PORTABLE TERMINAL DEVICE

A portable terminal device of an embodiment includes, a coupon storage unit that stores coupon information related to a coupon; a display device; and a processor configured to display on the display device an image of a coupon, which includes a coupon code related to the coupon which has been designated and a use button of the coupon; determine, when the use button is operated, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the use button was operated; and prohibit, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, use of the coupon displayed on the display device by displaying a piece of information other than the coupon code with a size and at a position to overlap with the coupon code, thereby making the coupon code unreadable.

FIELD

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable terminal device.

BACKGROUND

Stores selling products, companies running stores, manufacturers, and the like have issued coupons to customers as part of customer acquisition and promotion strategies. Examples of the coupons include a coupon for giving, in a store, a certain discount on a total amount of purchased products and a coupon for giving a discount on the price of a specific product in a case where the product is purchased.

Furthermore, a mechanism called an electronic receipt has been recently known in which a receipt or an acknowledgement delivered from a store to a customer who has made a purchase at the time of product purchase is converted into electronic data and transmitted to a portable terminal and the like of the customer.

Computerizing receipt information in such a manner enables the customer to browse electronic receipt information by using a portable terminal and the like carried by the customer himself/herself, for example. Then, the presence of a coupon can be confirmed on an electronic receipt by adding coupon information to such electronic receipt information.

Meanwhile, some coupons are made unusable once being used. In order to make a used coupon non-reusable, it is necessary that a clerk operates a button indicating coupon use or the number of times of coupon use is managed by using a large-scale system as described in Patent Literature 1 (JP 2021-185508 A).

It is thus preferable to provide a portable terminal device capable of preventing reuse of a used coupon with a simple configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one embodiment, a portable terminal device includes, a coupon storage unit that stores coupon information related to a coupon; a display device; and a processor configured to display on the display device an image of a coupon, which includes a coupon code related to the coupon which has been designated and a use button of the coupon; determine, when the use button is operated, whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the use button was operated; and prohibit, when it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed, use of the coupon displayed on the display device by displaying a piece of information other than the coupon code with a size and at a position to overlap with the coupon code, thereby making the coupon code unreadable.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment, a portable terminal will be described as one example of a portable terminal device. Furthermore, in the embodiment, a coupon is distributed by using a mechanism of an electronic receipt. Note that the invention is not limited by the embodiment to be described below.

FIG.1is a configuration diagram illustrating an entire configuration of an electronic receipt system10according to the embodiment. As illustrated inFIG.1, the electronic receipt system10includes a point of sales (POS) terminal1, a store server2, an electronic receipt server3, an electronic receipt management server4, and a portable terminal7. The POS terminal1and the store server2are installed in a store P such as a mall. The electronic receipt server3is installed in a head office H. The electronic receipt management server4is installed in an electronic receipt center D. The portable terminal7is carried by a customer.

The POS terminal1is connected to a network82connecting the store P with the head office H. Here, the network82is a dedicated line such as the Internet and a virtual private network (VPN).

The POS terminal1is a product selling data processing device that executes product registration processing and accounting processing related to a product sold in the store P. The product registration processing refers to processing of acquiring product identification information related to a product to be sold and displaying a product name and a price (product information) of the product acquired based on the acquired product identification information on a display unit. Furthermore, the product registration processing includes processing of storing the product information in a product information unit132(seeFIG.2). The accounting processing refers to processing of displaying a total amount related to a transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit132along with the product registration processing and performing settlement processing by using a medium such as cash and a credit card. The accounting processing includes processing of calculating and displaying change based on a deposit in a case of cash settlement. Furthermore, the accounting processing includes processing of instructing a change machine to issue change. Furthermore, the accounting processing includes processing of issuing a receipt having printed product information and accounting information (e.g., total amount, deposit amount, and change amount) from a printing unit.

The POS terminal1generates receipt information in an unstructured format, which is printing information related to a transaction, based on the product information and the accounting information. Furthermore, the POS terminal1issues a paper receipt by printing the generated receipt information with a printing unit21to be described later.

Furthermore, the POS terminal1generates electronic receipt information computerized by converting a data format of the receipt information into a structured format different from the unstructured format. The electronic receipt information is obtained by converting receipt information supposed to be printed on a receipt sheet into receipt information in a structured format such as a comma-separated values (CSV) method and a J-son method. The electronic receipt information is transmitted to the electronic receipt management server4via the electronic receipt server3, and stored in the electronic receipt management server4. The electronic receipt information stored in the electronic receipt management server4can be downloaded to the portable terminal7and browsed. The portable terminal7displays the electronic receipt information in substantially the same format as the receipt information to be printed on the receipt sheet.

Furthermore, the POS terminal1stores coupon information related to a coupon to be distributed to all customers or customers who become members. The coupon information includes various types of information on a coupon. Examples of the coupon information include information representing the type of the coupon, information on an amount to be discounted by the coupon (information such as degree of discount in yen and degree of discount in percent), information on an expiration date for use of the coupon, information on the store P (company or manufacturer in some cases) that has issued the coupon, and information on the store P in which the coupon can be used.

When generating the receipt information, the POS terminal1searches for the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed to a customer. Then, when there is a coupon to be distributed, the POS terminal1associates information related to the coupon with the receipt information. When a coupon is related to a specific product, the product is associated with coupon information of the coupon. When a coupon is not related to a specific product, the coupon is associated with the entire generated receipt information. Then, when the receipt information is converted into electronic receipt information (converted into receipt information in structured format), the associated coupon information is also converted into coupon information in a structured format.

When the electronic receipt information is transmitted to the electronic receipt management server4via the electronic receipt server3, the associated coupon information is added to the electronic receipt information, and transmitted to the electronic receipt management server4.

Then, the POS terminal1transmits the generated electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server3via the network82together with a member ID for identifying a customer who is a member. A method of the POS terminal1transmitting the electronic receipt information is not particularly limited. A general-purpose protocol such as HTTP and HTTPS may be used. Note that the number of POS terminals1provided in the store P is not particularly limited. A plurality of POS terminals1may be provided.

The store server2manages sales of the entire store P. The store server2is connected to the POS terminal1via a communication line81including a local area network (LAN) provided in the store P. The store server2manages sales information of the store P based on selling information at the POS terminal1. The store server2collects pieces of sales information (product registration information and accounting information) from respective POS terminals1of the store P as fare adjustment receipt information. The fare adjustment receipt information is obtained by aggregating pieces of sales information on sales made by the store P in a predetermined period (e.g., one day).

The electronic receipt server3is provided in the head office H of a company that operates the store P, and functions as a company receipt management server that manages receipt information for each company that operates the store P.

Furthermore, the electronic receipt server3receives the member ID and the electronic receipt information transmitted from the POS terminal1via the network82. Furthermore, the electronic receipt server3transmits the received member ID and electronic receipt information (and also coupon information in case where coupon information is added) to the electronic receipt management server4via a network83connecting the head office H with the electronic receipt center D.

Here, the network83is, for example, a dedicated line such as the Internet and a VPN. Furthermore, a method of transmitting the electronic receipt information is not particularly limited. A general-purpose protocol such as HTTP and HTTPS may be used.

The electronic receipt management server4is provided in the electronic receipt center D. The electronic receipt center D manages, for example, electronic receipt information of each company that manages receipt information with the electronic receipt server3. The electronic receipt center D is a third-party organization other than the head office H that operates the electronic receipt server3. Note that the third-party organization and the like may manage the electronic receipt server3.

The electronic receipt management server4functions as a customer receipt management server that collectively manages pieces of electronic receipt information of various companies that operate the store P in a cross-sectional manner. The electronic receipt management server4stores and manages the following information in a member master held in a database DB. That is, the electronic receipt management server4stores and manages, in the member master, a name of each customer (member) who has performed member registration, a member ID serving as a customer code, a terminal ID (equal to member ID in embodiment) serving as a unique terminal code for identifying the portable terminal7that transmits the electronic receipt information, and member data such as transmission destination information (e.g., e-mail address) of the portable terminal7serving as a transmission destination of the electronic receipt information. Note that a member management server and the like that store and manage member data may be provided separately from the electronic receipt management server4.

Furthermore, the electronic receipt management server4receives the member ID and the electronic receipt information transmitted from the electronic receipt server3via the network83, and stores the electronic receipt information for each member in a member management unit442(seeFIG.4) to be described later held in the database DB. When the coupon information is added to the electronic receipt information, the electronic receipt management server4stores the electronic receipt information to which the coupon information is added in the member management unit442(seeFIG.4) for each member. More specifically, the electronic receipt information includes elements such as store information and a member ID of the store P that transmits the electronic receipt information in addition to product transaction contents (product selling data), and is managed in association with a member ID of the corresponding member.

Furthermore, when storing the electronic receipt information in the member management unit442, the electronic receipt management server4identifies the transmission destination (portable terminal7) by referring to the transmission destination information associated with the member ID of the electronic receipt information. Then, the electronic receipt management server4notifies the transmission destination that there is the electronic receipt information to be transmitted via a network84to be described later.

Furthermore, when receiving an electronic receipt inquiry designating a member ID from the portable terminal7to which the electronic receipt management server4is connected via the network84, the electronic receipt management server4extracts electronic receipt information corresponding to the member ID from the member management unit442, and transmits the electronic receipt information to the portable terminal7. Note that, when additional information such as coupon information is added to the electronic receipt information, the electronic receipt management server4also transmits the additional information to the portable terminal7that has made an inquiry at other timing.

The portable terminal7is a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet computer carried and used by a user (member) of the system. The portable terminal7implements an application such as a web browser for browsing various pieces of information provided on the network84.

The portable terminal7performs member registration to the system by accessing the electronic receipt management server4via the network84. Here, the network84is the Internet or various public networks.

Meanwhile, in the system, customer member registration for receiving the electronic receipt information in the portable terminal7is performed in the following procedure, for example. The customer transmits a blank e-mail from the portable terminal7to the electronic receipt management server4via the network84. The electronic receipt management server transmits, to the portable terminal7, a uniform resource locator (URL) indicating a page for member registration to the received e-mail address. The customer accesses the URL indicating a page for member registration from the portable terminal7, and displays an input screen for inputting items (e.g., name, address, telephone number, and transmission destination information (e.g., e-mail address information of portable terminal7)) necessary for the member registration. After the customer ends input of the necessary items, the electronic receipt management server4executes member registration to the member master. Thereafter, the electronic receipt management server4distributes a member registration completion e-mail including a member ID and a password to the portable terminal7(above-described e-mail address). This ends the member registration. A bar code or a two-dimensional code obtained by converting the member ID into a code symbol is displayed on a display unit of the portable terminal7authenticated by login after the member registration.

Furthermore, the portable terminal7receives, from the electronic receipt management server4, a notification indicating that an electronic receipt that can be browsed by the portable terminal7is stored in the electronic receipt management server4. The member operates the portable terminal7to transmit inquiry information of the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt management server4, and then receives electronic receipt information on the member from the electronic receipt management server4. When coupon information is added to the received electronic receipt information, the portable terminal7also simultaneously receives notification information indicating that a coupon is added.

When the received electronic receipt information includes coupon notification information, the portable terminal7displays a coupon button781(seeFIGS.6,12A, and12B) indicating that a coupon is added. When the coupon is added to an electronic receipt itself, the portable terminal7displays the coupon button781at a position (seeFIG.12A) of a display unit77, which indicates that the coupon is added to the electronic receipt. Furthermore, when the coupon is added to a specific product, the portable terminal7displays the coupon button781at a position (e.g., position close to product name, seeFIG.12B) of the display unit77, which corresponds to a display position of the product.

Furthermore, the portable terminal7operates the coupon button781to download a corresponding coupon from the electronic receipt management server4and display the coupon on the display unit77. A coupon code778(seeFIG.13C) including information for identifying the coupon is displayed on the displayed coupon. A code reader20of the POS terminal1images (or optically scans) and reads the coupon code778displayed by the portable terminal7. The POS terminal1executes discount processing from a product amount or a transaction subtotal amount based on information on a discount amount included in the read coupon code778.

Furthermore, when the coupon code778is displayed on the display unit77, the portable terminal7activates a timer80(seeFIG.6). The timer80expires when a predetermined time (e.g., two minutes) elapses. When the timer80expires, the portable terminal7hides the coupon code778displayed on the display unit77. When the coupon code778is hidden, the code reader20cannot read the coupon code778. Then, the POS terminal1cannot execute discount processing based on the coupon (i.e., coupon cannot be used thereafter).

In the electronic receipt system10having such a configuration, electronic receipt information indicating the contents of one transaction generated by performing product selling data processing and accounting processing in the POS terminal1of the store P is transmitted to the electronic receipt management server4via the electronic receipt server3, and published on the Web. Therefore, the portable terminal7implementing a web browser can download the electronic receipt information published on the Web to the portable terminal7and browse the electronic receipt information on the web browser by designating a uniform resource locator (URL). Note that receipt information may be browsed by installing an application for browsing the receipt information on the portable terminal7.

A hardware configuration of the POS terminal1will now be described.FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the POS terminal1. As illustrated inFIG.2, the POS terminal1includes a central processing unit (CPU)11, a read only memory (ROM)12, a random access memory (RAM)13, and a memory unit14. The CPU11is one example of a microprocessor. The CPU11is a control subject of the POS terminal1. The ROM12stores various programs. The RAM13develops programs and various pieces of data. The memory unit14stores various programs. The CPU11, the ROM12, the RAM13, and the memory unit14are connected to each other via a bus15. The CPU11, the ROM12, and the RAM13constitute a control unit100. That is, the control unit100executes control processing of the POS terminal1to be described later by the CPU11operating in accordance with a control program which is stored in the ROM12or the memory unit14and developed in the RAM13.

The RAM13includes a member ID unit131, the product information unit132, and a sales information unit133. The member ID unit131stores a member ID included in a code symbol (bar code or two-dimensional code) read by the code reader20and displayed on the display unit77of the portable terminal7. The product information unit132stores product information (e.g., product code for identifying product, product name, and price) on a product subjected to product registration processing. The sales information unit133stores, as sales information, product information and accounting information on a product for which accounting processing has been performed by the POS terminal1within a predetermined period (e.g., one day).

The memory unit14includes a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disc drive (HDD) and a flash memory, in which stored information is held even when power is turned off. The memory unit14includes a control program unit141, a product master142, an electronic receipt generation program unit143, and a coupon information unit144. The control program unit141stores a control program. The product master142stores product information on each product in association with a product code for identifying the product. The electronic receipt generation program unit143stores a program for converting receipt information into electronic receipt information. The coupon information unit144stores coupon information on a coupon to be distributed to a member.

Furthermore, the control unit100is connected to an operation unit17, a display unit18for a clerk, a display unit19for a customer, the code reader20, the printing unit21, and a card reader22via the bus15and a controller16.

The operation unit17includes a closing key171. The closing key171is operated by a customer when processing proceeds from the product registration processing to the accounting processing in the POS terminal1. The display unit18for a clerk displays information to an operator (e.g., clerk) who operates the POS terminal1. The display unit19for a customer displays information to a customer and a member. The code reader20images and reads a code symbol displayed on the portable terminal7, a code symbol attached to a product, and the coupon code778. The printing unit21issues a receipt with printed receipt information including product registration information and accounting information related to a product subjected to accounting processing. When the accounting processing is performed by using, for example, a credit card and a debit card, the card reader22reads card information from the card.

In response to an instruction from the control unit100, the controller16controls the operation unit17, the display unit18for a clerk, the display unit19for a customer, the code reader20, the printing unit21, and the card reader22. Note, however, that, for convenience of description, control performed by the controller16will be described as being performed by the control unit100.

Furthermore, the control unit100is connected to a communication unit23via the bus15. The communication unit23is electrically connected to another POS terminal1and the store server2via the communication line81.

Next, a hardware configuration of the electronic receipt server3that functions as a receipt management server for a company will be described.FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the electronic receipt server3. As illustrated inFIG.3, the electronic receipt server3includes a CPU31, a ROM32, a RAM33, and a memory unit34. The CPU31is one example of a microprocessor. The CPU31is a control subject of the electronic receipt server3. The ROM32stores various programs. The RAM33develops programs and various pieces of data. The memory unit34stores various programs. The CPU31, the ROM32, the RAM33, and the memory unit34are connected to each other via a bus35. The CPU31, the ROM32, and the RAM33constitute a control unit300. That is, the control unit300executes control processing of the electronic receipt server3to be described later by the CPU31operating in accordance with a control program, which is stored in the ROM32or the memory unit34and developed in the RAM33.

The memory unit34includes a non-volatile memory, such as an HDD and a flash memory, in which stored information is held even when power is turned off. The memory unit34includes a control program unit341and an electronic receipt management unit342. The control program unit341stores a control program. The electronic receipt management unit342stores the electronic receipt information received from the POS terminal1. The electronic receipt information stored in the electronic receipt management unit342includes a company code (identification code of company that operates store), a business type/business category code, a store code, a member ID of a shopper, a POS number of the POS terminal1, a receipt number, product information, and accounting information. Furthermore, when coupon information is added to the electronic receipt information, the coupon information is stored.

Furthermore, the control unit300is connected to a display unit37and an operation unit38via the bus35and a controller36. The display unit37displays information to the operator of the electronic receipt server3. The operation unit38is a keyboard operated by the operator.

The controller36controls the display unit37and the operation unit38in response to an instruction from the control unit300. Note, however, that, for convenience of description, control performed by the controller36will be described as being performed by the control unit300.

Furthermore, the control unit300is connected to a communication unit39via the bus35. The communication unit39is connected to the POS terminal1and the store server2via the network82. Furthermore, the communication unit39is connected to the electronic receipt management server4via the network83.

Next, a hardware configuration of the electronic receipt management server4that functions as the customer receipt management server will be described.FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the electronic receipt management server4. As illustrated inFIG.4, the electronic receipt management server4includes a CPU41, a ROM42, a RAM43, and a memory unit44. The CPU41is one example of a microprocessor. The CPU41is a control subject of the electronic receipt management server4. The ROM42stores various programs. The RAM43develops programs and various pieces of data. The memory unit44stores various programs. The CPU41, the ROM42, the RAM43, and the memory unit44are connected to each other via a bus45. The CPU41, the ROM42, and the RAM43constitute a control unit400. That is, the control unit400executes control processing of the electronic receipt management server4to be described later by the CPU41operating in accordance with a control program which is stored in the ROM42or the memory unit44and developed in the RAM43.

The memory unit44includes a non-volatile memory, such as an HDD and a flash memory, in which stored information is held even when power is turned off. The memory unit44includes a control program unit441and the member management unit442. The control program unit441stores a control program. The member management unit442stores various pieces of information on a customer who has become a member. The member management unit442will be described later with reference toFIG.5.

Furthermore, the control unit400is connected to a display unit47and an operation unit48via the bus45and a controller46. The display unit47displays information to the operator of the electronic receipt management server4. The operation unit48is a keyboard operated by the operator.

The controller46controls the display unit47and the operation unit48in response to an instruction from the control unit400. Note, however, that, for convenience of description, control performed by the controller46will be described as being performed by the control unit400.

Furthermore, the control unit400is connected to a communication unit49via the bus45. The communication unit49is connected to the electronic receipt server3via the network83. Furthermore, the communication unit49is connected to the portable terminal7via the network84.

Next, the member management unit442will be described.FIG.5is a memory map illustrating a memory configuration of the member management unit442. As illustrated inFIG.5, the member management unit442includes a member ID unit4421, a member information unit4422, and an electronic receipt information unit4423. The member ID unit4421stores a member ID for identifying a member. The member ID is also terminal information for identifying the portable terminal7carried by the member. The member information unit4422stores various pieces of information (e.g., name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address of portable terminal7) related to the member for each member in association with a member ID stored in the member ID unit4421. The electronic receipt information unit4423stores the electronic receipt information received from the electronic receipt server3for each member in association with a member ID stored in the member ID unit4421. The electronic receipt information stored in the electronic receipt information unit4423includes a company code (identification code of company that operates store), a business type/business category code, a store code, a member ID of a shopper, a POS number of the POS terminal1, a receipt number, product information, and accounting information. Furthermore, when coupon information is added to the electronic receipt information, the coupon information is stored.

Next, a hardware configuration of the portable terminal7will be described.FIG.6is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the portable terminal7. As illustrated inFIG.6, the portable terminal7includes a CPU71, a ROM72, a RAM73, and a memory unit74. The CPU71is one example of a microprocessor. The CPU71is a control subject of the portable terminal7. The ROM72stores various programs. The RAM73develops programs and various pieces of data. The memory unit74stores various programs. The CPU71, the ROM72, the RAM73, and the memory unit74are connected to each other via a bus75. The CPU71, the ROM72, and the RAM73constitute a control unit700. That is, the control unit700executes control processing of the portable terminal7to be described later by the CPU71operating in accordance with a control program which is stored in the ROM72or the memory unit74and developed in the RAM73.

The RAM73includes an electronic receipt information unit731(coupon storage unit). The electronic receipt information unit731stores the electronic receipt information downloaded from the electronic receipt management server4. Furthermore, the electronic receipt information unit731stores coupon information downloaded from the electronic receipt management server4.

The memory unit74includes a non-volatile memory, such as an HDD and a flash memory, in which stored information is held even when power is turned off. The memory unit74includes a control program unit741, an electronic receipt browsing program unit742, and a member ID unit743. The control program unit741stores a control program. The electronic receipt browsing program unit742stores a browsing program for downloading and browsing electronic receipt information. The member ID unit743stores a member ID for identifying a member who holds the portable terminal7. The member ID is also a terminal ID for identifying the portable terminal7in which the member ID is stored.

Furthermore, the control unit700is connected to the display unit77and an operation unit78via the bus75and a controller76. The display unit77displays information to a member. The operation unit78is a keyboard operated by the operator of the portable terminal7. The operation unit78includes the coupon button781, a use declaration button782, a confirmation button783(use button), and an inquiry button784. When a coupon is added to the electronic receipt information, the coupon button781is displayed on the display unit77together with the electronic receipt. The coupon button781is used for displaying coupon information on the added coupon on the display unit77. The use declaration button782is used for declaring use of the coupon. When using the displayed coupon, the member operates the use declaration button782. The confirmation button783is used for confirming the use of the coupon. In order to confirm the use of the displayed coupon, the member operates the confirmation button783. The inquiry button784is used for making an inquiry for displaying an electronic receipt on the portable terminal7.

The controller76controls the display unit77and the operation unit78in response to an instruction from the control unit700. Note, however, that, for convenience of description, control performed by the controller76will be described as being performed by the control unit700.

Furthermore, the control unit700is connected to a communication unit79via the bus75. The communication unit79is connected to the electronic receipt management server4via the network84. Furthermore, the control unit700is connected to the timer80via the bus75. The timer80measures time.

Control of the POS terminal1will now be described.FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control processing of the POS terminal1. As illustrated inFIG.7, the control unit100of the POS terminal1determines whether or not a member ID has been input by the code reader20reading a code symbol displayed on the display unit77of the portable terminal7(S11). When determining that the member ID has been input (Yes in S11), the control unit100stores the member ID in the member ID unit131(S12). Then, the control unit100returns to S11.

Furthermore, when determining that the member ID has not been input (No in S11), the control unit100determines whether or not a product code for identifying a product has been acquired by the code reader20reading a code symbol such as a bar code attached to the product (S13). When determining that the product code has been acquired (Yes in S13), the control unit100searches the product master142based on the acquired product code, reads product information (e.g., product name and product price) corresponding to the product code, and executes product registration processing (S14). Then, the control unit100returns to S11. Each time a code symbol attached to a product is read, the control unit100repeats the processing of S13and the processing of S14.

Furthermore, when determining that the product code has not been acquired (No in S13), the control unit100determines whether or not the closing key171has been operated (S15). When determining that the closing key171has been operated (Yes in S15), the control unit100executes accounting processing based on information, stored in the product information unit132, on a product subjected to product registration processing (S16).

Next, the control unit100generates receipt information to be printed and output as a receipt based on product information and accounting information on a product subjected to accounting processing (S17). Next, the control unit100investigates the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed in relation to the transaction (S18). Specifically, the control unit100searches the coupon information unit144. The control unit100searches the coupon information unit144based on a member ID, product information, and accounting information stored in the member ID unit131, and investigates the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed to the member. For example, the control unit100investigates the rank of the member, and investigates the presence or absence of a coupon in accordance with the rank of the customer. Furthermore, for example, the control unit100investigates the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed to the member during a campaign period. Furthermore, for example, the control unit100investigates the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed in relation to a product purchased by the member based on the product information. Furthermore, for example, the control unit100investigates the presence or absence of a coupon to be distributed in a case where a total amount of purchased products is equal to or more than a predetermined amount based on the accounting information. Note that the coupon information unit144stores coupon information on various coupons such as a coupon to be distributed to a specific member and a coupon distributed to all customers who have purchased a product. The control unit100investigates coupon information related to a coupon to be distributed to the member as a result of the investigation in the processing of S18.

Next, the control unit100determines whether or not there is a coupon to be distributed to a member or a customer as a result of the investigation (S19). When determining that there is a coupon to be distributed (Yes in S19), the control unit100determines whether to computerize the receipt information generated in S17(S20). For example, when the member ID unit131stores a member ID, the control unit100determines to computerize the receipt information. Furthermore, for example, when the POS terminal1makes a response indicating that receipt information needs to be computerized to an inquiry to the electronic receipt management server4, the control unit100determines to computerize the receipt information. When determining that the receipt information is to be computerized (Yes in S20), the control unit100generates electronic receipt information based on a program stored in the electronic receipt generation program unit143(S21). The electronic receipt information is obtained by adding coupon information on a coupon, which has been investigated in S18and which is to be distributed, in the receipt information generated in the processing in S17(S21). Then, the control unit100transmits the generated electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server3(S22). Then, the control unit100ends the processing.

Furthermore, when determining not to computerize the receipt information generated in S17(No in S20), the control unit100prints a receipt on which the receipt information generated in S17is printed and a coupon determined to be added in S18by using the printing unit21, and issues the receipt and the coupon (S23). Then, the control unit100ends the processing.

Furthermore, when determining, in S19, that there is not a coupon to be distributed (No in S19), the control unit100determines (as in S20) whether to computerize the receipt information generated in S17(S24). When determining that the receipt information is to be computerized (Yes in S24), the control unit100generates electronic receipt information based on a program stored in the electronic receipt generation program unit143. The electronic receipt information is obtained by computerizing the receipt information generated in the processing of S17(S25). Then, the control unit100transmits the generated electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server3(S22). Then, the control unit100ends the processing.

Furthermore, when determining not to computerize the receipt information generated in S17(No in S24), the control unit100issues a receipt on which the receipt information generated in S17is printed by using the printing unit21(S26). Then, the control unit100ends the processing. Note that, when determining, in S15, that the closing key171has not been operated (No in S15), the control unit100returns to S11.

Control of the electronic receipt server3will now be described.FIG.8is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control processing of the electronic receipt server3.

The control unit300of the electronic receipt server3determines whether or not the electronic receipt information transmitted from the POS terminal1has been received (S31). The control unit300waits until the reception (No in S31). When determining that the reception has been performed (Yes in S31), the control unit300stores the electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt management unit342for each company (S32). Then, the control unit300transmits the stored electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt management server4(S33). Then, the control unit300ends the processing.

Control of the electronic receipt management server4will now be described.FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control processing of the electronic receipt management server4. As illustrated inFIG.9, the control unit400of the electronic receipt management server4determines whether or not the electronic receipt information has been received from the electronic receipt server3(S41). When determining that the electronic receipt information has been received (Yes in S41), the control unit400stores the received electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt information unit4423corresponding to a simultaneously received member ID (S42). That is, the control unit400stores the received electronic receipt information as electronic receipt information of a member identified by the received member ID. When coupon information is added to the received electronic receipt information, the control unit400also stores the coupon information in the electronic receipt information unit4423in the processing of S42.

Next, the control unit400calls an e-mail address of the portable terminal7from the corresponding member information unit4422, and notifies the portable terminal7identified by the member ID of information indicating that there is an electronic receipt to be distributed (S43).

Furthermore, when determining that the electronic receipt information has not been received (No in S41) and after the processing of S43is executed, the control unit400determines whether or not inquiry information related to browsing of the electronic receipt has been received from the portable terminal7(S44). When determining that the inquiry information has been received (Yes in S44), the control unit400searches the member management unit442based on the simultaneously received member ID, and extracts the electronic receipt from the electronic receipt information unit4423corresponding to the member ID unit4421in which the corresponding member ID is stored (S45). Then, the control unit400transmits (distributes) the extracted electronic receipt information to the portable terminal7identified by the member ID (S46). When coupon information is added to the extracted electronic receipt information in the processing of S46, the control unit400transmits information indicating that the coupon is added together with the electronic receipt information. Specifically, when the coupon information is added to the entire electronic receipt, the control unit400transmits the information indicating that the coupon is added in association with the electronic receipt information. When the coupon information is added to a specific product included in the electronic receipt information, the control unit400transmits the information indicating that the coupon is added in association with information on the specific product.

Furthermore, when the inquiry information related to browsing of the electronic receipt has not been received (No S44) and after the processing of S46is executed, the control unit400determines whether or not coupon button information indicating that the coupon button781has been operated has been received from the portable terminal7(S47). When determining that the coupon button information has been received (Yes in S47), the control unit400searches the member management unit442based on the simultaneously received member ID, and extracts the coupon information from the electronic receipt information unit4423corresponding to the member ID unit4421in which the corresponding member ID is stored (S48). Then, the control unit400transmits the extracted electronic receipt information to the portable terminal7identified by the member ID (S49).

Furthermore, when the coupon button information has not been received (No in S47) and after the processing of S49is executed, the control unit400determines whether or not a member ID and coupon invalidity information (including information for identifying coupon) have been received from the portable terminal7(S50). When determining that the coupon invalidity information has been received (Yes in S50), the control unit400stores information indicating that the coupon cannot be used in the coupon information of a corresponding member stored in the electronic receipt information unit4423based on the received member ID (S51). The coupon in which the information indicating that the coupon cannot be used is stored is not extracted in the processing of S48. Then, the control unit400ends the processing. Furthermore, when determining that the coupon invalidity information has not been received (No in S50), the control unit400returns to S41.

A functional configuration of the portable terminal7will now be described.FIG.10is a functional block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the portable terminal7. The control unit700functions as a display instrument701, an operation determination instrument702, a progress determination instrument703, and a processing instrument704in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM72and the control program unit741of the memory unit74and a program stored in the electronic receipt browsing program unit742.

The display instrument701displays an image of a coupon, which includes the coupon code778related to a designated coupon and a use button of the coupon. Specifically, the display instrument701displays the image of a coupon, which includes the coupon code778related to a designated coupon and the use button (confirmation button783) of the coupon among pieces of coupon information stored in the electronic receipt information unit731serving as the coupon storage unit.

The operation determination instrument702determines an operation of the use button (confirmation button783).

The progress determination instrument703determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the use button (confirmation button783) had been operated.

When it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed, the processing instrument704prohibits use of the coupon displayed by the display instrument701. For example, the processing instrument704prohibits the use of the coupon displayed by the display instrument701by hiding the displayed coupon code778in a case where it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, for example, the processing instrument704prohibits the use of the coupon displayed by the display instrument701by making the coupon code778unreadable by displaying another image on the displayed coupon code778in a case where it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed. Furthermore, for example, the processing instrument704prohibits the use of the coupon displayed by the display instrument701by transmitting prohibition information (coupon invalidity information) for prohibiting the use of the displayed coupon to the electronic receipt management server4that manages the coupon in a case where it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed.

Control of the portable terminal7will now be described.FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control processing of the portable terminal7. As illustrated inFIG.11, the control unit700of the portable terminal7determines whether or not a browsing program stored in the electronic receipt browsing program unit742has been activated in the portable terminal7(S61). The control unit700waits until the activation (No in S61). When determining that the browsing program has been activated (Yes in S61), the control unit700displays, on the display unit77, a code symbol (e.g., bar code) including information on a member ID stored in the member ID unit743(S62). The POS terminal1executes the determination of S11and the processing of S12by reading the displayed code symbol with the code reader20of the POS terminal1.

Next, the control unit700determines whether or not an electronic receipt information notification has been received from the electronic receipt management server4(S63). The electronic receipt information notification indicates that the electronic receipt management server4stores the electronic receipt information to be distributed to the portable terminal7. When determining that the electronic receipt information notification has been received (Yes in S63), the control unit700displays the received electronic receipt information notification on the display unit77(S64). Furthermore, in the processing of S64, the control unit700displays the inquiry button784for inquiring an electronic receipt. When the electronic receipt information notification is displayed on the display unit77, a member carrying the portable terminal7recognizes that the electronic receipt information can be browsed on the portable terminal7. Then, when requesting browsing of an electronic receipt, the member operates the inquiry button784. Then, the control unit700returns to S63.

Furthermore, when determining that the electronic receipt information notification has not been received (No in S63), the control unit700determines whether or not the inquiry button784has been operated (S65). When determining that the inquiry button784has been operated (Yes in S65), the control unit700transmits the member ID stored in the member ID unit743and inquiry information of the electronic receipt to the electronic receipt management server4(S66). Then, the control unit700returns to S63.

Furthermore, when determining that the inquiry button784has not been operated (No in S65), the control unit700determines whether or not the electronic receipt information in response to the inquiry of the electronic receipt information has been received from the electronic receipt management server4(S67). When determining that the electronic receipt information has been received (Yes in S67), the control unit700stores the received electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt information unit731, and displays an electronic receipt based on the stored electronic receipt information on the display unit77(S68). Then, the control unit700returns to S63.FIGS.12A and12Billustrate one example of the electronic receipt displayed on the display unit77by the control unit700.

As illustrated inFIG.12A, the control unit700displays, as an electronic receipt, store name/logo772, date and time of accounting processing and store name773, and product information774on a product subjected to product registration processing (i.e., purchased product). Furthermore, the control unit700displays the coupon button781in a lower portion of the display unit77. The coupon button781indicates that a coupon is added to the electronic receipt. The coupon button781is displayed not at a position corresponding to the product information but in the lower portion of the electronic receipt. For example, the added coupon is used for giving a discount on a total amount (e.g., 5% discount from total amount and 100-yen discount from total amount).

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.12B, the control unit700displays, as an electronic receipt, store the name/logo772, the date and time of accounting processing and store name773, and the product information774on a product subjected to product registration processing (i.e., purchased product). Furthermore, the control unit700displays the coupon button781indicating that a coupon is added to the electronic receipt at a position corresponding to the display position of a specific product (position adjacent side by side to display position of product A inFIG.12B). The coupon button781is displayed at a position adjacent side by side to the display position of the product information. Thus, the added coupon is used for giving a discount on a specific product (product A inFIG.12B) (e.g., 5% discount from price of product A and 100-yen discount from price of product A).

The description returns toFIG.11. Furthermore, when determining that the electronic receipt information has not been received (No in S67), the control unit700determines whether or not the coupon button781has been operated (S71). When determining that the coupon button781has been operated (Yes in S71), the control unit700transmits coupon button information indicating that the coupon button781has been operated to the electronic receipt management server4(S72).

Next, in response to the transmission of the coupon button information, the control unit700determines whether or not the coupon information transmitted from the electronic receipt management server4has been received (S73). The control unit700waits until the reception (No in S73). When determining that the coupon information has been received (Yes in S73), the control unit700stores the received coupon information in the electronic receipt information unit731(S74). Then, the display instrument701displays coupon information775stored in the electronic receipt information unit731on the display unit77(S75).

FIGS.13A,14A, and14Billustrate one example of the coupon displayed in the processing of S74.FIG.13Ais one example of a coupon for giving a discount on a total purchase amount in the store P. The display instrument701displays, on the display unit77, the coupon information775such as a store name of a discount target, discount information (5% discount coupon), and an expiration date. Furthermore, the display instrument701displays an image of the use declaration button782for declaring use of the coupon at a position below the coupon information775. The position of the image in the operation unit78functions as the use declaration button782.

FIG.14Aillustrates one example of a coupon related to a coupon for a specific product. The display instrument701displays a coupon related to a product of a discount target on the display unit77. InFIG.14A, a plurality of types of coupons are displayed so as to be vertically scrollable. These coupons are distributed to the member. When the member selects one coupon (touches designated coupon), the selected coupon is displayed as illustrated inFIG.14B. The display instrument701displays, on the display unit77, the coupon information775related to the selected coupon and the image of the use declaration button782.

FIGS.13B and14Cillustrate one example of a dialogue screen776displayed in the processing of S77. The control unit700displays, on the dialogue screen776ofFIGS.13B and14C, description of the fact that the coupon code778is displayed for a predetermined time and the coupon cannot be used after the predetermined time (e.g., two minutes) elapses. Furthermore, the control unit700displays an image of the confirmation button783for confirming the contents of the dialogue screen and starting to measure time.

FIGS.13C and14Dillustrate one example of the coupon code778and a predetermined time777(e.g., two minutes) displayed by the control unit700in the processing of S79. Then, the control unit700starts a countdown from the displayed predetermined time777, and counts down to “zero” (until expiration).

FIGS.13D and14Eillustrate one example of a screen in which the coupon code778is hidden in the processing of S82. As illustrated inFIGS.13D and14E, the processing instrument704displays a message779indicating that an expiration date of a coupon has passed at a position where the coupon code778is hidden. Furthermore, the processing instrument704displays that fact that the predetermined time has been counted down to “zero”.

The description returns toFIG.11. Next, the control unit700transmits coupon invalidity information indicating that the coupon has become unusable and the member ID to the electronic receipt management server4(S83). Then, the control unit700returns to S63. Note that the code symbol displayed in S62is always displayed during the subsequent processing, or can be displayed by a simple operation.

As described above, the processing instrument704performs control of hiding the coupon code778displayed on the display unit77at the time point when the predetermined time elapses, so that the coupon code778cannot be read by the code reader20after the predetermined time elapses. Therefore, a coupon that has passed a predetermined time cannot be used. Note that, when determining, in S71, that the coupon button781has not been operated (No in S71), the control unit700returns to S63.

As illustrated above, the portable terminal7of the embodiment includes: the electronic receipt information unit731that stores coupon information related to a coupon; the display instrument701that displays an image of the coupon, which includes the coupon code778related to the designated coupon and the confirmation button783of the coupon; the operation determination instrument702that determines an operation of the confirmation button783; the progress determination instrument703that determines whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since it was determined that the confirmation button783had been operated; and the processing instrument704that hides the coupon code778related to the coupon displayed by the display instrument701in a case where it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed.

Since the portable terminal7of the embodiment hides the coupon code778of a coupon that has passed a predetermined time, reuse of the coupon can be prevented by a simple configuration (only by control in portable terminal7).

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is presented as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiment and variations thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the processing instrument704performs processing of hiding the displayed coupon code778in a case where a predetermined time has elapsed. This is, however, not a limitation. For example, the processing instrument704may prohibit use of a coupon by making the coupon code778unreadable by displaying another piece of information (e.g., message779) on the coupon code778displayed in a case where the predetermined time has elapses to hide the coupon code778. In this case, in the processing of S82, the processing instrument704does not hide (keeps displaying) the coupon code778, and displays the message779in such a size and at such a position that the coupon code778is made unreadable. The processing instrument704may prohibit reuse of the coupon in such a manner. Furthermore, for example, the processing instrument704may transmit the coupon invalidity information to the electronic receipt management server4without executing the processing of S82when the timer80expires, and prohibit the use of the coupon.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the confirmation button783has been described as one example of the use button. This is, however, not a limitation. For example, both the use declaration button782and the confirmation button783may be used as use buttons. In this case, the operation determination instrument702confirms operations of the use declaration button782and the confirmation button783.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the coupon information is added to an electronic receipt distributed to the member by using the mechanism of the electronic receipt, and displayed on the portable terminal7. This is, however, not a limitation. The present invention may be implemented without using the mechanism of an electronic receipt. That is, the coupon according to the present invention is not required to be added to an electronic receipt. For example, the coupon may be electronically distributed by a store, a manufacturer, and the like through a homepage and a direct mail, and acquired and stored in the portable terminal7by a member.

Note that a program to be executed by the portable terminal7of the embodiment may be provided by being recorded in a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a digital versatile disk (DVD) in a file in an installable or executable format.

Furthermore, the program to be executed by the portable terminal7of the embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. Furthermore, the program to be executed by the portable terminal7of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via the network such as the Internet.

Furthermore, the program to be executed by the portable terminal7of the embodiment may be provided by being preliminarily incorporated in a ROM or the like.