ELECTRONIC COUPON AND RECEIPT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

An electronic coupon and receipt management system is disclosed. A plurality of electronic receipts is stored, each corresponding to a transaction, and each including customer identification information corresponding to a customer who initiated the corresponding transaction. Electronic coupons are also stored, including a permitted number of times of usage by a customer. Coupon usage records are also stored, including a total number of times each coupon has been used by a customer. The coupon usage records are updated based on receiving new electronic receipts that indicate the coupon has been used by the customer. A server transmits to user terminal of the customer one or more of the electronic coupons for which the number of times the coupon was used by the requesting customer is less than or equal to the permitted number of times of usage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-143452, filed Jul. 17, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an electronic receipt system capable of distributing electronic coupon information, a server device of the system, and a program causing a computer to function as the server device.

BACKGROUND

In a known electronic receipt system, a receipt distributed to a customer from a store is digitized when a payment transaction (activity related to selling merchandise to the customer) is settled. The digitized receipt data, that is, an electronic receipt is distributed to an information terminal used by the customer via a network such as the Internet. Also in a known electronic coupon system, a manufacturer or a vendor of the merchandise distributes digitized coupon data, that is, an electronic coupon to the information terminal used by the customer via the network.

In the store that introduces the electronic receipt system, when the number of customers who receive electronic receipts increases, the consumption of receipt sheets is reduced. The number of troublesome operations such as an operation of exchanging receipt paper or an operation of responding to paper jamming is also reduced. Thus, in order to increase the benefit of the electronic receipt system, it is preferable that the electronic coupon information is distributed to the information terminal of the customer separate from the receipt data.

In general, the coupon has an expiration date. The permitted number of times for using the coupon may be limited for each individual. It is possible to limit the expiration date by adding time limit information to electronic coupon at the time of distribution and distinguishing use of the coupon before the time limit and after the time limit. However, there is no technology for limiting the number of times an individual customer uses the electronic coupon in current electronic receipt systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein provide an electronic receipt system capable of appropriately distributing electronic coupons having a usage limit for each individual to a customer, and a server device of the system.

An electronic coupon and receipt management system is disclosed. A plurality of electronic receipts is stored, each electronic receipt corresponding to a transaction, and each including customer identification information corresponding to a customer who initiated the corresponding transaction. A plurality of electronic coupons is also stored, each electronic coupon corresponding to a coupon that can be used in a transaction and including a permitted number of times of usage by a customer. A plurality of coupon usage records is also stored, each coupon usage record including the customer identification information corresponding to a customer who used a coupon in a transaction at least one time, and a total number of times the coupon has been used by the customer. The coupon usage record is updated based on receiving a new electronic receipt that indicates the coupon has been used by the customer, the update including incrementing by one the total number of times the coupon was used by the customer. A user terminal requests one or more coupons, the request including customer identification information of the user of the user terminal. A server transmits to the user terminal, in response to the request, one or more of the electronic coupons for which the number of times the coupon was used by the requesting customer is less than or equal to the permitted number of times of usage.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic receipt system will be described with reference to the drawings.

Configuration of Electronic Receipt System

FIG. 1illustrates an example configuration of an electronic receipt system1according to the present embodiment.

The electronic receipt system1includes a POS system2, a server system3, and a network4which connects both the systems2and3such that these systems can communicate with each other. The network4is a wide area communication network such as the Internet or a virtual private network (VPN). The electronic receipt system1is connected to information terminals6via wireless communication over the network4and through base station5. The information terminal6is, for example, a customer's hand-held wireless communication device such as, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a portable phone, or a tablet terminal.

The POS system2includes a plurality (two in the drawing) of POS terminals21, a store server22, a router23, and a local area network (LAN)24. The POS system2is configured such that the respective POS terminals21, the store server22and the router23are connected to the LAN24. The LAN24may be a wired LAN, or may be a wireless LAN. The POS system2is established in a retail store which sells merchandise.

The POS terminal21performs registration processing on sales data of merchandise selected for purchase by the customer, and settles a commercial transaction with the customer. The POS terminal21creates receipt data indicating the details of the payment transaction when the payment transaction is settled, and issues a receipt. The receipt may be issued as a paper receipt, or may be issued as an electronic receipt. When the receipt is issued as the paper receipt, the POS terminal21controls a printer217(seeFIG. 3) to print the receipt data on a receipt sheet. When the receipt is issued as the electronic receipt, the POS terminal21transmits, to the server system3, a membership ID corresponding to customer identification information received by a reading device and the digitized receipt data.

The store server22includes a merchandise master file which stores information regarding each type of merchandise sold in the store. The information includes a merchandise ID which is merchandise identification information for identifying merchandise. A name (merchandise name) of the merchandise identified by the merchandise ID, price (unit price) per one merchandise item, and a classification code indicating merchandise classification are also stored in the merchandise master file. The classification code is, for example, a code for identifying the merchandise identified by the corresponding merchandise ID is classified as foodstuff or general merchandise. When an inquiry about the merchandise ID is received from the POS terminal21via the LAN24, the store server22transmits merchandise information such as the merchandise name, unit prices and classification code including the merchandise ID to the inquiring POS terminal21, as a response.

The router23relays data communication between the LAN24and the network4. The electronic receipt (digitized receipt data) transmitted to the server system3from the POS terminal21via the LAN24is transmitted to the server system3over the network4through the router23.

Although the POS system2for one store is shown inFIG. 1, the POS systems2of each of a plurality of stores may be connected to the network4and the server system3, and are collectively included in the electronic receipt system1.

The server system3includes an electronic receipt server31, and a center server32. The electronic receipt server31collectively stores the electronic receipts that are issued to the respective customers. Specifically, the electronic receipt server31includes a storage device which stores the electronic receipt received via the network4. When a request is received from the information terminal6, the electronic receipt server31reads, from the storage device, an electronic receipt issued to the user of the information terminal6, and transmits the electronic receipt to the requesting information terminal6via the network4.

The center server32collectively stores digitized coupons, that is, electronic coupons. Specifically, the center server32includes a storage device which stores the electronic coupons, and stores in the storage device an electronic coupon that was input from an outside source. The outside source may be a computer device connected to the network4, or may be, for example, a reading device which reads data from a recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory. When a request is received from the information terminal6, the center server32reads an electronic coupon available to the customer, i.e., the user of the information terminal6in the retail store. The center server32then transmits the electronic coupon to the requesting information terminal6via the network4.

Configuration of Information Terminal

FIG. 2illustrates a block diagram showing an example configuration of the information terminal6.

The information terminal6includes a processor61, a main memory62, an auxiliary storage device63, a clock64, a touch panel65, and a wireless unit66, all housed in a portable main body. The processor61, the main memory62, the auxiliary storage device63, the clock64, the touch panel65and the wireless unit66are connected by a system transmission path67including an address bus, a data bus and a control signal line.

In the information terminal6, the processor61, the main memory62, the auxiliary storage device63, and the system transmission path67that connects these components may be provided as a computer.

The processor61corresponds to the main processor of the computer. The processor61controls the respective units for realizing various functions of the information terminal6according to an operating system or an application program.

The main memory62corresponds to a main storage unit of the computer. The main memory62includes a non-volatile memory area, and a volatile memory area. The main memory62stores the operating system and/or the application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory62may store data necessary for the processor61to execute processing for controlling the respective units in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory62uses the volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor61.

The auxiliary storage device63corresponds to an auxiliary storage unit of the computer. For example, an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) is used as the auxiliary storage device63. A hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) may be used as the auxiliary storage device63. The auxiliary storage device63stores data used by the processor61to perform various processing or data generated by the processing in the processor61. The auxiliary storage device63may store the application program.

The clock64functions as a time information source of the information terminal6. The processor61clocks a current date and time based on the time information clocked by the clock64.

The touch panel65functions as an input device and a display device of the information terminal6. An icon for starting the application program is displayed on the touch panel65.

The wireless unit66performs wireless data communication with the base station5by using the wireless LAN or other mobile data communication.

The information terminal6having such a configuration is a user terminal capable of distributing the electronic coupon information by installing an electronic receipt terminal program P1which is an application program. The information terminal6may receive the electronic receipt information distributed from the electronic receipt server31through the wireless unit66, and may display a receipt image on the touch panel65. The information terminal6may receive an electronic coupon distributed from the center server32through the wireless unit66, and may display a coupon list on the touch panel65.

The electronic receipt terminal program P1controls the processor61such that the information terminal6functions as a user terminal capable of distributing the electronic coupons. The electronic receipt terminal program P1is stored in the auxiliary storage device63. An electronic receipt management area W1together with the electronic receipt terminal program P1is formed in the auxiliary storage device63.

The user of the information terminal6must perform membership registration in advance in order to receive the receipt as an electronic receipt from the retail store. The membership registration may be performed in the information terminal6by controlling the electronic receipt terminal program P1. Accordingly, the user installs the electronic receipt terminal program P1in the information terminal6before the membership registration.

When the user starts the electronic receipt terminal program P1and selects a membership registration mode in the information terminal6, a membership registration screen is displayed on the touch panel65. The user inputs user information such as a name, age, gender, and a zip code, and conducts the membership registration. Through the membership registration, a membership ID for identifying the user is issued from the server system3. The membership ID is stored in the electronic receipt management area W1of the information terminal6. Hereinafter, the user who conducts the membership registration is referred to as a member.

Configuration of POS Terminal

FIG. 3illustrates a block diagram showing an example configuration of the POS terminal21.

The POS terminal21includes a processor211, a main memory212, an auxiliary storage device213, a clock214, a keyboard215, a display216, a printer217, a scanner218, and a communication interface219. The processor211, the main memory212, the auxiliary storage device213, the clock214, the keyboard215, the display216, the printer217, the scanner218and the communication interface219are connected by a system transmission path2110.

The processor211, the main memory212, the auxiliary storage device213and the clock214of the POS terminal21are similar to the corresponding components in the information terminal6.

The keyboard215is a dedicated input device in which various function keys such as a multiplication key, a subtotal key and a settlement key are arranged in addition to numeric keys for typing numbers such as the number of merchandise items and the amount of money. A function necessary for the POS terminal21may be assigned to an arbitrary key of a general-purpose keyboard. The settlement key is a key for allowing an operator to confirm the registration settlement of the payment transaction.

The display216is a display device which displays the name (merchandise name) of the merchandise, the price, the total amount of money and the change amount registered in the POS terminal21. As the display216, there may be two types of displays for each of a salesperson and a customer who operate the POS terminal21. A touch panel for both the input device and the display device may be used instead of the keyboard215and the display216.

The printer217prints the receipt data indicating the details of the payment transaction on a predetermined receipt sheet. The receipt sheet on which the receipt data is printed is cut by a cutter, and is issued as a paper receipt.

The scanner218optically reads a code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional data code. Many merchandise items are assigned code symbols specific for the merchandise items, such as barcodes. The scanner218is provided to read the code symbol assigned to the merchandise selected purchase by the customer. The code symbol representing the membership ID as a barcode is displayed on the touch panel65of the information terminal6in which the electronic receipt terminal program P1is installed. The scanner218is provided to read the code symbol displayed on the touch panel65. That is, the scanner218functions as a reading device (first reading unit) that reads the membership ID.

The reading device of the membership ID is not limited to the scanner218. For example, the information terminal6may communicate using near field wireless communication. When the information terminal transmits the membership ID using the near field wireless communication, a near field wireless communication device in the POS terminal21which receives the membership ID functions as the reading device.

The communication interface219is connected to the LAN24. The communication interface219performs data communication with a device connected through the LAN24according to a preset communication protocol.

The POS terminal21functions as a payment device of the electronic receipt system1and distributes the electronic coupon information according to an electronic receipt issuing program P2installed thereon. That is, the POS terminal21can issue the receipt generated in the payment transaction with the member, as the electronic receipt. The POS terminal21can perform discount processing in accordance with the electronic coupon information presented from the member. As the discount processing, there may be, for example, a discount on particular merchandise, or a discount on the subtotal. Although it has been described in this embodiment that a coupon provides for a discount on the amount of money, the discount may provide for an amount of money to be discounted at a predetermined percentage, or a discount in which the price of the merchandise is changed to an amount of money lower than the usual price.

The electronic receipt issuing program P2controls the processor211such that the POS terminal21functions as the payment device of the electronic receipt system1capable of distributing the electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt issuing program P2is stored in the auxiliary storage device213.

Configuration of Electronic Receipt Server

FIG. 4illustrates a block diagram showing an example configuration of the electronic receipt server31.

The electronic receipt server31includes a processor311, a main memory312, an auxiliary storage device313, a clock314, and a communication interface315. The processor311, the main memory312, the auxiliary storage device313, the clock314and the communication interface315are connected by a system transmission path316.

The processor311, the main memory312, the auxiliary storage device313and the clock314of the electronic receipt server31are similar to the corresponding components of the information terminal6and the POS terminal21.

The communication interface315is connected to the network4. The communication interface315performs data communication with a device connected via the network4according to a preset communication protocol.

The electronic receipt server31functions as a server device of the electronic receipt system1and distributes the electronic coupon information in accordance with an electronic receipt server program P3installed thereon. The electronic receipt server31collectively stores the electronic receipt information issued from each of the respective POS terminals21. The electronic receipt server31transmits the corresponding electronic receipt information to the information terminal6in response to a request from the information terminal6.

The electronic receipt server program P3controls the processor311so that the electronic receipt server31functions as the server device of the electronic receipt system1capable of distributing the electronic coupon information. The electronic receipt server program P3is stored in the auxiliary storage device313. A receipt file FL1together with the electronic receipt server program P3is formed in the auxiliary storage device313. The receipt file FL1is used as an area where the electronic receipt information are collectively stored.

Configuration of Center Server

FIG. 5illustrates a block diagram showing an example configuration of the center server32.

The center server32includes a processor321, a main memory322, an auxiliary storage device323, a clock324, and a communication interface325. The processor321, the main memory322, the auxiliary storage device323, the clock324and the communication interface325are connected by a system transmission path326.

The processor321, the main memory322, the auxiliary storage device323, the clock324and the communication interface325of the center server32are similar to the corresponding components of the electronic receipt server31.

The center server32functions as a server device of the electronic receipt system1capable of distributing the electronic coupon information in accordance with an electronic coupon management program P4installed thereon. The center server32collectively stores electronic coupon information provided, for example, by a manufacturer of the merchandise. The center server32transmits the electronic coupon information addressed to a group to which the member who carries the information terminal6belongs. Thus, the member's information terminal6receives the electronic coupon information. Alternatively, the center server32transmits the electronic coupon information in response to a request from the information terminal6.

The electronic coupon management program P4controls the processor321such that the center server32functions as a server device of the electronic receipt system1capable of distributing the electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon management program P4is stored in the auxiliary storage device323. A member file FL2, a coupon file FL3, and a distribution management file FL4together with the electronic coupon management program P4are stored in the auxiliary storage device323. The member file FL2is used as an area where information regarding the members is collectively stored. The coupon file FL3is used as an area where the electronic coupon information is collectively stored. The distribution management file FL4is used as an area where information for managing the distribution of the electronic coupon information is stored.

Configurations of Respective Files

FIG. 6illustrates a schematic diagram showing the structure of an electronic receipt record FL1R stored in the receipt file FL1. The electronic receipt record FL1R includes a membership ID, and receipt data issued to the member identified by the membership ID.

The receipt data includes a store code, a transaction date and time, merchandise sales data, usage coupon data, and settlement data. The store code is a unique code assigned to each store in order to identify the retail store. The merchandise sales data includes a merchandise ID of the merchandise purchased by the member, a merchandise name, unit price, a sales number, and the sales amount of money. The usage coupon data includes a coupon ID of the electronic coupon information used by the member, and the discount amount of money. The settlement data includes the settlement amount of money of the payment transaction with the member, and a payment classification.

Here, the receipt file FL1is stored in a first storage unit, and includes the electronic receipt information acquired by digitalizing the receipt indicating the details of the transaction. The electronic receipt information is stored in association with customer identification information (membership ID) for identifying the customer who initiated the transaction.

FIG. 7illustrates a schematic diagram showing the structure of a member record FL2R stored in the member file FL2. The member record FL2R includes a membership ID, and the name, gender, age, zip code, transaction result data, coupon result data, rank and distribution stop flag F0of the member identified by the membership ID.

The name, gender, age and zip code are data items input at the time of the membership registration. The transaction result data is generated by summing up the merchandise sales data included in the receipt data. The coupon result data is generated by summing up the usage coupon data included in the receipt data. The rank is a preferential level of the member. For example, a rank is set for each customer according to the cumulative sales amount of money. The cumulative sales amount may be calculated from the transaction result data.

The distribution stop flag F0is set to “0” in an initial state, and is set to “1” when distribution of the electronic coupon information to the member identified by the corresponding member ID is stopped. For example, it may be possible to use (without authorization) the distributed electronic coupon more than the effective number of times by storing the screen of the touch panel65as an image using a screenshot function of the information terminal6. Accordingly, the distribution stop flag F0is set to “1”, and thus, it is possible to stop the unauthorized distribution of the electronic coupon to the member who attempts to use the coupon more than the effective number of times.

Here, the member file FL2constitutes a fourth storage unit that stores information for prohibiting the electronic coupon information from being distributed, which is stored in association with the customer identification information (membership ID).

FIG. 8illustrates a schematic diagram showing the structure of a coupon record FL3R stored in the coupon file FL3. The coupon record FL3R includes a coupon ID, and the merchandise ID, merchandise name, discount amount of money, start date, end date, distribution condition and effective number of times which are related to the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID.

The merchandise ID is an ID of the merchandise to which a discount is applied according to the electronic coupon information. The merchandise name is a name of the merchandise identified by the corresponding merchandise ID. The discount amount of money is the amount of money discounted by the electronic coupon information. The start date and the end date are start and end dates of a period during which the electronic coupon information is used. The distribution condition is a condition for determining a group of members as a distribution target of the electronic coupon information. The group may be grouped according to an item, such as, for example, gender, age, zip code or rank indicating the attribute of the customer among the data items constituting the member record FL2R. For example, when the distribution condition is “female and 20's”, the female members from ages 20 to 29 are distribution targets of the electronic coupon information. Similarly, when the distribution condition is the “ranking number 1”, the members of which the ranks are set to be the first are distribution targets of the electronic coupon information. The effective number of times is an upper limit number of times the member can use the coupon of the electronic coupon information. For example, when the electronic coupon information can only be used once per member, the effective number of times is set as “1”. Similarly, when the electronic coupon information can be used twice per member, the effective number of times is “2”.

Here, the coupon file FL3constitutes a second storage unit that stores the electronic coupon information capable of being used in the transaction. The coupon file FL3stores the electronic coupon information and the effective number of times.

FIG. 9illustrates a schematic diagram showing the structure of a distribution management record FL4R stored in the distribution management file FL4. The distribution management record FL4R includes paired data of a coupon ID, a membership ID and an allowable number of times N. The membership ID identifies the member belonging to the group which is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID. The allowable number of times N is set with the effective number of times of the electronic coupon information as an initial value, and is counted down whenever the electronic coupon information is used by the member identified by the corresponding membership ID. If the allowable number of times N is “0”, the member is not able to use the coupon of the electronic coupon information.

Here, the distribution management file FL4is stored in a third storage unit and includes the coupon identification information (coupon ID) for identifying the electronic coupon information, the customer identification information (membership ID) which is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon identification information, and information (allowable number of times N) indicating the usage number of times the electronic coupon information can be used by the customer, in association with one another.

Operation of Electronic Receipt System

Initially, an operation before the member acquires the electronic coupon information from the center server32will be described.

FIG. 10illustrates a flowchart showing an example sequence of operations for an update processing procedure performed by the processor321of the center server32whenever, for example, the date clocked by the clock324is switched to the next day. The update processing is performed according to the electronic coupon management program P4. The processing content which is shown inFIG. 10and is described below is an example, and various processing capable of acquiring the same result may be appropriately used.

In Act1, the processor321reads the coupon record FL3R from the coupon file FL3. Many coupon records FL3R related to the electronic coupon information planed by the manufacturer of the merchandise are stored in the coupon file FL3. The processor321performs the processing subsequent to the processing of Act2on the read coupon record FL3R.

That is, in Act2, the processor321checks whether or not the start date of the coupon record FL3R is identical with a date clocked by the clock324. In Act3, when the dates are not identical with each other (NO in Act2), the processor321checks whether or not the end date of the coupon record FL3R is identical to the clocked date. When the dates are not identical to each other (NO in Act3), the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act13.

In Act4, when the start date of the coupon record FL3R is identical with the date of the clock324(YES in Act2), the processor321stores the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R in the work area. In Act5, the processor321recognizes the distribution condition of the coupon record FL3R.

In Act6, the processor321, which identifies the distribution condition, retrieves the member file FL2. In Act7, the processor321determines whether or not each of the member records FL2R satisfies the distribution condition. In Act8, when it is determined that the member record FL2R satisfies the distribution condition (YES in Act7), the processor321stores paired data of the membership ID of the member record FL2R and the effective number of times of the coupon record FL3R in the work area. When it is determined that the member record FL2R does not satisfy the distribution condition (NO in Act7), the processor321does not store the paired data of the membership ID and the effective number of times in the work area.

In Act9, the processor321determines whether or not the retrieving of the member file FL2is ended. When retrieval of the member file is not ended (YES in Act9), the processor321returns to the processing of Act6. That is, the processor321continues to retrieve another member file FL2. As each member record FL2R that satisfies the distribution condition is detected, the processor321stores the paired data of the membership ID and the effective number of times in the work area.

In Act10, when the retrieving of the member file is ended (NO in Act9), the processor321creates the distribution management record FL4R. The distribution management record FL4R includes: the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R read from the coupon file FL3in the processing of Act1, the paired data of the membership ID, and the effective number of times created in the processing of Act8. The created distribution management record FL4R is stored in the work area. Thereafter, the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act13.

Meanwhile, in Act11, when the end date of the coupon record FL3R is identical with the date of the clock324(YES in Act3), the processor321retrieves the distribution management file FL4, and deletes the distribution management record FL4R that stores the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R. In Act12, the processor321deletes the coupon record FL3R from the coupon file FL3. Thereafter, the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act13.

The “deletion” of the coupon record FL3R and the distribution management record FL4R does not mean only that the record is physically deleted from the file. For example, the “deletion” may include a case where the record is invalidated by adding flag information indicating invalidation to the record.

In Act13, the processor321determines whether or not there is the next coupon record FL3R. When there is the next coupon record FL3R in the coupon file FL3(YES in Act13), the processor321returns to the processing of Act1. The processor321similarly performs the processing of Act1and the subsequent processing.

In Act14, when there is no next coupon record FL3R in the coupon file FL3(NO in Act13), the processor321stores the distribution management record FL4R stored in the work area in the distribution management file FL4. The update processing is thereafter ended.

Through the update processing, the distribution management records FL4R that related to the electronic coupon information within a distribution time limit are collectively stored in the distribution management file FL4. Each distribution management record FL4R includes paired data of the membership ID of the member who satisfies the distribution condition of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID and the allowable number of times N for the member.

FIG. 11illustrates a flowchart showing an example sequence of operations for a coupon check processing procedure which is a part of the processing performed by the processor61of the information terminal6.FIGS. 12 to 15are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel65by performing the coupon check processing. The processor61performs the coupon check processing according to the electronic receipt terminal program P1. The processing content which is shown inFIG. 11and is described below is an example, and various processing capable of acquiring the same result may be appropriately used.

An icon for starting the electronic receipt terminal program P1is displayed on the touch panel65of the information terminal6in which the electronic receipt terminal program P1is installed. If the member touches this icon, the electronic receipt terminal program P1is started.

In Act21, when the electronic receipt terminal program P1is started, the processor61switches the screen of the touch panel65to a top screen G1(seeFIG. 12). As shown inFIG. 12, a barcode symbol71is displayed on the top screen G1. The barcode symbol71is acquired by representing the membership ID stored in the electronic receipt management area W1, as a barcode. A coupon check icon72for instructing the member to check the electronic coupon information, and a receipt icon73for instructing the member to check the electronic receipt information are displayed on the top screen G1.

In Act22, the processor61waits until the screen is touched in a state in which the top screen G1is displayed. In Act23, when it is detected that the screen is touched by a signal from the touch panel65(YES in Act22), the processor61checks whether or not the coupon check icon72is touched. When a screen area other than the coupon check icon72is touched (NO in Act23), the processor61performs processing in accordance with this touch position. For example, when the receipt icon73is touched, a receipt list screen is displayed on the touch panel65. The receipt list screen includes simplified information such as the transaction date, store name and total amount of money of the electronic receipt information issued to the member as a list. When the member touches a desired simplified information display field, a transaction receipt image corresponding to the simplified information of this field is displayed on the touch panel65.

In Act24, when the coupon check icon72is touched (YES in Act23), the processor61transmits a coupon request command using the membership ID as a retrieval key to the center server32. That is, the processor61reads the membership ID from the electronic receipt management area W1. The processor61notifies the wireless unit66such that the coupon request command including the membership ID is transmitted to the center server32.

When this notification is received, the wireless unit66wirelessly transmits the coupon request command. The coupon request command uses a communication address of the center server32as a communication destination address and a communication address of the information terminal6as a communication source address. The coupon request command includes the membership ID within the electronic receipt management area W1. The wirelessly transmitted coupon request command is received by the base station5, and is transmitted to the center server32via the network4.

The processor321of the center server32that receives the coupon request command performs reception processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 16. This processing is performed according to the electronic coupon management program P4. The processing content which is shown inFIG. 16and described below is an example, and various processing capable of acquiring the same result may be appropriately used.

In Act41, when the reception processing of the coupon request command is started, the processor321acquires the membership ID. As stated above, the coupon request command includes the membership ID for identifying the member which is the user of the information terminal6as a transmission source of this command. The processor321acquires the membership ID from the coupon request command.

In Act42, when the membership ID is acquired, the processor321retrieves the member file FL2using the membership ID, and checks the distribution stop flag F0of the member record FL2R including the membership ID. When the distribution stop flag F0is set to “1” (NO in Act42), since the distribution of the electronic coupon information to the member identified by the membership ID is stopped, the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act53. When the distribution stop flag F0is set to “0” (YES in Act42), since the electronic coupon information is permitted to be distributed to the member identified by the membership ID, the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act43.

In Act43, the processor321generates the coupon list in the non-volatile memory area of the main memory322. Subsequently, the processor321retrieves the distribution management file FL4in Act44. In Act45, the processor321checks whether or not the acquired membership ID is included in each distribution management record FL4R. In Act46, when the distribution management record FL4R including the membership ID is detected (YES in Act45), the processor321checks whether or not the allowable number of times N is equal to or greater than “1”.

In Act47, when the allowable number of times N is equal to or greater than “1” (YES in Act46), the processor321acquires the coupon ID from the distribution management record FL4R. In Act48, the processor321reads the coupon record FL3R including the coupon file from the coupon file FL3, and creates the electronic coupon data by using the coupon ID of the coupon record FL3R, the merchandise ID, the merchandise name and the discount amount. In Act49, the processor321registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list. When the membership ID is not included in the distribution management record FL4R (NO in Act43), or when the allowable number of times N is “0” (NO in Act45), the processor321does not perform the respective processing of Act47, Act48and Act49.

In Act50, the processor checks whether or not the retrieving of the distribution management file FL4is ended. When the retrieving of the distribution management file is not ended (NO in Act50), the processor321returns to the processing of Act44. That is, the processor321continues to retrieve the distribution management file FL4. The processor321creates the electronic coupon data including the coupon ID of the distribution management record FL4R whenever the distribution management record FL4R has the allowable number of times N equal to or greater than “1.” The processor321registers the electronic coupon data in the coupon list.

In Act51, when the retrieving of the distribution management file FL4is ended (YES in Act50), the processor321checks whether or not the electronic coupon data is registered in the coupon list. In Act52, when the electronic coupon data is registered (YES in Act51), the processor321notifies the communication interface325such that the coupon list data is transmitted to the information terminal6which is a transmission source of the coupon request command.

When this notification is received, the communication interface325transmits the coupon list data using the communication address of the information terminal6which is the transmission source of the coupon request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server32as the transmission source to the network4. The coupon list data includes the electronic coupon data registered in the coupon list.

When the electronic coupon data is not registered in the coupon list (NO in Act51), the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act53. In Act53, the processor321controls the communication interface325so that couponless notification data is transmitted to the same information terminal6which is the transmission source of the coupon request command.

When this notification is received, the communication interface325transmits the couponless notification data using the communication address of the information terminal6which is the transmission source of the coupon request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server32as the transmission source to the network4.

The coupon list data or the couponless notification data transmitted to the network4is wirelessly transmitted from the base station5, and is received by the information terminal having the communication address of the transmission destination.

Here, the computer of the center server32, including the processor321, functions as a distribution unit in cooperation with the communication interface325. That is, in response to the reception of the coupon request command including the membership ID, the computer transmits the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID, which has 1 or more in the allowable number of times N stored in association with the membership ID and is permitted to be distributed, among the coupon IDs which are stored in the distribution management file FL4in association with the membership ID included in the coupon request command, to the transmission source of the coupon request command.

Returning back toFIG. 11, in Act25, the processor61of the information terminal6that transmits the coupon request command to the center server32waits for data transmitted from the center server32. Here, in Act26, when the couponless notification data is received through the wireless unit66(NO in Act25), the processor61switches the screen of the touch panel65to a couponless notification screen G2(seeFIG. 13). As shown inFIG. 13, the barcode symbol71of the membership ID and a message74for reporting that there is no available electronic coupon information are displayed on the couponless notification screen G2. Accordingly, the member who touched the coupon check icon72can check that there is no electronic coupon available at a present point of time from the message74.

When the electronic coupon data is not registered in the coupon list (NO in Act51), a message displayed on the couponless notification screen G2may be changed when the distribution stop flag F0is set to “1” (NO in Act42). For example, when the distribution stop flag F0is set to “1”, a message that the distribution of the electronic coupon information is prohibited may be displayed.

In Act27, when the coupon list data is received from the center server32(YES in Act25), the processor61switches the screen of the touch panel65to a coupon list screen G3(seeFIG. 14). As shown inFIG. 14, the barcode symbol71of the membership ID and a coupon list75are displayed on the coupon list screen G3. A selection end icon76for the member to give an instruction to end the selection of the electronic coupon information is also displayed on the coupon list screen G3. The coupon list75displays a list of electronic coupon data items included in the coupon list data. Specifically, a list of the name of merchandise as a coupon target and the discount amount is displayed on the coupon list75. Accordingly, the member who touches the coupon check icon72can identify the merchandise that is a target of the coupon available in the present point of time and the discount amount when this coupon is used from the coupon list75.

As mentioned above, in the electronic receipt system1, the distribution condition is set for each electronic coupon information. The electronic coupon information is distributed to only members who satisfy this distribution condition. Accordingly, the members who receive the receipts as the electronic receipt information are grouped according to the distribution condition. Thus, the electronic coupons can be distributed on a group basis.

Hereinafter, an operation when the member who acquires an electronic coupon settles the payment transaction using this coupon will be described.

The member who checks the coupon list75searches for an electronic coupon desired to be used in the retail store from the list75. When there is an electronic coupon desired to be used, the member touches the line of the coupon list75in which the merchandise name as the coupon target is displayed. In this case, when there are the coupons of two or more electronic coupons desired to be used, the member may touch each of the lines corresponding to the desired coupons. The member who ends the selection of the electronic coupon touches the selection end icon76.

In Act28, the processor61waits until the screen is touched in a state in which the coupon list screen G3is displayed. When it is detected that the screen is touched by a signal from the touch panel65(YES in Act28), the processor61checks whether or not the line of the coupon list75is touched in Act29, and checks whether or not the selection end icon76is touched in Act30. When an area other than the coupon list75or the selection end icon76is touched (NO in Act29and No in Act30), the processor61performs processing in accordance with this touch position.

In Act31, when the line of the coupon list75is touched (YES in Act29), the processor61stores the electronic coupon data (the coupon ID, the merchandise ID, the merchandise name and the discount amount) corresponding to the touched line in the work area. Thereafter, the processor61returns to the processing of Act28, and waits until the screen is touched again.

In Act32, when the selection end icon76is touched (YES in Act30), the processor61switches the screen of the touch panel65to a coupon usage screen G4(seeFIG. 15). As shown inFIG. 15, the barcode symbol71of the membership ID and a barcode77indicating the coupon ID are displayed on the coupon usage screen G4. The merchandise name and the discount amount of money associated with the barcode77are displayed. The barcode77is generated by representing the coupon ID included in the electronic coupon data stored in the work area as the barcode. The merchandise name and the discount amount of money included in the same electronic coupon data are displayed in correlation with the barcode77. Accordingly, the membership ID of the member and the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information selected by this member are displayed as the barcode on the touch panel65.

When the member touches the selection end icon76without selecting an electronic coupon, electronic coupon data is not stored in the work area, and the barcode77is not displayed on the coupon usage screen G4.

The member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon presents the coupon usage screen G4to a person in charge of collection of payment. The person in charge of the collection of payment who sees the coupon usage screen G4initially scans the barcode of the membership ID displayed on the coupon usage screen G4by means of the scanner218of the POS terminal21. Subsequently, the person in charge of the collection of payment scans the barcode77of the coupon ID displayed on the coupon usage screen G4and the barcode of the merchandise ID assigned to the sales merchandise. When the scanning is ended, the person in charge of the collection of payment inputs the settlement key, and confirms settlement of the payment transaction.

Here, the order of scanning the barcodes77of the coupon IDs and the barcodes of the merchandise IDs is not particularly limited. The barcodes of the merchandise IDs may be scanned after the barcodes77of the coupon IDs are collectively scanned. Alternatively, the barcodes77of the coupon IDs may be scanned after the barcodes of the merchandise IDs are collectively scanned. Alternatively, when the barcodes of the merchandise IDs are scanned, the person in charge of the collection of payment may check whether or not there is the electronic coupon corresponding to the merchandise, and may c repeat scanning barcodes of merchandise ID and barcodes77of the coupon ID each time there is an electronic coupon.

Here, the scanner218functions as a reading device (second reading device) that reads the coupon ID. The reading device of the coupon ID is not limited to the scanner218. For example, when the information terminal6uses near field wireless communication and transmits the coupon ID using near field wireless communication, a near field wireless communication device for receiving the coupon ID functions as the reading device.

The processor211of the POS terminal21can identify whether the scanned barcode is the barcode of the membership ID, the barcode77of the coupon ID, or the barcode of the merchandise ID by analyzing data of the scanned barcode by using a known technology.

FIG. 17illustrates a flowchart showing an example sequence of operations for a scan processing procedure performed by the processor211of the POS terminal21.FIG. 18illustrates a flowchart showing an example sequence of operations for a coupon determination processing procedure in the same scan processing.FIG. 19illustrates a flowchart showing an example sequence of operations for a settlement key processing procedure performed by the processor211of the POS terminal21. The processor211performs these processing according to the electronic receipt issuing program P2. The processing content which is shown inFIGS. 17 to 19and is described below is an example, and various processing capable of acquiring the same result may be appropriately used.

In Act61, when the electronic receipt issuing program P2is started, the processor211performs initialization. Through the initialization, data items in a transaction buffer and a coupon buffer formed in the non-volatile memory area of the main memory212are cleared. The transaction buffer is an area where data related to the payment transaction with the members is temporarily stored. The coupon buffer is an area where data related to an electronic coupon used by the member is temporarily stored. Through the initialization, a member flag F1and a coupon flag F2are set to “0”. The member flag F1is 1-bit information set to “1” when the payment transaction with the member who receives the receipt as the electronic receipt information is performed. The coupon flag F2is 1-bit information set to “1” when the payment transaction with the member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information is performed. The member flag F1and the coupon flag F2are stored in, for example, the non-volatile memory area. A screen created based on the data of the transaction buffer is displayed on the display216. Accordingly, the screen of the display216is switched to an initialization screen through the initialization.

In Act62, when the initialization is ended, the processor211checks whether or not the scanning is performed. In Act63, when the scanning is not performed (NO in Act62), the processor211checks whether or not a key is input. When the key is not input (NO in Act63), the processor211returns to the processing of Act62. Accordingly, the processor211waits until the scanning is performed or the key is input in Act62and Act63.

In Act64, when the barcode is scanned by the scanner218(YES in Act62), the processor211refers to the value of the member flag F1. Here, in Act65, when the member flag F1is set to “0”, the processor211checks whether or not the scanned barcode is the barcode of the membership ID. In Act66, when the scanned barcode is not the barcode of the membership ID (NO in Act65), the processor211checks whether or not the scanned barcode is the barcode of the merchandise ID. When the scanned barcode is not the barcode of the merchandise ID (NO in Act66), the processor211performs processing in accordance with the kind of barcode.

In Act67, when the scanned barcode is the barcode of the membership ID (YES in Act65), the processor211stores member data related to the membership ID acquired by analyzing the barcode in the work area. The member data includes the membership ID. The member data may include the name, gender, age and rank set to the member file FL2in association with the membership ID. The data items such as the name, gender, age and rank may be acquired from the center server32whenever the barcode of the membership ID is scanned, or may be acquired from a local file by storing the local file of the member file FL2in the store server22in advance.

In Act68, the processor211sets the member flag F1to “1”. Thereafter, the processor211returns to the processing of Act62. Accordingly, when the next barcode is scanned (YES in Act62), since the member flag F1is set to “1” (YES in Act64), the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act69. In Act69, the processor211checks whether or not the scanned barcode is the barcode of the coupon ID. In Act70, when the scanned barcode is not the barcode of the coupon ID (NO in Act69), the processor211checks whether or not the scanned barcode is the barcode of the merchandise ID. When the scanned barcode is not the barcode of the merchandise ID (NO in Act70), the processor211performs processing in accordance with the kind of barcode.

In Act71, when the scanned barcode is the barcode of the coupon ID (YES in Act69), the processor211stores usage coupon data related to the coupon ID acquired by analyzing the barcode in the coupon buffer. The usage coupon data includes a coupon ID, and the merchandise ID, merchandise name and discount amount set to the coupon buffer FL3in association with the coupon ID. The data items such as the merchandise ID, merchandise name and discount amount may be acquired from the center server32whenever the barcode of the coupon ID is scanned, or may be acquired from a local file by referring to the local file of the coupon file FL3stored in advance in the store server22.

In Act72, the processor211investigates the coupon flag F2after the usage coupon data is stored in the coupon buffer. Here, in Act73, when the coupon flag F2is reset to “0” (NO in Act72), the processor211sets the coupon flag F2to “1”. When the coupon flag F2is set to “1” or the coupon flag F2is already set to “1” (YES in Act72), the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act76.

When the scanned barcode is the barcode of the merchandise ID (YES in Act66or Act70), the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act74. In Act74, the processor211generates merchandise sales data from the merchandise ID acquired by analyzing the barcode. The merchandise sales data includes the merchandise ID, and the name (merchandise name), unit price, sales number, and sales amount of the merchandise identified by the merchandise ID. The data items of the merchandise name and the unit price are acquired from the merchandise master file. The sales number is normally “1”, and is a multiplier when the multiplier is input immediately before the merchandise ID is scanned. The sales amount is calculated by multiplying the sales number to the price. The processor211stores the merchandise sales data in the transaction buffer.

Subsequently, the processor211refers to the coupon flag F2in Act75. Here, when the coupon flag F2is set to “0” (NO in Act75), the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act79. When the coupon flag F2is set to “1” (NO in Act75), the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act76.

In Act76, the processor211performs the coupon determination processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 18. The processor211compares the merchandise IDs in Act761.

There may be a case where the scanned barcode is the coupon ID and the coupon determination processing is performed after the processing of Act71or a case where the scanned barcode is the merchandise ID and the coupon determination processing is performed after the processing of Act74. In the former case, the processor211compares the merchandise ID of the usage coupon data stored in the coupon buffer in the processing of Act71with the merchandise ID of the merchandise sales data already stored in the transaction buffer. In the latter case, the processor211compares the merchandise ID of the merchandise sales data stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act74with the merchandise ID of the usage coupon data already stored in the coupon buffer.

In Act762, the processor211checks whether or not the merchandise ID of the usage coupon data and the merchandise ID of the merchandise sales data are identical with each other. When the merchandise IDs are identical with each other (YES in Act762), the processor211transmits a number request command using the coupon ID and the membership ID as a retrieval key to the center server32. That is, the processor211notifies the communication interface219such that the number request command (which includes the coupon ID acquired from the usage coupon data including the merchandise ID identical in the comparison processing, and the membership ID stored in the processing of Act67) is transmitted to the center server32.

In Act763, when this notification is received, the communication interface219transmits the number request command using the communication address of the center server as the transmission destination address and the communication address of the POS terminal21as the transmission source address. The number request command includes the coupon ID acquired from the usage coupon data, the merchandise ID identified in the comparison processing, and the membership ID stored in the processing of Act67. The number request command is transmitted to the center server32from the router23via the network4.

Here, the computer of the POS terminal21including the processor211function as a transmission unit in cooperation with the communication interface219. That is, the computer transmits the number request command including the membership ID and the coupon ID read by the scanner218to the server device (center server32).

The processor321of the center server32that receives the number request command performs the reception processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 20. This processing is performed according to the electronic coupon management program P4. The processing content which is shown inFIG. 20and is described below is an example, and various processing capable of achieving the same result may be appropriately used.

In Act91, when the reception processing of the number request command is started, the processor321acquires the coupon ID and the membership ID. As described above, the number request command includes the membership ID of the member who uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information and the coupon ID of the coupon used by the member. The processor321acquires the coupon ID and the membership ID from the number request command.

In Act92, the processor321retrieves the distribution management file FL4. In Act93, the processor321determines whether or not there is the distribution management record FL4R that stores the coupon ID identical with the coupon ID acquired from the number request command. In Act94, when it is determined that there is the distribution management record FL4R (YES in Act93), the processor321reads the distribution management record FL4R from the distribution management file FL4, and stores the read distribution management record in the work area.

In Act95, the processor321sequentially detects the paired data of the membership ID and the allowable number of times N from the distribution management record FL4stored in the work area. In Act96, the processor321checks whether or not the membership ID of the paired data is identical with the membership ID acquired from the number request command. When these IDs are identical with each other (NO in Act96), the processor321returns to the processing of Act95, detects the next paired data, and compares the membership IDs.

The paired data in which the membership ID is identical with the acquired membership ID is necessarily stored in the distribution management record FL4R. In Act97, when the paired data in which the membership ID is identical with the acquired membership ID is detected (YES in Act96), the processor321acquires the allowable number of times N of the paired data.

In act98, the processor321determines whether the allowable number of times N is equal to “0”, or is equal to or greater than “1”. When the allowable number of times N is “0” (YES in Act98), the processor321proceeds to the processing of Act99. When the allowable number of times N is equal to or greater than “1” (NO in Act98), the processor321does not perform the processing of Act99. In Act99, the processor321retrieves the member file FL2by the membership ID acquired from the number request command, and sets the distribution stop flag F0of the member record FL2R to which the same membership ID is set to “1”.

Thereafter, in Act100, the processor321controls the communication interface325so that response data including the allowable number of times N is transmitted to the POS terminal21as the transmission source of the number request command.

When this notification is received, the communication interface325transmits the respond data using the communication address of the POS terminal21which is the transmission source of the number request command as the transmission destination and the communication address of the center server32as the transmission source to the network4. The response data includes the allowable number of times N. The response data is received by the router23, and is transmitted to the POS terminal21as the transmission source of the number request command through the LAN24.

The computer of the center server32including the processor321function as a response unit in cooperation with the communication interface325. That is, in response to the reception of the number request command including the membership ID and the coupon ID, the computer transmits the allowable number of times N stored in the distribution management file FL4in association with the membership ID and the coupon ID included in the number request command to the POS terminal21which is the transmission source of the number request command.

The computer of the center server32including the processor321functions as a control unit by performing the processing of Act99. That is, when the allowable number of times N is “0” and the distribution of the electronic coupon information is not permitted, the computer sets the information for prohibiting the distribution of the electronic coupon information stored in association with the membership ID included in the number request command of the member file FL2(distribution stop flag F0) to “1”.

The distribution stop flag F0set to “1” may be artificially set to “0” by a person in charge of regular or irregular maintenance of the server system3.

The description now returns back toFIG. 18.

In Act764, the processor211of the POS terminal21that transmits the number request command to the center server32waits for the respond data transmitted from the center server32. In Act765, when the respond data is received (YES in Act764), the processor211determines whether the allowable number of times N included in the respond data is equal to “0”, or is equal to or greater than “1”. In Act766, when the allowable number of times N is equal to or greater than “1” (NO in Act765), the processor211stores status information indicating that the merchandise is a coupon target in the work area. In Act767, when the allowable number of times N is equal to “0” (YES in Act765), the processor211stores status information indicating that the merchandise is a non-coupon target in the work area. The coupon determination processing is hereby ended.

The description now returns back toFIG. 17.

In Act77, when the coupon determination processing is ended, the processor211checks the status information that was stored in the work area by the coupon determination processing. In Act78, when the status information indicates that the merchandise is the coupon target (YES in Act77), the processor211transmits the usage coupon data (which the merchandise ID checked to be identical in the coupon determination processing) from the coupon buffer to the transaction buffer. Thereafter, the processor211proceeds to the processing of Act79. When the status information indicates that the merchandise is not the coupon target (NO in Act77), the processor211proceeds to the display update processing of Act79without performing the processing of Act78.

The computer of the POS terminal21including the processor211functions as a processing unit in cooperation with the communication interface219. That is, the computer determines whether or not the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is available based on the allowable number of times N replied from the center server32in response to the transmission of the number request command, and transmits data (usage coupon data) including the membership ID and the coupon ID read by the scanner218when the electronic coupon information is available to the center server32.

In Act79, the processor211updates the screen of the display216created on the data of the transaction buffer. Accordingly, when the merchandise sales data is stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act74, the merchandise sales data, including the merchandise name, the unit price, the sales number and the sales amount, is displayed on the screen. When the usage coupon data is stored in the transaction buffer in the processing of Act78, the merchandise name and the discount amount are displayed on the screen. The amount of money acquired by subtracting the discount amount from the sales amount of money of the merchandise sales data is displayed as the transaction amount of money.

After the screen of the display216is updated, the processor211returns to the processing of Act62. Accordingly, when the barcode is scanned again, the processor211performs the processing of Act69and the subsequent processing again.

When any key of the keyboard215is input (YES in Act63), the processor211performs processing in accordance with the input key. That is, when the input key is the settlement key, the processor211starts the processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 19.

In Act81, the processor211initially checks whether or not the registration of the sales merchandise of the payment transaction is ended. That is, the processor211checks whether or not the merchandise sales data is stored in the transaction buffer. When the merchandise sales data is not stored in the transaction buffer (NO in Act81), the processor211determines the input of the settlement key as a misoperation in a state in which the sales merchandise of the payment transaction is not registered. In this case, the processor211determines the input of the settlement key to be an error.

In Act82, when the merchandise sales data is stored in the transaction buffer (YES in Act81), the processor211performs settlement processing. In the settlement processing, the processor211generates settlement data including the total amount of money of the sales merchandise, the payment classification (cash payment or credit payment), the payment amount. In Act83, the processor211stores the settlement data in the transaction buffer.

Subsequently, the processor211investigates the member flag F1in Act84. In Act85, when the member flag F1is set to “0”, that is, when the payment transaction with the customer who is not the electronic receipt member is performed, the processor211controls such that the paper receipt is issued. Specifically, the processor211generates receipt data as print data using the data stored in the transaction buffer, outputs the receipt data to the printer217, and issues the paper receipt.

In Act86, when the member flag F1is set to “1”, that is, when the payment transaction with the electronic receipt member is performed, the processor211issues the electronic receipt. Specifically, the processor211generates the digitized receipt data using the data stored in the transaction buffer, and notifies the communication interface219such that the generated receipt data and the membership ID of the member data stored in the work area in the processing of Act67are transmitted to the center server32.

When this notification is received, the communication interface219transmits the receipt data using the communication address of the center server32as the communication transmission address and the communication address of the POS terminal21as the transmission source address. The receipt data includes the membership ID, the merchandise sales data and the usage coupon data. The receipt data is transmitted to the center server32from the router23via the network4.

The processor321of the center server32that receives the receipt data performs the processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 21. The processing content which is shown inFIG. 21and is described below is an example, and various processing capable of achieving the same result may be appropriately used.

In Act111, the processor321acquires the membership ID from the receipt data. In Act112, the processor321acquires transaction details data from the receipt data. The transaction details data is the merchandise sales data or the usage coupon data.

In Act113, the processor321determines whether the transaction details data is the merchandise sales data or the usage coupon data. In Act114, when the transaction details data is the merchandise sales data (NO in Act113), the processor321updates the transaction result data of the member record FL2R including the membership ID acquired in the processing of Act111.

In Act115, when the transaction details data is the usage coupon data (YES in Act113), the processor321updates the coupon result data of the member record FL2R including the membership ID acquired in the processing of Act111. In Act116, the processor321retrieves the distribution management file FL4using the coupon ID of the usage coupon data and the membership ID acquired in the processing of Act111as the retrieval key. In Act117, the processor321subtracts “1” from the allowable number of times N in the distribution management record FL4R in which the coupon ID and the retrieval key are identical.

Here, the computer of the center server32including the processor321functions as an update unit. That is, in response to the reception of the data (usage coupon data) including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the membership ID of the member which is the target of the transaction, the computer updates the allowable number of times N stored in the distribution management file FL4in association with the coupon ID and the membership ID included in the data such that the usage number of times N is increased.

In Act118, when the processing of Act114or Act117is ended, the processor321checks whether or not there is the next transaction details data. When there is the next transaction details data (YES in Act118), the processor321returns to the processing of Act112, and similarly repeats the subsequent processing.

In Act119, when there is not the next transaction details data (NO in Act118), the processor321transmits the receipt data received from the POS terminal21to the electronic receipt server31. The electronic receipt server31stores the receipt data in the receipt file FL1.

As mentioned above, in the electronic receipt system1, the member uses the coupon of the electronic coupon information, and thus, the allowable number of times N using the electronic coupon information of the member is decreased. For example, the electronic coupon is not distributed to the member corresponding to the membership ID in which the allowable number of times is “0” even within the distribution period. Therefore, according to the electronic receipt system1, it is possible to limit the number of times the member uses the coupon corresponding to each electronic coupon. Thus, it is possible to control the electronic coupon information such that the coupon is not distributed to the member who uses the electronic coupon more than the limited usage number of times.

Here, the computer of the center server32including the processor321functions as a reception unit that receives the electronic receipt information from the payment device (POS terminal21) that settles the transaction in cooperation with the communication interface325.

Effect of Electronic Receipt System

In the electronic receipt system1, the center server includes the coupon file FL3, and the distribution management file FL4. In the distribution management file FL4, the distribution management record FL4R associated with the coupon ID for identifying the electronic coupon information, the membership ID of the member who is the distribution target of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID, and the allowable number of times N (indicating the number of times the electronic coupon information is used by the member) is stored.

When the data (usage coupon data) including the coupon ID of the electronic coupon information used in the transaction and the membership ID of the member who is the target of the transaction is received from the POS terminal21, the processor321of the center server32updates the allowable number of times N stored in association with the coupon ID and the membership ID included in the data in the distribution management file FL4such that the usage number of times N is increased, that is, the remaining allowable number of times N is decreased. When the coupon request command including the membership ID is received from the information terminal6, the processor321transmits the coupon ID having the allowable number of times N stored in association with the membership ID (among the coupon IDs stored in association with the membership ID included in the coupon request command in the distribution management file FL4) that is equal to or greater than “1”, to the transmission source of the coupon request command. In other words, the electronic coupon information of the coupon ID for which the allowable number of times N is “0” is not distributed. Accordingly, since the electronic coupon information can be controlled such that the electronic coupon is not distributed to the member whose usage number of times of the electronic coupon reaches the allowed number of times, it is possible to appropriately limit the usage number of times of the member for each electronic coupon.

However, even though the electronic coupon is controlled such that the electronic coupon of the coupon ID for which the allowable number of times N is “0” is not distributed, for example, the screen of the touch panel65may be stored as an image by using a screenshot function of the information terminal6. Thus, it is considered that the unauthorized use of the distributed electronic coupon is repeated.

In this regard, in the electronic receipt system1, the processor211of the POS terminal21transmits the number request command including the membership ID and the coupon ID to the center server32before the electronic coupon information is used. In response to the reception of the number request command, the processor321of the center server32transmits the allowable number of times N stored in the distribution management file FL4in association with the membership ID and the coupon ID included in the number request command to the POS terminal21as the transmission source of the number request command. When the allowable number of times N is equal to or greater than “1”, the processor211of the POS terminal21permits the use of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID. That is, when the allowable number of times N is “0”, the use of the electronic coupon information identified by the coupon ID is not permitted. Accordingly, the unauthorized use of the distributed electronic coupon can be prevented.

The center server32includes the member file FL2that stores the distribution stop flag F0in association with the membership ID. When the allowable number of times N transmitted to the POS terminal21in response to the number request command is “0”, the processor321of the center server32sets the distribution stop flag F0associated with the membership ID to “1”. When the coupon request command including the membership ID of which the distribution stop flag F0is set to “1” is received, the processor321does not deliver all the electronic coupon information to the information terminal6. Accordingly, the distribution of the electronic coupon information the user who repeats the unauthorized use of the distributed electronic coupon can be avoided.

Modification Example

In the embodiment, it has been described that the POS terminal21transmits the electronic receipt information generated in the payment transaction with the electronic receipt member to the center server32, and the center server transmits the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server31after the processing in the center server32is ended. In this regard, the POS terminal21may transmit the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server31, and the electronic receipt server31may store the electronic receipt information in the receipt file FL1and may transmit the electronic receipt information to the center server32. Alternatively, the POS terminal21may concurrently transmit the electronic receipt information to the electronic receipt server31and the center server32.

In the embodiment, it has been described that the electronic receipt server31includes the receipt file FL1and the center server32includes the member file FL2, the coupon file FL3and the distribution management file FL4. Further, it has been described that the processor321of the center server32performs the information processing on the electronic coupon request command and the number request command. In this regard, for example, the electronic receipt server31includes the receipt file FL1, the member file FL2and the distribution management file FL4, and the center server32includes the coupon file FL3. The processor311of the electronic receipt server31may perform the information processing on the electronic coupon request command and the number request command.

The server system3may not necessarily include the electronic receipt server31and the center server32. One server device may have both the function of the electronic receipt server31and the function of the center server32. Alternatively, the store server22constituting the POS system2may have the functions of the electronic receipt server31and the center server32. In this case, the server system3may not be provided in the electronic receipt system1.

In the embodiment, it has been described that the allowable number of times N is used as the information indicating the usage number of times of the electronic coupon information. The allowable number of times N has the initial value as the effective number of times set for each electronic coupon information, and is counted down whenever the coupon of the coupon information identified by the corresponding coupon ID is used. The information indicating the usage number of times is not limited to the allowable number of times N. For example, the information indicating the usage number of times may be implemented by a counter that increments with the usage number. In this case, if the counted value exceeds the effective number of times, the electronic coupon information may be controlled such that the electronic coupon information is not distributed to the member of the membership ID that is paired with the counted value.

In the embodiment, it has been described that the effective number of times is stored for each coupon ID in the coupon file FL3. In this regard, when it is defined that the effective number of times of the electronic coupon information is “1”, the initial value of the allowable number of times N is set to “1”, and thus, the effective number of times may be omitted.

In general, the program may be transferred to the server device (electronic receipt server31and the center server32) in a state in which the program of the present embodiment is stored in the main memory. However, the embodiment is not limited to such an example, and a program independently transferred from the server device may be written in a writable storage device included in the server device in response to an operation of the user. The program may be transferred by being recorded in a removal recording medium or by performing communication via the network. Any type of recording medium may be used as long as the recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card can store the program and can be read by the device. The functionality realized by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an operating system (OS) within the device.