JP2018152131A - Electronic receipt system, server apparatus, and program for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to appropriately distribute electronic coupon information for which a usage count per person is limited within a limit range.SOLUTION: In response to reception of data containing each coupon ID of electronic coupon information used in a transaction and a member ID of each member who is a transaction object, a processor updates information representing a usage count stored to be associated with the coupon ID and each member ID contained in the data in such a manner as to increment the usage count. In response to reception of a coupon request command including the member ID, the processor transmits, to a transmission source of the coupon request command, the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID permitted to distribute the electronic coupon information from the information representing the usage count stored to be associated with the member ID for the coupon ID stored to be associated with the member ID included in the coupon request command.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic receipt system capable of distributing electronic coupon information, a server device of the system, and a program for causing a computer to function as the server device.

  Electronically convert receipts from the store to the shopper during settlement of commercial transactions (acts of buying and selling goods with the shopper), and the electronic receipt data, so-called electronic receipt information, is transmitted through a network such as the Internet. There is known an electronic receipt system that is distributed to an information terminal used by a shopper. An electronic coupon system is also known in which a manufacturer or distributor of goods distributes electronic coupon data, so-called electronic coupon information, through a communication network to an information terminal used by a shopper.

  In stores where electronic receipt systems are introduced, consumption of receipt paper is reduced as the number of shoppers receiving receipts as electronic receipt information increases. In addition, the frequency of troublesome operations such as changing receipt paper or dealing with paper jams is reduced. Therefore, in order to increase the usefulness of the electronic receipt system, it is considered to distribute electronic coupon information separately from the receipt data to the information terminal of the shopper who receives the receipt as electronic receipt information.

  Coupons usually have an expiration date. In addition, the number of individual uses may be limited. The expiration date can be limited by adding the expiration date information to the electronic coupon information and selecting the expiration date and the expiration date at the time of distribution. However, since the number of times of use needs to be managed for each shopper, there is no way to limit the current electronic receipt system.

JP 2014-194745 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is that, for a shopper who receives a receipt as electronic receipt information, electronic coupon information obtained by digitizing a coupon with a limited number of personal uses is appropriate within the limited range. It is intended to provide an electronic receipt system that can be distributed to a server and a server device of this system.

  In one embodiment, the server device includes first to third storage units, a timing unit, an adding unit, an updating unit, and a distributing unit. The first storage unit stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating transaction details in association with customer identification information for identifying a customer who is the object of the transaction. A 2nd memory | storage part memorize | stores the electronic coupon information which digitized the coupon which can be used by transaction with the information which shows the starting date of the period which can be used. The third storage unit includes coupon identification information for identifying electronic coupon information, customer identification information for customers to whom electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information is distributed, and the number of times the customer uses electronic coupon information. Is stored. The time measuring means measures the date. Each time the date counted by the timing unit is updated, the adding unit acquires electronic coupon information whose start date matches the date counted by the timing unit from the second storage unit, and identifies the electronic coupon information The third storage stores the coupon identification information to be associated with the customer identification information of the customer to whom the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information is distributed and the information indicating the number of times the customer uses the electronic coupon information. Add to the department. The update means is included in the data in the third storage unit in response to receiving data including coupon identification information of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and customer identification information of the customer who is the object of the transaction. Information indicating the number of times of use stored in association with coupon identification information and customer identification information is updated so that the number of times of use increases. In response to receipt of the coupon request command including customer identification information, the distribution means associates the customer with the customer identification information stored in the third storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the coupon request command. The electronic coupon information identified by coupon identification information that is allowed to be distributed from information representing the number of times of use stored in association with the identification information is transmitted to the transmission source of the coupon request command.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic receipt system. The block diagram which shows the principal part circuit structure of an information terminal. The block diagram which shows the principal circuit structure of a POS terminal. The block diagram which shows the principal circuit structure of an electronic receipt server. The block diagram which shows the principal part circuit structure of a center server. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the electronic receipt record preserve | saved at a receipt file. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the member record preserve | saved at a member file. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the coupon record preserve | saved at a coupon file. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the delivery management record preserve | saved at a delivery management file. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the update process which the processor of a center server performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the coupon confirmation process which the processor of an information terminal performs. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the top screen displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen without a coupon displayed on the touchscreen of an information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the coupon list screen displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the coupon use screen displayed on the touch panel of an information terminal. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the coupon request command reception process which the processor of a center server performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the scanning process which the processor of a POS terminal performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the coupon determination process in the scanning process concretely. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the closing key process which the processor of a POS terminal performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the frequency | count request command reception process which the processor of a center server performs. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the receipt data reception process which the processor of a center server performs.

  Hereinafter, for a shopper who receives a receipt as electronic receipt information, an embodiment of an electronic receipt system capable of appropriately distributing electronic coupon information within a limited range, which is an electronic version of a coupon with a limited number of personal uses, This will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of electronic receipt system]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic receipt system 1 in the present embodiment.
The electronic receipt system 1 includes a POS system 2, a server system 3, and a network 4 for connecting the two systems 2 and 3 so as to be capable of mutual communication. The network 4 is a wide area communication network such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The electronic receipt system 1 is connected to an information terminal 6 equipped with a wireless communication function by relaying the base station 5 on the network 4. The information terminal 6 is a wireless communication device carried by a shopper, for example, and corresponds to a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, and the like.

  The POS system 2 includes a plurality (two in the figure) of POS terminals 21, a store server 22, a router 23, and a LAN (Local Area Network) 24. The POS system 2 is configured by connecting each POS terminal 21, the store server 22, and the router 23 to the LAN 24. The LAN 24 may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. Such a POS system 2 is constructed in a retail store or the like that sells products.

  The POS terminal 21 has a function of registering sales data of merchandise purchased by a shopper, a function of settlement of a commercial transaction with the shopper, and the like. When the POS terminal 21 settles the commercial transaction, it creates receipt data indicating the details of the commercial transaction and issues a receipt. The receipt may be issued as a paper receipt or as an electronic receipt. When issuing as a paper receipt, the POS terminal 21 controls the printer 217 (see FIG. 3) to print the receipt data on a predetermined receipt sheet. When issuing as an electronic receipt, the POS terminal 21 transmits electronically received receipt data to the server system 3 together with a member ID that is customer identification information read by the reading device.

  The store server 22 includes a product master file that stores information on each product sold in the store. The information includes a product ID that is product identification information for identifying each product individually. Further, the name of the product (product name) identified by the product ID, the price per unit (unit price), the classification code indicating the product classification, and the like are also stored in the product master file. The classification code is a code for identifying a classification such as whether the product identified by the corresponding product ID is food or miscellaneous goods. When there is an inquiry about the product ID from the POS terminal 21 via the LAN 24, the store server 22 responds to the POS terminal 21 as the inquiry source with product information including the product name, unit price, classification code and the like.

  The router 23 relays data communication between the LAN 24 and the network 4. Electronic receipt information (digitized receipt data) transmitted from the POS terminal 21 to the server system 3 via the LAN 24 is transmitted to the server system 3 on the network 4 via the router 23.

  1 shows the POS system 2 of one store, but typically, the POS systems 2 of a plurality of stores are connected to the network 4 and the electronic receipt system 1 is configured together with the server system 3.

  The server system 3 includes an electronic receipt server 31 and a center server 32. The electronic receipt server 31 collectively stores electronic receipt information issued to each shopper. Specifically, the electronic receipt server 31 includes a storage device for storing electronic receipt information, and the electronic receipt information received via the network 4 is stored in this storage device. When there is a request from the information terminal 6, the electronic receipt server 31 reads out the electronic receipt information issued to the shopper who is the user of the information terminal 6 from the storage device, and the information terminal 6 via the network 4. Send to.

  The center server 32 collectively stores electronic coupon so-called electronic coupon information. Specifically, the center server 32 includes a storage device for storing electronic coupon information, and stores electronic coupon information input from the outside in the storage device. The external device may be a computer device connected to the network 4 or a reading device that reads data from a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory. When there is a request from the information terminal 6, the center server 32 reads electronic coupon information that can be used by a shopper who is a user of the information terminal 6 at a retail store or the like from the storage device, and the information server 6 via the network 4. Send to.

[Configuration of information terminal]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the information terminal 6.
The information terminal 6 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a touch panel 65, a wireless unit 66, and the like in a portable main body. The processor 61, the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the clock 64, the touch panel 65, and the wireless unit 66 are connected by a system transmission path 67 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

The information terminal 6 constitutes a computer by a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, and a system transmission path 67 connecting them.
The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each unit to realize various functions as the information terminal 6 according to the operating system and application programs.

  The main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system and application programs in a nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor 61 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 61.

  The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) is used as the auxiliary storage device 63. A hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) may be used as the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used when the processor 61 performs various processes, data generated by the processes in the processor 61, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 63 may store the above application program.

The clock 64 functions as a time information source for the information terminal 6. The processor 61 measures the current date and time based on the time information timed by the clock 64.
The touch panel 65 functions as an input device and a display device of the information terminal 6. On the touch panel 65, an icon for starting the application program is displayed.
The wireless unit 66 performs wireless data communication with the base station 5 using a wireless LAN, mobile data communication, or the like.

  The information terminal 6 having such a configuration becomes a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the electronic receipt terminal program P1 which is an application program. That is, the information terminal 6 can receive the electronic receipt information distributed from the electronic receipt server 31 via the wireless unit 66 and display the receipt image on the touch panel 65. Further, the information terminal 6 can receive the electronic coupon information distributed from the center server 32 via the wireless unit 66 and display the coupon list on the touch panel 65.

  The electronic receipt terminal program P1 controls the processor 61 so that the information terminal 6 functions as a user terminal for the electronic receipt system 1 that can distribute electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt terminal program P1 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 63. In addition, an electronic receipt management area W1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 63 together with the electronic receipt terminal program P1.

  In order for the user of the information terminal 6 to receive a receipt from a retail store as electronic receipt information, it is necessary to register as a member in advance. Member registration can be executed from the information terminal 6 under the control of the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Therefore, the user needs to install the electronic receipt terminal program P1 in the information terminal 6 before the membership registration.

  In the information terminal 6 in which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed, when the user activates the electronic receipt terminal program P1 and selects the member registration mode, a member registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 65. Therefore, the user performs user registration by inputting user information such as name, age, sex, and postal code. By this member registration, a member ID for identifying the user is issued from the server system 3. The member ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W1 of the information terminal 6. Hereinafter, a user who has registered as a member is referred to as a member.

[POS terminal configuration]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 21.
The POS terminal 21 includes a processor 211, a main memory 212, an auxiliary storage device 213, a clock 214, a keyboard 215, a display 216, a printer 217, a scanner 218, a communication interface 219, and the like. The processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, the clock 214, the keyboard 215, the display 216, the printer 217, the scanner 218, and the communication interface 219 are connected by a system transmission path 2110.
The processor 211, the main memory 212, the auxiliary storage device 213, and the clock 214 of the POS terminal 21 are the same as those of the information terminal 6.

  The keyboard 215 is a dedicated input device in which various function keys such as a multiplication key, a subtotal key, and a closing key are provided in addition to a numeric key for entering numerical values such as points and money. A function necessary for the POS terminal 21 may be assigned to an arbitrary key of a general-purpose keyboard. The closing key is a key for the operator to declare the registration closing of the commercial transaction.

  The display 216 is a display device for displaying the name (product name), price, total amount, change amount, etc. of the product registered in the POS terminal 21. There are two types of displays 216 for the clerk who operates the POS terminal 21 and for the shopper. Note that a touch panel that serves both as an input device and a display device may be applied instead of the keyboard 215 and the display 216.

  The printer 217 prints receipt data representing the details of the commercial transaction on a predetermined receipt sheet. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is cut by a cutter and issued as a paper receipt.

  The scanner 218 optically reads code symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional data codes. Many products have a code symbol obtained by bar-coding a product code unique to the product. The scanner 218 is used to read code symbols attached to commodities purchased by the shopper. Further, a code symbol obtained by converting the member ID into a bar code is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 in which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed. The scanner 218 is also used for reading code symbols displayed on the touch panel 65. That is, the scanner 218 also functions as a member ID reading device (first reading means).

  The member ID reading device is not limited to the scanner 218. For example, in the case where the information terminal 6 is a device compatible with short-range wireless communication and transmits a member ID using this short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication device for receiving the member ID is the reading device. Become.

  The communication interface 219 is connected to the LAN 24. The communication interface 219 performs data communication with a device connected via the LAN 24 according to a preset communication protocol.

  The POS terminal 21 having such a configuration becomes an accounting device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the electronic receipt issuing program P2 which is an application program. That is, the POS terminal 21 can issue a receipt generated by a commercial transaction with a member as an electronic receipt. The POS terminal 21 can perform a discount process according to the electronic coupon information presented by the member. Discount processing includes product-based discounts and subtotal discounts. In this embodiment, the discount by the coupon is an amount discount, but the discount by discounting the amount at a predetermined rate or the price change by changing the price of the product to an amount lower than the normal unit price is the discount by the coupon. It is good.

  The electronic receipt issuing program P2 controls the processor 211 so that the POS terminal 21 becomes an accounting device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt issuing program P2 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 213.

[Configuration of electronic receipt server]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the electronic receipt server 31.
The electronic receipt server 31 includes a processor 311, a main memory 312, an auxiliary storage device 313, a clock 314, a communication interface 315, and the like. The processor 311, the main memory 312, the auxiliary storage device 313, the clock 314, and the communication interface 315 are connected by a system transmission line 316.
The processor 311, main memory 312, auxiliary storage device 313 and clock 314 of the electronic receipt server 31 are the same as those of the information terminal 6 and the POS terminal 21.

  The communication interface 315 is connected to the network 4. The communication interface 315 performs data communication with a device connected via the network 4 according to a preset communication protocol.

  The electronic receipt server 31 having such a configuration becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the electronic receipt server program P3 which is an application program. That is, the electronic receipt server 31 collectively stores electronic receipt information issued from each POS terminal 21. The electronic receipt server 31 transmits corresponding electronic receipt information to the information terminal 6 in response to a request from the information terminal 6.

  The electronic receipt server program P3 controls the processor 311 so that the electronic receipt server 31 becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt server program P3 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 313. In addition, a receipt file FL1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 313 together with the electronic receipt server program P3. The receipt file FL1 is used as an area for collectively storing electronic receipt information.

[Configuration of center server]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the center server 32.
The center server 32 includes a processor 321, a main memory 322, an auxiliary storage device 323, a clock 324, a communication interface 325, and the like. The processor 321, the main memory 322, the auxiliary storage device 323, the clock 324, and the communication interface 325 are connected by a system transmission line 326.
The processor 321, main memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, clock 324 and communication interface 325 of the center server 32 are the same as those of the electronic receipt server 31.

  The center server 32 having such a configuration becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information by installing the electronic coupon management program P4 that is an application program. That is, the center server 32 collectively stores electronic coupon information planned by a product manufacturer. Further, in response to a request from the information terminal 6, the center server 32 transmits to the information terminal 6 electronic coupon information whose distribution destination is a group to which a member carrying the information terminal 6 belongs.

  The electronic coupon management program P4 controls the processor 321 so that the center server 32 becomes a server device of the electronic receipt system 1 capable of distributing electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon management program P4 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 323. A member file FL2, a coupon file FL3, and a distribution management file FL4 are formed in the auxiliary storage device 323 together with the electronic coupon management program P4. The member file FL2 is used as an area for collectively storing information about members. The coupon file FL3 is used as an area for collectively storing electronic coupon information. The distribution management file FL4 is used as an area for storing information for managing the distribution of the electronic coupon information for each electronic coupon information.

[Configuration of each file]
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the electronic receipt record FL1R stored in the receipt file FL1. The electronic receipt record FL1R includes a member ID and receipt data issued to the member identified by the member ID.

  The receipt data includes a store code, transaction date and time, merchandise sales data, use coupon data, settlement data, and the like. The store code is a unique code assigned to each store to identify the retail store. The merchandise sales data is composed of a merchandise ID that is an identification code of a merchandise purchased by the member, a merchandise name, a unit price, a sales point, a sales price, and the like. The used coupon data includes a coupon ID, which is identification information of electronic coupon information used by the member, a discount amount, and the like. The settlement data is composed of a settlement amount of a commercial transaction with a member, a payment type, and the like.

  Here, the receipt file FL1 is a first storage unit that stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating the details of a transaction in association with customer identification information (member ID) that identifies a customer who is the object of the transaction. Configure.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the member record FL2R stored in the member file FL2. The member record FL2R includes a member ID and the name, sex, age, postal code, transaction result data, coupon result data, rank, distribution stop flag F0, and the like of the member identified by the member ID.

  The name, gender, age, and postal code are data entered at the time of member registration. The transaction performance data is data obtained by tabulating the purchase performance of the product by the member. Transaction performance data is generated by aggregating merchandise sales data included in the receipt data. The coupon record data is data obtained by tabulating the record of the member's use of the electronic coupon information. The coupon record data is generated by aggregating used coupon data included in the receipt data. The rank is a member's preferential treatment. For example, a rank is set for each shopper according to the accumulated amount of purchase. The accumulated amount of purchase can be obtained from transaction performance data.

The distribution stop flag F0 is reset to “0” in the initial state, and is set to “1” when the distribution of the electronic coupon information to the member identified by the corresponding member ID is stopped. For example, by using the screen shot function of the information terminal 6 and storing the screen of the touch panel 65 as an image, it is possible to illegally use the distributed electronic coupon over the effective number of times. Therefore, the distribution of the electronic coupon can be stopped thereafter by setting the distribution stop flag F <b> 0 to “1” for the member who has worked such fraud.
Here, the member file FL2 constitutes a fourth storage unit that stores information for prohibiting the distribution of the electronic coupon information in association with the customer identification information (member ID).

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coupon record FL3R stored in the coupon file FL3. The coupon record FL3R includes a coupon ID, a product ID, a product name, a discount amount, a start date, an end date, a delivery condition, an effective number, and the like related to electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID.

  The product ID is an ID of a product to which discount is applied based on the electronic coupon information. The product name is the name of the product identified by the corresponding product ID. The discount amount is an amount discounted by the electronic coupon information. The start date and the end date are the start and end dates of the period in which the electronic coupon information can be used. The distribution condition is a condition for determining a member group to be distributed as electronic coupon information. Groups can be grouped by items representing customer attributes, for example, sex, age, zip code, rank, etc., in the data constituting the member record FL2R. For example, when the distribution condition is “female / 20s”, female members aged 20 to 29 are targeted for distribution of electronic coupon information. Similarly, when the distribution condition is “rank 1”, the member whose rank is set to 1 is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information. The effective number is the upper limit number of times that a member can use the coupon of the electronic coupon information. For example, in the case of electronic coupon information that a member can use only once per person, the valid count is “1”. For example, in the case of electronic coupon information that a member can use up to twice per person, the valid count is “2”.

  Here, the coupon file FL3 constitutes a second storage unit that stores electronic coupon information obtained by digitizing a coupon that can be used in a transaction. This coupon file FL3 stores the number of valid times together with the electronic coupon information.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a distribution management record FL4R stored in the distribution management file FL4. The distribution management record FLR4 is composed of a coupon ID and pair data of a member ID and an allowable number N. The member ID identifies a member belonging to a group to which electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is distributed. The allowable number N is an effective number of electronic coupon information as an initial value, and is counted down every time electronic coupon information is used by a member identified by a corresponding member ID. When the allowable number N becomes “0”, the member cannot use the coupon of the electronic coupon information.

  Here, the distribution management file FL4 includes coupon identification information (coupon ID) for identifying electronic coupon information, customer identification information (member ID) of customers who are distribution targets of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information, and A third storage unit that stores information indicating the number of times the customer uses the electronic coupon information (allowable number N) is stored.

[Operation of electronic receipt system]
First, an operation until the member acquires electronic coupon information from the center server 32 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the update process executed by the processor 321 of the center server 32 each time the date counted by the clock 324 is switched to the next day. This update process is in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the contents of the process illustrated in FIG. 10 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  The processor 321 reads the coupon record FL3R from the coupon file FL3 as Act1. Incidentally, the coupon file FL3 stores a large number of coupon records FL3R related to electronic coupon information planned by the manufacturer of the product. The processor 321 executes the processes after Act2 on the read coupon record FL3R.

  That is, the processor 321 checks whether the start date of the coupon record FL3R as Act2 matches the date counted by the clock 324. If they do not match (NO in Act2), the processor 321 checks whether the end date of the coupon record FL3R matches the date as Act3. If they do not match (NO in Act3), the processor 321 proceeds to the processing of Act13.

  When the start date of coupon record FL3R matches the date of clock 324 (YES at Act2), processor 321 stores the coupon ID of coupon record FL3R as Act4 in the work area. Further, the processor 321 recognizes the distribution condition of the coupon record FL3R as Act5.

  The processor 321 that has recognized the distribution condition searches the member file FL2 as Act6. Then, the processor 321 determines whether or not the distribution condition is satisfied for each member record FL2R as Act7. When a member record FL2R that satisfies the distribution conditions is detected (YES in Act7), the processor 321 stores, as Act8, pair data of the member ID of the member record FL2R and the valid number of coupon records FL3R in the work area. . When member record FL2R does not satisfy the distribution conditions (NO in Act 7), processor 321 does not store pair data of the member ID and the valid number in the work area.

  The processor 321 determines whether or not the search for the member file FL2 is completed as Act9. If not completed (YES in Act 9), the processor 321 returns to the process of Act 6. That is, the processor 321 continues to search for the member file FL2. Each time the member record FL2R satisfying the distribution condition is detected, the processor 321 stores the pair data of the member ID and the valid number in the work area.

  If the member file search is completed (NO in Act 9), the processor 321 creates a delivery management record FL4R as Act 10. The distribution management record FL4R includes the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R read from the coupon file FL3 in the Act1 process, and the pair data of the member ID and the valid number created in the Act8 process. The created distribution management record FL4R is stored in the work area. Thereafter, the processor 321 proceeds to the process of Act13.

On the other hand, if the end date of coupon record FL3R matches the date of clock 324 (YES at Act3), processor 321 searches for distribution management file FL4 as Act11 and stores the coupon ID of coupon record FL3R. The delivery management record FL4R is deleted. Further, the processor 321 deletes the coupon record FL3R as Act12 from the coupon file FL3. Thereafter, the processor 321 proceeds to the process of Act13.
Note that “deletion” of the coupon record FL3R and the distribution management record FL4R does not mean that the record is physically deleted from the file. For example, “deletion” also includes a case where a record is invalidated by adding flag information indicating invalidity to the record.

  In Act 13, the processor 321 determines whether or not there is a next coupon record FL3R. If there is a next coupon record FL3R in coupon file FL3 (YES at Act13), processor 321 returns to the processing of Act1. Then, the processor 321 executes the processes after Act1 in the same manner as described above.

  When there is no next coupon record FL3R in coupon file FL3 (NO in Act 13), processor 321 saves distribution management record FL4R stored in the work area as Act 14 in distribution management file FL4. This is the end of the update process.

  By this update process, the distribution management record FL4R related to the electronic coupon information within the distribution period is collectively stored in the distribution management file FL4. Each distribution management record FL4R includes pair data of a member ID of a member who satisfies the distribution condition of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID and the allowable number N of the member.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the coupon confirmation process which is a part of the process executed by the processor 61 of the information terminal 6. 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 65 by executing the coupon confirmation process. The processor 61 executes this coupon confirmation process according to the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 11 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  An icon for starting up the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is displayed on the touch panel 65 of the information terminal 6 in which the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is installed. When the member touches this icon, the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is activated.

  When the electronic receipt terminal program P1 is activated, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 65 as Act 21 as the top screen G1 (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, a barcode symbol 71 is displayed on the top screen G1. The bar code symbol 71 is a bar code of the member ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1. Further, a coupon confirmation icon 72 for instructing the member to confirm the electronic coupon information and a receipt icon 73 for instructing the member to confirm the electronic receipt information are also displayed on the top screen G1.

  With the top screen G1 displayed, the processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched as Act22. When it is detected that the screen is touched by a signal from touch panel 65 (YES in Act 22), processor 61 confirms whether coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched as Act 23 or not. When a screen area other than the coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched (NO in Act 23), the processor 61 executes processing corresponding to the touch position. For example, when the receipt icon 73 is touched, a receipt list screen is displayed on the touch panel 65. The receipt list screen is a screen that lists simple information such as the transaction date, store name, and total amount of electronic receipt information issued to the member. When the member touches the desired simple information display field, A receipt image of the transaction corresponding to the simple information is displayed on the touch panel 65.

  When the coupon confirmation icon 72 is touched (YES in Act 23), the processor 61 transmits a coupon request command having the member ID as a search key as Act 24 to the center server 32. That is, the processor 61 reads the member ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. Then, the processor 61 notifies the wireless unit 66 to transmit a coupon request command including this member ID to the center server 32.

  Upon receiving this notification, the wireless unit 66 wirelessly transmits a coupon request command having the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission destination address and the communication address of the information terminal 6 as the transmission source address. This coupon request command includes the member ID in the electronic receipt management area W1. The coupon request command transmitted wirelessly is received by the base station 5 and transmitted to the center server 32 via the network 4.

  The processor 321 of the center server 32 that has received the coupon request command executes the reception process of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process is in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 16 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When the reception process of the coupon request command is started, the processor 321 acquires a member ID as Act41. As described above, the coupon request command includes a member ID for identifying a member who is a user of the information terminal 6 that is a transmission source of the command. The processor 321 acquires the member ID from the coupon request command.

  When acquiring the member ID, the processor 321 searches the member file FL2 with the member ID as Act 42, and confirms the distribution stop flag F0 of the member record FL2R including the member ID. If the distribution stop flag F0 is set to “1” (NO in Act 42), since the distribution of the electronic coupon information is stopped for the member identified by the member ID, the processor 321 determines that Act 53 Proceed to the process. If the distribution stop flag F0 has been reset to “0” (YES in Act 42), since the distribution of the electronic coupon information is permitted to the member identified by the member ID, the processor 321 determines that Act 43 Proceed to the process.

  In Act 43, the processor 321 forms a coupon list in the volatile memory area of the main memory 322. Next, the processor 321 searches the distribution management file FL4 as Act44. Then, the processor 321 confirms whether the acquired member ID is included for each distribution management record FL4R as Act45. When the delivery management record FL4R including the member ID is detected (YES in Act 45), the processor 321 confirms whether the allowable number N constituting the member ID and the pair data as Act 46 is “1” or more. .

  When the allowable number N is “1” or more (YES in Act 46), the processor 321 acquires a coupon ID as Act 47 from the distribution management record FL4R. Then, the processor 321 reads the coupon record FL3R including the coupon file from the coupon file FL3 as Act 48, and creates electronic coupon data with the coupon ID, the product ID, the product name, the discount amount, etc. of the coupon record FL3R. The processor 321 registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list as Act49. When member ID is not included in distribution management record FL4R (NO in Act 43), or when allowable number N is “0” (NO in Act 45), processor 321 executes each of Act 47, Act 48, and Act 49. Do not execute processing.

  The processor confirms whether the search of the distribution management file FL4 is completed as Act50. If not completed (NO in Act 50), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 44. That is, the processor 321 continues to search for the distribution management file FL4. Each time the distribution management record FL4R including the member ID acquired from the coupon request command and the allowable number of times N constituting the member ID and the paired data is “1” or more is detected, the processor 321 manages the distribution management. Electronic coupon data including the coupon ID of the record FL4R is created. Then, the processor 321 registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list.

  If the search of distribution management file FL4 is completed (YES in Act 50), processor 321 confirms whether electronic coupon data is registered in the coupon list as Act 51. When the electronic coupon data is registered (YES in Act 51), the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 to transmit the coupon list data to the information terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the coupon request command as Act 52.

  Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 transmits the coupon list data on the network 4 with the communication address of the information terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the coupon request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission source. To do. The coupon list data includes electronic coupon data registered in the coupon list.

  On the other hand, when the electronic coupon data is not registered in the coupon list (NO in Act 51), the processor 321 proceeds to the process of Act 53. In Act 53, the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 to transmit the couponless notification data to the information terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the coupon request command.

  Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 sends the couponless notification data on the network 4 with the communication address of the information terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the coupon request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission source. Send to.

  The coupon list data or no coupon notification data transmitted on the network 4 is wirelessly transmitted from the base station 5 and received by the information terminal 6 having the communication address of the transmission destination.

  Here, the computer of the center server 32 mainly including the processor 321 constitutes a distribution unit in cooperation with the communication interface 325. That is, in response to receiving the coupon request command including the member ID, the computer associates with the member ID among the coupon IDs stored in the distribution management file FL4 in association with the member ID included in the coupon request command. The stored allowable number of times N is “1” or more, and the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID permitted to be distributed is transmitted to the transmission source of the coupon request command.

Returning to FIG.
The processor 61 of the information terminal 6 that has transmitted the coupon request command to the center server 32 waits for data transmitted from the center server 32 as Act 25. Here, when data of no coupon notification is received via the wireless unit 66 (NO in Act 25), the processor 61 uses the screen of the touch panel 65 as Act 26 as a coupon no notification screen G2 (see FIG. 13). To do. As shown in FIG. 13, a message 74 notifying that there is no electronic coupon information usable together with the barcode symbol 71 of the member ID is displayed on the no coupon notification screen G2. Therefore, the member who touched the coupon confirmation icon 72 can confirm from this message 74 that there is no electronic coupon that can be used at the present time.

  Note that the message displayed on the no coupon notification screen G2 is displayed when electronic coupon data is not registered in the coupon list (NO in Act 51) and when the distribution stop flag F0 is set to “1” (Act 42). It is also possible to change it with NO). For example, when the distribution stop flag F0 is set to “1”, a message notifying that the distribution of the electronic coupon information is prohibited may be displayed.

  When coupon list data is received from the center server 32 (YES in Act 25), the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 65 as Act 27 as the coupon list screen G3 (see FIG. 14). As shown in FIG. 14, a coupon list 75 is displayed on the coupon list screen G3 together with the barcode symbol 71 of the member ID. A selection end icon 76 for the member to instruct the end of selection of the electronic coupon information is also displayed on the coupon list screen G3. The coupon list 75 represents a list of electronic coupon data included in the coupon list data. Specifically, a list of the names and discounts of products that are coupons is displayed in the coupon list 75. Therefore, the member who touched the coupon confirmation icon 72 can confirm, from the coupon list 75, the product that is the target of the coupon that can be used at the present time and the discount amount when the coupon is used.

  As described above, in the electronic receipt system 1, distribution conditions are set for each electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon information is distributed only to members who satisfy this distribution condition. Therefore, it is possible to group members who receive receipts with electronic receipt information according to distribution conditions and distribute electronic coupon information in groups.

  Next, the operation when the member who acquired the electronic coupon information performs the transaction transaction using the coupon will be described.

  The member who has confirmed the coupon list 75 searches the list 75 for electronic coupon information to be used at the retail store. Then, if there is electronic coupon information to be used, the member touches the row of the coupon list 75 in which the product name that is the target of the coupon is displayed. At this time, when it is desired to use coupons of two or more electronic coupon information, each row is touched continuously. Then, the member who has finished selecting the electronic coupon information touches the selection end icon 76.

  With the coupon list screen G3 displayed, the processor 61 waits for the screen to be touched as Act28. If it is detected that the screen is touched by a signal from touch panel 65 (YES in Act 28), processor 61 has touched the row of coupon list 75 as Act 29 or has touched selection end icon 76 as Act 30? Confirm. When an area other than the coupon list 75 or the selection end icon 76 is touched (NO in Act 29, NO in Act 30), the processor 61 executes processing corresponding to the touch position.

  When the row of the coupon list 75 is touched (YES at Act 29), the processor 61 displays electronic coupon data (coupon ID, product including the product name and the discount amount displayed on the touched row as Act 31. ID, product name, discount amount, etc.) are stored in the work area. Thereafter, the processor 61 returns to the processing of Act 28 and waits for the screen to be touched again.

  On the other hand, when the selection end icon 76 is touched (YES in Act 30), the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 65 as Act 32 as the coupon use screen G4 (see FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 15, a bar code 77 representing a coupon ID is displayed on the coupon usage screen G4 together with a bar code symbol 71 of the member ID. In addition, a product name and a discount amount are displayed in association with the barcode 77. The bar code 77 is a bar code of the coupon ID included in the electronic coupon data stored in the work area. Then, in association with the barcode 77, the product name and the discount amount included in the electronic coupon data are displayed. Therefore, on the touch panel 65, the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information selected by the member is displayed in the form of a barcode together with the member ID of the member.

  When the member touches the selection end icon 76 without selecting the electronic coupon information, since the electronic coupon data is not stored in the work area, the barcode 77 is not displayed on the coupon use screen G4.

  The member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information presents the coupon usage screen G4 to the person in charge of the accounting business. The person in charge who received the coupon use screen G4 first scans the barcode of the member ID displayed on the coupon use screen G4 by the scanner 218 of the POS terminal 21. Subsequently, the person in charge scans the barcode 77 of the coupon ID displayed on the coupon use screen G4 and the barcode of the product ID attached to the purchased product. When the scanning is completed, the person in charge enters the closing key and declares the registration closing of the commercial transaction.

Here, the order in which the barcode 77 of the coupon ID and the barcode of the product ID are scanned is not particularly limited. The barcode of the product ID may be scanned after the barcode 77 of the coupon ID is scanned together. Conversely, the barcode 77 of the coupon ID may be scanned after collectively scanning the barcode of the product ID. Alternatively, when scanning the barcode of the product ID, the person in charge confirms the presence or absence of an electronic coupon for the product, and when there is an electronic coupon, the barcode of the product ID and the barcode 77 of the coupon ID are continuously displayed. You may scan.
Here, the scanner 218 functions as a reading device (second reading means) for reading the coupon ID. The coupon ID reader is not limited to the scanner 218. For example, in the case where the information terminal 6 is a device compatible with short-range wireless communication and transmits a coupon ID using this short-range wireless communication, the short-range wireless communication device for receiving the coupon ID is the reading device. Become.

  The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 can identify whether the barcode is a member ID barcode, a coupon ID barcode 77, or a product ID barcode by analyzing the scanned barcode data using a known technique. .

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the scanning process executed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. FIG. 18 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the coupon determination process in the scanning process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the closing key process executed by the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21. The processor 211 executes these processes according to the electronic receipt issuing program P2. Note that the contents of the processes illustrated in FIGS. 17 to 19 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When the electronic receipt issuing program P2 is activated, the processor 211 performs initialization as Act 61. By this initialization, the transaction buffer and coupon buffer data formed in the volatile memory area of the main memory 212 are cleared. The transaction buffer is an area for temporarily storing data related to commercial transactions with members. The coupon buffer is an area for temporarily storing data related to electronic coupon information used by the member. In addition, this initialization resets the member flag F1 and the coupon flag F2 to “0”. The member flag F1 is 1-bit information set to “1” in the case of a commercial transaction with a member who receives a receipt as electronic receipt information. The coupon flag F2 is 1-bit information set to “1” in the case of a commercial transaction with a member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information. The member flag F1 and the coupon flag F2 are stored in, for example, a volatile memory area. The display 216 displays a screen created based on transaction buffer data. Therefore, by this initialization, the screen of the display 216 also becomes the initial screen.

  When the initialization is completed, the processor 211 confirms whether scanning has been performed as Act 62. When scanning is not performed (NO in Act 62), the processor 211 confirms whether key input is performed as Act 63. When the key input is not performed (NO in Act 63), the processor 211 returns to the process of Act 62. Therefore, the processor 211 waits for scanning or key input to be performed by the processing of Act62 and Act63.

  When barcode scanning is performed by the scanner 218 (YES in Act 62), the processor 211 checks the member flag F1 as Act 64. Here, when the member flag F1 is reset to “0”, the processor 211 checks whether the barcode scanned as Act 65 is the barcode of the member ID. If it is not the barcode of the member ID (NO in Act 65), the processor 211 confirms whether the barcode scanned as Act 66 is the barcode of the product ID. If it is not a barcode of the product ID (NO in Act 66), the processor 211 executes processing according to the type of barcode.

  If the scanned barcode is a barcode for a member ID (YES in Act 65), processor 211 stores member data relating to the member ID obtained by analyzing the barcode as Act 67 in the work area. To do. The member data includes a member ID. The name, sex, age, rank, etc. set in the member file FL2 in association with the member ID may also be included. Data such as name, gender, age, and rank may be acquired from the center server 32 each time the barcode of the member ID is scanned, or a local file of the member file FL2 is stored in the store server 22 in advance. It may be obtained from a local file.

  The processor 211 sets the member flag F1 to “1” as Act68. Thereafter, the processor 211 returns to the processing of Act62. Accordingly, when the next barcode scanning is performed (YES in Act 62), the member flag F1 is set to “1” (YES in Act 64), so the processor 211 performs the processing of Act 69. move on. In Act 69, the processor 211 confirms whether the scanned barcode is the barcode of the coupon ID. When the barcode is not the coupon ID barcode (NO in Act 69), the processor 211 checks whether the barcode scanned as Act 70 is the barcode of the product ID. If it is not a barcode of the product ID (NO in Act 70), the processor 211 executes processing corresponding to the type of the barcode.

  If the scanned barcode is a barcode with a coupon ID (YES in Act 69), the processor 211 stores the used coupon data relating to the coupon ID obtained by analyzing the barcode as Act 71 in the coupon buffer. Store. The used coupon data includes a coupon ID, a product ID, a product name, a discount amount, and the like set in the coupon file FL3 in association with the coupon ID. Data such as the product ID, product name, and discount amount may be obtained from the center server 32 each time the barcode of the coupon ID is scanned, or the store server 22 stores a local file of the coupon file FL3 in advance. You may acquire from this local file.

  After storing the used coupon data in the coupon buffer, the processor 211 checks the coupon flag F2 as Act72. If the coupon flag F2 is reset to “0” (NO in Act 72), the processor 211 sets the coupon flag F2 to “1” as Act 73. If the coupon flag F2 is set to “1” or the coupon flag F2 has already been set to “1” (YES in Act 72), the processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 76.

  On the other hand, when the scanned barcode is the barcode of the product ID (YES in Act 66 or Act 70), the processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 74. In Act 74, the processor 211 generates product sales data from the product ID obtained by analyzing the barcode. The product sales data includes a product ID, the name of the product (product name) identified by the product ID, the unit price, the number of sales, the sales price, and the like. The product name and unit price data are acquired from the product master file. The number of sales points is normally “1”, and when a multiplier is key-input immediately before scanning of the product ID, it becomes the multiplier. The sales amount is calculated by multiplying the price by the number of sales points. The processor 211 stores the merchandise sales data in the transaction buffer.

  Next, the processor 211 checks the coupon flag F2 as Act75. Here, when coupon flag F2 is reset to “0” (NO in Act 75), processor 211 proceeds to the processing of Act 79. When coupon flag F2 is set to “1” (NO in Act 75), processor 211 proceeds to the process of Act 76.

In Act 76, the processor 211 executes a coupon determination process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. In other words, the processor 211 collates the product ID as Act 761.
In the coupon determination process, the scanned barcode is a coupon ID and is executed through the process of Act 71, and the scanned barcode is a product ID and is executed through the process of Act 74. In the former case, the processor 211 collates the product ID of the used coupon data stored in the coupon buffer in the processing of Act 71 with the product ID of the product sales data already stored in the transaction buffer. In the latter case, the processor 211 collates the product ID of the product sales data stored in the transaction buffer in the process of Act 74 with the product ID of the used coupon data already stored in the coupon buffer.

  The processor 211 confirms whether the product ID of the used coupon data matches the product ID of the product sales data as Act 762. If the merchandise IDs match (YES in Act 762), the processor 211 transmits, as Act 763, a count request command using the coupon ID and member ID as search keys to the center server 32. That is, the processor 211 communicates so as to transmit a number-of-times request command including the coupon ID acquired from the used coupon data including the product ID matched by the matching process and the member ID stored in the process of Act 67 to the center server 32. The interface 219 is notified.

  Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 transmits a number-of-times request command using the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the transmission source address. The number-of-times request command includes the coupon ID acquired from the used coupon data including the product ID matched by the matching process, and the member ID stored in the process of Act67. The number request command is transmitted from the router 23 to the center server 32 via the network 4.

  Here, the computer of the POS terminal 21 mainly including the processor 211 constitutes a transmission unit in cooperation with the communication interface 219. That is, the computer transmits a frequency request command including the member ID and the coupon ID read by the scanner 218 to the server device (center server 32).

  The processor 321 of the center server 32 that has received the number-of-times request command executes reception processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. This process is in accordance with the electronic coupon management program P4. Note that the contents of the process illustrated in FIG. 20 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  When the reception processing of the number-of-times request command is started, the processor 321 acquires a coupon ID and a member ID as Act91. As described above, the number-of-times request command includes the member ID of the member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information and the coupon ID of the coupon used by the member. The processor 321 acquires a coupon ID and a member ID from the number request command.

  The processor 321 searches the distribution management file FL4 as Act92. Then, the processor 321 determines whether or not there is a distribution management record FL4R that stores a coupon ID that matches the coupon ID acquired from the number request command as Act93. If there is a corresponding distribution management record FL4R (YES in Act 93), the processor 321 reads the distribution management record FL4R as Act 94 from the distribution management file FL4 and stores it in the work area.

  The processor 321 detects pair data of the member ID and the allowable number of times in order from the distribution management record FL4R stored in the work area as Act95. Then, the processor 321 confirms whether the member ID of the pair data matches the member ID acquired from the number request command as Act 96. If they do not match (NO in Act 96), the processor 321 returns to the processing of Act 95, detects the next pair of data, and collates the member ID.

  The distribution management record FL4R always stores paired data having the same member ID. If the processor 321 detects paired data having the same member ID (YES in Act 96), the processor 321 obtains the allowable number N of the paired data as Act97.

  The processor 321 determines, as Act 98, whether the allowable number of times N is “0” or “1” or more. If the allowable number N is “0” (YES in Act 98), the processor 321 proceeds to the processing of Act 99. When the allowable number N is “1” or more (NO in Act 98), the processor 321 does not execute the process of Act 99. In Act 99, the processor 321 searches the member file FL2 with the member ID acquired from the number request command, and sets the distribution stop flag F0 of the member record FL2R in which the same member ID is set to “1”.

  After that, the processor 321 notifies the communication interface 325 to transmit the response data including the allowable number N as Act 100 to the POS terminal 21 that is the number-of-times request command transmission source.

  Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 325 transmits response data on the network 4 with the communication address of the POS terminal 21 that is the transmission source of the number-of-times request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission source. . The response data includes an allowable number N. The response data is received by the router 23 and sent via the LAN 24 to the POS terminal 21 that is the source of the number request command.

  Here, the computer of the center server 32 mainly including the processor 321 constitutes a response means in cooperation with the communication interface 325. In other words, the computer responds to the reception of the number of times request command including the member ID and the coupon ID, and the allowable number of times N stored in the distribution management file FL4 in association with the member ID and the coupon ID included in the number of times request command. Is transmitted to the POS terminal 21 which is the transmission source of the frequency request command.

  Further, the computer of the center server 32 having the processor 321 as a main body constitutes a control means by the processing of Act99. That is, when the allowable number N is “0” and distribution of electronic coupon information is not permitted, the computer distributes electronic coupon information stored in association with the member ID included in the number-of-times request command of the member file FL2. Information to be prohibited (distribution stop flag F0) is set to “1”.

  It should be noted that the distribution stop flag F0 set to “1” can be artificially reset to “0” by a staff member in maintenance work of the server system 3 that is performed regularly or irregularly, for example.

Returning to FIG.
The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 that has transmitted the frequency request command to the center server 32 waits for response data transmitted from the center server 32 as Act 764. If the response data is received (YES in Act 764), the processor 211 determines whether the allowable number N included in the response data is “0” or “1” or more as Act 765. When the allowable number N is “1” or more (NO in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that it is a coupon target in the work area as Act 766. When the allowable number N is “0” (YES in Act 765), the processor 211 stores status information indicating that it is not eligible for a coupon as Act 767 in the work area. Above, a coupon determination process is complete | finished.

Returning to FIG.
When the coupon determination process is completed, the processor 211 confirms the status information stored in the work area by the coupon determination process as Act77. When the status information indicates that it is a coupon target (YES in Act 77), the processor 211 transfers, as Act 78, the used coupon data for which the product ID match is confirmed in the coupon determination process from the coupon buffer to the transaction buffer. Thereafter, the processor 211 proceeds to the process of Act79. If the status information indicates that it is not a coupon target (NO in Act 77), the processor 211 proceeds to the display update process of Act 79 without executing the process of Act 78.

  Here, the computer of the POS terminal 21 mainly including the processor 211 constitutes a processing unit in cooperation with the communication interface 219. That is, the computer determines whether or not the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID can be used from the allowable number N returned from the center server 32 in response to the transmission of the number of times request command. Data including the member ID and coupon ID (use coupon data) is transmitted to the center server 32.

  In Act 79, the processor 211 updates the screen of the display 216 created based on the data in the transaction buffer. Therefore, when product sales data is stored in the transaction buffer in the process of Act 74, the product name, unit price, number of sales, sales price, etc. constituting this product sales data are displayed on the screen. When the use coupon data is stored in the transaction buffer in the Act 78 process, the product name, the discount amount, etc. constituting the use coupon data are displayed on the screen. Further, an amount obtained by subtracting the total discount amount of the used coupon data from the total sales amount of the product sales data is displayed as the transaction amount.

  After updating the screen of the display 216, the processor 211 returns to the process of Act62. Therefore, when the barcode is scanned again, the processor 211 executes the processes after Act 69 again.

  On the other hand, when any key on keyboard 215 is input (YES in Act 63), processor 211 executes processing corresponding to the input key. That is, when the input key is a closing key, the processor 211 starts processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the processor 211 confirms whether or not the purchased product of the commercial transaction is registered as Act81. That is, the processor 211 confirms whether or not merchandise sales data is stored in the transaction buffer. When the merchandise sales data is not stored in the transaction buffer (NO in Act 81), the processor 211 determines that the operation is an erroneous operation in which the closing key is input in a state where no purchased merchandise for commercial transaction is registered. In this case, the processor 211 makes an error when inputting the closing key.

  If merchandise sales data is stored in the transaction buffer (YES in Act 81), processor 211 executes a settlement process as Act 82. In this settlement process, the processor 211 generates settlement data including the total amount of purchased products, the amount of payment for the total amount, and the payment type (cash payment, credit payment, etc.). Then, the processor 211 stores this settlement data as Act 83 in the transaction buffer.

  Next, the processor 211 checks the member flag F1 as Act84. If the member flag F1 is reset to “0”, that is, in the case of a commercial transaction with a shopper who is not an electronic receipt member, the processor 211 controls the issuance of a paper receipt as Act85. Specifically, the processor 211 generates receipt data as print data from the data stored in the transaction buffer, outputs the receipt data to the printer 217, and issues a paper receipt.

  On the other hand, if the member flag F1 is set to “1”, that is, in the case of a commercial transaction with an electronic receipt member, the processor 211 controls the issuance of an electronic receipt as Act 86. Specifically, the processor 211 generates electronic receipt data from the data stored in the transaction buffer, and sends the receipt data and the member ID of the member data stored in the work area in Act 67 to the center server 32. The communication interface 219 is notified so as to transmit the data.

  Upon receiving this notification, the communication interface 219 transmits receipt data having the communication address of the center server 32 as the transmission destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal 21 as the transmission source address. The receipt data includes a member ID, merchandise sales data, and use coupon data. The receipt data is transmitted from the router 23 to the center server 32 via the network 4.

  The processor 321 of the center server 32 that has received the receipt data executes the processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Note that the contents of the process shown in FIG. 21 and described below are merely examples, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be used as appropriate.

  The processor 321 acquires a member ID from the receipt data as Act 111. Further, the processor 321 acquires transaction details data from the receipt data as Act 112. The transaction details data is merchandise sales data or use coupon data.

  The processor 321 determines whether the transaction details data is merchandise sales data or used coupon data as Act 113. In the case of merchandise sales data (NO in Act 93), the processor 321 updates the transaction record data of the member record FL2R including the member ID acquired in the processing of Act 111 as Act 114.

  In the case of use coupon data (YES in Act 113), the processor 321 updates the coupon record data of the member record FL2R including the member ID acquired in Act 91 as Act 115. Further, the processor 321 searches the distribution management file FL4 using the coupon ID of the used coupon data as Act 116 and the member ID acquired by the processing of Act 91 as a search key. Then, the processor 321 reduces the allowable number N of data paired with the member ID that matches the search key by “1” among the paired data included in the distribution management record FL4R that matches the search key and coupon ID as Act 117.

  Here, the computer of the center server 32 mainly including the processor 321 constitutes an updating unit. That is, in response to receiving data (coupon data used) including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the member ID of the member who is the object of the transaction, the computer converts the data into the data in the distribution management file FL4. The allowable number N stored in association with the included coupon ID and member ID is updated so that the number of uses increases.

  When the processing of Act 114 or Act 17 ends, the processor 321 confirms whether or not there is the next transaction detail data as Act 118. If there is next transaction detail data (YES at Act 118), processor 321 returns to the processing at Act 112 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If there is no next transaction detail data (NO in Act 118), the processor 321 transfers the receipt data received from the POS terminal 21 as Act 119 to the electronic receipt server 31. The electronic receipt server 31 stores the receipt data in the receipt file FL1.

  As described above, in the electronic receipt system 1, when the member uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information, the allowable number N of the electronic coupon information for the member is reduced. The electronic coupon is not distributed to the member whose member ID is “0” even within the distribution period. Therefore, according to the electronic receipt system 1, it is possible to limit the number of times a member is used for each electronic coupon, and it is possible to control the electronic coupon information not to be distributed to members who have exceeded the number of uses.

  Here, the computer of the center server 32 mainly including the processor 321 constitutes a receiving means for receiving electronic receipt information from the accounting device (POS terminal 21) for settlement of transactions in cooperation with the communication interface 325.

[Effect of electronic receipt system]
In the electronic receipt system 1, the center server 32 includes a coupon file FL3 and a distribution management file FL4. And in distribution management file FL4, coupon ID which identifies electronic coupon information, member ID of the member who is the distribution object of electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID, and the use frequency of electronic coupon information by the member are expressed. A distribution management record FL4R in which the allowable number N is associated as information is stored.

  When the processor 321 of the center server 32 receives data (use coupon data) including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the member ID of the member who is the object of the transaction from the POS terminal 21, the distribution management is performed. The allowable number N stored in association with the coupon ID and member ID included in the data in the file FL4 is updated so that the number of uses increases, that is, the allowable number N is decreased. When the processor 321 receives a coupon request command including a member ID from the information terminal 6, the processor 321 associates the member ID with the member ID of the coupon ID stored in the distribution management file FL4 in association with the member ID included in the coupon request command. A coupon ID having a stored allowable number N of “1” or more is transmitted to the source of the coupon request command. In other words, the electronic coupon information of the coupon ID whose allowable number of times N is “0” is not distributed. Therefore, since the electronic coupon information can be controlled so as not to be distributed to the member whose number of use reaches the effective number, the number of use of the member can be appropriately limited for each electronic coupon information.

  By the way, even if it controls not to distribute the electronic coupon information of the coupon ID whose allowable number N becomes “0”, for example, the screen of the information terminal 6 is used to save the screen of the touch panel 65 as an image. By doing so, an illegal use of the distributed electronic coupon may be considered.

  In this regard, in the electronic receipt system 1, the processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 transmits a number-of-times request command including the member ID and the coupon ID to the center server 32 prior to the use of the electronic coupon information. In response to receiving the number request command, the processor 321 of the center server 32 determines the allowable number N stored in the distribution management file FL4 in association with the member ID and coupon ID included in the number request command. It transmits to the POS terminal 21 of the transmission source. The processor 211 of the POS terminal 21 permits use of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID when the allowable number of times N is “1” or more. That is, when the allowable number N is “0”, use of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is not permitted. Therefore, fraud in which the distributed electronic coupon is repeatedly used can be prevented in advance.

  The center server 32 includes a member file FL2 that stores a distribution prohibition flag F0 in association with the member ID. The processor 321 of the center server 32 sets the distribution prohibition flag F0 associated with the corresponding member ID to “1” when the allowable number N of responses to the POS terminal 21 in response to the number request command is “0”. Like to do. Further, when the processor 321 receives a coupon request command including a member ID whose distribution prohibition flag F0 is set to “1”, the processor 321 does not distribute all the electronic coupon information to the information terminal 6 that is the transmission source of the coupon request command. . Therefore, it is possible to prohibit the distribution of the electronic coupon information for a user who has acted illegally using the distributed electronic coupon repeatedly.

[Modification]
In the above embodiment, the POS terminal 21 transmits the electronic receipt information generated by the commercial transaction with the electronic receipt member to the center server 32, and after the processing at the center server 32 is finished, the center server 32 transmits the electronic receipt server 31 to the electronic receipt server 31. Transferred receipt information. In this regard, the POS terminal 21 may transmit electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31, and the electronic receipt server 31 may store the electronic receipt information in the receipt file FL1 and transfer it to the center server 32. Alternatively, the POS terminal 21 may transmit electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32 in parallel.

  In the embodiment, the electronic receipt server 31 includes the receipt file FL1, and the center server 32 includes the member file FL2, the coupon file FL3, and the distribution management file FL4. Then, the processor 321 of the center server 32 executes information processing for the electronic coupon request command and the count request command. In this regard, for example, the electronic receipt server 31 includes a receipt file FL1, a member file FL2, and a distribution management file FL4, and the center server 32 includes a coupon file FL3. Then, the processor 311 of the electronic receipt server 31 may execute information processing for the electronic coupon request command and the count request command.

  Further, the server system 3 may not necessarily include the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32. One server device can also function as the electronic receipt server 31 and the function as the center server 32. Alternatively, the store server 22 constituting the POS system 2 may have functions as the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32. In that case, the server system 3 is omitted from the electronic receipt system 1.

  In the said embodiment, the allowable frequency | count N was illustrated as information showing the frequency | count of use of electronic coupon information. The allowable number of times N is set to the effective number of times set for each electronic coupon information as an initial value, and counts down every time the coupon of the coupon information identified by the corresponding coupon ID is used. The information indicating the number of times of use is not limited to such an allowable number N. For example, a counter that counts up the number of times of use may be used. In this case, if the counter exceeds the valid number of times, it may be controlled so that the corresponding electronic coupon information is not distributed to the member of the member ID constituting the counter and the counter.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the effective frequency | count was memorize | stored for every coupon ID in coupon file FL3. In this regard, when it is defined that the number of valid times of electronic coupon information is all one, the number of valid times can be omitted by setting the initial value of the allowable number of times N to “1”.

  In general, the server device (the electronic receipt server 31 and the center server 32) is transferred in a state where the program of the present embodiment is stored in the main memory. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a program individually assigned to the server apparatus may be written in a writable storage device included in the server apparatus in response to an operation by a user or the like. Transfer of a program or the like can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

In addition, although several 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 forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[1] A first storage unit that stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating transaction details in association with customer identification information that identifies a customer who is the object of the transaction, and a coupon that can be used in the transaction 2nd storage part which memorizes electronic coupon information digitized, coupon identification information which identifies the electronic coupon information, and customer of a customer who is a distribution object of electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information A third storage unit that associates and stores identification information and information representing the number of times the customer uses the electronic coupon information; the coupon identification information of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction; and the transaction In response to the reception of the data including the customer identification information of the target customer, the coupon identification information and the customer identification information included in the data in the third storage unit In response to receiving the coupon request command including the customer identification information, update means for updating the information indicating the number of times of use stored so as to increase the number of times of use, and the coupon request command Of the coupon identification information stored in the third storage unit in association with customer identification information, the coupon identification that is allowed to be distributed from information indicating the number of uses stored in association with the customer identification information. And a distribution unit configured to transmit the electronic coupon information identified by the information to a transmission source of the coupon request command.
[2] In response to the reception of the number request command including the customer identification information and the coupon identification information, the third storage is associated with the customer identification information and the coupon identification information included in the number request command. The server device according to the additional note [1], further comprising response means for transmitting information indicating the number of times of use stored in a section to a transmission source of the number of times request command.
[3] When the distribution is not permitted from the fourth storage unit that stores information prohibiting the distribution of the electronic coupon information in association with the customer identification information and the information indicating the number of times of use that is responded by the response unit. Further, the fourth storage unit further comprises control means for storing information prohibiting distribution of the electronic coupon information in association with the customer identification information included in the number-of-times request command. [2] The server device according to [2].
[4] The server device according to any one of appendices [1] to [3], and an accounting device that generates electronic receipt information by transaction settlement and outputs the electronic receipt information to the server device. An electronic receipt system comprising:
[5] A server device according to [2] or [3], and an accounting device that generates electronic receipt information by transaction settlement and outputs the electronic receipt information to the server device, the accounting device The first reading means for reading the customer identification information, the second reading means for reading the coupon identification information, the customer identification information read by the first reading means, and the second reading means From the information representing the number of times of use returned from the server device in response to the transmission of the number of times request command, the transmission means for transmitting the number of times request command including the read coupon identification information to the server device It is determined whether or not the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information is usable, and the customer identification information read by the first reading unit when the electronic coupon information is usable and Electronic receipt system, wherein a data anda processing means for transmitting to said server device comprising said coupon identification information read by the second reading means.
[6] A first storage unit that stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating transaction details in association with customer identification information that identifies a customer who is the object of the transaction, and a coupon that can be used in the transaction A second storage unit that stores electronic electronic coupon information, and coupon identification information that identifies the electronic coupon information and the customer identification of a customer that is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information A computer that inputs and outputs information to and from a third storage unit that associates and stores information and information indicating the number of times the electronic coupon information is used by the customer, and the electronic coupon information used in the transaction In response to receiving data including coupon identification information and the customer identification information of the customer who is the object of the transaction, the coupon included in the data in the third storage unit. In response to receiving the electronic coupon request command including the customer identification information, the function of updating the information representing the number of uses stored in association with the Pong identification information and the customer identification information so as to increase the number of uses, Of the coupon identification information stored in the third storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the electronic coupon request command, information representing the number of uses stored in association with the customer identification information And a function of transmitting the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information permitted to be distributed to a transmission source of the electronic coupon request command.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Electronic receipt system, 2 ... POS system, 3 ... Server system, 4 ... Network, 5 ... Base station, 6 ... Information terminal, 21 ... POS terminal (accounting apparatus), 31 ... Electronic receipt server (server apparatus), 32 ... center server (server device), FL1 ... receipt file (first storage unit), FL2 ... member file (fourth storage unit), FL3 ... coupon file (second storage unit), FL4 ... distribution management file ( Third storage unit).

Claims (6)

A first storage unit that stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating transaction details in association with customer identification information for identifying a customer who is the object of the transaction;
A second storage unit that stores electronic coupon information obtained by digitizing a coupon usable in the transaction together with information indicating a start date of a usable period;
Information representing coupon identification information for identifying the electronic coupon information, customer identification information of customers to whom the electronic coupon information is identified identified by the coupon identification information, and the number of times the customer uses the electronic coupon information. A third storage unit for storing
A timekeeping means for timing the date;
Each time the date counted by the timing unit is updated, the electronic coupon information whose start date matches the date counted by the timing unit is acquired from the second storage unit, and the electronic coupon information is obtained. The coupon identification information to be identified is associated with the customer identification information of the customer who is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information, and information representing the number of times the electronic coupon information is used by the customer, Adding means for adding to the third storage unit;
In response to receiving data including the coupon identification information of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the customer identification information of the customer who is the object of the transaction, the data is included in the data in the third storage unit Updating means for updating the information representing the number of uses stored in association with the coupon identification information and customer identification information to be increased,
In response to receiving the coupon request command including the customer identification information, the customer among the coupon identification information stored in the third storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the coupon request command. Distribution means for transmitting the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information permitted to be distributed from information indicating the number of times of use stored in association with identification information to a transmission source of the coupon request command;
A server apparatus comprising:   In response to receiving the number of times request command including the customer identification information and the coupon identification information, the customer identification information and the coupon identification information included in the number of times request command are associated with each other and stored in the third storage unit The server apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising response means for transmitting the information indicating the number of times of use being transmitted to a transmission source of the number of times request command. A fourth storage unit for storing information for prohibiting delivery of the electronic coupon information in association with the customer identification information;
When the distribution is not permitted from the information indicating the number of times of use responded by the response means, the electronic coupon information is distributed in association with the customer identification information included in the number of times request command in the fourth storage unit. 3. The server apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising control means for storing prohibited information. The server device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An electronic receipt system comprising: an accounting device that generates electronic receipt information by settlement of a transaction and outputs the electronic receipt information to the server device. A server device according to claim 2 or 3,
An electronic receipt information is generated by transaction settlement, and the electronic receipt information is output to the server device.
The accounting device
A first reading means for reading the customer identification information; a second reading means for reading the coupon identification information;
Transmitting means for transmitting the number of times request command including the customer identification information read by the first reading means and the coupon identification information read by the second reading means to the server device;
It is determined whether or not the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information can be used from information indicating the number of times of use returned from the server device in response to the transmission of the number of times request command. And processing means for transmitting data including the customer identification information read by the reading means and the coupon identification information read by the second reading means to the server device. Receipt system. A first storage unit that stores electronic receipt information obtained by digitizing a receipt indicating the details of a transaction in association with customer identification information that identifies a customer who is the object of the transaction, and electronically converted a coupon that can be used in the transaction A second storage unit that stores electronic coupon information together with information indicating a start date of a usable period; and coupon identification information for identifying the electronic coupon information and the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information. In a computer that inputs and outputs information to and from a third storage unit that stores the customer identification information of a customer to be distributed and information indicating the number of times the customer uses the electronic coupon information,
Every time the date counted by the timing means for timing the date is updated, the electronic coupon information whose start date matches the date measured by the timing means is obtained from the second storage unit, and the electronic Coupon identification information for identifying coupon information, the customer identification information of a customer to be distributed of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information, and information representing the number of times the electronic coupon information is used by the customer; A function to associate and add to the third storage unit;
In response to receiving data including the coupon identification information of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the customer identification information of the customer who is the object of the transaction, the data is included in the data in the third storage unit Updating the information representing the number of uses stored in association with the coupon identification information and customer identification information to be increased so that the number of uses is increased,
In response to receiving the electronic coupon request command including the customer identification information, among the coupon identification information stored in the third storage unit in association with the customer identification information included in the electronic coupon request command, A function of transmitting the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information permitted to be distributed from information indicating the number of times of use stored in association with the customer identification information to a transmission source of the electronic coupon request command; A program to realize