JP7357107B2 - Mobile information terminals and their programs, self-registration systems - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a mobile information terminal , its control program, and a self-registration system .

A self-registration system that simplifies the product registration process by the cashier by allowing consumers to walk around the sales floor with an information terminal equipped with wireless communication capabilities and enter the data of the product they wish to purchase into the information terminal is already well known. There is.

Additionally, by digitizing the information written on receipts (receipt data) and downloading this digitized receipt data to information terminals via the Internet, consumers can receive receipts electronically. Electronic receipt systems are also already known.

Nowadays, mobile information terminals such as smartphones that are compatible with the Internet have wireless communication functions such as Wi-Fi. Therefore, by using a mobile information terminal having this wireless communication function as an information terminal for a self-registration system and an electronic receipt system, it is considered that it can support the functions of both the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-250798 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-194731

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a product sales processing system and a product sales processing device that can support the functions of both a product data input system including self-registration and an electronic receipt system. That is.

In one embodiment, a mobile information terminal operated by a consumer to self-register data on purchased products includes a first storage means, a second storage means, a first transmission means, and a second transmission means. and an acquisition means. The first storage means stores a first ID that identifies a consumer who performs self-registration. The second storage means stores a second ID set for the consumer who receives the electronic receipt. The first transmitting means performs a product sales process that uses the first ID and the second ID to obtain a cooperation flag indicating whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system based on the second ID. to the device. The second transmitting means transmits the data of the self-registered purchased product together with the first ID to the product sales processing device. The acquisition means retrieves the electronic receipt generated based on the data of the purchased product when the linkage flag is set to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system from the electronic receipt server logged in with the second ID. Get viewable.

A schematic diagram showing a retail store in which a product sales processing system has been introduced. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a product sales processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a POS device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a mobile information terminal. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a support server. A schematic diagram showing the data structure of a product transaction file. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of an electronic receipt server. A schematic diagram showing the data structure of an electronic receipt file. A schematic diagram showing the data structure of a cooperation table. 2 is a flowchart showing main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a mobile information terminal according to a self-registration terminal program. 2 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the support server according to the self-registration server program. 2 is a flowchart showing main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a POS device when receiving a payment request command according to a control program. 2 is a flowchart showing main steps of information processing executed by a processor of an electronic receipt server according to an electronic receipt server program. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a portable information terminal in a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a commodity transaction file in the second embodiment. 7 is a flowchart showing a part of information processing executed by a processor of a mobile information terminal according to a self-registration terminal program in the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of a POS device in a third embodiment. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing that a processor of a POS device executes when it receives a payment request command, which will be described later, according to a control program in a third embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a product sales processing system capable of supporting the functions of both a product data input system including self-registration and an electronic receipt system will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Description of product sales processing system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a retail store 100 in which the above product sales processing system has been introduced, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the above product sales processing system.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the product sales processing system includes a face-to-face POS (Point Of Sales) device 10, a self-type POS device 20, and a repeater 30 in a retail store 100. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the product sales processing system includes a store server 40, a self-registration support server (hereinafter referred to as support server) 50, and a router 60 within the retail store 100. The product sales processing system forms a LAN (Local Area Network) 70 within the retail store 100, and connects the POS devices 10, 20, repeater 30, store server 40, support server 50, and router 60 to this LAN 70, respectively. do. The LAN 70 may be wired or wireless. Router 60 relays data communication between LAN 70 and network 200. In this configuration, the POS devices 10 and 20 and the support server 50 constitute a product sales processing device. The product sales processing device includes a registration unit that includes a product detection means for detecting a product code input by a consumer, and a payment unit that includes a payment data input device. The support server 50 constitutes a registration unit. The POS devices 10 and 20 constitute a payment section.

Electronic receipt server 80 is connected to network 200. The electronic receipt server 80 stores electronic receipt data, so-called electronic receipts. By accessing the electronic receipt server 80 from the information processing device 210 connected to the network 200, the consumer can view the electronic receipt from the information processing device 210. The information processing device 210 is a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet terminal, or the like. The network 200 is, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, or the like.

Although only one store is shown as a product sales processing system in FIG. 2, product sales processing systems of a plurality of retail stores 100 are connected to the network 200. The product sales processing systems of each retail store 100 share the electronic receipt server 80.

[Description of POS device (product sales data processing device)]
As shown in FIG. 1, a face-to-face POS device 10 is installed along a checkout counter 2 in a checkout place 1 and is operated by a cashier 3. The POS device 10 includes a scanner 11 provided at the checkout counter 2. The scanner 11 is also operated by the cashier 3. A cashier 3 faces a consumer 4 who has come to checkout, with the checkout counter 2 in between. The cashier 3 causes the scanner 11 to read the barcode of the product 5 that the consumer 4 purchases. The scanner 11 reads the barcode and sends the obtained barcode data to the POS device 10. The POS device 10 identifies the product 5 from the barcode data sent from the scanner 11, and registers the number of sales, sales amount, etc. of the product 5 in the transaction area. Further, the POS device 10 displays on the display 13 the name of the product 5 that has been registered in the transaction area, the number of items sold, the sales amount, the total amount, and the like. The displays 13 include a display 13a for the operator and a display 13b for the consumer 4.

When the consumer 4 completes the registration process for the product 5 to be purchased, the cashier 3 inputs payment data via the input device of the POS device 10. For example, the cashier operates the keyboard 12 to input the deposit amount from the consumer. The POS device 10 processes the transaction with the consumer 4 based on the payment data. In the process of this payment process, the POS device 10 drives the printer 14 to issue a receipt (hereinafter referred to as a paper receipt) in which the transaction details are printed on rate paper. However, if the consumer 4 is an electronic receipt member set to receive electronic receipts, issuing a paper receipt is optional.

The self-service POS device 20 is installed at the checkout place 1 and operated by the consumer 4. The POS device 20 includes a scanner 21, a touch panel 22, an automatic change machine 23, a printer 24 for printing receipts, and the like. The consumer 4 stands in front of the POS device 20 and causes the scanner 21 to read the barcode of the product 5 that he or she is purchasing. The POS device 20 identifies the product 5 from the barcode read by the scanner 21, and registers the number of sales, sales amount, etc. of the product 5 in the transaction area. Further, the POS device 20 displays on the touch panel 22 the product name, number of sales, sales amount, total amount, etc. of the product 5 that has been registered in the transaction area.

After completing the registration process for the sales product 5, the consumer 4 inputs payment data via the input device of the POS device 20. For example, the consumer 4 operates the touch panel 22 to select a payment method. If the consumer 4 selects cash payment, the consumer 4 inserts cash into the automatic change machine 23. If electronic money payment is selected, the consumer 4 holds the electronic money card over a reader/writer (not shown). The POS device 20 processes the transaction with the consumer 4 based on the payment data. In the process of this payment process, the POS device 20 drives the printer 24 to issue a paper receipt on which the details of the transaction are printed. However, if the consumer 4 is an electronic receipt member, issuing a paper receipt is optional.

Note that the payment methods in the POS device 20 may include other methods such as credit card payment or gift certificate payment instead of or in addition to the above methods. The payment method in the POS device 10 may also include other methods such as electronic money payment, credit card payment, or gift certificate payment instead of or in addition to cash payment.

Such POS devices 10 and 20 are called product sales data processing devices.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the POS devices 10 and 20. The POS devices 10 and 20 include a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication interface 104, an I/O (Input/Output) interface 105, and the like. The processor 101, main memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, communication interface 104, and I/O interface 105 are connected by a system transmission path 106 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

The POS devices 10 and 20 constitute a computer including a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, and a system transmission path 106 connecting these.

Processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS devices 10 and 20 according to the operating system and application programs.

Main memory 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 102 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system and application programs in a nonvolatile memory area. Further, the main memory 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. The work area includes a transaction area. The transaction area is an area for storing sales data of products sold as one commercial transaction and payment data of the commercial transaction.

The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 may also store the above application program.

The communication interface 104 is an interface for data communication with the store server 40, support server 50, etc. connected via the LAN 70.

The I/O interface 105 is an interface for data communication with various input/output devices. In the case of the face-to-face POS device 10, a scanner 11, a keyboard 12, a display 13a for an operator, a display 13b for a consumer, a printer 14, etc. are connected to the I/O interface 105. In the case of the self-type POS device 20, a scanner 21, a touch panel 22, an automatic change machine 23, a printer 24, etc. are connected to the I/O interface 105.

The number of face-to-face POS devices 10 and self-service POS devices 20 installed in one retail store 100 is not particularly limited. The necessary number of machines is installed in consideration of the size of the retail store 100 or the layout inside the store. Further, it is not necessarily necessary to install both the face-to-face POS device 10 and the self-type POS device 20. Either one of the POS devices 10 or 20 may be installed at the checkout place 1 to configure a product sales processing system.

Each POS device 10, 20 stores a POSID in an auxiliary storage device 103. Each POS device 10, 20 may store a POSID in the main memory 102. POSID is information unique to each POS device 10, 20. POSIDs do not overlap between each POS device 10, 20. The store server 40 and the support server 50 identify each POS device 10, 20 connected to the LAN 70 by the POSID.

Each POS device 10, 20 is labeled with a barcode 7 representing its own POS ID. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, in the case of a face-to-face POS device 10, a barcode 7 is displayed on the opposite side of the scanner 11 from the surface operated by the cashier 3, that is, on the consumer 4 side. In the case of a self-operated POS device 20, a barcode 7 is written on the front side of the housing facing the consumer 4. Note that the position of the barcode 7 shown in FIG. 1 is just an example. The position of the barcode 7 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a two-dimensional data code may be used instead of the barcode 7.

[Description of store server]
The store server 40 includes a product database 41, as shown in FIG. The product database 41 stores product data such as the product name and price of each product sold in the retail store 100 in association with the product code. The product code is information unique to each product 5. The product code does not overlap among the products 5. Each product 5 is attached with a barcode representing its own product code. By reading this barcode with the scanners 11 and 21, each POS device 10 and 20 registers the sales data of the product 5 in the transaction area.

The store server 40 collects sales data of each product 5 registered in each POS device 10, 20 via the LAN 70. The store server 40 then aggregates the collected sales data by item, for example, by product, by time zone, etc. Here, the POS devices 10 and 20 and the store server 40 constitute a well-known POS system.

[Explanation of repeater]
The repeater 30 is compatible with wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), for example. The repeater 30 has almost the entire area of the sales floor 6 and the checkout area 1 in the retail store 100 as a wireless communication area. The repeater 30 transmits and receives data to and from one or more mobile information terminals 400 existing within a wireless communication area using wireless communication. The number of repeaters 30 is not particularly limited. The necessary number of machines is arranged in the retail store 100 in consideration of the scale of the retail store 100 or the layout inside the store.

[Description of mobile information terminal]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main part configuration of mobile information terminal 400. The portable information terminal 400 includes a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a touch panel 404, a camera unit 405, a wireless unit 406, and the like. The processor 401, main memory 402, auxiliary storage device 403, touch panel 404, camera unit 405, and wireless unit 406 are connected by a system transmission path 407 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

The portable information terminal 400 constitutes a computer by a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, and a system transmission path 407 connecting these.

Processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. Processor 401 controls each part to realize various functions of mobile information terminal 400 according to the operating system and application programs.

Main memory 402 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 402 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 402 is a nonvolatile memory area that stores an operating system and application programs. Further, the main memory 402 may store data necessary for the processor 401 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 402 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 401.

The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. Auxiliary storage device 403 is, for example, an EEPROM. An HDD, SSD, etc. may be used as the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 401. The auxiliary storage device 403 may also store the above application program.

Touch panel 404 functions as an input device and display device of mobile information terminal 400. The touch panel 404 displays an icon for starting the above application program.

Camera unit 405 has a resolution capable of photographing barcodes. The wireless unit 406 transmits and receives data to and from the repeater 30 using wireless communication. For example, among portable information processing devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, and tablet terminals, an information processing device that includes a built-in camera unit 405 and a wireless unit 406 is used as the portable information terminal 400.

By installing the self-registration terminal program P1, the portable information terminal 400 having such a configuration becomes an information terminal compatible with the self-registration system. The self-registration system is a system in which the consumer 4 operates an information terminal to register data on sales products, thereby omitting the registration process at the POS devices 10 and 20. Payment processing for sold products is performed by the POS devices 10 and 20 as usual.

The self-registration terminal program P1 controls the processor 401 so that the mobile information terminal 400 becomes an information terminal compatible with the self-registration system. Self-registration terminal program P1 is stored in auxiliary storage device 403. Additionally, a self-registration management area W1 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 403 of the mobile information terminal 400 together with the self-registration terminal program P1.

By installing the electronic receipt terminal program P2, the mobile information terminal 400 becomes an information terminal compatible with the electronic receipt system. The electronic receipt system is a system in which an electronic receipt obtained by digitizing receipt data is stored in an electronic receipt server 80, and this electronic receipt can be viewed by an information processing device 210 via a network 200. That is, the mobile information terminal 400 with the electronic receipt terminal program P2 installed functions as the information processing device 210.

The electronic receipt terminal program P2 controls the processor 401 so that the portable information terminal 400 becomes an information terminal compatible with the electronic receipt system. The electronic receipt terminal program P2 is stored in the auxiliary storage device 403. Further, an electronic receipt management area W2 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 403 of the mobile information terminal 400 together with the electronic receipt terminal program P2.

[Description of support server (product data input support server)]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the support server 50. As shown in FIG. The support server 50 includes a processor 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary storage device 503, a communication interface 504, and the like. The processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary storage device 503, and communication interface 504 are connected by a system transmission line 505 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

The support server 50 constitutes a computer including a processor 501, a main memory 502, an auxiliary storage device 503, and a system transmission path 505 connecting these.

Processor 501 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 501 controls each part to implement various functions of the support server 50 according to the operating system and application programs.

Main memory 502 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 502 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 502 is a nonvolatile memory area that stores an operating system and application programs. Further, the main memory 502 may store data necessary for the processor 501 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 502 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 501.

The auxiliary storage device 503 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 503 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 503 stores data used by the processor 501 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 501. The auxiliary storage device 503 may also store the above application program.

The communication interface 504 is an interface for data communication with the store server 40, each POS device 10, 20, etc. connected via the LAN 70.

The support server 50 having such a configuration is a product data input support server that supports input of product data related to self-registration, and has a self-registration server program P3 installed in the auxiliary storage device 503. The support server 50 also forms a store information area W3 and a transaction file area W4 in the auxiliary storage device 503.

The self-registration server program P3 resides in the support server 50. The self-registration server program P3 cooperates with the self-registration terminal program P1 executed on the mobile information terminal 400 to support self-registration of sales products that the consumer 4 purchases.

The store information area W3 is an area for storing information regarding the retail store (seller) 100 in which the support server 50 is provided, for example, seller information such as the store name.

The transaction file area W4 is an area for storing a product transaction file 510 having the data structure shown in FIG. A product transaction file 510 is created for each consumer 4 who performs self-registration. The transaction file area W4 can simultaneously store a plurality of product transaction files 510 corresponding to a plurality of consumers 4, respectively.

The data of the product transaction file 510 includes a self-registration ID, store information, cooperation flag F, one or more product sales data, and their total data.
The self-registration ID (first ID) is a unique code that identifies the consumer 4 who performs self-registration. That is, the self-registration ID (first ID) is an ID that identifies a user who uses mobile information terminal 400. Each consumer 4 sets a self-registration ID when the self-registration terminal program P1 is installed on the mobile information terminal 400. The self-registration ID is used as an ID for authentication when logging into the support server 50 from the mobile information terminal 400. When the user logs in to the support server 50, the self-registration ID is stored in the self-registration management area W1 of the mobile information terminal 400. Although the self-registration ID is arbitrary, it does not overlap with other consumers 4.

The cooperation flag F is 1-bit information that identifies whether or not the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system are to be cooperated. Consumer 4 who has installed self-registration terminal program P1 and electronic receipt terminal program P2 on mobile information terminal 400 can link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. That is, the consumer 4 can download and view the details of a commercial transaction when self-registering a sales product using the mobile information terminal 400 as an electronic receipt to the mobile information terminal 400. In this way, by linking the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, it becomes possible to support the functions of both the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. Incidentally, the consumer 4 can arbitrarily set whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. In the case of cooperation, a cooperation flag F is set in the self-registration management area W1 of the mobile information terminal 400, as shown in FIG. If no cooperation is to be made, the cooperation flag F is not set. The consumer 4 can set or reset the collaboration flag F by performing a predetermined operation on the mobile information terminal 400.

Note that the support server 50 can use, for example, a general-purpose server device or computer device as basic hardware. In the support server 50, the server device or computer device in which the self-registration server program P3 is not stored in the auxiliary storage device 503 and the self-registration server program P3 may be individually transferred to the user. At this time, the transfer of the self-registration server program P3 can be realized by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., or by downloading it via a network. In this case, the self-registration server program P3 is written to the auxiliary storage device 503 in response to the user's operation.

[Description of electronic receipt server]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the electronic receipt server 80. The electronic receipt server 80 includes a processor 801, a main memory 802, an auxiliary storage device 803, a communication interface 804, and the like. The processor 801, main memory 802, auxiliary storage device 803, and communication interface 804 are connected by a system transmission line 805 including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

The electronic receipt server 80 constitutes a computer by a processor 801, a main memory 802, an auxiliary storage device 803, and a system transmission line 805 connecting these.

Processor 801 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 801 controls each part to implement various functions of the electronic receipt server 80 according to the operating system and application programs.

Main memory 802 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 802 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 802 is a nonvolatile memory area that stores an operating system and application programs. Further, the main memory 802 may store data necessary for the processor 801 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 802 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 801.

The auxiliary storage device 803 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 803 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 803 stores data used by the processor 801 to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the processor 801. The auxiliary storage device 803 may also store the above application program.

The communication interface 804 is an interface for data communication with the store server 40, information processing device 210, etc. connected via the network 200.

The electronic receipt server 80 having such a configuration has the electronic receipt server program P4 installed in the auxiliary storage device 803. Further, the electronic receipt server 80 forms an electronic receipt area W5 and a cooperation table area W6 in the auxiliary storage device 803.

The electronic receipt server program P4 resides in the electronic receipt server 80. The electronic receipt server program P4 cooperates with the electronic receipt terminal program P2 executed on the mobile information terminal 400 or the like to support viewing of electronic receipts on the mobile information terminal 400 or the like.

The electronic receipt area W5 is an area for storing an electronic receipt file 810 having the data structure shown in FIG. An electronic receipt file 810 is created for each commercial transaction for which an electronic receipt was generated. The electronic receipt area W5 can simultaneously store a plurality of electronic receipt files 810 corresponding to a plurality of commercial transactions.

The data in the electronic receipt file 810 includes an electronic receipt ID, simple electronic receipt data such as store name, transaction date and time, and total amount, and actual electronic receipt data. Note that the simple data is not limited to the store name, transaction date and time, and total amount. For example, the simple data may include only the store name and transaction date and time, or may include only the transaction date and time and total amount. Further, items other than the store name, transaction date and time, and total amount may be included in the simple data.

The electronic receipt ID (second ID) is a unique code that identifies the consumer 4 who uses the electronic receipt system. When using the electronic receipt system, the consumer 4 registers as a member with the system administrator in advance. A unique electronic receipt ID is issued by the system administrator to the consumer 4 who has registered as a member. The electronic receipt ID is used as an ID for authentication when logging into the electronic receipt server 80 from the mobile information terminal 400. When the electronic receipt server 80 is logged in, the electronic receipt ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W2 of the mobile information terminal 400. Electronic receipt IDs are not duplicated among other consumers 4 who have registered as members. That is, the electronic receipt ID (second ID) is an ID used when a consumer receives a receipt in the form of an electronic receipt.

The cooperation table area W6 is an area for storing the cooperation table 820 having the data structure shown in FIG. 9. The linkage table 820 stores the electronic receipt ID and self-registration ID of the consumer 4 who has made settings to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system in association with each other. That is, when the consumer 4 sets the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system to cooperate, the electronic receipt ID and self-registration ID of the consumer 4 are associated and stored in the cooperation table 820.

Note that the electronic receipt server 80 can use, for example, a general-purpose server device or computer device as basic hardware. In the electronic receipt server 80, the server device or computer device in which the electronic receipt server program P4 is not stored in the auxiliary storage device 803 and the electronic receipt server program P4 may be individually transferred to the user. At this time, the electronic receipt server program P4 can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network. In this case, the electronic receipt server program P4 is written to the auxiliary storage device 503 in response to the user's operation.

[Explanation of operation of product sales processing system]
Next, the operation of the product sales processing system when the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system are linked will be explained using the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing that the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 executes according to the self-registration terminal program P1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 501 of the support server 50 according to the self-registration server program P3. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing that the processor 101 of the POS device 10, 20 executes when it receives a payment request command, which will be described later, according to the control program. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 801 of the electronic receipt server 80 according to the electronic receipt server program P4. Note that the contents of the processes shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 and described below are merely examples, and various processes that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

Before shopping at the retail store 100, the consumer 4 operates the touch panel 404 of the mobile information terminal 400 to start the self-registration terminal program P1. That is, the consumer 4 touches the icon of the self-registration terminal program P1 displayed on the touch panel 404. When the self-registration terminal program P1 is started, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 starts the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

First, the processor 401 determines whether or not the support server 50 is being logged in (Act 1). If the self-registration terminal program P1 is terminated without logging out when the self-registration terminal program P1 was last started, the logged-in state is maintained. During login, a self-registration ID, which is an ID for authentication, is stored in the self-registration management area W1.

If the support server 50 is not being logged in (NO in Act 1), the processor 401 displays a login screen on the touch panel 404 and accepts the login (Act 2). The consumer 4 logs in by entering his or her self-registration ID on the login screen. Consumer 4 may enter a password together with the self-registration ID.

When login is performed, processor 401 wirelessly transmits login information including a self-registration ID. This login information is received by the repeater 30 and transmitted to the support server 50 via the LAN 70. The support server 50 performs login authentication. The support server 50 then notifies the mobile information terminal 400 of the authentication result through a route opposite to that of the login information.

The processor 401 determines whether the login is approved (Act 3). If the login is not approved (NO in Act 3), the processor 401 accepts the login again (Act 2). If the login is approved (YES in Act 3), the processor 401 stores the self-registration ID used in the login in the self-registration management area W1 (Act 4).

If the login is approved and the self-registration ID is stored in the self-registration management area W1, or if the login is in progress and the self-registration ID is stored in the self-registration management area W1 (YES in Act 1), the processor 401 , detects the self-registration ID from the self-registration management area W1. Furthermore, the processor 401 detects the cooperation flag F from the self-registration management area W1 (Act5). The cooperation flag F is set to "1" when the consumer makes settings to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. If no settings have been made for collaboration, the collaboration flag F is reset to "0".

The processor 401 wirelessly transmits a registration start declaration command including the self-registration ID detected from the self-registration management area W1 and information indicated by the cooperation flag F (Act 6). The registration start declaration command transmitted from the wireless unit 406 is received by the repeater 30 and transmitted to the support server 50 via the LAN 70.

The processor 501 of the support server 50 in which the self-registration server program P3 resides waits for a registration start declaration command, as shown in FIG. 11 (Act 21). Upon receiving the registration start declaration command transmitted from the mobile information terminal 400, the processor 501 acquires store information from the store information area W3 of the auxiliary storage device 503 (Act 22). The processor 501 also creates a product transaction file 510 in the transaction file area W4. Then, the processor 501 stores, in the product transaction file 510, the information indicated by the self-registration ID and cooperation flag F included in the registration start declaration command, and the store information acquired from the store information area W3 (Act 23).

The processor 501 transmits the store information to the mobile information terminal 400 that is the source of the registration start declaration command (Act 24). The store information is wirelessly transmitted from the repeater 30 and received by the wireless unit 406 of the mobile information terminal 400 that transmitted the registration start declaration command. Note that the processing procedures in Act 22 and Act 23 are not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed. Further, the processing procedures in Act 23 and Act 24 are not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed.

As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 that sent the registration start declaration command waits for store information (Act 7). When the wireless unit 406 receives the store information (YES in Act 7), the processor 401 displays a registration screen on the touch panel 404 (Act 8). Furthermore, the processor 401 drives the camera unit 405 (Act 9). Note that the processing procedures in Act 8 and Act 9 are not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed.

For example, store information is displayed on the registration screen. Further, a details column for displaying the product name, price, total amount, etc. is formed on the registration screen. A message prompting the consumer 4 to self-register may be displayed on the registration screen. After confirming the registration screen, the consumer 4 starts shopping at the sales floor 6. The consumer 4 then images the barcode of the product 5 to be purchased using the camera unit 405. The photographed product 5 is placed in a cart or the like.

The processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 waits for a barcode to be detected from the image captured by the camera unit 405 (Act 10). When a barcode is detected (YES in Act 10), the processor 401 adds the self-registration ID stored in the self-registration management area W1 to the barcode data and wirelessly transmits the data (Act 11). The barcode data with the self-registration ID transmitted from the wireless unit 406 is received by the repeater 30 and transmitted to the support server 50 via the LAN 70.

As shown in FIG. 11, the processor 501 of the support server 50 that has transmitted the store information to the mobile information terminal 400 waits for barcode data from the mobile information terminal 400 (Act 25). When receiving barcode data with a self-registration ID (YES in Act 25), the processor 501 determines whether the barcode data is a product code or a POSID (Acts 26 and 27). The barcode 7 representing the POSID and the barcode representing the product code have different code systems. Processor 501 determines the type of barcode based on the difference in code system.

If the barcode data is a product code (YES in Act 26: product detection means), the processor 501 accesses the store server 40. The processor 501 then acquires product data (product name, price, etc.) associated with the product code from the product database 41 included in the store server 40 (Act 28).

After acquiring the product data, the processor 501 creates product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. based on this product data (Act 29). The processor 501 then registers this product sales data in the product transaction file 510 specified by the self-registration ID added to the barcode data (Act 30: storage means). Processor 501 also transmits this product sales data to mobile information terminal 400, which is the source of the barcode data (Act 31). The product sales data is wirelessly transmitted from the repeater 30 and received by the wireless unit 406 of the mobile information terminal 400 that transmitted the barcode data. Note that the processing procedures of Act 30 and Act 31 are not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed.
After completing the processing in Acts 30 and 31, the processor 501 waits for the next barcode data to be sent from the same mobile information terminal 400 (Act 25).

As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 that has transmitted the barcode data waits for data from the support server 50 (Act 12). When receiving data from the support server 50 (YES in Act 12), the processor 401 determines whether the data is product sales data (Act 13). In the case of product sales data (YES in Act 13), the processor 401 displays the product name, price, etc. of the sales product included in the product sales data in the details column of the registration screen (Act 14). After that, the processor 401 waits for the next barcode to be detected from the image captured by the camera unit 405 (Act 10).

In this way, each time the consumer 4 captures an image of the barcode of the product for sale 5 with the camera unit 405, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 executes the processes in Acts 10 to 14. On the other hand, the support server 50 executes the processes in Acts 25 to 31. As a result, a product transaction file 510 in which the self-registration ID of the consumer 4 is stored is created in the transaction file area W4 of the support server 50. Store information and cooperation flag F are stored in this product transaction file 510, and sales data (product data) of the product 5 purchased by the consumer 4 is also accumulated.

After finishing shopping at the sales floor 6, the consumer 4 goes to the checkout counter 1 and pays the bill. Payment may be made at the checkout counter 2 or may be made using a self-service POS device 20. When paying at the checkout counter 2, the consumer 4 images the barcode 7 written on the scanner 11 on the checkout counter 2 with the camera unit 405. When making a checkout using a self-service POS device 20, the consumer 4 images the barcode 7 written on the casing of the POS device 20 using the camera unit 405.

When the consumer 4 photographs the barcode 7 with the camera unit 405, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 operates in the same manner as when the consumer 4 photographs the barcode of the product 5. That is, when a barcode is detected from the image captured by the camera unit 405 (YES in Act 10), the processor 401 adds the self-registration ID stored in the self-registration management area W1 to the barcode data. and transmit it wirelessly (Act 11). The barcode data with the self-registration ID transmitted from the wireless unit 406 is received by the repeater 30 and transmitted to the support server 50 via the LAN 70.

On the other hand, when the processor 501 of the support server 50 receives barcode data with a self-registration ID (YES in Act 25), it determines whether the data is a barcode representing a product code or a barcode 7 representing a POSID. (Acts 26, 27). In the case of barcode 7 representing POSID (YES in Act 27: payment unit detection means), the processor 501 identifies the POS device 10 or 20 to which the POS ID is set as the POS device for payment (hereinafter referred to as payment POS device). ) (Act 32).

For example, the processor 501 inquires about the POS ID of each POS device 10 or 20 connected via the LAN 70. The processor 501 then identifies the POS device 10 or 20 that responded with the POSID detected from the barcode data as the payment POS device. Once the payment POS device 10 or 20 is specified, the processor 501 transmits a payment request command to the payment POS device 10 or 20 (Act 33). The payment request command is sent to the payment POS device 10 or 20 via the LAN 70.

The processor 101 of the payment POS device 10, 20 that receives the payment request command executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the processor 101 determines whether the commercial transaction is ongoing (Act 41).

In the case of the self-operated POS device 20, when the consumer 4 photographs the barcode 7 with the camera unit 405 of the mobile information terminal 400, the commercial transaction with the previous consumer 4 has ended. However, in the case of a face-to-face POS device 10, there is a possibility that the transaction with the previous consumer 4 has not been completed. If the commercial transaction has not ended, the processor 101 recognizes that the commercial transaction is continuing. In this case (YES in Act 41), the processor 101 waits for the commercial transaction to end. If the commercial transaction with the previous consumer has been completed or has been completed (NO in Act 41), the processor 101 returns a permission response to the support server 50 (Act 42).

As shown in FIG. 11, the processor 501 of the support server 50 that has sent the payment request command to the payment POS device 10 or 20 waits for a permission response (Act 34). Upon receiving a permission response from the payment POS device 10 or 20 (YES in Act 34), the processor 501 detects the product transaction file 510 specified by the self-registration ID added to the barcode data. The processor 501 then transmits the data of this product transaction file 510 to the payment POS device 10 or 20 (Act 35: first transmitting means).

As shown in FIG. 12, the processor 101 of the payment POS device 10 or 20 that has sent the permission response to the support server 50 waits for the product transaction file 510 (Act 43). If the data of the product transaction file 510 is received from the support server 50 via the communication interface 504 (YES in Act 43), the processor 101 transfers the product sales data included in the product transaction file 510 to the transactions in the main memory 102. Expand to the area. Then, the processor 101 displays the product name, price, etc. constituting the product sales data developed in this transaction area on the display 13a or the touch panel 22 (Act 44).

Processor 101 waits for payment data to be input (Act 45). Note that if the barcode of the product is read through the scanners 11 and 21 while waiting for input of payment data, the processor 101 identifies the product from the barcode and transfers the sales data of this product to the transaction. Add to area.

When payment data is input via the keyboard 12 or touch panel 22 (YES in Act 45), the processor 101 performs payment processing for the product sales data stored in the transaction area based on the payment data (using the payment method ). During this payment process, the processor 101 creates print data of receipt data (Act 46: generation means).

After completing the payment process, the processor 101 checks the cooperation flag F included in the product transaction file 510 sent from the support server 50 (Act 47). Here, if the collaboration flag F is set to "1", the consumer 4 who has performed self-registration has made settings to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. If the settings for collaboration have been made (YES in Act 47), the processor 101 creates electronic receipt data by digitizing the receipt data (Act 48). Further, the processor 101 displays a screen on the display 13a or the touch panel 22 asking whether or not to issue a paper receipt. The processor 101 then waits for an input as to whether or not to issue a paper receipt (Act 49: reception means).

Here, if an input indicating that a paper receipt will not be issued is received through the operation of the keyboard 12 or touch panel 22 (NO in Act 49), the processor 101 adds the self-registration ID included in the product transaction file 510 to the electronic receipt data. Attach. Then, the processor 101 transmits the electronic receipt data to which this self-registration ID is attached to the electronic receipt server 80 (Act 50: second transmitting means).

On the other hand, when receiving an input to issue a paper receipt by operating the keyboard 12 or touch panel 22 (YES in Act 49), the processor 101 drives the printers 14 and 24 to issue a paper receipt. (Act 51: Control means). Further, even if the cooperation flag F included in the product transaction file 510 is reset to "0" (NO in Act 47), the processor 101 controls the issuance of a paper receipt (Act 51).

After transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server 80 or controlling the issuance of a paper receipt, the processor 101 transmits a payment completion command to the support server 50 (Act 52). With this, the processor 101 ends the information processing upon receiving the payment request command.

As shown in FIG. 11, the processor 501 of the support server 50 that has transmitted the data of the product transaction file 510 to the payment POS device 10 or 20 waits for a payment completion command (Act 36). Upon receiving the payment completion command from the payment POS device 10 or 20 (YES in Act 36), the processor 501 wirelessly transmits the payment completion command to the mobile information terminal 400 that sent the POSID barcode data (Act 37). . Furthermore, the processor 501 deletes the product transaction file 510 that has sent data to the payment POS device 10 or 20 from the transaction file area W4 (Act 38). With this, the processor 501 ends the information processing after receiving the registration start declaration command. Note that the processing procedure of Act 37 and Act 38 is not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed. Further, the product transaction file 510 deleted from the transaction file area W4 may be saved in a separate area formed in the auxiliary storage device 503.

As shown in FIG. 10, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 that has transmitted the barcode data waits for data from the support server 50 (Act 12). When receiving data from the support server 50 (YES in Act 12), the processor 401 determines whether the data is product sales data (Act 13). If the data is not product sales data (NO in Act 13), the processor 401 determines whether the data is an end command (Act 15). In the case of the end command (YES in Act 15), the processor 401 erases the registration screen displayed on the touch panel 404 (Act 16). With this, the processor 401 ends the information processing according to the self-registration terminal program P1.

The processor 801 of the electronic receipt server 80 waits for data as shown in FIG. 13 (Act 61). When receiving data via the network 200 (YES in Act 61), the processor 801 checks whether the data is electronic receipt data (Act 62). When electronic receipt data is received (YES in Act 62), the processor 801 determines whether the ID added to the data is a self-registration ID or an electronic receipt ID (Act 63).

If an electronic receipt ID is added to the electronic receipt data (NO in Act 63), the processor 801 creates an electronic receipt file 810 including the electronic receipt ID and electronic receipt data, and saves it in the electronic receipt area W5. (Act 65).

If the self-registration ID is added to the electronic receipt data (YES in Act 63), the processor 801 searches the collaboration table 820. The processor 801 then detects the electronic receipt ID that is associated with the self-registration ID and is set in the collaboration table 820 (detection means). The processor 801 then converts the self-registration ID into the electronic receipt ID detected from the association table 820 (Act 64). After converting the self-registration ID into an electronic receipt ID, the processor 801 creates an electronic receipt file 810 including the converted electronic receipt ID and electronic receipt data, and stores it in the electronic receipt area W5 (Act 65: storage means) . With this, the processor 801 ends the information processing when receiving electronic receipt data.

In this way, the electronic receipt data of a commercial transaction in which a sales product is registered through self-registration is sent to the electronic receipt server 80 with the self-registration ID of the consumer 4 who performed the self-registration added. If a self-registration ID is added to the electronic receipt data, the electronic receipt server 80 converts the self-registration ID into the electronic receipt ID of the consumer 4. Then, the electronic receipt server 80 creates an electronic receipt file 810 including this electronic receipt ID and stores it in the electronic receipt area W5. On the other hand, when receiving electronic receipt data to which an electronic receipt ID is added instead of a self-registration ID, the electronic receipt server 80 creates an electronic receipt file 810 including this electronic receipt ID and stores it in the electronic receipt area W5. save.

The electronic receipt ID is an ID for authentication when the consumer 4 who is an electronic receipt member logs into the electronic receipt server 80 from the mobile information terminal 400. Therefore, the consumer 4 who has self-registered using the mobile information terminal 400 can use the mobile information terminal 400 to view the electronic receipt of the commercial transaction in which the sold product has been registered through the self-registration.

Further, the device that can log in to the electronic receipt server 80 using the electronic receipt ID is not limited to the mobile information terminal 400. You can also log in from the information processing device 210 such as a personal computer. Therefore, electronic receipts for commercial transactions in which sold products are registered through self-registration can also be viewed from the information processing device 210 such as a personal computer.

Moreover, the consumer 4 or the cashier 3 does not need to input the electronic receipt ID into the POS device 10 or 20 when making a payment for a commercial transaction in which a sales product is registered through self-registration. Therefore, by linking the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the effort of the consumer 4 and the cashier 3 does not increase.
As described above, according to this embodiment, the self-registration system not only simplifies the product registration operation by the cashier and reduces the time required for payment processing, but also reduces the time required to issue paper receipts by adopting the electronic receipt system. Since the processing time can also be shortened, the processing capacity of the accounting place 1 can be greatly increased. As a result, congestion at the checkout place 1 can be alleviated. Moreover, since the consumer 4 does not need to present an electronic receipt ID at the checkout place in order to receive an electronic receipt, the consumer 4 does not feel troubled at the checkout place 1.
Note that in the first embodiment, the POS device 10 or 20 creates the electronic receipt data and sends it to the electronic receipt server 80, but the store server 40 or the support server 50 creates the electronic receipt data and sends it to the electronic receipt server. You may also send it to 80.
In the case of the store server 40, the POS device 10 or 20 transmits product sales data and payment data necessary for creating an electronic receipt to the store server 40. On the other hand, in the case of the support server 50, the product sales data is stored in the product transaction file 510, so the POS device 10 or 20 only needs to send the payment data together with the self-registration ID to the support server 50.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described using FIGS. 14 to 16. Note that in FIGS. 14 to 16, parts common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a mobile information terminal 400-2 in the second embodiment. The portable information terminal 400-2 differs from the portable information terminal 400 of the first embodiment in the data stored in the self-registration management area W1 of the auxiliary storage device 403. That is, the mobile information terminal 400-2 stores the electronic receipt ID in the self-registration management area W1.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the consumer 4 arbitrarily sets whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. When settings are made to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 sets a linkage flag F in the self-registration management area W1. The processor 401 also stores an electronic receipt ID, which is an ID for authentication when the consumer 4 logs into the electronic receipt server 80, in the self-registration management area W1.

The electronic receipt ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W2 by logging into the electronic receipt server 80. Therefore, when making settings to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the consumer 4 starts the electronic receipt terminal program P2 and logs into the electronic receipt server 80. Then, since the electronic receipt ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W2, the processor 401 copies the electronic receipt ID in the electronic receipt management area W2 to the self-registration management area W1. The processor 401 also sets a collaboration flag F. The electronic receipt ID is not deleted even if you log out from the electronic receipt server 80. Similarly, the cooperation flag F is not reset even if the user logs out from the electronic receipt server 80. Thus, when settings are made to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the electronic receipt ID is stored in the self-registration management area W1, and the collaboration flag F is set. On the other hand, when canceling the cooperation between the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the consumer 4 starts the self-registration terminal program P1 and performs a predetermined setting cancellation operation. By doing so, the electronic receipt ID is deleted from the self-registration management area W1. Further, the cooperation flag F is reset.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a product transaction file 510-2 stored in the transaction file area W4 of the support server 50 in the second embodiment. The product transaction file 510-2 in the second embodiment differs from the product transaction file 510 in the first embodiment in the number of stored IDs. The product transaction file 510 of the first embodiment stores only the self-registration ID. The product transaction file 510-2 of the second embodiment stores an electronic receipt ID in addition to a self-registration ID.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing part of the information processing executed by the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 according to the self-registration terminal program P1 in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, in the second embodiment, the processes of Act71 and Act72 are performed between the process of detecting the self-registration ID and cooperation flag F in Act5 and the process of transmitting the registration start declaration command in Act6. to add.

That is, after completing the process in Act 5, the processor 401 proceeds to the process in Act 71. In Act71, the processor 401 determines whether or not the cooperation flag F is detected from the self-registration management area W1. If the mobile information terminal 400 is not set to cooperate with the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the cooperation flag F is not detected. In this case, the processor 401 determines "NO" in Act71, and proceeds to the process in Act6. That is, the processor 401 wirelessly transmits a registration start declaration command that includes the self-registration ID acquired from the self-registration management area W1 and the information indicated by the cooperation flag F.

On the other hand, when the mobile information terminal 400 is set to cooperate with the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system, the cooperation flag F is detected. In this case, the processor 401 determines "YES" in Act71, and proceeds to the process in Act72.

In Act72, the processor 401 detects the electronic receipt ID from the self-registration management area W1. After detecting the electronic receipt ID, the processor 401 proceeds to the process of Act6. That is, the processor 401 wirelessly transmits a registration start declaration command that includes the self-registration ID and electronic receipt ID acquired from the self-registration management area W1, and information indicated by the cooperation flag F. The processing after this Act 6 is the same as the first embodiment.

Now, the support server 50 that has received the registration start declaration command executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, similarly to the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, a part of the processing in Act 23 is different from the first embodiment. That is, in the first embodiment, in Act 23, the processor 501 creates the product transaction file 510 based on the information indicated by the self-registration ID and cooperation flag F included in the received registration start declaration command and the store information acquired in the processing in Act 22. It was created. In the second embodiment as well, when the information included in the registration start declaration command is only the information indicated by the self-registration ID and the cooperation flag F, the processor 501 creates the product transaction file 510 as Act 23.

However, as explained using FIG. 16, the registration start declaration command may include the electronic receipt ID in addition to the self-registration ID and the information indicated by the cooperation flag F. In that case, the processor 501 creates a commodity transaction file 510-2 as Act 23. That is, the processor 501 creates a product transaction file 510 from the self-registration ID and electronic receipt ID included in the received registration start declaration command, the information indicated by the collaboration flag F, and the store information acquired in the process of Act 22 (accumulation). means).

Furthermore, the processor 101 of the POS device 10 or 20 that has received the payment request command executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, similarly to the first embodiment. However, in Act 50, the processor 101 adds an electronic receipt ID included in the product transaction file 510-2 to the electronic receipt data. No self-registration ID will be attached. The processor 101 transmits the electronic receipt data to which the electronic receipt ID is attached to the electronic receipt server 80 (second transmitting means).

The processor 801 of the electronic receipt server 80 that has received the electronic receipt data executes information processing according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, similarly to the first embodiment. However, since the ID attached to the electronic receipt data is an electronic receipt ID, the determination in Act 63 is always "NO". Therefore, the process in Act 64 is not executed. That is, in the second embodiment, the cooperation table 820 included in the electronic receipt server 80 is not required.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the second embodiment with such a configuration also supports the functions of both the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system without increasing the effort of the consumer 4 and the cashier 3. be able to. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the processing capacity of the checkout place 1 can be significantly increased, and congestion can be alleviated. Furthermore, the consumer 4 who is set to receive electronic receipts does not feel troubled at the checkout place 1.

Further, according to the second embodiment, there is an advantage that the existing electronic receipt server 80 can be used as is.
Further, according to the second embodiment, the consumer 4 can change whether to receive a paper receipt or an electronic receipt as appropriate by switching the state of the cooperation flag F set in the mobile information terminal 400-2. I can do it. Therefore, it is possible to easily take measures such as receiving a paper receipt for a previous transaction but receiving an electronic receipt for the current transaction.
Note that in the second embodiment, the cooperation flag F is set in the mobile information terminal 400-2, but it does not necessarily have to be set in the mobile information terminal 400-2. For example, a member database is provided in the electronic receipt server 80, and a cooperation flag F is stored in association with the electronic receipt ID for each electronic receipt member. When the electronic receipt ID is included in the registration start declaration command sent from the mobile information terminal 400, the processor 501 of the support server 50 receives the cooperation flag stored in the member database in association with the electronic receipt ID. and stores it in the commodity transaction file 510-2. By adopting such a configuration, the collaboration flag F can be prevented from being set in the mobile information terminal 400-2.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described using FIGS. 17 and 18. Note that in FIGS. 17 and 18, parts common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the configuration of main parts of the POS devices 10-3 and 20-3 in the third embodiment. The POS apparatuses 10-3 and 20-3 differ from the POS apparatuses 10 and 20 in that a cooperation table area W7 is formed in the auxiliary storage device 103. This cooperation table area W7 is an area for storing a cooperation table 820 having the data structure shown in FIG. 9.

In the first embodiment, the electronic receipt server 80 includes a collaboration table 820. In the third embodiment, the POS devices 10-3 and 20-3 include a cooperation table 820. The electronic receipt server 80 does not include the cooperation table 820.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing that the processor 101 of the POS device 10, 20 executes when it receives a payment request command, which will be described later, according to the control program. Note that the information processing procedure executed by the processor 401 of the mobile information terminal 400 according to the self-registration terminal program P1 (see FIG. 10) and the information processing procedure executed by the processor 501 of the support server 50 according to the self-registration server program P3 (see FIG. 10) (see FIG. 11) is the same as in the first embodiment, so the explanation here will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that when the determination process in Act 47 is determined to be "YES", the process proceeds to Act 48 after performing the process in Act 81. different from.

That is, if the result of checking the cooperation flag F included in the product transaction file 510 sent from the support server 50 is that it is set to “1” (YES in Act 47), the processor 101 searches the cooperation table 820. do. The processor 101 then detects the electronic receipt ID that is associated with the self-registration ID and is set in the collaboration table 820 (detection means). The processor 101 then converts the self-registration ID into the electronic receipt ID detected from the linkage table 820 (Act 81). Thereafter, the processor 101 digitizes the receipt data to create an electronic receipt (Act 48). Note that the processing procedures of Act 81 and Act 48 are not limited to the above procedure. The front and back may be reversed.

In this way, in the third embodiment, the POS devices 10-3 and 20-3 are provided with the cooperation table 820. Then, if the cooperation flag F included in the product transaction file 510 sent from the support server 50 is set to "1", the POS devices 10-3 and 20-3 convert the self-registration ID into the electronic receipt ID. Convert to Then, the POS devices 10-3 and 20-3 attach an electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt created based on the product sales data stored in the product transaction file 510, and transmit it to the electronic receipt server 80.

Therefore, in the third embodiment as well, it is possible to support the functions of both the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system without increasing the effort of the consumer 4 and the cashier 3. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the processing capacity of the checkout place 1 can be significantly increased, and congestion can be alleviated. Moreover, the consumer 4 who is set to receive electronic receipts does not feel troubled at the checkout place 1.
Furthermore, since the electronic receipt with the electronic receipt ID is sent to the electronic receipt server 80, the existing electronic receipt server 80 can be used as is, as in the second embodiment.
Note that in the third embodiment, the POS device 10 or 20 creates electronic receipt data and sends it to the electronic receipt server 80, but the store server 40 or self-registration support server 50 creates the electronic receipt data and sends it to the electronic receipt server 80. It may also be sent to the receipt server 80. In this case, it is also possible for the store server 40 or the support server 50 to include the cooperation table 820.
When the support server 50 includes the collaboration table 820, the self-registration ID is stored in the product transaction file 510. Therefore, the processor 501 of the support server 50 only needs to detect the electronic receipt ID that is associated with the self-registration ID of the product transaction file 510 and set in the cooperation table 820.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the consumer 4 can arbitrarily set whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. In another embodiment, cooperation between the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system may be required. In this case, the cooperation flag F becomes unnecessary. Furthermore, the processor 101 of the POS devices 10 and 20 omits the process of Act 47 in FIG. Further, in the embodiment, the consumer 4 can select whether to receive the receipt as a paper receipt or as an electronic receipt. In another embodiment, paper receipts may be eliminated and all receipts may be electronic. In this case, the processes in Acts 47, 49, and 51 in FIG. 12 are omitted.

From the above viewpoint, the second transmission means is used when a self-registration ID is associated with the product sales data (product data) of the commercial transaction to be settled, that is, when the product data is input by self-registration using the mobile information terminal 400. When the electronic receipt is an electronic receipt, any means for attaching the self-registration ID to the electronic receipt and transmitting it to the electronic receipt server 80 may be used.

Further, in the embodiment, self-registration was exemplified in which the consumer 4 inputs product data using the mobile information terminal 400, but the invention is not necessarily limited to self-registration. For example, a store clerk may accompany the consumer 4, and the store clerk may operate the mobile information terminal 400 to input data on the product the consumer is purchasing.

Further, in the embodiment, the consumer 4 photographs the barcode 7 attached to the POS device 10, 20 with the camera unit 405 in order to identify the POS device 10, 20 to be used for payment. If the mobile information terminal 400 has an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader, by attaching an NFC tag to the POS device 10, 20 instead of the barcode 7, and reading the POSID from the NFC tag with the NFC reader, The POS device 10 or 20 for payment may be specified.

Further, in the first embodiment, in the process of Act 64 of the information processing procedure executed by the processor 801 of the electronic receipt server 80, the self-registration ID is converted into an electronic receipt ID with reference to the cooperation table 820. This process does not necessarily require converting the ID. The processor 801 may simply extract the electronic receipt ID that is associated with the self-registration ID and set in the collaboration table 820. That is, in the process of Act 65, the processor 801 may create an electronic receipt file 810 including the extracted electronic receipt ID and electronic receipt data, and store it in the electronic receipt area W5.

Similarly, in the third embodiment, in the process of Act 81 of the information processing procedure executed by the processor 101 of the POS device 10, 20, the self-registration ID is converted into an electronic receipt ID with reference to the cooperation table 820. Regarding this process as well, the processor 101 extracts the electronic receipt ID that is set in the collaboration table 820 in association with the self-registration ID. Then, in the process of Act 50, the processor 101 may attach the extracted electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt data and transmit it to the electronic receipt server 80.

Further, in the embodiment, the retail store 100 is provided with the store server 40 and the support server 50. Regarding this point, it is also possible to have the functions of the store server 40 and the support server 50 in one server. Further, the support server 50 is installed outside the retail store 100. The product sales processing systems of each retail store 100 may share the support server 50 via the network 200. Further, the mobile information terminal 400 does not necessarily have to be carried by the consumer 4. For example, an information terminal attached to a shopping cart may be used instead of mobile information terminal 400.

Although several other 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, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of the present application will be added.
[1] The product sales processing device includes a product sales processing device and an electronic receipt server, and the product sales processing device stores product data of a sales product specified by a product code input by a consumer in a first form unique to the consumer. a storage means for storing data in association with an ID; a payment means for settling a commercial transaction with the consumer by inputting payment data for the product data; and a storage means for storing the product data in association with the product data. a first transmitting means that transmits the data together with the first ID to the payment means; a generation means that generates receipt data representing details of a commercial transaction settled by the payment means; and electronic receipt data that digitizes the receipt data. to the electronic receipt server together with the first ID transmitted by the first transmitting means, and the electronic receipt server sends the electronic receipt to the consumer who receives the electronic receipt. a linkage table that stores a second ID set in association with the first ID unique to the consumer; and a linkage table that stores the second ID set in association with the first ID unique to the consumer; a detecting means for detecting the second ID stored in the cooperation table; and a detecting means for detecting the second ID stored in the cooperation table, and a correspondence between the electronic receipt data received from the product sales processing device and the second ID detected by the detecting means. A product sales processing system characterized by comprising: a storage means for attaching and storing the product.
[2] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The product according to supplementary note [1], wherein the section has the storage means and the first transmission means, and the payment section has the payment means, the generation means, and the second transmission means. Sales processing system.
[3] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The product according to supplementary note [1], wherein the section has the storage means, the first transmission means, and the second transmission means, and the payment section has the payment means and the generation means. Sales processing system.
[4] There is a plurality of the payment units, the registration unit further includes payment unit detection means for detecting payment unit identification information that individually identifies the plurality of payment units, and the first transmission unit includes the Supplementary note [2] or [3], characterized in that the product data is transmitted together with the first ID to the payment unit identified by the payment unit identification information detected by the payment unit detection means. Product sales processing system.
[5] The product sales processing device includes a product sales processing device and an electronic receipt server, and the product sales processing device converts the product data of the sales product specified by the product code input by the consumer into a first a storage means for storing data in association with an ID; a payment means for settling a commercial transaction with the consumer by inputting payment data for the product data; and a storage means for storing the product data in association with the product data. a first transmitting means that transmits the data together with the first ID to the payment means; a generation means that generates receipt data representing details of a commercial transaction settled by the payment means; and settings for a consumer who receives an electronic receipt. a cooperation table in which a second ID transmitted by the consumer and the first ID unique to the consumer are stored in association with each other; and a cooperation table in which the first ID transmitted by the first transmission means is stored in the cooperation table. a detection means for detecting the second ID stored in the cooperation table in association with the first ID; and a detection means for detecting electronic receipt data obtained by digitizing the receipt data. a second transmitting means for transmitting the electronic receipt data to the electronic receipt server together with the second ID, and the electronic receipt server transmits the electronic receipt data received from the product sales processing device to the electronic receipt data. A product sales processing system comprising: storage means for storing the second ID in association with the received second ID.
[6] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The unit includes the storage unit and the first transmission unit, and the payment unit includes the payment unit, the generation unit, the cooperation table, the detection unit, and the second transmission unit. The product sales processing system described in supplementary note [5].
[7] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The section has the storage means, the first transmission means, and the second transmission means, and the payment section has the payment means, the generation means, the cooperation table, and the detection means. The product sales processing system described in supplementary note [5].
[8] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The unit has the storage means, the first transmission means, the second transmission means, the cooperation table, and the detection means, and the payment unit has the payment means and the generation means. The product sales processing system described in supplementary note [5].
[9] There is a plurality of the payment units, the registration unit further includes payment unit detection means for detecting payment unit identification information that individually identifies the plurality of payment units, and the first transmission unit includes the Among appendices [6] to [8], the product data is transmitted together with the first ID to the payment unit identified by the payment unit identification information detected by the payment unit detection means. The product sales processing system described in any one of the above.
[10] The product sales processing device includes a product sales processing device and an electronic receipt server, and the product sales processing device stores product data of a sales product specified by a product code input by a consumer in a first form unique to the consumer. an accumulation means for accumulating in association with an ID, identification information for identifying whether or not the consumer is set to receive electronic receipts, and a second ID set for the consumer who receives the electronic receipt; a payment means for settling the commercial transaction with the consumer by inputting payment data; and a payment means for settling the commercial transaction with the consumer by inputting payment data; a first transmitting means that transmits the ID together with the payment means; a generating means that generates receipt data representing the details of the commercial transaction settled by the payment means; and the identification information transmitted by the first transmitting means. When the electronic receipt is set to be received, a second transmitting means transmits electronic receipt data obtained by digitizing the receipt data to the electronic receipt server together with the second ID transmitted by the first transmitting means. The electronic receipt server includes a storage unit that stores the electronic receipt data received from the product sales processing device in association with the second ID received together with the electronic receipt data. A product sales processing system characterized by:
[11] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit that includes a product detection unit that detects the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit that includes an input device for the payment data. The product according to appendix [10], characterized in that the section has the storage means and the first transmission means, and the payment section has the payment means, the generation means, and the second transmission means. Sales processing system.
[12] The product sales processing device includes a registration unit equipped with a product detection means for detecting the product code input by the consumer, and a payment unit equipped with an input device for the payment data, The product according to appendix [10], wherein the unit has the storage means, the first transmission means, and the second transmission means, and the payment unit has the payment unit and the generation means. Sales processing system.
[13] There is a plurality of the payment units, the registration unit further includes payment unit detection means for detecting payment unit identification information that individually identifies the plurality of payment units, and the first transmission unit includes the Supplementary note [11] or [12], characterized in that the product data is transmitted together with the first ID to the payment unit identified by the payment unit identification information detected by the payment unit detection means. Product sales processing system.
[14] The product sales processing device includes a reception unit that accepts a selection as to whether or not to print the receipt data, and when receiving a selection to print the receipt data, the product sales processing device includes a The product according to any one of appendices [1] to [13], further comprising a control means for outputting print data to a printer and controlling the second transmission means not to be performed. Sales processing system.
[15] A storage means for accumulating product data of a sales product specified by a product code input by a consumer in association with a first ID unique to the consumer; a payment means for settling a commercial transaction with a consumer; a first transmission means for transmitting the product data accumulated by the storage means to the payment means together with the first ID associated with the product data; a generation means for generating receipt data representing details of a commercial transaction settled by a payment means; a second ID set for a consumer who receives an electronic receipt; and the first ID unique to the consumer. When a collaboration table to be stored in association with the first ID transmitted by the first transmitting means is stored in the collaboration table, the first ID is stored in the collaboration table in association with the first ID. a detection means for detecting the second ID detected by the detection means; and a second transmission means for transmitting electronic receipt data obtained by digitizing the receipt data to the outside together with the second ID detected by the detection means. A product sales processing device characterized by:
[16] The product data of the sales product specified by the product code input by the consumer, the first ID unique to the consumer, identification information that identifies whether the consumer is set to receive electronic receipts, and a storage means for storing information in association with a second ID set for the consumer who receives the electronic receipt; a payment means for settling a commercial transaction with the consumer by inputting payment data for the product data; a first transmitting means for transmitting the product data accumulated by the means to the payment means together with the first ID, the identification information, and the second ID associated with the product data; generation means for generating receipt data representing the details of a commercial transaction, and when the identification information transmitted by the first transmission means is set to receive the electronic receipt, electronic receipt data obtained by digitizing the receipt data; and second transmitting means for transmitting the ID to an electronic receipt server together with the second ID transmitted by the first transmitting means.

1...Checkout area, 3...Cashier, 4...Consumer, 5...Product, 6...Sales floor, 7...Barcode, 10...Face-to-face POS device (product sales data processing device), 20...Self-type POS device ( Product sales data processing device), 30... Relay, 40... Store server, 50... Self-registration support server (product data input support server), 60... Router, 70... LAN, 80... Electronic receipt server, 100... Retail store, 200...Network, 400...Mobile information terminal.

Claims (4)

A mobile information terminal operated by a consumer to self-register data on purchased products,
a first storage means for storing a first ID for identifying the consumer who performs the self-registration;
a second storage means for storing a second ID set for a consumer who receives an electronic receipt;
Sending the first ID and the second ID to a product sales processing device that acquires a cooperation flag indicating whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system based on the second ID. a first transmission means for
a second transmitting means for transmitting data of the self-registered purchased product together with the first ID to the product sales processing device;
From the electronic receipt server logged in with the second ID, view the electronic receipt generated based on the data of the purchased product when the cooperation flag is set to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. an acquisition means capable of acquiring;
A mobile information terminal equipped with. After transmitting the first ID and the second ID to the product sales processing device by the first transmitting means, a registration screen for displaying the data of the purchased product is displayed on the display unit, and the a control means that allows input of data on purchased products;
The portable information terminal according to claim 1, further comprising: A self-registration system and an electronic receipt system are linked based on a mobile information terminal operated by a consumer to self-register data on purchased products, and a second ID set for the consumer who receives an electronic receipt. a product sales processing device that acquires a cooperation flag indicating whether or not,
The mobile information terminal is
a first storage means for storing a first ID for identifying the consumer who performs the self-registration;
a second storage means for storing the second ID;
a first transmitting means for transmitting the first ID and the second ID to the product sales processing device;
a second transmitting means for transmitting data of the self-registered purchased product together with the first ID to the product sales processing device;
From the electronic receipt server logged in with the second ID, view the electronic receipt generated based on the data of the purchased product when the cooperation flag is set to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. an acquisition means capable of acquiring;
Self-registration system with. The computer of the mobile information terminal that consumers operate to self-register the data of purchased products,
a first storage means for storing a first ID for identifying the consumer who performs the self-registration;
a second storage means for storing a second ID set for a consumer who receives an electronic receipt;
Sending the first ID and the second ID to a product sales processing device that acquires a cooperation flag indicating whether or not to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system based on the second ID. a first transmission means for;
a second transmitting means for transmitting data of the self-registered purchased product together with the first ID to the product sales processing device;
From the electronic receipt server logged in with the second ID, view the electronic receipt generated based on the data of the purchased product when the cooperation flag is set to link the self-registration system and the electronic receipt system. means of acquisition possible;
A program to function as