may be configured as a general-purpose information processing device (personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.).

[0049] (Functional configuration of electronic receipt server) 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the electronic receipt server 10 according to the present embodiment. The electronic receipt server 10 is functionally composed of a code transmitting unit 101, a transaction data receiving unit 102, a transaction data storage unit 103, an electronic receipt transmitting unit 104, a member registration request receiving unit 105, and a new member registration unit 106. The CPU 14 reads programs stored in the ROM 15 or the auxiliary storage device 17, thereby operating as each functional unit.

[0050] In response to a code acquisition request from the user terminal 30, the code transmission unit 101 transmits to the user terminal 30 a code (a barcode, a two-dimensional code, a membership number, a character string, etc.) for receiving an electronic receipt.

[0051] If the code acquisition request is a login request from a registered member, the code transmission unit 101 transmits the member code corresponding to the member ID included in the login request to the user terminal 30. On the other hand, if the code acquisition request is a new acquisition request from a non-member, the code transmission unit 101 issues a new code corresponding to the new member ID and transmits the issued new code to the user terminal 30.

[0052] When a product is traded at the store terminal 20, the transaction data receiving unit 102 receives the product transaction data from the store terminal 20 via the network 90 as data associated with the code read from the user terminal 30.

[0053] The transaction data storage unit 103 accumulates and stores the transaction data received by the transaction data receiving unit 102 in the auxiliary storage device 17 .

[0054] When the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 receives an electronic receipt acquisition request from the user terminal 30, it generates electronic receipt information based on the transaction data stored in the auxiliary storage device 17 and transmits the generated electronic receipt information to the user terminal 30 that has transmitted the electronic receipt acquisition request. The electronic receipt corresponding to the transmitted electronic receipt information can be viewed on the user terminal 30.

[0055] If the electronic receipt acquisition request corresponds to a membership code (member ID of a registered member corresponding to the membership code), the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the membership code (member ID). On the other hand, if the electronic receipt acquisition request corresponds to a new code (new member ID corresponding to the new code), the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the new code (new member ID).

[0056] The member registration request receiving unit 105 receives a new member registration request from the user terminal 30 that has transmitted the electronic receipt information corresponding to the new code.

[0057] When the new member registration unit 106 receives a new member registration request, it registers the member ID corresponding to the new code issued by the code transmission unit 101 as the member ID of the new member.

[0058] When a new member is registered by the new member registration unit 106, the transaction data storage unit 103 stores the transaction data associated with the new member in the auxiliary storage device 17 as the transaction data of the registered new member.

[0059] In this way, the electronic receipt server 10 and the electronic receipt system 100 of the present embodiment can provide electronic receipts to non-member users who have not registered as members of the electronic receipt system 100. This can promote the use of the electronic receipt service provided by the electronic receipt server 10 and the electronic receipt system 100.

[0060] (Member payment ~ Electronic receipt display operation) Next, the operation of the electronic receipt system 100 will be described. First, the operation when a member of the electronic receipt system 100 receives an electronic receipt will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of processing in the electronic receipt system 100, from when a member makes a payment at a store until receiving an electronic receipt. In order to issue an electronic receipt when paying for purchased goods at a store, the user who is a member (a customer of the store) needs to display the membership code of the electronic receipt system 100 on the user terminal 30 and have the store terminal 20 read it at the time of payment. To do this, the user who is a member displays the membership code by logging in to the electronic receipt system 100 by accessing the website of the electronic receipt system 100 or by starting the electronic receipt app, etc., before making a payment at the store. Therefore, in the processing shown in FIG. 7, first, the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 determines whether or not a display operation (login operation) of the membership code by the user has been detected (step S11).

[0061] In this embodiment, logging in to the electronic receipt system 100 is performed using a web browser installed in the user terminal 30. That is, each process related to electronic receipts in the user terminal 30 is performed via the web browser. However, this is not limiting, and each process related to electronic receipts in the user terminal 30 may be performed via a dedicated electronic receipt app. Also, to make it easier to access the website of the electronic receipt system 100, posters or pops displaying a two-dimensional code for access may be placed in stores.

[0062] If the member code display operation is not detected (Step S11; No), the CPU 34 ends the processing shown in Fig. 7. If the member code display operation is detected (Step S11; Yes), the CPU 34 acquires the member code from the electronic receipt server 10 by, for example, sending a member code acquisition request including login information (login user ID and password) to the electronic receipt server 10 (Step S12).

[0063] When the code sending unit 101 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives a request (login request) for obtaining a membership code including login information from the user terminal 30, it reads the member ID corresponding to the login information from the member information 172 and sends a membership code obtained by encoding the member ID to the user terminal 30 (step S31).

[0064] When the CPU 34 receives the membership code from the electronic receipt server 10, it displays the membership code (barcode, two-dimensional code) on the display 31 (step S13).

[0065] The store terminal 20, by operation of the user or a store clerk, reads the membership code displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 using the code scanner 28, thereby obtaining the member ID corresponding to the membership code (step S21).

[0066] Thereafter, the store clerk or the user reads the barcodes of the products to be purchased by the user using the code scanner 28, and manually inputs the product prices using the input device 22. Then, the CPU 24 of the store terminal 20 performs a settlement process for the total amount of the product prices identified from the barcodes read by the code scanner 28 and the product prices input using the input device 22 (step S22).

[0067] The payment process includes processes such as subtracting the product price from the balance of cash, credit card, electronic money, or code payment received from the user, calculating the change amount in the case of cash and displaying it on display 21, storing transaction data corresponding to this payment in auxiliary storage device 27, and outputting a paper receipt corresponding to this payment from printer 29. Note that the payment process may also obtain payment information (payment method, credit card information, electronic money charge balance information, etc.) corresponding to the membership code via network 90, and perform payment processing based on the payment information corresponding to the membership code. Note that since an electronic receipt is issued to the member, outputting a paper receipt may be omitted.

[0068] When the payment process is completed, the CPU 24 of the store terminal 20 transmits the member ID and transaction data for this payment (store information, date and time, purchased product, product price, payment method, etc.) to the electronic receipt server 10 (step S23). The store terminal 20 then terminates the process shown in FIG.

[0069] When the transaction data receiving unit 102 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives the member ID and transaction data from the store terminal 20, the transaction data storage unit 103 issues a new receipt ID corresponding to the current payment and saves the current transaction data by adding the receipt ID and the current transaction data to the transaction history of the member transaction history 171 for the corresponding member ID (step S32).

[0070] At this time, the electronic receipt server 10 may transmit an electronic receipt issuance notification including, for example, a receipt ID to the store terminal 20 and / or the user terminal 30, which is a notification indicating that the transaction data has been successfully saved, i.e., that an electronic receipt has been issued. In this way, it is possible to confirm that an electronic receipt has been issued at the store terminal 20 or the user terminal 30. Furthermore, by storing the receipt ID in the user terminal 30, the user can view the electronic receipt corresponding to the receipt ID at any time on the user terminal 30.

[0071] After the transaction and settlement at the store is completed, that is, after the electronic receipt is issued, at any timing, when the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 detects an operation to display the electronic receipt by the user (step S14; Yes), the CPU 34 transmits an electronic receipt acquisition request including information to identify the transaction (for example, the transaction store, the transaction date and time, and the corresponding receipt ID, member ID, etc.) to the electronic receipt server 10 (step S15). The operation to display the electronic receipt is, for example, an operation to select specific transaction data (the transaction store, the transaction date and time, etc.) on a transaction data list screen on the website of the electronic receipt system 100 or on the electronic receipt app.

[0072] When the CPU 14 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives the electronic receipt acquisition request from the user terminal 30, it executes an electronic receipt generation process to generate an electronic receipt (step S33).

[0073] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of an electronic receipt generation process. In the electronic receipt generation process, the electronic receipt transmission unit 104 of the electronic receipt server 10 searches for and acquires transaction data corresponding to the electronic receipt acquisition request (transaction store, transaction date and time, electronic receipt ID, member ID, etc.) received from the user terminal 30 from the member transaction history 171 (Step S101). Then, the electronic receipt transmission unit 104 embeds the acquired transaction data in an electronic receipt template (for example, an HTML (HyperText Markup Language) file) corresponding to the store that transmitted the transaction data to generate an electronic receipt (Step S102). The electronic receipt generated here may include the same information as, for example, a paper receipt issued by a store. Thereafter, the electronic receipt generation process ends.

[0074] 7, after the electronic receipt is generated in the electronic receipt generation process, the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the generated electronic receipt to the user terminal 30 (Step S34). That is, if the electronic receipt acquisition request received from the user terminal 30 includes the member ID of a registered member and corresponds to the registered member code, the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the member code (member ID).

[0075] When the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 receives the electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt server 10, it formats an electronic receipt into a size and format that can be suitably displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 based on the electronic receipt information, and displays the formatted electronic receipt on the display 31 (step S16). Through the above-described process, a member of the electronic receipt system 100 can have an electronic receipt issued by presenting a membership code when making a transaction at a store. Then, the member can obtain and view the electronic receipt for the transaction at the user terminal 30. That is, the user who is a member can receive an electronic receipt for the transaction at the store.

[0076] (Non-member payments - electronic receipt display behavior) Next, an operation when a non-member of the electronic receipt system 100 receives an electronic receipt will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the electronic receipt system 100 in which a non-member makes a payment at a store and receives an electronic receipt. In order for a non-member to issue an electronic receipt when paying for purchased goods at a store, the non-member user needs to perform a new reception operation for the electronic receipt by accessing the website of the electronic receipt system 100 or by starting an electronic receipt app. First, the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 determines whether or not a new reception operation for an electronic receipt by a non-member user has been detected (step S41).

[0077] To make it easier for non-members to receive new electronic receipts, posters or pop-ups displaying two-dimensional codes for accessing the website of the electronic receipt system 100 or the download site for the electronic receipt app may be placed in the store. In this way, non-members of the electronic receipt system 100 can be encouraged to use the electronic receipt system 100 and register as members through the posters or pop-ups. Furthermore, even non-members of the electronic receipt system 100 can easily use the electronic receipt system 100 and receive electronic receipts.

[0078] If a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt is not detected (Step S41; No), the CPU 34 ends the processing shown in Fig. 8. If a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt is detected (Step S41; Yes), the CPU 34 acquires a new membership code from the electronic receipt server 10 by, for example, transmitting a request to acquire a new membership code (a request to acquire a new membership code) to the electronic receipt server 10 (Step S42).

[0079] When the code sending unit 101 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives a request to acquire a new member code from the user terminal 30, it generates a new member ID that does not overlap with any previously issued member IDs and sends a new member code that is a coded version of that member ID (step S51). This newly issued new member code is also called a provisional member code, as it is a membership code temporarily issued to a non-member prior to member registration. The new member ID issued in step S51 is also added to the member information 172. At this time, the provisional member flag of the added member ID is turned on.

[0080] When the CPU 34 receives a new member code from the electronic receipt server 10, it determines whether or not a member registration operation has been detected (step S43). For example, when the user terminal 30 receives a new member code, it displays operation buttons for new member registration and a member information input screen on the display 31. Then, in step S43, it determines whether or not, for example, the operation button for new member registration has been operated and member information has been input.

[0081] If a new member registration operation is detected (step S43; Yes), the CPU 34 sends a member registration request including member registration information (member ID corresponding to the new member code, email address of the user registering as a member, password, attribute information, etc.) to the electronic receipt server 10 (step S44).

[0082] When the member registration request receiving unit 105 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives a member registration request from the user terminal 30, the new member registration unit 106 executes member registration processing to register a new member of the electronic receipt system 100 (step S52). In the member registration processing, the code sending unit 101 adds login information and the like to the member information 172 based on the member registration information included in the member registration request, and turns off the temporary member flag, thereby updating the member information 172. When the update to the member information 172 (member registration) is completed, the user terminal 30 is notified of this.

[0083] The member registration process may also include a process for granting a predetermined incentive (benefit) to a new member. The type of incentive may be any type, but for example, a coupon or points that can be used in a store may be granted to the new member as an incentive. Such incentives may be stored in association with the member information 172. Information regarding the granted incentive may also be notified to the user terminal 30. A message indicating that an incentive will be granted upon new member registration may also be displayed on the user terminal 30. This can encourage new member registration and promote use of the electronic receipt service.

[0084] When new member registration is completed in the user terminal 30, the process proceeds to step S13 in FIG. 7, and the same process as when the member receives an electronic receipt is executed.

[0085] If a new member registration operation is not detected (step S43; No), the CPU 34 displays a new member code (barcode, two-dimensional code) on the display 31 (step S45).

[0086] The store terminal 20, by operation of the user or a store clerk, reads the new member code displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 with the code scanner 28, and obtains a member ID (new member ID) corresponding to the new member code (step S21). Thereafter, payment processing (step S22) is performed, and the member ID (new member ID) and transaction data are transmitted (step S23). The processing of steps S21 to S23 is the same as that of FIG. 7. The store terminal 20 then ends the processing shown in FIG. 8.

[0087] When the transaction data receiving unit 102 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives the new member ID and transaction data from the store terminal 20, the transaction data storage unit 103 issues a new receipt ID corresponding to the current payment, generates a member transaction history 171 for the new member ID, and adds the receipt ID and the current transaction data to the transaction history, thereby saving the current transaction data (step S53). In this way, the transaction data of a non-member who has performed a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt can be stored in the electronic receipt server 10.

[0088] In addition, the electronic receipt server 10 may be configured to discard the transaction data of a non-member (member transaction history 171 of a new member ID) if member registration for that new member ID is not performed for a predetermined period of time, or if an electronic receipt related to the transaction data is not obtained for a predetermined period of time. In this way, if a non-member performs a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt but does not use the electronic receipt service for a predetermined period of time, the information related to the non-member is deleted, thereby preventing a load on data capacity due to long-term storage of information related to non-members. At this time, the member information 172 of the non-member may also be discarded. The member ID related to the discarded member information 172 may be reused.

[0089] After the transaction and settlement at the store where the non-member user performed a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt is completed, that is, after the electronic receipt corresponding to the new membership code is issued, the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 detects a display operation for the electronic receipt corresponding to the new membership code at any timing (Step S46; Yes), and transmits an electronic receipt acquisition request including information specifying the transaction (e.g., the transaction store, the transaction date and time, the new member ID corresponding to the new membership code, etc.) to the electronic receipt server 10 (Step S47). The display operation for the electronic receipt corresponding to the new membership code is, for example, a viewing operation of the electronic receipt related to the transaction performed by performing a new receiving operation on the website or electronic receipt app of the electronic receipt system 100.

[0090] When the CPU 14 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives the electronic receipt acquisition request from the user terminal 30, it executes an electronic receipt generation process to generate an electronic receipt (step S33). The process of step S33 is the same as that in FIG.

[0091] Then, the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the generated electronic receipt to the user terminal 30 (Step S34). That is, if the electronic receipt acquisition request received from the user terminal 30 includes a new member ID and corresponds to a new member code, the electronic receipt transmitting unit 104 transmits electronic receipt information corresponding to the new member code (new member ID).

[0092] When the CPU 34 of the non-member user terminal 30 receives the electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt server 10, the CPU 34 formats an electronic receipt into a size and format that can be suitably displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 based on the electronic receipt information, and displays the formatted electronic receipt on the display 31 (step S48). Through the above-mentioned process, a non-member of the electronic receipt system 100 can obtain a new membership code by performing a new reception operation for an electronic receipt when making a transaction at a store, and can have an electronic receipt issued by presenting the new membership code. Then, the non-member can obtain and view the electronic receipt for the transaction at the user terminal 30. That is, a non-member user can receive an electronic receipt for a transaction at a store.

[0093] After displaying the electronic receipt on the non-member user terminal 30, the CPU 34 determines whether or not an operation to register as a member and save the currently received electronic receipt has been detected (step S49). For example, the member transaction history 171 of a non-member is configured to be deleted after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. By registering as a member, the non-member can accumulate and save the member transaction history 171 in the electronic receipt server 10, and can obtain and view the electronic receipt corresponding to the member transaction history 171 on the user terminal 30. In addition, for example, the electronic receipt can be saved in the user terminal 30. Note that the member registration operation may be the same as in step S43, as long as the operation button for registering a new member is operated or member information is input.

[0094] If a new member registration operation is detected (step S49; Yes), the CPU 34 sends a member registration request including member registration information (member ID corresponding to the new member code, email address of the user registering as a member, password, attribute information, etc.) to the electronic receipt server 10 (step S50), and ends the processing in Fig. 8. On the other hand, if a new member registration operation is not detected (step S49; No), the CPU 34 ends the processing in Fig. 8 as is.

[0095] When the member registration request receiving unit 105 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives a member registration request from the user terminal 30, the new member registration unit 106 executes member registration processing to register a new member of the electronic receipt system 100 (step S54). The processing of step S54 may be the same as step S52. When the member registration processing is completed, the transaction data and member transaction history 171 related to the member ID of the new member before registration, which were saved in step S53, become available as the transaction data and member transaction history 171 of the new member.

[0096] As described above, in the electronic receipt system 100 and the electronic receipt server 10 of the present embodiment, when a non-member performs an operation to receive a new electronic receipt, an operation button for new member registration is displayed at multiple timings, such as before and after receiving the electronic receipt. That is, information for new member registration is transmitted to the user terminal 30 at multiple timings after the non-member performs an operation to receive a new electronic receipt. This makes it possible to encourage non-members to register as members. Note that the timing of member registration of non-members is not limited to the timing shown in the process of FIG. 8, and it may be possible to perform it at any timing.

[0097] As described above, according to the electronic receipt system 100 and the electronic receipt server 10 of the first embodiment, even a non-member of the electronic receipt system 100 can obtain a new membership code by performing a new receiving operation for an electronic receipt when making a transaction at a store, and can have an electronic receipt issued by presenting the new membership code. Then, the electronic receipt for the transaction can be obtained and viewed on the user terminal 30. That is, a non-member user can receive an electronic receipt for a transaction at a store.

[0098] (Display example) FIG. 10(A) shows an example of a login screen displayed on the display 31 of the user terminal 30 (a smartphone in this example) on the website ("Electronic Receipt Net" in this example) of the electronic receipt system 100. On the login screen, a member can log in to the electronic receipt system 100 by entering their user ID (e.g., email address) and password for the electronic receipt system 100 and operating (touching) the login button 311. If the login authentication is successful, a membership code is sent from the electronic receipt server 10, and an electronic receipt membership menu screen including a membership code 313 is displayed, as shown in FIG. 10(B). The membership code 313 is, for example, a barcode that can be read by the code scanner 28 of the store terminal 20, but it may also be a two-dimensional code or a number indicating a membership code, or may include multiple of these.

[0099] The electronic receipt member menu screen also displays a list button 314 for displaying a list of electronic receipts related to the member's past transactions made by presenting the member code 313, and a read button 315 for reading the transaction content code printed on a paper receipt. When the list button 314 is operated, a list screen of past transaction information is displayed, and when the user selects a simplified display of the transaction information (date, amount, etc.) on the list screen, an electronic receipt corresponding to the simplified display is displayed on the display 31.

[0100] When the read button 315 is operated, the camera of the user terminal 30 is activated, allowing the user to read the transaction content code printed on the paper receipt. The transaction content code indicates, for example, the transaction content printed on the paper receipt, and by reading the transaction content code with the user terminal 30 via a predetermined website or a dedicated electronic receipt app, an electronic receipt corresponding to the transaction content printed on the paper receipt is displayed. Note that reading the transaction content code will be explained in embodiment 2.

[0101] Furthermore, non-members can obtain a temporary membership code for receiving an electronic receipt by accessing the login screen of the Electronic Receipt Net and operating the new reception button 312 on the login screen. When the new reception button 312 is operated, a temporary membership code (new membership code) is issued in the electronic receipt server 10 and transmitted, and a new electronic receipt reception menu screen including the temporary membership code 316 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 10(C).

[0102] The new electronic receipt reception menu screen displays a new member registration button 317 for registering as a new member, an electronic receipt display button 318 for displaying an electronic receipt issued by presenting the temporary member code 316, and a read button 315. When the new member registration button 317 is operated, a screen for inputting information required for member registration (email address, password, etc.) and a button for sending the input information to the electronic receipt server 10 are displayed. Furthermore, when the electronic receipt display button 318 is operated, a list of transaction information performed by presenting the temporary member code 316 and an electronic receipt of the most recent transaction are displayed.

[0103] For example, non-members may be allowed to view only the electronic receipt that was most recently issued by presenting the temporary membership code 316 on the new electronic receipt reception menu screen. In this case, the electronic receipt server 10 may store only the most recent transaction data for the member transaction history of non-members. This can encourage users who want to view electronic receipts related to past transactions to register as members. In addition, the electronic receipt server 10 can reduce the capacity burden.

[0104] Furthermore, the menu screen for receiving new electronic receipts displays text encouraging new member registration, such as "Register as a new member now and receive a coupon." In this way, the menu screen for non-members displays information encouraging new member registration, such as the new member registration button 317 and text encouraging new member registration. This makes it possible to encourage non-members to register as new members and use the electronic receipt service. Note that the text shown in FIG. 10(C) is an example of information encouraging new member registration, and the information encouraging new member registration may be any information (such as information on incentives when registering as a member, a link to an information page showing benefits when registering as a member, etc.).

[0105] 10 are merely examples, and the login screen and menu screen may include other items, or some of the buttons may be omitted. For example, other buttons such as a help button for calling up a help screen and a settings button for changing application settings may be provided.

[0106] FIG. 11(A) shows an example of a display of a member's electronic receipt. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the electronic receipt includes information such as store information (store name, address, telephone number), date and time, purchased items, product price, payment amount, and payment method. Note that the electronic receipt shown in FIG. 11(A) is an example, and any electronic receipt may be used as long as it allows transaction data to be confirmed like a normal receipt. For example, the electronic receipt may also include other information and images such as the store (retail) logo, detailed product information, and campaign and advertising images.

[0107] Fig. 11(B) shows an example of the display of an electronic receipt for a non-member. As shown in Fig. 11(B), the transaction information included in the electronic receipt for a non-member is the same as that for a member, but it also includes a new member registration button 319 for saving the electronic receipt. When the new member registration button 319 is operated, a screen for entering information required for member registration (email address, password, etc.) and a button for sending the entered information to the electronic receipt server 10 are displayed. In this way, by displaying the new member registration buttons 317, 319 on the new electronic receipt reception menu screen and the electronic receipt screen for non-members, non-members can register as members at multiple times, making it easier for non-members to register as members and encouraging them to register as members.

[0108] As described above, the electronic receipt server 10 may delete information about temporary members after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. This prevents storage capacity from being overwhelmed by information about temporary members who do not use the electronic receipt service for a predetermined period of time.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, in order to transmit a member ID and transaction data from the store terminal 20 to the electronic receipt server 10, the store terminal 20 needs to have a function to communicate with the electronic receipt server 10. If the store terminal installed in the store does not have a communication function or if the store does not have a network environment, introducing an electronic receipt service like that of the first embodiment requires modifying the store terminal and building a network environment, which results in high introduction costs. Furthermore, even if a store terminal 20 with a communication function is installed, there may be cases where it is temporarily unable to connect to the electronic receipt server 10 due to a malfunction in the communication environment, etc. The electronic receipt system 100A of the second embodiment is a system that makes it possible to provide an electronic receipt service even with a store terminal 20A in an offline environment that is not connected to a communication network.

[0110] The configuration of the electronic receipt system 100A of the second embodiment is the same as the electronic receipt system 100 of the first embodiment, except that the store terminal 20A is not connected to the network 90 or the electronic receipt server 10. Similarly to the store terminal 20 of the first embodiment, the store terminal 20A includes a display 21, an input device 22, a CPU 24, a ROM 25, a RAM 26, an auxiliary storage device 27, a code scanner 28, and a printer 29. The communication interface 23 is not required, but the store terminal 20A may include the communication interface 23. Other processing and configuration may be the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0111] 1 is a diagram showing the flow of processing from when a user (a customer of a store) makes a payment at a store until receiving an electronic receipt in the electronic receipt system 100A. Note that the user may be either a member or a non-member of the electronic receipt system 100A.

[0112] When a user purchases a product at a store, the store terminal 20A allows the store clerk or the user to read the barcode of the product to be purchased by the user using the code scanner 28, and manually inputs the product price using the input device 22. Then, the CPU 24 of the store terminal 20 performs a settlement process for the total price of the product identified from the barcode read by the code scanner 28 and the product price input using the input device 22 (step S211).

[0113] The CPU 24 of the store terminal 20 then encodes the text data indicating the details of the current payment transaction into a code such as a binary code (step S212). The text data indicating the details of the transaction may be data corresponding to the character string printed on a paper receipt, for example.

[0114] Then, the CPU 24 of the store terminal 20 outputs (issues) from the printer 29 a paper receipt corresponding to the current payment, on which a code indicating the transaction details is printed (step S213).

[0115] FIG. 13(A) shows an example of a paper receipt 400 output in this manner. The paper receipt 400 includes information such as store information (store name, address, phone number), date and time, purchased items, item price, payment amount, and payment method (for example, information similar to the transaction data in the member transaction history 171). A transaction content code 401 indicating the transaction content is printed on the paper receipt 400. The paper receipt 400 also includes a uniform resource locator (URL) for a website from which the transaction content code 401 can be read. Accessing this URL may display, for example, the login screen for the electronic receipt system 100A shown in FIG. 10(A) or a web page from which the transaction content code 401 can be read. The URL printed on the paper receipt 400 may be a URL specific to the store that issued the paper receipt 400. This allows the use of an electronic receipt template or the like corresponding to the store, making it possible to generate an electronic receipt tailored to the store.

[0116] Thereafter, at any timing, when the user operates the read button 315 on the electronic receipt member menu screen (FIG. 10(B)) or the new electronic receipt reception menu screen (FIG. 10(C)) to read the transaction content code 401 written on the paper receipt 400 using the camera of the user terminal 30, the CPU 34 detects the operation of reading the transaction content code 401 by the user terminal 30 (step S201; Yes), and the CPU 34 acquires the transaction content code 401 (step S202). Note that the operation of reading the transaction content code 401 is not limited to this, and the reading may be performed via an electronic receipt app or from a web page corresponding to the URL printed on the paper receipt 400. For example, it is sufficient if the electronic receipt is configured to be displayed on the user terminal 30 by reading the transaction content code 401 on a predetermined website or a dedicated electronic receipt app.

[0117] Then, the CPU 34 decodes the transaction content code 401 to identify the transaction content, and displays an electronic receipt corresponding to the transaction content on the display 31 by embedding or forming the transaction content into an electronic receipt template (step S203).

[0118] The electronic receipt displayed in this way contains the same transaction data as the corresponding paper receipt, as shown in Figure 13(B). This electronic receipt also contains a save button 320 for saving the currently displayed electronic receipt (electronic receipt corresponding to the paper receipt).

[0119] When the CPU 34 of the user terminal 30 detects an operation of the save button 320 for saving the electronic receipt, it saves the electronic receipt in a predetermined area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 37 (step S205). At this time, the CPU 34 also transmits the transaction data corresponding to the electronic receipt together with the member ID to the electronic receipt server 10. Then, the CPU 34 ends the process shown in FIG.

[0120] When the CPU 14 of the electronic receipt server 10 receives the transaction data from the user terminal 30, it issues a new receipt ID and saves the current transaction data by adding the receipt ID and the current transaction data to the transaction history of the member transaction history 171 of the corresponding member ID (step S221). The electronic receipt corresponding to the saved transaction data can be viewed on the user terminal 30. After that, the CPU 14 ends the process shown in FIG. 12.

[0121] As described above, according to the electronic receipt system 100A of the second embodiment, the user can display and save an electronic receipt by reading the transaction content code 401 with the user terminal 30, and the transaction data corresponding to the electronic receipt can be saved in the electronic receipt server 10. Therefore, even if the store terminal 20A is not connected to the electronic receipt server 10, the electronic receipt service can be provided to the user. This allows stores to introduce the electronic receipt service while keeping the introduction cost low. Furthermore, an increase in the number of stores where users can use the electronic receipt service can be expected, improving user convenience.

[0122] (Variation) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible, and further features may be added. For example, the processing contents, determination methods, and data formats of information exchanged between the components shown in the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and any other configuration may be used as long as it can achieve the same functions and effects as the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the above-described embodiments are essential, and some may be missing.

[0123] Furthermore, it is also possible to appropriately combine embodiment 1 and embodiment 2. For example, in the electronic receipt system 100 of embodiment 1, if the store terminal 20 is temporarily unable to connect to the electronic receipt server 10 due to a problem in the communication environment or the like, it is possible to execute the processing in Fig. 12 and print the transaction content code on the paper receipt as in the processing of embodiment 2.

[0124] Furthermore, the system configuration and functional configuration shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and for example, the electronic receipt server 10 may be configured with multiple servers. Also, for example, at least a portion of the data stored in the auxiliary storage device 17 may be stored in an external storage device.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the user can use electronic receipt services such as displaying a membership code and viewing an electronic receipt by accessing the website of the electronic receipt system 100, but the electronic receipt service may also be made available via an electronic receipt application provided by the operator of the electronic receipt system 100.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the electronic receipt mainly refers to an electronic version of a receipt, and is transaction data that can be displayed on the user terminal 30. However, the electronic receipt may also refer to transaction data exchanged within the electronic receipt system, or may refer to a service provided by the electronic receipt system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 10 Electronic Receipt Server 20, 20A store terminal 30 User terminals 90 Network 100, 100A Electronic Receipt System 101 Code transmitter 102 Transaction data receiving unit 103 Transaction data storage unit 104 Electronic receipt transmission unit 105 Membership registration request receiving unit 106 New Member Registration Department

Claims

1. An electronic receipt system comprising a transaction data processing device and a terminal, When outputting a paper receipt showing the transaction details, the transaction data processing device encodes the transaction details and outputs the encoded transaction details code in the paper receipt, The terminal can read the transaction content code displayed on the paper receipt to display an electronic receipt corresponding to the paper receipt, and can save the displayed electronic receipt. Electronic receipt system.

2. The transaction data processing device is not connected to a communication network. The electronic receipt system of claim 1 .

3. By reading the transaction content code, transaction data corresponding to the electronic receipt displayed on the terminal can be stored in a server in association with the terminal. The electronic receipt system of claim 1 .

4. The transaction data processing device prints the URL of the web page for reading the transaction content code on the paper receipt. The electronic receipt system of claim 1 .

5. An electronic receipt processing method in an electronic receipt system including a transaction data processing device and a terminal, When outputting a paper receipt showing the transaction details, the transaction data processing device encodes the transaction details and outputs the encoded transaction details code in the paper receipt, The terminal can read the transaction content code displayed on the paper receipt to display an electronic receipt corresponding to the paper receipt, and can save the displayed electronic receipt. Electronic receipt processing method.

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