U.S. patent application number 14/194554 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-04 for merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and program therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. The applicant listed for this patent is TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Taro ANDO, Tsuyoshi GOTANDA, Katsuhito MOCHIZUKI, Shigeki NIMIYA, Yumiko OKUMA, Yasutsugu SASAKI.
Application Number | 20140249951 14/194554 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51421474 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140249951 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GOTANDA; Tsuyoshi ; et
al. |
September 4, 2014 |
MERCHANDISE SALES DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM
THEREFOR
Abstract
A merchandise sales data processing apparatus includes a code
reading unit configured to read a code of a customer purchasing a
merchandise, an electronic receipt issuing instruction unit
configured to receive an instruction for issuing electronic receipt
information associated with merchandise sales data, an electronic
receipt generation unit configured to generate the electronic
receipt information in correlation with the code of the customer
when the instruction for issuing the electronic receipt information
is received by the electronic receipt issuing instruction unit, a
transmission unit configured to transmit a company code indicating
a company and the electronic receipt information generated by the
electronic receipt generation unit to an electronic receipt server,
and a receipt printing unit configured to print a paper receipt
associated with the merchandise sales data when the instruction for
issuing the electronic receipt information is not received by the
electronic receipt issuing instruction unit.
Inventors: |
GOTANDA; Tsuyoshi; (Tokyo,
JP) ; ANDO; Taro; (Shizuoka, JP) ; OKUMA;
Yumiko; (Tokyo, JP) ; SASAKI; Yasutsugu;
(Tokyo, JP) ; MOCHIZUKI; Katsuhito; (Shizuoka,
JP) ; NIMIYA; Shigeki; (Kanagawa, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI
KAISHA
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
51421474 |
Appl. No.: |
14/194554 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
705/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/209 20130101;
G06Q 20/047 20200501; G06K 7/10861 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G06Q 30/0226 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/24 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/20 20060101
G06Q020/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2013 |
JP |
2013-041190 |
Jun 28, 2013 |
JP |
2013-136903 |
Claims
1. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus comprising: a code
reading unit configured to read a code of a customer purchasing a
merchandise; an electronic receipt issuing instruction unit
configured to receive an instruction for issuing electronic receipt
information associated with merchandise sales data; an electronic
receipt generation unit configured to generate the electronic
receipt information in correlation with the code of the customer
when the instruction for issuing the electronic receipt information
is received by the electronic receipt issuing instruction unit; a
notification unit configured to notify that the electronic receipt
is to be issued; a transmission unit configured to transmit a
company code indicating a company and the electronic receipt
information generated by the electronic receipt generation unit to
an electronic receipt server; and a receipt printing unit
configured to print a paper receipt associated with the merchandise
sales data when the instruction for issuing the electronic receipt
information is not received by the electronic receipt issuing
instruction unit.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic
receipt issuing instruction unit includes an input interface having
a first input element to instruct the electronic receipt
information to be issued, and a second input element to instruct
the paper receipt to be printed.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the electronic
receipt issuing instruction unit receives the instruction to issue
the electronic receipt information in response to an input
operation on the first input element and the paper receipt printing
unit prints the paper receipt in response to an input operation on
the second input element.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification
unit is configured to notify that the electronic receipt is to be
issued using an operator display unit and a customer display unit,
when the instruction for issuing the electronic receipt information
is received by the electronic receipt issuing instruction unit.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification
unit is configured to notify that the paper receipt is not printed
using an operator display unit, when the instruction for issuing
the electronic receipt information is received by the electronic
receipt issuing instruction unit.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receipt printing
unit prints the paper receipt when the electronic receipt
generation unit detects that an offline state occurs during
generation of the electronic receipt information.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the code reading
unit includes one of a bar code reader, a two-dimensional code
reader, and a Near Field Communication (NFC) receiver.
8. A method of processing a receipt at a store terminal in
connection with sales of a merchandise to a customer at the store,
comprising: reading a code of the customer purchasing the
merchandise; receiving a first instruction for issuing electronic
receipt information associated with the sales or a second
instruction for issuing a paper receipt associated with the sales;
when the first instruction is received, generating the electronic
receipt information in correlation with the code of the customer,
notifying that the electronic receipt is to be issued, and
transmitting a company code indicating a company and the electronic
receipt information generated to an electronic receipt server; and
when the second instruction is received, printing a paper receipt
associated with the merchandise sales data.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein one of the first
instruction and the second instruction is received through
respective first and second input elements provided in an input
interface.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said receiving the
first instructions includes detecting an operation of the first
input element and said receiving the second instructions includes
detecting an operation of the second input element.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the electronic receipt
issuance is notified through a display unit of the store terminal
and a customer display unit.
12. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: when the
first instruction is received, notifying that the paper receipt is
not printed using a display unit of the store terminal.
13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: printing
the paper receipt associated with the merchandise sales data when
an offline state of the store terminal is detected.
14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the code is encoded as
one of a bar code, a two-dimensional code, and a Near Field
Communication (NFC) code.
15. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising
instructions for causing a store terminal to carry out a method of
processing a receipt in connection with sales of a merchandise to a
customer at the store, said method comprising the steps of: reading
a code of the customer purchasing the merchandise; receiving a
first instruction for issuing electronic receipt information
associated with the sales or a second instruction for issuing a
paper receipt associated with the sales; when the first instruction
is received, generating the electronic receipt information in
correlation with the code of the customer, notifying that the
electronic receipt is to be issued, and transmitting a company code
indicating a company and the electronic receipt information
generated to an electronic receipt server; and when the second
instruction is received, printing a paper receipt associated with
the merchandise sales data.
16. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim
15, wherein one of the first instruction and the second instruction
is received through respective first and second input elements
provided in an input interface.
17. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim
16, wherein said receiving the first instructions includes
detecting an operation of the first input element and said
receiving the second instructions includes detecting an operation
of the second input element.
18. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim
15, wherein the electronic receipt issuance is notified through a
display unit of the store terminal and a customer display unit.
19. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim
15, wherein the method further comprises: when the first
instruction is received, notifying that the paper receipt is not
printed using a display unit of the store terminal.
20. The non-transitory computer readable medium according to claim
15, wherein the method further comprises: printing the paper
receipt associated with the merchandise sales data when an offline
state of the store terminal is detected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-041190, filed
Mar. 1, 2013, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-136903,
filed Jun. 28, 2013; the entire contents of both applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a
merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and a program
therefor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the related art, an electronic receipt system is known in
which a customer receipt is electronically delivered by a store to
a portable terminal or the like of the customer in connection with
settlement of merchandise purchased by the customer.
[0004] By replacing a paper receipt with electronic data in this
way, the store benefits because the consumption of paper can be
reduced. In addition, the store can attach a coupon or the like
associated with purchased merchandise to the electronic receipt, as
a way to carry out merchandise sales promotion or campaign
advertisement.
[0005] However, the electronic receipt system of the related art is
only introduced on a per company basis and by a company which is a
seller of merchandise or services. For this reason, a customer of a
store of a company which has not introduced the electronic receipt
system, has to receive a paper receipt, and thus a widespread
introduction of the electronic receipt system is desirable.
Further, it is also desirable to prevent a paper receipt from being
unnecessarily issued from a point of sale (POS) terminal when an
electronic receipt system is used.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall
configuration of an electronic receipt system according to an
exemplary embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
portable terminal.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a
POS terminal.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an
electronic receipt server.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an
electronic receipt management server.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
receipt process performed in the POS terminal.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the electronic
receipt process.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a display example of an
operator display unit of the POS terminal.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating a display example of a
customer display unit of the POS terminal.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a display example of
the operator display unit of the POS terminal.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of an information
transmission process performed in the electronic receipt
server.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
receipt management process and a merchandise information
transmission process performed in the electronic receipt management
server.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the electronic
receipt management process and the merchandise information
transmission process.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram of an electronic
receipt reception process and an electronic receipt viewing process
performed in the portable terminal.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the electronic
receipt reception process and the electronic receipt viewing
process.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating a display example of
the portable terminal.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating a display example of
the portable terminal.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a display example of
the portable terminal.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of the electronic
receipt reception process and the electronic receipt viewing
process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments provide a merchandise sales data processing
apparatus and a program therefor, capable of promoting introduction
of an electronic receipt, and preventing a paper receipt from being
unnecessarily issued by a merchandise sales data processing
apparatus that is configured to issue electronic receipts.
[0026] A merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to
an exemplary embodiment includes a code reading unit, an electronic
receipt issuing instruction unit, an electronic receipt generation
unit, a transmission unit, and a receipt printing unit. The code
reading unit is configured to read a code of a customer purchasing
a merchandise. The electronic receipt issuing instruction unit is
configured to receive an instruction for issuing electronic receipt
information associated with merchandise sales data. The electronic
receipt generation is configured to generate the electronic receipt
information in correlation with the code of the customer when the
instruction for issuing the electronic receipt information is
received by the electronic receipt issuing instruction unit. The
transmission unit is configured to transmit a company code
indicating a company and the electronic receipt information
generated by the electronic receipt generation unit to an
electronic receipt server. The receipt printing is configured to
print a paper receipt associated with the merchandise sales data
when the instruction for issuing the electronic receipt information
is not received by the electronic receipt issuing instruction
unit.
[0027] An exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to
the drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an overall
configuration of an electronic receipt system according to the
exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each of stores 1 is
provided with a POS terminal 2 (FIG. 1 illustrates a single
terminal, but a plurality of terminals may be provided) which is a
merchandise sales data processing apparatus performing a
merchandise sales data process, and a router 3. The stores 1 are
stores such as a convenience store, a supermarket, a grocery store,
a drug store, an apparel store, an home electric appliance shop, a
department store, a household goods store, and a restaurant or a
chain store (hereinafter, referred to as a store). The POS terminal
2 and the router 3 are connected to each other via a local area
network (LAN) 4 in the store. The router 3 is an apparatus which
connects the LAN 4 in the store to a network 5 such as the Internet
or a virtual private network (VPN). In addition, although not
particularly illustrated, a store server which controls the POS
terminal 2 may be provided in the stores 1.
[0029] Electronic receipt servers 6 are connected to the network 5.
A plurality of electronic receipt servers 6 are provided on a per
company basis which operates stores and is a seller of merchandise
or services, and function as company receipt management servers
which store and manage electronic receipt information according to
each company code indicating the company operating the stores. In
addition, the electronic receipt server 6 may employ a headquarter
server of a POS system which performs functions such as sales
management, sales analysis, and inventory management of each
company operating stores.
[0030] In addition, a portable terminal 8 is connected to the
network 5 via a base station 7 which performs wireless
communication in accordance with a standard such as Wireless
Fidelity (Wi-Fi). The portable terminal 8 is an information
processing apparatus in which a web browser is mounted, such as,
for example, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), or a tablet computer. Further, an information
processing apparatus such as a notebook type personal computer may
be used instead of the portable terminal 8.
[0031] Furthermore, the network 5 is connected to an electronic
receipt management server 9 which functions as a customer receipt
management server which stores and collectively manages electronic
receipt information of various companies operating stores. A
consumer who has registered as a member to receive an electronic
receipt service can obtain electronic receipt information from the
electronic receipt management server 9 by using the portable
terminal 8 via the network 5. The electronic receipt management
server 9 is managed by, for example, a third-party organization
other than a company which manages electronic receipt information
with the electronic receipt server 6. In addition, a third-party
organization and the like may also manage the electronic receipt
server 6. Further, the electronic receipt management server 9 may
also perform the function of the electronic receipt server 6, and
thus management may be performed by a single server. Furthermore, a
function of collectively managing electronic receipt information of
each company, indicating a company operating stores, by using a
plurality of company codes, may be provided as a service
(application), for example, in a form of Software as a Service
(SaaS) which is a kind of cloud computing.
[0032] Membership registration of a consumer for receiving an
electronic receipt service is performed, for example, as follows.
The consumer transmits a blank mail to a member management server
(not illustrated) from the portable terminal 8 via the network 5.
The member management server transmits a uniform resource locator
(URL) indicating a page for the membership registration to the
received mail address. The consumer accesses the URL indicating a
page for the membership registration from the portable terminal 8,
so as to display an input screen, and inputs information necessary
for the membership registration. After inputting of the necessary
information by the consumer is finished, an input confirmation
screen is displayed on the portable terminal 8. After the consumer
confirms the input information, a member is registered in a member
master file. Then, the member management server sends a membership
registration completion mail including a membership code and a
password to the portable terminal 8. Accordingly, the membership
registration is finished.
[0033] In the electronic receipt system with this configuration,
electronic receipt information, which indicates content of
settlement generated by the POS terminal 2 of the store 1
performing a merchandise sales data process, is transmitted to the
electronic receipt management server 9 via the electronic receipt
server 6 on the network 5, and the electronic receipt information
is transmitted from the electronic receipt management server 9 to
the portable terminal 8 of a member. The member may display the
electronic receipt information on a display unit of the portable
terminal 8 so as to confirm the content. In addition, the
electronic receipt management server 9 may make the electronic
receipt information available through the web. The portable
terminal 8 having a web browser mounted therein may designate a
uniform resource locator (URL) so as to download the electronic
receipt information made available through the web to the portable
terminal 8, thereby viewing the electronic receipt information from
the web browser. Further, application software for viewing the
electronic receipt information may be installed in the portable
terminal 8, thereby viewing the electronic receipt information.
[0034] The portable terminal 8 stores the membership code and the
password which are acquired by the consumer in the above-described
way, in a storage unit 13 (refer to FIG. 2) or the like. The
membership code which is stored as above may be outputted as a bar
code display, a two-dimensional code display, or a wireless
transmission using Near Field Communication (NFC) which is
short-range wireless communication.
[0035] Hereinafter, a configuration of each part forming the
electronic receipt system according to the present exemplary
embodiment will be described.
[0036] First, a configuration of the portable terminal 8 which is
an information processing apparatus will be described with
reference to a block diagram of FIG. 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
the portable terminal 8 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11
functioning as a control unit, a memory 12 which temporarily stores
data, a storage unit 13 from and to which data can be read and
written in response to a command from the CPU 11 and which stores
programs or data, a network interface 14 which is connected to
various public networks including the network 5, a display unit 17
which can display various information, an input unit 18 that
operates the portable terminal 8, a clock unit 19 that tracks time,
and the like. The input unit 18 may be a touch panel laminated in
the display unit 17, or a key provided on a casing.
[0037] In addition to the web browser for viewing various
information (content) published on the web, an electronic receipt
support program P11 which is used to receive, from the electronic
receipt management server 9, electronic receipt information
generated after settlement of a merchandise sales data process, and
an electronic receipt viewing program P12 which is used to view the
received electronic receipt information, are installed in the
storage unit 13 in advance.
[0038] In addition, the electronic receipt support program P11 and
the electronic receipt viewing program P12, which are executed by
the portable terminal 8, are recorded on a computer readable
recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or
a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a file of installable format or
executable format.
[0039] Further, the electronic receipt support program P11 and the
electronic receipt viewing program P12 executed by the portable
terminal 8 may be stored in a computer connected to a network such
as the Internet and may be downloaded via the network. Furthermore,
the electronic receipt support program P11 and the electronic
receipt viewing program P12 executed by the portable terminal 8 may
be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.
[0040] Next, a configuration of the POS terminal 2 which is a
merchandise sales data processing apparatus will be described with
reference to a block diagram of FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3,
the POS terminal 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 21
functioning as a control unit, a memory 22 which temporarily stores
data, a storage unit 23 from and to which data can be read and
written in response to a command from the CPU 21 and which stores
programs or data, a network interface 24 which is connected to the
LAN 4 in the store, a printer interface 25 which is connected to a
printer, an operator display unit 28 which displays various
information for an operator, a clock unit 29 which tracks time, a
customer display unit 30 which displays various information for a
customer, an input unit 31 which is used to operate the POS
terminal 2, a code input unit 32 which performs code inputting, and
the like. In addition, the input unit 31 also includes a touch
panel laminated in the operator display unit 28 or the customer
display unit 30. As the code input unit 32, a bar code scanner, a
two-dimensional code scanner, an NFC communication device, or the
like is used.
[0041] An identification code management region 23a is secured in
the storage unit 23 as a region which preliminarily stores not only
a POS number of the POS terminal 2, but also a company code (an
identification code of a company operating stores), a business type
and business category code, a store code indicating the store 1 in
which the POS terminal 2 is installed, and the like. Here, the
business type and business category code is a code (sorting code)
for differentiating business types and business category of stores,
such as, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, a
department store, a pharmacy, and a restaurant. In addition, such a
business type can be customized by the user. Further, the company
code (an identification code of a company operating stores) and the
business type and business category code may be registered in the
electronic receipt server 6.
[0042] In addition to software for executing various pieces of POS
business including a merchandise sales data process, an electronic
receipt processing program P15 for processing electronic receipt
information which is electrically processed instead of a receipt
printed and issued when the merchandise sales data process is
performed is installed in the storage unit 23 in advance.
[0043] Further, the electronic receipt processing program P15,
which is executed by the POS terminal 2, is recorded on a computer
readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a
CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a file of installable
format or executable format.
[0044] In addition, the electronic receipt processing program P15
executed by the POS terminal 2 may be stored in a computer
connected to a network such as the Internet and may be downloaded
via the network. Furthermore, the electronic receipt processing
program P15 executed by the POS terminal 2 may be provided or
distributed via a network such as the Internet.
[0045] Next, a configuration of the electronic receipt server 6
which functions as a company receipt management server will be
described with reference to a block diagram of FIG. 4. The
electronic receipt server 6 includes a central processing unit
(CPU) 41 functioning as a control unit, a memory 42 which
temporarily stores data, a storage unit 43 from and to which data
can be read and written in response to a command from the CPU 41
and which stores programs or data, a network interface 44 which is
connected to the network 5, and the like.
[0046] An electronic receipt management region 43a is secured in
the storage unit 43 as a region which stores electronic receipt
information of each company operating stores. The electronic
receipt information includes a company code (an identification code
of a company operating stores), a business type and business
category code, a store code, a consumer membership code, a POS
number of the POS terminal 2, a receipt number, merchandise sales
data, and the like.
[0047] In addition, an electronic receipt management program P1 for
managing electronic receipt information received from the POS
terminal 2 of each store 1 in the electronic receipt management
region 43a is installed in the storage unit 43 in advance.
[0048] Further, an information transmission program P2 for
transmitting the electronic receipt information managed in the
electronic receipt management region 43a to the electronic receipt
management server 9 is also installed in the storage unit 43 in
advance.
[0049] Furthermore, the storage unit 43 is provided with an
information management region 43b which stores various additional
information correlated with desired merchandise, member, company
and store. Here, the additional information is access information
such as a URL for linking to a home page associated with campaign
of a company, a URL for linking to a home page associated with a
commercial message of a company, and a URL for linking to a coupon
of a company.
[0050] In addition, the electronic receipt management program P1
and the information transmission program P2, which are executed by
the electronic receipt server 6, are recorded on a computer
readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a
CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a file of installable
format or executable format.
[0051] Further, the electronic receipt management program P1 and
the information transmission program P2 executed by the electronic
receipt server 6 may be stored in a computer connected to a network
such as the Internet and may be downloaded via the network.
Furthermore, the electronic receipt management program P1 and the
information transmission program P2 executed by the electronic
receipt server 6 may be provided or distributed via a network such
as the Internet.
[0052] Next, a configuration of the electronic receipt management
server 9 which functions as a customer receipt management server
will be described with reference to a block diagram of FIG. 5. The
electronic receipt management server 9 includes a central
processing unit (CPU) 51 functioning as a control unit, a memory 52
which temporarily stores data, a storage unit 53 from and to which
data can be read and written in response to a command from the CPU
51 and which stores programs or data, a network interface 54 which
is connected to the network 5, and the like.
[0053] An electronic receipt management region 53a is secured in
the storage unit 53 as a region which collectively stores
electronic receipt information of various companies operating
stores. More specifically, the electronic receipt management region
53a manages electronic receipt information and additional
information of various companies operating stores for each member.
The electronic receipt information includes a membership code, a
company code (an identification code of a company operating
stores), a store code, a POS number of the POS terminal 2, a
receipt number, merchandise sales data, additional information, and
the like.
[0054] In addition, an electronic receipt management program P3 for
managing additional information and electronic receipt information
received from the electronic receipt server 6 of each company in
the electronic receipt management region 53a is installed in the
storage unit 53 in advance.
[0055] Further, an information transmission program P4 for
transmitting the electronic receipt information and additional
information of desired merchandise to the portable terminal 8 is
also installed in the storage unit 53 in advance.
[0056] In addition, the electronic receipt management program P3
and the information transmission program P4, which are executed by
the electronic receipt management server 9, are recorded on a
computer readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible
disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a file of
installable format or executable format.
[0057] Further, the electronic receipt management program P3 and
the information transmission program P4 executed by the electronic
receipt management server 9 may be stored in a computer connected
to a network such as the Internet and may be downloaded via the
network. Furthermore, the electronic receipt management program P3
and the information transmission program P4 executed by the
electronic receipt management server 9 may be provided or
distributed via a network such as the Internet.
[0058] Next, an operation of each part forming the system according
to the present exemplary embodiment will be described.
[0059] First, with reference to a functional block diagram
illustrated in FIG. 6 and a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, a
description will be made of an electronic receipt process which is
executed when the CPU 21 of the POS terminal 2 is operated
according to the electronic receipt processing program P15.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the electronic receipt processing
program P15 executed by the POS terminal 2 has a modular
configuration including: a membership code input unit which
functions as membership code input means; an electronic receipt
generation unit 26 which functions as electronic receipt generation
means; a transmission unit 27 which functions as transmission
means; an electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61 which
functions as electronic receipt issuing instruction means; and a
receipt printing unit 62 which functions as receipt printing means.
As for the underlying hardware, the CPU 21 reads and executes the
electronic receipt processing program P15 from the storage unit 23
so that the above-described units are loaded in the memory 22.
Therefore, the electronic receipt generation unit 26 which is
electronic receipt generation means, the transmission unit 27 which
is transmission means, the electronic receipt issuing instruction
unit 61 which is electronic receipt issuing instruction means, and
the receipt printing unit 62 which is receipt printing means are
embodied in the memory 22.
[0061] The membership code input unit 63 inputs a membership code
of a consumer stored in the portable terminal 8 via the code input
unit 32. The electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61
receives an instruction as to whether or not electronic receipt
information associated with merchandise sales data is issued. When
there is an instruction for issuing electronic receipt information
from the electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61, the
electronic receipt generation unit 26 associates a company code of
a company operating stores with electronic receipt information
which is electronically processed instead of a paper receipt which
is printed and issued, when a merchandise sales data process is
performed, and generates the electronic receipt information in
correlation with a consumer membership code.
[0062] The transmission unit 27 transmits the electronic receipt
information generated by the electronic receipt generation unit 26
to the electronic receipt server 6 which manages electronic receipt
information on a per company basis corresponding to a company code.
The receipt printing unit 62 prints a receipt associated with
merchandise sales data when there is no instruction for issuing
electronic receipt information from the electronic receipt issuing
instruction unit 61.
[0063] When there is an input of a closing operation key or the
like for starting a closing process of merchandise transaction, the
CPU 21 of the POS terminal 2 checks whether or not a membership
code is input and whether or not an electronic receipt is issued,
and determines whether or not there is an electronic receipt
issuing instruction corresponding to a settlement process based on
the closing operation.
[0064] For example, any of the following methods may be employed
for an electronic receipt issuing instruction to be issued.
[0065] 1. A staff operates an "issue electronic receipt" button
provided in the input unit 31 (for example, a keyboard) of the POS
terminal 2.
[0066] 2. A consumer who is a member displays a bar code that
encodes the consumer membership code on the display unit 17 of the
portable terminal 8, and a staff reads the bar code with the input
unit 31 (for example, a bar code scanner) of the POS terminal
2.
[0067] 3. A consumer who is a member operates an "issue electronic
receipt" button which is displayed on the customer display unit 30
so as to be pressed.
[0068] 4. A consumer who is a member displays a bar code that
encodes the consumer membership code on the display unit 17 of the
portable terminal 8, and the consumer who is a member reads the bar
code with input unit 31 (for example, a bar code scanner
(preferably, a scanner different from a scanner used at the
merchandise register)) of the POS terminal 2 for himself or
herself.
[0069] 5. When a consumer who is a member presents a company
membership card for receiving reward points, a company membership
code of the company membership card is read with the input unit 31
(for example, a bar code scanner, a magnetic card reader, NFC, or
the like) of the POS terminal 2, and a membership code of
electronic receipt is associated with the read company membership
code, it is determined that there is an electronic receipt issuing
instruction.
[0070] 6. A staff operates an "issue electronic receipt" button
provided in the operator display unit 28 of the POS terminal 2.
[0071] Here, a description will be made of an example of a flow of
an electronic receipt process including an electronic receipt
issuing instruction in the above described method 6. FIG. 7 is a
flowchart illustrating a flow of an electronic receipt process. As
illustrated in FIG. 7, after a membership code of electronic
receipt is input, when there is an input of a closing operation key
or the like for starting a closing process of merchandise
transaction (Yes in step S1), the CPU 21 (the electronic receipt
issuing instruction unit 61) of the POS terminal 2 displays an
"receipt printing confirmation screen" on the operator display unit
28 (step S2).
[0072] FIG. 8 is a front view illustrating a display example of the
operator display unit 28 of the POS terminal 2. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, a "receipt printing confirmation screen" Q is displayed on
the operator display unit 28. An "issue electronic receipt" button
Q1 (first input element) for instructing electronic receipt
information to be issued, and a "issue receipt" button Q2 (second
input element) for instructing a receipt to be printed, are
displayed on the "receipt printing confirmation screen" Q.
[0073] Here, when the "issue electronic receipt" button Q1 is
operated by an operator via the input unit 31, the CPU 21 (the
electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61) of the POS terminal
2 determines that there is an electronic receipt issuing
instruction (Yes in step S3), and displays text, "An electronic
receipt is issued, and a receipt is not printed" on the operator
display unit 28 and the customer display unit 30 (step S4). FIG. 9
is a front view illustrating a display example of the customer
display unit 30 of the POS terminal 2. A message m, "Electronic
receipt is issued, and receipt is not printed" is displayed on the
customer display unit 30, as illustrated in FIG. 9.
[0074] In addition, when the "issue electronic receipt" button Q1
is operated by the operator via the input unit 31, the CPU 21 (the
electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61) of the POS terminal
2 displays an icon i indicating that "a receipt is not necessary"
in a member information area which is displayed on the operator
display unit 28, as illustrated in FIG. 10 (step S5 of FIG. 7).
This prevents the operator from being perplexed due to a receipt
not being output.
[0075] In addition, when it is determined that there is an
electronic receipt issuing instruction (Yes in step S3), the CPU 21
(the electronic receipt generation unit 26) of the POS terminal 2
transmits merchandise transaction data to a headquarter server of
the company. In addition, based on merchandise information and
settlement information which are registered during settlement by a
merchandise sales data process, separately from the merchandise
transaction data, the CPU 21 extracts a company code (an
identification code of a company operating stores), a business type
and business category code, a store code, a consumer membership
code, a POS number of the POS terminal 2, a receipt number,
merchandise sales data, and the like from the identification code
management region 23a provided in the storage unit 23, so as to
convert the extracted information into a format of electronic
receipt, thereby generating electronic receipt information (step
S6). The electronic receipt information is generated in a data
format such as text, XML, or JSON, of which a file capacity is
relatively small.
[0076] Subsequently, the CPU 21 (the transmission unit 27) of the
POS terminal 2, which is connected to the LAN 4 in the store and
the network 5 via the network interface 24, transmits the generated
electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server 6
(step S7), and finishes the process. In addition, as further
described below, when it is determined that there is no electronic
receipt issuing instruction, a paper receipt is printed and issued,
and merchandise transaction data is transmitted to the headquarter
server, thereby finishing the process.
[0077] Further, the CPU 21 of the POS terminal 2 implements the
following countermeasures so as to prevent disorder when an offline
state occurs when merchandise transaction data is transmitted to
the headquarter server.
[0078] 1. Retry transmission is automatically performed.
[0079] 2. When the retry transmission is not possible, the
merchandise transaction data is stored until an online state is
recovered, and is sent to the headquarter server after the online
state is recovered. In this case, the CPU 21 of the POS terminal 2
displays a message such as "Merchandise transaction data will be
transmitted later" on the operator display unit 28.
[0080] On the other hand, when the "issue receipt" button Q2 is
operated by the operator via the input unit 31, the CPU 21 (the
electronic receipt issuing instruction unit 61) of the POS terminal
2 determines that there is a receipt issuing instruction.
[0081] When it is determined that there is a receipt issuing
instruction (No in step S3, and Yes in step S8), the CPU 21 (the
receipt printing unit 62) of the POS terminal 2 prints and issues a
receipt associated with the merchandise sales data from a printer
(not illustrated) (step S9). In addition, when it is detected that
an offline state occurs when the electronic receipt information is
generated, the CPU 21 (the electronic receipt generation unit 26)
of the POS terminal 2 prints and issues a paper receipt. In this
case, the CPU 21 (the electronic receipt generation unit 26) of the
POS terminal 2 displays a message, "An electronic receipt will be
issued after a network failure is removed" on the operator display
unit 28 and the customer display unit 30, and also prints the
message, "An electronic receipt will be issued after a network
failure is removed" on the paper receipt.
[0082] Next, with reference to a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 11,
a description will be made of a flow of an electronic receipt
management process executed when the CPU 41 of the electronic
receipt server 6 is operated according to the electronic receipt
management program P1 and an information transmission process
executed when the CPU 41 is operated according to the information
transmission program P2.
[0083] When the electronic receipt information transmitted from the
POS terminal 2 is received via the network interface 44 (Yes in
step S11), the CPU 41 of the electronic receipt server 6 stores the
electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt management
region 43a of the storage unit 43 as electronic receipt information
of each company (step S12). In other words, the CPU 41 of the
electronic receipt server 6 functions as electronic receipt
management means for managing electronic receipt information in the
storage unit 43 on a per company basis corresponding to a company
code.
[0084] In addition, after storing the received electronic receipt
information, the CPU 41 of the electronic receipt server 6
transmits the additional information managed in the information
management region 43b and the electronic receipt information
managed in the electronic receipt management region 43a to the
electronic receipt management server 9 (step S14) at a preset
transmission timing (No in step S11, and Yes in step S13), and then
returns to step S11.
[0085] In addition, the CPU 21 (the electronic receipt generation
unit 26) of the POS terminal 2 generates and transmits electronic
receipt information to the electronic receipt server 6, but the
present exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto. For example,
the CPU 21 of the POS terminal 2 may transmit a store code, a
consumer membership code, a POS number of the POS terminal 2, a
receipt number, merchandise sales data, and the like to the
electronic receipt server 6 based on merchandise information and
settlement information which are registered during settlement by a
merchandise sales data process, and the CPU 41 of the electronic
receipt server 6 adds a company code and a business type and
business category code thereto so as to generate electronic receipt
information.
[0086] Next, with reference to a functional block diagram
illustrated in FIG. 12 and a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 13, a
description will be made of a flow of an electronic receipt
management process executed when the CPU 51 of the electronic
receipt management server 9 is operated according to the electronic
receipt management program P3 and a merchandise information
transmission process executed when the CPU 51 is operated according
to the information transmission program P4.
[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the electronic receipt management
program P3 and the information transmission program P4 executed by
the electronic receipt management server 9 have a modular
configuration which includes a reception unit 55 which functions as
a reception means, an electronic receipt collective management unit
56 which functions as an electronic receipt collective management
means, and an electronic receipt transmission unit 57 which
functions as an electronic receipt transmission means. As for the
underlying hardware, the CPU 51 reads and executes the electronic
receipt management program P3 and the information transmission
program P4 from the storage unit 53 so that the respective units
are loaded into the memory 52. Therefore, the reception unit 55,
the electronic receipt collective management unit 56, and the
electronic receipt transmission unit 57 are embodied in the memory
52.
[0088] The reception unit 55 receives not only a company code
indicating a company operating stores, but also electronic receipt
information on a per company basis, which is electronically
processed instead of a receipt which is printed and issued in a
merchandise sales data process.
[0089] The electronic receipt collective management unit 56 stores
the electronic receipt information on a per company basis received
by the reception unit 55 in the electronic receipt management
region 53a of the storage unit 53, for collective management.
[0090] The electronic receipt transmission unit 57 acquires
electronic receipt information including one or more company codes
correlated with a membership code from the electronic receipt
management region 53a, to the portable terminal 8 correlated with
the membership code of a predetermined consumer.
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the CPU 51 (the reception unit
55) of the electronic receipt management server 9 determines
whether or not electronic receipt information and additional
information transmitted from the electronic receipt server 6 of
each company are received via the network interface 54 (step
S21).
[0092] When the electronic receipt information and the additional
information are received (Yes in step S21), the CPU 51 (the
electronic receipt collective management unit 56) of the electronic
receipt management server 9 stores the electronic receipt
information and additional information of various companies in the
electronic receipt management region 53a of the storage unit 53
(step S22).
[0093] In addition, the CPU 51 (the electronic receipt transmission
unit 57) of the electronic receipt management server 9 stores the
electronic receipt information and the additional information in
the electronic receipt management region 53a and then transmits the
electronic receipt information and the additional information to
the portable terminal 8 (step S23), and then returns to step S21.
Further, when transmission of the electronic receipt information is
completed, a flag indicating the completion of transmission is
stored in relation to the electronic receipt information of the
electronic receipt management region 53a, so that a transmission
result of the electronic receipt information can be managed.
[0094] Furthermore, when there is an electronic receipt information
inquiry from the portable terminal 8 (No in step S21, and Yes in
step S24), the CPU 51 (the electronic receipt transmission unit 57)
of the electronic receipt management server 9 extracts the
additional information and the electronic receipt information
managed in the electronic receipt management region 53a based on
content of the electronic receipt information inquiry (step S25),
so as to transmit the extracted information to the portable
terminal 8 which is a source of the inquiry (step S26), and returns
to step S21.
[0095] Next, with reference to a functional block diagram
illustrated in FIG. 14 and a flowchart illustrated in FIG. 15, a
description will be made of a flow of an electronic receipt
reception process executed when the CPU 11 of the portable terminal
8 is operated according to the electronic receipt support program
P11 and an electronic receipt viewing process executed when the CPU
11 is operated according to the electronic receipt viewing program
P12.
[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the electronic receipt support
program P11 and the electronic receipt viewing program P12 executed
by the portable terminal 8 have a modular configuration which
includes a member correlation unit 81 which functions as member
correlation means, an electronic receipt reception unit 82 which
functions as electronic receipt reception means, and an electronic
receipt display unit 83 which functions electronic receipt display
means. As for the underlying hardware, the CPU 11 reads and
executes the electronic receipt support program P11 and the
electronic receipt viewing program P12 from the storage unit 13 so
that the respective units are loaded into the memory 12. Therefore,
the member correlation unit 81, the electronic receipt reception
unit 82, and the electronic receipt display unit 83 are embodied in
the memory 12.
[0097] The member correlation unit 81 correlates a membership code
of a predetermined consumer with the portable terminal 8.
[0098] The electronic receipt reception unit 82 receives electronic
receipt information including at least one or more company codes
correlated with the membership code, from the electronic receipt
management server 9 which collectively manages the electronic
receipt information.
[0099] The electronic receipt display unit 83 arranges the
electronic receipt information received by the electronic receipt
reception unit 82 on a company code basis and displays the arranged
electronic receipt information on the display unit 17.
[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 15, first, the CPU 11 (the member
correlation unit 81) of the portable terminal 8 accesses the
electronic receipt management server 9, and performs an
authentication process by inputting a membership code and a
password (step S31). Accordingly, the portable terminal 8 is
correlated with the membership code of the predetermined
consumer.
[0101] After the authentication, the CPU 11 (the electronic receipt
reception unit 82) of the portable terminal 8 receives additional
information and electronic receipt information which correspond to
the input membership code and are managed in the electronic receipt
management region 53a (step S32). In addition, the additional
information and the electronic receipt information may be received
using an email.
[0102] Next, the CPU 11 (the electronic receipt display unit 83) of
the portable terminal 8 lists the purchase date included in the
electronic receipt information in a list form on the display unit
17 (step S33). The purchase date is listed on the display unit 17,
and thus the portable terminal 8 prompts the user who is a consumer
to select information.
[0103] FIG. 16 is a front view illustrating a display example X of
the display unit 17 of the portable terminal 8. As illustrated in
FIG. 16, in the display example X, the dates on which the user who
owns the portable terminal 8 that accesses the electronic receipt
management server 9, went shopping at stores of various companies
are listed with changed colors in a calendar form. In addition, the
CPU 11 (the electronic receipt display unit 83) of the portable
terminal 8 performs the display of the dates so that a desired date
is selected with a cursor which tracks an input of the input unit
18 among the dates listed with changed colors.
[0104] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 16, in the display
example X, a search window A for designating a character string
serving as a search key or a keyword is provided. The CPU 11 of the
portable terminal 8 may narrow electronic receipt information
including a language or a keyword designated in the search window
A.
[0105] Further, in the display example X, as illustrated in FIG.
16, a "receipt inquiry" button B1 for fixing a desired date
selected with the cursor is provided. The CPU 11 of the portable
terminal 8 may determine that a date is selected when the user just
taps the desired date, and may determine that a data is selected
when the user taps the desired date and then operates the "receipt
inquiry" button B1.
[0106] When it is determined that the user selects a desired date
by tapping the date (Yes in step S34), the CPU 11 (the electronic
receipt display unit 83) of the portable terminal 8 displays
electronic receipt information corresponding to the selected date
on the display unit 17 (step S35).
[0107] FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating a display example Y in
the portable terminal. As illustrated in FIG. 17, in the display
example Y, stores of various companies at which the user who owns
the portable terminal 8 that accesses the electronic receipt
management server 9 did shopping are listed depending on dates.
More specifically, in the display example Y, the electronic receipt
information is displayed in a time series in order in which the
electronic receipt information is received, and a company mark, a
transaction time, a company name, and a store name are displayed.
In addition, the CPU 11 (the electronic receipt display unit 83) of
the portable terminal 8 performs the display so that a desired
store may be selected with a cursor which tracks an input of the
input unit 18 among the listed stores information.
[0108] When it is determined that the user selects a desired store
(Yes in step S36), the CPU 11 (the electronic receipt display unit
83) of the portable terminal 8 displays electronic receipt
information corresponding to the selected store on the display unit
17 (step S37).
[0109] FIG. 18 is a front view illustrating a display example Z on
the display unit 17 of the portable terminal 8. As illustrated in
FIG. 18, the display example Z displays electronic receipt
information of a desired store on the desired date on which the
user who owns the portable terminal 8 that accesses the electronic
receipt management server 9 went shopping. In the display example
Z, the same layout as that of a paper receipt is displayed by
analyzing the electronic receipt information, and merchandise a or
an icon b (a button-shaped icon indicating "campaign" in FIG. 18)
indicating various additional information correlated with the
merchandise can be focused among the information with a cursor
which tracks an input of the input unit 18.
[0110] In addition, a screen display image is not necessarily
required to be a receipt image. However, the electronic receipt
information is used instead of paper receipt information, and is
thus electronic merchandise purchase evidence information which
verifies purchase of merchandise. In the display example Z, the
following information is displayed in order to use the electronic
receipt information as merchandise purchase evidence information
when the merchandise is returned. [0111] Store name [0112] Purchase
date and time [0113] Details of purchased merchandise [0114] Total
sales amount [0115] Deposit amount [0116] Change amount [0117]
Register number [0118] Transaction number
[0119] Here, when the user selects proper merchandise or an icon
correlated with merchandise (Yes in step S38), the CPU 11 (the
electronic receipt display unit 83) of the portable terminal 8
accesses the network 5 via the network interface 14, and acquires
various information from the network 5 based on access information
which is associated with the selected merchandise or icon so as to
display the acquired information on the display unit 17 (step
S39).
[0120] For example, when a home page associated with merchandise as
access information to the merchandise is set as a merchandise
information link, when desired merchandise is selected, a home page
associated with the merchandise is displayed on the display unit
17.
[0121] In addition, when a home page associated with CM is set in a
banner c which is a kind of icon as access information, when the
banner c is selected, the CM associated with the banner c is
displayed on the display unit 17.
[0122] The CPU 11 of the portable terminal 8 finishes the process
when finishing of the electronic receipt viewing process is
declared from the input unit 18 (Yes in step S40).
[0123] When finishing of the electronic receipt viewing process is
not declared from the input unit 18 (No in step S40), the CPU 11 of
the portable terminal 8 returns to step S38 and waits for
merchandise or an icon correlated with merchandise to be
selected.
[0124] In addition, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 19, a
description will also be made of a case where the portable terminal
8 does not access the electronic receipt management server 9 as
described in step S23 of FIG. 13, but the portable terminal 8
receives electronic receipt information and additional information
from the electronic receipt management server 9.
[0125] The CPU 11 (the electronic receipt reception unit 82) of the
portable terminal 8 receives electronic receipt information and
additional information from the electronic receipt management
server 9 (step S61).
[0126] Next, when the electronic receipt viewing program P12 is
activated (Yes in step S62), the CPU 11 (the electronic receipt
display unit 83) of the portable terminal 8 displays the received
electronic receipt information and additional information in
associated with a company code (step S63).
[0127] As above, according to the electronic receipt system of the
present exemplary embodiment, unlike in the structure of an
electronic receipt on a per company basis of the related art, the
structure of an electronic receipt can be introduced beyond the
company scope, and thus it is possible to promote introduction of
an electronic receipt.
[0128] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *