JP6972253B2 - Electronic receipt management server, program and electronic receipt management system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to electronic receipt management servers, programs and electronic receipt management systems .

Conventionally, there is known a mechanism called an electronic receipt in which a receipt or a receipt given from a store to a consumer who is a shopper at the time of product settlement is electronically delivered to a mobile terminal of the shopper or the like.

By converting the receipt into electronic data in this way, the household account book can be automatically booked electronically, which is beneficial for consumers. In addition, the introduction of electronic receipts can reduce the consumption of receipt paper, which is beneficial for stores that have introduced them.

By the way, when the conventionally proposed electronic receipt system is provided across a plurality of companies, the product name of the purchased product information digitized by the plurality of companies depends on the management of each company.

In such a case, the product names displayed on the electronic receipt do not match between the companies because the product names registered in the product master of each company are different even though the products purchased by the consumer are the same product. Will occur.

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic receipt management server, a program, and an electronic receipt management system that can handle data having different expressions for each company in an electronic receipt system that cooperates with a plurality of companies. Is.

The electronic receipt management server of the embodiment includes a receiving means, a determination means, a conversion means, and an electronic receipt transmitting means. The receiving means receives electronic receipt information including the product name of the product to be settled. The determination means determines whether the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means includes a product code for identifying a product. When the determination means determines that the product code is included in the electronic receipt information, the conversion means is a conversion master in which the product code and a unified product name that unifies the expression of the product name are associated with each other. The product name included in the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means is converted into the unified product name. The electronic receipt transmitting means transmits the converted electronic receipt information converted from the product name to the unified product name by the conversion means.

The program of the embodiment causes the computer to function as a receiving means, a determining means, a converting means, and a transmitting means. The receiving means receives electronic receipt information including the product name of the product to be settled. The determination means determines whether the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means includes a product code for identifying a product. When the determination means determines that the product code is included in the electronic receipt information, the conversion means is a conversion master in which the product code and a unified product name that unifies the expression of the product name are associated with each other. The product name included in the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means is converted into the unified product name. The transmitting means transmits the converted electronic receipt information converted from the product name to the unified product name by the conversion means.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the entire configuration of the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a POS terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electronic receipt server. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an electronic receipt management server. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary data structure of the conversion master. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main part of a mobile terminal. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram related to electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt processing in the POS terminal. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt management processing and information transmission processing in the electronic receipt server. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram related to the electronic receipt management process and the information transmission process in the electronic receipt management server. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of electronic receipt management processing and information transmission processing in the electronic receipt management server. FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram related to the electronic receipt receiving process and the electronic receipt viewing process in the mobile terminal. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the electronic receipt receiving process and the electronic receipt viewing process in the mobile terminal. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an electronic receipt displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the data structure of the conversion master according to the second embodiment.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the entire configuration of the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic receipt system includes 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 the store server 2 are provided in the store P1. The POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 are communicably connected to each other via an in-store network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Further, the POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 can be connected to the network N2 connecting the store P1 and the headquarters P2 via a network device (not shown) such as a router connected to the in-store network N1. be. 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. The POS terminal 1 generates receipt data including transaction details of the product to be settled, and prints the receipt data with a printer 13 described later to output a paper receipt. Further, the POS terminal 1 outputs (transmits) the electronic receipt converted into the data format of the receipt data to the electronic receipt server 3 via the network N2. The method of transmitting the electronic receipt is not particularly limited, and a general-purpose protocol such as HTTP or HTTPS may be used. The number of POS terminals 1 provided in the store P1 is not particularly limited, and may be a plurality of POS terminals 1.

The store server 2 comprehensively manages the product sales data processing and the like 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 the product data file and the like used for the product sales data processing.

The number of POS terminals 1 arranged in the store P1 is not particularly limited, and may be a plurality of POS terminals 1. Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration in which the POS terminal 1 outputs an electronic receipt will be described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the receipt data generated by the POS terminal 1 is converted into a data format by the store server 2 or a conversion device (not shown). By converting, it may be configured to output to the electronic receipt server 3 as an electronic receipt.

The electronic receipt server 3 is provided at the headquarters P2 of a company that operates a store or a chain store (hereinafter referred to as a store), and functions as a receipt management server for a 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 of a company that operates a store, for example.

That is, the electronic receipt server 3 is a seller of products or services that operate stores such as convenience stores, supermarkets, food stores, drug stores, apparel stores, home appliance stores, department stores, household goods stores, and restaurants. There are multiple units for each company.

Further, the electronic receipt server 3 receives the electronic receipt transmitted from the POS terminal 1 via the network N2. Further, the electronic receipt server 3 transmits the received electronic receipt to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N3 connecting the headquarters P2 and the electronic receipt center P3.

Here, the network N3 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or VPN. Further, the method of transmitting the electronic receipt is not particularly limited, 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 on the electronic receipt server 3. The electronic receipt server 3 may also be managed by a third party or the like.

The electronic receipt management server 4 functions as a customer receipt management server that collectively manages receipt data of various companies that operate stores. The electronic receipt management server 4 is a member such as the name and member code of each customer (member) who has registered as a member by the procedure described later, and the destination information (for example, e-mail address) of the mobile terminal 7 to which the electronic receipt is sent. The data is stored and managed in the member master held in the database DB. In addition to the electronic receipt management server 4, a member management server or the like for storing and managing member data may be provided.

Further, the electronic receipt management server 4 receives the electronic receipt transmitted from the electronic receipt server 3 via the network N3, and stores and manages the electronic receipt in the electronic receipt management area 43a described later, which is held in the database DB. do. More specifically, the electronic receipt includes elements such as a membership code in addition to the transaction content (product sales data) of the product, and is managed in association with the member data of the corresponding member.

Further, when the electronic receipt management server 4 stores the electronic receipt in the database DB, the electronic receipt management server 4 identifies the destination (mobile terminal 7) by referring to the destination information associated with the member code of the electronic receipt. Then, the electronic receipt management server 4 transmits the electronic receipt stored in the database DB to the transmission destination via the network N5 described later. If additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the destination.

Further, when the electronic receipt management server 4 receives an electronic receipt inquiry specifying a member code from the mobile terminal 7 connected via the network N5 described later, the electronic receipt management server 4 extracts the electronic receipt corresponding to the member code from the database DB. , Sent to the mobile terminal 7. If additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, this additional information is also transmitted to the inquired mobile terminal 7.

The mobile terminal 7 is a terminal device used by a user (customer) of this system, such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a tablet computer. The mobile terminal 7 implements an application such as a Web browser for browsing various information provided on the network N5. A terminal device such as a PC may be applied instead of the mobile terminal 7.

The mobile terminal 7 registers as a member of this system by accessing the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. Here, the network N5 is the Internet or various public networks.

By the way, the membership registration of a customer in this system is performed by, for example, the following procedure. The customer sends a blank mail from the mobile terminal 7 to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5. The electronic receipt management server 4 transmits a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a page for membership registration to the received e-mail address. The customer accesses the URL indicating the page for membership registration from the mobile terminal 7 and displays an input screen for inputting items (name, destination information, etc.) necessary for membership registration. After the customer completes the input of necessary items, the electronic receipt management server 4 executes member registration for the member master. After that, the electronic receipt management server 4 delivers a member registration completion mail including a member code (customer code) and a password to the mobile terminal 7. This completes the membership registration.

After the membership registration as described above, the mobile terminal 7 displays the customer's membership code as a code symbol such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code on the display unit 73 (see FIG. 6) described later. The customer presents the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7 to the clerk at the time of settlement of the transaction at the store P1. The clerk reads the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7 with the code scanner 15 (see FIG. 2) connected to the POS terminal 1. This makes it possible to associate the customer's membership code with the receipt data generated after the settlement by the product sales data processing in the POS terminal 1.

Further, the mobile terminal 7 receives the electronic receipt of the transaction transmitted from the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5 after the settlement (transaction) on the POS terminal 1. By transmitting the electronic receipt inquiry specifying the member code to the electronic receipt management server 4 via the network N5, the electronic receipt of the member is received from the electronic receipt management server 4. Further, the mobile terminal 7 displays the received electronic receipt on the display unit 73.

In the electronic receipt system having such a configuration, an electronic receipt (receipt data) indicating the contents of the transaction (settlement) generated by the product sales data processing performed by the POS terminal 1 of the store P1 is transmitted via the electronic receipt server 3. It is transmitted to the electronic receipt management server 4 and published on the Web. Therefore, the mobile terminal 7 that implements the Web browser can download the receipt data published on the Web to the mobile terminal 7 and browse it with the Web browser by designating the URL (Uniform Resource Locator). .. An application for viewing receipt data may be installed on the mobile terminal 7 for viewing.

Next, the configuration of the main device for constructing the electronic receipt system of the present embodiment will be described.

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 includes a control unit 11 that comprehensively controls various operations and each unit of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data. It is a computer composed of an RTC (Real Time Clock) unit that measures the current date and time.

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

The operation unit 12 has various operation keys for the operator to input an operation. The operation keys include, for example, a number key for inputting a numerical value, a cursor key and a selection decision key for selecting a predetermined item, and a subtotal key for instructing the total output of products for which sales are registered in a transaction. A closing key or the like is provided to declare that the transaction is closed and the price is settled.

The printer 13 is a printer device that prints receipts, journals, and the like. The printer 13 includes a cutting mechanism for cutting paper such as roll paper to be printed (not shown), and cuts the paper according to a cut command described later.

The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays various information such as the product name of the product registered for sale, the price, the total amount of one transaction in which the settlement is declared, and the change amount. The display unit 14 includes an operator display 14a for displaying various information for the cashier and a customer display 14b for displaying various information for the customer. The display unit 14 may be configured as a touch panel, and in this 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, a code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7, and outputs information held in the code symbol to the control unit 11. It is assumed that the code symbol attached to the product holds the product code or the like for identifying the product. Further, it is assumed that the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 7 holds a membership code (customer code) or the like for identifying a customer who carries the mobile terminal 7.

Further, the control unit 11 is connected to the communication I / F (interface) 16 via the bus 18, and can be connected to the in-store network N1 and the network N2 via the communication I / F 16. There is.

Further, the control unit 11 is connected to the storage unit 17 via the bus 18. The storage unit 17 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 17 stores programs for executing various POS operations including product sales data processing. Further, the storage unit 17 stores various data files related to product sales data processing such as a product data file that stores product data such as a product name, a product code, and a unit price of each product. Further, the storage unit 17 stores the receipt data processing program 17a for performing the product sales data processing and the processing related to the receipt data.

Further, the storage unit 17 is provided with a POS number for identifying its own POS terminal 1 from another POS terminal 1, a company code (identification code of a company that operates a store), an industry / business type code, and the POS terminal 1. The store code or the like indicating the store P1 to be stored is stored in the identification code management area 17b. Here, the type of business / business type code is a code (classification code) that distinguishes the type of business / business type of a store as, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, a department store, a pharmacy, a restaurant, a restaurant, or the like. It should be noted that such an industry / business format can be arbitrarily changed according to the user's preference. Further, the company code (identification code of the company that operates the store) and the industry / business type code may be registered in the electronic receipt server 3.

Further, the storage unit 17 provides a receipt data schema 17c that describes conversion rules when converting unstructured receipt data into structured format receipt data such as XML and CSV (hereinafter referred to as electronic receipt). Remember. Specifically, the receipt data schema 17c defines a predetermined element constituting the receipt data and attribute information (tag or the like) indicating the attribute of the element.

Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt server 3 that functions as a receipt management server for a company will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic receipt server 3 includes a control unit 31 that comprehensively controls various operations and each unit of the electronic receipt server 3. The control unit 31 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for measuring the current date and time, and the like. be.

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. Further, the control unit 31 is connected to the storage unit 33 via the bus 34.

The storage unit 33 stores the electronic receipt for each company that operates the store in the electronic receipt management area 33a. The electronic receipt includes a company code (identification code of the company that operates the store), an industry / business type code, a store code, a member code of a shopper, a POS number of the POS terminal 1, a receipt number, product sales data, and the like.

Further, the storage unit 33 stores an electronic receipt management program 33b for managing the electronic receipt in the electronic receipt management area 33a. Further, the storage unit 33 stores an information transmission program 33c for transmitting the 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 the customer receipt management server will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic receipt management server 4 includes a control unit 41 that comprehensively controls various operations and each unit of the electronic receipt management server 4. The control unit 41 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for measuring the current date and time, and the like. be.

The control unit 41 can be connected to the network N3, the network N4, and the network N5 via the communication I / F 42 connected to the bus 44. Further, the control unit 41 is connected to the storage unit 43 via the bus 44.

In the storage unit 43, in addition to the member master management area (not shown) for storing and managing the member master, an electronic receipt management area 43a for collectively storing electronic receipts of various companies operating stores is secured. Has been done. More specifically, the electronic receipt management area 43a manages electronic receipts of various companies that operate stores for each member.

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

Further, the storage unit 43 has a member management program (not shown) for managing the member master in the member master area, and an electronic receipt management program 43c for managing the electronic receipts of each company in the electronic receipt management area 43a. Remember. Further, the storage unit 43 stores the information transmission program 43d for transmitting the electronic receipt to the mobile terminal 7. The member master management area and the electronic receipt management area 43a correspond to the database DB shown in FIG.

Further, the storage unit 43 stores a conversion master M1 of a common product name in which a product code such as a JAN code or an EAN code is associated with a unified product name having a unified expression (product name) in each company. Here, FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the data structure of the conversion master M1. As shown in FIG. 5, the conversion master M1 stores a product code (common product code) such as a JAN code or an EAN code in association with a unified product name. The reason why the conversion master M1 is provided in this way is as follows.

As described above, the electronic receipt system of the present embodiment can be used across a plurality of companies. That is, in the electronic receipt system of the present embodiment, the POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 provided in the store P1 of each company manage the product names of the product data files. Therefore, the product names included in the electronic receipts sent from a plurality of companies depend on the management of each company.

In such a case, even though the products purchased by the consumer are the same product, the product names registered in the product data file of each company are different, that is, the expressions are different for each company, so that they are displayed on the electronic receipt. There will be a situation where the product names do not match between companies.

For example, if the product name is too long to be printed on the receipt, the product name with the print space reduced by a store-specific abbreviation name or half-width kana characters may be registered in the product data file. In this way, if the same product is registered in the product data file with a different product name for each company, when a consumer imports an electronic receipt digitized based on the product name into the electronic household account book, There is an inconvenience that the product is not treated as the same product if the product name is used as the key.

Further, when the data accumulated on the electronic receipt system is aggregated and provided to a third party, or when the right to aggregate is provided to a third party, there is a problem that the same product cannot be recognized as the same product.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, although details will be described later, a method of converting different product names for each company into a unified product name is provided by using the common product name conversion master M1.

The electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 of the present embodiment are files in an installable format or an executable format, and are a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), or a CD-R. , DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) and the like, which are recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium.

Further, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 of the present embodiment are stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading via the network. It may be configured as follows. Further, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

Further, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided by incorporating them into a ROM or the like in advance.

Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 7 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 7 includes a control unit 71 that comprehensively controls various calculations and each unit of the mobile terminal 7. The control unit 71 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for measuring the current date and time, and the like. be.

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

Further, the control unit 71 is connected to the communication I / F 74 via the bus 76, and can be connected to the network N5 via the communication I / F 74. It should be noted that the configuration may be such that it can be connected to the in-store network N1 via the communication I / F74.

Further, the control unit 71 is connected to the storage unit 75 via the bus 76. The storage unit 75 includes a Web browser for browsing various information (contents) published on the Web, an electronic receipt compatible program 75a for receiving an electronic receipt from the electronic receipt management server 4, and the received receipt data. The electronic receipt viewing program 75b for viewing the above is stored.

Next, the operation of each part constituting the system of the present embodiment will be described.

First, the electronic receipt processing executed by the control unit 11 of the POS terminal 1 operating according to the receipt data processing program 17a will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

As shown in FIG. 7, the receipt data processing program 17a executed by the POS terminal 1 has a module configuration including a receipt data generation unit 111 that functions as a receipt data generation means and a receipt data output unit 112 that functions as an output means. It has become. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 11 reads the receipt data processing program 17a from the storage unit 17 and executes it, so that each of the above units is loaded on the RAM, and the receipt data generation unit 111 and the receipt data output unit 112 are in the RAM. It is designed to be generated above.

Here, the receipt data generation unit 111 is a functional unit corresponding to an existing application that mainly performs product sales data processing and generation of receipt printing data (receipt data). When the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a product code that identifies a product via the code scanner 15, the product data corresponding to the product code is read from the product data file, and the payment amount is calculated based on the unit price included in the product data. Execute the product sales data processing to be calculated. Then, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates the product sales data processed at the time of processing the product sales data, that is, the receipt data including the transaction content of the product.

Further, when the receipt data generation unit 111 acquires a member code that identifies a customer via the code scanner 15 at any timing during one transaction, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the member code.

Further, when the receipt data generation unit 111 receives the pressing of the closing key, it determines that the product sales data processing for one transaction is completed, and outputs (issues) the generated receipt data to the receipt data output unit 112 together with the cut command. do. Here, the cut command is one of the commonly used printer control commands, and is instruction information for instructing the cutting (cutting) of the paper on which the receipt data is printed. The receipt data may be generated collectively by pressing the closing key, or may be sequentially generated each time a product code or a customer code is acquired.

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

Specifically, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data does not include the member code, the receipt data output unit 112 outputs the receipt data to the printer 13 together with the cut command. As a result, the printer 13 prints the receipt data on the paper and then cuts the paper according to the cut command to print out the paper receipt for one transaction. At the time of print output, all the elements constituting the receipt data may be printed, the membership code or the like may be removed, or the print may be performed with other information such as an advertisement added.

Further, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes the member code, the receipt data output unit 112 converts the receipt data into a predetermined data format according to the conversion rule of the receipt data schema 17c. Then, the receipt data output unit 112 transmits (outputs) the receipt data whose data format has been converted, that is, the electronic receipt, to the electronic receipt server 3 which manages the electronic receipt in units of companies according to the company code.

The conversion from the receipt data to the electronic receipt is performed based on the conversion rules described in the receipt data schema 17c. Specifically, the receipt data schema 17c defines a predetermined element constituting the receipt data and attribute information (tag or the like) indicating the attribute of the element. The receipt data output unit 112 generates an electronic receipt in a structured format by structuring each element of the receipt data using the corresponding attribute information. By using such a structured electronic receipt, the elements included in the electronic receipt can be efficiently used, and various advantages can be obtained in terms of data management.

In this way, the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data for one transaction has been generated by issuing the cut command by the receipt data generation unit 111, and starts outputting the receipt data. As a result, it is not necessary for the receipt data generation unit 111 to notify the receipt data output unit 112 of a dedicated signal for instructing the end of one transaction. The receipt data output unit 112 can output the receipt data for one transaction without changing the above. Further, since the changed portion of the receipt data generation unit 111 can be suppressed, the electronic receipt output function can be realized while efficiently diverting the existing application.

Further, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data according to whether or not the receipt data includes the member code. As a result, the paper receipt or the electronic receipt can be output without preparing the necessity information of the paper receipt for each customer, so that the output destination of the receipt data can be efficiently determined. Further, for example, the customer (member) can select the output of the paper receipt or the electronic receipt by inputting or not inputting the membership code for each transaction, so that the convenience of the customer can be improved. ..

Further, when the receipt data is output to the electronic receipt server 3, the receipt data output unit 112 converts the elements included in the receipt data into a structured electronic receipt and outputs the electronic receipt. As a result, the elements included in the electronic receipt can be efficiently used. Therefore, in the electronic receipt server 3 and the electronic receipt management server 4 that manage the electronic receipt, and the mobile terminal 7 that displays the electronic receipt. The convenience of the electronic receipt can be improved.

FIG. 8 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 or not the code symbol (product code) attached to the product or the code symbol (member code) displayed on the mobile terminal 7 has been read by the code scanner 15. Determination (step S11). If the code symbol is not 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), the receipt data generation unit 111 determines whether the information acquired by the reading is a product code or a member code (step S12).

When the product code is acquired in step S12 (step S12; product code), the receipt data generation unit 111 reads the product data from the product data file for the product specified by the product code, and the product data is included. The product sales data processing for calculating the settlement amount based on the unit price is executed (step S13). Next, the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the product sales data processed at the time of product sales data processing (step S14).

When the membership code is acquired in step S12 (step S12; membership code), the receipt data generation unit 111 generates receipt data including the membership code (step S15).

Here, in order to input the member code to the POS terminal 1, for example, the customer who is a member displays a code symbol including the member code on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7, and the clerk or the customer who is a member himself / herself displays a code symbol. Read by the code scanner 15 of the POS terminal 1. The receipt data generation unit 111 may be subjected to exclusive processing or the like so that the member code input during one transaction is unique.

In the following step S16, the receipt data generation unit 111 determines whether or not the start of the tightening process is instructed by pressing the tightening key or the like (step S16). If the start of the tightening process is not instructed (step S16; No), the process returns to step S11. When the start of the closing process is instructed (step S16; Yes), the receipt data generation unit 111 issues (outputs) a cut command to the receipt data output unit 112 (step S17).

When the receipt data output unit 112 receives the cut command from the receipt data generation unit 111, it determines that the receipt data for one transaction has been generated, and determines whether or not the receipt data includes the membership code (step S18). ).

When the membership code is not included in the receipt data (step S18; No), the receipt data output unit 112 prints out the receipt data by outputting the receipt data for one transaction to the printer 13 together with the cut command (step S18; No). Step S19), this process is terminated. As a result, the printer 13 prints the receipt data on the paper and then cuts the paper according to the cut command to print out the paper receipt for one transaction.

On the other hand, when the receipt data includes a membership code (step S18; Yes), the receipt data output unit 112 converts the data format of the receipt data, which is an unstructured format, into a structured format, thereby converting the electronic receipt (electronic). Receipt information) is generated (step S20). Then, the receipt data output unit 112 transmits the electronic receipt generated via the communication I / F 16 to the electronic receipt server 3 (step S21), and ends this process.

When converting the receipt data to an electronic receipt, data that is not included in the receipt data but exists in the processing (for example, a common product code corresponding to a product such as a JAN / EAN code) is added and then electronic. It may be converted into a receipt.

In the above processing, when the membership code is included in the receipt data, the receipt data is output to the electronic receipt server 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the receipt data is output to both the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3. May be good.

Further, when the membership code is included in the receipt data, the output destination of the receipt data may be selectable. For example, the mobile terminal 7 may have the code symbol CS to be displayed hold the output classification information for designating the output destination of the receipt data, and select the output destination based on the output classification information. In this form, the receipt data generation unit 111 includes the output classification information read by the code scanner 15 in the receipt data together with the member code. Then, when the receipt data output unit 112 determines that the receipt data includes the member code and determines that the output classification information exists, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output classification information. In addition, it is possible to specify either one or both of the printer 13 and the electronic receipt server 3 for the output classification information.

Further, the output destination of the receipt data may be selected each time when the product is settled. When this form is used, for example, the receipt data output unit 112 displays an output destination selection screen for selecting an output destination of the receipt data on the display unit 14 when it is determined that the receipt data includes a member code. ..

The display of the selection screen is not limited to the operator display 14a, and may be displayed on the customer display 14b. Further, when the customer display 14b has a touch panel configuration, the customer may select the output destination by himself / herself.

Further, it may be a form of confirming the output destination of the receipt data to the customer during the processing of the product sales data processing. When this form is used, the receipt data generation unit 111 displays the output destination selection screen G1 or the like on the display unit 14. The output destination corresponding to the displayed and operated controls is included in the receipt data as output classification information. Then, when the receipt data includes the member code and the output classification information, the receipt data output unit 112 determines the output destination of the receipt data based on the output classification information.

As described above, when the receipt data includes the member code, the receipt data output unit 112 automatically selects the output destination of the receipt data, or accepts the manual selection of the output destination. As a result, the output destination determination method can be flexibly switched, so that the output destination of the receipt data can be efficiently determined.

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

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), the electronic receipt management area 33a of the storage unit 33 contains electrons for each company. Store as a receipt (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.

Further, when the control unit 31 of the electronic receipt server 3 reaches a preset transmission timing (step S31; No → step S34; Yes), the control unit 31 stores and manages the electronic receipt in the electronic receipt management area 33a. It is transmitted to the management server 4 (step S35) and returns to step S31. By the transmission in step S35, for example, the electronic receipt leaked from the transmission target in step S33 can be transmitted to the electronic receipt management server 4. In step S35, it may be controlled to transmit only the untransmitted electronic receipt.

Next, the flow of the electronic receipt management process executed by operating the control unit 41 of the electronic receipt management server 4 according to the electronic receipt management program 43c and the product information transmission process executed by operating according to the information transmission program 43d. Will be described with reference to the functional block diagram shown in FIG. 10 and the flowchart shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d executed by the electronic receipt management server 4 include a receiving unit 411 that functions as a receiving means, an electronic receipt management unit 412 that functions as a management means, and an electronic receipt. It has a modular structure including an electronic receipt transmission unit 413 that functions as a transmission means and an electronic receipt conversion unit 414 that functions as a conversion means. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 41 reads the electronic receipt management program 43c and the information transmission program 43d from the storage unit 43 and executes them, so that each of the above units is loaded onto the RAM, and the receiving unit 411 and the electronic receipt management unit The 412, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413, and the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 are generated on the RAM.

The receiving unit 411 includes a company code indicating a company that operates a store, and an electronic receipt server for a company unit that is electronically processed in place of a receipt or a receipt that is printed and issued when processing product sales data. Receive from 3.

The electronic receipt management unit 412 stores and manages the electronic receipt of the company unit received by the reception unit 411 in the electronic receipt management area 43a of the storage unit 43.

The electronic receipt conversion unit 414 electronically outputs an electronic receipt associated with the membership code and including at least one company code to the mobile terminal 7 associated with the membership code of a predetermined shopper (consumer). Obtained from the receipt management area 43a. After that, the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 determines whether or not the product code such as the JAN code or the EAN code included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M1. When the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 determines that the product code included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M1, the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 converts the product name of the acquired electronic receipt into the unified product name.

The electronic receipt transmission unit 413 transmits the acquired electronic receipt or the electronic receipt obtained by converting the product name into a unified product name.

As shown in FIG. 11, the receiving unit 411 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether or not the electronic receipt transmitted from the electronic receipt server 3 of each company has been received via the communication I / F 42 (step). S41).

When the electronic receipt is received (step S41; 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 storage unit 43 (step S42). Subsequently, the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 determines whether or not the product code such as the JAN code or the EAN code included in the electronic receipt stored in step S42 is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M1 (step S43). ).

When it is determined in the conversion master M1 that the product code included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name (step S43; Yes), the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 unifies the product name of the acquired electronic receipt. Convert to a name (step S44).

Subsequently, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 sends the acquired electronic receipt or the electronic receipt obtained by converting the product name into a unified product name to the destination (mobile terminal 7) managed in association with the membership code of the electronic receipt. Transmission (step S45), and the process returns to step S41.

Further, when the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 of the electronic receipt management server 4 receives an electronic receipt inquiry from the mobile terminal 7 (step S41; No → step S46; Yes), the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 is stored and managed in the electronic receipt management area 43a. After extracting the electronic receipt according to the contents of the electronic receipt inquiry (step S47), it is determined whether or not the product code such as the JAN code or the EAN code included in the electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M1. (Step S48).

When it is determined in the conversion master M1 that the product code included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name (step S48; Yes), the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 unifies the product name of the acquired electronic receipt. Convert to a name (step S49).

After that, the electronic receipt transmission unit 413 transmits the extracted electronic receipt or the electronic receipt obtained by converting the product name into a unified product name to the mobile terminal 7 inquired (step S50), 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 electronic receipt viewing process executed by operating according to the electronic receipt viewing program 75b. , FIGS. 12 to 13 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b executed on the mobile terminal 7 have a modular configuration including a member association unit 711, an electronic receipt receiving unit 712, and an electronic receipt display unit 713. ing. As actual hardware, the CPU of the control unit 71 reads the electronic receipt compatible program 75a and the electronic receipt viewing program 75b from the storage unit 75 and executes them, so that each of the above units is loaded into the RAM, and the member association unit 711 and the electronic device are used. The receipt receiving unit 712 and the electronic receipt display unit 713 are generated on the RAM.

The member association unit 711 associates a member code of a predetermined shopper. The electronic receipt receiving unit 712 receives the 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. 13, first, the member association unit 711 of the mobile terminal 7 accesses the electronic receipt management server 4 and executes the authentication process by inputting the member code and the password (step S51). As a result, the mobile terminal 7 and the membership code of the predetermined shopper are associated with each other.

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 corresponding to the input member code (step S52). ). Further, when the additional information is associated with the electronic receipt, the additional information is also received from the electronic receipt management server 4. The receipt data may be received by e-mail.

Next, the electronic receipt display unit 713 of the mobile terminal 7 displays the electronic receipt or the like received by the electronic receipt receiving unit 712 on the display unit 73 (step S53), and ends the process.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the electronic receipt G2 displayed on the display unit 73 of the mobile terminal 7. The electronic receipt G2 is displayed with the same layout and contents as the receipt printed on the paper. Further, in the electronic receipt G2, it is possible to focus on the product a or the like indicating the traded product by the cursor following the input of the operation unit 72. Further, FIG. 14 shows an example in which a store name logo unit G21 for displaying a store name logo, a banner display unit G22 for displaying an advertisement or the like is provided in the electronic receipt G2.

Further, according to the example shown in FIG. 14, when the product name of the product data file managed by the POS terminal 1 or the store server 2 provided in the store P1 of the company is "product a", it is included in the electronic receipt. The unified product name "product A" is acquired from the conversion master M1 based on the product code, and "product a" is converted to "product A".

The display form of the receipt data does not necessarily have to match the image of the receipt printed on the paper. However, the receipt data is an alternative to a paper receipt and is electronic product purchase proof information certifying that the product has been purchased. Therefore, FIG. 14 shows an example in which the following information is displayed for use when presenting as product purchase proof information.
・ Store name ・ Purchase date and time ・ Purchased product details ・ Total sales amount ・ Deposit amount ・ Change amount ・ Cash register number ・ Transaction number

When a plurality of receipt data are received, a selection screen in which each of the receipt data can be selected may be displayed 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.

As described above, according to the electronic receipt management server 4 of the first embodiment, the unified data (product name) in which the expression is different for each company in the electronic receipt information for each company is unified in each company (unified data (product name). Since it is converted to a unified product name), data (product name) with different expressions for each company can be handled in a unified manner in an electronic receipt system that cooperates with multiple companies.

In the present embodiment, the conversion master M1 that stores the product code (common product code) in association with the unified product name is stored in the storage unit 43 of the electronic receipt management server 4 that functions as the customer receipt management server. In the electronic receipt management program 43c, the product name (common product code) included in the electronic receipt is used as a key to convert the product name registered independently by each company into a unified product name, but this is limited to this. It's not a thing. For example, a conversion master M1 that stores a product code (common product code) in association with a unified product name is stored in a storage unit 17 of a POS terminal 1 that is a product sales data processing device, and a receipt data generation unit 111 stores a receipt. The product name (common product code) included in the above may be used as a key to convert the product name registered independently by each company into a unified product name.

Further, in addition to the unified product name, other items (for example, a unified product category common to all companies) may be associated with the product code (common product code) and stored in the conversion master M1. As a result, on the electronic receipt system side that cooperates with a plurality of companies, different product categories for each company can be converted into a unified product category and handled.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those of the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the case where the product code (common product code) is included in the electronic receipt has been described, but in the second embodiment, the product code (common product code) is included in the electronic receipt. I will explain the case where it is not.

Here, FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically showing the data structure of the conversion master M2 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the conversion master M2 stores the unified product name in association with the company-specific product name of the product data file in the POS terminal 1 and the store server 2 provided in the store P1 of each company. ..

Then, the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 of the electronic receipt management server 4 determines whether or not the company-specific product name included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M2. When the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 determines that the company-specific product name included in the acquired electronic receipt is associated with the unified product name in the conversion master M2, the electronic receipt conversion unit 414 unifies the company-specific product name of the acquired electronic receipt. Convert to a name.

As described above, according to the electronic receipt management server 4 of the second embodiment, when the receipt data does not include the common product code associated with the product such as the JAN / EAN code, the electronic for each company is electronic. In the receipt information, data (product name) with different expressions for each company is converted to unified data (unified product name) with unified expressions in each company, so it is an electronic receipt system that cooperates with multiple companies. Even if there is, it is possible to handle data (product name) with different expressions for each company in a unified manner.

In the present embodiment, the conversion master M2 that stores the company-specific product name and the unified product name in association with each other is stored in the storage unit 43 of the electronic receipt management server 4 that functions as the customer receipt management server. In the electronic receipt management program 43c, the product name registered by each company is converted into a unified product name by using the product name unique to the company included in the electronic receipt as a key, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a conversion master M2 that stores a company-specific product name and a unified product name in association with each other is stored in the storage unit 17 of the POS terminal 1 that is a product sales data processing device, and the receipt data generation unit 111 is included in the receipt. The product name registered by each company may be converted into a unified product name by using the product name unique to each company as a key.

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 Product sales data processing device 4 Electronic receipt management server 111 Receipt data generation means 112 Output means 411 Receiving means 412 Management means 413 Electronic receipt transmission means 414 Conversion means

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-42931

Claims (3)

A receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information including the product name of the product to be settled,
A determination means for determining whether or not the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means includes a product code for identifying a product, and
When the determination means determines that the product code is included in the electronic receipt information, the product code is associated with a unified product name that unifies the expression of the product name. A conversion means for converting the product name included in the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means into the unified product name, and
An electronic receipt transmitting means for transmitting the converted electronic receipt information converted from the product name to the unified product name by the conversion means.
Electronic receipt management server that Ru equipped with. Computer,
A receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information including the product name of the product to be settled,
A determination means for determining whether or not the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means includes a product code for identifying a product, and
When the determination means determines that the product code is included in the electronic receipt information, the product code is associated with a unified product name that unifies the expression of the product name. A conversion means for converting the product name included in the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means into the unified product name, and
A transmission means for transmitting the converted electronic receipt information converted from the product name to the unified product name by the conversion means.
A program to function as. A receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information including the product name of the product to be settled,
A determination means for determining whether or not the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means includes a product code for identifying a product, and
When the determination means determines that the product code is included in the electronic receipt information, the product code is associated with a unified product name that unifies the expression of the product name. A conversion means for converting the product name included in the electronic receipt information received by the receiving means into the unified product name, and
A transmission means for transmitting the converted electronic receipt information converted from the product name to the unified product name by the conversion means.
Electronic receipt management system equipped with.

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