Information processing server, information processing method, and program

Abstract

The objective is to provide an information processing server, information processing method, and program that improve the efficiency of controlling the issuance of service sheets in response to customer requests. [Solution] The information processing server according to the embodiment comprises an acquisition unit, a selection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires accounting information relating to accounting and service sheet necessity information relating to the necessity of service sheets. The selection unit selects either first issuance information for issuing accounting sheets and service sheets, or second issuance information for issuing accounting sheets, based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information. The output unit outputs the selected first or second issuance information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing server, an information processing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] At the time of transaction settlement in a store that sells products or the like, a settlement device issues a paper receipt. Also, for the purpose of promoting sales, a store clerk may hand a stamp card or a discount coupon or the like to a customer at the time of transaction settlement. In order to reduce such a work burden on the store clerk, the settlement device can issue various service sheets in place of a stamp card or a discount coupon or the like while issuing a receipt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The settlement device issues a service sheet according to the initial settings, regardless of the customer's request. When a customer does not want to receive a service sheet, the customer needs to orally inform the store clerk to that effect in advance. However, for the customer, such oral declaration is troublesome and improvement is desired. Also, the store clerk has to input an operation regarding the stop of the output of the service sheet in response to the oral declaration, which is a burden for an inexperienced store clerk, and improvement is also desired for this.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing server, an information processing method, and a program for improving the efficiency of issuing a service sheet according to a customer's request.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing server according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a selection unit, and an output unit. The acquisition unit acquires accounting information and service sheet necessity information regarding the necessity of service sheets. The selection unit selects either first issuance information for issuing accounting sheets and service sheets, or second issuance information for issuing accounting sheets, based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information. The output unit outputs the selected first or second issuance information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the checkout system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a registration machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an accounting machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a server configuration according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the functional blocks of the server processor according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of service sheet issuance control according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of service sheet issuance control according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment describes a case in which the service sheet issuance control described below is applied to a semi-self-service checkout system (operated by both staff and customers) in which the registration machine and the accounting machine are separated. Note that the service sheet issuance control described below can be applied not only to semi-self-service checkout systems, but also to staff-only systems (operated by staff), fully self-service systems (operated by customers), and mobile terminal systems (where part of the operating terminal is a mobile terminal). The service sheet serves as a substitute for a stamp card or discount coupon, and is printed by a printer that outputs accounting sheets called receipts.

[0009] [Explanation of the checkout system] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a checkout system according to an embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a registration machine 11, an accounting machine 12, a server 13 (information processing server), and a network 14 connecting them. The type of network 14 is not particularly limited, but generally a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is used.

[0010] The registration machine 11 is operated by a store employee 21 who is in the role of a checker. The accounting machine 12 is operated by a customer 22 who has purchased goods at the store. A customer 22 who operates the accounting machine 12 to settle a sales transaction can be called a settler. Note that sales transactions are not limited to payment for purchased goods. For example, payment for services is also a form of sales transaction.

[0011] In Figure 1, the registration machine 11 is attached to the work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular tabletop. Multiple work tables 23 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of their tabletops are approximately parallel, forming a passage for customers 22, a so-called checkout lane.

[0012] The registration machines 11 and accounting machines 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. One registration machine 11 and multiple accounting machines 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. Various data signals are exchanged between the registration machines 11 and accounting machines 12 located in the same checkout lane via the network 14. The data signals are exchanged via the server 13. Incidentally, Figure 1 shows an example in which one registration machine 11 and two accounting machines 12 are arranged for each of the two checkout lanes. Three or more accounting machines 12 may be arranged for each registration machine 11.

[0013] Server 13 stores product management information and service management information, and performs accounting processing and service sheet issuance control based on the product information registered in each registration device 11.

[0014] [Configuration description of the registered device] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a registration device according to an embodiment. The registration device 11 includes a processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, communication unit 35, keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, and system transmission path 42, etc. The system transmission path 42 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 42 connects the processor 31 and the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0015] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a registration device 11 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0016] The processor 31 executes the registration process according to the operating system or application program. Based on the acceptance of the product registration mode, the processor 31 executes the product registration mode and accepts the product code output from the scanner 37.

[0017] Main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, the main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program. The main memory 32 may store data necessary for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store the above application program.

[0019] The clock 34 measures the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time measured by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0020] The communication unit 35 performs data communication with the server 13 and the accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14.

[0021] The keyboard 36 is an input device having various keys necessary for inputting data related to products purchased by customers, etc.

[0022] Scanner 37 is an input device for reading product codes, such as one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes. Scanner 37 may be a type that reads product codes by scanning with a laser beam, or a type that reads product codes from images captured by an imaging device. For example, scanner 37 reads product codes from products purchased by customers. Scanner 37 is also an input device for reading service sheet necessity codes, such as one-dimensional or two-dimensional product codes. Service sheet necessity codes will be explained in detail later.

[0023] The touch panel 38 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 38 displays information to the store clerk 21, who is the operator of the registration machine 11, and accepts operation input from the store clerk 21.

[0024] The customer display 39 displays information to customers 22 whose purchase data has been registered in the registration machine 11.

[0025] For the hardware of such a registration device 11, an existing POS terminal can be used, for example. Note that the devices connected to the registration device 11 are not limited to the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, printer 40, and reader 41 shown in Figure 2. Additional devices may be added or some devices omitted depending on the application of the registration device 11.

[0026] [Explanation of the accounting machine's configuration] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an accounting machine according to an embodiment. The accounting machine 12 includes a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication unit 65, change dispenser interface 66, scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, reader / writer 70, and system transmission line 71, etc. The system transmission line 71 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 71 connects the processor 61 and the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0027] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part in order to realize various functions as an accounting machine 12 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0028] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 62 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0029] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0030] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0031] The communication unit 65 performs data communication with the server 13 or registration device 11 connected via the network 14.

[0032] The change dispenser interface 66 constitutes an interface with the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 66 receives monetary data of the money inserted into the automatic change dispenser from the automatic change dispenser. The change dispenser interface 66 outputs change data from the accounting machine 12 to the automatic change dispenser. The automatic change dispenser, having received the change data, automatically dispenses the amount of money corresponding to that change data as change.

[0033] The scanner 67 is an input device for reading various codes, such as one-dimensional codes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 67 may be of a type that reads various codes by scanning with a laser beam, or it may be of a type that reads various codes from images captured by an imaging device.

[0034] The touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 68 displays information to the customer 22, who is the operator of the accounting machine 12, and accepts operation input from the customer 22.

[0035] The printer 69 pulls a sheet from a sheet roll, prints various texts or images on the pulled sheet, and cuts the pulled sheet at a predetermined position. By printing on the sheet and cutting the sheet, the printer 69 issues a receipt recording accounting information related to accounting for a series of transactions. Alternatively, by printing on the sheet and cutting the sheet, the printer 69 issues a service sheet recording service information. Examples of this type of printer 69 include thermal printers and dot matrix printers.

[0036] The reader / writer 70 has the function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or smartphone, and the function of writing data to the aforementioned medium. The card is a payment card or a membership card. The payment card is a credit card, debit card, electronic money card, or prepaid card. The reader / writer 70 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0037] For the hardware of such an accounting machine 12, for example, a POS terminal from an existing fully self-service checkout system, a so-called self-service POS terminal, can be used. Note that the devices connected to the accounting machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, touch panel 68, printer 69, and reader / writer 70 shown in Figure 3. Additional devices may be added or some devices omitted depending on the application of the accounting machine 12.

[0038] [Server Configuration Description] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a server according to an embodiment. The server 13 includes a processor 81, main memory 82, auxiliary storage device 83, clock 84, communication unit 85, and system transmission path 86, etc. The system transmission path 86 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 86 connects the processor 81 to the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0039] The processor 81 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 81 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as a server 13 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 81 is, for example, a CPU.

[0040] Main memory 82 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 82 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 82 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 82 may also store data necessary for the processor 81 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 82 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 81. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM.

[0041] The auxiliary storage device 83 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD could be the auxiliary storage device 83. The auxiliary storage device 83 stores data used by the processor 81 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 81, etc. The auxiliary storage device 83 may also store the application program described above.

[0042] Furthermore, the auxiliary storage device 83 stores product management information and service management information. Product management information includes product records corresponding to each product. For example, a product record includes a product code, product manufacturer, product category, product name, and price. Service management information includes service records corresponding to various services. A service record includes service sheet issuance conditions. For example, service sheet issuance conditions include the total amount of a series of transactions subject to service sheet issuance, or the product code of the target product subject to service sheet issuance.

[0043] Clock 84 measures the date and time. Processor 81 processes the date and time measured by clock 84 as the current date and time.

[0044] The communication unit 85 performs data communication with the registration machine 11 or accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14.

[0045] [Explanation of Service Sheet Issuance Control] The following describes an example of service sheet issuance control by server 13. Figure 5 shows an example of the functional blocks of the server processor according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the processor 81 includes an accounting unit 811, an acquisition unit 812, a selection unit 813, and an output unit 814.

[0046] In a series of transactions, the registration device 11 receives the product code read by the scanner 37 and transmits the received product code via the communication unit 35. In addition, in a series of transactions, the registration device 11 receives confirmation that the input for the series of transactions is complete and transmits confirmation of input completion via the communication unit 35.

[0047] Server 13 receives one or more product codes and input completion information received in a series of transactions from registration machine 11 via communication unit 85. Accounting unit 811 detects the product manufacturer, product category, product name, and price corresponding to each product code based on product management information stored in auxiliary storage device 83, and further detects the total amount of the series of transactions, and generates accounting information including this detected information.

[0048] Furthermore, in a series of transactions, the registration machine 11 receives the service sheet necessity code read by the scanner 37 and transmits the received service sheet necessity code to the server 13 via the communication unit 35. For example, the service sheet necessity code is an example of service sheet necessity information and is printed on a tag. Multiple tags are prepared on the side of the registration machine 11 or on the work table 23. For example, a first operation is conceivable in which a first tag is presented and a service sheet is requested when a service sheet is needed. The first tag has a code printed on it that requests a service sheet. A second operation is conceivable in which a second tag is presented and a service sheet is refused when a service sheet is not needed. The second tag has a code printed on it that does not request a service sheet.

[0049] When the first operation is implemented, the first tag is prepared, and customers who require a service sheet present the first tag when registering the product code with the registration machine 11. The store clerk holds the first tag over the scanner 37 of the registration machine 11, and the scanner 37 reads the service sheet requirement code on the first tag.

[0050] When the second operation is implemented, a second tag is prepared, and customers who do not require a service sheet present the second tag when registering the product code with the registration machine 11. The store clerk holds the second tag over the scanner 37 of the registration machine 11, and the scanner 37 reads the service sheet requirement code on the second tag.

[0051] Server 13 receives the service sheet requirement code received in the series of transactions from registration device 11 via communication unit 85. Acquisition unit 812 acquires accounting information and service sheet requirement code related to accounting in the series of transactions.

[0052] The selection unit 813 selects either first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or second issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet, based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information. Alternatively, the selection unit 813 may, after selecting to issue an accounting sheet based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information, select either to issue or not issue a service sheet.

[0053] The output unit 814 outputs the selected first or second issuance information. Alternatively, the output unit 814 outputs the issuance of the accounting sheet, and if the issuance of the service sheet is selected, it outputs the issuance of the service sheet.

[0054] The communication unit 85 transmits the first or second issuance information to the accounting machine 12. The accounting machine 12 receives the first issuance information and issues an accounting sheet and a service sheet based on the received first issuance information. Alternatively, the accounting machine 12 receives the second issuance information and issues an accounting sheet based on the received second issuance information.

[0055] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of service sheet issuance control according to the embodiment. The registration machine 11, accounting machine 12, and server 13 execute the service sheet issuance control shown in Figure 6.

[0056] The registration device 11 performs the process of reading the product codes for a series of transactions (ACT 101). For example, the scanner 37 reads the product code assigned to the product (ACT 101), and the communication unit 35 transmits the product code to the server 13 (ACT 102). The registration device 11 repeats the process of reading and transmitting product codes in a series of transactions. The registration device 11 may also read multiple product codes in a series of transactions and transmit these multiple product codes to the server 13 all at once.

[0057] If the first procedure is in place where customers present the first card to request a service sheet, customers requesting a service sheet should present the prepared first card. Alternatively, if the second procedure is in place where customers who do not require a service sheet should present the second card to refuse one, customers who do not require a service sheet should present the prepared second card.

[0058] The registration device 11 performs the process of reading the service sheet necessity code (ACT103). For example, the scanner 37 reads the service sheet necessity code from the first or second tag presented (ACT103), and the communication unit 35 transmits the service sheet necessity code to the server 13 (ACT104).

[0059] The registration device 11 executes the input completion process for a series of transactions (ACT 105). For example, the touch panel 38 receives the input from the store clerk that product registration is complete, and the communication unit 35 sends the input that product registration is complete to the server 13 (ACT 106).

[0060] Furthermore, even without the presentation of the first and second tags, the registration machine 11 will perform the input completion process in response to the store clerk's input that product registration is complete (ACT105).

[0061] Server 13 receives information from registration device 11 (ACT201) and executes each process (ACT202~ACT206).

[0062] The communication unit 85 receives the product code, service sheet requirement code, and input completion notification transmitted from the registration device 11 in response to a series of transactions (ACT201). Alternatively, the communication unit 85 receives the product code and input completion notification transmitted from the registration device 11 in response to a series of transactions (ACT201).

[0063] The accounting unit 811 detects the product name, product category, and price corresponding to each product code based on the product management information, and further detects the total amount of a series of transactions, and generates accounting information including this detected information (ACT202). The communication unit 85 transmits the generated accounting information to the accounting machine 12 (ACT203).

[0064] The acquisition unit 812 acquires accounting information and service sheet requirement codes related to accounting in a series of transactions (ACT204). However, there are cases where the service sheet requirement codes are not transmitted from the registration device 11, and the acquisition unit 812 does not acquire the service sheet requirement codes.

[0065] The selection unit 813 selects either a first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or a second issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet, based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information (ACT205).

[0066] For example, if the selection unit 813 detects that a service sheet is required based on the service sheet requirement information, it selects the first issuance information. Also, if the selection unit 813 detects that the input of accounting information for a series of transactions has been completed before acquiring the service sheet requirement information, it selects the second issuance information.

[0067] Alternatively, the selection unit 813 selects the first issuance information if it finds that the service sheet issuance conditions are met and that a service sheet is required based on the service sheet necessity information. The selection unit 813 determines that the service sheet issuance conditions are met if the total amount of the series of transactions subject to service sheet issuance exceeds the standard amount. Alternatively, the selection unit 813 determines that the service sheet issuance conditions are met if the accounting information related to the accounting in the series of transactions includes the product code of the target product subject to service sheet issuance.

[0068] Furthermore, if the selection unit 813 detects that a service sheet is not required based on the service sheet requirement information, it selects the second issuance information. Also, if the selection unit 813 detects that the input of accounting information for a series of transactions has been completed before acquiring the service sheet requirement information, it selects the first issuance information.

[0069] The output unit 814 outputs the selected first or second issuance information (ACT206). The communication unit 85 transmits the first or second issuance information to the accounting machine 12.

[0070] The accounting machine 12 receives accounting information from the server 13 and performs settlement processing based on the accounting information (ACT301). The touch panel 68 accepts input related to settlement processing, and the processor 61 performs settlement processing. The communication unit 65 sends a settlement completion message to the server 13 (ACT302).

[0071] Furthermore, the accounting machine 12 receives the first or second issuance information from the server 13 and executes the issuance process based on the first or second issuance information (ACT303). The printer 69 issues the accounting sheet and the service sheet based on the received first issuance information. Alternatively, the accounting machine 12 receives the second issuance information and issues the accounting sheet based on the received second issuance information.

[0072] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of service sheet issuance control according to the embodiment. Server 13 executes the service sheet issuance control shown in Figure 7.

[0073] The communication unit 85 receives the product code, service sheet requirement code, and input completion notification transmitted from the registration device 11 in response to a series of transactions (ACT211, ACT212, ACT213). Alternatively, the communication unit 85 receives the product code and input completion notification transmitted from the registration device 11 in response to a series of transactions (ACT211, ACT213).

[0074] The accounting unit 811 detects the product name, product category, and price corresponding to each product code based on the product management information, and further detects the total amount of a series of transactions, and generates accounting information including this detected information (ACT214). The communication unit 85 transmits the generated accounting information to the accounting machine 12.

[0075] The acquisition unit 812 acquires accounting information and service sheet requirement codes related to accounting in a series of transactions (ACT215). However, there are cases where the service sheet requirement codes are not transmitted from the registration device 11, and the acquisition unit 812 does not acquire the service sheet requirement codes.

[0076] The selection unit 813 selects either a first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or a second issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet, based on the accounting information and the service sheet necessity information (ACT216).

[0077] The output unit 814 outputs the selected first or second issuance information (ACT217). The communication unit 85 transmits the first or second issuance information to the accounting machine 12.

[0078] The following summarizes the receipt issuance control system. (1) Server 13 acquires accounting information and service sheet necessity information regarding the necessity of service sheets. Server 13 also selects either first issuance information for issuing accounting sheets and service sheets, or second issuance information for issuing accounting sheets, based on the accounting information and service sheet necessity information. Server 13 also outputs the selected first or second issuance information.

[0079] Customers can indicate whether they request a service sheet or not simply by presenting either a first card printed with information indicating whether they request a service sheet, or a second card printed with information indicating whether they do not request a service sheet.

[0080] The store clerk only needs to hold the scanner 37 over the presented first or second tag, similar to how they would scan a product code. The registration machine 11 reads the service sheet requirement information from the presented first or second tag via the scanner 37 and sends it to the server 13. The server 13 receives the service sheet requirement information read from the first or second tag, selects either the first or second issuance information, and outputs the selected first or second issuance information. The accounting machine 12 issues an accounting sheet and a service sheet based on the first issuance information. Alternatively, the accounting machine 12 issues an accounting sheet based on the second issuance information.

[0081] Customers can easily request and receive a service sheet simply by presenting the first card. Alternatively, customers can easily refuse to receive a service sheet simply by presenting the second card. This frees store staff from the task of confirming whether a service sheet is needed.

[0082] (2) If the server 13 detects that a service sheet is required based on the service sheet requirement information, it selects the first issuance information. If it detects that the input of a series of transactions has been completed before obtaining the service sheet requirement information, it selects the second issuance information. If the first operation, in which the customer requests a service sheet by presenting the first slip, is in place, the customer can easily request and receive a service sheet simply by presenting the first slip. If the customer does not present the first slip, the server 13 selects the second issuance information, and the accounting machine 12 does not issue a service sheet.

[0083] (3) When the server 13 finds that the service sheet issuance conditions are met and that a service sheet is required based on the service sheet necessity information, it selects the first issuance information. When the customer presents the first slip and the service sheet issuance conditions are met, the accounting machine 12 issues the service sheet requested by the customer. When the customer presents the first slip but the service sheet issuance conditions are not met, the accounting machine 12 does not issue the service sheet requested by the customer.

[0084] (4) If the server 13 detects that a service sheet is not required based on the service sheet requirement information, it selects the second issuance information. If it detects that the input of a series of transactions has been completed before obtaining the service sheet requirement information, it selects the first issuance information. If the second operation is in place in which a customer refuses to receive a service sheet by presenting the second slip, the customer can easily refuse to receive a service sheet simply by presenting the second slip. If the customer does not present the second slip, the server 13 selects the first issuance information, and the accounting machine 12 issues a service sheet.

[0085] In this embodiment, the server 13 has described a case in which it selects either first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or second issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet, based on accounting information and service sheet necessity information. However, it is not limited to this. The server 13 may also select either to issue or not issue a service sheet based on accounting information and service sheet necessity information, independently of the issuance of the accounting sheet.

[0086] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored in electronic devices such as the registration machine 11, accounting machine 12, and server 13, or it may be transferred without being stored in electronic devices. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as an optical disc or memory card, and its form is not limited. The electronic device downloads the program transferred (provided) via the network and installs it into memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it into memory.

[0087] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 10…Checkout System 11...Registration machine 12… Accounting machine 13… Server 14…Network 23...Work table 31… Processor 32... Main memory 33…Auxiliary storage devices 34... Clock 35…Communication unit 36... Keyboard 37… Scanner 38…Touch panel 39...Customer display 40…Printer 41... Leader 42... System transmission line 61… Processor 62... Main memory 63... Auxiliary storage devices 64... Clock 65…Communication unit 66... ​​Change machine interface 67... Scanner 68... Touch panel 69... Printer 70… Leader / Writer 71... System transmission path 81… Processor 82... Main memory 83... Auxiliary storage devices 84... Clock 85...Communication unit 86... System transmission path 811... Accounting Department 812…Acquisition department 813...Selection section 814...Output section

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires accounting information related to accounting and service sheet necessity information regarding the necessity of service sheets, A selection unit that selects either first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or second issuance information for issuing the accounting sheet, based on the aforementioned accounting information and the service sheet necessity information. An output unit that outputs the selected first or second issuance information, An information processing server equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned selection unit is If it is detected that the service sheet is necessary based on the service sheet necessity information, select the first issuance information. If the completion of a series of transactions is detected before obtaining the service sheet necessity information, the second issuance information is selected based on the accounting information. The information processing server according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned selection unit is If the service sheet issuance conditions are met and it is detected that the service sheet is required based on the service sheet necessity information, the first issuance information is selected. The information processing server according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned selection unit is If it is detected that the service sheet is not required based on the service sheet requirement information, the second issuance information is selected. If the completion of the input for a series of transactions is detected before obtaining the service sheet necessity information, the first issuance information is selected. The information processing server according to claim 2.

5. We obtain accounting information related to accounting and service sheet necessity information regarding the necessity of service sheets. Based on the aforementioned accounting information and the service sheet necessity information, select either a first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or a second issuance information for issuing the accounting sheet. Output the selected first or second issuing information. Information processing methods.

6. On the computer, To obtain accounting information regarding accounting in a series of transactions and service sheet necessity information regarding the necessity of service sheets, Based on the aforementioned accounting information and the service sheet necessity information, select either a first issuance information for issuing an accounting sheet and a service sheet, or a second issuance information for issuing the accounting sheet. Outputting the selected first or second issuing information A program to be executed.

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