Information terminals and their programs

Abstract

To provide an electronic receipt system and a server device configured to make a customer who receives a receipt with electronic receipt information realize the benefits of use of coupons even after payment.SOLUTION: In an electronic receipt system 1, an electronic receipt server includes a storage unit which stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitalizing a receipt indicating transaction details including the amount discounted from the total price of the transaction through the use of an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information identifying a customer of the transaction. Acquisition means (configured by a processor of a center server that cooperates with a communication interface and a processor of the electronic receipt server) acquires, in response to receiving a calculation request command including the customer identification information, electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the total request command, from the storage unit. Calculation means (the processor of the center serve) calculates the total amount of discount from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to Information terminals and their a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an electronic receipt system in which a receipt given from a store to a shopper at the time of settlement of a commercial transaction (an act of selling and buying goods with the shopper) is digitized, and this digitized receipt data, so-called electronic receipt information, is distributed to an information terminal used by the shopper through a network such as the Internet. Also, there is already known an electronic coupon system in which a manufacturer or seller of goods distributes coupon data, so-called electronic coupon information, digitized to an information terminal used by a shopper through a communication network.

[0003] In stores that have introduced an electronic receipt system, as the number of shoppers who receive receipts as electronic receipt information increases, the consumption of receipt paper is reduced. Also, the frequency of troublesome operations such as replacing receipt paper or dealing with paper jams decreases. Therefore, in order to enhance the benefits of the electronic receipt system, it has been considered to distribute electronic coupon information separately from the receipt data to the information terminals of shoppers who receive receipts as electronic receipt information.

[0004] When electronic coupon information is distributed to the information terminal of a shopper, the shopper can receive the benefit of a price reduction by presenting the electronic coupon information displayed on the information terminal to the store clerk at the time of checkout. However, there is a concern that the shopper can only feel the benefit while checking out. Such a problem can be solved, for example, by enabling the shopper to feel the benefit by a coupon when viewing the electronic receipt information.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to enable shoppers who receive receipts as electronic receipt information to feel the benefits they received from using coupons, even after payment has been made. Information terminal This aims to provide... [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, The information terminal comprises a display unit, a first display means, and a second display means. The first display means displays a list screen of electronic receipt information, which is an electronic representation of receipts showing transaction details including the amount discounted from the transaction accounting due to the use of coupons, associated with customer identification information that identifies the customer using the information terminal, along with an icon for checking purchase performance data calculated based on the electronic receipt information. When the icon is operated, the second display means displays on the display unit the total amount discounted from the transaction accounting due to the use of coupons, which has been aggregated from the electronic receipt information associated with the customer identification information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Overall configuration diagram of the electronic receipt system. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt server. [Figure 5] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the central server. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the structure of electronic receipt records stored in a receipt file. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the structure of member records stored in the member file. [Figure 8] A schematic diagram showing the structure of coupon records stored in a coupon file. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing the structure of distribution management records stored in the distribution management file. [Figure 10] A flowchart illustrating the update process performed by the central server's processor. [Figure 11]Flowchart showing the procedure of coupon confirmation processing executed by the processor of the information terminal. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram showing an example of the top screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 13] Schematic diagram showing an example of the coupon-free notification screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 14] Schematic diagram showing an example of the coupon list screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 15] Schematic diagram showing an example of the coupon usage screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the procedure of coupon request command reception processing executed by the processor of the center server. [Figure 17] Flowchart showing the procedure of scanning processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 18] Flowchart specifically showing the procedure of coupon determination processing in the scanning processing. [Figure 19] Flowchart showing the procedure of closing key processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 20] Flowchart showing the procedure of receipt data reception processing executed by the processor of the center server. [Figure 21] Schematic diagram showing an example of the receipt list screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 22] Schematic diagram showing an example of the aggregation item selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 23] Schematic diagram showing an example of the aggregation screen displayed on the touch panel of the information terminal. [Figure 24] Flowchart showing the procedure of aggregation request command reception processing executed by the processor of the center server.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The following describes, with reference to drawings, an electronic receipt system and a server device for this system that allows shoppers who have opted to receive receipts as electronic receipt information to feel the benefits they received from using coupons even after payment.

[0010] [Configuration of the electronic receipt system] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the electronic receipt system 1 in this embodiment. The electronic receipt system 1 includes a POS system 2, a server system 3, and a network 4 for freely connecting systems 2 and 3 to each other. Network 4 is a wide-area communication network such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The electronic receipt system 1 also connects to an information terminal 6 equipped with wireless communication capabilities by relaying through a base station 5 on network 4. The information terminal 6 is, for example, a wireless communication device carried by a shopper, and includes personal computers, smartphones, mobile phones, tablet terminals, etc.

[0011] POS system 2 includes multiple POS terminals 21 (two in the diagram), a store server 22, a router 23, and a LAN (Local Area Network) 24. POS system 2 is configured by connecting each POS terminal 21, the store server 22, and the router 23 to the LAN 24. The LAN 24 can be either a wired or wireless LAN. Such a POS system 2 is installed in retail stores and other locations that sell goods.

[0012] The POS terminal 21 has functions such as registering sales data for products purchased by shoppers and settling transactions with those shoppers. When settling a transaction, the POS terminal 21 creates receipt data representing the details of the transaction and issues a receipt. Receipts can be issued as paper receipts or as electronic receipts. When issuing a paper receipt, the POS terminal 21 controls the printer 217 (see Figure 3) to print the receipt data on designated receipt paper. When issuing an electronic receipt, the POS terminal 21 transmits the digitized receipt data along with the customer identification information, which is the member ID, read by the reader, to the server system 3.

[0013] The store server 22 has a product master file that stores information on each product sold at the store. The information includes a product ID, which is product identification information used to identify each product individually. The product master file also stores the name of the product identified by the product ID (product name), the price per item (unit price), and a classification code that represents the product category. The classification code is a code that identifies the classification of the product, for example, whether the product identified by the corresponding product ID is food or general merchandise. When a product ID inquiry is made from the POS terminal 21 via the LAN 24, the store server 22 responds to the inquiry POS terminal 21 with product information including the product name, unit price, and classification code, which include the product ID.

[0014] Router 23 relays data communication between LAN 24 and network 4. Electronic receipt information (digitized receipt data) sent from POS terminal 21 to server system 3 via LAN 24 is transmitted to server system 3 on network 4 via router 23.

[0015] Although Figure 1 shows a POS system 2 for one store, typically, multiple POS systems 2 for different stores are connected to a network 4, and together with a server system 3, they form an electronic receipt system 1.

[0016] Server system 3 includes an electronic receipt server 31 and a central server 32. The electronic receipt server 31 stores electronic receipt information issued to each shopper in a batch. Specifically, the electronic receipt server 31 is equipped with a storage device for storing electronic receipt information, and stores electronic receipt information received via the network 4 in this storage device. When a request is received from an information terminal 6, the electronic receipt server 31 reads the electronic receipt information issued to the shopper who is the user of the information terminal 6 from the storage device and transmits it to the information terminal 6 via the network 4.

[0017] The center server 32 stores digitized coupon data, also known as electronic coupon information, in a centralized manner. More specifically, the center server 32 is equipped with a storage device for storing electronic coupon information, and stores electronic coupon information input from an external source in the storage device. Incidentally, the external source may be a computer device connected to the network 4, or it may be a reader device that reads data from recording media such as magnetic disks, optical disks, USB memory, or semiconductor memory. When the center server 32 receives a request from the information terminal 6, it reads the electronic coupon information that the shopper, who is the user of the information terminal 6, can use at retail stores, etc., from the storage device and transmits it to the information terminal 6 via the network 4.

[0018] [Configuration of information terminals] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 6. The information terminal 6 is a portable body equipped with a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, touch panel 65, wireless unit 66, etc. The processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, touch panel 65, and wireless unit 66 are connected by a system transmission path 67 including an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc.

[0019] The information terminal 6 constitutes a computer with a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, and a system transmission line 67 connecting them. The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as an information terminal 6 according to the operating system and application programs.

[0020] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system and application programs are stored. In addition, main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control various parts in the non-volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 61.

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) may be used as the auxiliary storage device 63. An HDD (hard disk drive) or SSD (solid state drive) may also be used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, as well as data generated by the processing performed by the processor 61. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0022] The clock 64 functions as a time information source for the information terminal 6. The processor 61 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 64. The touch panel 65 functions as both an input device and a display device for the information terminal 6. Icons for launching the application program described above are displayed on the touch panel 65. The wireless unit 66 performs wireless data communication with the base station 5 using wireless LAN, mobile data communication, etc.

[0023] The information terminal 6, configured in this way, becomes a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the application program, the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Specifically, the information terminal 6 can receive electronic receipt information distributed from the electronic receipt server 31 via the wireless unit 66 and display the receipt image on the touch panel 65. The information terminal 6 can also receive electronic coupon information distributed from the central server 32 via the wireless unit 66 and display the coupon list on the touch panel 65. Furthermore, the information terminal 6 can also display purchase history data calculated based on the electronic receipt information on the touch panel 65.

[0024] The electronic receipt terminal program P1 controls the processor 61 so that the information terminal 6 functions as a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt terminal program P1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 63. In addition, an electronic receipt management area W1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 63 together with the electronic receipt terminal program P1.

[0025] For a user of information terminal 6 to receive receipts from retail stores as electronic receipt information, they must register as a member beforehand. Membership registration can be performed from information terminal 6 under the control of the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Therefore, the user must install the electronic receipt terminal program P1 on information terminal 6 before registering as a member.

[0026] On the information terminal 6, where the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed, when a user launches the electronic receipt terminal program P1 and selects the member registration mode, a member registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 65. The user then enters user information such as name, age, gender, and postal code to register as a member. Upon registration, the server system 3 issues a member ID to identify the user. The member ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W1 of the information terminal 6. Hereafter, a user who has completed member registration will be referred to as a member.

[0027] [POS terminal configuration] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 21. The POS terminal 21 includes a processor 211, main memory 212, auxiliary storage device 213, clock 214, keyboard 215, display 216, printer 217, scanner 218, communication interface 219, etc. The processor 211, main memory 212, auxiliary storage device 213, clock 214, keyboard 215, display 216, printer 217, scanner 218, and communication interface 219 are connected by a system transmission path 2110. The processor 211, main memory 212, auxiliary storage device 213, and clock 214 of the POS terminal 21 are the same as those of the information terminal 6.

[0028] The keyboard 215 is a dedicated input device equipped with various function keys, including a multiplication key, a subtotal key, and a closing key, in addition to a numbering key for entering numerical values ​​such as points and amounts. It may also be a general-purpose keyboard with the necessary functions assigned to any key on the POS terminal 21. The closing key is used by the operator to declare the closing of the commercial transaction registration.

[0029] The display 216 is a display device for displaying the name (product name), price, total amount, change amount, etc., of products registered in the POS terminal 21. There are two types of displays 216: one for the store clerk operating the POS terminal 21 and one for the customer. Alternatively, a touch panel that serves as both an input device and a display device may be used instead of the keyboard 215 and the display 216.

[0030] The printer 217 prints receipt data representing the details of a commercial transaction onto a designated receipt paper. The receipt paper with the printed receipt data is then cut by a cutter and issued as a paper receipt.

[0031] Scanner 218 optically reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. Many products have a code symbol attached to them that is a barcode of their unique product code. Scanner 218 is used to read the code symbols attached to products purchased by shoppers. In addition, the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6, on which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed, displays a code symbol that is a barcode of the member ID. Scanner 218 is also used to read the code symbol displayed on the touch panel 65. In other words, scanner 218 also functions as a member ID reader.

[0032] The member ID reader is not limited to scanner 218. For example, if information terminal 6 is a device that supports short-range wireless communication and the system uses this short-range wireless communication to transmit the member ID, then the short-range wireless communication device for receiving the member ID becomes the reader.

[0033] The communication interface 219 is connected to the LAN 24. The communication interface 219 communicates data with devices connected via the LAN 24 according to a pre-configured communication protocol.

[0034] A POS terminal 21 configured in this way becomes an accounting device for an electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing an application program, the electronic receipt issuance program P2. In other words, the POS terminal 21 can issue receipts generated in commercial transactions with members as electronic receipts. The POS terminal 21 can also perform discount processing according to the electronic coupon information presented by the member. Discount processing includes discounts per item and discounts on the subtotal. In this embodiment, discounts using coupons are treated as monetary discounts, but discounts that reduce the amount by a predetermined rate, or price changes that lower the price of a product to a lower amount than the normal unit price may also be treated as discounts using coupons.

[0035] The electronic receipt issuance program P2 controls the processor 211 so that the POS terminal 21 becomes an accounting device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt issuance program P2 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 213.

[0036] [Electronic receipt server configuration] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt server 31. The electronic receipt server 31 includes a processor 311, main memory 312, auxiliary storage device 313, clock 314, communication interface 315, etc. The processor 311, main memory 312, auxiliary storage device 313, clock 314, and communication interface 315 are connected by a system transmission path 316. The processor 311, main memory 312, auxiliary storage device 313, and clock 314 of the electronic receipt server 31 are the same as those of the information terminal 6 and the POS terminal 21.

[0037] The communication interface 315 is connected to the network 4. The communication interface 315 communicates data with devices connected via the network 4 according to a pre-configured communication protocol.

[0038] The electronic receipt server 31, configured in this way, becomes a server device for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic receipt information by installing the application program, the electronic receipt server program P3. In other words, the electronic receipt server 31 stores all the electronic receipt information issued from each POS terminal 21. The electronic receipt server 31 also transmits the relevant electronic receipt information to the information terminal 6 in response to a request from that terminal.

[0039] The electronic receipt server program P3 controls the processor 311 so that the electronic receipt server 31 becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic receipt information. The electronic receipt server program P3 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 313. In addition, a receipt file FL1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 313 along with the electronic receipt server program P3. The receipt file FL1 is used as an area for storing electronic receipt information in bulk.

[0040] [Central Server Configuration] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the center server 32. The center server 32 includes a processor 321, main memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, clock 324, communication interface 325, etc. The processor 321, main memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, clock 324, and communication interface 325 are connected by a system transmission line 326. The processor 321, main memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, clock 324, and communication interface 325 of the center server 32 are the same as those of the electronic receipt server 31.

[0041] A central server 32 configured in this way becomes a server device for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the application program, the electronic coupon management program P4. In other words, the central server 32 stores electronic coupon information planned by product manufacturers and the like in a centralized manner. The central server 32 also transmits electronic coupon information to the information terminal 6 in response to a request from the information terminal 6, with the distribution destination being the group to which the member carrying the information terminal 6 belongs.

[0042] The electronic coupon management program P4 controls the processor 321 so that the central server 32 becomes a server device for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon management program P4 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 323. Along with the electronic coupon management program P4, the member file FL2, coupon file FL3, and distribution management file FL4 are also formed in the auxiliary storage device 323. The member file FL2 is used as an area for storing member information in bulk. The coupon file FL3 is used as an area for storing electronic coupon information in bulk. The distribution management file FL4 is used as an area for storing information for managing the distribution of each electronic coupon.

[0043] [Structure of each file] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic receipt record FL1R stored in the receipt file FL1. The electronic receipt record FL1R consists of a member ID and receipt data (electronic receipt information) issued to the member identified by that member ID.

[0044] Receipt data includes store code, transaction date and time, transaction number, product sales data, coupon usage data, payment data, etc. The store code is a unique code assigned to each store to identify the retail store. Product sales data consists of product ID (the identification code for the product purchased by the member), product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. Coupon usage data consists of coupon ID (the identification information for the electronic coupon used by the member), discount amount, etc. Payment data consists of the settlement amount and payment type of the commercial transaction with the member, etc.

[0045] Here, the receipt file FL1 is a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the details of a transaction, including the amount discounted from the transaction accounting due to the use of an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer to whom the transaction pertains.

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of member record FL2R stored in member file FL2. Member record FL2R consists of a member ID and the member's name, gender, age, postal code, transaction history data, coupon history data, rank, etc., identified by that member ID.

[0047] Name, gender, age, and postal code are data entered during member registration. Transaction history data is aggregated data on the products purchased by members. Transaction history data is generated by aggregating product sales data included in receipt data. Coupon history data is aggregated data on the use of electronic coupon information by members. Coupon history data is generated by aggregating used coupon data included in receipt data. Rank is a measure of a member's level of preferential treatment. For example, a rank is assigned to each shopper based on their cumulative purchase amount. The cumulative purchase amount can be determined from the transaction history data.

[0048] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the coupon record FL3R stored in the coupon file FL3. The coupon record FL3R consists of a coupon ID and the product ID, product name, discount amount, start date, end date, distribution conditions, validity period, etc., related to the electronic coupon information identified by this coupon ID.

[0049] The Product ID is the ID of the product to which the discount will be applied by the electronic coupon information. The Product Name is the name of the product identified by the corresponding Product ID. The Discount Amount is the amount discounted by the electronic coupon information. The Start Date and End Date are the start and end dates of the period during which the electronic coupon information can be used. The Distribution Conditions are the conditions that determine the group of members to whom the electronic coupon information will be distributed. Groups can be defined by items representing customer attributes from the data that make up the member record FL2R, such as gender, age, postal code, rank, etc. For example, if the distribution condition is "Female, 20s," female members aged 20 to 29 will be eligible to receive the electronic coupon information. Similarly, if the distribution condition is "Rank 1," members with a rank of 1 will be eligible to receive the electronic coupon information. The Number of Uses is the maximum number of times a member can use the electronic coupon. For example, if the electronic coupon information can only be used once per member, the Number of Uses will be "1." For example, if the electronic coupon information can be used up to twice per member, the Number of Uses will be "2."

[0050] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the distribution management record FL4R stored in the distribution management file FL4. The distribution management record FLR4 consists of a coupon ID and a pair of data representing the member ID and the allowed number of uses N. The member ID identifies the member belonging to the group to which the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is distributed. The allowed number of uses N has an initial value of the number of times the electronic coupon information is valid, and is counted down each time the electronic coupon information is used by the member identified by the corresponding member ID. When the allowed number of uses N reaches "0", the member can no longer use the coupon information.

[0051] [Operation of the electronic receipt system] First, we will explain the process by which a member obtains electronic coupon information from the central server 32.

[0052] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the update process executed by the processor 321 of the center server 32 each time the date, as measured by the clock 324, changes to the next day. This update process follows the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in Figure 10 and described below is just one example, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0053] Processor 321 reads coupon record FL3R from coupon file FL3 as Act1. Incidentally, coupon file FL3 stores many coupon records FL3R related to electronic coupon information planned by product manufacturers, etc. Processor 321 then executes the processing from Act2 onwards for the read coupon record FL3R.

[0054] Specifically, as Act 2, processor 321 checks if the start date of coupon record FL3R matches the date measured by clock 324. If they do not match (NO in Act 2), processor 321 checks as Act 3 if the end date of coupon record FL3R matches the date. If they do not match (NO in Act 3), processor 321 proceeds to processing Act 13.

[0055] If the start date of coupon record FL3R matches the date on clock 324 (YES in Act 2), processor 321 stores the coupon ID of coupon record FL3R in the work area as Act 4. Also, processor 321 recognizes the distribution conditions of coupon record FL3R as Act 5.

[0056] Upon recognizing the delivery conditions, processor 321 searches for member file FL2 as Act 6. Then, as Act 7, processor 321 determines whether each member record FL2R satisfies the delivery conditions. If a member record FL2R that satisfies the delivery conditions is found (YES in Act 7), processor 321 stores the pair data of the member ID of that member record FL2R and the number of valid coupon records FL3R in the work area as Act 8. If the member record FL2R does not satisfy the delivery conditions (NO in Act 7), processor 321 does not store the pair data of member ID and number of valid coupons in the work area.

[0057] Processor 321 determines whether it has finished searching for member file FL2 as Act 9. If it has not finished (YES in Act 9), processor 321 returns to processing Act 6. That is, processor 321 continues searching for member file FL2. Each time it finds a member record FL2R that satisfies the distribution conditions, processor 321 stores the paired data of that member ID and the number of valid entries in the work area.

[0058] If the search for member files is complete (NO in Act 9), processor 321 creates a distribution management record FL4R as Act 10. Distribution management record FL4R contains the coupon ID of coupon record FL3R read from coupon file FL3 in Act 1 processing, and the pair data of member ID and validity count created in Act 8 processing. The created distribution management record FL4R is stored in the work area. After that, processor 321 proceeds to processing in Act 13.

[0059] On the other hand, if the end date of coupon record FL3R matches the date on clock 324 (YES in Act 3), processor 321 searches for distribution management file FL4 as Act 11 and deletes distribution management record FL4R, which stores the coupon ID of coupon record FL3R. Processor 321 also deletes coupon record FL3R from coupon file FL3 as Act 12. After that, processor 321 proceeds to processing in Act 13. It should be noted that "deleting" coupon records FL3R and distribution management records FL4R does not simply mean physically removing the records from the file. For example, invalidating a record by adding flag information to it is also included in "deletion."

[0060] In Act 13, processor 321 determines whether the next coupon record FL3R exists. If the next coupon record FL3R exists in coupon file FL3 (YES in Act 13), processor 321 returns to processing Act 1. Then processor 321 executes the processing from Act 1 onward in the same manner as described above.

[0061] If the coupon file FL3 does not contain the following coupon record FL3R (NO in Act13), processor 321 saves the distribution management record FL4R, which was stored in the work area, to the distribution management file FL4 as Act14. This completes the update process.

[0062] This update process stores all distribution management records FL4R related to electronic coupon information within the distribution period in the distribution management file FL4. Each distribution management record FL4R contains data for the member ID of a member who satisfies the distribution conditions for the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID, and the allowed number of times N for that member.

[0063] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the coupon verification process, which is part of the processing performed by the processor 61 of the information terminal 6. Figures 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 65 as a result of the coupon verification process. The processor 61 executes this coupon verification process according to the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Note that the processing shown in Figure 11 and described below is just one example, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0064] On the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6, which has the electronic receipt terminal program P1 installed, an icon for launching the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is displayed. When a member touches this icon, the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is launched.

[0065] When the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is started, the processor 61 sets the touch panel 65 screen as the top screen G1 (see Figure 12) as Act 21. As shown in Figure 12, a barcode symbol 71 is displayed on the top screen G1. This barcode symbol 71 is a barcode representation of the member ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1. In addition, a coupon confirmation icon 72 to instruct the member to check electronic coupon information and a receipt icon 73 to instruct the member to check electronic receipt information are also displayed on the top screen G1.

[0066] With the top screen G1 displayed, the processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched as Act 22. When the processor 61 detects that the screen has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 65 (YES in Act 22), it checks as Act 23 whether the coupon confirmation icon 72 has been touched. If any screen area other than the coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched (NO in Act 23), the processor 61 performs processing according to the touch location. For example, if the receipt icon 73 is touched, the receipt list screen is displayed on the touch panel 65. The receipt list screen is a screen that lists simplified information such as the transaction date, store name, and total amount of electronic receipt information issued to the member. When the member touches the desired simplified information display field, the receipt image of the transaction corresponding to the simplified information in that field is displayed on the touch panel 65.

[0067] If the coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched (YES in Act 23), the processor 61 sends a coupon request command to the central server 32 as Act 24, using the member ID as the search key. That is, the processor 61 reads the member ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. Then the processor 61 notifies the wireless unit 66 to send a coupon request command containing this member ID to the central server 32.

[0068] Upon receiving this notification, the wireless unit 66 wirelessly transmits a coupon request command with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the information terminal 6 as the source address. This coupon request command includes the member ID in the electronic receipt management area W1. The wirelessly transmitted coupon request command is received by the base station 5 and transmitted to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0069] Upon receiving a coupon request command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes the reception process shown in the flowchart in Figure 16. This process follows the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in Figure 16 and described below is just one example, and various processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0070] When the processor 321 starts processing the receipt of a coupon request command, it obtains the member ID as Act 41. As mentioned above, the coupon request command contains a member ID to identify the member who is the user of the information terminal 6 that sent the command. The processor 321 obtains the member ID from the coupon request command.

[0071] Upon obtaining the member ID, processor 321 forms a coupon list in the volatile memory area of ​​main memory 322 as Act 42. Next, processor 321 searches the distribution management file FL4 as Act 43. Then, as Act 44, processor 321 checks each distribution management record FL4R to see if it contains the obtained member ID. If a distribution management record FL4R containing the member ID is found (YES in Act 44), processor 321 checks as Act 45 whether the allowable number N of paired data for that member ID is "1" or greater.

[0072] If the allowed number of times N is 1 or greater (YES in Act 45), processor 321 retrieves the coupon ID from the distribution management record FL4R as Act 46. Then, as Act 47, processor 321 reads the coupon record FL3R containing the coupon file from the coupon file FL3, and creates electronic coupon data using the coupon ID, product ID, product name, discount amount, etc. from this coupon record FL3R. As Act 48, processor 321 registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list. If the distribution management record FL4R does not contain a member ID (NO in Act 43), or if the allowed number of times N is 0 (NO in Act 45), processor 321 does not execute the processes in Act 46, Act 47, and Act 48.

[0073] The processor checks if it has finished searching for the distribution management file FL4 as Act49. If it has not finished (NO in Act49), the processor 321 returns to processing Act43. That is, the processor 321 continues searching for the distribution management file FL4. Each time it finds a distribution management record FL4R that contains the member ID obtained from the coupon request command and whose allowed number N for pairing this member ID with data is "1" or greater, the processor 321 creates electronic coupon data containing the coupon ID of that distribution management record FL4R. The processor 321 then registers this electronic coupon data in the coupon list.

[0074] If the search for the distribution management file FL4 is complete (YES in Act 49), the processor 321 checks in Act 50 whether electronic coupon data is registered in the coupon list. If electronic coupon data is registered (YES in Act 50), the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 in Act 51 to send the coupon list data to the information terminal 6, which is the source of the coupon request command.

[0075] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends coupon list data onto the network 4, with the communication address of the information terminal 6 (the source of the coupon request command) as the destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source. The coupon list data includes the electronic coupon data registered in the coupon list.

[0076] On the other hand, if no electronic coupon data is registered in the coupon list (NO in Act 50), the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 to send a data notification of no coupons to the information terminal 6 as Act 52.

[0077] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends data indicating no coupon available onto the network 4, with the communication address of the information terminal 6, which is the source of the coupon request command, as the destination, and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source.

[0078] Coupon list data or coupon-less notification data transmitted over network 4 is wirelessly transmitted from base station 5 and received by information terminal 6 having the destination communication address.

[0079] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 11. The processor 61 of the information terminal 6 that sent a coupon request command to the center server 32 waits for data to be sent from the center server 32 as Act 25. If data indicating no coupon is available is received via the wireless unit 66 (NO in Act 25), the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 65 to the no coupon notification screen G2 (see Figure 13) as Act 26. As shown in Figure 13, the no coupon notification screen G2 displays a message 74 informing the user that there is no usable electronic coupon information, along with the barcode symbol 71 of the member ID. Therefore, a member who touches the coupon confirmation icon 72 can confirm from this message 74 that there is no usable electronic coupon information at this time.

[0080] When coupon list data is received from the center server 32 (YES in Act 25), the processor 61, as Act 27, sets the touch panel 65 screen to the coupon list screen G3 (see Figure 14). As shown in Figure 14, the coupon list screen G3 displays the coupon list 75 along with the member ID barcode symbol 71. A selection completion icon 76 for the member to indicate the end of selecting electronic coupon information is also displayed on the coupon list screen G3. The coupon list 75 represents a list of electronic coupon data included in the coupon list data. Specifically, the coupon list 75 displays a list of the names of the products to which the coupon applies and the discount amount. Therefore, a member who touches the coupon confirmation icon 72 can check from this coupon list 75 which products are eligible for coupons that can be used at the moment and the discount amount when using the coupon.

[0081] In this way, the electronic receipt system 1 has distribution conditions set for each piece of electronic coupon information. Electronic coupon information is then distributed only to members who satisfy these distribution conditions. Therefore, it is possible to group members who receive receipts as electronic receipt information according to the distribution conditions and distribute electronic coupon information to each group.

[0082] Next, we will explain the process when a member who has obtained electronic coupon information uses that coupon to pay for a commercial transaction.

[0083] After reviewing coupon list 75, members search for the electronic coupon information they wish to use at a retail store. If they find the desired electronic coupon information, they touch the row in coupon list 75 displaying the name of the product to which the coupon applies. If they wish to use coupons from two or more electronic coupons, they touch each row consecutively. After selecting the electronic coupon information, the member touches the selection completion icon 76.

[0084] With the coupon list screen G3 displayed, the processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched as Act 28. When it detects that the screen has been touched by a signal from the touch panel 65 (YES in Act 28), the processor 61 checks as Act 29 whether a row in the coupon list 75 was touched, or as Act 30 whether the selection completion icon 76 was touched. If an area other than the coupon list 75 or the selection completion icon 76 is touched (NO in Act 29, NO in Act 30), the processor 61 executes processing according to the touch location.

[0085] If row 75 of the coupon list is touched (YES in Act 29), processor 61 stores the electronic coupon data (coupon ID, product ID, product name, discount amount, etc.) including the product name and discount amount displayed on the touched row into the work area as Act 31. After that, processor 61 returns to processing Act 28 and waits for the screen to be touched again.

[0086] On the other hand, if the selection completion icon 76 is touched (YES in Act 30), the processor 61, as Act 32, sets the touch panel 65 screen to the coupon usage screen G4 (see Figure 15). As shown in Figure 15, the coupon usage screen G4 displays a barcode symbol 71 of the member ID along with a barcode 77 representing the coupon ID. The product name and discount amount are also displayed in association with this barcode 77. The barcode 77 is a barcode representation of the coupon ID contained in the electronic coupon data stored in the work area. The product name and discount amount contained in the same electronic coupon data are then displayed in association with this barcode 77. Therefore, the touch panel 65 displays the member's member ID along with the coupon ID of the electronic coupon selected by that member in barcode form.

[0087] If a member touches the selection completion icon 76 without selecting any electronic coupon information, the electronic coupon data will not be stored in the work area, and therefore the barcode 77 will not be displayed on the coupon usage screen G4.

[0088] Members using electronic coupon information present the coupon usage screen G4 to the accounting staff. Upon receiving the coupon usage screen G4, the staff first scans the barcode of the member ID displayed on the coupon usage screen G4 using the scanner 218 of the POS terminal 21. Next, the staff scans the barcode 77 of the coupon ID displayed on the coupon usage screen G4 and the barcode of the product ID attached to the purchased item. After completing the scanning, the staff enters the closing key and declares the closing of the commercial transaction registration.

[0089] Here, there is no particular order in which the coupon ID barcode 77 and the product ID barcode are scanned. The coupon ID barcode 77 may be scanned together, and then the product ID barcode may be scanned. Conversely, the product ID barcode may be scanned together, and then the coupon ID barcode 77 may be scanned. Alternatively, when scanning the product ID barcode, the person in charge may check whether there is an electronic coupon for that product, and if there is an electronic coupon, the product ID barcode and the coupon ID barcode 77 may be scanned consecutively.

[0090] The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 can identify whether the scanned barcode data is a member ID barcode, a coupon ID barcode 77, or a product ID barcode by analyzing the data using well-known technology.

[0091] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the scanning process performed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. Figure 18 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure for the coupon determination process within the same scanning process. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the closing key process performed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. The processor 211 performs these processes according to the electronic receipt issuance program P2. Note that the content of the processes shown in Figures 17 to 19 and described below is just an example, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0092] When the electronic receipt issuance program P2 is started, the processor 211 initializes as Act 61. This initialization clears the data in the transaction buffer and coupon buffer, which are located in the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 212. The transaction buffer is an area that temporarily stores data related to commercial transactions with members. The coupon buffer is an area that temporarily stores data related to electronic coupon information used by members. This initialization also resets the member flag F1 and coupon flag F2 to "0". The member flag F1 is a 1-bit piece of information that is set to "1" in the case of a commercial transaction with a member who receives a receipt as electronic receipt information. The coupon flag F2 is a 1-bit piece of information that is set to "1" in the case of a commercial transaction with a member who uses a coupon from electronic coupon information. The member flag F1 and coupon flag F2 are stored, for example, in the volatile memory area. The display 216 displays a screen created based on the data in the transaction buffer. Therefore, this initialization also resets the screen on the display 216 to its initial screen.

[0093] Once initialization is complete, processor 211 checks if scanning has been performed as Act 62. If scanning has not been performed (NO in Act 62), processor 211 checks if key input has been received as Act 63. If key input has not been received (NO in Act 63), processor 211 returns to processing Act 62. Therefore, processor 211 waits for scanning or key input to be performed through the processing of Act 62 and Act 63.

[0094] If a barcode is scanned by scanner 218 (YES in Act 62), processor 211 checks member flag F1 in Act 64. If member flag F1 is reset to "0", processor 211 checks in Act 65 whether the scanned barcode is a member ID barcode. If it is not a member ID barcode (NO in Act 65), processor 211 checks in Act 66 whether the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode. If it is not a product ID barcode (NO in Act 66), processor 211 performs processing according to the type of barcode.

[0095] If the scanned barcode is a barcode for a member ID (YES in Act 65), the processor 211 analyzes the barcode and stores the member data related to the member ID obtained in the work area as Act 67. The member data includes the member ID. It may also include the name, gender, age, rank, etc., set in the member file FL2 in association with that member ID. The data such as name, gender, age, rank, etc. may be obtained from the center server 32 each time a barcode for a member ID is scanned, or a local file of the member file FL2 may be saved in advance on the store server 22 and obtained from this local file.

[0096] Processor 211 sets the member flag F1 to "1" as Act 68. Then, processor 211 returns to processing Act 62. Therefore, if a barcode is scanned again (YES in Act 62), the member flag F1 is set to "1" (YES in Act 64), and processor 211 proceeds to processing Act 69. In Act 69, processor 211 checks if the scanned barcode is a coupon ID barcode. If it is not a coupon ID barcode (NO in Act 69), processor 211 checks if the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode as Act 70. If it is not a product ID barcode (NO in Act 70), processor 211 performs processing according to the type of barcode.

[0097] If the scanned barcode is a coupon ID barcode (YES in Act 69), the processor 211 analyzes the barcode and stores the coupon data related to the obtained coupon ID in the coupon buffer as Act 71. The coupon data includes the coupon ID and the product ID, product name, discount amount, etc., which are set in the coupon file FL3 in association with that coupon ID. The product ID, product name, discount amount, etc., may be obtained from the central server 32 each time a coupon ID barcode is scanned, or a local file of the coupon file FL3 may be saved in advance on the store server 22 and obtained from this local file.

[0098] After storing the coupon data to be used in the coupon buffer, processor 211 checks the coupon flag F2 as Act 72. If the coupon flag F2 has been reset to "0" (NO in Act 72), processor 211 sets the coupon flag F2 to "1" as Act 73. If the coupon flag F2 is set to "1", or if the coupon flag F2 was already set to "1" (YES in Act 72), processor 211 proceeds to processing in Act 76.

[0099] On the other hand, if the scanned barcode is a product ID barcode (YES in Act 66 or Act 70), processor 211 proceeds to Act 74. In Act 74, processor 211 generates product sales data from the product ID obtained by analyzing the barcode. The product sales data includes the product ID, the name of the product identified by that product ID (product name), unit price, number of units sold, and sales amount. The product name and unit price data are obtained from the product master file. The number of units sold is usually "1", but will be that multiplier if one was entered immediately before scanning the product ID. The sales amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the number of units sold. Processor 211 stores the product sales data in the transaction buffer.

[0100] Next, processor 211 checks coupon flag F2 as Act 75. If coupon flag F2 has been reset to "0" (NO in Act 75), processor 211 proceeds to process Act 79. If coupon flag F2 has been set to "1" (NO in Act 75), processor 211 proceeds to process Act 76.

[0101] In Act 76, the processor 211 executes the coupon determination process as shown in the flowchart in Figure 18. Specifically, the processor 211 performs product ID verification as Act 761. The coupon determination process can be performed in two ways: either the scanned barcode is the coupon ID and is executed after the processing in Act 71, or the scanned barcode is the product ID and is executed after the processing in Act 74. In the former case, the processor 211 compares the product ID of the used coupon data stored in the coupon buffer during the processing in Act 71 with the product ID of the product sales data already stored in the transaction buffer. In the latter case, the processor 211 compares the product ID of the product sales data stored in the transaction buffer during the processing in Act 74 with the product ID of the used coupon data already stored in the coupon buffer.

[0102] Processor 211 checks in Act 762 whether the product ID in the used coupon data matches the product ID in the product sales data. If the product IDs match (YES in Act 762), processor 211 sends a count request command to the center server 32, using the coupon ID and member ID as search keys. In other words, processor 211 notifies the communication interface 219 to send a count request command to the center server 32, which will include the coupon ID obtained from the used coupon data containing the matched product ID through the matching process, and the member ID stored in the processing of Act 67.

[0103] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 sends a count request command as Act 763, with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the source address. The count request command includes the coupon ID obtained from the used coupon data, which contains the product ID that matched through the matching process, and the member ID stored in the processing of Act 67. The count request command is sent from the router 23 to the center server 32 via network 4.

[0104] Upon receiving the request for the number of uses command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 searches the distribution management file FL4. If the processor 321 finds a distribution management record FL4R containing the coupon ID included in the request for uses command, it retrieves the pair data from the pair data contained in this distribution management record FL4R that has the member ID included in the request for uses command set. The processor 321 then notifies the communication interface 325 to send response data, including the allowed number of uses N for this pair data, to the POS terminal 21 that sent the request for uses command.

[0105] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends response data over the network 4, with the communication address of the center server 32 as the source and the communication address of the POS terminal 21, which is the source of the request command, as the destination. The response data includes the member ID and the allowed number of times N that constitutes the paired data. The response data is received by the router 23 and sent via LAN 24 to the POS terminal 21, which is the source of the request command.

[0106] The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 that sent a command requesting the number of uses to the center server 32 waits for response data to be sent from the center server 32 as Act 764. If it receives the response data (YES in Act 764), the processor 211 determines as Act 765 whether the allowed number of uses N included in the response data is "0" or "1" or greater. If the allowed number of uses N is "1" or greater (NO in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that it is eligible for a coupon in the work area as Act 766. If the allowed number of uses N is "0" (YES in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that it is not eligible for a coupon in the work area as Act 767. This completes the coupon determination process.

[0107] Let's return to the explanation in Figure 17. Once the coupon determination process is complete, processor 211 checks the status information stored in the work area by the coupon determination process as Act 77. If the status information indicates that the item is eligible for a coupon (YES in Act 77), processor 211 transfers the coupon data whose product ID match was confirmed in the coupon determination process from the coupon buffer to the transaction buffer as Act 78. After that, processor 211 proceeds to the display update process as Act 79. If the status information indicates that the item is not eligible for a coupon (NO in Act 77), processor 211 proceeds to the process of Act 79 without executing the process of Act 78.

[0108] In Act 79, the processor 211 updates the screen of the display 216, which is created based on the data in the transaction buffer. Therefore, if product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer during the processing of Act 74, the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. that make up this product sales data will be displayed on the screen. If coupon usage data is stored in the transaction buffer during the processing of Act 78, the product name, discount amount, etc. that make up this coupon usage data will be displayed on the screen. In addition, the amount obtained by subtracting the total discount amount of the coupon usage data from the total sales amount of the product sales data will be displayed as the transaction amount.

[0109] After updating the screen of display 216, processor 211 returns to processing Act 62. Therefore, if a barcode is scanned again, processor 211 will execute the processing from Act 69 onwards again.

[0110] On the other hand, if any key on the keyboard 215 is pressed (YES in Act 63), the processor 211 executes the process corresponding to that key. That is, if the key pressed is the close key, the processor 211 starts the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 19.

[0111] First, processor 211 checks, as Act 81, whether the purchased goods for the commercial transaction have been registered. That is, processor 211 checks whether the product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer. If the product sales data is not stored in the transaction buffer (NO in Act 81), processor 211 determines that it is an error operation in which the closing key was entered when the purchased goods for the commercial transaction were not registered. In this case, processor 211 treats the input of the closing key as an error.

[0112] If product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer (YES in Act 81), processor 211 executes settlement processing as Act 82. In this settlement processing, processor 211 generates settlement data that includes the total amount of purchased goods, the payment amount for that total amount, and the payment type (cash payment, credit payment, etc.). Then, processor 211 stores this settlement data in the transaction buffer as Act 83.

[0113] Next, processor 211 checks the member flag F1 as Act 84. If the member flag F1 is reset to "0", that is, if the transaction is with a shopper who is not an electronic receipt member, processor 211 controls the issuance of a paper receipt as Act 85. Specifically, processor 211 generates receipt data as print data from the data stored in the transaction buffer, and outputs this receipt data to printer 217 to issue a paper receipt.

[0114] On the other hand, if the member flag F1 is set to "1", that is, in the case of a commercial transaction with an electronic receipt member, the processor 211 controls the issuance of an electronic receipt as Act 86. Specifically, the processor 211 generates digitized receipt data from the data stored in the transaction buffer and notifies the communication interface 219 to send this receipt data and the member ID of the member data stored in the work area during the processing of Act 67 to the center server 32.

[0115] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 sends receipt data with the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the source address. The receipt data includes the member ID, product sales data, and coupon usage data. The receipt data is sent from the router 23 to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0116] Upon receiving the receipt data, the processor 321 of the central server 32 executes the processing steps shown in the flowchart of Figure 20. Note that the processing shown in Figure 20 and described below is just one example; various other processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0117] Processor 321 retrieves the member ID from the receipt data as Act91. Processor 321 also retrieves transaction details data from the receipt data as Act92. The transaction details data is either product sales data or coupon usage data.

[0118] Processor 321, in Act 93, determines whether the transaction details data is product sales data or coupon usage data. If it is product sales data (NO in Act 93), processor 321, in Act 94, updates the transaction history data of member record FL2R, which includes the member ID obtained in the processing of Act 91.

[0119] If the data is for used coupons (YES in Act 93), processor 321 updates the coupon usage data in member record FL2R, which includes the member ID obtained in Act 91, as Act 95. Processor 321 also searches the distribution management file FL4 using the coupon ID of the used coupon data and the member ID obtained in Act 91 as search keys as Act 96. Then, as Act 97, processor 321 reduces the allowed number of pairs of data in distribution management record FL4R that match the search key and the coupon ID by "1".

[0120] Once the processing of Act 94 or Act 97 is complete, the processor 321 checks if there is any further transaction data, which is then Act 98. If there is any further transaction data (YES in Act 98), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 92 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

[0121] If there is no further transaction data (NO in Act 98), the processor 321 transfers the receipt data received from the POS terminal 21 to the electronic receipt server 31 as Act 99. The electronic receipt server 31 saves the receipt data to the receipt file FL1.

[0122] In this way, in the electronic receipt system 1, when a member uses an electronic coupon, the number of times that member is allowed to use that electronic coupon information N is reduced. Then, for members whose member IDs have reached "0" usage limits, the electronic coupon will no longer be delivered, even if it is within the distribution period. Therefore, the electronic receipt system 1 allows for limiting the number of times a member can use each electronic coupon, and prevents the delivery of that electronic coupon information to members who have exceeded their usage limit.

[0123] Here, the computer of the center server 32, which is mainly composed of processor 321, works in cooperation with the communication interface 325 to constitute a receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information from the accounting device (POS terminal 21) that settles transactions.

[0124] Next, we will explain, using Figures 21 to 24, the operation in which a member who has set up to receive electronic receipt information using the information terminal 6 checks the purchase performance data calculated based on that electronic receipt information on the information terminal 6. Figures 21 to 23 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 during this operation. Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the procedure for receiving aggregation commands executed by the processor 321 of the center server 32.

[0125] Members who wish to check their purchase history data can, for example, touch the receipt icon 73 displayed on the top screen G1. This will switch the touch panel 65 screen to the receipt list screen G5 (see Figure 21). As shown in Figure 21, the receipt list screen G5 displays the total amount for each month. Touching a column for any month will display the date, store name, and transaction amount, which are simplified information of the electronic receipt information for that month. Furthermore, touching a column for the simplified information will display the receipt image of the electronic receipt information determined from that simplified information. Since the display control of such electronic receipt information is a well-known technology, an explanation will be omitted here.

[0126] As shown in Figure 21, the summary icon 78 is displayed on the receipt list screen G5. Members who wish to check their purchase history data touch the summary icon 78. This switches the touch panel 65 screen to the summary item selection screen G6 (see Figure 22). As shown in Figure 22, the selection screen G6 displays icons such as transaction-specific icon 791, daily icon 792, weekly icon 793, and monthly icon 794. The transaction-specific icon 791 is touched by the member to check purchase history data on a transaction basis. The daily icon 792 is touched by the member to check purchase history data on a daily basis. The weekly icon 793 is touched by the member to check purchase history data on a weekly basis. The monthly icon 794 is touched by the member to check purchase history data on a monthly basis.

[0127] For example, when a member touches the transaction icon 791, input boxes for the date and store name appear on the touch panel 65. The member then enters the date and store name of the transaction for which they want to check the purchase history data. The processor 61 of the information terminal 6 then creates an aggregation request command using the date and store code as aggregation condition data.

[0128] For example, when a member touches the daily icon 792, a date input box appears on the touch panel 65, and the member enters the date for which they want to check the purchase history data. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 creates an aggregation request command that uses the date as aggregation condition data.

[0129] For example, when a member touches the weekly icon 793, a week input box appears on the touch panel 65, and the member enters the week for which they want to check the purchase performance data. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 creates an aggregation request command that uses the week as the aggregation condition data.

[0130] For example, when a member touches the monthly icon 794, a month input box appears on the touch panel 65, and the member enters the month for which they want to check the purchase history data. Then, the processor 61 of the information terminal 6 creates an aggregation request command that uses the month as the aggregation condition data.

[0131] When an aggregation request command is created, the processor 61 sends this aggregation request command to the center server 32. That is, the processor 61 reads the member ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. Then the processor 61 notifies the wireless unit 66 to send the aggregation request command containing this member ID to the center server 32.

[0132] Upon receiving this notification, the wireless unit 66 wirelessly transmits an aggregation request command, using the communication address of the center server 32 as the destination address and the communication address of the information terminal 6 as the source address. This aggregation request command includes the member ID in the electronic receipt management area W1. The wirelessly transmitted aggregation request command is received by the base station 5 and transmitted to the center server 32 via the network 4.

[0133] Upon receiving the aggregation request command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 24. This process follows the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the process shown in Figure 24 and described below is just one example; various other processes that can achieve similar results can be used as appropriate.

[0134] When the processor 321 begins processing the receipt of the aggregation request command, it initializes itself as Act 101. This initialization allocates the first, second, and third areas in the work area of ​​the main memory 322. After initialization is complete, the processor 321 obtains the member ID from the aggregation request command as Act 102. Then, as Act 103, the processor 321 instructs the electronic receipt server 31 to collect electronic receipt information using the member ID obtained from the aggregation request command. Upon receiving this instruction, the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 searches the receipt file FL1, obtains digitized receipt data, so-called electronic receipt information, from the electronic receipt record FL1R containing the corresponding member ID, and sends it to the central server 32.

[0135] Meanwhile, the processor 321 of the center server 32 obtains aggregation condition data from the aggregation request command as Act 104 and stores it in the first area. Then, each time the processor 321 receives electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt server 31 as Act 105, it determines as Act 106 whether or not the electronic receipt information satisfies the aggregation conditions.

[0136] For example, if the aggregation condition data is a date and a store code, then electronic receipt information that matches this data in terms of date and store code satisfies the aggregation condition. Electronic receipt information that does not match this data does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a date, then electronic receipt information that matches this data in terms of date satisfies the aggregation condition. Electronic receipt information that does not match this data does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a week, then electronic receipt information that matches this data in terms of week of the date satisfies the aggregation condition. Electronic receipt information that does not match this data does not satisfy the aggregation condition. For example, if the aggregation condition data is a month, then electronic receipt information that matches this data in terms of month of the date satisfies the aggregation condition. Electronic receipt information that does not match this data does not satisfy the aggregation condition.

[0137] When the processor detects electronic receipt information that satisfies the aggregation conditions (YES in Act 106), it stores that electronic receipt information in the second area as Act 107. Next, the processor 321 checks as Act 108 whether the electronic receipt information contains used coupon data. If it contains used coupon data (YES in Act 108), the processor 321 extracts the used coupon data from the electronic receipt information as Act 109 and stores it in the third area. At this time, the used coupon data is cleared from the second area.

[0138] If the electronic receipt information does not satisfy the aggregation conditions (NO in Act 106), processor 321 will not execute the processes in Acts 107 to 109. Also, if the used coupon data is not included (NO in Act 108), processor 321 will not execute the process in Act 109.

[0139] When the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 finishes searching the receipt file FL1, it notifies the central server 32 that the search is complete. The processor 321 of the central server 32 checks whether it has received a search completion notification as Act 110. If it has received the next electronic receipt information instead of a search completion notification (NO in Act 110), the processor 321 executes the processing from Act 105 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0140] Here, the processor 321 of the center server 32 cooperates with the communication interface 325 and the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 to constitute an acquisition means. Specifically, in response to the receipt of an aggregation request command including a member ID, the processor 321 acquires electronic receipt information stored in the receipt file FL1 associated with the member ID included in the aggregation request command. More specifically, it acquires electronic receipt information that satisfies the aggregation conditions included in the aggregation request command from among the electronic receipt information stored in the receipt file FL1 associated with the member ID included in the aggregation request command.

[0141] If a search completion notification is received (YES in Act 110), processor 321 performs the aggregation process of electronic receipt information as Act 111. Specifically, processor 321 aggregates the sales amounts obtained from the electronic receipt information stored in the second area, categorized by food expenses, miscellaneous goods, etc. Processor 321 also aggregates the discount amounts obtained from the coupon usage data stored in the third area. In the case of an electronic receipt system 1 that includes POS systems 2 of multiple retail stores, sales amounts can be aggregated by category by either unifying the classification codes used by each store or by setting a common classification code in the electronic receipt system 1, and providing a data table for the center server 32 to convert each store's classification code into the common classification code.

[0142] Here, the processor 321 constitutes an aggregation means. That is, the processor 321 aggregates the amount deducted from the transaction accounting, i.e., the discount amount included in the used coupon data, from the used coupon data stored in the third area.

[0143] The processor 321 creates the summary screen data as Act112. The processor 321 then notifies the communication interface 325 to send this summary screen data to the information terminal 6 that sent the summary request command.

[0144] Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends the aggregated screen data onto the network 4, with the communication address of the information terminal 6, which is the source of the aggregation request command, as the destination, and the communication address of the center server 32 as the source.

[0145] Here, the processor 321, in cooperation with the communication interface 325, constitutes a transmission means. Specifically, the processor 321 sends aggregated screen data, which includes the sum of the discount amounts of the used coupon data stored in the third area, to the sender of the aggregation request command.

[0146] The summary screen data transmitted over network 4 is wirelessly transmitted from base station 5 and received by information terminal 6, which has the communication address of the destination. As a result, summary screen G7 (see Figure 23) is displayed on the touch panel 65 of information terminal 6.

[0147] Figure 23 shows the monthly summary screen G7. As shown in Figure 23, the summary screen G7 displays the total sales amount for the month, categorized by items such as food and miscellaneous goods. The total amount of discounts received through electronic coupons used during the same month is also displayed on the summary screen G7. In particular, in the example screen in Figure 23, the total discount amount is displayed along with a message informing the user that this benefit was received specifically because they are an electronic receipt member.

[0148] In this way, when a member operates the information terminal 6 to check, for example, the total amount of each category of goods purchased during a month from the electronic receipt information issued during that period, the total amount of each category, along with the total amount of discounts applied by the electronic coupon information used by the member during that period, will be displayed on the screen of the information terminal 6. Therefore, members can feel the benefits they have received by using coupons. Here, the coupon is electronic coupon information distributed to members who receive receipts as electronic receipt information. In other words, it is a benefit that can be received by becoming an electronic receipt member, and thus can contribute to the widespread adoption of the electronic receipt system.

[0149] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 21 transmits electronic receipt information generated in a business transaction with an electronic receipt member to the central server 32, and after processing is completed at the central server 32, the central server 32 transfers the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31. Alternatively, the POS terminal 21 may transmit the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31, and the electronic receipt server 31 may save the electronic receipt information to the receipt file FL1 and transfer it to the central server 32. Alternatively, the POS terminal 21 may transmit the electronic receipt information to both the electronic receipt server 31 and the central server 32 in parallel.

[0150] In the above embodiment, the processor 321 of the center server 32 performed information processing for the aggregation request command. In this regard, the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 may also perform information processing for the aggregation request command.

[0151] Furthermore, the server system 3 does not necessarily have to include both an electronic receipt server 31 and a central server 32. A single server device can perform both the functions of the electronic receipt server 31 and the central server 32. Alternatively, the store server 22 that constitutes the POS system 2 may have the functions of both the electronic receipt server 31 and the central server 32. In that case, the server system 3 is omitted from the electronic receipt system 1.

[0152] In the above embodiment, examples were given of aggregating the discount amount of coupon usage data by transaction, day, week, and month. The aggregation unit is not limited to these. For example, it may be aggregated on a yearly basis. Also, since electronic receipt information includes store codes, it is possible to aggregate by store code. In the above embodiment, product sales data was aggregated by product category, but it does not have to be by category. For example, displaying the sum of the total amounts of each transaction and the sum of the discount amounts from coupons used in those transactions on the screen of the information terminal 6 will sufficiently have the effect of making members feel the benefits associated with using coupons.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the summary icon 83 is placed on the receipt list screen G5. Alternatively, the summary icon 83 may be placed on the top screen G1.

[0154] Generally, the transfer of server devices (electronic receipt server 31 and center server 32) is performed with the program of the above embodiment stored in the main memory. However, this is not limited to this; a program transferred separately from the server device may be written to a writable storage device provided by the server device in response to user operations. The transfer of programs, etc., can be done by recording them on a removable recording medium or by communication over a network. The recording medium can be of any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card. Furthermore, the functions obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with the OS (operating system) etc. inside the device.

[0155] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A server device comprising: a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic receipt showing the details of a transaction including the amount discounted from the accounting of the transaction due to the use of an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer to whom the transaction is conducted; an acquisition means that, in response to the receipt of an aggregation request command including the customer identification information, acquires the electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the aggregation request command from the storage unit; an aggregation means that aggregates the discounted amount from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquisition means; and a transmission means that transmits data including the amount aggregated by the aggregation means to the sender of the aggregation request command. [2] The server device according to Appendix [1], wherein the aggregation request command further includes aggregation conditions for the electronic receipt information, and the acquisition means acquires the electronic receipt information stored in the storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the aggregation request command, the electronic receipt information that satisfies the aggregation conditions included in the aggregation request command. [3] The server device according to Appendix [1] or [2], further comprising a second aggregation means for aggregating the amounts of goods traded from the electronic receipt information acquired by the acquisition means, wherein the transmission means transmits data including the amounts aggregated by the aggregation means and the amounts aggregated by the second aggregation means to the sender of the aggregation request command. [4] The server device according to any one of Appendix [1] to [3], wherein the transmission means transmits data causing the aggregated amounts to be displayed on the screen of the terminal that is the sender of the aggregation request command. [5] An electronic receipt system characterized by comprising a server device described in any one of the appendices [1] to [4], and an accounting device that generates electronic receipt information upon settlement of a transaction and outputs this electronic receipt information to the server device. [6] A program for a computer that inputs and outputs information to a storage unit that stores electronic receipt information, which is an electronic receipt showing the details of a transaction including the amount discounted from the accounting of the transaction due to the use of an electronic coupon, in association with customer identification information that identifies the customer to whom the transaction is the subject, in response to receiving an aggregation request command that includes the customer identification information, to acquire from the storage unit the electronic receipt information stored in association with the customer identification information included in the aggregation request command, to aggregate the discounted amount from the acquired electronic receipt information, and to transmit data including the aggregated amount to the sender of the aggregation request command. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 1...Electronic receipt system, 2...POS system, 3...Server system, 4...Network, 5...Base station, 6...Information terminal, 21...POS terminal (accounting device), 31...Electronic receipt server (server device), 32...Central server (server device), FL1...Receipt file (storage unit), FL2...Member file, FL3...Coupon file, FL4...Distribution management file.

Claims

1. An information terminal used by customers, Display unit and A first display means displays on the display unit a list screen of electronic receipt information, which is an electronic receipt showing transaction details including the amount discounted from the transaction accounting due to the use of a coupon, associated with customer identification information that identifies the aforementioned customer, along with an icon for confirming purchase performance data calculated based on the electronic receipt information. When the aforementioned icon is operated, a second display means displays on the display unit the total amount of the discount applied to the transaction due to the use of the coupon, which is calculated from the electronic receipt information associated with the customer identification information. An information terminal equipped with the following features.

2. The first display means displays a list screen of the electronic receipt information acquired from the server device on the display unit. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second display means displays the total amount calculated from the electronic receipt information by the server device.

3. Notification means for notifying the server device of the aggregation conditions for the electronic receipt information, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The information terminal according to claim 2, wherein the second display means displays the total amount calculated from the electronic receipt information that satisfies the calculation conditions on the display unit.

4. The information terminal according to claim 3, wherein the aggregation condition is in units of the date, week, or month in which the transaction took place.

5. When the aforementioned icon is operated, a third display means displays a selection screen on the display unit for selecting either a date, week, or month as the aggregation condition. The information terminal according to claim 4, further comprising the above.

6. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the second display means further displays on the display unit an amount obtained by summing the total amounts of each transaction aggregated from the electronic receipt information associated with the customer identification information.

7. Equipped with a display unit, the computer used as an information terminal by customers A first display means that displays on the display unit a list screen of electronic receipt information, which is an electronic receipt showing transaction details including the amount discounted from the transaction accounting due to the use of a coupon, associated with customer identification information that identifies the aforementioned customer, along with an icon for confirming purchase performance data calculated based on the electronic receipt information, and When the aforementioned icon is operated, a second display means displays on the display unit the total amount of the discount applied to the transaction due to the use of the coupon, which is calculated from the electronic receipt information associated with the customer identification information. A program designed to function as such.

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