JP7140880B2 - Electronic receipt issuing method, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electronic receipt issuing method, an information processing apparatus , and a program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a store or the like, at the time of a transaction such as the purchase of a product, a receipt showing the details of the transaction is printed out on paper and handed over to a customer. Also known is an electronic receipt system that delivers a computerized receipt (electronic receipt) to a customer's terminal. Such an electronic receipt system generates an electronic receipt when an identification code identifying a customer is presented at the time of transaction at a store, and manages the electronic receipt in association with the identification code. When an identification code is designated by a customer, the electronic receipt system outputs an electronic receipt by transmitting the electronic receipt associated with the identification code to the terminal of the customer.

Converting receipts to electronic data in this way is beneficial for shoppers, as household accounts can be electronically and automatically kept. Also, by introducing electronic receipts, it is possible to reduce the consumption of receipt paper, which is beneficial for stores that have introduced the system.

By the way, depending on the type of transaction, there are cases where a paper receipt is output instead of an electronic receipt even when the customer's identification code is presented. Also, an operational form in which the receipt output method is designated for each transaction is also envisioned. Therefore, there is a demand for a technology capable of flexibly outputting receipts.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic receipt issuing method, an information processing apparatus , and a program that enable flexible output of receipts.

An electronic receipt issuing method according to an embodiment is an electronic receipt issuing method executed by an information processing apparatus , wherein whether or not receipt information indicating details of a transaction generated by a POS terminal includes specific information for specifying a customer. a first determination step of determining whether the receipt information includes suppression information for suppressing output to an electronic receipt server; and a first determination step of determining whether or not an output step of outputting the receipt information to an electronic receipt server on condition that it is determined that the specific information is included and that the suppression information is not included in the second determination step. .

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic receipt system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the first identification code displayed on the mobile terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of output setting information. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store server. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the company server. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic receipt server. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the member master management area. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the first identification code. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an example of receipt information. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an example of receipt information. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of receipt generation processing executed by the POS terminal. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of receipt output processing executed by the POS terminal.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an electronic receipt system according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the electronic receipt system 1 has a POS terminal 2 , a store server 3 , a company server 4 , an electronic receipt server 5 and a mobile terminal 6 .

A POS terminal 2 and a store server 3 are provided in each store P1. The POS terminal 2 and the store server 3 are communicably connected via a network N1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Also, the POS terminal 2 and the store server 3 can be connected to a network N2 that connects the store P1 and the company server 4 via a network device (not shown) such as a router connected to the network N1. The network N2 is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet or a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

The POS terminal 2 functions as a print control device in this embodiment. The POS terminal 2 executes processing related to various transactions such as product sales registration, and generates receipt information indicating the details of the transaction. The POS terminal 2 also outputs a paper receipt by printing the generated receipt information with a printer 23, which will be described later. The POS terminal 2 also generates electronic receipt information in which the data format of the receipt information is converted, and outputs (transmits) it to the electronic receipt server 5 via the store server 3 or the like.

The store server 3 centrally manages product sales data processing performed by the POS terminal 2 . For example, the store server 3 transmits electronic receipt information generated by the POS terminal 2 to the company server 4 at a predetermined timing. The store server 3 also stores and manages a product master used for product sales data processing, a company member master to be described later, and the like.

The number of POS terminals 2 provided in the store P1 is not particularly limited, and may be plural. Also, in the present embodiment, a configuration in which the POS terminal 2 outputs electronic receipt information will be described, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the data format of the receipt information generated by the POS terminal 2 may be converted by the store server 3 or a conversion device (not shown) and output to the electronic receipt server 5 as electronic receipt information.

The company server 4 is provided for each company P2 that manages the store P1. The company server 4 belonging to the same company and each store P1 are communicably connected via a network N2. The company server 4 and the electronic receipt server 5 are communicably connected via a network N3 such as the Internet or VPN.

The company server 4 has functions such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management of the company that operates the store. The company server 4 also receives the electronic receipt information transmitted from each store P1 via the network N2. The company server 4 also transmits the electronic receipt information of each store P1 to the electronic receipt server 5 via the network N3. Further, the company server 4 transmits (transfers) a second member master, which will be described later, received from the electronic receipt server 5 to the store server 3 of each store P1 via the network N2.

The electronic receipt server 5 collectively manages the electronic receipt information of each company P2. The electronic receipt server 5 stores and manages member data of each customer (member) who has registered with this system according to the procedure described later in a member master, which will be described later. Here, the member data includes a first identification code for identifying each member, a name, destination information (e.g., e-mail address) of the mobile terminal 6 to which the electronic receipt information is to be sent, and the like. Also, for a first identification code for which link registration has been performed, which will be described later, a second identification code is stored and managed in association with the first identification code.

The electronic receipt server 5 extracts data indicating the correspondence relationship between the first identification code and the second identification code for each company from the member data stored in the member master. Then, the electronic receipt server 5 provides (transmits) the extracted data as a second member master to the company server 4 of the company concerned.

The electronic receipt server 5 also receives the electronic receipt information transmitted from each store P1 via the network N3, and stores and manages it in an electronic receipt management area, which will be described later. More specifically, the electronic receipt information includes elements such as the first identification code in addition to transaction details, and is managed in association with corresponding member data.

Further, when the electronic receipt server 5 stores the electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt management area, the electronic receipt server 5 refers to the destination information associated with the first identification code of the electronic receipt information to determine the destination (portable terminal 6). identify. Then, the electronic receipt server 5 provides (transmits) the electronic receipt information stored in the electronic receipt management area to the destination via the network N4, which will be described later. Further, when the electronic receipt server 5 receives an electronic receipt inquiry specifying the first identification code from the mobile terminal 6 , the electronic receipt server 5 extracts the electronic receipt corresponding to the first identification code from the electronic receipt management area and provides it to the mobile terminal 6 . (Send.

The mobile terminal 6 is a terminal device used by a user (customer) of this system. Examples of the mobile terminal 6 include a smart phone, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a tablet computer, and the like. The mobile terminal 6 implements an application such as a web browser for browsing various information provided on the network N4. A terminal device such as a PC may be applied instead of the mobile terminal 6 .

The mobile terminal 6 accesses the electronic receipt server 5 via the network N4 to register as a member of this system. Here, the network N4 is the Internet or various public networks.

By the way, a customer's member registration in this system is performed, for example, in the following procedure. The customer uses the mobile terminal 6 to send a blank email to the electronic receipt server 5 . The electronic receipt server 5 transmits a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating a page for membership registration to the received e-mail address. The customer accesses the URL indicating the page for member registration from the portable terminal 6 and displays an input screen for inputting items (name, destination information, etc.) necessary for member registration. After the customer completes the input of the necessary items, the electronic receipt server 5 executes member registration with respect to the member master. After that, the electronic receipt server 5 delivers a member registration completion mail including the first identification code and the like to the mobile terminal 6 . This completes the member registration.

After the membership registration as described above, the portable terminal 6 displays the customer's first identification code as a code symbol CS such as a bar code or two-dimensional code on the display unit 63, as shown in FIG. The customer presents the code symbol CS displayed on the portable terminal 6 to the store clerk when settling the transaction at the store P1. The store clerk reads the code symbol CS displayed on the portable terminal 6 with the code scanner 25 (see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 2. FIG. As a result, it is possible to associate the customer's first identification code with the receipt information generated by the POS terminal 2 after various transactions.

Further, after the transaction at the POS terminal 2, the mobile terminal 6 receives the electronic receipt information of the transaction provided from the electronic receipt server 5 via the network N4. In addition, the mobile terminal 6 receives electronic receipt information related to the first identification code from the electronic receipt server 5 by transmitting an electronic receipt inquiry designating the first identification code to the electronic receipt server 5 . Also, the mobile terminal 6 displays the received electronic receipt information on the display unit 63, which will be described later.

Also, after the registration of the first identification code, it is possible to associate the second identification code, which is uniquely issued to each customer by each company, with the first identification code. Here, the second identification code is, for example, a unique identification code held by a card medium such as a point card distributed by a company. Such a second identification code is used, for example, within a company for customer management and management of points issued to each customer in accordance with the purchase amount and the like.

When associating the first identification code with the second identification code of each company, for example, the following procedure is performed. The customer displays his/her own first identification code as the code symbol CS on the display unit 63 of the mobile terminal 6 . The customer presents the code symbol CS displayed on the mobile terminal 6 to the store clerk of the store P1 together with the card medium distributed by the company operating the store P1. The store clerk reads the code symbol CS (first identification code) displayed on the mobile terminal 6 with a code scanner 25 (see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 2 . Also, the clerk reads the second identification code held by the presented card medium with the card reader 26 (see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 2 . The POS terminal 2 transmits the first identification code and the second identification code together with the identification code (company code) of the company P2 that operates the store P1 to the electronic receipt server 5 via the store server 3, the company server 4, and the like. do. This makes it possible to associate the first identification code with the second identification code issued by each company to each customer. Hereinafter, the processing related to associating the first identification code with the second identification code will be referred to as "linking registration".

In the electronic receipt system 1, when various transactions are performed at the POS terminal 2 of the store P1, receipt information (electronic receipt information) indicating the details of the transaction is generated. The generated electronic receipt information is transmitted to the electronic receipt server 5 and stored and managed so that it can be browsed by the mobile terminal 6 . Therefore, the mobile terminal 6 equipped with a browsing application such as a web browser can browse the electronic receipt information by accessing the electronic receipt server 5 .

Next, the configuration of main devices that constitute the electronic receipt system 1 will be described.

First, the POS terminal 2 will be explained. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 2 includes a control section 21 that controls various calculations and various sections of the POS terminal 2 in an integrated manner. The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing various programs and data, a RAM (Random Access Memory) for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, It is a computer composed of an RTC (Real Time Clock) unit and the like for keeping the current date and time.

The control unit 21 is connected to the operation unit 22 , the printer 23 , the display unit 24 , the code scanner 25 and the card reader 26 via the bus 29 .

The operation unit 22 has various operation keys for the operator to perform operation input. The operation keys include, for example, number keys for inputting numerical values, cursor keys and selection/decision keys for selecting predetermined items, and subtotal keys for instructing total output of products whose sales are registered in transactions. be done. Also provided are a transaction start key for declaring the start of various transactions and a closing key for declaring the closing of one transaction.

The printer 23 is a printer device that prints receipts, journals, and the like. The printer 23 outputs a paper receipt by printing receipt information on paper such as roll paper under the control of the operation unit 22 .

The display unit 24 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 24 displays various kinds of information such as the name of the product registered for sale, the price, the total amount of one transaction for which settlement has been declared, and the amount of change. The display unit 24 includes a first display 24a that displays various information for cashiers, and a second display 24b that displays various information mainly for customers. Note that the display unit 24 may have a touch panel configuration, and in this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 22 .

The code scanner 25 is a scanner device that optically reads code symbols such as bar codes and two-dimensional codes. The code scanner 25 reads, for example, a code symbol attached to a product, a code symbol displayed on the portable terminal 6, or the like, and outputs the read information to the control unit 21. FIG. It is assumed that the code symbol attached to the product holds a product code or the like for specifying the product. Also, it is assumed that the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 6 holds a first identification code or the like for specifying the customer who carries the mobile terminal 6 .

The card reader 26 is a reader device that reads information held by a card medium. As the card reader 26, for example, a magnetic card reader that magnetically reads information held by a card medium, an IC card reader that reads information using short-range wireless communication technology such as RFID, or the like can be used. The card reader 26 reads, for example, the second identification code or the like from the card medium presented by the customer, and outputs the read information to the control section 21 .

Also, the control unit 21 is connected to a communication I/F (interface) 27 via a bus 29 . The control unit 21 can be connected to the network N1 and the network N2 via this communication I/F 27 .

Also, the control unit 21 is connected to the storage unit 28 via the bus 29 . The storage unit 28 is an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 28 stores programs for executing various POS operations including merchandise sales data processing and various setting information. The storage unit 28 stores, as one piece of setting information, output setting information 28a in which an output method for each transaction type is set.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the output setting information 28a. As shown in FIG. 4, the output setting information 28a has transaction type, print condition, and output method as items. The item name “transaction type” is set with the transaction name of the transaction executed by the POS terminal 2 . In the item name "printing condition", a predetermined condition and a specific character string (hereinafter referred to as a transaction character string) to be included in the receipt information when the condition is satisfied are set for the corresponding transaction type. In addition, in the item "output method", an output method when the transaction character string defined in the "printing condition" is included in the receipt information is set.

In the example of Figure 4, if the "transaction type" is "cancellation" that cancels registered products, the transaction string "cancellation" is included in the receipt information on the condition that all products have been canceled. is set in the "printing condition". Then, when the receipt information includes the character string "cancel", printing the receipt information is defined as the "output method".

Also, in another example, if the "transaction type" is "transaction hold" that holds the transaction, the transaction string "hold" is included in the receipt information on the condition that this "transaction hold" has been made. is set in the "printing condition". Then, when the receipt information includes the character string "hold", printing the receipt information is defined as the "output method".

In another example, if the "transaction type" is "registration of pegging" for pegging registration of the second identification code, the transaction character string "pegging" is entered on the condition that this "registration of pegging" is performed. "Print condition" is set to be included in the receipt information. Then, when the receipt information includes a character string of "linkage", converting the receipt information into electronic receipt information and transmitting the electronic receipt information is defined as the "output method".

This output setting information 28a can be used in the case of determining the output method for each transaction. The setting contents of the output setting information 28a are not limited to the example in FIG. 4, and can be set arbitrarily. Other transactions not registered in the output setting information 28a (for example, "sales registration" for registering product sales) may be output according to default output settings (for example, printing) or other rules. and

The storage unit 28 also stores POS identification information for identifying its own POS terminal 2 from other POS terminals 2 in the identification code management area 28b. The POS identification information includes, for example, a POS number assigned to one's own POS terminal 2, a company code (identification code of the company that operates the store), a store code indicating the store P1 where the POS terminal 2 is installed, and the like. Also, the company code (identification code of the company that manages the store) may be held by the company server 4 .

The control unit 21 executes processing related to the transaction instructed by the operator, and generates receipt information corresponding to the transaction. Further, the control unit 21 determines a method of outputting the generated receipt information depending on whether or not the receipt information includes a predetermined specific character string.

Next, the configuration of the store server 3 will be explained using the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store server 3. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the store server 3 includes a control unit 31 that controls various operations and each unit of the store server 3 in an integrated manner. The control unit 31 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, and an RTC unit for keeping the current date and time. be.

The control unit 31 can be connected to the network N1 and the network N2 via the communication I/F 32 connected to the bus 34. FIG. Also, the control unit 31 is connected to the storage unit 33 via the bus 34 .

The storage unit 33 stores various programs executable by the control unit 31 (CPU) and various setting information. The storage unit 33 also stores the receipt information generated by each of the POS terminals 2 in the own store P1 in the store receipt management area 33a. The storage unit 33 also stores a product master storing product data such as the product name, product code and unit price of each product in the product master management area 33b. The storage unit 33 also stores the second member master in the company member master management area 33c. The product master and the second member master may be distributed to each POS terminal 2 within the store P1 at a predetermined timing.

Upon receiving the second member master from the company server 4, the control unit 31 stores the second member master in the company member master management area 33c. Further, the control unit 31 discloses the product master management area 33b and the company member master management area 33c secured in the storage unit 33 so that each POS terminal 2 of its own store can refer to them. The control unit 31 also collects receipt information generated by each POS terminal 2 and stores it in the store receipt management area 33a. In the case of a configuration in which the electronic receipt information is transmitted to the company server 4 via the store server 3, upon receiving the electronic receipt information generated by each POS terminal 2, the control unit 31 sends the electronic receipt information to the company server. Send (transfer) to 4.

Next, the configuration of the company server 4 will be explained using the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the company server 4. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the company server 4 includes a control unit 41 that controls various calculations and each part of the company server 4 in an integrated manner. The control unit 41 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for keeping current date and time, and the like. be.

The control unit 41 can be connected to the network N2 and the network N3 via the communication I/F 42 connected to the bus 44. FIG. Also, the control unit 41 is connected to the storage unit 43 via a bus 44 .

The storage unit 43 stores various programs executable by the control unit 41 (CPU) and various setting information. The storage unit 43 also stores the electronic receipt information transmitted from each store P1 operated by the company in the company receipt management area 43a.

Upon receiving the company member master from the electronic receipt server 5, the control unit 41 transmits (transfers) the company member master to the store server 3 of each store P1 operated by the own company. Further, upon receiving electronic receipt information from each store (POS terminal 2, store server 3) operated by the company, the control unit 41 stores the electronic receipt information in the company receipt management area 43a. Further, the control unit 41 transmits the electronic receipt information stored in the company receipt management area 43a to the electronic receipt server 5 at a predetermined timing. Here, the timing of transmitting the electronic receipt information is not particularly limited. For example, each time the electronic receipt information is stored in the company receipt management area 43a, the electronic receipt information may be transmitted. Alternatively, the electronic receipt information stored in the company receipt management area 43a may be transmitted at predetermined time intervals such as once an hour.

Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt server 5 will be described using the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic receipt server 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic receipt server 5 includes a control section 51 that controls various calculations and each section of the electronic receipt server 5 in an integrated manner. The control unit 51 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for keeping the current date and time, and the like. be.

The control unit 51 can be connected to the network N3 and the network N4 via the communication I/F 52 connected to the bus 54 . Also, the control unit 51 is connected to the storage unit 53 via the bus 54 .

The storage unit 53 stores various programs executable by the control unit 51 (CPU) and various setting information. The storage unit 53 also stores the member master in the member master management area 53a.

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the data configuration of the member master management area 53a (member master). As shown in FIG. 8, the member master stores the name, destination information, etc. in association with the first identification code of each member. Also, the member master stores the company code and the second identification code in association with the first identification code of the member who has undergone link registration.

The first identification code is represented by, for example, a multi-digit numerical value. Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the format of the first identification code. Note that FIG. 9 shows an example in which the first identification code C1 is represented by a 16-digit numerical value.

The first identification code C1 has three parts: a header part C11, a data part C12, and an option part C13. A specific numerical value (for example, "99") indicating that this code is the first identification code is input to the header portion C11. A unique numerical value assigned to each member is input to the data section C12. Numerical values for specifying various additional conditions are input to the option portion C13. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the upper two digits are the header part C11, the following 10 digits are the data part C12, and the last four digits are the option part C13, but the number of digits in each part is limited to this. Make it not exist.

The storage unit 53 also stores the electronic receipt information transmitted from each of the company servers 4 in the electronic receipt management area 53b. More specifically, the electronic receipt management area 53b manages the electronic receipt information of each company that operates the store for each member. The electronic receipt information includes a first identification code, company code, store code, POS number, receipt number, merchandise sales data (including date and time data), and the like.

Upon receiving the electronic receipt information from the company server 4 of each company, the control unit 51 stores the electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt management area 53b. Further, when the electronic receipt information instructs the linked registration, the control unit 51 associates the company code and the second identification code with the first identification code included in the electronic receipt information, and stores the company code and the second identification code in the member master management area 53a. to register. Further, the control unit 51 extracts data indicating the correspondence relationship between the first identification code and the second identification code for each company (company code) from the member master management area 53a. Then, the control unit 51 transmits the extracted data as a company member master to the company server 4 of the company concerned.

Further, when the electronic receipt information is stored in the electronic receipt management area 53b, the control unit 51 refers to the destination information associated with the first identification code of the electronic receipt information to specify the destination. Then, the control unit 51 provides (transmits) the electronic receipt information stored in the electronic receipt management area 53b to the destination. Further, when receiving an electronic receipt inquiry designating the first identification code from the mobile terminal 6, the control unit 51 extracts the electronic receipt information corresponding to the first identification code from the electronic receipt management area 53b. Then, the control unit 51 provides the mobile terminal 6 with the extracted electronic receipt information.

Next, the configuration of the mobile terminal 6 will be explained using the block diagram of FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the mobile terminal 6. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10 , the mobile terminal 6 includes a control section 61 that controls various calculations and each section of the mobile terminal 6 . The control unit 61 is a computer composed of a CPU, a ROM for storing various programs and data, a RAM for temporarily storing various programs and rewritably storing various data, an RTC unit for keeping the current date and time, and the like. be.

The operating section 62 is connected to the operating section 62 and the display section 63 via a bus 66 . The operation unit 62 has various operation keys and a pointing device for the user (customer) to perform operation input. The display unit 63 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information such as electronic receipt information, which will be described later. Note that the display unit 63 may have a touch panel configuration, and in this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 62 .

Moreover, the control part 61 is connected to communication I/F64 via the bus|bath 66, and it is possible to connect to the network N4 via this communication I/F64. In addition, it is good also as a structure connectable with the network N1 via communication I/F64.

Also, the control unit 61 is connected to the storage unit 65 via a bus 66 . The storage unit 65 stores various programs executable by the control unit 61 (CPU), such as a Web browser for browsing various information (contents), and various setting information. The storage unit 65 also stores the first identification code in the first identification code management area 65a.

The control unit 61 receives electronic receipt information for the transaction provided from the electronic receipt server 5 . Further, the control unit 61 receives electronic receipt information associated with the first identification code from the electronic receipt server 5 by transmitting an electronic receipt inquiry designating the first identification code to the electronic receipt server 5 . Also, the control unit 61 displays the received electronic receipt information on the display unit 63 .

Next, the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2, which is the print control device of the present embodiment, among the devices constituting the electronic receipt system 1 will be described. The CPU of the POS terminal 2 cooperates with the programs stored in the ROM and the storage unit 28 to include a receipt information generation unit 211 and an output processing unit 212 as functional units, as shown in FIG. Here, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

The receipt information generation unit 211 is a functional unit that mainly generates data for printing various transactions and receipts (receipt information). Specifically, when the receipt information generation unit 211 is instructed to start a transaction via a transaction start key or the like of the operation unit 22, the receipt information generation unit 211 executes processing according to the transaction, and generates print data according to the transaction. Generate.

For example, the receipt information generation unit 211 acquires a product code specifying the product via the code scanner 25 when execution of product sales registration is instructed as the transaction type. Next, the receipt information generation unit 211 reads the product data corresponding to the product code from the product master. The receipt information generation unit 211 also executes product sales data processing for calculating the settlement amount based on the unit price included in the read product data. Then, the receipt information generation unit 211 generates receipt information indicating the details of the transaction.

The receipt information generation unit 211 also includes a transaction character string corresponding to the type of transaction being executed in the receipt information based on the output setting information 28a. Specifically, when the condition set in the "printing condition" is met when the "transaction type" set in the output setting information 28a is executed, the receipt information generating unit 211 determines the "printing condition". Include the transaction string in the receipt information.

Further, the receipt information generation unit 211 receives the input of the first identification code that identifies the customer at any timing during one transaction. When the first identification code is read, it is determined that the input of the first identification code has been accepted. Further, when the receipt information generation unit 211 receives the input of the second identification code via the card reader 26, it inquires the second member master about the first identification code corresponding to the second identification code. After obtaining the corresponding first identification code from the second member master, the receipt information generation unit 211 determines that the input of the first identification code has been received.

Further, when receipt information generation unit 211 receives input of the first identification code, receipt information includes a specific character string (hereinafter referred to as a flag character string) indicating the presence of the first identification code. In addition, when the receipt information generation unit 211 receives the input of the first identification code and the second identification code, the receipt information generation unit 211 includes those identification codes in the receipt information.

12 and 13 are diagrams schematically showing an example of receipt information. Here, the receipt information is non-structured text data or the like, and is used for printing by the printer 23 .

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the receipt information includes a company code (company name) D1 indicating the company that operates the store, a store code D2, a transaction date and time D3, a transaction number (receipt number) D4, a cash register number D5, and a person in charge. It includes elements such as the person's name D6.

Also, the receipt information includes an element whose content corresponds to the type of transaction. For example, when product sales are registered, transaction details such as the product name (product code) and price of each registered product, the total price of each product, and the deposit amount paid by the customer are shown in FIG. is input to area D7.

Also, if the output setting information 28a corresponds to the "transaction type" and the "printing condition", the receipt information generation unit 211 includes the transaction character string set in the "printing condition" as shown in FIG. Generate receipt information. Here, FIG. 13 shows an example of receipt information generated when linking registration is performed, and the character string "linkage" is included as the transaction character string D8.

Also, when the first identification code is input, the receipt information generation unit 211 generates receipt information including a flag character string D9 indicating the existence of the first identification code, as shown in FIGS. do. 12 and 13 show an example using the character string "SRID" as the flag character string D9, but the character string is not limited to this.

Also, when the first identification code and the second identification code are input, the receipt information generation unit 211 generates receipt information including the first identification code D10 and the second identification code D11 indicating those identification codes. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows an example in which the first identification code is input, and the value is included in the receipt information as the first identification code D10. Also, FIG. 13 shows an example in which the first identification code and the second identification code are input, and the values are included in the receipt information as the first identification code D10 and the second identification code D11.

Also, the receipt information generation unit 211 adds a command character string D12 to the end of the first identification code D10 in accordance with an instruction from the operator or the like. The command character string D12 is for exceptionally instructing the receipt information output method.

For example, when printing receipt information is instructed, the receipt information generation unit 211 adds a command character string D12 (for example, "*A") instructing printing to the end of the first identification code D10. When an instruction to print receipt information and transmit it to an external device as electronic receipt information (hereinafter referred to as "transmission") is given, the receipt information generator 211 generates a command character string D12 (for example, "*B") is added to the end of the first identification code D10.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the command character string D12 is added according to the instruction operation from the operator, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a condition for adding the command character string D12 may be associated with the command character string D12 to be added, and set in advance as setting information.

For example, the condition may be set to "in the case of offline state" and a command character string D12 instructing "print" may be added. When this setting is adopted, even receipt information scheduled to be transmitted to an external device as electronic receipt information will be output as a paper receipt in the off-line state.

Further, it is also possible to set "if flag character string D9 exists" as another condition and add command character string D12 instructing "print" or "send". Alternatively, the command character string D12 may be added for each transaction type. Also, the command character string D12 may be set as the transaction character string to be set in the "printing condition" of the output setting information 28a.

In this embodiment, the electronic receipt information is transmitted when the command character string D12 is not added. Also, when neither printing nor transmission is performed, a command character string D12 corresponding to the content of the instruction may be added.

Returning to FIG. 11, the output processing unit 212 is a functional unit that performs processing related to outputting the receipt information generated by the receipt information generation unit 211 . As shown in FIG. 11 , the output processing section 212 has a state determination section 2121 , a filter processing section 2122 , a print output section 2123 and an electronic receipt output section 2124 .

State determination unit 2121 determines the state of communication with an external device in cooperation with communication I/F 27 . Here, the external device is a device to which the electronic receipt information is sent, such as the store server 3 or the company server 4, for example. In the case of a configuration in which the electronic receipt information is directly transmitted to the electronic receipt server 5, the state of communication with the electronic receipt server 5 may be checked.

The state determination unit 2121 determines whether or not it is in an online state in which it is possible to communicate with an external device, for example, by performing polling or the like. Here, the state determination unit 2121 determines that the state is offline when communication with an external device is impossible due to occurrence of a network failure or the like. It should be noted that the timing of confirming the communication state is not particularly limited. For example, it may be performed at predetermined time intervals, or may be performed when electronic receipt information is transmitted to an external device.

The filter processing unit 2122 determines whether or not the receipt information contains a specific character string (specific character string), and determines the method of outputting the receipt information according to the determination result.

Specifically, the filter processing unit 2122 determines whether or not the receipt information includes the flag character string D9 (for example, “SRID”). Here, the flag character string D9 corresponds to the first character string.

If the flag character string D9 is not included, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the printout unit 2123. FIG. On the other hand, when the flag character string D9 is included in the receipt information, it indicates that the first identification code has been input. Therefore, the filter processing unit 2122 determines whether or not the header portion C11 of the first identification code D10 contains a predetermined numerical value (for example, "99").

If the header portion C11 does not contain the predetermined numerical value, the first identification code D10 cannot be used as the first identification code of this system. Therefore, if the header portion C11 does not contain a predetermined numerical value, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the printout unit 2123, thereby excluding it from the object of digitization (electronic receipt information conversion).

Also, if the header portion C11 contains a predetermined numerical value, the filter processing unit 2122 determines whether or not the transaction character string D8 is contained in the receipt information. Here, the transaction character string D8 corresponds to the second character string.

More specifically, the filter processing unit 2122 refers to the output setting information 28a and determines whether or not any transaction character string D8 set in the "printing condition" is included in the receipt information. When the transaction character string D8 is included in the receipt information, the filtering unit 2122 outputs the receipt information according to the output method set in association with the transaction character string D8. Here, when printing is set as the output method, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the print output unit 2123 . Further, when transmission is instructed as the output method, the filter processing section 2122 outputs the receipt information to the electronic receipt output section 2124 .

Also, when the transaction character string D8 is not included in the receipt information, the filtering unit 2122 determines whether or not the command character string D12 is added to the end of the first identification code D10. Here, the command character string D12 corresponds to the third character string and the fourth character string.

When the command character string D12 is not added to the end of the first identification code D10, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the electronic receipt output unit 2124 as default setting.

On the other hand, when the command character string D12 is added, the filtering unit 2122 outputs the receipt information according to the instruction content of the command character string D12. Here, when the command character string D12 instructs printing, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the print output unit 2123 . Also, when the command character string D12 instructs both printing and transmission, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to both the print output unit 2123 and the electronic receipt output unit 2124 .

The print output unit 2123 is, for example, a printer driver or the like. When the receipt information is input from the filter processing unit 2122, the print output unit 2123 controls the printer 23 to print the receipt information on paper.

The electronic receipt output unit 2124 is, for example, a network driver. When the receipt information is input from the filtering section 2122, the electronic receipt output section 2124 converts the receipt information into a predetermined data format according to a predetermined conversion rule. Then, the electronic receipt output unit 2124 transmits (outputs) the receipt information whose data format has been converted, that is, the electronic receipt information to the company server 4 via the communication I/F 27 . The electronic receipt information may be transmitted to the company server 4 via the store server 3 or the like, or may be directly transmitted to the company server 4 . Moreover, it is good also as a structure which transmits directly to the electronic receipt server 5. FIG.

Here, the electronic receipt information is composed of structured format data (structured document) such as XML or CSV. Conversion from receipt information to electronic receipt information is performed based on a predetermined conversion rule. Specifically, the conversion rule defines predetermined elements that constitute the receipt information and attribute information (tags, etc.) indicating the attributes of the elements. The electronic receipt output unit 2124 generates structured electronic receipt information by structuring each element of the receipt information using corresponding attribute information. By using the electronic receipt information in such a structured format, the elements included in the electronic receipt information can be efficiently used, so various advantages can be obtained in terms of data management.

In this embodiment, the state determination section 2121 and the electronic receipt output section 2124 are separated, but the electronic receipt output section 2124 may have the function of the state determination section 2121 .

The operation of the POS terminal 2 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. Here, FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of receipt generation processing executed by the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG.

First, when the operator instructs the receipt information generation unit 211 of the POS terminal 2 about the type of transaction to be executed, the receipt information generation unit 211 starts processing according to the type of transaction (step S11). For example, when "sales registration" is instructed as the transaction type, the receipt information generation unit 211 executes transaction processing for registering the sales of the product. Further, when "linking registration" is instructed as the transaction type, transaction processing for performing linking registration is executed.

Subsequently, the receipt information generator 211 determines whether or not the first identification code has been input (step S12). If the first identification code has not been input (step S12; No), the receipt information generator 211 determines whether or not input of the first identification code has been received (step S13). Here, when the input of the first identification code is accepted (step S13; Yes), the receipt information generation unit 211 temporarily stores the first identification code in RAM or the like (step S14), and proceeds to step S17. Also, when the first identification code is not input (step S13; No), the process proceeds to step S17.

On the other hand, if the first identification code has been input (step S12; Yes), the receipt information generator 211 determines whether or not an instruction for outputting receipt information has been given (step S15). Here, the output method may be instructed by an operator's operation, or may be instructed by preset setting information.

If the output method is instructed (step S15; Yes), the receipt information generation unit 211 temporarily stores the instructed output method in the RAM or the like (step S16), and proceeds to step S17. Moreover, even when the output method is not instructed (step S15; No), the process proceeds to step S17.

Subsequently, the receipt information generator 211 determines whether or not the second identification code has been input (step S17). Here, if the second identification code has been input (step S17; Yes), the process proceeds to step S20.

If the second identification code has not been input (step S17; No), the receipt information generator 211 determines whether or not the input of the second identification code has been received (step S18). Here, when the input of the second identification code is accepted (step S18; Yes), the receipt information generation unit 211 temporarily stores the second identification code in RAM or the like (step S19), and proceeds to step S20. Also, when the second identification code is not input (step S18; No), the process proceeds to step S20.

Note that if the first identification code corresponding to the second identification code is registered in the second member master, the receipt information generation unit 211 acquires the first identification code from the second member master. Then, in step S13, it is determined that the input of the first identification code has been received.

Subsequently, the receipt information generation unit 211 determines whether or not the end of the transaction has been instructed by operating the close key or the like (step S20). If there is no instruction to end the transaction (step S20; No), the receipt information generation unit 211 returns to step S12 to wait for the input of the first identification code and the second identification code and the input of the output method instruction.

In step S20, when an instruction to end the transaction is received (step S20; Yes), the receipt information generation unit 211 generates receipt information corresponding to the content of the transaction (step S21), and ends the process.

Here, the receipt information generated in step S21 includes a specific character string corresponding to the processing results of steps S11 to S19. Specifically, when the transaction type of the transaction executed in step S11 is set in the output setting information 28a, the transaction character string is included in the receipt information. Further, when the input of the first identification code is accepted in step S13, the above-described flag character string D9 and the first identification code D10 are included in the receipt information. Also, when the input of the second identification code is accepted in step S18, the second identification code D11 is included in the receipt information. Further, when an instruction input for an output method is received in step S15, a command character string D12 corresponding to the output method is added to the end of the first identification code D10.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing an example of receipt output processing executed by the POS terminal 2 . This process is executed subsequent to the above-described receipt generation process. It should be noted that the state determination unit 2121 determines the communication state in the background of this process.

The filter processing unit 2122 analyzes the receipt information generated in the receipt generation process and determines whether or not the receipt information contains a specific character string. First, the filter processing unit 2122 determines whether or not the receipt information includes the flag character string D9 (step S31). If the receipt information does not include the flag character string D9 (step S31; No), the filtering unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the printout unit 2123 to print it on paper (step S37).

If the receipt information includes the flag character string D9 (step S31; Yes), the filtering unit 2122 determines whether or not the header portion C11 of the first identification code D10 includes a predetermined number (step S32). . If the predetermined numerical value is not included in the header portion C11 (step S32; No), the filtering unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the printout unit 2123 to print the receipt (step S37).

If the header portion C11 contains a predetermined numerical value (step S32; Yes), the filtering unit 2122 determines whether or not the command character string D12 is added to the end of the first identification code D10 (step S33 ). If the command character string D12 is added (step S33; Yes), the filtering unit 2122 determines the output method indicated by the command character string D12 (step S35).

If the command character string D12 is not added (step S33; No), the filtering unit 2122 determines whether the receipt information includes the transaction character string D8 set in the output setting information 28a ( step S34). If the transaction character string D8 is included (step S34; Yes), the filtering unit 2122 refers to the output setting information 28a to determine the processing method corresponding to the transaction character string D8 (step S35). If the transaction character string D8 is not included (step S34; No), the filtering unit 2122 proceeds to step S38.

As a result of determination in step S35, if the output method instructs printing (step S36; No), the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the print output unit 2123 to print the receipt (step S37). .

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S35 is that the output method instructs transmission of electronic receipt information (step S36; Yes), the filter processing unit 2122 proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the filter processing unit 2122 outputs the receipt information to the electronic receipt output unit 2124, thereby causing it to be transmitted to the external device as electronic receipt information (step S38). Note that when the output method instructs both printing and transmission, the filter processing unit 2122 executes both the processes of steps S37 and S38.

As described above, the POS terminal 2 of the present embodiment generates receipt information including a specific character string that instructs an output method based on instructions from the operator and preset setting information. Then, the POS terminal 2 determines the output method of the receipt information according to the specific character string included in the receipt information. In this manner, the POS terminal 2 can arbitrarily specify the receipt information output method by using a specific character string included in the receipt information, so that the receipt information can be output flexibly.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, additions, combinations, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

For example, in the above embodiment, the output method specified by the command character string is preferentially adopted over the output method specified by other specific character strings, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the output method specified by the transaction string may be given top priority. Further, by setting the priority among specific character strings in advance, when a plurality of specific character strings are included in the receipt information, the output method to be adopted may be determined based on the priority.

Further, in the above embodiment, an example in which the print control device of the present invention is applied to the POS terminal 2 has been described, but the application target is not limited to this.

In addition, although the program executed by each device of the above-described embodiments is preliminarily incorporated in a storage medium (ROM or storage unit) included in each device and provided, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, files in installable format or executable format are provided by recording them on computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks (FD), CD-Rs, and DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks). good too. Furthermore, the storage medium is not limited to a medium independent of the computer or embedded system. For example, it also includes a storage medium in which a program transmitted via LAN, Internet, etc. is downloaded and stored or temporarily stored.

Also, the programs executed by the devices of the above embodiments may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

1 electronic receipt system 2 POS terminal 3 store server 4 company server 5 electronic receipt server 6 mobile terminal 211 receipt information generation unit 212 output processing unit 2121 state determination unit 2122 filter processing unit 2123 print output unit 2124 electronic receipt output unit

JP 2011-90375 A

Claims (9)

An electronic receipt issuing method executed by an information processing device ,
a first determination step of determining whether or not receipt information indicating details of a transaction generated by a POS terminal includes specific information for identifying a customer;
a second determination step of determining whether or not the receipt information includes suppression information for suppressing output to an electronic receipt server;
Outputting the receipt information to an electronic receipt server on condition that it is determined that the specific information is included in the first determination step and that the suppression information is not included in the second determination step and an output step that
Electronic receipt issuing method including. In the second determination step, when the receipt information includes transaction type information indicating that a transaction of a specific transaction type has been performed, it is determined that the suppression information is included in the receipt information.
The electronic receipt issuing method according to claim 1. In the second determination step, when the receipt information includes offline information indicating that the communication state with the electronic receipt server is offline, it is determined that the suppression information is included in the receipt information.
The electronic receipt issuing method according to claim 1 or 2. a first determination means for determining whether or not specific information for identifying a customer is included in receipt information indicating details of a transaction generated by the POS terminal;
a second determination means for determining whether or not the receipt information includes suppression information for suppressing output to an electronic receipt server;
Outputting the receipt information to an electronic receipt server on condition that the first determination means determines that the specific information is included and the second determination means determines that the suppression information is not included an output means for
Information processing device. The second determination means determines that the suppression information is included in the receipt information when transaction type information indicating that a transaction of a specific transaction type has been performed is included in the receipt information.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The second determination means determines that the suppression information is included in the receipt information when the receipt information includes offline information indicating that a communication state with an electronic receipt server is offline.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5. the computer of the information processing device,
a first determination means for determining whether or not receipt information indicating details of a transaction generated by a POS terminal includes specific information for identifying a customer;
a second determination means for determining whether or not the receipt information includes suppression information for suppressing output to an electronic receipt server;
Outputting the receipt information to an electronic receipt server on condition that the first determination means determines that the specific information is included and the second determination means determines that the suppression information is not included an output means for
program to function as The second determination means determines that the suppression information is included in the receipt information when transaction type information indicating that a transaction of a specific transaction type has been performed is included in the receipt information.
8. A program according to claim 7. The second determination means determines that the suppression information is included in the receipt information when the receipt information includes offline information indicating that a communication state with an electronic receipt server is offline.
A program according to claim 7 or 8.

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