JP7744478B2 - Transaction processing device and its control program, transaction processing method, and store system - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing device and its control program.

In recent years, so-called electronic receipt services, which allow customers to receive digitized receipts on communication devices such as smartphones, have become popular. Customers can use the electronic receipt service by registering as members with the company that operates the service. Many stores also offer membership services such as point programs with the aim of retaining customers. By registering as a member with a store, customers can receive membership services at that store.

Stores that are members of the electronic receipt service are considering automatically registering customers who register for the store's membership service as members of the electronic receipt service. This will not only allow customers to receive the store's membership services; customers will also be able to receive electronic receipts for transactions not only at that store, but also at other stores that are members of the electronic receipt service. This will improve customer convenience and is expected to further attract customers.

However, some customers prefer to receive paper receipts rather than electronic receipts when they register as members at a store. As mentioned above, if customers who register as members at a store were automatically registered as members of the electronic receipt service, it would be impossible to meet the needs of such customers.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-200727

The problem that embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a transaction processing device that allows even members of an electronic receipt service to receive paper receipts when making transactions at specific stores.

In one embodiment, the transaction processing device comprises a creation means, an issuing means, a processing means, an acquisition means, a notification means, and a reception means . The creation means creates receipt data that records information related to the transaction with the transaction target. The issuing means issues a paper receipt with the receipt data printed on it if the transaction target is not a user of the electronic receipt service . The processing means processes an electronic receipt by digitizing the receipt if the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service . The acquisition means acquires an identifier set for the transaction target. The notification means notifies the user that a paper receipt will not be printed if the setting associated with the identifier acquired by the acquisition means is a setting that does not allow paper receipts to be received. After the notification, the reception means accepts an instruction to print or not print a paper receipt.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of an electronic receipt database. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of an electronic receipt member database. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a store member database. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electronic receipt ID. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the POS terminal according to a control program. 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the POS terminal according to a control program in the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a POS terminal according to a control program in a second embodiment. 11 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of a POS terminal according to a control program in a third embodiment.

Below, we will use drawings to explain an embodiment of a transaction processing device that allows even members of an electronic receipt service to receive paper receipts when making transactions at a specific store.

[First embodiment]
1 is a system configuration diagram of the first embodiment. The system includes an electronic receipt system 1, multiple store systems 2 (2A, 2B), and a network 3.

The electronic receipt system 1 is configured by an operating company of an electronic receipt service. The electronic receipt system 1 comprises an electronic receipt management server 11 and an electronic receipt member server 12. The electronic receipt management server 11 is a server specialized in managing the electronic receipt database 13. The electronic receipt database 13 will be explained in detail later using Figure 2. The electronic receipt member server 12 is a server specialized in managing the electronic receipt member database 14. The electronic receipt member database 14 will be explained in detail later using Figure 3.

Each store system 2 is made up of stores that are members of the electronic receipt service. Note that while Figure 1 shows store system 2A and store system 2B as store systems 2, the number of store systems 2 is not limited to two. Preferably, the number of store systems 2 matches the number of stores that are members of the electronic receipt service. Hereinafter, stores that are members of the electronic receipt service will be referred to as member stores. A member store may be a single independent store, or multiple stores that are part of a chain may be considered a single member store.

Each store system 2 comprises a store member server 21, a communication server 22, multiple POS (Point of Sales) terminals 23, and a network 24. The store member server 21 is a server specialized in managing a store member database 25. The store member database 25 will be explained in detail later using Figure 4. The communication server 22 is a server specialized in supporting data communication over the network 3.

The POS terminal 23 processes data related to transactions with customers and processes the settlement of those transactions. Incidentally, transactions are not limited to acts involving the buying and selling of goods. For example, acts that incur facility usage fees, rental fees for goods, etc., or acts that incur payment for the provision of services are also defined as transactions. Here, the POS terminal 23 is one aspect of a transaction processing device.

The network 24 connects multiple POS terminals 23 with the store member server 21 and communication server 22 for free two-way communication. The network 24 is typically a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN. The network 24 may be the Internet or an intranet. The network 24 may also include a mobile communication network.

In this way, for each affiliated store, multiple POS terminals 23 are connected to the store member server 21 and communication server 22 via the network 24, thereby constructing the store system 2 for that affiliated store. Incidentally, if the affiliated store consists of a single independent store, each POS terminal 23 is assumed to be installed at the store's checkout counter, and the store member server 21 and communication server 22 are assumed to be installed in the store's backroom. On the other hand, if the affiliated store consists of multiple stores that are part of a chain, each POS terminal 23 is assumed to be installed at each chain store, and the store member server 21 and communication server 22 are assumed to be installed at the headquarters that oversees each chain store.

The network 3 connects the electronic receipt management server 11 and electronic receipt member server 12 of the electronic receipt system 1 to the communication server 22 of each store system 2 for free two-way communication. The network 3 is typically the Internet or an intranet. The network 3 may also include a mobile communication network.

In this way, the system is constructed by connecting the above-mentioned servers via network 3. Thus, customers who make transactions at affiliated stores can not only receive member services such as point programs offered by the affiliated stores, but can also receive a receipt for the transaction as an electronic receipt on a communication terminal 4 such as a smartphone. In other words, customers can receive not only member services offered by each affiliated store, but also electronic receipt services when making transactions at each affiliated store.

Typically, to receive member services, a customer must register as a member with an affiliated store. By registering as a member, the customer is issued a unique member ID. The member ID is recorded and issued on a card medium such as an IC card or magnetic card. Alternatively, the member ID is set in an application program dedicated to member services that is installed on the communications terminal 4 and issued. Hereinafter, an application program dedicated to member services will be referred to as a member app.

In addition, to use the electronic receipt service, customers must register as members with the company that operates the electronic receipt service. By registering as a member, a unique electronic receipt ID is issued to the customer. The electronic receipt ID is set in an application program dedicated to the electronic receipt service and issued by installing the program on the communication terminal 4. Hereinafter, the application program dedicated to the electronic receipt service will be referred to as the electronic receipt app.

In this embodiment, when a customer registers as a member with a member store to receive member services, they are automatically registered as a member with the company that operates the electronic receipt service. Specifically, when a customer installs a member app on their communication terminal 4 and registers as a member with the member store, a query is generated from the communication terminal 4 asking whether they agree to the electronic receipt service. If the customer responds to this query by operating the communication terminal 4 to indicate their agreement, they are registered as a member with the company that operates the electronic receipt service, and the electronic receipt app is installed on the communication terminal 4. In this way, an electronic receipt ID is issued to the customer along with a member ID, and the customer performs an operation on the communication terminal 4 to link the member ID and electronic receipt ID. By doing so, the customer will thereafter be able to receive both the member services and the electronic receipt service.

On the other hand, it is possible that a customer who has registered as a member with an affiliated store is already a user of the electronic receipt service. When asked whether or not to accept the electronic receipt service, such a customer operates the communication terminal 4 to indicate that they are currently using the electronic receipt service. The customer then operates the communication terminal 4 to link their member ID with the electronic receipt ID. By doing so, the customer will then be able to receive not only the electronic receipt service but also the member services of that affiliated store.

It is anticipated that some customers who have registered as members with a member store will use the electronic receipt service but would prefer to receive paper receipts at that member store. Such customers will apply to the member store to receive paper receipts. The application can be made via the communication terminal 4 or in writing. By doing so, paper receipts will be available at the member store where the application was made.

The following describes in detail the system, which enables the combined use of the electronic receipt service and membership service described above, using Figures 2 to 8.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the electronic receipt database 13. As shown in the figure, the electronic receipt database 13 stores index data and electronic receipt data in association with an electronic receipt ID. The electronic receipt data is data obtained by digitizing receipts that record information related to transactions with customers. The index data is data that arranges the transaction date and time, store information, and total amount included in the electronic receipt data. The customer can identify the transaction in the electronic receipt data from the transaction date and time, store information, and total amount in the index data.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the electronic receipt member database 14. As shown in the figure, the electronic receipt member database 14 stores linked member IDs in association with electronic receipt IDs. A linked member ID is a member ID for which an operation to link the member ID with the corresponding electronic receipt ID has been performed. For example, in Figure 1, if a customer who has registered as a member with a member store in which store system 2A has been implemented performs an operation to link the member ID with the electronic receipt ID, the electronic receipt member database 14 stores the member ID of the member store in which store system 2A has been implemented as linked member ID 1 in association with the customer's electronic receipt ID. Furthermore, if the customer also registers as a member with a member store in which store system 2B has been implemented and performs an operation to link the member ID with the electronic receipt ID, the electronic receipt member database 14 stores the member ID of the member store in which store system 2B has been implemented as linked member ID 2 in association with the customer's electronic receipt ID. Therefore, the number of linked member IDs stored in the electronic receipt member database 14 in association with electronic receipt IDs is arbitrary.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of the store member database 25. As shown in the figure, the store member database 25 stores accumulated points P0, a first flag F1, and a second flag F2 in association with a member ID. Accumulated points P0 are the accumulated value of service points earned in transactions at the affiliated store with a customer identified by the member ID.

The first flag F1 is a flag for identifying whether or not a customer identified by the member ID is a user of the electronic receipt service. In this embodiment, the first flag F1 is set to "1" if the customer is a user of the electronic receipt service, and "0" if the customer is not a user. In other words, if a customer who has registered as a member with an affiliated store is currently using the electronic receipt service or has performed an operation to consent to the electronic receipt service, the first flag F1 is set to "1." If the customer is not currently using the electronic receipt service and has not performed an operation to consent to the electronic receipt service, the first flag F1 is set to "0."

The second flag F2 is a flag used to identify whether a customer identified by the member ID will receive a paper receipt. In this embodiment, the second flag F2 is set to "1" if the customer will receive a paper receipt, and "0" if the customer will not. In other words, the second flag associated with the member ID of a customer who has requested the affiliated store to receive paper receipts will be set to "1," and the second flag associated with the member ID of a customer who has not requested this will be set to "0."

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure of an electronic receipt ID. As shown in the figure, an electronic receipt ID is 16-bit data. The first two bits (b1, b2) are data used to identify it as an electronic receipt ID. The next 10 bits (b3 to b12) are a unique ID used to individually identify customers who have registered as members to use the electronic receipt service. The next three bits (b13, b14, b15) are option flags. The final bit (C/D) is a check digit.

In an electronic receipt ID configured as described above, one bit (b13) of the option flag is used as a flag to identify whether or not a receipt is to be printed, the so-called print flag b13. In this embodiment, the print flag b13 is set to "1" if a receipt is to be printed, and "0" if a receipt is not to be printed. Typically, customers who use the electronic receipt service receive receipts as electronic receipts. Therefore, the print flag b13 of the electronic receipt ID is set to "0". However, some customers want a paper receipt in addition to an electronic receipt. The print flag b13 of the electronic receipt ID issued to such customers is set to "1".

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 23. Each member store's store system 2 (2A, 2B) is equipped with multiple POS terminals 23. The basic circuit configuration of these POS terminals 23 is the same.

As shown in FIG. 6, the POS terminal 23 includes a processor 23a, main memory 23b, auxiliary storage device 23c, clock 23d, change machine interface 23e, communication interface 23f, keyboard 23g, scanner 23h, display 23i, reader 23j, printer 23k, and system transmission path 23l. The system transmission path 23l includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 23l interconnects the processor 23a with the main memory 23b, auxiliary storage device 23c, clock 23d, change machine interface 23e, communication interface 23f, keyboard 23g, scanner 23h, display 23i, reader 23j, and printer 23k. The POS terminal 23 computer is configured by connecting the processor 23a, main memory 23b, and auxiliary storage device 23c via the system transmission path 23l.

The processor 23a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 23a controls each part to realize the various functions of the POS terminal 23 in accordance with the operating system or application programs. The processor 23a is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Main memory 23b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. Main memory 23b includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 23b stores an operating system or application programs in the non-volatile memory area. Main memory 23b may also store data required for processor 23a to execute processes to control each component in either the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 23b uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data can be rewritten by processor 23a as appropriate. An example of a non-volatile memory area is ROM (Read Only Memory). An example of a volatile memory area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 23c corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 23c can be an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 23c stores data used by the processor 23a when performing various processes, data created by the processes performed by the processor 23a, etc. The auxiliary storage device 23c may also store the application programs described above.

The application programs stored in the main memory 23b or the auxiliary storage device 23c include control programs that describe the information processing executed by the POS terminal 23. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control programs into the main memory 23b or the auxiliary storage device 23c. The control programs can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or they can be distributed via communication over a network and installed into the main memory 23b or the auxiliary storage device 23c. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

The clock 23d functions as a time information source for the POS terminal 23. The processor 23a keeps track of the current date and time based on the time information kept by the clock 23d.

The change machine interface 23e communicates data with the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23e receives data such as the amount inserted and the number of stored coins from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 23e transmits the change data to the automatic change machine.

The communication interface 23f communicates data between the store member server 21 and the communication server 22, which are connected via the network 24, in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol.

The keyboard 23g functions as an input device for the POS terminal 23. The keyboard 23g is equipped with keys necessary for entering transaction data and settling transactions, such as a numeric keypad, clear key, multiplication key, subtotal key, deposit/cash total key, credit key, and electronic money key. The deposit/cash total key, credit key, and electronic money key are closing keys that declare the closing of a transaction. The deposit/cash total key is the closing key for transactions paid with cash. The credit key is the closing key for transactions paid with credit card. The electronic money key is the closing key for transactions paid with electronic money.

Scanner 23h functions as an input device for POS terminal 23. Scanner 23h is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. For example, by holding up a barcode attached to a product, scanner 23h can read the data in the barcode. Scanner 23h may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

The display 23i functions as a display device for the POS terminal 23. The display 23i displays information to the store clerk who operates the POS terminal 23. The display 23i may also include a display that displays information to customers. This type of display 23i may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The display 23i may also be equipped with a touch panel.

The reader 23j functions as an input device for the POS terminal 23. The reader 23j is an example of a reading device that reads data recorded on card media such as IC cards and magnetic cards. The reader 23j may also be a device that reads RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) data contactlessly.

The printer 23k issues receipts by printing various text strings or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 23k can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 23a of the POS terminal 23 in accordance with the control program. Below, the operation of the POS terminal 23 will be explained with reference to these flowcharts. Specifically, this is the operation of the POS terminal 23 when processing actions involving the buying and selling of goods, so-called commercial transactions. Note that the content of the operations shown in Figures 7 and 8 and described below is an example. There are no particular limitations on the processing procedure and content, as long as similar results can be obtained.

First, when a customer comes to the checkout area to settle a transaction, the store clerk operating the POS terminal 23 checks whether the customer is a point member. A point member is a customer who has registered with the affiliated store in order to receive the point service, one of the member services. A point member is issued a unique member ID. The clerk then asks the customer to present the member ID. If the customer has installed a member app on their communication terminal 4, the customer launches the member app. A code symbol for the member ID is then displayed on the display of the communication terminal 4, and the clerk reads the code symbol with scanner 23h. On the other hand, if the customer presents a member card, the clerk reads the card data with reader 23j. The card data includes the member ID. This operation enters the member ID into the POS terminal 23.

As shown in FIG. 7, the processor 23a of the POS terminal 23 waits for the member ID to be input in ACT 1. When the member ID is input, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 1 and proceeds to ACT 2. In ACT 2, the processor 23a controls the communication interface 23f to make an inquiry to the store member server 21. As a result of this control, an inquiry command is sent from the communication interface 23f to the store member server 21 via the network 24. This inquiry command includes the input member ID. Upon receiving the inquiry command, the store member server 21 searches the store member database 25. The store member server 21 then reads the accumulated points P0, first flag F1, and second flag F2 stored in association with the member ID included in the inquiry command, and sends an acceptance response command including this data to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command. If the member ID included in the inquiry command is not stored in the store member database 25, the store member server 21 sends an error response command to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command. The response command from the store member server 21 is sent via the network 24 to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command.

The processor 23a that sent the inquiry command checks whether an acceptance response command has been received in ACT 3. If the command received via the communication interface 23f is an error response command, the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 3 and treats this processing as an error.

If an acceptance response command is received, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 3 and proceeds to ACT 4. In ACT 4, the processor 23a writes the cumulative points P0, first flag F1, and second flag F2 included in the acceptance response command to a volatile area in the main memory 23b.

Here, the computer, primarily comprised of processor 23a, constitutes an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier that identifies the transaction target by executing the processes of ACT1 to ACT4. Incidentally, the transaction target is the customer who presents their member ID. The identifier is the member ID.

In ACT 5, the processor 23a checks the first flag F1. If the first flag F1 is "0", the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 6. In ACT 6, the processor 23a sets the third flag F3 to "0". The third flag F3 is stored in a volatile area of the main memory 23b. In this way, in the case of a transaction with a customer whose first flag F1 is "0", i.e., a customer who is not a user of the electronic receipt service, the third flag F3 is set to "0".

In contrast, if the first flag F1 is "1", the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 7. In ACT 6, the processor 23a sets the third flag F3 to "1". In this way, in the case of a transaction with a customer whose first flag F1 is "1", i.e., a customer who is a user of the electronic receipt service, the third flag F3 is set to "1".

The processor 23a, which has set the third flag F3 to "1," controls the communication interface 23f to make an inquiry to the electronic receipt member server 12 in ACT 8. This control causes the communication interface 23f to send an inquiry command to the communication server 22 via the network 24. This inquiry command includes the entered member ID. Upon receiving the inquiry command, the communication server 22 sends the inquiry command to the electronic receipt member server 12 via the network 3.

Upon receiving the inquiry command, the electronic receipt member server 12 searches the electronic receipt member database 14. The electronic receipt member server 12 then checks whether or not there is a record in which the member ID included in the inquiry command is set as an associated member ID. If a corresponding record is found, the electronic receipt member server 12 acquires the electronic receipt ID of that record. The electronic receipt member server 12 then sends an acceptance response command including this electronic receipt ID to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command. Note that if there is no record in which the member ID included in the inquiry command is set as an associated member ID, the electronic receipt member server 12 sends an error response command to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command. The response command from the electronic receipt member server 12 is sent to the POS terminal 23 that sent the inquiry command via network 3, communication server 22, and network 24.

The processor 23a that sent the inquiry command checks whether an acceptance response command has been received in ACT 9. If the command received via the communication interface 23f is an error response command, the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 9 and treats this processing as an error.

If an acceptance response command is received, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10. In ACT 10, the processor 23a writes the electronic receipt ID included in the acceptance response command to a volatile area in the main memory 23b.

In ACT 11, the processor 23a checks the print flag b13 of the electronic receipt ID written to the volatile area. If the print flag b13 is "1", meaning the electronic receipt ID is set to print a receipt, the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 15. In ACT 15, the processor 23a sets the fourth flag F4 to "1". The fourth flag F4 is stored in the volatile area of the main memory 23b.

On the other hand, if the print flag b13 is "0", that is, if the electronic receipt ID is set to not print a receipt, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 23a checks the second flag F2 written to the volatile area in ACT 12. Here, if the second flag F2 is "0", the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 12 and proceeds to ACT 13. The processor 23a sets the fourth flag F4 to "0" in ACT 13. In this way, in the case of a transaction with a customer whose print flag b13 is "0", that is, whose electronic receipt ID is set to not print a receipt, and whose second flag F2 is "0", that is, a customer who has not requested to receive a paper receipt from the affiliated store, the fourth flag F4 becomes "0".

In contrast, if the second flag F2 is "1", the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 12 and proceeds to ACT 14. In ACT 14, the processor 23a edits the electronic receipt ID stored in the volatile area. Specifically, the processor 23a changes the print flag b13 from "0" to "1". The processor 23a also recalculates the last one-bit check digit (C/D). When editing of the electronic receipt ID is completed in this way, the processor 23a proceeds to ACT 15. In ACT 15, the processor 23a sets the fourth flag F4 to "1".

In this way, the fourth flag F4 will be set to "0" not only when the print flag b13 is "1", i.e., when the electronic receipt ID is set to print a receipt, but also when the transaction is with a customer for whom the second flag F2 is "1", i.e., a customer who has requested to receive a paper receipt from the affiliated store.

Here, by executing the processes of ACT 5 and ACT 12, the computer, which is mainly a processor, constitutes a confirmation means for confirming whether the transaction target is set to receive paper receipts, if the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service.

More specifically, by executing the process in ACT 12, the computer configures a storage unit that stores a second flag F2, which is associated with the member ID, an identification code that identifies the transaction target, and sets whether or not to receive a paper receipt, i.e., a search means that searches the store member database 25. The computer then serves as a confirmation means by checking whether or not the transaction target is set to receive a paper receipt, based on the second flag F2 stored in association with the transaction target's member ID. Therefore, because the second flag F2 can be used to manage information on whether or not to receive a paper receipt, management can be simplified. Furthermore, because the computer only needs to check the second flag F2, it can quickly and easily confirm whether or not the transaction target is set to receive a paper receipt.

In FIG. 7, upon completing the processing of ACT 6, ACT 13, or ACT 15, the processor 23a proceeds to ACT 21 in FIG. 8. In ACT 21, the processor 23a waits for product registration.

After entering the member ID, the clerk operates the keyboard 23g or scanner 23h to register the items the customer will purchase. Once the clerk has registered all the items the customer will purchase, they enter a closing key to conclude the transaction.

When the product is registered, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 21 and proceeds to ACT 22. In ACT 22, the processor 23a processes the product sales data. That is, the processor 23a creates product sales data such as the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales, and sales amount, and registers it in the transaction area. The transaction area is formed in a volatile area of the main memory 23b. The processor 23a also displays the product sales data such as the product name, unit price, number of sales, and sales amount on the display 23i.

When processor 23a finishes processing the product sales data, it proceeds to ACT 23. In ACT 23, processor 23a checks whether registration closure has been declared. If registration closure has not been declared, processor 23a determines NO in ACT 23 and returns to ACT 21. Then, when the next product is registered, processor 23a processes the sales data for that product. Thereafter, processor 23a repeats processing of product sales data until registration closure is declared.

When any of the closing keys arranged on keyboard 23g is pressed to declare registration closing, processor 23a determines YES in ACT 23 and proceeds to ACT 24. Processor 23a executes payment processing in ACT 24. That is, if a deposit/cash key is entered as the closing key, processor 23a executes payment closing processing for transactions paid by cash. If a credit key is entered as the closing key, processor 23a executes payment closing processing for transactions paid by credit card. If an electronic money key is entered as the closing key, processor 23a executes payment closing processing for transactions paid by electronic money. Note that existing processes can be applied as is to the processing of product sales data and payment processing for payments such as cash, credit card, and electronic money. Therefore, detailed explanations will be omitted here.

Once the payment process is complete, processor 23a proceeds to ACT 25. In ACT 25, processor 23a creates receipt data based on the product sales data registered in the transaction area. The receipt data includes the name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, etc. of the products purchased by the customer, as well as the total number of items, total amount, payment information, and transaction identification information such as the transaction date and time, register number, and person in charge.

Here, the computer, mainly comprised of processor 23a, constitutes a creation means for creating receipt data that records information related to transactions with the transaction target by executing the processing of ACT 25.

When the receipt data has been created, the processor 23a proceeds to ACT 26. In ACT 26, the processor 23a checks the third flag F3. If the third flag F3 is set to "1", the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 23a checks the fourth flag F4. If the fourth flag F4 is set to "0", the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 27 and proceeds to ACT 28.

The processor 23a executes electronic receipt processing in ACT 28. That is, the processor 23a controls the communication interface 23f to transmit the receipt data created in ACT 25 as digitized receipt data to the electronic receipt management server 11 together with the electronic receipt ID stored in the main memory 23b. By this control, the electronic receipt data and the electronic receipt ID are transmitted from the communication interface 23f to the communication server 22 via the network 24. The communication server 22 transmits the electronic receipt data and the electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt management server 11 via the network 3. The electronic receipt management server 11 creates management data from the electronic receipt data received from the POS terminal 23. Then, the electronic receipt management server 11 associates this management data and electronic receipt data with the electronic receipt ID and stores them in the electronic receipt database 13.

On the other hand, if the third flag F3 is "0", the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 29. Similarly, if the fourth flag F4 is "1", the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 27 and proceeds to ACT 29. The processor 23a executes the receipt printing process in ACT 29. That is, the processor 23a outputs the receipt data created in ACT 25 to the printer 23k as print data. This causes the printer 23k to operate, print the receipt data on receipt paper, and issue a paper receipt.

By executing the process in ACT 28, the computer, which is mainly comprised of processor 23a, constitutes processing means for processing electronic receipts, which are digitized receipts. By executing the process in ACT 29, the same computer constitutes issuing means for issuing paper receipts with receipt data printed on them. By executing the process in ACT 26 (YES) and the process in ACT 27 (NO), the same computer constitutes first control means for controlling the processing of the electronic receipt by the processing means when the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but is not set to receive paper receipts. By executing the process in ACT 26 (NO) and the process in ACT 27 (YES), the same computer constitutes second control means for controlling the issuance of a paper receipt by the issuing means when the transaction target is not a user of the electronic receipt service, or when the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but is set to receive paper receipts.

When the processor 23a completes the electronic receipt processing or receipt printing processing described above, it terminates the information processing described using Figures 7 and 8.

In this way, when the customer who is the subject of a transaction is a user of the electronic receipt service, that is, when the customer has a member ID for which the first flag F1 registered in the store member database 25 is set to "1," the POS terminal 23 checks whether the customer is set to receive paper receipts. That is, it checks whether the second flag F2 associated with the member ID is set to "1." Here, if the second flag F2 is set to "1," that is, if the customer is set to receive paper receipts, a receipt for the customer is issued as a paper receipt. On the other hand, if the second flag F2 is set to "0," that is, if the customer is not set to receive paper receipts, the receipt for the customer is processed as an electronic receipt.

Therefore, even if a customer registers as a member with a member store to receive member services and is automatically registered as a member with the electronic receipt service operator, by requesting to receive paper receipts when registering as a member with the member store, the customer will be able to receive paper receipts for transactions at that member store.

Alternatively, if a customer who is already a registered member of an electronic receipt service operator registers as a new member at a participating store to receive the service, they can request to receive paper receipts, which will allow them to receive paper receipts for transactions at that participating store.

Please note that applying to receive paper receipts does not have to be done at the same time as registering as a member. If you apply at any time after registering as a member, you will be able to receive paper receipts from that point on.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in part of the information processing of the processor 23a described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Specifically, this is the processing after the processor 23a determines YES in Act 27 of Figure 8. Therefore, Figures 1 to 7 used in the first embodiment are also used in the second embodiment as they are, and their description will be omitted.

Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second embodiment, which corresponds to the main processing of the first embodiment described using Figure 8. In Figure 9, processing that is common to Figure 8 is assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, if the third flag F3 is "1" and the fourth flag F4 is "0," that is, if the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 26 and then determines NO in ACT 27, the processor 23a notifies the user that a receipt will not be printed in ACT 31. For example, the processor 23a displays guidance on the display 23i indicating that a receipt will not be printed. Alternatively, the processor 23a outputs similar guidance as audio from the speaker of the POS terminal 23.

After notifying the processor 23a that a receipt should not be printed, in ACT 32 the processor 23a checks whether a receipt printing command has been issued. For example, if the keyboard 23g is provided with a key for issuing a receipt printing command and a key for issuing a receipt non-printing command, the processor 23a waits for either key to be pressed. Alternatively, if the display 23i is a touch panel and displays a button image for issuing a receipt printing command and a button image for issuing a receipt non-printing command on the screen, the processor 23a waits for either button image to be pressed. If the processor 23a detects that the key or button image for issuing a receipt printing command has been operated, the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 29. In other words, the processor 23a executes the receipt printing process.

On the other hand, if it is detected that a key or button image instructing not to print a receipt has been operated, the processor 23a determines NO in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 28. In other words, the processor 23a executes electronic receipt processing.

By executing the process of ACT 32, the computer, which is mainly comprised of processor 23a, constitutes a receiving means that receives an instruction input to receive a paper receipt when the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but has not yet set up to receive a paper receipt. Then, when the computer receives an instruction input to receive a paper receipt, it controls the issuance of a paper receipt by the issuing means.

In the second embodiment, which is configured in this way, even customers who have not requested to receive a paper receipt can receive a paper receipt by instructing them to receive a paper receipt when they are notified that a receipt will not be printed. This makes it easy to deal with situations where, for example, a customer is shopping on behalf of a friend and wants a paper receipt just for that occasion.

Furthermore, by executing the processing of ACT 31, the computer mainly composed of processor 23a constitutes a notification means for notifying a user who is a user of the electronic receipt service but has not been set up to receive paper receipts. Therefore, if a transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but has not been set up to receive paper receipts, the transaction target can be notified that a paper receipt will not be issued. As a result, as mentioned above, in cases where a paper receipt is only desired at that time, the transaction target will not forget to instruct the transaction target to receive a paper receipt.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in part of the information processing of the processor 23a described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Specifically, this is the processing after the processor 23a determines YES in Act 26 of Figure 9 and the processing after the processor 23a determines NO in Act 32. Therefore, Figures 1 to 7 used in the second embodiment are also used in the third embodiment as they are, and their description will be omitted.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the third embodiment, which corresponds to the main processing of the second embodiment described using Figure 9. In Figure 10, processing that is common to Figure 9 is assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

In the third embodiment, if the third flag F3 is "1", that is, if the processor 23a determines YES in ACT 26, the processor 23a executes electronic receipt processing in ACT 41. This electronic receipt processing is similar to the processing described in ACT 28 in the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

When the processor 23a finishes the electronic receipt processing, it proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 23a checks the fourth flag F4. If the fourth flag F4 is set to "1," the processor 23a proceeds to ACT 29 and executes the receipt printing process.

If the fourth flag F4 is " 0 ", the processor 23a proceeds to Act 31, notifies the user that a receipt will not be printed, and then waits for a command to print or not print in Act 32. If a command to print is received, the processor 23a proceeds to Act 29 and executes the receipt printing process.

On the other hand, if a non-printing command is issued, the electronic receipt processing has already been completed, so the processor 23a ends this processing.

In the third embodiment, the first control means, which is constituted by a computer mainly including the processor 23a, controls the processing of electronic receipts by the processing means when the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service.

With this configuration, if a user of the electronic receipt service requests to receive paper receipts when registering as a member with a participating store, they will be able to receive receipts not only as paper receipts but also as electronic receipts for transactions at that participating store. Therefore, while receiving paper receipts, customers can also use the data from the electronic receipts as data for their household account books, for example.

As described above, according to some embodiments, a transaction processing device can be provided that allows even members of an electronic receipt service to receive paper receipts when making transactions at a specific store.

Note that the identifier acquired by the acquisition means is not limited to the membership ID of an individual customer who has registered as a member with the affiliated store. For example, it may be an identifier issued to a group, such as a family membership. Or it may be an identifier issued to an organization such as a corporation.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims.
The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below.
[1] A transaction processing device comprising: a creation means for creating receipt data that records information related to a transaction with a transaction target; an issuing means for issuing a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed; a processing means for processing an electronic receipt that is an electronic version of the receipt; a confirmation means for confirming, if the transaction target is a user of an electronic receipt service, whether or not the transaction target is set to receive paper receipts; a first control means for controlling processing of the electronic receipt by the processing means if the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but is not set to receive the paper receipt; and a second control means for controlling issuance of a paper receipt by the issuing means if the transaction target is not a user of the electronic receipt service or is a user of the electronic receipt service and is set to receive the paper receipt.
[2] A transaction processing device as described in appendix [1], further comprising a receiving means for receiving an instruction input to receive the paper receipt if the transaction target is a user of an electronic receipt service and is not set to receive the paper receipt, and the second control means controls the issuance of the paper receipt by the issuing means when the instruction input is received.
[3] A transaction processing device as described in appendix [2], further comprising an alerting means for alerting when the transaction subject is a user of an electronic receipt service and is not set to receive the paper receipt.
[4] A transaction processing device described in any one of appendices [1] to [3], wherein the first control means controls the processing of the electronic receipt by the processing means when the transaction target is a user of an electronic receipt service.
[5] A transaction processing device described in any one of appendices [1] to [4], further comprising a search means for searching a memory unit that stores a flag set to indicate whether or not to receive a paper receipt in association with an identifier that identifies the transaction target, and the confirmation means confirms from the flag stored in association with the identifier whether or not the transaction target identified by the identifier is set to receive a paper receipt.
[6] A transaction processing device according to appendix [5], further comprising an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier that identifies the transaction target.
[7] A control program that causes a computer of a transaction processing device to function as a creation means that creates receipt data that records information related to a transaction with a transaction target, an issuing means that issues a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed, a processing means that processes an electronic receipt that has been digitized from the receipt, a confirmation means that, if the transaction target is a user of an electronic receipt service, confirms whether the transaction target is set to receive paper receipts, a first control means that controls the processing of the electronic receipt by the processing means if the transaction target is a user of the electronic receipt service but is not set to receive the paper receipt, and a second control means that controls the issuance of a paper receipt by the issuing means if the transaction target is not a user of the electronic receipt service or is a user of the electronic receipt service and is set to receive the paper receipt.

1...electronic receipt system, 2 (2A, 2B)...store system, 3...network, 4...communication terminal, 11...electronic receipt management server, 12...electronic receipt member server, 13...electronic receipt database, 14...electronic receipt member database, 21...store member server, 22...communication server, 23...POS terminal, 23a...processor, 23b...main memory, 23c...auxiliary storage device, 23d...clock, 23e...change machine interface, 23f...communication interface, 23g...keyboard, 23h...scanner, 23i...display, 23j...reader, 23k...printer, 23l...system transmission path, 24...network, 25...store member database.

Claims (7)

a creation means for creating receipt data that records information related to a transaction with a transaction target;
issuing means for issuing a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed;
a processing means for processing an electronic receipt obtained by digitizing the receipt ;
an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier set for a transaction target who is a user of the electronic receipt service ;
a notification means for notifying the user that a paper receipt will not be printed before the processing means processes the electronic receipt if the setting associated with the identifier acquired by the acquisition means is a setting that does not accept paper receipts; and
a receiving means for receiving an instruction to print or not print a paper receipt after the notification;
A transaction processing device comprising: a control means for controlling the issuing means to issue a paper receipt if the receiving means receives an instruction to print a paper receipt after the notification, and for causing the processing means to process an electronic receipt before completing the transaction if the receiving means receives an instruction not to print a paper receipt;
10. The transaction processing device of claim 1, further comprising: The transaction processing device computer
A means for creating receipt data that records information related to a transaction with a transaction target;
issuing means for issuing a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed;
a processing means for processing an electronic receipt that digitizes the receipt ;
An acquisition means for acquiring an identifier set for a transaction target who is a user of the electronic receipt service ;
a notification means for notifying the user that a paper receipt will not be printed before the processing means processes the electronic receipt if the setting associated with the identifier acquired by the acquisition means is a setting that does not accept paper receipts; and
A control program for causing the device to function as a reception unit that receives an instruction to print or not print a paper receipt after the notification. a computer of the transaction processing device,
a control means for controlling the issuing means to issue a paper receipt if the accepting means accepts an instruction to print a paper receipt after the notification, and for processing an electronic receipt by the processing means before completing the transaction if the accepting means accepts an instruction not to print a paper receipt;
4. The control program according to claim 3, for causing the device to function as a The transaction processing device creates receipt data that records information related to the transaction with the transaction target.
the transaction processing device issues a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed;
the transaction processing device processes an electronic receipt obtained by digitizing the receipt;
The transaction processing device acquires an identifier set for a transaction target who is a user of an electronic receipt service, and if the setting associated with the identifier is a setting for not receiving the paper receipt, notifies the transaction target that a paper receipt will not be printed before processing the electronic receipt ; and
the transaction processing device receives an instruction to print or not print a paper receipt after the notification;
A transaction processing method for a transaction processing device comprising: If the transaction processing device receives an instruction to print a paper receipt after the notification, the transaction processing device controls the issuance of the paper receipt, and if the transaction processing device receives an instruction not to print a paper receipt, the transaction processing device processes the electronic receipt and then completes the transaction.
The transaction processing method for a transaction processing device according to claim 5, further comprising: a store member server that manages a store member database that stores a first flag for identifying whether or not the store member is a user of an electronic receipt service, and a second flag for identifying whether or not the store member receives paper receipts, in association with an identifier set for the store member; and a transaction processing device that processes transactions with the store member,
The transaction processing device includes:
a means for generating receipt data that records information related to transactions with said store members;
an acquisition means for acquiring an identifier assigned to the store member;
issuing means for issuing a paper receipt on which the receipt data is printed when the first flag associated with the identifier acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the user is not a user of an electronic receipt service;
a processing means for processing an electronic receipt obtained by digitizing the receipt when the first flag associated with the identifier acquired by the acquiring means indicates that the user is a user of an electronic receipt service;
a notification means for notifying the user that a paper receipt will not be printed if the second flag associated with the identifier acquired by the acquisition means indicates that the paper receipt will not be received;
a receiving means for receiving an instruction to print or not print a paper receipt after the notification;
A store system equipped with the above.