Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing apparatus and program for allowing a store to more effectively use a header portion of a receipt.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire commodity identification information identifying a commodity; a registration unit configured to register commodity information of a commodity identified by the commodity identification information acquired in the acquisition unit; an information management unit configured to manage first logo data including information indicating a business operator which sells a commodity and additional information related to the commodity, the first logo data being image data shown in a header portion of a receipt that presents commodity information registered by the registration unit in one transaction, and associated with the commodity identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; a selection unit which selects the first logo data on the basis of the commodity identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit which outputs the first logo data selected by the selection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] In stores that sell goods and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods"), POS terminals are adopted. The POS terminal executes accounting processing for a customer to pay for the purchase price of goods and causes a receipt printer to issue a receipt. A logo such as a store name is printed on the header part of the issued receipt. The receipt printer prints a logo on the header part of the receipt based on logo data (image data) stored in the device itself.

[0003] Conventionally, a control device has been proposed that updates logo data stored in a receipt printer based on predetermined conditions (for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional technology updates the logo data according to these seasons, for example, when it is the Christmas season or the New Year season.

[0004] However, the updated logo data is information unrelated to the goods purchased by the customer, and it cannot necessarily be said that it is effective for the store in terms of product appeal. Since the header part of the receipt is a place where the customer is likely to pay attention in the receipt, a logo such as a store name is printed, but it is desired to utilize this header part more effectively for the store.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a program that enable the header part of a receipt to be utilized more effectively for a store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The information processing device of this embodiment includes an acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, a registration unit that registers product information of a product identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a header section of a receipt that shows the product information registered by the registration unit in a single transaction. This will replace the default image data that will be printed. The system includes: an information management unit that manages first logo data, which is image data associated with product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and includes information indicating a business operator selling the product and additional information about the product; a selection unit that selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs the first logo data selected by the selection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic of the POS system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of a receipt issued by the receipt printer of the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows another example of a receipt issued by the receipt printer of this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the data structure of the product information table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows the data structure of the receipt planning table stored in the storage unit of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the data structure of the transaction information section stored in the storage section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of the receipt data section stored in the storage section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of the logo data section stored in the storage section of the server device of the embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the server device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence chart showing the operation flow of the POS system in the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the logo ID selection process by the control unit of the server device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The information processing device and program of the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, the embodiments described below describe an example in which the information processing device is applied to a server device, but it is not limited to this. The information processing device may consist of a POS (Point of Sales) terminal, or it may consist of a server device and a POS terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, while this embodiment describes an example where the receipt is a paper receipt issued by a receipt printer, it is not limited to this. The receipt may also be an electronic receipt issued by an electronic receipt server.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a POS system 1 according to an embodiment. This POS system 1 is applied to stores such as supermarkets. The POS system 1 includes a server device 2, a POS terminal 3, and a receipt printer 4. These server device 2, POS terminal 3, and receipt printer 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with one another via a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or the like.

[0011] Server device 2 functions as a store server that manages various store information. For example, Server device 2 manages product information for items sold in the store. It also manages transaction information processed by the POS terminal 3. Furthermore, Server device 2 manages the logo data for the logo printed in the header of receipts printed by the receipt printer 4. Server device 2 is an example of an information processing device. Note that Server device 2 may be composed of multiple computers. Details of Server device 2 will be described later.

[0012] One or more POS terminals 3 are installed in each store. POS terminal 3 controls peripheral devices connected to it, such as scanners, change dispensers (not shown), and receipt printers 4. POS terminal 3 performs accounting processing related to the goods purchased by the customer. Accounting processing is the process for customers to make payments. The accounting processing performed by POS terminal 3 includes sending and receiving information with the payment server in the case of cashless payments such as credit card payments and QR code payments. Furthermore, the accounting processing performed by POS terminal 3 includes controlling the change dispenser, such as receiving customer deposits and dispensing change, in the case of cash payments.

[0013] In this embodiment, as an example, the server device 2 will be used to implement POS operations that were previously performed on a POS terminal, such as registering product information purchased by a customer (hereinafter also referred to as "product registration"), calculating the transaction amount for a single transaction, and calculating the amount of change. The server device 2 may implement the POS operations that were previously performed on a POS terminal using microservices or a microservice architecture. Furthermore, the POS system 1 is not limited to this, and the POS terminal 3 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the server device 2.

[0014] Furthermore, the POS terminal 3 outputs the logo data acquired from the server device 2 to the receipt printer 4. The POS terminal 3 then outputs a receipt issuance command to the receipt printer 4, causing the receipt printer 4 to issue a receipt.

[0015] The POS terminal 3 may be a POS terminal for a store clerk to perform operations related to reading product codes and paying for purchases, or it may be a self-POS terminal for the customer to perform these operations. Further, the POS terminal 3 may be a semi-self-POS terminal including a registration device for a store clerk to perform an operation related to reading a product code and a cashier device for a customer to perform an operation related to paying for a purchase.

[0016] The receipt printer 4 corresponds to each POS terminal 3 on a one-to-one basis. The receipt printer 4 prints and issues a receipt according to an instruction from the corresponding POS terminal 3. The receipt printer 4 stores default header logo data 41 and default footer logo data 42.

[0017] The default header logo data 41 is image data printed in the header part of the receipt. The default header logo data 41 includes, for example, an image in which the name of the store is designed. The default header logo data 41 is printed in the header part of the receipt when the receipt printer 4 does not receive the logo data for the header part along with a print instruction from the POS terminal 3.

[0018] The default footer logo data 42 is image data printed in the footer part of the receipt. The default footer logo data 42 includes information such as the address of the store, the telephone number, and the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the homepage. In the present embodiment, the receipt printer 4 always prints the default footer logo data 42 in the footer part of the receipt, but when receiving the logo data for the footer part from the POS terminal 3, the received logo data may be printed in the footer part. Note that part or all of the information of the default footer logo data 42 may be included in the default header logo data 41. In this case, part or all of the information of the default footer logo data 42 is printed in the header part of the receipt.

[0019] Here, the receipt issued by the receipt printer 4 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a receipt (A) 50 issued by the receipt printer 4. The receipt (A) 50 is a receipt printed when the receipt printer 4 does not receive the logo data in the header part along with the print instruction from the POS terminal 3.

[0020] The receipt (A) 50 is formed with a header part (A) 51, a transaction information part (A) 52, and a footer part (A) 53. In the header part (A) 51, the default header logo data 41 is printed. In the transaction information part (A) 52, the transaction date and time, the number of the POS terminal 3 that performed the accounting process, the name of the store clerk who operated the POS terminal 3, the product information (product name, price, etc.) of the transaction target product, the subtotal amount, the consumption tax amount, the total amount, the deposit amount from the customer, the change amount, the number of purchased products, the receipt number, the store number, etc. are printed. Note that the example of FIG. 2 shows a receipt related to a cash settlement transaction. In the receipt of a transaction settled by non-cash settlement, information related to the settlement operator, etc. is printed in the transaction information part 52 (A). In the footer part (A) 53, the default footer logo data 42 is printed.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a receipt (B) 60 issued by the receipt printer 4. The receipt (B) 60 is a receipt printed when the receipt printer 4 receives the logo data in the header part along with the print instruction from the POS terminal 3. The logo data received by the receipt printer 4 is the first logo data including information indicating the store name and additional information regarding the product (hereinafter also referred to as "purchased product") purchased by the customer, or the second logo data including information indicating the store name and information regarding the plan implemented by the store.

[0022] Here, additional information about the purchased product includes advertisements related to the purchased product, the product's logo, advertisements related to products associated with the purchased product, and images of characters collaborating with the purchased product. Products associated with the purchased product include, for example, conditioner if the purchased product is shampoo, and other products used in conjunction with the purchased product. The first logo data is different for each purchased product, and multiple versions are provided. Information regarding promotions implemented by the store includes details and durations of promotions such as special sales, promotions selling special products not usually available, and clearance sales.

[0023] The receipt (B) 60 has a header section (B) 61, a transaction information section (B) 62, and a footer section (B) 63. The header section (B) 61 is printed with the first or second logo data described above. The size of the header section (B) 61 is variable depending on the first or second logo data to be printed. Alternatively, the size of the header section (B) 61 may be set to be the same as the size of the header section (A) 51. In this case, the printed first or second logo data will be scaled according to the set size of the header section (B) 61. The transaction information section (B) 62 is printed with the same information as the transaction information section (A) 52 in Figure 2. The footer section (B) 63 is printed with the default footer logo data 42.

[0024] If the products purchased by the customer include products to which the first logo data is associated, the receipt printer 4 prints the first logo data obtained from the server device 2 via the POS terminal 3 in the header section. If a single transaction includes multiple purchased products to which the first logo data is associated, the receipt printer 4 prints the first logo data selected by the server device 2. The server device 2 selects the first logo data according to a pre-set priority order.

[0025] If the date on which a transaction takes place falls within the promotional notification period associated with the second logo data, the receipt printer 4 prints the second logo data obtained from the server device 2 via the POS terminal 3. In the following description, the second logo data corresponding to the promotional notification period to which the transaction date falls may be referred to as "the second logo data corresponding to the transaction date." In this embodiment, the promotional notification period is set up so that there is only one second logo data corresponding to a transaction date, but there may be multiple second logo data corresponding to a transaction date. In this case, the server device 2 shall select the second logo data according to the priority order set in advance for the second logo data.

[0026] Furthermore, if the customer's purchased goods include items to which the first logo data is associated, and the transaction date falls within the promotional notification period associated with the second logo data, the receipt printer 4 prints either the first or second logo data selected by the server device 2. The server device 2 selects either the first or second logo data according to the priority flags pre-set for the second logo data.

[0027] Specifically, if the priority flag set for the second logo data corresponding to the transaction date is "1", server device 2 selects the second logo data instead of the first logo data. Conversely, if the priority flag set for the second logo data corresponding to the transaction date is "0", server device 2 selects the first logo data instead of the second logo data. The priority flag can be set arbitrarily by the store.

[0028] In this embodiment, if there are multiple first logo data and second logo data to be output as described above, the server device 2 will select one logo data, but it may also select multiple logo data. In this case, multiple logo data will be printed on the header section 61 of receipt (B) 60.

[0029] Next, the server device 2 will be described in detail. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the server device 2. The server device 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25, etc.

[0030] The control unit 20 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0031] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the server device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the server device 2 by having the CPU 201 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0032] Furthermore, RAM203 includes a logo ID unit 2031. The logo ID unit 2031 stores the logo ID of a first logo data associated with the purchased product in a single transaction, and the logo ID of a second logo data corresponding to the transaction date of that transaction. In other words, the logo ID unit 2031 stores the logo IDs of candidate logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt in a single transaction.

[0033] The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 21 stores the control program 211, product information table 212, receipt planning table 213, transaction information unit 214, receipt data unit 215, and logo data unit 216.

[0034] The control program 211 is a program that provides microservices to the POS terminal 3. For example, the control program 211 is a program that obtains product codes from the POS terminal 3 and registers products, a program that calculates the total amount (transaction amount) and change amount for a single transaction, a program that manages the first logo data and the second logo data, a program that selects the logo data to be printed on the receipt for a single transaction, and a program that outputs the selected logo data to the POS terminal 3.

[0035] Product Information Table 212 is a master file that stores product information for items sold by the store. Since the products sold in the store change daily, Product Information Table 212 is updated as needed. Figure 5 shows the data structure of Product Information Table 212. Product Information Table 212 stores product name, price, logo ID, and priority, associated with the product code.

[0036] The product code is information that identifies a product, and is an example of product identification information. The product name is information that indicates the name of the product. The price is information that indicates the price of the product. The logo ID is information that identifies the logo data printed in the header of the receipt. The logo ID registered (stored) in the product information table 212 is the logo ID of the first logo data. In this embodiment, the first logo data is associated with only some products, so for some products, the logo ID corresponding to the product code is not registered. Of course, it is also possible to associate logo data with all products.

[0037] The priority setting indicates the priority order for selecting the first logo data to be printed in the header of the receipt when multiple products with associated logo IDs are purchased in a single transaction. The priority setting is defined for all products to which the first logo data is associated, that is, all products with registered logo IDs in the product information table 212. The priority setting in the product information table 212 can also be said to define the priority order within the first logo data.

[0038] The receipt promotion table 213 is a table that manages promotions implemented by stores. The receipt promotion table 213 can be updated at the discretion of the store. Figure 6 shows the data structure of the receipt promotion table 213. The receipt promotion table 213 stores the promotion notification period, start date and time, end date and time, implementation day of the week, logo ID, and priority flag, associated with the promotion number.

[0039] The project number is a number that identifies a project planned at a store. The project notification period is information that defines the period during which information about the project is printed in the header section of the receipt. If a special sale project is scheduled for a predetermined period, the project notification period will be registered as, for example, the period from one week before the start date of the special sale project to the day before the start date of the special sale project. If the transaction date of a certain transaction falls within the project notification period, the control unit 20 extracts the second logo data, identified by the corresponding logo ID, as a candidate for the logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt for that transaction.

[0040] The start date and time indicates the start date and time of the project. The end date and time indicates the end date and time of the project. The day of the week on which the project is implemented indicates the day of the week on which the project is implemented. The logo ID is information that identifies the logo data printed in the header section of the receipt. The logo ID registered in the receipt project table 213 is the logo ID of the second logo data.

[0041] The priority flag indicates whether to prioritize the second logo data when both the first and second logo data are selected as candidates for logo data to be printed in the receipt header. If the priority flag is set to "1", the second logo data identified by the corresponding logo ID will take precedence over the first logo data. If the priority flag is set to "0", the first logo data will take precedence over the second logo data identified by the corresponding logo ID.

[0042] The transaction information unit 214 manages transaction information for each transaction. The transaction information unit 214 is updated as needed based on information from the POS terminal 3. Figure 7 shows the data structure of the transaction information unit 214. The transaction information unit 214 stores the transaction ID, product information, transaction amount, and selected logo ID, associated with the POS number.

[0043] The POS number is a number that identifies one of several POS terminals 3. The POS number identifies the POS terminal 3 that transmitted the product code of the goods related to a transaction to the server device 2. The POS number is registered, for example, when the server device 2 first receives the product code and POS number from the POS terminal 3 in a transaction. The transaction ID is identification information that identifies a transaction. The transaction ID is issued and registered, for example, by the server device 2 when the POS number is registered.

[0044] Product information includes information related to the product, such as the product code, product name, price, and quantity. Explanations of the product code, product name, and price have been given above, so redundant explanations are omitted here. The quantity indicates the number of items purchased by the customer. The transaction amount indicates the total price of the goods involved in a single transaction. For example, when server device 2 receives an accounting instruction from POS terminal 3, the transaction amount calculated by server device 2 is registered.

[0045] The selected logo ID is either the logo ID of the first logo data or the logo ID of the second logo data selected by server device 2. If neither the logo ID of the first logo data nor the logo ID of the second logo data is selected by server device 2, information indicating that no logo ID was selected will be registered in the selected logo ID field. The logo ID selection process by which server device 2 selects a logo ID will be described later.

[0046] The receipt data unit 215 manages the receipt data generated by the server device 2 for each transaction ID. Figure 8 shows the data structure of the receipt data unit 215. The receipt data unit 215 stores the transaction ID in association with the receipt data.

[0047] The transaction ID is information that identifies a transaction, as described above. The receipt data is the data printed on the transaction information section (A) 52 of the receipt shown in Figure 2 and the transaction information section (B) 62 of the receipt shown in Figure 3. The receipt data is generated and stored in a data format that can be printed by the receipt printer 4.

[0048] The logo data unit 216 manages the first logo data and the second logo data. Figure 9 shows the data structure of the logo data unit 216. The logo data unit 216 stores the logo ID in association with the logo data.

[0049] As described above, the logo ID is information that identifies either the first logo data or the second logo data. The logo data is either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data. The first logo data is image data that includes information indicating the store name and additional information about the product. The second logo data is image data that includes information indicating the store name and information about the promotions implemented by the store. The information indicating the store name is an example of information that indicates the business operator selling the product. Note that the information that indicates the business operator selling the product may include the company name, company logo (house mark), store-specific mark, etc.

[0050] Returning to Figure 4, we will explain the hardware configuration of server device 2.

[0051] The display unit 22 is a display device and consists of a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 22 displays various information under the control of the control unit 20. For example, the display unit 22 displays the registration screen when manually registering information in the product information table 212, receipt planning table 213, etc.

[0052] The operation unit 23 is an input device and consists of a keyboard or the like. The operation unit 23 inputs various information entered by the user operating the server device 2 to the control unit 20. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs information to the control unit 20 for updating the product information table 212, the receipt planning table 213, etc.

[0053] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the POS terminal 3. The control unit 20 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 24, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0054] Next, the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the server device 2 will be described. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the server device 2. The control unit 20 functions as an acquisition unit 2001, a registration unit 2002, a calculation unit 2003, an information management unit 2004, a selection unit 2005, a generation unit 2006, and an output unit 2007, with the CPU 201 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0055] The acquisition unit 2001 acquires product identification information to identify a product. Specifically, the acquisition unit 2001 receives the product code entered into the POS terminal 3 from the POS terminal 3. The POS terminal 3 receives the product code read by the scanner connected to the POS terminal 3. The acquisition unit 2001 acquires the product code each time a product code is entered into the POS terminal 3.

[0056] The registration unit 2002 registers product information for products identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 2001. Specifically, the registration unit 2002 reads product information corresponding to the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001 from the product information table 212. Then, the registration unit 2002 performs product registration by registering the product code, product name, unit price, and quantity in the transaction information unit 214.

[0057] The calculation unit 2003 calculates the amount related to a transaction. For example, the calculation unit 2003 calculates the transaction amount for a single transaction in response to accounting instructions from the POS terminal 3. The calculation unit 2003 calculates the transaction amount based on the product information registered in the transaction information unit 214. In addition, when a cash payment is made at the POS terminal 3, the calculation unit 2003 calculates the amount of change in response to a request from the POS terminal 3.

[0058] The Information Management Unit 2004 manages various types of information, including information related to logo data. Here, managing information means writing or reading various types of information (data) to or from the Storage Unit 21.

[0059] For example, the Information Management Unit 2004 manages first logo data, which is image data printed in the header section of a receipt showing product information registered in the Registration Unit 2002 for a single transaction. This first logo data is associated with product identification information acquired by the Acquisition Unit 2001 and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and additional information about the product. Specifically, the Information Management Unit 2004 writes the logo ID and logo data of the first logo data to the Product Information Table 212, the Transaction Information Unit 214, and the Logo Data Unit 216. The Information Management Unit 2004 also reads the logo ID and logo data of the first logo data from the Product Information Table 212, the Transaction Information Unit 214, and the Logo Data Unit 216.

[0060] Furthermore, the information management unit 2004 stores a priority order associated with the first logo data for the selection unit 2005 to select one of the first logo data when there are multiple first logo data corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 2001. Specifically, the information management unit 2004 writes information to the priority column of the product information table 212 according to the information input from the operation unit 23.

[0061] The Information Management Unit 2004 manages second logo data, which is image data shown in the header section of the receipt and includes information indicating the business selling the product and information regarding the promotion implemented by that business. Specifically, the Information Management Unit 2004 writes the logo ID and logo data of the second logo data to the receipt promotion table 213, the transaction information unit 214, and the logo data unit 216. The Information Management Unit 2004 also reads the logo ID and logo data of the second logo data from the receipt promotion table 213, the transaction information unit 214, and the logo data unit 216.

[0062] The Information Management Unit 2004 stores information indicating whether or not to select the second logo data with priority over the first logo data of the Selection Unit 2005, associating it with the second logo data. Specifically, the Information Management Unit 2004 writes information to the priority flag item of the receipt planning table 213 according to the information input from the Operation Unit 23.

[0063] The information management unit 2004 writes the logo ID to the logo ID unit 2031. For example, the information management unit 2004 reads the logo ID corresponding to the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001 from the product information table 212 and stores it in the logo ID unit 2031. In addition, the information management unit 2004 reads the logo ID corresponding to the transaction date from the receipt planning table 213 and stores it in the logo ID unit 2031.

[0064] The selection unit 2005 selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 2001. Specifically, the selection unit 2005 refers to the product information table 212 and selects the logo ID corresponding to the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001. Then, the selection unit 2005 selects the first logo data corresponding to the logo ID read out in the logo data unit 216.

[0065] Furthermore, the selection unit 2005 selects either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data managed by the information management unit 2004. Specifically, the selection unit 2005 selects either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data from among the logo data stored in the logo ID unit 2031 to be output to the POS terminal 3. The selection unit 2005 selects either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data based on the priority order registered in the product information table 212 and the priority flag registered in the receipt planning table 213.

[0066] Furthermore, if the selection unit 2005 does not have a first logo data corresponding to the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001, nor a second logo data corresponding to the transaction date, it will not select any logo data to output to the POS terminal 3.

[0067] The generation unit 2006 generates receipt data. In response to a receipt data request from the POS terminal 3, the generation unit 2006 generates receipt data based on the transaction information stored in the transaction information unit 214. The receipt data generated by the generation unit 2006 is in a data format that can be printed by the receipt printer 4.

[0068] The output unit 2007 outputs either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data selected by the selection unit 2005 to the POS terminal 3. If the selection unit 2005 does not select either the first or second logo data, the output unit 2007 outputs information to the POS terminal 3 indicating that no logo data has been selected. In this case, the POS terminal 3 outputs an instruction to the receipt printer 4 to print the default header logo data 41 in the header section.

[0069] When an electronic receipt is used as the receipt, the output unit 2007 outputs either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data selected by the selection unit 2005 to the electronic receipt server. The electronic receipt server sends an electronic receipt with the logo data output by the output unit 2007 displayed in the header to the customer's mobile terminal. If the selection unit 2005 does not select either the first or second logo data, the output unit 2007 outputs information to the electronic receipt server indicating that no logo data has been selected. In this case, the electronic receipt server issues an electronic receipt using a predetermined default header logo data.

[0070] Next, we will explain the general operation of POS system 1. Figure 11 is a sequence chart showing the flow of operation of POS system 1. This sequence chart shows the operation when the acquisition unit 2001 has acquired first logo data corresponding to the product code and second logo data corresponding to the transaction date.

[0071] After the transaction start input, the POS terminal 3 receives, for example, a product code from a scanner (step S1). The POS terminal 3 transmits the entered product code and its own POS number to the server device 2 (step S2). In the following operations, when the POS terminal 3 transmits information to the server device 2, it also transmits its own POS number. The server device 2 then identifies the POS terminal 3 to which the information is to be transmitted based on the received POS number.

[0072] Server device 2 obtains product information corresponding to the received product code (step S3). Specifically, server device 2 reads product information corresponding to the received product code from product information table 212. The product information includes the logo ID of the first logo data (hereinafter also referred to as "first logo ID"). Server device 2 stores the first logo ID contained in the read product information in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S4).

[0073] Furthermore, the server device 2 associates the read product information with the received POS number and registers it in the transaction information unit 214 (step S5). In other words, the server device 2 performs product registration. The server device 2 transmits transaction information, including the registered product information, to the POS terminal 3 (step S6). The server device 2 transmits transaction information to the POS terminal 3 identified by the received POS number.

[0074] POS terminal 3 displays the received transaction information (step S7). This allows store staff and customers to confirm the product information of the purchased items. If a customer purchases multiple items in a single transaction, steps S1 to S7 are repeated. Once all the items purchased by the customer have been registered, a payment instruction is entered into POS terminal 3 (step S8). POS terminal 3 sends the payment instruction to server device 2 (step S9).

[0075] Server device 2 calculates the transaction amount for the transaction identified by the transaction ID included in the received accounting instruction and registers it in the transaction information unit 214 (step S10). Specifically, server device 2 reads the product information corresponding to the received transaction ID from the transaction information unit 214 and calculates the transaction amount. Then, server device 2 registers the calculated transaction amount in the transaction information unit 214.

[0076] Server device 2 reads the logo ID of the second logo data (hereinafter also referred to as "second logo ID") from the receipt planning table 213 (step S11). Server device 2 recognizes the transaction date using an RTC (Real Time Clock) unit (not shown) that measures the current date and time, and reads the second logo ID from the receipt planning table 213 that corresponds to the planning notification period to which the transaction date belongs. Server device 2 stores the read second logo ID in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S12).

[0077] Server device 2 performs a logo ID selection process to select a logo ID to send to POS terminal 3 from the first logo ID and second logo ID stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S13). Details of the logo ID selection process will be described later. Server device 2 registers the logo ID selected in the logo ID selection process in the transaction information unit 214 and updates the transaction information (step S14). Server device 2 sends the updated transaction information to POS terminal 3 (step S15).

[0078] POS terminal 3 performs accounting processing based on the received transaction information (step S16). In addition, POS terminal 3 sends and receives information to and from server device 2 as necessary during accounting processing. For example, POS terminal 3 sends a request to server device 2 to calculate the amount of change and receives the calculated amount of change from server device 2.

[0079] The POS terminal 3 sends a receipt data request and a logo data request to the server device 2 (step S17). The receipt data request requests the receipt data that the POS terminal 3 will send to the receipt printer 4. The logo data request asks whether the POS terminal 3 has any logo data to send to the receipt printer 4, and if so, requests that logo data.

[0080] Server device 2 reads the selected logo data, that is, the logo data identified by the selected logo ID registered in the transaction information unit 214, from the logo data unit 216 (step S18). Server device 2 also generates receipt data based on the transaction information identified by the transaction ID included in the received receipt data request (step S19). Server device 2 transmits the read logo data and the generated receipt data to the POS terminal 3 (step S20).

[0081] A receipt issuance instruction is entered into the POS terminal 3 (step S21). The receipt issuance instruction is entered, for example, by operating the closing key to declare the end of a transaction. The POS terminal 3 sends the receipt issuance instruction, including the receipt data and logo data, to the receipt printer 4 (step S22).

[0082] The receipt printer 4 replaces the logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt with the received logo data from the default header logo data 41 (step S23). In other words, the receipt printer 4 uses the received logo data as the logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt, instead of the stored default header logo data 41. Then, the receipt printer 4 issues a receipt by printing using the replaced logo data (step S24).

[0083] Through the above operations, the POS system 1 can appropriately modify the logo data printed on the header of the receipt issued by the receipt printer 4.

[0084] Next, we will explain the logo ID selection process performed by server device 2. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the logo ID selection process by the control unit 20 of server device 2.

[0085] The selection unit 2005 determines whether a second logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S31). In other words, the selection unit 2005 determines whether there is second logo data to replace the default header logo data 41. If a second logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (Y in step 31), the selection unit 2005 determines whether the priority flag for the second logo ID is "1" (step S32). Specifically, the selection unit 2005 determines whether the priority flag corresponding to the second logo ID read by the information management unit 2004 from the receipt planning table 213 is "1".

[0086] If the priority flag for the second logo ID is "1" (Y in step S32), the selection unit 2005 selects the second logo ID as the logo ID for the logo data to be output to the POS terminal 3 (step S33). Then, the control unit 20 terminates the logo ID selection process.

[0087] In step S32, if the priority flag for the second logo ID stored in the logo ID unit 2031 is "0" (N in step S32), the selection unit 2005 determines whether or not the first logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S34). If the first logo ID is not stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (N in step S34), the control unit 20 proceeds to the process in step S33.

[0088] If a first logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (Y in step S34), the selection unit 2005 selects the first logo ID with the highest priority from among the first logo IDs stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S35). The selection unit 2005 refers to the product information table 212 and selects the first logo ID with the highest priority as the logo ID for the logo data to be output to the POS terminal 3. Then, the control unit 20 terminates the logo ID selection process.

[0089] In the process of step S31, if the second logo ID is not stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (N in step S31), the selection unit 2005 determines whether or not the first logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (step S36). If the first logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (Y in step S36), the control unit 20 proceeds to the process of step S35.

[0090] If the first logo ID is not stored in the logo ID unit 2031 (N in step S36), the selection unit 2005 does not select a logo ID for the logo data to be output to the POS terminal 3 (step S37). In other words, if neither the first logo ID nor the second logo ID is stored in the logo ID unit 2031, the selection unit 2005 determines that there is no logo data to be output to the POS terminal 3. The control unit 20 then terminates the logo ID selection process.

[0091] If the selection unit 2005 determines that there is no logo data to output to the POS terminal 3, the default header logo data 41 is printed in the default section of the receipt. In other words, when the receipt printer 4 receives a receipt issuance instruction that does not include logo data, it controls the printing unit to print the default header logo data 41 in the header section of the receipt.

[0092] Through the logo ID selection process described above, the control unit 20 can determine whether or not there is logo data to be output to the POS terminal 3 for each transaction. Furthermore, if there is logo data to be output, the control unit 20 can select the logo ID for that logo data.

[0093] As described above, the server device 2 of the embodiment includes: an acquisition unit 2001 that acquires a product code to identify a product; a registration unit 2002 that registers product information of a product identified by the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001; an information management unit 2004 that manages first logo data, which is image data shown in the header of a receipt showing the product information registered by the registration unit 2002 in a single transaction, and is associated with the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit 2001, and includes information indicating the store name and additional information about the product; a selection unit 2005 that selects the first logo data based on the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001; and an output unit 2007 that outputs the first logo data selected by the selection unit 2005.

[0094] This allows server device 2 to set the store name and additional information about purchased items, which are information that the store wants to highlight to customers, into the logo data printed in the header section of the receipt. As a result, stores can more effectively utilize the receipt header section, which is easily noticed by customers.

[0095] Furthermore, in the server device 2 of the embodiment, the information management unit 2004 stores, in association with the first logo data, a priority order for the selection unit 2005 to select one of the first logo data when there are multiple first logo data corresponding to the product code acquired by the acquisition unit 2001.

[0096] As a result, server device 2 can appropriately select the first logo data even when multiple products are purchased in a single transaction.

[0097] Furthermore, the information management unit 2004 in the server device 2 of the embodiment manages second logo data, which is image data shown in the header portion of the receipt and includes information indicating the store name and information regarding the promotion implemented by the business operator.

[0098] This allows server device 2 to set information that the store wants to appeal to customers, such as the store name and information about the store's promotions, as logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt.

[0099] In addition, in the server device 2 of the embodiment, the selection unit 2005 selects either one of the first logo data or one of the second logo data managed by the information management unit 2004, and the output unit 2007 outputs the first logo data or the second logo data selected by the selection unit 2005.

[0100] This allows the server device 2 to selectively set either a first logo data containing the store name and additional information about the purchased items, or a second logo data containing the store name and information about the store's promotions, as the logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt.

[0101] Furthermore, the information management unit 2004 of the server device 2 in the embodiment stores information indicating whether or not the selection unit 2005 selects the second logo data with priority over the first logo data, in association with the second logo data.

[0102] This allows the server device 2 to set whether to prioritize outputting the first logo data or the second logo data when both the first and second logo data are to be output by the output unit 2007. This makes it easier for stores to select the logo data to be printed in the header section of the receipt.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the control program executed by the server device 2 may be configured to be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control program executed by the server device 2 may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network, or it may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0104] In this embodiment, as an example, the POS system 1 was described as implementing POS operations, such as registering product information purchased by a customer, calculating the transaction amount for a single transaction, and calculating the amount of change, which were previously performed on a POS terminal, using microservices provided by the server device 2. However, the POS system 1 is not limited to this, and the POS terminal 3 may perform some or all of the processing performed by the server device 2. In this case, the hardware configuration that enables some or all of the processing performed by the server device 2 can be interpreted as the POS terminal 3 being equipped with some or all of the hardware configuration of the server device 2 described in Figure 4.

[0105] Although 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, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 2. Server device (information processing device) 2001 Acquisition Department 2002 Registration Department 2004 Information Management Department 2005 Selection Department 2007 Output Section [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0107] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-20291

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, A registration unit registers product information of the product identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An information management unit manages first logo data, which is image data to be replaced with default image data printed in the header section of a receipt showing product information registered in the registration unit in a single transaction, and which is associated with product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and additional information related to the product. A selection unit selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An output unit that outputs the first logo data selected by the selection unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The information management unit stores, in association with the first logo data, a priority order for the selection unit to select one of the first logo data when there are multiple first logo data corresponding to the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned information management unit manages second logo data, which is image data shown in the header portion of the receipt and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and information regarding the project implemented by the said business operator. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The selection unit selects either the first logo data or the second logo data managed by the information management unit. The output unit outputs the first logo data or the second logo data selected by the selection unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The information management unit stores information indicating whether the selection unit selects the second logo data with priority over the first logo data, in association with the second logo data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, A registration unit registers product information of the product identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An information management unit manages first logo data, which is image data to be replaced with default image data printed in the header section of a receipt showing product information registered in the registration unit in a single transaction, and which is associated with product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and additional information related to the product. A selection unit selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, A printing processing unit that, when the selection unit selects the first logo data, issues a receipt in which the default image data has been replaced with the first logo data, and when the selection unit does not select the first logo data, issues a receipt in which the default image data has been printed. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

7. A program for controlling an information processing device with a computer, The aforementioned computer, An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, A registration unit registers product information of the product identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An information management unit manages first logo data, which is image data to be replaced with default image data printed in the header section of a receipt showing product information registered in the registration unit in a single transaction, and which is associated with product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and additional information related to the product. A selection unit selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An output unit that outputs the first logo data selected by the selection unit, A program that makes it function as such.

8. A program for controlling an information processing device with a computer, The aforementioned computer, An acquisition unit that acquires product identification information to identify a product, A registration unit registers product information of the product identified by the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, An information management unit manages first logo data, which is image data to be replaced with default image data printed in the header section of a receipt showing product information registered in the registration unit in a single transaction, and which is associated with product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit and includes information indicating the business operator selling the product and additional information related to the product. A selection unit selects the first logo data based on the product identification information acquired by the acquisition unit, A printing processing unit that, when the selection unit selects the first logo data, issues a receipt in which the default image data has been replaced with the first logo data, and when the selection unit does not select the first logo data, issues a receipt in which the default image data has been printed. A program that makes something work.

Images