Transaction data processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an item sales data processor and a program that can improve the convenience of electronic receipts.SOLUTION: A transaction data processor includes: receipt data generating means for generating receipt data indicating transaction details of an item to be settled in a first data format for printing; output means for outputting the receipt data for one transaction to either or both a printing device and an external device other than the printing device; and conversion means for converting the receipt data into a second data format different from the first data format when the output means outputs the receipt data to the external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention is a transaction data processing device. and Regarding the program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a system known as an electronic receipt, in which a receipt or invoice given to a shopper by a store at the time of payment for a product is electronically transferred to a mobile terminal or the like of the shopper.

[0003] By converting receipts into electronic data in this way, it is beneficial for shoppers to automatically record their household accounts electronically. In addition, the introduction of electronic receipts is also beneficial for the stores that introduce them, as it reduces the consumption of receipt paper.

[0004] Furthermore, in a conventional device capable of printing out data on paper and outputting electronic receipts, a technique has been proposed for determining the output destination based on necessity information indicating whether or not printing out data is required and set in advance for each customer. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, receipt data to be printed out is generally created in an unstructured format such as text data, but when this receipt data is provided as an electronic receipt, there is a problem in that the data management is inconvenient. For this reason, technology that can improve the convenience of electronic receipts is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The transaction data processing device of the embodiment includes a generating means, a converting means, a display control means, and an outputting means. The generating means generates receipt data including at least the details of the transaction in an unstructured format. If the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer, the converting means converts the receipt data into a structured format different from the unstructured format. If the receipt data includes the customer code, the display control means displays an output destination selection screen that allows the user to select either or both of a printing device and an electronic receipt management server as the output destination of the receipt data. During the processing of the product sales data, which reads out the product data specified by the product code of the product purchased by the customer from the product data file and calculates the payment amount based on the unit price included in the product data, The output means outputs the receipt data converted into the structured format by the conversion means to the electronic receipt management server when the selected output destinations include an electronic receipt management server, and outputs the receipt data in the unstructured format generated by the generation means to the printing device when the selected output destinations include a printing device. The display unit also has at least a customer display facing the customer who performs a transaction, and the display control means displays the output destination selection screen on the customer display. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a transition diagram showing an example of screen transition during customer membership registration. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the POS terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electronic receipt server. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the electronic receipt management server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a mobile terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram relating to electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of receipt data. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic receipt. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an output destination selection screen displayed on the display unit of the POS terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic receipt management process and the information transmission process in the electronic receipt server. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram relating to the electronic receipt management process and the product information transmission process in the electronic receipt management server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic receipt management process and the product information transmission process in the electronic receipt management server. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram relating to the electronic receipt receiving process and the electronic receipt viewing process in the mobile terminal. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic receipt receiving process and the electronic receipt viewing process in the mobile terminal. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt displayed on a display unit of a mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

[0011] The POS terminal 1 is a product sales data processing device that executes product sales data processing. The POS terminal 1 generates receipt data including transaction details of the product to be paid for, and outputs a paper receipt by printing the receipt data with a printer 13 (described later). The POS terminal 1 also outputs (transmits) an electronic receipt in which the data format of the receipt data has been converted to an electronic receipt server 3 via the network N2. There is no particular limit to the method of transmitting the electronic receipt, and a general-purpose protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used. There is no particular limit to the number of POS terminals 1 provided in the store P1, and there may be more than one.

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

[0013] There is no particular limit to the number of POS terminals 1 placed in the store P1, and multiple terminals may be used. In addition, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the POS terminal 1 outputs an electronic receipt will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The receipt data generated by the POS terminal 1 may be output to the electronic receipt server 3 as an electronic receipt by converting the data format by the store server 2 or a conversion device (not shown).

[0014] The electronic receipt server 3 is installed in the headquarters P2 of a company that operates a store or a chain store (hereinafter referred to as a store) and functions as a receipt management server for the company that manages receipt data for each company that operates the store. The electronic receipt server 3 has functions such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management for the company that operates the store.

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

[0016] Here, the network N3 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN. Furthermore, there is no particular restriction on the method of transmitting the electronic receipt, and a general-purpose protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used.

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

[0018] The electronic receipt management server 4 functions as a customer receipt management server that collectively manages receipt data of various companies that operate stores. The electronic receipt management server 4 stores and manages member data such as the name and member code of each customer (member) who has registered as a member by a procedure to be described later, and destination information (e.g., email address) of the mobile terminal 7 to which electronic receipts are to be sent, in a member master stored in a database DB. Note that a member management server that stores and manages member data may be provided separately from the electronic receipt management server 4.

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

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

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

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

[0023] The promotion setting terminal 5 and the promotion management server 6 are installed in a consumer goods manufacturer P4 or the like. The promotion setting terminal 5 is a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer) and transmits additional information to the electronic receipt management server 4 via a network N4. Here, the network N4 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN. Furthermore, there is no particular restriction on the method of transmitting the additional information, and a general-purpose protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used.

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

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

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

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

[0028] After a payment (transaction) is made at the POS terminal 1, the mobile terminal 7 receives an electronic receipt for the transaction transmitted from the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. By transmitting an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a membership code to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5, the mobile terminal 7 receives an electronic receipt for the member from the electronic receipt management server 4. The mobile terminal 7 displays the received electronic receipt on a display unit 73 (described later) (see FIG. 17).

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

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

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

[0032] Next, the configuration of the main devices that constitute the electronic receipt system of this embodiment will be described.

[0033] First, a POS terminal 1, which is a product sales data processing device, will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the POS terminal 1 has a control unit 11 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 11 is a computer that is configured with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various programs and rewritably stores various data, an RTC (Real Time Clock) unit that keeps track of the current date and time, and the like.

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

[0035] The operation unit 12 has various operation keys for the operator to perform operation inputs, such as number input keys for inputting numerical values, cursor keys and selection decision keys for selecting a specific item, a subtotal key for instructing output of the total of products for which sales are registered in a transaction, and a closing key for declaring that a transaction has been closed and the price has been settled.

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

[0037] The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as the name and price of the product registered for sale, the total amount of one transaction for which payment has been declared, the amount of change, etc. The display unit 14 includes an operator display 14a that displays various information to the cashier, and a customer display 14b that displays various information to the customer. The display unit 14 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 12.

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

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

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

[0041] The storage unit 17 also stores in the identification code management area 17b a POS number for identifying the POS terminal 1 from other POS terminals 1, a company code (identification code of the company operating the store), a business type / business format code, a store code indicating the store P1 in which the POS terminal 1 is installed, and the like. The business type / business format code is a code (classification code) for distinguishing the business type / business format of the store, such as a convenience store, supermarket, department store, pharmacy, restaurant, or eating and drinking establishment. The business type / business format can be changed as desired by the user. The company code (identification code of the company operating the store) and the business type / business format code may be registered in the electronic receipt server 3.

[0042] The storage unit 17 also stores a receipt data schema 17c that describes conversion rules for converting receipt data in a non-structured format into receipt data in a structured format (hereinafter, referred to as an electronic receipt).

[0043] Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt server 3 that functions as a receipt management server for a company will be explained using the block diagram in Fig. 4. The electronic receipt server 3 has a control unit 31 that performs various calculations and overall control of each unit of the electronic receipt server 3. The control unit 31 is a computer that is composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and rewrites various data, an RTC unit that keeps track of the current date and time, etc.

[0044] The control unit 31 is capable of connecting to the network N2 and the network N3 via a communication I / F 32 connected to a bus 34. The control unit 31 is also connected to a storage unit 33 via the bus 34.

[0045] The storage unit 33 stores an electronic receipt for each company that operates a store in the electronic receipt management area 33a. The electronic receipt includes a company code (an identification code of the company that operates the store), a business type / category code, a store code, a customer's membership code, a POS number of the POS terminal 1, a receipt number, product sales data, etc.

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

[0047] Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt management server 4 that functions as a customer receipt management server will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the electronic receipt management server 4 has a control unit 41 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the electronic receipt management server 4. The control unit 41 is a computer that is configured with a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and rewritably stores various data, an RTC unit that keeps track of the current date and time, etc.

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

[0049] The storage unit 43 has a member master management area (not shown) for storing and managing member master data, as well as an electronic receipt management area 43a for collectively storing electronic receipts from various companies operating stores. More specifically, the electronic receipt management area 43a manages electronic receipts from various companies operating stores for each member.

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

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

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

[0053] Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 7 will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 6, the mobile terminal 7 includes a control unit 71 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the mobile terminal 7. The control unit 71 is a computer that includes a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and rewritably stores various data, an RTC unit that keeps track of the current date and time, and the like.

[0054] The operation unit 72 is connected to the display unit 73 via a bus 76. The operation unit 72 has various operation keys and a pointing device for a user (customer) to perform operation input. The display unit 73 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as an electronic receipt described below. The display unit 73 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 72.

[0055] The control unit 71 is also connected to a communication I / F 74 via a bus 76, and can be connected to a network N5 via the communication I / F 74. Note that the control unit 71 may be configured to be connectable to an in-store network N1 via the communication I / F 74.

[0056] The control unit 71 is also connected to a storage unit 75 via a bus 76. The storage unit 75 stores a Web browser for viewing various information (contents) published on the Web, as well as an electronic receipt compatible program 75a for receiving an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4, and an electronic receipt viewing program 75b for viewing the received receipt data.

[0057] Next, the operation of each unit constituting the system of this embodiment will be described.

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

[0059] 7, the receipt data processing program 17a executed by the POS terminal 1 has a modular configuration including a receipt data generation unit 111 that functions as a receipt data generation means and a customer code acquisition means, and a receipt data output unit 112 that functions as an output means and a conversion means. In terms of actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 11 reads out and executes the receipt data processing program 17a from the storage unit 17, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded into the RAM, and the receipt data generation unit 111 and receipt data output unit 112 are generated on the RAM.

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

[0061] Furthermore, when the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a membership code that identifies a customer via the code scanner 15 at any time during a transaction, it generates receipt data that includes the membership code.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic example of receipt data. Here, the receipt data is text data in an unstructured format, etc., and is used for printing by the printer 13. As shown in Fig. 8, the receipt data includes the above-mentioned product sales data D1 and membership code D2. Here, the product sales data D1 includes the product names (product codes) of the products that were the subject of the payment and their prices, the total price of each product, the amount of the deposit paid by the customer, the amount of change, etc.

[0063] The receipt data also includes elements such as a company code (company name) D3 indicating the company that operates the store, a store code (store name) D4, the store's telephone number D5, address D6, transaction date and time D7, transaction number (receipt number) D8, register number D9, and person in charge name D10. Note that the elements included in the receipt data are not limited to the example in Fig. 8, and may include other elements such as an industry / business type code, or elements such as the telephone number D5 and address D6 may be removed.

[0064] Furthermore, when the receipt data generation unit 111 receives a press of the closing key, it determines that the product sales data processing for one transaction is complete, and outputs (issues) the generated receipt data together with a cut command to the receipt data output unit 112. Here, the cut command is one of the commonly used printer control commands, and is instruction information that instructs the cutting of the paper on which the receipt data is printed. Note that receipt data may be generated all at once when the closing key is pressed, or may be generated sequentially each time a product code or customer code is acquired.

[0065] The receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of receipt data each time receipt data for one transaction is generated by the receipt data generation unit 111. More specifically, the receipt data output unit 112 determines that receipt data for one transaction has been generated when a cut command is issued by the receipt data generation unit 111. The receipt data output unit 112 then determines whether or not a membership code is included in the generated receipt data, and outputs the receipt data to an output destination determined based on the result of this determination.

[0066] Specifically, if the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data does not include a membership code, it outputs the receipt data along with a cut command to the printer 13. This causes the printer 13 to print the receipt data on paper and then cut the paper in accordance with the cut command, thereby printing out a paper receipt for one transaction. Note that when printing out the receipt data, all of the elements that make up the receipt data may be printed, or the membership code may be removed, or other information such as advertising may be added.

[0067] Furthermore, if the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes a membership code, it converts the receipt data into a predetermined data format according to the conversion rules of the receipt data schema 17c.Then, the receipt data output unit 112 transmits (outputs) the receipt data whose data format has been converted, i.e., the electronic receipt, to the electronic receipt server 3 that is managed on a company basis according to the company code.

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

[0069] Conversion from receipt data to an electronic receipt is performed based on conversion rules described in the receipt data schema 17c. Specifically, the receipt data schema 17c defines predetermined elements that make up the receipt data and attribute information (tags, etc.) that indicates the attributes of the elements. The receipt data output unit 112 generates an electronic receipt in a structured format as shown in Fig. 9 by structuring each element of the receipt data using the corresponding attribute information. By generating an electronic receipt in such a structured format, the elements included in the electronic receipt can be used efficiently, providing various advantages in terms of data management.

[0070] In this way, the receipt data output unit 112 determines that receipt data for one transaction has been generated when the receipt data generation unit 111 issues a cut command, and begins outputting that receipt data. This eliminates the need for the receipt data generation unit 111 to send a dedicated signal to instruct the receipt data output unit 112 to end one transaction, so receipt data output unit 112 can output receipt data for one transaction without making any particular changes to the receipt data generation unit 111 that is compatible with existing applications. Furthermore, because the changes to the receipt data generation unit 111 can be kept to a minimum, it is possible to achieve the function of outputting electronic receipts while efficiently reusing existing applications.

[0071] The receipt data output unit 112 also determines the output destination of the receipt data depending on whether or not the receipt data includes a membership code. This makes it possible to output a paper receipt or an electronic receipt without having to prepare information on whether a paper receipt is required for each customer, making it possible to efficiently determine the output destination of the receipt data. Also, for example, a customer (member) can select whether to output a paper receipt or an electronic receipt by entering or not entering a membership code for each transaction, thereby improving customer convenience.

[0072] Furthermore, when outputting receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, the receipt data output unit 112 converts elements included in the receipt data into a structured electronic receipt and outputs the electronic receipt. This allows the elements included in the electronic receipt to be used efficiently, thereby improving the convenience of the electronic receipt in the electronic receipt server 3 and the electronic receipt management server 4 that manage the electronic receipt, and in the mobile terminal 7 that displays the electronic receipt.

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

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

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

[0076] Furthermore, if a membership code is acquired in step S12 (step S12; membership code), the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the membership code (step S15).

[0077] To input the membership code into the POS terminal 1, for example, the customer who is a member displays a code symbol including the membership code on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7, and a store clerk or the customer who is a member reads it with the code scanner 15 of the POS terminal 1. The receipt data generation unit 111 may be configured to perform an exclusive process so that a unique membership code is input during one transaction.

[0078] In the next step S16, the receipt data generation unit 111 determines whether or not an instruction to start closing processing has been given by pressing the closing key, etc. (step S16). If an instruction to start closing processing has not been given (step S16; No), the process returns to step S11. If an instruction to start closing processing has been given (step S16; Yes), the receipt data generation unit 111 issues (outputs) a cut command to the receipt data output unit 112 (step S17).

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

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

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

[0082] In the above process, if the receipt data includes a membership code, the receipt data is output to the electronic receipt server 3. However, this is not limited to the above, and the receipt data may be output to both the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3.

[0083] Furthermore, if the receipt data includes a membership code, the output destination of the receipt data may be selectable. For example, the portable terminal 7 may store output category information specifying the output destination of the receipt data in the code symbol CS that it displays, and select the output destination based on this output category information. In this case, the receipt data generation unit 111 includes the output category information read by the code scanner 15 in the receipt data together with the membership code. Then, if the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes a membership code and that output category information exists, it determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output category information. Note that the output category information can specify either the printer 13 or the electronic receipt server 3, or both.

[0084] Alternatively, the output destination of the receipt data may be selected each time a payment is made for a product. When using this mode, for example, if the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes a membership code, it displays an output destination selection screen on the display unit 14 to select the output destination of the receipt data.

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

[0086] The selection screen may be displayed not only on the operator display 14a but also on the customer display 14b. If the customer display 14b is a touch panel, the customer may select the output destination.

[0087] Additionally, during product sales data processing, the output destination of the receipt data may be confirmed with the customer. When this mode is used, the receipt data generation unit 111 displays the output destination selection screen G1 etc. on the display unit 14 and includes the output destination corresponding to the operated operator as output category information in the receipt data. Then, when the receipt data includes the membership code and output category information, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output category information.

[0088] In this way, when receipt data contains a membership code, the receipt data output unit 112 automatically selects the output destination for that receipt data, or accepts manual selection of the output destination. This allows for flexible switching of the method for determining the output destination, making it possible to efficiently determine the output destination for receipt data.

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

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

[0091] Furthermore, when a preset transmission timing is reached (step S31; No -> step S34; Yes), the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipt stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 33a to the electronic receipt management server 4 (step S35), and returns to step S31. By transmitting in step S35, for example, electronic receipts that were not selected as targets for transmission in step S33 can be transmitted to the electronic receipt management server 4. Note that in step S35, control may be performed so that only untransmitted electronic receipts are transmitted.

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

[0093] 13, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 are configured as modules including a receiving unit 411 functioning as a receiving means, an electronic receipt management unit 412, and an electronic receipt transmission unit 413. As for actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 41 reads out and executes the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d from the storage unit 43, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the receiving unit 411, the electronic receipt management unit 412, and the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 are generated on the RAM.

[0094] The receiving unit 411 receives from the electronic receipt server 3 an electronic receipt for each company that includes a company code indicating the company that operates the store and that is electronically processed in place of a receipt or invoice that is printed when processing product sales data.

[0095] The electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages the company-based electronic receipt received by the receiving unit 411 in an electronic receipt management area 43a of the storage unit 43. In addition, the electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages additional information such as campaign information related to a campaign associated with elements of a desired product and specific conditions (for example, limited to a specific company that operates a store, limited to a specific area, limited to a specific time, etc.) in an additional information management area 43b of the storage unit 43.

[0096] The electronic receipt transmitting unit 413 obtains an electronic receipt, which is associated with a membership code of a specific shopper and includes at least one company code, from the electronic receipt management area 43a and transmits it to the mobile terminal 7, which is associated with the membership code of the specific shopper. In addition, when additional information is associated with an element constituting the electronic receipt, the electronic receipt transmitting unit 413 obtains the additional information from the additional information management area 43b and transmits it together with the electronic receipt.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 14, the receiving unit 411 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether or not the electronic receipt transmitted from the electronic receipt server 3 of each company has been received via the communication I / F 42 (Step S41).

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

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

[0100] Next, the flow of the electronic receipt receiving process executed by the control unit 71 of the mobile terminal 7 operating in accordance with the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the flow of the electronic receipt viewing process executed by the control unit 71 operating in accordance with the electronic receipt viewing program 75b will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17.

[0101] 15, the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b executed by the mobile terminal 7 are configured as modules including a member association unit 711, an electronic receipt receiving unit 712, and an electronic receipt display unit 713. As for actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 71 reads out and executes the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b from the storage unit 75, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the member association unit 711, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712, and the electronic receipt display unit 713 are generated on the RAM.

[0102] The member association unit 711 associates a membership code with a specific shopper. The electronic receipt receiving unit 712 receives an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4. The electronic receipt display unit 713 displays the electronic receipt received by the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 on the display unit 73.

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

[0104] After the authentication, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 of the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the electronic receipt management server 4 in association with the input membership code (step S52). In addition, if additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 also receives this additional information from the electronic receipt management server 4. Note that receipt data may be received by email.

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

[0106] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt G2 displayed on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7. The electronic receipt G2 is displayed with the same layout and content as a receipt printed on paper. In addition, in the electronic receipt G2, the focus can be placed on a product a or the like indicating a transacted product using a cursor that follows input from the operation unit 72. Fig. 17 also shows an example in which a store name logo section G21 that displays the store name logo, a banner display section G22 that displays advertisements, and the like are provided in the electronic receipt G2.

[0107] The display format of the receipt data does not necessarily have to match the image of a receipt printed on paper. However, receipt data is a substitute for a paper receipt, and serves as electronic product purchase proof information that proves that a product has been purchased. Therefore, FIG. 17 shows an example of the following information displayed for use when presenting it as product purchase proof information: Store name Purchase date and time Purchase details Total sales amount Deposit amount Change ·Registration number Transaction number

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

[0109] For example, if the access destination indicated by the URL is a server device (e.g., promotion management server 6) that accepts applications for a specific campaign, the control unit 71 of the mobile terminal 7 accesses the promotion management server 6 in response to pressing of icon b or the like, and executes processing related to the application. When accessing the access destination, the membership code of the mobile terminal itself, which is stored in receipt data or the like, may be transmitted. Then, the promotion management server 6 manages the application history for each campaign type in association with the membership code for identifying each member.

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

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

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, the membership code and the like are acquired using the code scanner 15, but this is not limiting and other methods may be used to acquire the membership code and the like. Specifically, the POS terminal 1 and the mobile terminal 7 may be equipped with a short-range wireless communication unit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark), so that the membership code and the like can be transmitted and received via short-range wireless communication. In this case, the mobile terminal 7 stores the membership code and the like in the memory unit 75 or an IC tag (not shown) or the like.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the membership code and the like are acquired from the mobile terminal 7, but the present invention is not limited to this and the membership code may be acquired from a medium capable of holding the membership code, such as an IC card or a magnetic card. When an IC card is used, the POS terminal 1 is equipped with a reading / writing unit such as an IC card reader / writer. When a magnetic card is used, the POS terminal 1 is equipped with a card reader / writer for the magnetic card.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the electronic receipt server 3 is provided in the headquarters P2, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an electronic receipt server 3 for the store may be provided in the store P1. In this case, the POS terminal 1 outputs an electronic receipt to the electronic receipt server 3 connected to the in-store network N1 of the store, and the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the electronic receipt to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the in-store network N1 and the network N2.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the electronic receipt generated by the POS terminal 1 is output to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the electronic receipt server 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electronic receipt may be directly output to the electronic receipt management server 4 by accessing the electronic receipt management server 4 from the POS terminal 1 via the network N3.

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

[0117] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 1 stores the product data file. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The store server 2 may store the product data file so that the product data file can be referenced by the POS terminal 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 POS terminal 2 Store Server 3. Electronic receipt server 4. Electronic receipt management server 5 Promotion Setting Terminal 6 Promotion Management Server 7 Mobile devices 11 Control section 12 Control section 13 Printers 14 Display section 15 Code Scanner 16 Communication I / F 17 Memory section 17a Receipt data processing program 17b Identification code management area 17c Receipt Data Schema 18 Bus 111 Receipt data generation unit 112 Receipt data output unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0119] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-90375 A

Claims

1. A generating means for generating receipt data including at least the content of a transaction in an unstructured format; a conversion means for converting the receipt data into a structured format different from the unstructured format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer; a display control means for displaying, on a display unit, an output destination selection screen that allows the user to select either or both of a printing device and an electronic receipt management server as the output destination of the receipt data when the receipt data includes the customer code, during a product sales data process that reads out product data specified by the product code of the product purchased by the customer from a product data file and calculates a payment amount based on a unit price included in the product data; an output means for outputting the receipt data converted into the structured format by the conversion means to the electronic receipt management server when the selected output destination includes an electronic receipt management server, and for outputting the receipt data in the unstructured format generated by the generation means to the printing device when the selected output destination includes a printing device; Equipped with The display unit has at least a customer display facing the customer who is conducting a transaction, The display control means displays the output destination selection screen on the customer display.

2. the display control means displays on the display unit the output destination selection screen having an operator capable of selecting either or both of the printing device and the electronic receipt management server as an output destination of the receipt data, and accepts the output destination corresponding to the operated operator as output classification information.

2. The transaction data processing device according to claim 1.

3. the display unit has an operator display directed to an operator of the transaction data processing device, the display control means causes the output destination selection screen to be displayed on the operator display instead of on the customer display; 3. A transaction data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A computer of the transaction data processing device, A generating means for generating receipt data including at least the content of a transaction in an unstructured format; a conversion means for converting the receipt data into a structured format different from the unstructured format when the receipt data includes a customer code for identifying a customer; a display control means for displaying, on a display unit, an output destination selection screen that allows the user to select either or both of a printing device and an electronic receipt management server as the output destination of the receipt data when the receipt data includes the customer code, during a product sales data process that reads out product data specified by the product code of the product purchased by the customer from a product data file and calculates a payment amount based on a unit price included in the product data; an output means for outputting the receipt data converted into the structured format by the conversion means to the electronic receipt management server when the selected output destination includes an electronic receipt management server, and for outputting the receipt data in the unstructured format generated by the generation means to the printing device when the selected output destination includes a printing device; and make it work. The display unit has at least a customer display facing the customer who is conducting a transaction, The display control means is a program that causes the output destination selection screen to be displayed on the customer display.

5. the display control means displays on the display unit the output destination selection screen having an operator capable of selecting either or both of the printing device and the electronic receipt management server as an output destination of the receipt data, and accepts the output destination corresponding to the operated operator as output classification information. The program according to claim 4.

6. the display unit has an operator display directed to an operator of the transaction data processing device, the display control means causes the output destination selection screen to be displayed on the operator display instead of on the customer display; The program according to claim 4 or 5.

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