JP7630572B2 - Sales data processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a sales data processing device and a program .

Traditionally, many stores have introduced non-cash payment systems using credit cards, electronic money cards, etc. The introduction of such payment systems has made it possible to speed up sales data processing, as neither the store nor the customer needs to handle cash. Also, in recent years, an increasing number of shoppers have multiple payment media (such as credit cards and electronic money cards) for each payment type, such as credit card payment and electronic money payment.

On the other hand, there is a known system known as an electronic receipt, whereby the receipt or invoice given to a customer by a store when paying for a product is electronically transferred to the customer's mobile device, etc.

By converting receipts into electronic data in this way, household accounts can be automatically recorded electronically, which is beneficial for shoppers. In addition, the introduction of electronic receipts is also beneficial for the stores that introduce them, as it reduces the consumption of receipt paper.

Conventionally, customers present a mobile device or the like when receiving an electronic receipt, and present a payment medium (such as a credit card or electronic money card) when making a payment by credit card or electronic money. Therefore, when making a credit card payment and receiving an electronic receipt, the customer must present both the payment medium and the mobile device, which results in a problem that it is not possible to speed up sales data processing.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sales data processing device and a program that can speed up payment processing when making a payment using a payment medium and receiving an electronic receipt at the same time.

a first generation means for generating receipt data indicating transaction details of a commodity to be paid for in the payment processing and payment slip data which is proof of the payment processing using the medium, and for generating receipt data including the customer code when the acquisition means acquires the customer code or when there is a response of the customer code associated with the identification code associated with the medium; a second generation means for generating electronic receipt information by converting a data format of the payment slip data into a structured format when the receipt data includes the customer code; and an output means for outputting the electronic receipt information when the receipt data includes the customer code and outputting the payment slip data when the receipt data does not include the customer code .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the main parts of the POS terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electronic receipt server. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of the electronic receipt management server. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram relating to electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of receipt data. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electronic receipt. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an electronic receipt management process and an information transmission process in the electronic receipt server. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram relating to the electronic receipt management process and the product information transmission process in the electronic receipt management server. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic receipt management process and the product information transmission process in the electronic receipt management server. FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram relating to an electronic receipt receiving process and an electronic receipt viewing process in a mobile terminal. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of an electronic receipt receiving process and an electronic receipt viewing process in the mobile terminal. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal.

One embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the electronic receipt system has a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1, a store server 2, an electronic receipt server 3, an electronic receipt management server 4, and a mobile terminal 7.

The POS terminal 1 and store server 2 are provided in the store P1. The POS terminal 1 and store server 2 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via an in-store network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The POS terminal 1 and store server 2 can also be connected to a network N2 that connects the store P1 and the headquarters P2 via a network device (not shown) such as a router connected to the in-store network N1. Here, the network N2 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

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

The POS terminal 1 is connected via a network N4 to a payment server 5 provided in a payment center P4, which may be a credit company, a bank, an electronic money company, or the like. Here, the network N4 is, for example, a dedicated line such as a CAFIS (Credit and Finance Information Switching System) or a VPN.

The store server 2 performs overall management of the product sales data processing performed by the POS terminal 1. For example, the store server 2 stores and manages the product sales data generated by the product sales data processing of the POS terminal 1, and stores and manages product data files used in the product sales data processing.

In this embodiment, the POS terminal 1 outputs an electronic receipt, but the present invention is not limited to this. The receipt data generated by the POS terminal 1 may be converted in data format by the store server 2 or a conversion device (not shown) and output to the electronic receipt server 3 as an electronic receipt.

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

The electronic receipt server 3 also receives the electronic receipt sent from the POS terminal 1 via the network N2. The electronic receipt server 3 also sends the received electronic receipt to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N3 that connects the headquarters P2 and the electronic receipt center P3.

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

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

The electronic receipt management server 4 functions as a customer receipt management server that collectively manages receipt data from various companies that operate stores. The electronic receipt management server 4 stores and manages, in a member master stored in the database DB, member data such as the name and member code of each customer (member) who has registered as a member using the procedure described below, destination information (e.g., email address) of the mobile terminal 7 to which electronic receipts are sent, and identification codes related to the payment method (e.g., credit card, electronic money card, debit card, etc.) used in the payment process related to the product transaction data processing in the POS terminal 1. Note that a member management server that stores and manages member data may be provided separately from the electronic receipt management server 4.

The electronic receipt management server 4 also receives the electronic receipt sent from the electronic receipt server 3 via the network N3, and stores and manages this electronic receipt in an electronic receipt management area 43a (described later) held in the database DB. In more detail, the electronic receipt includes elements such as the transaction details of the product (product sales data) as well as a membership code, and is managed in association with the membership data of the corresponding member.

When the electronic receipt management server 4 stores the electronic receipt in the database DB, it identifies the destination (mobile terminal 7) by referencing the destination information associated with the membership code of the electronic receipt. Then, the electronic receipt management server 4 transmits the electronic receipt stored in the database DB to the destination via the network N5 described later.

In addition, when the electronic receipt management server 4 receives an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a membership code from a mobile terminal 7 connected via a network N5 described later, the electronic receipt management server 4 extracts an electronic receipt corresponding to the membership code from the database DB and transmits it to the mobile terminal 7.

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

The mobile terminal 7 accesses the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5 to register as a member of the system. Here, the network N5 is the Internet or any of various public networks.

Now, in this system, the customer's membership registration is performed, for example, in the following procedure. The customer sends a blank email from the mobile terminal 7 to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. The electronic receipt management server 4 sends a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a page for membership registration to the received email address. The customer accesses the URL indicating the page for membership registration from the mobile terminal 7 and displays an input screen for inputting the items required for membership registration (name, destination information, etc.). After the customer has finished inputting the necessary items, the electronic receipt management server 4 executes the member registration in the member master. Here, one of the items input by the customer includes an identification code related to the payment method (e.g., credit card, electronic money card, debit card, etc.) used in the payment process related to the product transaction data processing in the POS terminal 1. After that, the electronic receipt management server 4 delivers a member registration completion email including a member code (customer code) and a password to the mobile terminal 7. This completes the member registration.

After the member registration as described above, the mobile terminal 7 displays the customer's membership code as a code symbol such as a barcode or two-dimensional code on the display unit 73 (see FIG. 5). When the customer settles the transaction at store P1, he or she presents the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7 to a store clerk. The store clerk reads the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7 with a code scanner 15 (see FIG. 2) connected to the POS terminal 1. This makes it possible to associate the customer's membership code with receipt data generated after settlement by product sales data processing in the POS terminal 1.

After a payment (transaction) is made at the POS terminal 1, the mobile terminal 7 receives an electronic receipt for the transaction sent from the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. By sending an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a membership code to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5, the mobile terminal 7 receives an electronic receipt for the member from the electronic receipt management server 4. The mobile terminal 7 displays the received electronic receipt on the display unit 73.

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

Next, we will explain the configuration of the main devices that make up the electronic receipt system of this embodiment.

First, the POS terminal 1, which is a product sales data processing device, will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the POS terminal 1 has a control unit 11 that performs various calculations and controls each unit of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 11 is a computer made up of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores various programs and rewrites various data, and an RTC (Real Time Clock) that keeps track of the current date and time.

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

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

The printer 13 is a printer device that prints receipts, journals, etc. The printer 13 is equipped with a cutting mechanism (not shown) that cuts the paper, such as roll paper, that is the subject of printing, and cuts the paper according to a cut command, which will be described later.

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

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

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

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

The storage unit 17 also stores in the identification code management area 17b a POS number for distinguishing the POS terminal 1 from other POS terminals 1, a company code (identification code of the company that operates the store: business partner code), an industry/business type code, a store code indicating the store P1 in which the POS terminal 1 is installed, and the like. Here, the industry/business type code is a code (classification code) that distinguishes the industry/business type of the store, such as a convenience store, supermarket, department store, pharmacy, restaurant, or eating and drinking establishment. Note that such industry/business type can be changed at the user's discretion. The company code (identification code of the company that operates the store) and industry/business type code may be registered in the electronic receipt server 3.

The memory unit 17 also stores a receipt data schema 17c that describes the conversion rules for converting unstructured receipt data into structured receipt data (hereinafter referred to as an electronic receipt).

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

The control unit 31 can be connected to the network N2 and the network N3 via the communication I/F 32 connected to the bus 34. The control unit 31 is also connected to the memory unit 33 via the bus 34.

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

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

Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt management server 4 that functions as a customer receipt management server will be described using the block diagram in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic receipt management server 4 has a control unit 41 that performs various calculations and controls each unit of the electronic receipt management server 4. The control unit 41 is a computer that is composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and rewrites various data, an RTC unit that keeps track of the current date and time, etc.

The control unit 41 can be connected to the network N3 and the network N5 via the communication I/F 42 connected to the bus 44. The control unit 41 is also connected to the memory unit 43 via the bus 44.

The storage unit 43 has an electronic receipt management area 43a for collectively storing electronic receipts from various companies that operate stores. More specifically, the electronic receipt management area 43a manages electronic receipts from various companies that operate stores for each member.

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

In addition, the memory unit 43 has a member master management area 43b for storing and managing member master data. The member master data stored in the member master management area 43b stores the member's name, address, etc. in association with the member code.

In addition, the member master stored in the member master management area 43b stores the identification code of the payment method used in the payment process related to the product sales data processing in the POS terminal 1 in association with the member code. A payment method is, for example, a payment medium for each payment type, such as a credit card, electronic money card, or debit card. In this embodiment, a credit card is applied as the payment medium.

The storage unit 43 also stores a member management program (not shown) for managing the member master in the member master management area 43b, as well as an electronic receipt management program 43c for managing each company's electronic receipt in the electronic receipt management area 43a. The storage unit 43 also stores an information transmission program 43d for transmitting the electronic receipt to the mobile terminal 7. The electronic receipt management area 43a and the member master management area 43b correspond to the database DB shown in FIG. 1.

Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 7 will be described using the block diagram of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile terminal 7 has a control unit 71 that performs overall control of various calculations and each unit of the mobile terminal 7. The control unit 71 is a computer that is composed of a CPU, a ROM that stores various programs and data, a RAM that temporarily stores various programs and rewrites various data, an RTC unit that keeps track of the current date and time, etc.

The control unit 71 is connected to the operation unit 72 and the display unit 73 via a bus 76. The operation unit 72 has various operation keys and a pointing device that allow the user (customer) to perform operation input. The display unit 73 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as an electronic receipt described below. The display unit 73 may be configured as a touch panel, in which case the touch panel functions as the operation unit 72.

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

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

Next, we will explain the operation of each part that makes up the system of this embodiment.

First, the electronic receipt processing executed by the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 1 operating in accordance with the receipt data processing program 17a will be described with reference to Figures 6 to 9.

As shown in Figure 6, the receipt data processing program 17a executed by the POS terminal 1 is a module configuration including a receipt data generation unit 111 that functions as a receipt data generation means, a receipt data output unit 112, an electronic receipt output unit 113 that functions as an electronic receipt output means, and an inquiry unit 114 that functions as an inquiry means. In terms of actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 11 reads out and executes the receipt data processing program 17a from the storage unit 17, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the receipt data generation unit 111, receipt data output unit 112, electronic receipt output unit 113, and inquiry unit 114 are generated on the RAM.

When a payment is made using a credit card, which is a payment means (payment medium) for product transaction data processing, the inquiry unit 114 transmits an identification code related to the credit card to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N2, the electronic receipt server 3, and the network N3, and inquires about a membership code (receiver code) that identifies the customer (receiver) associated with the identification code of the credit card.

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

When the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a membership code (receiver code) that identifies a customer (receiver) via the code scanner 15 at any time during a transaction, it generates receipt data that includes the membership code. Note that the receiver code is not limited to a membership code, and may be any identification code that can identify the receiver.

In addition, when a response is received via network N3, electronic receipt server 3, and network N2 with a membership code (receipt code) associated with an identification code related to a credit card, which is the payment method (payment medium), the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the membership code.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing a schematic example of receipt data. Here, receipt data is unstructured text data or the like, and is used for printing by the printer 13. As shown in Figure 7, receipt data includes the above-mentioned product sales data D1 and membership code D2. Here, product sales data D1 includes the product names (product codes) of the products that were the subject of payment and their prices, the total price of each product, the amount deposited by the customer, the amount of change, etc.

The receipt data also includes elements such as the transaction date and time D7, transaction number (receipt number) D8, register number D9, and person in charge name D10. Note that the elements included in the receipt data are not limited to the example in FIG. 7 and may include other elements such as a company code (company name) indicating the company that operates the store, a store code (store name), the store's telephone number, address, and industry/business type code.

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

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

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

Furthermore, if the electronic receipt output unit 113 determines that the receipt data contains a membership code, it converts the receipt data into a specified data format in accordance with the conversion rules of the receipt data schema 17c. The receipt data output unit 112 then transmits (outputs) the receipt data with the converted data format, i.e., the electronic receipt, to the electronic receipt server 3, which is managed on a company basis according to the company code.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic example of an electronic receipt. As shown in FIG. 8, an electronic receipt is composed of data (structured document) in a structured format such as XML, CSV, or JSON (JavaScript (registered trademark) Object Notation). Note that FIG. 8 shows an example in which each element (D1-2, D7-D10) of the receipt data shown in FIG. 7 has been converted into the JSON format.

The receipt data is converted into an electronic receipt based on the conversion rules described in the receipt data schema 17c. Specifically, the receipt data schema 17c defines the specific elements that make up the receipt data and attribute information (tags, etc.) that indicates the attributes of those elements. The receipt data output unit 112 generates an electronic receipt in a structured format as shown in FIG. 8 by structuring each element of the receipt data using the corresponding attribute information. By creating an electronic receipt in such a structured format, the elements included in the electronic receipt can be used efficiently, providing various advantages in terms of data management.

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

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

Furthermore, when the electronic receipt output unit 113 outputs receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3, it converts the elements included in the receipt data into a structured electronic receipt and outputs the electronic receipt. This allows the elements included in the electronic receipt to be used efficiently, improving the convenience of the electronic receipt in the electronic receipt server 3 and electronic receipt management server 4 that manage the electronic receipt, and in the mobile terminal 7 that displays the electronic receipt.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal 1. First, the receipt data generation unit 111 of the POS terminal 1 determines whether the code symbol (product code) attached to the product or the code symbol (membership code) displayed on the mobile terminal 7 has been read by the code scanner 15 (step S11). If the code symbol has not been read (step S11; No), the receipt data generation unit 111 proceeds to step S16.

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

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

Also, if a membership code is obtained in step S12 (step S12; membership code), the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the membership code (step S15).

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

In the next step S16, the receipt data generation unit 111 determines whether or not the start of credit card closing processing has been instructed by pressing the credit key, etc. (step S16). If the start of credit card closing processing has not been instructed (step S16; No), the process returns to step S11. If the start of credit card closing processing has been instructed (step S16; Yes) and a membership code has been acquired in step S12 (step S17; Yes), the closing processing (credit card payment processing) is executed (step S18).

On the other hand, if the receipt data generation unit 111 has not obtained the membership code in step S12 (step S17; No), it sends the credit card identification code to the electronic receipt management server 4 via network N2, electronic receipt server 3, and network N3, and inquires about the membership code associated with the credit card identification code (step S19).

If the receipt data generation unit 111 receives a response of a membership code associated with the credit card identification code from the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N3, the electronic receipt server 3, and the network N2 (step S20; Yes), the receipt data generation unit 111 includes the membership code in the receipt data (step S21) and proceeds to step S18.

If there is no response from the electronic receipt management server 4 of the membership code associated with the credit card identification code (step S20; No), the receipt data generation unit 111 proceeds directly to step S18.

After the closing process (credit payment process) is executed, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data for one transaction that indicates the transaction details of the products to be paid for in the credit payment process (step S22). When the receipt data generation unit 111 executes the closing process (credit payment process), it also generates payment slip data (customer copy) in a preset format as receipt data, which is proof of the credit payment process.

Next, the receipt data generation unit 111 issues (outputs) a cut command to the receipt data output unit 112 (step S23).

When the receipt data output unit 112 receives a cut command from the receipt data generation unit 111, it determines that receipt data for one transaction has been generated and determines whether the receipt data includes a membership code (step S24).

If the receipt data does not include a membership code (step S24: No), the receipt data output unit 112 outputs the receipt data for one transaction together with a cut command to the printer 13, prints out the receipt data (step S25), and ends this process. As a result, the printer 13 prints the receipt data on paper, and then cuts the paper in accordance with the cut command, printing out a paper receipt for one transaction.

The printer 13 also prints out payment slip data (customer copy) in a pre-set format, which serves as proof of the credit card payment process.

On the other hand, if the receipt data includes a membership code (step S24; Yes), the electronic receipt output unit 113 generates an electronic receipt by converting the data format of the receipt data, which is in an unstructured format, into a structured format (step S26).

In addition, the electronic receipt output unit 113 also converts the data format of the payment slip data (customer copy), which is proof of credit card payment processing and has a preset format, into a structured format to create an electronic receipt.

Then, the electronic receipt output unit 113 transmits the generated electronic receipt to the electronic receipt server 3 via the communication I/F 16 (step S27), and ends this process.

In the above process, if the receipt data contains a membership code, the receipt data is output to the electronic receipt server 3, but this is not limited to the above, and the receipt data may be output to both the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3.

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

It is also possible to have the user select the output destination of the receipt data each time a product is paid for. When using this configuration, for example, if the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data contains a membership code, it displays an output destination selection screen on the display unit 14 to select the output destination of the receipt data.

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

In addition, during product sales data processing, the output destination of the receipt data may be confirmed with the customer. When this form is used, the receipt data generation unit 111 displays an output destination selection screen or the like on the display unit 14, and includes the output destination corresponding to the operated operator as output category information in the receipt data. Then, when the receipt data includes a membership code and output category information, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output category information.

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

Next, the flow of the electronic receipt management process executed by the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 operating according to the electronic receipt management program 33b and the information transmission process executed by the control unit 31 operating according to the information transmission program 33c will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10.

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

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

Next, the flow of the electronic receipt management process executed by the control unit 41 of the electronic receipt management server 4 operating according to the electronic receipt management program 43c and the product information transmission process executed by the control unit 41 operating according to the information transmission program 43d will be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 11 and the flowchart shown in FIG. 12.

11, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 are modularized to include a receiving unit 411 functioning as a receiving means, an electronic receipt management unit 412 functioning as a storage unit, an electronic receipt transmission unit 413 functioning as an electronic receipt output unit, a code receiving unit 414 functioning as a code receiving means, a selection unit 415 functioning as a selection unit, and a transmission unit 416 functioning as a transmission unit. As for actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 41 reads out the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d from the storage unit 43 and executes them, whereby the above-mentioned units are loaded onto the RAM, and the receiving unit 411, the electronic receipt management unit 412, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413, the code receiving unit 414, the selection unit 415, and the transmission unit 416 are generated on the RAM.

The code receiving unit 414 receives an identification code related to a payment means (e.g., a credit card, an electronic money card, a debit card, etc.) involved in the product transaction data processing during payment processing using the payment means.

The selection unit 415 selects a membership code (recipient code) that identifies a customer (recipient) that is pre-associated with the identification code received by the code receiving unit 414. More specifically, the selection unit 415 refers to the member master stored in the member master management area 43b and selects a membership code (recipient code) that is pre-associated with the identification code received by the code receiving unit 414.

The transmitting unit 416 transmits the selected membership code (recipient code) to the destination of the identification code related to the payment method received by the code receiving unit 414.

The receiving unit 411 receives from the electronic receipt server 3 an electronic receipt (electronic receipt information) in a structured format that is related to receipt data indicating the transaction details of the product to be paid for in the payment process and that is associated with a membership code (recipient code). The electronic receipt includes a company code indicating the company that operates the store, and is an electronically processed company-based electronic receipt in place of a receipt or invoice that is printed and issued when product sales data is processed.

In addition, the receiving unit 411 receives from the electronic receipt server 3 an electronic receipt in a structured format related to the payment slip data, which is proof of the payment process using the payment method selected by the selection unit 415.

The electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages the company-specific electronic receipts received by the receiving unit 411 in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the memory unit 43.

The electronic receipt sending unit 413 retrieves from the electronic receipt management area 43a an electronic receipt that is associated with a membership code (recipient code) of a specific shopper and contains at least one company code, and sends (outputs) it to the mobile terminal 7 that is associated with the membership code.

The electronic receipt transmitting unit 413 may transmit (output) receipt data and payment slip data relating to the same transaction as a single electronic receipt. The electronic receipt transmitting unit 413 may also transmit (output) receipt data and payment slip data relating to the same transaction as separate electronic receipt information.

As shown in FIG. 12, the code receiving unit 414 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether or not an identification code relating to a payment means (e.g., a credit card) related to the product transaction data processing has been received via the communication I/F 42 during payment processing using the payment means (step S41).

When an identification code related to a payment method (e.g., a credit card) related to product transaction data processing is received during payment processing using that payment method (step S41; Yes), the selection unit 415 of the electronic receipt management server 4 refers to the member master stored in the member master management area 43b and selects a member code (receipt code) that is pre-associated with the received identification code (step S42).

Next, the transmitting unit 416 of the electronic receipt management server 4 transmits the selected membership code (recipient code) to the destination of the identification code related to the payment method received by the code receiving unit 414 (step S43).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the receiving unit 411 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether or not an electronic receipt transmitted from each company's electronic receipt server 3 has been received via the communication I/F 42 (step S44).

If an electronic receipt is received (step S44; Yes), the electronic receipt management unit 412 of the electronic receipt management server 4 stores the electronic receipts of various companies in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the memory unit 43 (step S45).

Then, the electronic receipt sending unit 413 sends the electronic receipt stored in step S45 to the destination (mobile terminal 7) that is managed in association with the membership code of the electronic receipt (step S46), and returns to step S41.

In addition, when an electronic receipt inquiry is received from the mobile terminal 7 (step S47; Yes), the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 of the electronic receipt management server 4 extracts electronic receipts stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a according to the contents of the electronic receipt inquiry (step S48).

Then, the electronic receipt sending unit 413 sends the extracted electronic receipt to the destination (mobile terminal 7) that is managed in association with the membership code of the electronic receipt (step S49), and returns to step S41.

Next, the flow of the electronic receipt receiving process executed by the control unit 71 of the mobile terminal 7 operating according to the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the flow of the electronic receipt viewing process executed by the control unit 71 operating according to the electronic receipt viewing program 75b will be described with reference to Figures 13 to 16.

As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b executed by the mobile terminal 7 are modularized to include a member association unit 711, an electronic receipt receiving unit 712, and an electronic receipt display unit 713. In terms of actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 71 reads out and executes the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b from the storage unit 75, thereby loading the above-mentioned units onto the RAM, and the member association unit 711, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712, and the electronic receipt display unit 713 are generated on the RAM.

The member matching unit 711 matches the member code of a specific shopper. The electronic receipt receiving unit 712 receives an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4. The electronic receipt display unit 713 displays the electronic receipt received by the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 on the display unit 73.

As shown in FIG. 14, first, the member association unit 711 of the mobile terminal 7 accesses the electronic receipt management server 4 and executes authentication processing by inputting a member code and a password (step S61). This associates the mobile terminal 7 with the member code of the specified shopper.

After authentication, the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 of the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the electronic receipt management server 4 in correspondence with the entered membership code (step S62). Note that receipt data may be received by email.

Next, the electronic receipt display unit 713 of the mobile terminal 7 displays the electronic receipt etc. received by the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 on the display unit 73 (step S63), and ends the process.

Figure 15 is a diagram that shows a schematic example of an electronic receipt G2. As shown in Figure 15, the electronic receipt G2 is displayed with the same layout and content as a receipt printed on paper.

In addition, in the electronic receipt G2, the cursor that follows the input of the operation unit 72 can be used to focus on the product a, which indicates the transacted product. Also, FIG. 15 shows an example in which the electronic receipt G2 has a store name logo section G21 that displays the store logo, a banner display section G22 that displays advertisements, etc.

The receipt data is a substitute for a paper receipt, and serves as electronic proof of purchase information that proves that a product has been purchased. Therefore, Fig. 15 shows an example in which the following information is displayed for use when presenting the product purchase proof information:
・Store name ・Purchase date and time ・Purchase details ・Total sales amount ・Register number ・Transaction number

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

Furthermore, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic example of an electronic receipt G2. As shown in FIG. 16, the electronic receipt G2 is displayed with the same layout and content as a payment slip printed on paper.

The payment slip data, which is the electronic receipt G2, may be displayed consecutively to the receipt data relating to the same transaction, or may be displayed separately from the receipt data relating to the same transaction.

Thus, according to this embodiment, when a payment means (e.g., a credit card, an electronic money card, a debit card, etc.) related to product transaction data processing is used in a POS terminal, an identification code related to the payment means is input to the electronic receipt management server 4. The electronic receipt management server 4 selects a membership code (recipient code) that identifies a customer (receiver) that is previously associated with the identification code related to the payment means, transmits the selected membership code (recipient code) to the destination of the identification code, and receives electronic receipt information in a structured format associated with the membership code (recipient code) that is related to receipt data showing the transaction details of the product to be paid for in the payment processing by the payment means, and outputs the information to an information processing device associated with the membership code. As a result, for example, when making a credit card payment and receiving an electronic receipt, the customer only needs to present the credit card, which is the payment medium, thereby speeding up the payment processing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, in the above embodiment, the product data file is stored by the POS terminal 1, but this is not limited to the above, and the store server 2 may store the product data file so that it can be referenced by the POS terminal 1.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Product sales data processing device 4 Electronic receipt management server 111 Receipt data generation means 113 Electronic receipt output means 114 Inquiry means 411 Receiving means 412 Storage means 413 Electronic receipt output means 414 Code receiving means 415 Selection means 416 Transmission means

JP 2009-42931 A

Claims (6)

A payment means for executing a payment process using a medium;
An acquisition means for acquiring a customer code for identifying a customer;
an inquiry means for inquiring of a server about the customer code associated with the identification code of the medium used in the payment process when the acquisition means does not acquire the customer code ;
a first generation means for generating receipt data indicating transaction details of the merchandise to be settled in the settlement process and settlement slip data which is proof of the settlement process using the medium, and for generating receipt data including the customer code when the acquisition means acquires the customer code or when there is a response of the customer code associated with the identification code related to the medium;
a second generating means for generating electronic receipt information by converting a data format of the payment slip data into a structured format when the receipt data includes the customer code ;
an output means for outputting the electronic receipt information when the receipt data includes the customer code , and outputting the payment slip data when the receipt data does not include the customer code ;
A sales data processing device comprising: the output means outputs the payment slip data to a printer if the receipt data does not include the customer code .
The sales data processing device according to claim 1 . a receiving unit configured to receive an operation for specifying an output destination of the electronic receipt information when the receipt data includes the customer code ,
The output means outputs the electronic receipt information to the output destination accepted by the acceptance means.
The sales data processing device according to claim 1 . A computer of the sales data processing device,
A payment means for executing a payment process using a medium;
An acquisition means for acquiring a customer code for identifying a customer;
an inquiry means for inquiring of a server about the customer code associated with the identification code of the medium used in the payment process when the acquisition means does not acquire the customer code ;
a first generation means for generating receipt data indicating transaction details of the merchandise to be settled in the settlement process and settlement slip data which is proof of the settlement process using the medium, and for generating receipt data including the customer code when the acquisition means acquires the customer code or when there is a response of the customer code associated with the identification code related to the medium;
a second generating means for generating electronic receipt information by converting a data format of the payment slip data into a structured format when the receipt data includes the customer code ;
an output means for outputting the electronic receipt information when the receipt data includes the customer code , and for outputting the payment slip data when the receipt data does not include the customer code ;
A program to make it function as such. the output means outputs the payment slip data to a printer if the receipt data does not include the customer code .
The program according to claim 4. The computer,
and further functioning as a reception unit that receives an operation for designating an output destination of the electronic receipt information when the receipt data includes the customer code .
The output means outputs the electronic receipt information to the output destination accepted by the acceptance means.
The program according to claim 4.

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