JP6883682B2 - Printers, information processing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to printers , information processing devices and programs.

In recent years, there is known a mechanism called an electronic receipt in which a receipt or a receipt given from a store to a shopper at the time of product settlement is electronically delivered to a consumer's mobile terminal or the like. In the electronic receipt system, as an example, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal generates a structured electronic receipt from unstructured receipt data and uploads it to a data center. Customers can view electronic receipts via the data center. That is, the customer can receive an e-mail with an electronic receipt attached from the data center, or can access the data center to view or search the electronic receipt of past transactions.

By the way, in the conventional electronic receipt system, communication charges are incurred when viewing electronic receipts such as receiving e-mails and accessing data centers. Therefore, there is a demand for a mechanism that allows an electronic receipt to be received immediately at the time of checkout, just as a paper receipt is received at a store.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is a printer, an information processing device, which can easily deliver information related to a transaction to a user as electronic data without going through a data center or the like. And to provide the program.

The printer of the embodiment has a printing unit, a communication means having an antenna for performing short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal equipped with a short-range wireless communication function, an interface connected to the information processing device, and the information processing device. When the receiving means for receiving the receipt data generated based on the information via the interface and the antenna of the communication means are close to the mobile terminal to establish short-range wireless communication, the customer from the mobile terminal. An input means for reading information, a transmission means for transmitting the customer information read by the input means to the information processing device, an acquisition means for acquiring additional information based on the customer information from the information processing device, and the acquisition means. There generates electronic receipt data from the acquired additional information and the receipt data, the electronic receipt data, a first output means for outputting to the portable terminal via the communication means, the antenna having said communication means the When short-range wireless communication is not established by being close to the mobile terminal, the receipt data is used to generate print data of the receipt, and the second output means for printing the print data by the print unit is provided.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a POS system. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printer according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a printer with an external NFC antenna. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the electronic receipt issuing process executed by the printer in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the electronic receipt issuing process in the second embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a POS system. As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system provided in the store mainly includes a POS terminal 2 and a printer 1. The POS terminal 2 is a sales data processing device that registers sales of products. The printer 1 is a receipt printer that prints and issues receipts, journals, and the like. The POS terminal 2 generates unstructured receipt data based on product sales information, accounting information, and the like, and outputs the receipt data together with a command instructing the printer 1 to print out. The printer 1 issues a paper receipt or an electronic receipt based on the receipt data received from the POS terminal 2.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The printer 1 is provided with a receipt issuing port 19 on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 9. Further, the printer 1 is provided with an operation unit 15 on the front right side of the upper surface of the housing 9. Further, the printer 1 is provided with a display unit 16 on the front left side of the upper surface of the housing 9. Further, the printer 1 is provided with an NFC antenna 13 inside the front panel of the housing 9. The NFC antenna 13 performs NFC data communication with a mobile terminal 3 equipped with an NFC function. The position where the NFC antenna 13 is provided is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and may be provided at other places such as the upper surface of the housing 9. Further, the NFC antenna 13 may be provided separately from the printer 1.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the printer 1 with the NFC antenna 13 externally attached. As shown in FIG. 3, the NFC antenna 13 may be configured as an external module and used by connecting to the printer 1.

Here, first, the process of generating receipt data by the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the POS terminal 2 includes a control unit 21 composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The control unit 21 is connected to the communication I / F (Interface) 23 and the connection I / F 24 via the bus 22. The control unit 21 connects to a store server or the like via a communication I / F23 and a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided in the store. Further, the control unit 21 connects to the printer 1 via the connection I / F 24 and performs data communication.

Further, the control unit 21 uses a keyboard 26, a scanner 27, a clerk display 28, a customer display 29, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) via a bus 22 and an I / O (Input / Output) device control unit 25. It is connected to a device such as 40. The control unit 21 controls the input / output processing in each of these units. The keyboard 26 outputs the information input corresponding to the key operation to the control unit 21. The scanner 27 reads the code symbol attached to the product, decodes the product code encoded in the code symbol, and outputs the code symbol to the control unit 21. A liquid crystal panel or the like can be used as the clerk display 28. The clerk display 28 displays a registration screen for product registration, various error messages, and the like. As the customer display 29, a liquid crystal panel, a line indicator, or the like can be used. The customer display 29 displays the registered product name, product price, total price, fishing price, sales promotion message, and the like.

The HDD 40 stores a program that performs each process such as sales data registration process and receipt data generation process. Further, the HDD 40 stores a product master 41 set by associating product information such as a product name, a product code, and a price.

As shown in FIG. 4, the program executed by the POS terminal 2 has a module configuration including a registration unit 61 and a receipt data generation unit 62. Then, the CPU of the control unit 21 realizes the functions of the above units by expanding and executing the program in the RAM.

The registration unit 61 performs a sales product registration process based on the information received from the keyboard 26 or the scanner 27. For example, when the registration unit 61 receives the product code from the keyboard 26 or the scanner 27, the registration unit 61 reads the product information corresponding to the product code from the product master 41. Further, when the current total key is operated on the keyboard 26, the registration unit 61 calculates the total amount of the transaction and calculates the fishing amount according to the input of the deposit amount. The registration unit 61 registers the product information of each product registered in one transaction and the accounting information such as the total amount, the deposit amount, and the fishing amount in the sales file (not shown).

The receipt data generation unit 62 generates receipt data (transaction information) from information such as individual product information and accounting information registered by the registration unit 61, and outputs the receipt data (transaction information) to the printer 1. The receipt data is composed of unstructured text data and the like. As individual product information, for example, information such as the product name, product code, product price, and points of the sold product is used. Further, as the accounting information, information such as the total amount of money for one transaction, the total number of points, the deposit amount, and the fishing amount is used. In addition, the receipt data includes information such as a receipt number, POS terminal 2 identification information (POS number), a company code that identifies the company that manages the store, a store code that identifies the store, and a clerk code that identifies the cashier in charge. Is included.

In addition, although the transaction information at the time of purchasing the product is used here, the product referred to here may be tangible or intangible. That is, it may be a transaction related to the purchase of tangible goods or a transaction related to intangible services.

Next, the paper receipt issuance process and the electronic receipt issuance process by the printer 1 will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the printer 1 includes a control unit 11 composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The ROM stores a program executed by the printer 1. The RAM is used as a work memory for developing a program read from the ROM by the CPU. The control unit 11 is connected to the NFC antenna 13 (communication means) and the connection I / F 14 via the bus 12. The control unit 11 uses the NFC antenna 13 to perform data communication with an NFC-equipped device (for example, the mobile terminal 3 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). Further, the control unit 11 connects to the POS terminal 2 via the connection I / F 14 and performs data communication. Further, the control unit 11 and the connection I / F 14 function as receiving means for receiving transaction information (receipt data) from the POS terminal 2.

Further, the control unit 11 is connected to devices such as an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a print head 17 (print unit), and motors 18 via a bus 12 and various interfaces. The control unit 11 controls the input / output operation of each of these devices.

Next, the program executed by the printer 1 will be described. The program executed by the printer 1 of the present embodiment is provided by being incorporated in a ROM or the like in advance. The program executed by the printer 1 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format and is read by a computer such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). It may be configured to be recorded and provided on a possible recording medium.

Further, the program executed by the printer 1 of the present embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. Further, the program executed by the printer 1 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 5, the program executed by the printer 1 has a module configuration including an electronic receipt data generation unit 51 and a print data generation unit 52. Then, the CPU of the control unit 11 realizes the functions of each of the above units by executing the program.

When the NFC antenna 13 establishes short-range wireless communication with the mobile terminal 3 equipped with the NFC, the electronic receipt data generation unit 51 (first output means) performs the electronic receipt data generation process.

The data structure of the electronic receipt data is not particularly limited, but as an example, the electronic receipt data may be composed of data in a structured format (structured document) such as XML or CSV. In such a case, the electronic receipt data generation unit 51 converts the unstructured receipt data received from the POS terminal 2 into structured data, and generates electronic receipt data. More specifically, the electronic receipt data generation unit 51 converts the receipt data into electronic receipt data based on a predetermined conversion rule. For example, the conversion rule defines a predetermined element constituting the receipt data and attribute information (tag or the like) indicating the attribute of the element. The electronic receipt data generation unit 51 generates electronic receipt data (electronic transaction information) in a structured format by structuring each element of the receipt data (transaction information) using the corresponding attribute information. By converting to the structured format in this way, the elements included in the electronic receipt data can be efficiently used.

The data structure of the electronic receipt data is not limited to this. As another example, the electronic receipt data may be composed of image data such as PDF (Portable Document Format). Further, the electronic receipt data may be composed of a mixture of text and an image. That is, as an example, the electronic receipt data may be composed of text data of transaction information and image data of a logo mark such as a store name.

The electronic receipt data generation unit 51 transmits the generated electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal 3 using the NFC antenna 13.

Here, as transaction information, receipt data showing transaction details related to product purchase (or service purchase) at a store is used, but this is an example of transaction information. Transaction information and other application examples of electronic transaction information will be described later in other embodiments.

After receiving the receipt data from the POS terminal 2, the print data generation unit 52 (second output means) assumes that the electronic receipt will not be received if a predetermined time elapses without the NFC antenna 13 establishing the NFC connection. Start the receipt issuance process. That is, the print data generation unit 52 generates the print data (print image data) of the receipt from the receipt data received from the POS terminal 2. Then, the print data generation unit 52 outputs the generated print data to the print head 17 and instructs the print issuance of the paper receipt.

The print head 17 prints a print image of the receipt on the receipt paper wound in a roll shape based on the print data input from the print data generation unit 52. The motors 18 send the receipt paper to the receipt issuing port 19 (see FIG. 2). A cutter (not shown) provided in the receipt issuing port 19 cuts the receipt paper according to the printing length, and the operator of the POS terminal 2 hands the cut paper receipt to the customer.

Next, the NFC reception process and the display process of the electronic receipt in the mobile terminal 3 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 3. As the mobile terminal 3 equipped with the NFC function, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, or the like can be used. As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 3 includes a control unit 31 composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The control unit 31 is connected to the NFC antenna 33, the communication I / F 34, the operation unit 35, the display unit 36, and the memory 37 via the bus 32.

The control unit 31 performs data communication with the printer 1 via the NFC antenna 33. For example, the NFC antenna 33 receives the electronic receipt data generated by the printer 1 as described above. The control unit 31 can be connected to a public communication network via the communication I / F 34. The display unit 36 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 35 is an input device such as a touch panel provided on the liquid crystal display and other operation keys. The memory 37 is a non-volatile memory. The customer who is a user of the mobile terminal 3 downloads the NFC receipt application 371 for managing the electronic receipt from the download site and installs it in the memory 37.

The NFC receipt application 371 is application software for centrally managing electronic receipts received by NFC. The electronic receipt data received from the printer 1 are collectively stored in the data storage area for the NFC receipt application 371. By activating the NFC receipt application 371, the user of the mobile terminal 3 can easily display a list of electronic receipts received by the NFC and selectively display the transaction date and each transaction store.

The NFC receipt application 371 is not an essential configuration, and is a general file management application installed on the mobile terminal 3, a document viewing application, a data editing application, an image viewing application, a Web browser, or a conventionally proposed one. The electronic receipt received by the NFC may be displayed by using the electronic receipt related application.

The CPU of the control unit 31 functions as an input reception unit 311 and an electronic receipt display unit 312 by expanding and executing the program stored in the ROM or the NFC receipt application 371 of the memory 37 in the RAM.

The input receiving unit 311 receives various inputs from the operation unit 35 to the GUI (Graphical User Interface) corresponding to the display screen displayed by the display unit 36. The input method is not particularly limited, and key operations on the software keyboard may be accepted, or handwriting input or voice input may be used.

The electronic receipt display unit 312 reads the electronic receipt data stored in the data storage area for the NFC receipt application 371 in response to the input reception of the input reception unit 311 and displays the image of the electronic receipt on the display unit 36. .. For example, the electronic receipt display unit 312 first displays the electronic receipt list screen, and then displays the image of the selected electronic receipt according to the selection operation received by the input reception unit 311 on the list screen. Alternatively, the electronic receipt display unit 312 displays a search screen for searching the reception date and the receiving store of the electronic receipt. Then, when the input receiving unit 311 accepts the search condition from the search screen, the electronic receipt display unit 312 displays a list of electronic receipt titles and the like corresponding to the search result.

The display form of the electronic receipt does not necessarily have to match the image of the receipt printed on the paper. However, electronic receipts are an alternative to paper receipts and are electronic receipts that prove that the store has purchased the goods and received the payment. Therefore, it is desirable that the information required for the receipt includes the store name, the date and time of purchase, the details of the purchased product, the total sales amount, the deposit amount, the fishing amount, the cash register number, the transaction number, and the like.

Next, an operation example of the receipt issuing process executed by the printer 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the electronic receipt issuing process executed by the printer 1 in the first embodiment.

The control unit 11 of the printer 1 determines whether or not the receipt data has been received from the POS terminal 2 (step S1). When the receipt data is received (step S1: Yes), the process proceeds to step S2. If the receipt data has not been received (step S1: No), the process waits in step S1. Next, when the NFC antenna 13 establishes an NFC connection with the mobile terminal 3 (step S2: Yes), the electronic receipt data generation unit 51 generates electronic receipt data from the receipt data received from the POS terminal 2 in step S1. Generate (step S3). Then, the electronic receipt data generation unit 51 transmits the electronic receipt data generated in step S3 to the mobile terminal 3 via the NFC antenna 13 (step S4).

On the other hand, if the NFC antenna 13 does not establish an NFC connection even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the receipt data (step S2: No), the print data generation unit 52 receives the receipt received from the POS terminal 2 in step S1. The print data of the receipt is generated using the data (step S5). Then, the print data generation unit 52 outputs the print data generated in step S5 to the print head 17 and instructs the print issuance of the paper receipt (step S6). The print head 17 prints a paper receipt using the received print data, and issues the paper receipt from the receipt issuing port 19 in cooperation with the motors 18.

As described above, when the NFC connection is established, the printer 1 according to the first embodiment generates electronic receipt data and transmits the electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal 3 by NFC. On the other hand, if the NFC connection is not established, the printer 1 generates print data of the receipt and issues a paper receipt. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when the information related to the transaction is provided to the user as electronic data, it can be easily delivered without going through a data center or the like.

Further, conventionally, in general, software installed in a POS terminal of a store is often developed differently for each store, that is, for each company that controls affiliated stores, or for each individual store. While stores can enjoy various benefits by developing software unique to their own company, diversified software is hindering the spread of electronic receipt systems.

That is, in order to popularize electronic receipts, it is necessary to develop software for electronic receipts compatible with POS terminals of each company. In addition, if it becomes necessary to purchase a new POS terminal equipped with the software, the introduction cost at the store will be high, and there is a concern that developing software for the POS terminal will not lead to the spread of electronic receipts. There was also.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the electronic receipt data is generated on the printer 1 side without mounting the function related to the electronic receipt on the POS terminal 2 side. Therefore, it is not necessary to replace the POS terminal or install a data center, and the introduction cost of the electronic receipt can be kept low, so that the spread of the electronic receipt can be promoted to the store side as well.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, when the NFC connection is established, the configuration for NFC output of electronic receipt data from the printer to the mobile terminal has been described. In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the printer reads customer information (personal information) from the mobile terminal when the NFC connection is established will be described.

First, an application program installed and used in the mobile terminal 3 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal 203 according to the second embodiment. The configuration similar to that of the mobile terminal 3 of the first embodiment is shown using the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 6, and duplicated description will be omitted.

The NFC receipt application 372 according to the second embodiment is installed and used in the memory 37 of the mobile terminal 203. The NFC receipt application 372 has a function of registering customer information to be delivered to the store side by NFC in advance, in addition to the function of the NFC receipt application 371 according to the first embodiment. The user of the mobile terminal 203 can, for example, access a Web page that provides the software via an Internet download site and download the NFC receipt application 372 to the mobile terminal 203.

When the NFC receipt application 372 is activated, the electronic receipt display unit 312 displays the application screen of the NFC receipt application 372 on the display unit 36. The application screen is provided with a GUI that accepts input of user's personal information such as user's name, age, gender, address, and email address. The input reception unit 311 stores each personal information received for each input field in a memory accessible by NFC. The storage destination memory may be a part of the memory 37 or may be in a secure element provided attached to the NFC antenna 33.

Next, the printer 201 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the printer 201. As shown in FIG. 9, the program executed by the printer 201 has a module configuration including an information reading unit 253, an electronic receipt data generation unit 251 and a print data generation unit 52. Then, the control unit 211 of the printer 201 according to the second embodiment realizes the functions of the information reading unit 253, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 and the print data generation unit 52 by executing the program. The same configuration as that of the printer 1 of the first embodiment is shown by using the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

When the NFC antenna 13 establishes an NFC connection with the mobile terminal 203, the information reading unit 253 (information reading means) reads customer information from the mobile terminal 203.

The electronic receipt data generation unit 251 (additional information inquiry means) transmits the customer information read by the information reading unit 253 to the POS terminal 202 (see FIG. 10), and inquires about the additional information to be added to the electronic receipt. That is, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 functions as an information output means for outputting customer information to the POS terminal 202. Then, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 adds the additional information received from the POS terminal 202 to the receipt data to generate the electronic receipt data. Further, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 transmits the generated electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal 203 via the NFC antenna 13.

Here, it is assumed that the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 transmits and outputs the customer information to the POS terminal 202, but the output destination of the customer information is not limited to this. The output destination may be another external device, an external server (for example, a store server, a server of a company or a manufacturer, etc.), or a service on the network.

Next, the POS terminal 202 according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the POS terminal 202. As shown in FIG. 10, the HDD 40 includes an additional information master 242 and a customer information DB (database) 243 in addition to the product master 41. The program executed by the POS terminal 202 has a module configuration including a registration unit 61, a receipt data generation unit 62, and an additional information selection unit 263. The configuration similar to that of the POS terminal 2 of the first embodiment is shown by using the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted here.

The additional information master 242 registers additional information added to the electronic receipt delivered to the customer according to the customer information. As additional information, for example, store sale information, information indicating coupons that can be used at the store, and the like can be added to the electronic receipt. As a specific registration example in the additional information master 242, a woman in her thirties is registered as an addition target, and data indicating a coupon that can be used for a predetermined product is registered as information added to the electronic receipt of the addition target.

The customer information DB 243 is a database for collecting and managing customer information read from the mobile terminal 3 on the store side.

The additional information selection unit 263 selects additional information from the additional information master 242 in response to an inquiry for additional information by the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 of the printer 201, and transmits and responds to the printer 201. Further, the additional information selection unit 263 registers the customer information received from the printer 201 in the customer information DB 243. In this way, the store side can collect customer information when issuing the electronic receipt. Therefore, the store that has introduced the printer 201 can use the customer information for sales promotion activities such as sales analysis and direct mail transmission.

Next, an operation example of the electronic receipt data issuance process executed in the second embodiment will be described. Since the paper receipt issuance process is the same operation procedure as in the first embodiment, the description here will be omitted. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the electronic receipt issuing process in the second embodiment.

First, the user of the mobile terminal 203 registers personal information in the NFC receipt application 372 prior to purchasing the product at the store. That is, specifically, the control unit 31 of the mobile terminal 203 accesses the download site, downloads the NFC receipt application 372, and installs the application (step S31). The user of the mobile terminal 203 activates the NFC receipt application 372 and inputs information such as the user name, age (age), gender, and e-mail address from the personal information input screen (step S32).

Next, the operation procedure at the time of accounting processing in the store will be described. The registration unit 61 of the POS terminal 202 performs registration processing of individual products in response to information input from the keyboard 26 or the scanner 27 (step S11). Then, step S11 is continued until the current total key is operated (step S12: No). When the current total key is operated (step S12: Yes), the registration unit 61 performs accounting processing, calculates the total amount, and calculates the fishing amount from the deposit amount (step S13). Then, the receipt data generation unit 62 generates receipt data including product information and accounting information, attaches a receipt issuing instruction, and transmits the receipt data to the printer 201 (step S14).

The electronic receipt data generation unit 251 of the printer 201 receives the receipt data from the POS terminal 202 (step S21). Next, the NFC antenna 33 of the mobile terminal 203 is close to the NFC antenna 13 of the printer 201, and the NFC connection is established (steps S22 and S33). Then, the information reading unit 253 of the printer 201 reads the personal information registered in the NFC receipt application 372 in step S32 from the mobile terminal 203 via the NFC (step S23). Next, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 of the printer 201 uses the personal information read in step S23 to inquire the POS terminal 202 for additional information (step S24).

The additional information selection unit 263 of the POS terminal 202 collects the personal information received from the printer 201 and registers it in the customer information DB 243 (step S15). Further, the additional information selection unit 263 reads the additional information corresponding to the inquired personal information from the additional information master 242 and sends and responds to the printer 201 (step S16).

The electronic receipt data generation unit 251 of the printer 201 generates electronic receipt data from the additional information received in step S16 and the receipt data received in step S21 (step S25). Then, the electronic receipt data generation unit 251 transmits the generated electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal 203 via the NFC antenna 13 (step S26).

The control unit 31 of the mobile terminal 203 receives the electronic receipt data via the NFC antenna 33, and stores the received electronic receipt data in the memory area for the NFC receipt application 372 (step S34). The user of the mobile terminal 203 can view the electronic receipt data received from the printer 201 by activating the NFC receipt application 372. Then, if additional information such as a coupon is added, the display screen of the electronic receipt can be presented at the time of accounting to receive services such as discounts.

As described above, according to the printer 201 of the second embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment described above, customer information can be collected from the customer's mobile terminal 203 at the time of delivery of the electronic receipt. As a result, the store side can use the collected customer information for sales promotion activities and the like.

Further, according to the printer 201 of the second embodiment, an electronic receipt is generated by adding additional information according to the collected customer information and transmitted to the mobile terminal 203. As a result, the customer can check the sales promotion message, coupon, etc. at any place and time by using the mobile terminal 3. Further, since the mobile terminal 3 may be held over when using the coupon, the trouble of carrying a paper coupon can be saved, and the coupon service or the like can be easily used.

In the above description, an example of generating an electronic receipt with additional information on the printer 201 side based on the receipt data and additional information (coupon information, sale information, etc.) has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. .. As another example, the POS terminal 202 side generates the receipt data with the additional information, and the printer 201 side generates the electronic receipt data with the additional information based on the receipt data received from the POS terminal 202 (). For example, an electronic receipt with a coupon) may be generated.

Further, in the above description, an example of incorporating additional information such as coupon information and sale information into electronic receipt data to generate the data has been described, but the data structure is not limited to this. The electronic receipt and the electronic additional information (electronic coupon, electronic public notice, etc.) are generated as separate data, and each may be output by NFC.

(Other aspects)
In the above description, as an example of short-range wireless communication, an example of transmitting and receiving electronic receipt data according to the NFC standard has been described, but a short-range wireless communication function of another standard may be used. For example, short-range wireless communication functions of other standards such as TransferJet (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), and iBeacon (registered trademark) may be adopted.

Further, in the above description, as the printer according to the present embodiment, the printers 1 and 201 used in connection with the POS terminal 2 of the store have been described, but the application target of the present embodiment is not limited to this. Hereinafter, other application examples will be schematically described.

(1) Example of application to a cash handling device As another application example, the above embodiment is applied to a printer mounted on an automated teller machine (ATM) or a printer used by being connected to an ATM. It may be applied. That is, it is assumed that an NFC antenna is mounted or connected to an ATM printer. Then, when the mobile terminal is brought close to the NFC antenna and the NFC connection is established, the control unit (processor) of the ATM printer structures the transaction detail information received from the ATM and generates the data of the electronic transaction statement slip. , Send to mobile terminal. In other words, the transaction details information is converted into an electronic transaction statement slip in a data format obtained by converting the transaction details information into a data format that can be displayed on a mobile terminal. On the other hand, if the NFC connection is not established within a predetermined time, the ATM printer generates print data of the transaction statement and prints and issues the transaction statement on paper. The transaction details information refers to information indicating the details of transactions at ATMs, such as deposit amount (deposit amount), withdrawal amount (refund amount), remittance amount, and account balance.

Further, in such a form, the control unit of the ATM printer may determine the identity between the account holder and the owner of the mobile terminal. As an example, identification information such as the owner name, telephone number, and account number of the mobile terminal is stored in the secure element of the mobile terminal. Then, the ATM side stores these identification information in storage or configures them so that they can be referred to by communication with an external server. Then, the control unit of the ATM printer reads the identification information from the mobile terminal and collates the transaction customer specified by the identification information with the transaction customer specified by the transaction detail information received from the ATM. If the two can be collated, the control unit of the ATM printer generates an electronic transaction statement from the transaction detail information and transmits it to the mobile terminal by NFC. On the other hand, if the two cannot be collated, the ATM printer outputs an error and prints and issues a paper transaction statement as before. In addition, when there is a discrepancy in the identification information, the issuance of the transaction statement on paper may be prohibited.

In this way, even when the present embodiment is applied to an ATM printer equipped with an NFC function, either the printed matter or the electronic data output method is automatically selected, and the customer receives the transaction details information. Can be passed. Therefore, the transaction statement can be converted into electronic data to improve the convenience of the user, and as in the conventional case, it is possible to meet the request of the customer who desires the transaction statement on paper.

(2) Example of application of empty containers to a collection machine As another application example, a collection machine that collects empty containers such as beverage containers and prints a deposit fee or additional points according to the collection amount on a receipt and issues it. , The above embodiment may be applied. That is, the NFC antenna is mounted or connected to the printer of the recovery machine. Then, when the NFC connection is established with the mobile terminal, the printer structures transaction information such as the type, number, deposit fee or points of the empty container to generate electronic receipt data and transmits it to the mobile terminal. On the other hand, if the NFC connection is not established, the printer generates print data from the transaction information and prints and issues a paper receipt as in the conventional case.

(3) Example of application to a deposit processing machine that deposits (charges) electronic money Generally, electronic money is deposited into an IC card at an ATM in a station, a convenience store, a supermarket, a shopping mall, a station, etc. This can be done using the installed kiosk terminal or multifunction ticket vending machine. Therefore, the printer according to the above embodiment may be applied to these electronic money deposit processing machines so that not only paper receipts but also electronic receipts can be output. That is, the NFC antenna is mounted or connected to the printer of the electronic money deposit processing machine. Then, if an NFC connection is established with the mobile terminal, the printer structures transaction information such as the charge amount, the type of electronic money, and the identifier of the charge destination (electronic money ID, etc.), and electronic receipt data (electronic). Usage statement data) is generated. Then, the generated electronic receipt data is transmitted to the mobile terminal by NFC. On the other hand, if the NFC connection is not established, the printer generates print data of the usage statement from the transaction information, and prints and issues a paper receipt (usage statement) as in the conventional case.

(4) Technology Merger with Conventional Electronic Receipt System Printers 1 and 201 may transmit the generated electronic receipt data to POS terminals 2 and 202. Then, the POS terminals 2 and 202 may transmit the received electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt management server that manages the electronic receipt data in the conventional electronic receipt system. The electronic receipt management server transmits and responds to the mobile terminal 3 with the electronic receipt and various display data in response to a browsing request from the conventional electronic receipt application installed on the user's mobile terminal 3.

According to such a form, the customer can collectively manage the transaction record by incorporating the electronic receipt once received by NFC into the list display of the conventional electronic receipt application. On the store side, the printers 1 and 201 may be purchased, the electronic receipt system may be introduced simply first, and then the cooperation system with the electronic receipt management server may be introduced in sequence after the prospect is established. As a result, the store side can test the advantages of the electronic receipt while reducing the burden of initial investment.

As described above, according to the plurality of embodiments described above, the printer side generates electronic transaction information based on the transaction information received from the POS terminal, and the generated electronic transaction information is output by NFC. Therefore, according to the plurality of embodiments described above, even when the information related to the transaction is provided to the user as electronic data, it can be easily delivered.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

1,201 ... Printer, 2,202 ... POS terminal, 3,203 ... Mobile terminal, 13 ... NFC antenna (communication means), 17 ... Print head (printing unit), 51 ... Electronic receipt data generation unit (first output means) ), 52 ... Print data generation unit (second output means).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-194740

Claims (5)

Printing part and
A communication means having an antenna for short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal equipped with a short-range wireless communication function,
The interface connected to the information processing device and
A receiving means for receiving receipt data generated by the information processing device based on transaction information via the interface, and
When the antenna of the communication means is close to the mobile terminal to establish short-range wireless communication, the input means for reading customer information from the mobile terminal and the input means.
A transmission means for transmitting the customer information read by the input means to the information processing device, and
An acquisition means for acquiring additional information based on the customer information from the information processing device, and
A first output means that generates electronic receipt data from the additional information acquired by the acquisition means and the receipt data, and outputs the electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal via the communication means.
When short-range wireless communication is not established because the antenna of the communication means is close to the mobile terminal, the receipt data is used to generate print data of the receipt, and the print data is printed by the print unit. 2 output means and
Printer equipped with. The receipt data generated by the information processing device based on the transaction information is unstructured data.
The printer according to claim 1, wherein the electronic receipt data output by the first output means to the mobile terminal via the communication means is structured format data. The printer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the short-range wireless communication is a communication method based on an NFC standard. The information processing device includes the function of the printer according to claim 1.
Information processing device. Printing part and
A communication means having an antenna for short-range wireless communication with a mobile terminal equipped with a short-range wireless communication function,
The interface connected to the information processing device and
A computer that controls a printer including a receiving means for receiving receipt data generated by the information processing apparatus based on transaction information via the interface.
When the antenna of the communication means is close to the mobile terminal to establish short-range wireless communication, the input means for reading customer information from the mobile terminal and the input means.
A transmission means for transmitting the customer information read by the input means to the information processing device, and
An acquisition means for acquiring additional information based on the customer information from the information processing device, and
A first output means that generates electronic receipt data from the additional information acquired by the acquisition means and the receipt data and outputs the electronic receipt data to the mobile terminal via the communication means.
When short-range wireless communication is not established because the antenna of the communication means is close to the mobile terminal, the receipt data is used to generate print data of the receipt, and the print data is printed by the print unit. 2 output means and
A program that works.

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