Information terminals and their programs, electronic receipt systems

Abstract

To provide an information terminal, a program thereof, and an electronic receipt system for easily acquiring an image file obtained by converting an image of a receipt displayed on a display device into a file.SOLUTION: An information terminal 30 includes communication means, control means, creation means, and execution means. The communication means communicates with a receipt server that stores receipt data obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating purchase data of a purchaser in association with purchaser identification information identifying the purchaser. The control means displays a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, on one screen of a display device, together with an instruction unit for instructing processing related to storage of the receipt image. The creation means creates an image file obtained by converting information on the receipt image displayed on the display device into a file. The execution means executes processing related to storage instructed by the instruction unit, on the image file created by the creation means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an information terminal, a program thereof, and an electronic receipt system. [Background Art]

[0002] In Japan, the invoice system will be introduced as a new input tax credit system starting from October 1, 2023. After the introduction of the invoice system, a buyer who is a consumption tax payer can only receive an input tax credit if the invoice issued by the seller, who is a qualified invoice issuer, meets the requirements for a qualified invoice (invoice).

[0003] Generally, when a transaction is settled at a store that sells products to an unspecified large number of buyers, the seller issues a receipt to the buyer. Originally, information such as transaction date, transaction content, taxable amount and tax amount classified by tax rate is printed on the receipt, and when the registration number of the qualified invoice issuer is additionally printed, the receipt can be used as a qualified invoice.

[0004] On the other hand, in recent years, a service that digitizes receipts and displays receipt images on information terminals such as smartphones, that is, the so-called electronic receipt service has been developed and put into practical use. A receipt displayed as an image on an information terminal via the electronic receipt service can also be a qualified invoice if it meets the requirements. However, in order to use a receipt image as a qualified invoice, it is necessary to convert the receipt image into an image file and store it. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-187822 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide an information terminal and an electronic receipt system that can easily acquire an image file containing an image of a receipt displayed on a display device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the information terminal comprises communication means, control means, creation means, and execution means. The communication means communicates with a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic representation of a purchaser's purchase data associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser. The control means displays a receipt image on one screen of the display device, based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, along with an instruction unit that instructs the processing related to the storage of the receipt image. The creation means creates an image file containing the information of the receipt image displayed on the display device. The execution means executes the storage processing instructed by the instruction unit on the image file created by the creation means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of an electronic receipt system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the receipt server. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a receipt record. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member records. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the information terminal's processor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the processor of an information terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the information terminal's processor. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the processor of an information terminal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the processor of an information terminal. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the main information processing steps performed by the receipt server's processor. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the home screen. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the settings screen. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the receipt list screen. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the receipt details screen. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the storage method selection screen. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the preview screen. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pop-up image. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the preview screen. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a pop-up image. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the condition input screen. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a dropdown list that allows selection of the receipt type. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the filtered receipt list screen. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a processing sequence diagram of an information terminal and a receipt server when an instruction is given for processing to store an image file in a storage unit included in the information terminal as processing related to storage of a receipt image. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a processing sequence diagram of an information terminal and a receipt server when an instruction is given for processing to transmit an email with an image file attached addressed to a predetermined email address as processing related to storage of a receipt image. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing an example of issuance of a receipt that can be used as a qualified invoice. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of issuance of a corrected receipt when the receipt shown in FIG. 26 is used as an original receipt. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information terminal that can easily acquire an image file obtained by converting an image of a receipt displayed on a display device into a file will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] [Description of Electronic Receipt System] First, an electronic receipt system that enables displaying an image of a receipt on which purchase data that is details of a purchased product is recorded on a display device of an information terminal owned by a buyer who purchases a product at a store will be described.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic receipt system 100. The electronic receipt system 100 includes a receipt server 10 and a plurality of POS (Point Of Sales) terminals 20. The receipt server 10 is provided in a receipt center 1. The receipt center 1 is a computer system managed by an operator of an electronic receipt service. The receipt center 1 may include servers other than the receipt server 10.

[0012] Each POS terminal 20 is installed in a store 2. Store 2 is a store that sells goods to an unspecified number of buyers, such as a supermarket, convenience store, or specialty retail store. Store 2 may also be a store that sells goods to specific buyers. Alternatively, it may be a store that provides services, such as a barber shop, rental shop, or bowling alley. In Figure 1, the number of POS terminals 20 installed in one store 2 is shown as one, but there is no particular limit to the number of POS terminals 20. A single store 2 may have two or more POS terminals 20.

[0013] The electronic receipt system 100 connects the receipt server 10 and the POS terminals 20 of each store 2 via a first communication network NWa. The first communication network NWa is a network dedicated to the electronic receipt system, using, for example, the internet, intranet, VPN (virtual private network), etc. Note that the POS terminals 20 may not be directly connected to the first communication network NWa, but may be connected to the first communication network NWa via a relay device such as a communication server.

[0014] POS terminal 20 is a settlement device that performs the process of registering data of items purchased by a buyer and the process of settling the transaction with that buyer. POS terminal 20 may be a face-to-face POS terminal where a store employee handles both the registration and settlement operations, or it may be a self-service POS terminal where the consumer handles both the registration and settlement operations themselves. Alternatively, POS terminal 20 may be a shared-service POS terminal where a store employee handles the registration operations and the consumer handles the settlement operations. Face-to-face, self-service, or shared-service POS terminals can all be standard, well-known types. POS terminal 20 can also be referred to as an electronic cash register, checkout device, product sales data processing device, product registration device, etc.

[0015] Furthermore, the payment device may, for example, not have a registration function for registering products, but rather a payment device (settlement device) that has a function to process payments based on registered information. Alternatively, the payment device may be a system consisting of a tablet terminal for inputting or displaying product information, and a server connected to the tablet terminal via a communication network. In this case, the tablet terminal functions as a device for inputting product information and displaying the entered product information. The server functions as a device that receives product information entered by the tablet terminal, performs registration processing, and executes payment processing based on the registered information.

[0016] The POS terminal 20 has an electronic receipt function that digitizes receipts issued to buyers who are registered members of an electronic receipt service provider. The electronic receipt function is made possible, for example, by implementing a dedicated agent program. The agent program is application software for generating digitized receipt data based on the printed data of the receipt. Specifically, the agent program analyzes the printed data of the receipt to extract information that should be included in the receipt data, and determines an item name that indicates what kind of information it is based on its position on the receipt. The agent program then generates receipt data that represents the association between the extracted information and the item name determined for that information. The generated receipt data is transmitted to the receipt server 10 via the first communication network NWa.

[0017] The receipt server 10 is a computer device that provides a service to buyers who are electronic receipt members, allowing them to view images of receipts issued by each store 2 on their information terminal 30. The receipt server 10 may provide the service in an on-premise environment or in a cloud computing environment.

[0018] Information terminal 30 is a portable communication terminal such as a smartphone or tablet. Information terminal 30 has dedicated application software compatible with the electronic receipt service, so-called electronic receipt app 43 (see Figure 5), installed on it. The owner of information terminal 30 with the electronic receipt app 43 installed first registers as a member with the electronic receipt service provider using the electronic receipt app 43. Upon registration, the provider assigns the owner a unique identification information, so-called electronic receipt ID. The electronic receipt ID is set on information terminal 30. Then, for example, when the electronic receipt app 43 is launched on information terminal 30, the electronic receipt ID is displayed on the top screen of the information terminal 30's display device in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The owner of information terminal 30 who has completed member registration, so-called electronic receipt member, can receive a receipt issued for their purchase as an electronic receipt by having the POS terminal 20 read the electronic receipt ID when shopping at store 2, that is, when they become a buyer.

[0019] The receipt server 10 receives and stores the receipt data generated by each POS terminal 20. When an electronic receipt inquiry is received from an information terminal 30 owned by an electronic receipt member via the second communication network NWb, the receipt server 10 extracts the receipt data generated by the POS terminal 20 when that electronic receipt member is the buyer. The receipt server 10 transmits the receipt image data based on the extracted receipt data to the information terminal 30 via the second communication network NWb. Thus, the requested receipt is displayed as an image on the display device of the information terminal 30.

[0020] Thus, the second communication network NWb is a wide-area network capable of data transfer between the receipt server 10 and the information terminals 30 owned by each electronic receipt member. Furthermore, a computer device 50 capable of receiving emails transmitted via the second communication network NWb can be connected to the second communication network NWb. The computer device 50 is, for example, a personal computer. The computer device 50 may also be, for example, a cloud server. In this way, the second communication network NWb, capable of transmitting not only receipt image data but also emails, can utilize, for example, the internet, mobile communication networks, public communication networks, etc., either individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0021] [Explanation of receipt server configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the receipt server 10. The receipt server 10 includes a processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, first communication interface 14, second communication interface 15, and system transmission path 16, etc. The system transmission path 16 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 16 connects the processor 11 and the other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0022] The receipt server 10 is configured as a computer by connecting the processor 11, main memory 12, auxiliary storage device 13, first communication interface 14, and second communication interface 15 via a system transmission path 16.

[0023] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a receipt server 10 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Preferably, the processor 11 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0024] Main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 12 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 11. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0025] The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 13. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 11, etc. The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store the application program described above.

[0026] The first communication interface 14 is an interface for data communication with the POS terminals 20 of each store 2 via the first communication network NWa. The second communication interface 15 is an interface for data communication with the information terminal 30 or computer device 50 via the second communication network NWb.

[0027] In this configuration, the receipt server 10 allocates a portion of the storage area of ​​the auxiliary storage device 13 to the receipt file area 17 and the member file area 18. The receipt server 10 also stores application software for creating and sending emails, so-called mailer 19, in the auxiliary storage device 13. Note that the mailer 19 may be stored in the main memory 12 instead of the auxiliary storage device 13.

[0028] The receipt file 17 is a data file for storing receipt records 171 (see Figure 3) that are generated for each receipt data received from each POS terminal 20. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of a receipt record 171. As shown in the figure, a receipt record 171 includes an electronic receipt ID, receipt identification information, receipt data, and type information. The electronic receipt ID is the electronic receipt ID that is displayed on the top screen of the information terminal 30 when an electronic receipt member becomes a buyer and is read by the POS terminal 20. The electronic receipt ID, along with the receipt data, is transmitted from the POS terminal 20 to the receipt server 10.

[0029] Receipt identification information is the information necessary for electronic receipt members to identify a receipt. For example, if information such as when, at which store, and for what was purchased is available, most electronic receipt members can identify the receipt. In other words, receipt identification information consists, as an example, of the transaction date, store name, and payment amount included in the receipt data. Receipt identification information may also include other information.

[0030] The type information represents the type of receipt issued by the POS terminal 20. Receipts include purchase receipts issued when a buyer registers purchased items with the POS terminal 20, return receipts issued when a buyer registers returned items with the POS terminal 20, and correction receipts issued when an error in a transaction is corrected using the POS terminal 20's register minus mode. The type information is used to identify the type of receipt, such as purchase receipts, return receipts, and correction receipts. This type information is included in the receipt data generated by the POS terminal 20.

[0031] The member file 18 is a data file for storing member records 181 (see Figure 4) that are generated for each electronic receipt member. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member record 181. As shown in the figure, member record 181 includes an electronic receipt ID, terminal information, member information, storage folder, and email recipient address. Terminal information is information about the information terminal 30 owned by the electronic receipt member, identified by the electronic receipt ID. For example, the terminal ID and IP address of the information terminal 30 are included in the terminal information. Member information is information about the electronic receipt member, identified by the electronic receipt ID. For example, the name and email address are included in the member information.

[0032] The destination folder is information indicating the path to the folder set by the electronic receipt member as the save location when the receipt image displayed on the information terminal 30's display device is converted into an image file and saved. The save location specified by the destination folder is, for example, a part of the storage area of ​​the information terminal 30's internal storage 32 (see Figure 5) or external memory 40 (see Figure 5). The electronic receipt member can store the receipt image file in the storage unit of the information terminal 30 specified by the destination folder.

[0033] The email sending address is the email address set by the electronic receipt member as the recipient when sending an image file, which is a converted image of the receipt displayed on the display device of the information terminal 30, as an email attachment. The electronic receipt member can store the image file of the receipt image in the storage unit of the computer device 50 to which the said email address is set.

[0034] Among the electronic receipt members who are buyers at store 2, if the receipt issued by store 2 is a receipt compliant with the invoice system, they can use the receipt as a qualified invoice by converting the image of the receipt into an image file and storing it. Therefore, if an electronic receipt member who is a taxpayer stores the image file of the receipt on the information terminal 30, they register the storage folder with the electronic receipt service provider. If they store the image file of the receipt on the computer device 50, the electronic receipt member registers the email address of the computer device 50 as the email recipient address with the electronic receipt service provider. Note that the electronic receipt member may register either the storage folder or the email recipient address, or both.

[0035] The processor 11 of the receipt server 10, which has a receipt file 17, a member file 18, and a mailer 19, has functions as a storage means 111, an update means 112, a response means 113, and an email sending means 114.

[0036] The storage means 111 has the function of creating a receipt record 171 based on the receipt data received from each POS terminal 20 via the first communication network NWa and saving it to the receipt file 17. When the storage means 111 receives receipt data from the POS terminal 20, it obtains the electronic receipt ID received along with the receipt data. The storage means 111 also extracts receipt identification information such as the transaction date, store name, and payment amount from the receipt data. Furthermore, the storage means 111 obtains type information from the receipt data. Thus, the storage means 111 creates a receipt record 171 using the above electronic receipt ID, receipt identification information, receipt data, and type information, and adds it to the receipt file 17. If the type information is a corrected receipt, the receipt record 171 of the purchase receipt issued in the transaction that is the basis of the transaction corrected in register minus mode exists in the receipt file 17. The storage means 111 changes the type information in the receipt record 171 of this purchase receipt, so-called original receipt, from information indicating a purchase receipt to information indicating an original receipt.

[0037] The update means 112 is a function that updates the member record 181 stored in the member file 18 based on update data for the member record 181 received from the information terminal 30 via the second communication network NWb. When the update means 112 receives update data for, for example, a storage location folder from the information terminal 30, it updates the storage location folder of the member record 181, which includes the electronic receipt ID of the electronic receipt member who is the owner of the information terminal 30, with the contents of the update data. When the update means 112 receives update data for, for example, an email recipient address from the information terminal 30, it updates the email recipient address of the member record 181, which includes the electronic receipt ID of the electronic receipt member who is the owner of the information terminal 30, with the contents of the update data.

[0038] The response means 113 is a function that responds to a receipt viewing request from the information terminal 30 with an electronic receipt issued to the electronic receipt member who owns the information terminal 30. When the response means 113 receives a receipt viewing request command from the information terminal 30, it extracts the receipt record 171 stored in the receipt file 17 in association with the electronic receipt ID included in the command. The response means 113 then generates receipt list image data based on the receipt identification information of the extracted receipt record 171. The response means 113 sends the receipt list image data to the information terminal 30 that made the receipt viewing request. Subsequently, when the response means 113 receives a receipt request command from the information terminal 30, it obtains the receipt data of the receipt identified by the receipt identification information included in the command. Based on that receipt data, the response means 113 generates receipt image data, for example in HTML (HyperText Markup Language) format, and sends that data to the information terminal 30 that made the receipt request. Incidentally, in the information terminal 30 that receives HTML data, the receipt image is displayed on the touch panel 35 by the browser, which is one of the application software installed in the information terminal 30.

[0039] The response means 113 also includes a function to respond to a receipt filtering request from the information terminal 30 by providing electronic receipts issued to the electronic receipt member who owns the information terminal 30 that satisfy the filtering conditions. When the response means 113 receives a receipt filtering request command from the information terminal 30, it extracts receipt records 171 that satisfy the filtering conditions from among the receipt records 171 stored in the receipt file 17 associated with the electronic receipt ID included in the command. For example, if the filtering condition is the original receipt, it extracts receipt records 171 whose type information indicates the original receipt. The response means 113 then generates receipt list image data of receipts that satisfy the filtering conditions based on the receipt identification information of the extracted receipt records 171. The response means 113 transmits the receipt list image data to the information terminal 30 that made the receipt viewing request.

[0040] The email sending means 114 is a function that sends an email with an attached image file of a receipt image. When the email sending means 114 receives an email sending request command from the information terminal 30, it creates a PDF (Portable Document Format) image file of the receipt image that was displayed on the display device of the information terminal 30. Specifically, the receipt image data on the information terminal 30 is converted into an image file compressed in format such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), and that image file is uploaded to the receipt server 10. The email sending means 114 then converts that image file into a PDF image file. The email sending means 114 then searches the member file 18 to obtain the email address of the electronic receipt member who owns the information terminal 30 and the email recipient address set by that email member. Using the electronic receipt member's email address as the sender address and the email recipient address as the recipient address, it sends an email with the PDF image file attached.

[0041] [Description of the information terminal configuration] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the information terminal 30. The information terminal 30 includes a processor 31, internal storage 32, wireless communication unit 33, memory interface 34, touch panel 35, camera 36, ​​audio circuit 37, and system transmission line 38, etc.

[0042] The system transmission path 38 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 38 connects the processor 31 and other parts directly or via signal input / output circuits, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0043] The information terminal 30 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31, internal storage 32, and wireless communication unit 33 via a system transmission path 38. The information terminal 30 connects a memory interface 34, a touch panel 35, a camera 36, ​​an audio circuit 37, etc., to this computer via the system transmission path 38 through signal input / output circuits (not shown). The memory interface 34 is an interface for sending and receiving data signals to and from an external memory 40 that is detachably installed. The external memory 40 is typically an SD memory card, miniSD card, microSD card, etc. The touch panel 35 functions as a display device and input device for the information terminal 30. The camera 36 functions as an imaging device for the information terminal 30. The audio circuit 37 is a circuit that controls a microphone 41 and a speaker 42 to enable voice communication. Note that the interfaces, devices, circuits, etc. connected to the system transmission path 38 are not limited to those described above. Other interfaces, devices, circuits, etc. may be connected.

[0044] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 31 controls various parts in order to realize various functions as an information terminal 30 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU.

[0045] The internal storage 32 is a storage device built into the casing of the information terminal 30. The internal storage 32 stores the operating system or application programs. The internal storage 32 may also store data necessary for the processor 31 to perform processing to control various parts.

[0046] The wireless communication unit 33 performs wireless voice communication or data communication with a base station connected to the second communication network NWb.

[0047] The information terminal 30 with this configuration stores the aforementioned electronic receipt application 43 in its internal storage 32. The electronic receipt application 43 may also be stored in external memory 40. The method of installing the electronic receipt application 43 in the internal storage 32 or external memory 40 is not particularly limited. The electronic receipt application 43 can be received via communication over the second communication network NWb and installed in the internal storage 32 or external memory 40. Alternatively, the electronic receipt application 43 can be recorded on a removable recording medium and installed in the internal storage 32 or external memory 40. The recording medium can be any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0048] An information terminal 30 on which the electronic receipt application 43 is installed can communicate data with a receipt server 10 via wireless communication using a wireless communication unit 33. Here, the wireless communication unit 33 functions as a communication means for communicating with the receipt server 10. The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 also functions as a control means 311, a creation means 312, and an execution means 313.

[0049] The control means 311 has the function of displaying a receipt image based on receipt data received from the receipt server 10 via the wireless communication unit 33 on one screen of the display device, along with an instruction unit that instructs the processing related to storing the receipt image. The display device is a touch panel 35. The control means 311 displays the receipt image on the touch panel 35. The control means 311 also displays an instruction unit on the screen of the touch panel 35 where the receipt image is displayed. The instruction unit is a button image that functions as a soft key. The instruction unit instructs the processing related to storing the receipt image. The processing related to storage includes a first process for saving an image file containing the information of the receipt image to the storage unit of the information terminal 30, and a second process for sending an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address as the recipient. The storage unit of the information terminal 30 is either internal storage 32 or external memory 40. The instruction unit selectively instructs the first process and the second process described above.

[0050] The creation means 312 is a function that creates an image file containing the information of the receipt image displayed on the display device. The creation means 312 captures the image of the receipt displayed on the touch panel 35 using a screenshot function or a scroll capture function, etc. Then, the creation means 312 creates an image file containing the information of the receipt image by converting the captured image into an image file in, for example, JPEG format.

[0051] The execution means 313 is a function that performs storage-related processing instructed by the instruction unit on the image file created by the creation means 312. For example, if the storage-related processing instructed by the instruction unit is the first processing, the execution means 313 performs processing to save the image file to the storage unit specified by the save destination folder. For example, if the storage-related processing instructed by the instruction unit is the second processing, the execution means 313 performs processing to attach the image file to an email addressed to the email recipient address and send it.

[0052] [Explanation of how the electronic receipt system works] Figures 6 to 10 are flowcharts showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 31 of the information terminal 30. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps performed by the processor 11 of the receipt server 10. Figures 12 to 23 are examples of various images displayed on the touch panel 35, which is the display device of the information terminal 30. The main operations of the electronic receipt system 100 will be explained below using these figures. Note that the content and procedures of the information processing described below are examples. The content and procedures can be changed as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved. Also, the images are examples. The arrangement of various materials, the content of the text, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0053] When the electronic receipt application 43 is launched on the information terminal 30, the processor 31 starts processing information according to the procedure shown in the flowchart in Figure 6. The processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 as the home screen SCa (see Figure 12) as ACT1.

[0054] Figure 12 shows an example of an image displayed on the home screen SCa. As shown in the figure, a barcode BC is displayed on the home screen SCa. The barcode BC is a barcode, which is a machine-readable code, obtained by converting the electronic receipt ID assigned to the electronic receipt member who owns the information terminal 30. Alternatively, a two-dimensional code representing the electronic receipt ID may be displayed instead of a barcode. The home screen SCa also has a mode area MDa in part. The home screen SCa has a home button BTa, a receipt button BTb, and a settings button BTc in the mode area MDa. The home button BTa, receipt button BTb, and settings button BTc are all soft keys. The home button BTa, receipt button BTb, and settings button BTc can also be described as icons. Note that the soft keys placed in the mode area MDa are not limited to the home button BTa, receipt button BTb, and settings button BTc. Other soft keys (icons) representing buttons may also be placed there.

[0055] The Home button BTa is an operator that accepts instructions to return to the default mode. The default mode is the mode that displays the Home screen SCa. Therefore, input to the Home button BTa is disabled on the Home screen SCa. The Receipt button BTb is an operator that accepts instructions to change to receipt viewing mode. Receipt viewing mode is a mode for viewing digitized receipts. The Settings button BTc is an operator that accepts instructions to change to settings mode. Settings mode is a mode for setting, for example, the save location folder and email recipient address for member file 18.

[0056] A user of information terminal 30 who has confirmed the home screen SCa, i.e., an electronic receipt member, taps the receipt button BTb to view the digitized receipt. Also, to register a save location folder or email recipient address in member file 18, or to change an already registered save location folder or email recipient address, the electronic receipt member taps the settings button BTc.

[0057] If the touch panel 35 screen is set to the home screen SCa, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 proceeds to ACT2. In ACT2, the processor 31 checks whether the receipt button BTb has been tapped. If the receipt button BTb has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 31 checks whether the settings button BTc has been tapped. If the settings button BTc has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT2.

[0058] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the home screen SCa waits for either the receipt button BTb or the settings button BTc to be tapped during ACT2 and ACT3.

[0059] When the processor 31 detects that the setting button BTc has been tapped while in the standby state of ACT2 and ACT3, it proceeds to ACT4. For ACT4, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 to the setting screen SCb (see Figure 13).

[0060] Figure 13 shows an example of an image displayed on the settings screen SCb. As shown in the figure, the settings screen SCb is divided into a title area TIa, a save destination setting area ARa, a transmission destination setting area ARb, an operation button area ARc, and a mode area MDb. The title area TIa contains the title "Settings" along with a cancel button BTe.

[0061] The storage location setting area ARa contains radio buttons RBa and RBB for selecting whether to save image files to internal storage 32 or external memory 40. For example, an electronic receipt member who wants to save an image of a receipt that could be a qualified invoice as a file on the information terminal 30 decides whether to save it to internal storage 32 or external memory 40. If the storage location is internal storage 32, the electronic receipt member selects radio button RBa. If the storage location is external memory 40, the electronic receipt member selects radio button RBb.

[0062] The destination setting area ARb contains an email address input field INa. For example, an electronic receipt member who wants to save an image of a receipt that could be a qualifying invoice as a file and store it on a computer device 50 connected to the second communication network NWb enters the email address of that computer device 50 into the input field INa.

[0063] The operation button area ARc contains the registration button BTf. The registration button BTf is a soft key. When an electronic receipt member wishes to register the information entered in the save destination setting area ARa or the transmission destination setting area ARb into the member file 18, they tap the registration button BTf. If the electronic receipt member wishes to end the setting mode process without registering, they tap the cancel button BTe.

[0064] In the mode area MDb, in addition to the aforementioned home button BTa and receipt button BTb, a back button BTd is located. The back button BTd is an operator that accepts the instruction to return to the previous mode.

[0065] If the touch panel 35 is set to the settings screen SCb, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 proceeds to ACT5. The processor 31 checks whether the cancel button BTe has been tapped as part of ACT5. If the cancel button BTe has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT6. The processor 31 checks whether the register button BTf has been tapped as part of ACT6. If the register button BTf has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT5.

[0066] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the settings screen SCb waits for either the cancel button BTe or the register button BTf to be tapped during ACT5 and ACT6.

[0067] If the processor 31 detects that the cancel button BTe has been tapped while in the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the settings screen SCb to the home screen SCa. Similarly, if the processor 31 detects that the back button BTd has been tapped, it also returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the settings screen SCb to the home screen SCa.

[0068] If the processor 31 detects that the registration button BTf has been tapped while in the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, it proceeds to ACT7. The processor 31 controls the receipt server 10 to send a registration request command as ACT7. This control causes the wireless communication unit 33 to wirelessly transmit the registration request command. The registration request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The registration request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30. If information about the save destination folder has been entered in the save destination setting area ARa, that information is also included. If information about the email recipient address has been entered in the send destination setting area ARb, that information is also included.

[0069] Upon receiving a registration request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 operates based on its function as an update means 112. Specifically, the processor 11 updates the information of the storage location folder or email recipient address of the member record 181, which is identified by the electronic receipt ID included in the registration request command. More precisely, if the registration request command includes information about the storage location folder, the processor 11 updates the storage location folder information of the member record 181 to the storage location folder information of the registration request command. If the registration request command includes information about the email recipient address, the processor 11 updates the email recipient address information of the member record 181 to the email recipient address information of the registration request command. After the processor 11 has finished updating the member record 181, it sends a registration completion command to the information terminal 30 that sent the registration request command.

[0070] In ACT7, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 that sent the registration request command proceeds to ACT8. The processor 31 waits for the registration completion command as ACT8. Upon receiving the registration completion command via the wireless communication unit 33, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT9. As ACT9, the processor 31 sets the configured flag F to "1". The configured flag F is a 1-bit data stored in the internal storage 32. The configured flag F is information used to identify whether at least one of the information for the storage destination folder or the information for the email destination address has been set for the member record 181 identified by the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30. In this embodiment, the configured flag F is set to "1" to indicate that it has been set, and the configured flag F is set to "0" to indicate that it has not been set. The information for the configured flag F stored in the internal storage 32 is not erased even after the power of the information terminal 30 is turned off.

[0071] The processor 31, having set the configured flag F to "1", returns to ACT1. The processor 31 returns the touch panel 35 screen from the settings screen SCb to the home screen SCa.

[0072] When the processor 31 detects that the receipt button BTb has been tapped while in the waiting state for ACT2 and ACT3, it proceeds to ACT10. The processor 31 controls the system to send a receipt list request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT10. This control causes the receipt list request command to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication unit 33. The receipt list request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The receipt list request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30.

[0073] Upon receiving a receipt list request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 operates based on its function as a response means 113. Specifically, the processor 11 extracts the receipt record 171 stored in the receipt file 17 in association with the electronic receipt ID included in the receipt list request command. The processor 11 then generates receipt list image data based on the receipt identification information of the extracted receipt record 171. The processor 11 transmits the receipt list image data to the information terminal 30 that requested receipt viewing.

[0074] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which controls the transmission of the receipt list request command, proceeds to ACT11. The processor 31 waits to receive the receipt list image data as ACT11. Upon receiving the receipt list image data via the wireless communication unit 33, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT12. As ACT12, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 to the receipt list screen SCc (see Figure 14).

[0075] Figure 14 shows an example of an image displayed on the receipt list screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the receipt list screen SCc is divided into a title area TIb, a receipt list area ARd, and a mode area MDc. The title area TIb contains the title "Receipt List" along with a filter button BTg. The filter button BTg is a soft key. The filter button BTg is an operator that accepts the filtering conditions for receipts. Filtering conditions include the store that issued the receipt and the type of receipt.

[0076] The receipt list area ARd displays a receipt list image. The receipt list image is an image that arranges the receipt-specific information (date, store name, payment amount) of electronic receipts issued in the year and month of the transaction in chronological order.

[0077] In the mode area MDc, the home button BTa, receipt button BTb, and back button BTd are displayed, similar to the settings screen SCb. However, input is disabled for the receipt button BTb.

[0078] After viewing the receipt list screen SCc, an electronic receipt member can tap the row displaying the receipt identification information to view the details of a receipt identified by that information. To filter the receipt list, the electronic receipt member taps the filter button BTg. To return the touch panel 35 screen to the home screen SCa, the electronic receipt member taps the home button BTa or the back button BTd.

[0079] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the receipt list screen SCc proceeds to ACT13. As ACT13, the processor 31 checks whether a receipt has been specified, that is, whether the display row for receipt-specific information has been selected. If the display row for receipt-specific information has not been selected, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT14. As ACT14, the processor 31 checks whether the filter button BTg has been tapped. If the filter button BTg has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT15. As ACT15, the processor 31 checks whether the back button BTd has been tapped. If the back button BTd has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT16. As ACT16, the processor 31 checks whether the home button BTa has been tapped. If the home button BTa has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT13.

[0080] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the receipt list screen SCc waits in ACT13 to ACT16 for a display row of receipt-specific information to be selected, the filtering button BTg to be tapped, or the back button BTd or home button BTa to be tapped. If the processor 31 detects that the back button BTd or home button BTa has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT1. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the receipt list screen SCc to the home screen SCa.

[0081] On the other hand, if the processor 31 detects that a display line for receipt identification information has been selected while in the waiting state of ACT13 to ACT16, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 7. The processor 31 controls the system to send a receipt request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT21. This control causes the receipt request command to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication unit 33. The receipt request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The receipt request command includes the selected receipt identification information along with the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30.

[0082] Upon receiving a receipt request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 operates based on its function as a response means 113. Specifically, the processor 11 extracts a receipt record 171 containing receipt data including receipt identification information from among the receipt records 171 stored in the receipt file 17, associated with the electronic receipt ID included in the receipt request command. The processor 11 then generates receipt image data, for example in HTML format, based on the receipt data of the extracted receipt record 171. The processor 11 then transmits the receipt image data to the information terminal 30 that requested the receipt.

[0083] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 that sent the receipt request command proceeds to ACT22. The processor 31 waits to receive the receipt image data as ACT22. When the receipt image data is received via the wireless communication unit 33, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT23. As ACT23, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 to the receipt details screen SCd (see Figure 15).

[0084] Figure 15 shows an example of an image displayed on the receipt details screen SCd. As shown in the figure, the receipt details screen SCd is divided into a title area TIc, a receipt specific information area ARe, a receipt image area ARf, and a mode area MDd. The title area TIc contains the title "Receipt Details" along with a save button BTh. The save button BTh is a soft key. The save button BTh is an operator used to instruct the process of saving the receipt image. In other words, the save button BTh functions as an instruction unit.

[0085] The receipt identification information area ARe displays the receipt identification information selected on the receipt list screen SCc. Then, through the operation of the browser implemented in the information terminal 30, the receipt image REa identified by the selected receipt identification information is displayed in the receipt image area ARf. The mode area MDd displays the home button BTa, the receipt button BTb, and the back button BTd, similar to the receipt list screen SCc.

[0086] Thus, the receipt details screen SCd is a screen that displays a receipt image based on receipt data received from the receipt server 10, along with an instruction unit that instructs the processing related to the storage of the receipt image. The processor 31 here realizes its function as a control means 311 by executing the processing of ACT23.

[0087] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the receipt details screen SCd proceeds to ACT24. The processor 31 checks whether the back button BTd has been tapped as ACT24. If the back button BTd has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT25. The processor 31 checks whether the save button BTh has been tapped as ACT25. If the save button BTh has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT26. The processor 31 checks whether the home button BTa has been tapped as ACT26. If the home button BTa has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT24.

[0088] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the receipt details screen SCd waits in ACT24 to ACT26 for the back button BTd, the save button BTh, or the home button BTa to be tapped. If the processor 31 detects that the back button BTd has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT12 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the receipt details screen SCd to the receipt list screen SCc. If the processor 31 detects that the home button BTa has been tapped, it returns to ACT1 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the receipt list screen SCc to the home screen SCa.

[0089] If the save button BTh is tapped while in the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT27. The processor 31 checks the configured flag F stored in the internal storage 32 as ACT27. If the configured flag F is reset to "0", that is, if the electronic receipt member has not set the save destination folder and email recipient address, the processor 31 returns to ACT24. In other words, the processor 31 invalidates the input of the save button BTh and continues in the standby state of ACT24 to ACT26.

[0090] In contrast, if the configured flag F is set to "1", that is, if the electronic receipt member has set the destination folder or email address, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, the processor 31 sets the touch panel 35 screen to the storage method selection screen SCe (see Figure 16).

[0091] Figure 16 shows an example of an image displayed on the storage method selection screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the storage method selection screen SCe is divided into a title area TId and an operation button area ARg. The title area TId contains the title "Storage Method" along with a cancel button BTi. The operation button area ARg contains a message MSa explaining the storage method for the image file, along with a save button BTj and a send button BTk. The save button BTj is an operator used to select the storage method based on the first process, which is to save the file in the storage unit of the information terminal 30. The send button BTk is an operator used to select the storage method based on the second process, which is to save the file by sending it via email to an external computer device 50.

[0092] When the touch panel 35 screen is set to the storage method selection screen SCe, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 proceeds to ACT29. As ACT29, the processor 31 checks whether the save button BTj has been tapped. If the save button BTj has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT30. As ACT30, the processor 31 checks whether the send button BTk has been tapped. If the send button BTk has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT31. As ACT31, the processor 31 checks whether the cancel button BTi has been tapped. If the cancel button BTi has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT29.

[0093] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30, with the touch panel 35 screen set to the storage method selection screen SCe, waits in ACT29 to ACT31 for the save button BTj, the send button BTk, or the cancel button BTi to be tapped. When the processor 31 detects that the cancel button BTi has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT23. That is, the processor 31 returns the touch panel 35 screen from the storage method selection screen SCe to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0094] If the save button BTj is tapped while in the standby state of ACT29 to ACT31, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT41 in Figure 8. The processor 31 controls the system to send a save destination request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT41. This control causes the save destination request command to be transmitted wirelessly from the wireless communication unit 33. The save destination request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The save destination request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30.

[0095] Upon receiving a save location request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 searches the member file 18 to check whether information about the save location folder exists in the member record 181 containing the electronic receipt ID included in the save location request command. If information about the save location folder exists, the processor 11 sends a response command containing the information about that save location folder back to the information terminal 30 that sent the request command. Conversely, if information about the save location folder does not exist, the processor 11 sends a response command that does not contain information about the save location folder back to the information terminal 30 that sent the request command.

[0096] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 that sent the save destination request command proceeds to ACT42. The processor 31 checks whether it was able to obtain the save destination folder information as ACT42. If the processor 31 receives a response command from the receipt server 10 that includes the save destination folder information, it determines that it was able to obtain the save destination folder information. If the processor 31 receives a response command from the receipt server 10 that does not include the save destination folder information, it determines that it was not able to obtain the save destination folder information. If it was not possible to obtain the save destination folder information, the processor 31 returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the storage method selection screen SCe to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0097] If the information of the destination folder can be obtained, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT43. The processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 as the preview screen SCf (see Figure 17).

[0098] Figure 17 shows an example of an image displayed on the preview screen SCf. As shown in the figure, the preview screen SCf is divided into a title area TIe, a preview area ARh, and an operation button area ARi. The title area TIe contains the title "Preview" along with a cancel button BTm. The preview area ARh displays the receipt image REa that was displayed on the previous receipt details screen SCd, along with a message MSb asking whether it is OK to save the previewed receipt as an image file. The operation button area ARg contains a save button BTn. The save button BTn is a soft key. The save button BTn is an operator that accepts the instruction to save the receipt displayed in the preview area ARh as an image file.

[0099] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which is displaying the preview screen SCf, proceeds to ACT44. The processor 31 checks whether the save button BTn has been tapped as ACT44. If the save button BTn has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT45. The processor 31 checks whether the cancel button BTm has been tapped as ACT45. If the cancel button BTm has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT44.

[0100] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which is displaying the preview screen SCf, waits for the save button BTn or the cancel button BTm to be tapped in ACT44 and ACT45. If the processor 31 detects that the cancel button BTm has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 then returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the preview screen SCf to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0101] If the processor 31 detects that the save button BTn has been tapped while in the standby state of ACT44 and ACT45, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, the processor 31 captures the receipt image displayed in the preview area ARh using the screenshot function or the scroll capture function. Next, as ACT47, the processor 31 creates an image file of the receipt image by converting the captured image to an image file in, for example, JPEG format. After that, as ACT48, the processor 31 saves the image file to a folder in the internal storage 32 or external memory 40 identified by the save destination folder information.

[0102] Here, the processor 31 realizes its function as a creation means 312 by executing the processes of ACT 46 and ACT 47. The processor 31 also realizes its function as an execution means 313 by executing the process of ACT 48.

[0103] After completing the processing of ACT46 through ACT48, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT49. As ACT49, the processor 31 displays a pop-up image PUa (see Figure 18) on the touch panel 35, overlaid on the preview screen SCf, indicating that saving is complete.

[0104] Figure 18 shows an example of a popup image (PUa). As shown, the popup image (PUa) contains a message (MSc) indicating that the image file has been saved to the destination folder, along with a close button (BTo). The close button (BTo) is a soft key. The close button (BTo) is an operator that accepts the command to close the popup image (PUa).

[0105] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which has displayed a pop-up image PUa on the touch panel 35, proceeds to ACT50. The processor 31 waits for the close button BTo to be tapped as ACT50. When it detects that the close button BTo has been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the preview screen SCf to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0106] In the standby state of ACT29 to ACT31 in Figure 7, if the transmit button BTk is tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT61 in Figure 9. The processor 31 controls the system to send a destination request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT61. This control causes the destination request command to be wirelessly transmitted from the wireless communication unit 33. The destination request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The destination request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30.

[0107] Upon receiving the destination request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 searches the member file 18 to check whether information about the email recipient address exists in the member record 181 containing the electronic receipt ID included in the destination request command. If information about the email recipient address exists, the processor 11 sends a response command containing that information about the email recipient address back to the information terminal 30 that sent the request command. On the other hand, if information about the email recipient address does not exist, the processor 11 sends a response command that does not contain information about the email recipient address back to the information terminal 30 that sent the request command.

[0108] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 that requested a recipient and sent a command proceeds to ACT62. The processor 31 checks whether it was able to obtain the email recipient address information as ACT62. If the processor 31 receives a response command from the receipt server 10 that includes the email recipient address information, it determines that it was able to obtain the email recipient address information. If the processor 31 receives a response command from the receipt server 10 that does not include the email recipient address information, it determines that it was not able to obtain the email recipient address information. If it was not possible to obtain the email recipient address information, the processor 31 returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the storage method selection screen SCe to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0109] If the information of the email recipient address can be obtained, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT63. The processor 31 uses the touch panel 35 screen as the preview screen SCg (see Figure 19).

[0110] Figure 19 shows an example of an image displayed on the preview screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the preview screen SCg is divided into a title area TIf, a preview area ARj, and an operation button area ARk. The title area TIf contains the title "Preview" and a cancel button BTp. The preview area ARj displays the receipt image REa that was displayed on the previous receipt details screen SCd, along with a message MSd asking whether it is OK to attach the previewed receipt image file to an email and send it. The operation button area ARk contains a send button BTq. The send button BTq is a soft key. The send button BTq is an operator that accepts the instruction to attach the receipt image file displayed in the preview area ARj to an email and send it.

[0111] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which is displaying the preview screen SCg, proceeds to ACT64. The processor 31 checks whether the send button BTq has been tapped as ACT64. If the send button BTq has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT65. The processor 31 checks whether the cancel button BTp has been tapped as ACT65. If the cancel button BTp has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT64.

[0112] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which is displaying the preview screen SCg, waits for the send button BTq or the cancel button BTp to be tapped in ACT64 and ACT65. If the processor 31 detects that the cancel button BTp has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 then returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the preview screen SCg to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0113] If the send button BTq is detected to have been tapped while in the standby state of ACT64 and ACT65, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT66. As ACT66, the processor 31 captures the receipt image displayed in the preview area ARh of the preview screen SCf using the screenshot function or the scroll capture function. Next, as ACT67, the processor 31 creates an image file containing the receipt image information by converting the captured image into an image file, for example, in JPEG format. After that, as ACT68, the processor 31 controls the receipt server 10 to send an email transmission request command. This control causes the email transmission request command to be transmitted wirelessly from the wireless communication unit 33. The email transmission request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The email transmission request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30, along with the image file created in the processing of ACT67.

[0114] Here, the processor 31 realizes its function as a creation means 312 by executing the processes of ACT66 and ACT67. The processor 31 also realizes its function as an execution means 313 by executing the process of ACT68.

[0115] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of information processing performed by the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 upon receiving an email sending request command. The processor 11 waits for the email sending request command as ACT101. Upon receiving the email sending request command via the second communication interface 15, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT102. As ACT102, the processor 11 detects the electronic receipt ID from the email sending request command.

[0116] Next, processor 11 searches member file 18 using the electronic receipt ID as ACT 103. When processor 11 finds a member record 181 containing the electronic receipt ID, it retrieves the email address from the member information of member record 181 as ACT 104. Processor 11 also retrieves the email recipient addresses included in member record 181 as ACT 105.

[0117] Processor 11 also obtains an image file, for example in JPEG format, from the email sending request command as ACT105. Then, as ACT106, processor 11 converts that image file into a PDF image file.

[0118] After completing the processes described in ACT102 through ACT106, processor 11 proceeds to ACT107. Processor 11 launches mailer 19 as ACT107. Processor 11 then creates an email according to mailer 19. This email uses the email address obtained in ACT103 as the sender address and the email recipient address obtained in ACT104 as the recipient address. Processor 11 attaches the image file converted to PDF format in ACT106 to this email.

[0119] Once the email is finished to be composed, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT108. The processor 11 controls the sending of the email as ACT108. This control causes the email to be sent via the second communication network NWb. The email is received by the computer device 50, which has the email recipient address configured.

[0120] Processor 11 waits for the email transmission to finish as ACT109. Once the email transmission is complete, processor 11 proceeds to ACT110. Processor 11, as ACT110, notifies the information terminal 30, the source of the email transmission request command, of the completion of transmission. With this, processor 11 finishes processing the information when it receives an email transmission request command. At this point, processor 11 realizes its function as an email transmission means 114 by executing the processes of ACT102 to ACT108.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of Figure 9. The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 that sent the transmission request command proceeds to ACT69. As ACT69, the processor 31 waits for a response command indicating that transmission is complete. Upon receiving a response command indicating that transmission is complete from the receipt server 10, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT70. As ACT70, the processor 31 displays a pop-up image PUb (see Figure 20) indicating that transmission is complete, overlaid on the preview screen SCf on the touch panel 35.

[0122] Figure 20 shows an example of a popup image PUb. As shown in the figure, the popup image PUb contains a message MSe indicating that an email with an attached image file of the receipt has been sent to the recipient's email address, along with a close button BTr. The close button BTr is a soft key. The close button BTr is an operator that accepts the instruction to close the popup image PUb.

[0123] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which has displayed a pop-up image PUb on the touch panel 35, proceeds to ACT71. The processor 31 waits for the close button BTr to be tapped as ACT71. When it detects that the close button BTr has been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT23 in Figure 7. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the preview screen SCf to the receipt details screen SCd.

[0124] In the standby state of ACT13 to ACT16 in Figure 6, if the processor 31 detects that the filtering button BTg has been pressed, the process proceeds to ACT81 in Figure 10. For ACT81, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 as the condition input screen SCh (see Figure 21).

[0125] Figure 21 shows an example of an image displayed on the condition input screen SCh. As shown in the figure, the condition input screen SCh is divided into a title area TIg, a condition input area ARm, and an operation button area ARn. The title area TIg contains the title "Filtering Condition Input" along with a cancel button BTs. The condition input area ARm contains a pull-down menu box PDa for selecting the first filtering condition and a pull-down menu box PDb for selecting the second filtering condition. The operation button area ARn contains an execute button BTt for receiving instructions to execute filtering.

[0126] In this embodiment, the first filtering condition is the store name. The second filtering condition is the receipt type. When the pull-down menu box PDb for the second filtering condition is selected, a pull-down list LSa is displayed, which allows the user to select the receipt type, as shown in Figure 22, for example. The pull-down list LSa is a list of receipt types, with radio buttons RBc, RBd, RBe, and RBf for each type. For example, an electronic receipt member who wants to check the purchase receipt issued for the transaction that was the basis of a transaction corrected in register minus mode can select the radio button RBe corresponding to "original receipt before correction" from the pull-down list LSa and tap the execute button BTt.

[0127] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which displays the condition input screen SCh on the touch panel 35, proceeds to ACT82. The processor 31 checks whether the execute button BTt has been tapped as ACT82. If the execute button BTt has not been tapped, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT83. The processor 31 checks whether the cancel button BTs has been tapped as ACT83. If the cancel button BTs has not been tapped, the processor 31 returns to ACT82.

[0128] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the condition input screen SCh waits for the execute button BTt or the cancel button BTs to be tapped in ACT82 and ACT83. When the processor 31 detects that the cancel button BTs has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT12 in Figure 6. The processor 31 then returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the condition input screen SCh to the receipt list screen SCc.

[0129] If the execution button BTT is detected to have been tapped while ACT82 and ACT83 are in standby mode, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT84. The processor 31 controls the system to send a filtering request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT84. This control causes the filtering request command to be transmitted wirelessly from the wireless communication unit 33. The filtering request command is sent to the receipt server 10 via the second communication network NWb. The filtering request command includes the electronic receipt ID set in the information terminal 30. If a first filtering condition was selected in the condition input area ARm, the information for that first filtering condition is included. If a second filtering condition was selected in the condition input area ARm, the information for that second filtering condition is included.

[0130] Upon receiving a filtering request command, the processor 11 of the receipt server 10 operates based on its function as a response means 113. Specifically, the processor 11 extracts receipt records 171 from among the receipt records 171 stored in the receipt file 17 in association with the electronic receipt ID included in the filtering request command, which contain receipt data that satisfies either the first or second filtering condition. The processor 11 then generates data for a filtered receipt list image based on the receipt identification information of the extracted receipt records 171. The processor 11 then transmits the data for the filtered receipt list image to the information terminal 30 that requested receipt viewing.

[0131] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30, which controls the transmission of the filtering request command, proceeds to ACT85. The processor 31 waits to receive the data for the filtered receipt list image as ACT85. Upon receiving the data for the filtered receipt list image via the wireless communication unit 33, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT86. As ACT86, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 35 to the receipt list screen SCi (see Figure 23).

[0132] Figure 23 shows an example of an image displayed on the filtered receipt list screen SCi. The filtered receipt list screen SCi is displayed when the original receipt is selected as the second filtering condition. As shown in the figure, the filtered receipt list screen SCi is divided into a title area TIh, a receipt list area ARo, and a mode area MDf. The title area TIh displays the title "Receipt List" along with text indicating the filtering condition.

[0133] The receipt list area ARo displays a filtered receipt list image. This filtered receipt list image is an image of electronic receipts filtered according to the filtering conditions, with receipt identification information (date, store name, payment amount) arranged in chronological order.

[0134] In the mode area MDc, the home button BTa, receipt button BTb, and back button BTd are displayed, just like in the receipt list screen SCc. The fact that input to the receipt button BTb is disabled is also the same as in the receipt list screen SCc.

[0135] The processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the filtered receipt list screen SCi proceeds to ACT87. Processor 31 checks whether the display row for receipt-specific information has been selected as ACT87. If the display row for receipt-specific information has not been selected, processor 31 proceeds to ACT88. Processor 31 checks whether the back button BTd has been tapped as ACT88. If the back button BTd has not been tapped, processor 31 proceeds to ACT89. Processor 31 checks whether the home button BTa has been tapped as ACT89. If the home button BTa has not been tapped, processor 31 returns to ACT87.

[0136] In this manner, the processor 31 of the information terminal 30 displaying the filtered receipt list screen SCi waits in ACT87 to ACT89 for a display row of receipt-specific information to be selected, the back button BTd to be tapped, or the home button BTa to be tapped. If the processor 31 detects that the back button BTd has been tapped in this waiting state, it returns to ACT12 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the filtered receipt list screen SCi to the receipt list screen SCc. If the processor 31 detects that the home button BTa has been tapped, it returns to ACT1 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 35 from the filtered receipt list screen SCi to the home screen SCa.

[0137] On the other hand, if the processor 31 detects that a display line for receipt-specific information has been selected while in the waiting state of ACT87 to ACT89, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT21 in Figure 7. The processor 31 controls the system to send a receipt request command to the receipt server 10 as ACT21. Thereafter, the processor 31 executes the processing from ACT21 onward in the same manner as described above.

[0138] [Explanation of how the electronic receipt system works] Figure 24 is a processing sequence diagram between the information terminal 30 and the receipt server 10 when the information terminal 30 is instructed to save an image file to the storage unit of the information terminal 30 as part of the process related to storing receipt images. Figure 25 is a processing sequence diagram between the information terminal 30 and the receipt server 10 when the information terminal 30 is instructed to send an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address as the recipient as part of the process related to storing receipt images. Note that the same reference numerals are used for processing steps that are common to the flowcharts shown in Figures 6 to 11.

[0139] First, regarding the process of storing receipt images, the operation when the information terminal 30 is instructed to save an image file to its storage unit will be explained using Figure 24.

[0140] As shown in Figure 24, when an electronic receipt member taps the receipt button BTb on the home screen SCa displayed on the touch panel 35 of the information terminal 30 (ACT1, ACT2), the receipt server 10 causes the screen on the touch panel 35 to transition from the home screen SCa to the receipt list screen SCc (ACT12). At this point, when the electronic receipt member selects the receipt identification information of the receipt they want to save as an image file (ACT13), the receipt server 10 generates image data of the receipt identified by that receipt identification information, for example in HTML format, and sends it to the information terminal 30. Then, the receipt details screen SCd is displayed on the touch panel 35 of the information terminal 30 (ACT23).

[0141] On the receipt details screen SCd, the image of the receipt to be saved as an image file is displayed along with the save button BTh, so the electronic receipt member taps the save button BTh (ACT24). Then, the storage method selection screen SCe is displayed on the touch panel 35 (ACT28), so the electronic receipt member taps the save button BTj (ACT29). Then, the preview screen SCf is displayed on the touch panel 35 (ACT43), so the electronic receipt member taps the save button BTn (ACT44).

[0142] When an electronic receipt member performs the above operations, the information terminal 30 captures the image of the receipt displayed in the preview area ARh (ACT46). The captured image is converted into an image file in, for example, JPEG format (ACT47). The image file is then stored in a storage unit identified by the information of the storage destination folder managed by the receipt server 10 (ACT48).

[0143] When the image file is saved, a pop-up image PUa indicating the completion of saving is displayed on the touch panel 35 of the information terminal 30 (ACT49). Therefore, the electronic receipt member can know that the image file of the receipt image has been saved in the desired destination folder.

[0144] Next, regarding the process of storing receipt images, the operation when the system is instructed to send an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address will be explained using Figure 25. Note that the process from when the electronic receipt member taps the receipt button BTb on the home screen SCa until they tap the save button BTh on the receipt details screen SCd (ACT1~ACT24) is the same as when the system is instructed to save the image file to the storage unit of the information terminal 30, so the explanation here will be omitted.

[0145] As shown in Figure 25, when the storage button BTh is tapped, the storage method selection screen SCe is displayed on the touch panel 35 of the information terminal 30, and the electronic receipt member taps the send button BTk (ACT 30). Then, the preview screen SCg is displayed on the touch panel 35 (ACT 63), and the electronic receipt member taps the send button BTq (ACT 64).

[0146] When an electronic receipt member performs the above operations, the information terminal 30 captures the image of the receipt displayed in the preview area ARj (ACT66). The captured image is converted into an image file, for example, in JPEG format (ACT67). The image file is then included in the email sending request command and sent to the receipt server 10 (ACT68).

[0147] Upon receiving the email sending request command, the receipt server 10 retrieves the pre-configured email recipient address from the member file 18 (ACT104). Additionally, the image file is converted to a PDF image file (ACT104). Finally, an email with this PDF image file attached is created and sent to the email recipient address (ACT107, ACT108).

[0148] Once the email transmission is complete, the receipt server 10 sends a transmission completion notification to the information terminal 30 (ACT110). Upon receiving this notification, a pop-up image PUb indicating transmission completion is displayed on the touch panel 35 of the information terminal 30 (ACT70). Thus, the electronic receipt member can be informed that an email with the receipt image file attached has been sent to the desired recipient address.

[0149] Figure 26 shows an example of a receipt RCd that can be used as a qualified invoice. According to this embodiment, an image of such a receipt RCd can be stored in a designated storage unit of the information terminal 30 as an image file compressed in, for example, JPEG format. Alternatively, an image file of the receipt RCd converted to, for example, PDF format can be attached to an email and sent to a designated computer device 50 for storage.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by operating the instruction section displayed along with the receipt image on one screen of the receipt details screen SCd, the image file of the receipt image can be saved or sent via email. Therefore, there is no need to perform operations on the information terminal 30 for taking a screenshot, and there is the advantage that anyone can easily save the image file.

[0151] In this embodiment, "Original receipt before correction" has been added as an option for filtering conditions that can be selected on the condition input screen SCh. By using this option "Original receipt before correction" as a filtering condition, electronic receipt members can obtain an image of the purchase receipt issued for the transaction that was the basis of the transaction corrected in register minus mode.

[0152] For example, for a transaction for which receipt RCd in Figure 26 was issued, the cashier forgets to apply a 100 yen discount. The cashier then declares a register minus to the POS terminal 20 and scans the barcode of the original receipt RCd. The transaction data identified by that barcode is then read from the journal file, and the cashier performs the 100 yen discount operation. As a result, a new receipt RCe is issued with a correction receipt notation, as shown in Figure 27.

[0153] The receipt identification information for the new receipt RCe is displayed on the receipt list screen SCc. Therefore, electronic receipt members can save image files of the new receipt RCe. However, the receipt identification information for the original receipt RCd is not displayed on the receipt list screen SCc. Therefore, electronic receipt members who want to save image files of the original receipt RCd can select "Original receipt before correction" as a filtering option. Then, the receipt identification information for the original receipt RCd will be displayed on the filtered receipt list screen SCi. Therefore, electronic receipt members can also save image files of the original receipt RCd with a simple operation.

[0154] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, the user can choose between a storage method based on a first process, i.e., saving in the storage unit of the information terminal 30, and a storage method based on a second process, i.e., sending and saving to an external computer device 50 via email. In other embodiments, only one of the storage methods may be executed. That is, when the user taps the save button BTh located on the receipt details screen SCd, if the storage method based on the first process is enabled, the user transitions to the preview screen SCf shown in Figure 17, and if the storage method based on the second process is enabled, the user transitions to the preview screen SCg shown in Figure 19. Such a configuration is also possible.

[0155] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the member file 18 stores information about the storage location folder and information about the email recipient address for each electronic receipt member. In other embodiments, each electronic receipt member may store the information about the storage location folder and the email recipient address on an information terminal 30 owned by that electronic receipt member. Alternatively, the information about the email recipient address may be stored in the member file 18, while the information about the storage location folder may be stored on the information terminal 30. Or, the reverse may also be true.

[0156] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the receipt server 10 implements a mailer and sends an email with an image file attached to the recipient's email address. The device that sends the email is not limited to the receipt server 10. For example, if a mail server is incorporated into the receipt center 1, the mail server may send the email instead of the receipt server 10. Alternatively, the information terminal 30 can send an email with an image file attached by utilizing the mail sending function of the information terminal 30.

[0157] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which only one email recipient address is set for one electronic receipt member. However, it is possible to set two or more email recipient addresses and send emails with the same receipt image file attached to two or more computer devices 50.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the information terminal 30 created an image file by compressing the receipt image data in JPEG format, but the format of the image file is not limited to JPEG format. For example, the receipt image file may be created in a file format such as GIF, PNG, or TIFF.

[0159] 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 within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] An information terminal comprising: communication means for communicating with a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser, associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser; control means for displaying on one screen of a display device a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, together with an instruction unit that instructs a process for storing the receipt image; creation means for creating an image file which is a file containing the information of the receipt image displayed on the display device; and execution means for executing the storage process instructed by the instruction unit on the image file created by the creation means. [2] The information terminal described in Appendix [1], wherein the storage process is a process for saving the image file to the storage unit provided by the information terminal. [3] The information terminal described in Appendix [1], wherein the processing related to storage is the process of sending an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address as the recipient. [4] The information terminal described in Appendix [1], wherein the storage process includes a first process for saving the image file to a storage unit provided in the information terminal, and a second process for sending an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address, and the instruction unit selectively instructs either the first process or the second process. [5] A program for causing a computer in an information terminal, which includes a display device and communication means for communicating with a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser in association with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser, to function as: a control means for displaying on one screen of the display device a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, together with an instruction unit that instructs a process for storing the receipt image; a creation means for creating an image file which is a file containing the information of the receipt image displayed on the display device; and an execution means for executing the storage process instructed by the instruction unit on the image file created by the creation means. [6] An electronic receipt system comprising: a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser, associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser; an information terminal that communicates with the receipt server and displays on one screen of a display device a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server, together with an instruction unit that instructs the processing related to the storage of the receipt image; a creation means that creates an image file which is a file containing the information of the receipt image displayed on the display device; and an email sending means that sends an email to which the image file created by the creation means is attached. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0160] 1...Receipt center, 2...Store, 10...Receipt server, 17...Receipt file, 18...Member file, 19...Mailer, 20...POS terminal, 30...Information terminal, 32...Internal storage, 40...External memory, 43...Electronic receipt application, 50...Computer device, 100...Electronic receipt system, 111...Storage means, 112...Update means, 113...Response means, 114...Email sending means, 311...Control means, 312...Creation means, 313...Execution means.

Claims

1. A communication means for communicating with a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser, associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser, A first display control means that makes one screen of the display device a receipt details screen, which includes a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, and a first operator for instructing the storage of the receipt image. A second display control means, in response to an operation of the first operator, transforms one screen of the display device into a storage method selection screen where a second operator is placed for selecting one of several storage-related processes, A third display control means, upon receiving an operation of the second operator, sets one screen of the display device to a preview screen on which a third operator for instructing the execution of a process is placed, along with the receipt image that was displayed on the receipt details screen. A creation means that, upon receiving an operation from the third operator, creates an image file by capturing the receipt image displayed on the preview screen, A storage means that stores the image file created by the creation means in a storage process selected by the second operator, An information terminal equipped with the following features.

2. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the storage process includes a first process of storing the image file in a storage unit provided by the information terminal.

3. The information terminal according to claim 1, wherein the storage process includes a second process of sending an email with the image file attached to a predetermined email address as the recipient.

4. A computer in an information terminal equipped with a display device and communication means for communicating with a receipt server that stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser, associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser. A first display control means that sets one screen of the display device as a receipt details screen, which includes a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, and a first operator for instructing the storage of the receipt image. A second display control means, in response to an operation of the first operator, transforms one screen of the display device into a storage method selection screen where a second operator is placed for selecting one of several storage-related processes. A third display control means that, upon receiving an operation of the second operator, sets one screen of the display device to a preview screen on which a third operator for instructing the execution of a process is placed, along with the receipt image that was displayed on the receipt details screen. A creation means that, upon receiving an operation from the third operator, creates an image file capturing the receipt image displayed on the preview screen, and A storage means that stores the image file created by the creation means in a storage process selected by the second operator. A program designed to function as such.

5. A receipt server stores receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt showing the purchase data of a purchaser, associated with purchaser identification information that identifies the purchaser. An information terminal equipped with a display device and communication means for communicating with the receipt server, Includes, The aforementioned information terminal is A first display control means that makes one screen of the display device a receipt details screen, which includes a receipt image based on the receipt data received from the receipt server via the communication means, and a first operator for instructing the storage of the receipt image. A second display control means, in response to an operation of the first operator, transforms one screen of the display device into a storage method selection screen where a second operator is placed for selecting one of several storage-related processes, A third display control means, upon receiving an operation of the second operator, sets one screen of the display device to a preview screen on which a third operator for instructing the execution of a process is placed, along with the receipt image that was displayed on the receipt details screen. A creation means that, upon receiving an operation from the third operator, creates an image file by capturing the receipt image displayed on the preview screen, A storage means that stores the image file created by the creation means in a storage process selected by the second operator, An electronic receipt system equipped with the following features.

Images