Electronic receipt processing device and information processing program

Abstract

To enable flexible modification of data which is to be displayed on an electronic receipt screen.SOLUTION: An electronic receipt processing apparatus includes first and second acquisition means and generation means. The first acquisition means acquires transaction data representing a content of a transaction. The second acquisition means acquires common data common to multiple transactions, from a transaction processing apparatus in association with the transaction data. The generation means generates, if the common data is acquired, electronic receipt data for displaying, on a display device, information on the transaction represented by the acquired transaction data on the basis of the acquired common data and the acquired transaction data, or generates, if the common data is not acquired, electronic receipt data on the basis of predetermined common data and the acquired transaction data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic receipt processing device.

Background Art

[0002] An electronic receipt processing device that causes a display device to display an electronic receipt screen representing the details of a transaction at a store has already been used. In this electronic receipt processing device, for data that should be commonly represented on the electronic receipt screen for a plurality of transactions, previously stored data is used. And when changing the data stored in such an electronic receipt processing device, it was necessary for a store manager or the like to access the electronic receipt processing device and update the data stored in the electronic receipt processing device. Under such circumstances, it has been desired to be able to flexibly change the data to be represented on the electronic receipt screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic receipt processing device and an information processing program that can flexibly change the data to be represented on the electronic receipt screen.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The electronic receipt processing device according to the embodiment storage means, includes a first acquisition means, a second acquisition means, and a generation means. The storage means stores multiple common data sets in association with user interface terminals used by the transaction processing unit when it processes transactions.The first acquisition means acquires transaction data representing the details of transactions processed by the transaction processing device. The second acquisition means acquires common data common to multiple transactions from the transaction processing device along with the transaction data. If the common data output from the transaction processing device is acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data acquired by the second acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. If the common data output from the transaction processing device is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device. The transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means is stored in the storage means in association with the user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data. It is generated based on common data and transaction data obtained by the first acquisition method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] A block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt processing device in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows an example of the data structure of data records included in the management table. [Figure 4] A sequence diagram illustrating the general procedure for processing a single transaction within the transaction processing system. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the steps involved in the receipt registration process. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt screen. [Figure 7] A diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the transaction processing system according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system shown in Figure 1 is configured such that the store system 1, transaction processing device 2, electronic receipt processing device 3, and user terminal 4 can communicate with each other via a communication network 5.

[0008] Store System 1 is installed in multiple stores where goods are traded. Store System 1 is configured to be adapted to each store, taking into account the operating policies and other factors specific to each store. As an example, store system 1 includes multiple store terminals 11, multiple input / output devices 12, multiple peripheral devices 13, and connection devices 14, as shown in Figure 1. The store terminals 11, input / output devices 12, and connection devices 14 are capable of communicating with each other via the in-store network 15. For example, a LAN (local area network) is used as the in-store network 15.

[0009] The store terminal 11 is a user interface terminal for receiving operations from an operator. The hardware of the store terminal 11 is expected to be, for example, a tablet computer. The store terminal 11 includes an application program that provides a user interface for communicating with or controlling the transaction processing unit 2, input / output device 12, and peripheral device 13 in response to operations from the operator. The operator of the store terminal 11 is, for example, a store employee. However, the store terminal 11 may also be operated by a customer.

[0010] Each input / output device 12 is appropriately connected to one or more peripheral devices 13. The input / output device 12 performs interface processing for the connected peripheral devices 13 to communicate via the communication network 5. Multiple input / output devices 12 are provided, for example, corresponding to each of the multiple checkout lanes set up in the checkout area of ​​a store. Peripheral devices 13 used for transaction processing in the corresponding checkout lane are then connected to the input / output device 12.

[0011] Peripheral devices 13 are devices that perform various processes related to transaction processing. Various types of devices such as automatic change dispensers, cash drawers, payment terminals, printers, scanners, or displays can be used as appropriate for peripheral devices 13. Many of the peripheral devices 13 are devices that are already equipped in existing POS terminals or are externally attached to existing POS terminals. The combination of peripheral devices 13 connected to each of the multiple input / output devices 12 does not need to be the same. The connecting device 14 performs communication processing to enable each device included in the store system 1 to communicate via the communication network 5. The connecting device 14 can be a well-known device such as an internet router.

[0012] The transaction processing device 2 is an information processing device that processes information for processing transactions in response to operations by an operator on the store terminal 11, while appropriately utilizing peripheral devices 13. The transaction processing device 2 includes application programs for executing processes that were previously performed on conventional POS terminals, such as product registration processing for registering products to be purchased, accounting processing for registered products, and other business processes. The transaction processing device 2 executes various processes related to transactions in response to operations by an operator on the store terminal 11. The transaction processing device 2 can be implemented as, for example, a cloud server. The transaction processing device 2 may also be implemented through distributed processing using multiple cloud servers. Alternatively, the transaction processing device 2 may be implemented as a web server, an in-store server, or an in-company server.

[0013] The electronic receipt processing device 3 is an information processing device that performs information processing to enable the user terminal 4 to view a screen (hereinafter referred to as the electronic receipt screen) displaying a receipt related to a transaction processed by the transaction processing device 2. The electronic receipt processing device 3 can be implemented as, for example, a cloud server. The electronic receipt processing device 3 may also be implemented through distributed processing by multiple cloud servers. Alternatively, the electronic receipt processing device 3 may be implemented as a web server, an in-store server, or an in-company server.

[0014] The user terminal 4 is any information communication terminal that can be used by a customer who has completed a transaction at a store where the store system 1 is installed. As the user terminal 4, various information communication terminals such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a computer terminal may be used. Typically, a smartphone installed with an application program for using the electronic receipt service provided by the electronic receipt processing device 3 is used as the user terminal 4. That is, there are innumerable information communication terminals that can be used as the user terminal 4, but in FIG. 1, it is represented by one. The communication network 5 can use the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. alone or in an appropriate combination. As the communication network 5, for example, a LAN and the Internet are used.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt processing device 3. The electronic receipt processing device 3 includes a processor 31, a main storage unit 32, an auxiliary storage unit 33, a communication unit 34, a transmission path 35, etc. The processor 31, the main storage unit 32, the auxiliary storage unit 33, and the communication unit 34 are communicable via the transmission path 35.

[0016] By connecting the processor 31, the main storage unit 32, and the auxiliary storage unit 33 with the transmission path 35, a computer for performing information processing to realize various functions as the electronic receipt processing device 3 is configured. The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 executes information processing to realize various functions as the electronic receipt processing device 3 according to information processing programs such as an operating system and an application program.

[0017] The main memory unit 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The main memory unit 32 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 32 stores a portion of the information processing program described above in the read-only memory area. The main memory unit 32 may also store data necessary for the processor 31 to perform processing to control each part in the read-only memory area or the rewritable memory area. The main memory unit 32 uses the rewritable memory area as a work area for the processor 31.

[0018] The auxiliary storage unit 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 33 can utilize, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or various other well-known storage devices. The auxiliary storage unit 33 stores data used by the processor 31 in performing various processes and data generated by the processing performed by the processor 31. The auxiliary storage unit 33 may also store the information processing program described above. In this embodiment, the auxiliary storage unit 33 stores the electronic receipt program PRA, which is one of the information processing programs. The electronic receipt program PRA is an application program that describes the information processing procedures for providing an electronic receipt service, as will be described later. A portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage unit 33 is used as an area for storing the image data group DAA, the management table TAA, and the electronic receipt data group DAB.

[0019] The image data group DAA may contain multiple image data sets that are commonly included in multiple electronic receipt screens. For example, the image data may represent a logo (also called a store logo) corresponding to a store brand. In this case, the image data can be used in common for multiple transactions conducted at multiple stores operated by a single company under the same store brand. Another example is an image containing, in addition to the store brand logo, store-specific information such as the branch name, address, or telephone number. In this case, the image data can be used in common for multiple transactions conducted at a single store. Yet another example is an image containing, in addition to the store brand logo, store-specific information such as the register number assigned to the store terminal 11. In this case, the image data can be used in common for multiple transactions conducted using a single store terminal 11. Thus, these image data sets are examples of common data. The auxiliary storage unit 33 is an example of a storage means.

[0020] The image data included in the DAA image data group is associated with a store terminal 11, a store, or a company. In other words, the image data associated with a store terminal 11 represents an image that is commonly displayed on the electronic receipt screen for each of the multiple transactions processed using that associated store terminal 11. The image data associated with a store represents an image that is commonly displayed on the electronic receipt screen for each of the multiple transactions processed using each of the multiple store terminals 11 belonging to the store system 1 installed in that associated store. The image data associated with a company represents an image that is commonly displayed on the electronic receipt screen for each of the multiple transactions processed using each of the multiple store terminals 11 belonging to the store system 1 installed in the multiple stores operated by that associated company. In other words, in all cases, the image data is associated with a store terminal 11.

[0021] The management table TAA is a data table used to manage the relationships between each image data contained in the image data group DAA. Figure 3 shows an example of the data structure of a data record REA included in the management table TAA.

[0022] The management table TAA is a collection of data records REA that correspond to each image data contained in the image data group DAA. The data record REA includes fields FEA, FEB, FEC, and FED. Field FEA is set with the image data code as an identifier for the corresponding image data. For example, the file path used to identify the corresponding image data within the auxiliary storage unit 33 can be used as the image data code. Field FEB is set with the terminal code as an identifier for the store terminal 11 to which the corresponding image data is associated. If the corresponding image data is not associated with the store terminal 11, field FEB is left blank or set with a predetermined invalid code to indicate no association. Field FEC is set with the store code as an identifier for the store to which the corresponding image data is associated. If the corresponding image data is not associated with a store, field FEC is left blank or set with an invalid code. Field FED is set with the company code as an identifier for the company to which the corresponding image data is associated. If the corresponding image data is not associated with a company, field FED is left blank or set with an invalid code.

[0023] The electronic receipt data set DAB may contain multiple pieces of data (hereinafter referred to as electronic receipt data) necessary for displaying the electronic receipt screen on the user terminal 4. The communication unit 34 performs communication processing for data communication via the communication network 5. For example, an existing communication device for internet communication can be used as the communication unit 34. The transmission line 35 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

[0024] Now, as the hardware for the electronic receipt processing device 3, for example, a general-purpose server device can be used. Generally, the transfer of the electronic receipt processing device 3 is performed with the electronic receipt program PRA stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. However, the hardware and the electronic receipt program PRA may be transferred separately, either in a state where the electronic receipt program PRA is not stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33, or in a state where a different version of the same type of application program is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33. The electronic receipt processing device 3 may also be configured by writing the electronic receipt program PRA to the auxiliary storage unit 33 in response to an operation by any operator. The transfer of the electronic receipt program PRA can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication over a network.

[0025] Next, we will explain the operation of the transaction processing system configured as described above, focusing on the operation of the electronic receipt processing device 3. Note that the processing described below is just an example; the order of some processes can be changed, some processes can be omitted, or other processes can be added as appropriate. Furthermore, other processes that yield similar results may be applied to the specific processes described below.

[0026] Figure 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the general procedure for processing a single transaction in the transaction processing system. After the customer picks up the items they wish to purchase from the products displayed in the store, they bring them to the store's checkout lane. The store clerk in charge of the checkout lane performs a predetermined registration operation on the store terminal 11 to register the items brought in by the customer as transaction items. The registration operation is, for example, an operation in which the store clerk uses a scanner or other peripheral device 13 connected to the store terminal 11 to have the store terminal 11 read the barcode attached to the product. Alternatively, the registration operation is, for example, an operation in which the store clerk selects the product to be registered from the product options displayed on the screen of the store terminal 11 and inputs it. Note that the customer may also perform the registration operation. Furthermore, once the store clerk has finished registering the transaction items on the store terminal 11, they calculate the price of the transaction items and perform a predetermined operation to settle the price using the customer's preferred payment method. Hereafter, when simply referred to as "store terminal 11," it refers to the store terminal 11 used for the above operation among multiple store terminals 11.

[0027] At this time, the store terminal 11, as ACT11, performs user interface processing to accept operations from the store clerk. The transaction processing device 2, as ACT21, performs product registration processing and accounting processing in conjunction with the user interface processing on the store terminal 11 as described above. Specifically, the transaction processing device 2 generates a list of transaction items from the product codes represented by the barcodes read by the store terminal 11 through the registration operation, or a list of product codes for selected products. The transaction processing device 2 then retrieves product information associated with the product codes of the transaction items and calculates the settlement amount for all transaction items, taking into account the unit price and discount information included in the product information. Furthermore, the transaction processing device 2 settles the calculated settlement amount using one of the permitted payment methods, such as cash payment, credit card payment, prepaid payment, code payment, or point payment. The various processes performed by the store terminal 11 and the transaction processing device 2 at this time can be directly applied to processes already known as those used to realize so-called tablet POS, which uses a tablet terminal as a user interface terminal for transaction processing.

[0028] When a customer wishes to use the electronic receipt service for a transaction, they present a user code (hereinafter referred to as the receipt member code) to identify the user of the electronic receipt service, or a user code for another service to which the receipt member code is linked. For example, the customer presents the user terminal 4 to the store clerk with a screen displaying a barcode showing the receipt member code. Alternatively, the customer presents the store clerk with a point card that records a point member code to which the receipt member code is linked. In response, the store clerk obtains the receipt member code or the user code for another service from the transaction processing device 2 via the store terminal 11, for example, by reading the barcode or the card. If the transaction processing device 2 has not obtained the receipt member code or the user code for another service in this way, it prints a paper receipt using a receipt printer, which is one of the peripheral devices 13, but this case is not shown in Figure 4. A paper receipt is a receipt image printed on receipt paper that shows the transaction details, such as a list of the items traded, and the accounting results in text. Paper receipts often have images, such as the store's logo, printed on them.

[0029] When the transaction processing device 2 is processing a product, if it has obtained a receipt member code, or if it has obtained a user code for another service to which the receipt member code is linked, it requests receipt registration from the electronic receipt processing device 3 as ACT22. When making this request, the transaction processing device 2 notifies the electronic receipt processing device 3 of the terminal code of the store terminal 11, the store code of the store to which the store system 1 to which the store terminal 11 belongs is located, and the corporate code of the company that operates the store. The transaction processing device 2 also notifies the electronic receipt processing device 3 of the user code for the electronic receipt service obtained above, or the user code for the electronic receipt service linked to the obtained user code.

[0030] Transaction processing device 2 transmits receipt text data to electronic receipt processing device 3 as ACT23. Receipt text data is data representing the characters included in a paper receipt to indicate the details of the transaction and the accounting result. In other words, receipt text data is an example of transaction data. Receipt text data does not need to completely represent all the characters that appear on the paper receipt; it may not represent all characters, and it may also include characters that do not appear on the paper receipt. This receipt text data may also include terminal codes, store codes, company codes, and user codes. Among the terminal codes, store codes, company codes, and user codes, the codes included in the receipt text data may be excluded from notification in ACT22.

[0031] Transaction processing unit 2 transmits image data as ACT24 to electronic receipt processing unit 3. The image data represents an image to be printed on a paper receipt. The image data transmitted by transaction processing unit 2 may be similar to the data included in the image data group DAA, for example. Alternatively, the image data transmitted by transaction processing unit 2 may include data such as advertisements.

[0032] In addition, the transaction processing unit 2 may also bypass ACT24. For example, if the settings for each store terminal 11, each store, or each company are configured not to send image data, the transaction processing unit 2 will bypass ACT24 and will not send image data. In other words, for example, the transaction processing unit 2 will bypass ACT24 for transactions using a store terminal 11 used as a user interface terminal at a store belonging to a company that is configured not to send image data.

[0033] Alternatively, the transaction processing device 2 may, for example, skip ACT24 and not send image data if it is not configured to send image data, depending on the settings for each store terminal 11, each store, or each company. In other words, for example, the transaction processing device 2 will skip ACT24 for transactions using a store terminal 11 used as a user interface terminal at a store belonging to a company that is not configured to send image data.

[0034] Although not shown in Figure 4, the transaction processing device 2 notifies the electronic receipt processing device 3 of the terminal code when it transmits image data according to the settings for each store terminal 11, the store code when it transmits image data according to the settings for each store, or the company code when it transmits image data according to the settings for each company, along with the transmission of the image data. Then, after completing ACT24, or if ACT24 is skipped after completing ACT23, the transaction processing device 2 proceeds to ACT25 and notifies the electronic receipt processing device 3 that the transfer is complete.

[0035] In the electronic receipt processing device 3, the processor 31 performs information processing based on the electronic receipt program PRA during the period when electronic receipt services should be provided. When the above receipt registration request is received by the communication unit 34, the receipt registration process is started within this information processing.

[0036] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps involved in the receipt registration process. The processor 31, as ACT301, acquires the receipt text data transmitted from the transaction processing device 2 as described above. That is, for example, if the receipt text data transmitted from the transaction processing device 2 as described above is received by the communication unit 34, the processor 31 stores this receipt text data in the auxiliary storage unit 33. Thus, by the processor 31 executing information processing based on the electronic receipt program PRA, the computer with the processor 31 as its central component functions as the first acquisition means.

[0037] Processor 31, as ACT302, checks whether the image data has been sent from the transaction processing unit 2. If the image data has been sent from the transaction processing unit 2 and received by the communication unit 34 as described above, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT303. The processor 31 acquires image data as ACT303. That is, the processor 31 adds the image data transmitted from the transaction processing device 2 and received by the communication unit 34, as described above, to the image data group DAA. Thus, by the processor 31 executing information processing based on the electronic receipt program PRA, the computer with the processor 31 as its central component functions as a second acquisition means and storage control means.

[0038] Processor 31 updates the management table TAA as ACT304. Specifically, Processor 31 adds a data record REA corresponding to the image data added to the image data group DAA in ACT303 to the management table TAA. Processor 31 sets the file path of the image data added to the image data group DAA in ACT303 in the field FEA of the data record REA being added. If a terminal code is notified by the transaction processing device 2, Processor 31 sets the terminal code in the field FEB of the data record REA being added, and sets the fields FEC and FED to blank or to invalid codes. If a store code is notified by the transaction processing device 2, Processor 31 sets the store code in the field FEC of the data record REA being added, and sets the fields FEB and FED to blank or to invalid codes. If a company code is notified by the transaction processing device 2, Processor 31 sets the company code in the field FED of the data record REA being added, and sets the fields FEB and FEC to blank or to invalid codes.

[0039] If the processor 31 determines YES in ACT302, it may also check whether the image data sent from the transaction processing unit 2 is different from the image data to be replaced, for example by comparing the hash values ​​of both image data, and execute ACT304 and ACT305 if it is confirmed that they are different.

[0040] As ACT305, processor 31 generates electronic receipt data for displaying an electronic receipt screen on user terminal 4, based on the receipt text data saved in ACT301 and the image data added to the image data group DAA in ACT303.

[0041] Figure 6 shows an example of an electronic receipt screen. The electronic receipt screen shown in Figure 6 has Area ARA based on image data and Area ARB based on receipt text data.

[0042] Now, if the transaction processing unit 2 has passed ACT24, the processor 31, having received notification from the communication unit 34 that the transfer is complete without receiving the image data, determines NO at ACT302 and proceeds to ACT306. Processor 31, as ACT306, checks if there is image data associated with the store terminal 11. For example, Processor 31 searches the management table TAA for data record REA in which the terminal code, either notified or included in the receipt text data, is set in field FEB. If Processor 31 finds the corresponding data record REA, it determines YES, indicating that there is image data associated with the store terminal 11, and proceeds to ACT307.

[0043] Processor 31, as ACT307, generates electronic receipt data to display an electronic receipt screen on the user terminal 4, based on the receipt text data saved in ACT301 and the image data included in the image data group DAA. In other words, for example, processor 31 selects image data identified by the image data code set in the field FEA of the data record REA found in ACT306 from the image data group DAA. Then, for example, processor 31 generates electronic receipt data based on the image data and the receipt text data saved in ACT301.

[0044] For example, if processor 31 cannot find a data record REA in which the terminal code that is notified or included in the receipt text data is set in field FEB, it determines NO in ACT306 and proceeds to ACT308. Processor 31, as ACT308, checks whether there is image data associated with the store where the store system 1 to which the store terminal 11 belongs is installed. For example, Processor 31 searches the management table TAA for data record REA in which the store code, whether notified or included in the receipt text data, is set in field FEC. If Processor 31 finds the corresponding data record REA, it determines YES, indicating that there is image data associated with the corresponding store, and proceeds to ACT309.

[0045] Processor 31, as ACT309, generates electronic receipt data for the electronic receipt screen based on the receipt text data saved in ACT301 and the image data included in the image data group DAA. In other words, for example, processor 31 selects image data identified by the image data code set in the field FEA of the data record REA found in ACT308 from the image data group DAA. Then, for example, processor 31 generates electronic receipt data based on the image data and the receipt text data saved in ACT301.

[0046] For example, if processor 31 cannot find a data record REA in which the store code that has been notified or included in the receipt text data is set in field FEC, it determines NO in ACT308 and proceeds to ACT310. Processor 31, as ACT310, checks whether there is image data associated with the company that operates the store where the store system 1 to which the store terminal 11 belongs is installed. For example, Processor 31 searches the management table TAA for data record REA in which the company code, whether notified or included in the receipt text data, is set in the field FED. If Processor 31 finds the corresponding data record REA, it determines YES, indicating that there is image data associated with the company, and proceeds to ACT311.

[0047] Processor 31, as ACT311, generates electronic receipt data for the electronic receipt screen based on the receipt text data stored in ACT301 and the image data included in the image data group DAA. In other words, for example, processor 31 selects image data identified by the image data code set in the field FEA of the data record REA found in ACT310 from the image data group DAA. Then, processor 31 generates electronic receipt data based on the image data and the receipt text data stored in ACT301.

[0048] As described above, if the processor 31 is able to acquire image data as common data using ACT 303, it generates electronic receipt data using ACT 305 based on the image data and the receipt text data acquired using ACT 301. If the processor 31 is unable to acquire image data as common data, it generates electronic receipt data using ACT 307, ACT 309, or ACT 311 based on the image data pre-stored in the auxiliary storage unit 33 and the receipt text data acquired using ACT 301. Thus, by having the processor 31 perform information processing based on the electronic receipt program PRA, the computer with the processor 31 as its central component functions as a generation means.

[0049] For example, if processor 31 cannot find a data record REA in which the company code that is notified or included in the receipt text data is set in field FED, it determines NO in ACT310 and proceeds to ACT312. Processor 31, as ACT312, generates electronic receipt data for displaying an electronic receipt screen on the user terminal 4 based on the receipt text data saved in ACT301. In other words, at this time, processor 31 generates electronic receipt data for displaying an electronic receipt screen on the user terminal 4 that does not include area ARA in Figure 6.

[0050] If processor 31 has finished generating electronic receipt data in any of ACT305, ACT307, ACT309, ACT311, or ACT312, it proceeds to ACT313 in all cases. Processor 31 saves the generated electronic receipt data as ACT313. In other words, processor 31 adds the electronic receipt data generated by, for example, ACT305, ACT307, ACT309, ACT311, and ACT312 to the electronic receipt data group DAB. Then processor 31 terminates the receipt registration process. Once the processor 31 has completed the receipt registration process, it notifies the transaction processing device 2 of the completion of electronic receipt registration as ACT321 in Figure 4.

[0051] Now, the customer of the above transaction can, at any time thereafter, access the electronic receipt processing device 3 using any user terminal 4 and instruct it to display the receipt screen for the above transaction. In other words, the customer instructs the display of the receipt screen for the above transaction by operating on the user interface screen based on an application program for using the electronic receipt service on the user terminal 4. In response to this instruction, the user terminal 4 requests the electronic receipt processing device 3 to display the receipt as ACT41. In response to this request, the processor 31 in the electronic receipt processing device 3 sends the corresponding electronic receipt data as ACT331 to the requesting user terminal 4. When the user terminal 4 receives the electronic receipt data, it displays the receipt screen based on this electronic receipt data on a display device provided by the user terminal 4 or a display device connected to the user terminal 4 as ACT42. The processing performed by the electronic receipt processing device 3 and the user terminal 4 related to the display of the receipt screen may be the same as that performed in existing electronic receipt services, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0052] As described above, when registering a receipt, if no image data is sent from the transaction processing device 2, the electronic receipt processing device 3 uses the image data included in the image data group DAA to generate the electronic receipt data. Furthermore, when registering a receipt, if image data is sent from the transaction processing device 2, the electronic receipt processing device 3 uses this image data to generate the electronic receipt data. Thus, by not sending image data from the transaction processing device 2, the electronic receipt processing device 3 can use pre-defined image data to generate the electronic receipt data. Also, by sending image data from the transaction processing device 2, the transmitted image data can be used to generate the electronic receipt data. In this way, the data to be displayed on the electronic receipt screen can be flexibly changed. Moreover, as long as the image data included in the image data group DAA is used, there is no need to exchange image data between the transaction processing device 2 and the electronic receipt processing device 3, thus reducing the amount of data communication between them. Furthermore, by sending image data from the transaction processing device 2, it is possible to include images on the receipt screen without having to perform the task of including image data in the image data group DAA beforehand. Furthermore, by transmitting image data from the transaction processing device 2, it is possible to determine the image to be included on the receipt screen for each transaction.

[0053] Furthermore, when registering a receipt, the electronic receipt processing device 3 adds image data sent from the transaction processing device 2 to the image data group DAA, and uses this data to generate electronic receipt data later if no image data is sent. Therefore, without having to add image data to the image data group DAA in advance, the transaction processing device 2 only needs to send image data representing the image to be included on the receipt screen once, and that image data can be added to the image data group DAA. In addition, it becomes easy to frequently change the image to be included on the receipt screen due to the store's circumstances. This makes it easy to update the electronic receipt screen to display the new store logo based on the image data included in the DAA image data set, for example, if the store logo is changed to comply with legal revisions or to refresh the company image.

[0054] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows: When registering a receipt, if image data is sent from the transaction processing device 2, it is acceptable to exclude that image data from the image data group DAA. This allows for an operation where, normally, electronic receipt data is generated using the image data included in the image data group DAA, but electronic receipt data can also be generated using image data temporarily sent from the transaction processing device 2 to the store depending on the circumstances.

[0055] Common data can be any data that represents information to be included in multiple receipt screens, regardless of the transaction content, and can be data other than image data, such as text data representing store information. Figure 7 shows an example of an electronic receipt screen. The electronic receipt screen shown in Figure 7 has areas ARE and ARH based on receipt text data. The information shown in areas ARE and ARH is the same as that shown in area ARB in Figure 6, but in the example in Figure 7, it is divided into two separate areas ARE and ARH, separated by another area. Area ARA represents an image based on image data as common data, and this image represents a store logo. This common data is typically associated with a company. Area ARC represents information based on text data as common data, specifically the store name, address, and telephone number of the store where the transaction took place, expressed as a string. This common data is typically associated with a store. Area ARDs represent information based on text data as common data, and this information represents textual messages used to promote a company's sales policy. This common data is typically associated with a company. Area ARF represents information based on text data as common data, specifically text messages containing notes about the checkout lane used in the transaction. This common data is typically associated with store terminal 11. Area ARGs represent information based on image data as common data, and represent advertising images. This common data is typically associated with a company or store.

[0056] If the transaction processing device 2 needs to transmit image data, it may transmit a single transfer data containing the receipt text data and image data in ACT23. In this case, the electronic receipt processing device 3 should be configured to determine the presence or absence of image data from the transfer data itself, or the presence or absence of image data should be notified in the transfer completion notification, so that the processor 31 can perform the determination in ACT302 in Figure 5.

[0057] Each function realized by the processor 31 through information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware that performs non-program-based information processing, such as logic circuits. Furthermore, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above-mentioned hardware, such as logic circuits, with software control.

[0058] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A first acquisition means for acquiring transaction data representing the details of a transaction processed by a transaction processing device, A second acquisition means for acquiring common data common to multiple transactions from the transaction processing device in conjunction with the transaction data, If common data output from the transaction processing device is acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying transaction information represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data acquired by the second acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means; if common data output from the transaction processing device is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying transaction information represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on predetermined common data and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. An electronic receipt processing device equipped with the following: [Note 2] The system further comprises a storage means for storing the aforementioned common data, If the common data output from the transaction processing device accompanying the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data based on the common data stored in the storage means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. The electronic receipt processing device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The storage means stores a plurality of common data in association with a user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes a transaction. If the common data output from the transaction processing device accompanying the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data based on the common data stored in the storage means in association with the user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means, and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. The electronic receipt processing device described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] A storage control means that stores the common data acquired by the second acquisition means in the storage means in association with the user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data to which the common data is attached. An electronic receipt processing device as described in Appendix 2, further comprising the features described in Appendix 2. [Note 5] The transaction data is text data, and the common data is image data. The electronic receipt processing device described in Appendix 1. [Note 6] Computers, A first acquisition means for acquiring transaction data representing the details of a transaction processed by a transaction processing device, A second acquisition means for acquiring common data common to multiple transactions from the transaction processing device in conjunction with the transaction data, If common data output from the transaction processing device is acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying transaction information represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data acquired by the second acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means; if common data output from the transaction processing device is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying transaction information represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on predetermined common data and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. An information processing program that enables a function to work. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1...Store system, 2...Transaction processing unit, 3...Electronic receipt processing unit, 4...User terminal, 5...Communication network, 11...Store terminal, 12...Input / output device, 13...Peripheral device, 14...Connecting device, 15...In-store network, 31...Processor, 32...Main memory unit, 33...Auxiliary memory unit, 34...Communication unit, 35...Transmission path.

Claims

1. A storage means for storing a plurality of common data in association with a user interface terminal used when a transaction processing device processes a transaction, A first acquisition means for acquiring transaction data representing the details of a transaction processed by the transaction processing device, A second acquisition means for acquiring common data common to multiple transactions from the transaction processing device in conjunction with the transaction data, If the common data output from the transaction processing device is acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data acquired by the second acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. If the common data output from the transaction processing device is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data stored in the storage means in association with the user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. An electronic receipt processing device equipped with the following:

2. A storage control means that stores the common data acquired by the second acquisition means in the storage means in association with a user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data to which the common data is attached. The electronic receipt processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The aforementioned transaction data is text data, and the aforementioned common data is image data. The electronic receipt processing device according to claim 1.

4. A computer provided in an electronic receipt processing device, which has storage means for storing a plurality of common data in association with a user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes a transaction, A first acquisition means for acquiring transaction data representing the details of a transaction processed by the transaction processing device, A second acquisition means for acquiring common data common to multiple transactions from the transaction processing device in conjunction with the transaction data, If the common data output from the transaction processing device is acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data acquired by the second acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. If the common data output from the transaction processing device is not acquired by the second acquisition means, the generation means generates electronic receipt data for displaying information about the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means on a display device, based on the common data stored in the storage means in association with the user interface terminal used when the transaction processing device processes the transaction represented by the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means and the transaction data acquired by the first acquisition means. An information processing program that enables a function to work.

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