US20120078740A1 - Portable terminal and its programs, settlement apparatus, and merchandising information providing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

On receiving simplified settlement data generated form settlement data and ID data for downloading electronic-receipt data from an electronic-receipt server, both from a settlement-processing apparatus, a portable terminal records the simplified settlement data in association with the ID data. The display unit of the portable terminal displays the simplified settlement data thus recorded. The portable terminal downloads electronic-receipt data from the electronic-receipt server by using the ID data recorded in association with the simplified settlement data, when the input unit is operated, thereby commanding that the electronic receipt related to the simplified settlement data displayed by the display unit should be downloaded. The electronic-receipt data is recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit. The display unit displays the electronic receipt on the basis the electronic-receipt data recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This is a divisional application of U.S. Ser. No. 11/804,940 filed May 21, 2007, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2006-143074, filed May 23, 2006; and No. 2006-143075, filed May 23, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates to a portable terminal, programs for use in the terminal, a settlement apparatus that can perform data communication with the terminal, and a MERCHANDISING-information providing apparatus.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Cellular telephones developed in recent years incorporate an external wireless interface that achieves wireless communication by using infrared rays, a non-contact IC card or the like. Settlement applications are now proposed, which enable a telephone user to pay charges and receive coupons by using the wireless interface.
• Particularly, it is proposed that shops should electronically input receipts into the cellular telephone when the telephone user pays for whatever he or she has just bought. If the receipts are recorded in the form of electronic data, the user can have his or her household account book kept both electronically and automatically. This is advantageous to the telephone user. This is useful to the shops, too, because the expense involved in issuing paper receipts is saved. In view of this, it is well expected that the electronic-receipt issuing technology will soon come into use.
• The amount of data that can be recorded on electronic receipts is almost limitless, unlike the amount of data recordable on conventional paper receipts. If shops issue electronic receipts, they can give the consumers far more merchandise and advertisement information than by issuing conventional paper receipts.
• Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2005-141649, for example, discloses a technique of adding additional information to electronic receipts. In this technique, an electronic receipt with additional information is transferred to the purchaser's personal computer, and the personal computer records the information in the household account book. The purchaser can therefore review the additional information on the personal computer.
• Thus, this technique enables the purchaser to review, on his or her personal computer, the additional information recorded on the electronic receipt. Most personal computers are unusable outdoors. Inevitably, consumers can access such value-added information only indoors. Assume that the merchandize bought is one for outdoor use and that the additional information (i.e., merchandise information) is instructions for solving problems with the merchandise. Then, the purchaser cannot access the information immediately while he or she is using the merchandise in the open.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• An object of the present invention is to provide a portable terminal on which the information contained in electronic receipts can be easily reviewed, even in the open, and a system that enables the user of the terminal to review the information.
• According to an aspect of this invention, there is provided a portable terminal that comprises: a communications unit which communicates with an electronic-receipt server and a communications unit which communicates with a settlement-processing apparatus. On receiving simplified settlement data generated form settlement data and ID data for downloading electronic-receipt data from an electronic-receipt server, both from a settlement-processing apparatus, the portable terminal records the simplified settlement data in association with the ID data. The display unit of the portable terminal displays the simplified settlement data thus recorded.
• The portable terminal downloads electronic-receipt data from the electronic-receipt server by using the ID data recorded in association with the simplified settlement data, when the input unit is operated, thereby commanding that the electronic receipt related to the simplified settlement data displayed by the display unit should be downloaded. The electronic-receipt data is recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit. The display unit displays the electronic receipt on the basis the electronic-receipt data recorded in the electronic-receipt recording unit.
• Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
• The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and comprise a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the major components of a portable terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the major components of a POS terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 4 shows an example of the merchandise-information table recorded in the merchandise-information managing area of the POS terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the major components of an electronic-receipt server included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the major components of a merchandise-information providing server included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart explaining the sequence of major steps described in the electronic settlement program installed in the portable terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 8 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic receipt program installed in the portable terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 9 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic-settlement processing program installed in the POS terminal according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic-receipt processing program installed in the POS terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 11 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the electronic-receipt reviewing program installed in the portable terminal according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the data format of an electronic receipt generated in the first embodiment;
• FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the data format of a simplified settlement data item generated in the first embodiment;
• FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information, displayed by the display unit of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of information, displayed by the display unit of the portable terminal included in the system according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of data displayed by the display unit of the portable terminal according to the first embodiment;
• FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the major components of a portable terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 19 shows an example of the merchandise-information table recorded in the merchandise-information managing area of a POS terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the major components of the merchandise-purchase server included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the table recorded in the merchandise-information managing area of a merchandise-purchase server included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 22 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the electronic-receipt reviewing program installed in the portable terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 23 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-information transmitting program installed in the merchandise purchase server according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 24 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-purchase-site reviewing program installed in the portable terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 25 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-ordering program installed in the merchandise purchase server included in the system according to the second embodiment;
• FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of information, displayed by the display unit of the portable terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment; and
• FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of information, displayed by the display unit of the portable terminal included in the system according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• Best modes of practicing the present invention will be described, with the accompanying drawings.
First Embodiment
• The first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 16.
• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to the first embodiment. In ashop1, a point-of-sales (POS)terminal2 and arouter3 are provided. ThePOS terminal2 and therouter3 connected by a local area network (LAN)4 provided in theshop1. In addition to thePOS terminal2, which is a settlement apparatus, there may be used other POS terminals in theshop1. Therouter3 connects theLAN4 to theInternet5.
• To theInternet5, which is a public communications network, an electronic-receipt server6, aradio base station7, and a merchandise-information providing server9 are connected. The electronic-receipt server6 operates as a Web server. Theradio base station7 can perform radio communication with aportable terminal8, such as a cellular telephone, which incorporates a Web browser. The merchandise-information providing server9 supplies necessary merchandise information to theportable terminal8 via theInternet5.
• The components of the network system shown inFIG. 1 will be described in detail. First, the configuration of theportable terminal8 will be described, with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 2.
• Theportable terminal8 comprises a central processing unit (CPU)11, atemporary memory12, arecording unit13, a public-network interface14, acommunications interface15, a non-contactIC card memory16, adisplay unit17, aninput unit18, and aclock unit19. TheCPU11 constitutes a control unit. Thetemporary memory12 can temporarily store data. Therecording unit13 stores various programs and various items of data. The public-network interface14 is used as first communications unit, and thecommunications interface15 is used as second communications unit. The non-contactIC card memory16 can store the information thecommunications interface15 has received. Theinput unit18 is the input device of theportable terminal8. Theclock unit19 is a time-keeping device.
• The public-network interface14 is connected to a public network including theInternet5 and performs communication with external apparatuses through the public network. Thecommunications interface15 accomplishes short-distance radio communication by using a non-contact IC card.
• A Web browser is installed in therecording unit13 so that the user of theportable terminal8 may review the various information items (contents) published on Web. Further, therecording unit13 stores an electronic settlement program P1, an electronic-receipt processing program P2, an electronic-receipt reviewing program P3, and a merchandise-information-site reviewing program P4. The electronic settlement program P1 enables the user to achieve electronic settlement on purchases. The electronic-receipt processing program P2 enables the user to receive electronic receipts issued after electronic settlement is made. The electronic-receipt reviewing program P3 enables the user to review any electronic receipt he or she has received. The merchandise-information-site reviewing program P4 enables the user to review the merchandise information supplied from the merchandise-information providing server9.
• The major components of thePOS terminal2 will be described, with reference toFIG. 3.
• ThePOS terminal2 comprises aCPU21, atemporary memory22, arecording unit23, anetwork interface24, aprinter interface25, acommunications interface26, a non-contactIC card memory27, anoperator display unit28, aclock unit29, acustomer display unit30, and aninput unit31. TheCPU21 constitutes a control unit. Thetemporary memory22 can temporarily store data. Therecording unit23 stores various programs and various items of data. Thenetwork interface24 is used as first communications unit. To theprinter interface25, a printer is removably connected. Thecommunications interface26 is used as second communications unit. The non-contactIC card memory27 can store the information thecommunications interface26 has received. Theoperator display unit28 can display various information items to the operator of thePOS terminal2. Theclock unit29 is a time-keeping device. Thecustomer display unit30 can display various information items to customers. Theinput unit31 is the input device of thePOS terminal2.
• Thenetwork interface24 is connected to theLAN4 and performs communication with some other components via theLAN4. Thecommunications interface26 accomplishes short-distance radio communication by using a non-contact IC card.
• Therecording unit23 stores software items that enable thePOS terminal2 to perform its functions. Theunit23 stores an electronic-settlement program P5 and an electronic-receipt processing program P6, too. The electronic-settlement program P5 enables thePOS terminal2 to perform electronic settlement. The electronic-receipt processing program P6 enables thePOS terminal2 to settle electronic receipts.
• Therecording unit23 has a merchandise-information managing area23a. The merchandise-information managing area23astores a merchandise-information table T1. The merchandise-information table T1 contains additional information about merchandise items. The additional information includes the names of the merchandise items, the prices thereof, and merchandise-information accessing data. The merchandise-information accessing data is used to link thePOS terminal2 to a site on theInternet5, at which the merchandise information associated with this data can be acquired.
• The information used to link theportable terminal8 to any site the merchandise-information providing server9 provides is the merchandise-information accessing data in the present embodiment.FIG. 4 shows an example of the merchandise-information table T1. This example contains a merchandise name, “wine 750 ml,” the price of the merchandise, “9.81,” and the merchandise-information accessing data, “http://awinecompany.co.jp/,” which are stored in association.
• The major components of the electronic-receipt server6 will be described with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 5. The electronic-receipt server6 comprises aCPU41, atemporary memory42, arecording unit43, and anetwork interface44. TheCPU41 constitutes a control unit. Thetemporary memory42 can temporarily store data. Therecording unit43 stores various programs and various items of data. Thenetwork interface44 is connected to theInternet5.
• Therecording unit43 has an electronic-receipt managing area43a. Thearea43acan store electronic-receipt information so that this information may be published on Web. Therecording unit43 stores an electronic-receipt managing program P7, which enables the electronic-receipt server6 to hold the electronic-receipt information received from thePOS terminal2, in the electronic-receipt managing area43a.
• The configuration of the merchandise-information providing server9 will be described, with reference to the block diagram ofFIG. 6. The merchandise-information providing server9 comprises aCPU51, atemporary memory52, arecording unit53, and anetwork interface54. TheCPU51 constitutes a control unit. Thetemporary memory52 can temporarily store data. Therecording unit53 stores various programs and various items of data. Thenetwork interface54 can be connected to theInternet5.
• Therecording unit53 stores a merchandise-information transmitting program P8, which enables theserver9 to transmit the information about any merchandise to theportable terminal8.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic settlement program P1 that is installed in theportable terminal8.FIG. 8 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic-receipt processing program P2 that is installed in theportable terminal8.FIG. 9 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic-settlement program P5 that is installed in thePOS terminal2.FIG. 10 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of major steps described in the electronic-receipt processing program P6 that is installed in thePOS terminal2.
• How theportable terminal8 performs electronic settlement will be explained with reference toFIG. 7.
• To make electronic settlement, the purchaser operates theinput unit18 provided on his or herportable terminal8, activating the electronic settlement program P1. On the other hand, the cashier operates thePOS terminal2, registering the sales data concerning the merchandise the customer (i.e., purchaser) has bought, into thePOS terminal2. On registering the sales data, the cashier asks the purchaser to pay for the merchandise. So requested, the purchaser moves theportable terminal8 toward thePOS terminal2, setting thecommunications interface15 at a position close to thecommunications interface26 of thePOS terminal2.
• Since the electronic settlement program P1 has been activated, theCPU11 of theportable terminal8 monitors the communications interface15 (Step S101). When theportable terminal8 is moved near thePOS terminal2, thecommunications interface15 starts communication with thecommunications interface26 of thePOS terminal2. At this point, theCPU11 sends a request for electronic settlement to thePOS terminal2 via the communications interface15 (Step S102).
• In response to this request, thePOS terminal2 performs electronic settlement with theportable terminal8. When the electronic settlement is completed, thePOS terminal2 generates ID data for downloading electronic-receipt data from an electronic-receipt server6 and simplified settlement data. The ID data and the simplified settlement data are transmitted from thecommunications interface26 to theportable terminal8. The ID data is information that is used to download the electronic receipt that has been uploaded fromPOS terminal2 into the electronic-receipt server6. The simplified settlement data is data extracted from the settlement data that is recorded on the electronic receipt.
• In theportable terminal8, theCPU11 receives, via thecommunication interface15, the ID data for downloading electronic-receipt data from an electronic-receipt server6 and simplified settlement data transmitted from the POS terminal2 (Step S103). TheCPU11 associates the ID data and the simplified settlement data with each other and then stores them into the non-contact IC card memory27 (Step S104). Thereafter, theCPU11 activates the electronic settlement program P2 (Step S105).
• How theportable terminal8 operates after the electronic-receipt processing program P2 has been activated will be explained, with reference toFIG. 8.
• In theportable terminal8 with the electronic-receipt processing program P2 activated, theCPU11 determines whether the non-contactIC card memory16 stores simplified settlement data (Step S201). If thememory16 stores the simplified settlement data, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 display the simplified settlement data (Step S202).
• Next, theCPU11 causes thedisplay unit17 to display a message asking the user whether the program P2 should be terminated and waits for an input from the user (Step S203). If the user inputs a command for terminating the program P2, theCPU11 terminates the electronic-receipt processing program P2.
• If the user inputs a command for keeping the activation of the program P2, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 display a message asking the user whether the electronic receipt corresponding to the simplified settlement data should be downloaded and then waits for an input from the user (Step S204).
• If the user inputs a command for downloading the electronic receipt, theCPU11 decodes the ID data stored in association with the simplified settlement data, thereby generating an URL that will be used to download the electronic receipt. Using the URL thus generated, theCPU11 connects the public-network interface14 to the Internet5 (Step S205).
• The URL represents the address of the electronic-receipt managing area43aprovided in the electronic-receipt server6, in which the electronic-receipt information has been uploaded from thePOS terminal2. TheCPU11 downloads the electronic-receipt information from the address (Step S206). The information thus downloaded is temporarily stored in thememory12.
• TheCPU11 analyzes the electronic-receipt information thus downloaded and makes thedisplay unit17 display the electronic receipt represented by this information (Step S207). TheCPU11 then waits for a confirmation from the user (Step S208).
• When the user input a confirmation, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 display a message asking the user whether the electronic receipt should be stored in the portable terminal8 (Step S209) and waits for an input from the user (Step S210). Upon receiving of the user input indicating that electronic receipt should be stored, theCPU11 records the electronic-receipt information in the recording unit13 (Step S211). TheCPU11 then erases the electronic-receipt information from the temporary memory12 (Step S212).
• Next, theCPU11 records the ID data and the simplified settlement data, both used to download the electronic receipt, in therecording unit13 in association with the electronic-receipt information (Step S213). Alternatively, only the simplified settlement data may be recorded in association with the electronic-receipt information.
• Thereafter, theCPU11 erases the ID data and the simplified settlement data, both used to download the electronic receipt, from the non-contact IC card memory16 (Step S214). The operation then returns to the first step.
• How thePOS terminal2 operates after the electronic-receipt processing program P5 has been activated will be explained, with reference toFIG. 9. In thePOS terminal2, the electronic-settlement program P5 is activated when the information about the merchandise the customer (i.e., user of the portable terminal8) has bought.
• In thePOS terminal2 with the electronic-settlement program P5 activated, theCPU21 waits for a request for electronic settlement coming from theportable terminal8 via the communications interface26 (Step S301). A request for electronic settlement may come after the information concerning the merchandise has been registered. In this case, theCPU21 performs the electronic settlement on the basis of the information concerning the merchandise (Step S302). Thus, the electronic settlement between thePOS terminal2 and theportable terminal8 is completed (Step S303). Then, theCPU21 activates the electronic-receipt processing program P6.
• How thePOS terminal2, in which the electronic-receipt processing program P6 has been activated, operates will be explained, with reference toFIG. 10.
• In thePOS terminal2 with the electronic-receipt processing program P6 activated, theCPU21 makes thecustomer display unit30 display a message of, for example, “Please keep holding your portable terminal at thePOS terminal2” (Step S401). There is a time lag between the completion of the electronic settlement and the transmission of simplified settlement data to theportable terminal8. Therefore, the ID data and the simplified settlement data, which is required to downloading the electronic receipt, cannot be transmitted if the user moves theportable terminal8 away from thecommunications interface26 of thePOS terminal2 immediately after the electronic settlement is accomplished. If these data items are not transmitted, the electronic receipt will not be transmitted to the electronic-receipt server6. This is why thecustomer display unit30 displays the message, telling the user not to move theportable terminal8 away from thePOS terminal2.
• While thedisplay unit30 is displaying the message, theCPU21 performs a process for generating an electronic receipt and information items related to the receipt. More precisely, theCPU21 extracts, from the merchandise-information managing area23a, the name and price of the merchandise registered at the electronic settlement, the merchandise-information accessing data and the like which should be recorded on the electronic receipt. Using these information items, theCPU21 generates the electronic receipt (Step S402). Further, theCPU21 extracts the data items, such as the date of settlement and the total amount paid for the merchandise, from the information items recorded on the electronic receipt, and generates simplified settlement data from the data items extracted (Step S403). Furthermore, theCPU21 generates ID data which will be later used to download the electronic receipt from the electronic-receipt server6 to the portable terminal8 (Step S404).
• At this point, the data on the electronic receipt and the simplified settlement data are formulated in such as Extensible Markup Language (XML) format as is shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. On the electronic receipt, the merchandise-information accessing data is recorded as href=“http:// . . . ” in tag <merchandise> contained in the XML data (FIG. 12).
• TheCPU21 connects thenetwork interface24 to the LAN and theInternet5. The ID data for downloading the electronic receipt and the electronic-receipt information, thus generated, are transmitted from thePOS terminal2 to the electronic-receipt server6 (Step S405). TheCPU21 further transmits the ID data for downloading the electronic receipt and the simplified settlement data to theportable terminal8 via the communications interface26 (Step S406).
• On completing transmission of the ID data and the simplified settlement data to the portable terminal8 (Step S407), theCPU21 causes thedisplay unit30 to stop displaying the message (Step S408). The process of the electronic-receipt processing program P6 is thus completed.
• How the user accesses the merchandise information on the electronic receipt when he or she reviews the electronic receipt displayed on theportable terminal8 will be explained, with reference toFIG. 11 is a flowchart the sequence of major steps of the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3 installed in theportable terminal8.
• The user operates theinput unit18 provided on his or herportable terminal8, thereby activating the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3.
• In theportable terminal8 with the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3 thus activated, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 to display a list of the simplified settlement data items concerning all electronic receipts stored in the recording unit13 (Step S501). TheCPU11 then prompts the user to select at least one of the simplified settlement data items.
• FIG. 14 shows some of the simplified settlement data items displayed on thedisplay unit17 at this point. As seen fromFIG. 14, the data items are displayed in the form of a list. The user operates theinput unit18, thus moving the cursor to any desired data item, on the screen of thedisplay unit17. The desired data item is thereby selected.
• TheCPU11 determines whether the user has selected any simplified settlement data item (Step S502). If the user has selected a simplified settlement data item, theCPU11 analyzes the XML data on the electronic receipt, which corresponds to the simplified settlement data selected and then makes thedisplay unit17 display the electronic receipt (Step S503).
• FIG. 15 shows the data thedisplay unit17 displays at this time. As seen fromFIG. 15, the electronic receipt is displayed in the same layout as the corresponding paper receipt. The user can select any merchandise displayed on thedisplay unit17, by operating theinput unit18 and moving the cursor to the name of the merchandise displayed on thedisplay unit17.
• TheCPU11 determines whether the user has selected any one of item of the merchandise recorded on the electronic receipt (Step S504). If any one item of merchandise has been selected, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 display the menu about the merchandise selected (Step S505). If the input is not concerned with selection of merchandise, the operation returns to Step S502.
• After making thedisplay unit17 display the menu about the merchandise, theCPU11 determines whether the user has selected “review merchandise information,” i.e., one of the menu items (Step S506). If “review merchandise information” has been selected, theCPU11 extracts, from the data recorded on the electronic receipt, merchandise-information access data about the merchandise the user has selected (http://awinecompany.co.jp/ for wine) (Step S507).
• Thereafter, theCPU11 activates the merchandise-information-site reviewing program P4. Using the merchandise-information accessing data, theCPU11 accesses the merchandise-information site (i.e., the merchandise-information providing server9) through the Internet5 (Step S508).
• If any item other than “review merchandise information” has been selected, the operation returns to Step S504.
• The merchandise-information providing server9 keeps activating the merchandise-information transmitting program P8 at all times and keeps waiting for an access from theportable terminal8. In the merchandise-information providing server9, theCPU51 receives an access from theportable terminal8. It then transmits the Web page of the merchandise information contained in the URL of the access, to theportable terminal8. At this time thedisplay unit17 of theportable terminal8 displays such data as shown inFIG. 16. This operation is the same as one performed in the ordinary Web server, and will not de described here in detail.
• In the network system of the configuration described above, thePOS terminal2 generates an electronic receipt showing the details of an electronic settlement when thePOS terminal2 at the transaction is settled with the customer at theshop1. The electronic receipt thus generated is transmitted via theInternet5 to the electronic-receipt server6 and is published on Web.
• At this time, the simplified settlement data based on the settlement data and the ID data for downloading the electronic receipt are transmitted from thePOS terminal2 to theportable terminal8. When the customer operates theportable terminal8, demanding that electronic receipt be downloaded, the electronic-receipt information is downloaded from the electronic-receipt server6 into theportable terminal8 in accordance with the ID data.
• Thus, the customer can have the electronic receipt published on Web downloaded into theportable terminal8 that incorporates a Web browser. He or she can therefore easily review the electronic receipt on the Web browser in the open, without necessity of going home and using the personal computer or the like at home.
• Theportable terminal8 can access the merchandise-information providing server9, by using the electronic receipt downloaded from the electronic-receipt server6. Theportable terminal8 can then make thedisplay unit17 display the Web page about the merchandise, transmitted from the merchandise-information providing server9.
• Hence, the user can easily review the merchandise information in the Web page displayed on thedisplay unit17 of theportable terminal8. This easy access to the information about the merchandise bought is very useful for the user, and also to the shops because the merchandise information helps to promote the sales.
Second Embodiment
• The second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 17 to 27. The components identical to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail.
• FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a network system according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a merchandise-purchase server90 is connected to theInternet5, instead of the merchandise-information providing server9.
• FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the major components of theportable terminal8 included in the system according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, a merchandise-purchase-site reviewing program P11 is installed in therecording unit13 of theportable terminal8. The merchandise-purchase-site reviewing program P11 is enable the user of theportable terminal18 to review the merchandise information provided from the merchandise-purchase server90 and to place orders for any merchandise he or she wants, by operating theportable terminal8.
• FIG. 19 shows an example of the merchandise-information table T1 recorded in the merchandise-information managing area23aof thePOS terminal2. As shown inFIG. 19, a purchase-site ID is stored as additional information about merchandise in the merchandise-information table T1, instead of the merchandise-information accessing data. The purchase-site ID is used to link theportable terminal8 to a site on theInternet5 so that the user may buy the merchandise corresponding to the ID.
• In the second embodiment, the purchase-side ID is the data that links theportable terminal8 to a site that the merchandise-providingserver90 provides. In the case shown inFIG. 19, purchase-site ID “0512843” is recorded for merchandise name “wine 750 ml; price 9.81”.
• FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the major components of the merchandise-purchase server90 included in the system according to the second embodiment. The merchandise-purchase server90 comprises aCPU61, atemporary memory62, arecording unit63, and anetwork interface64. TheCPU61 constitutes a control unit. Thetemporary memory62 can temporarily store data. Therecording unit63 stores various programs and various items of data. Thenetwork interface64 can be connected to theInternet5.
• Therecording unit63 has a merchandise-information managing area63awhere merchandize information is recorded, which is related to the merchandise items that are sold at the site. In the merchandise-information managing area63a, a merchandise-information transmitting program P12 and a merchandise-ordering program P13 are installed. The merchandise-information transmitting program P12 is used to transmit the merchandise information about any specific merchandise to theportable terminal8. The merchandise-ordering program P13 is used to order any merchandise the user has ordered or the merchandise related to the merchandise the user has ordered.
• FIG. 21 shows an example of the table T3 recorded in the merchandise-information managing area63a. AsFIG. 21 shows, merchandise name “wine 750 ml” is recorded in the table T3, for the purchase-site ID “0512843.” Further, five items of information about merchandise related to this merchandise, i.e., “corkscrew,” “label-removing set,” “wine X 750 ml,” “wine Y 750 ml,” and “wine Z 750 ml,” are recorded in the in the table T3.
• Dates are set, at which the related merchandise should preferably be purchased. In the present embodiment, the dates are set in accordance with the date at which the merchandise is most likely consumed. More specifically, the purchase date for “corkscrew” is set as “0 days later,” i.e., the same data as the merchandise “wine 750 ml” is purchases. The purchase date for “label-removing set” is set as “three days later,” because the wine is expected to be consumed three days after the wine is purchased. Similarly, the purchase dates for “wine X 750 ml,” “wine Y 750 ml,” and “wind Z, 750 ml” are set as “three days later,” “15 days later,” and “30 days later,” respectively, when “wine 750 ml,” “wine X 750 ml” and “wine Y 750 ml” are expected to be consumed. That is, when the user accesses to the information about specific merchandise, it is recommended that the merchandise related to the merchandise should be purchased at particular dates after the user has bought the merchandise.
• FIG. 22 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3 installed in theportable terminal8.FIG. 23 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-information transmitting program P12 installed in the merchandise-purchase server90.FIG. 24 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-purchase-site reviewing program P11 installed in theportable terminal8.FIG. 25 is a flowchart that explains the sequence of the major steps of the merchandise-ordering program P13 installed in themerchandise purchase server90.
• The electronic settlement program P1 and electronic-receipt processing program P2 installed in theportable terminal8 and the electronic-settlement program P5 and electronic-receipt processing program P6 installed in thePOS terminal2 are identical in the sequence of major steps to those used in the first embodiment. Therefore, they will not be explained here in detail.
• How the user accesses the merchandise information recorded on an electronic receipt by reviewing the electronic receipt on theportable terminal8 will be explained, with reference toFIG. 22.
• The user operates theinput unit18 provided on his or herportable terminal8, activating the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3.
• Since the electronic-receipt reviewing program P3 has been activated, theCPU11 of theportable terminal8 makes thedisplay unit17 display a list of all simplified settlement data items about the electronic receipts thus far received and recorded in the recording unit13 (Step S501). TheCPU11 then prompts the user to select at least one of the simplified settlement data items.
• TheCPU11 determines whether the user has selected any simplified settlement data item (Step S502). If the user has selected a simplified settlement data item, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 displays the electronic receipt corresponding to the simplified settlement data selected (Step S503).
• TheCPU11 then determines whether one of the items of merchandise recorded on the electronic receipt has been selected (Step S504). If any one of the items of merchandise has been selected, theCPU11 makes thedisplay unit17 display the menu about the merchandise selected (Step S505). If the input is not concerned with selection of merchandise, the operation returns to Step S502.
• After making thedisplay unit17 display the menu about the merchandise, theCPU11 determines whether the user has selected “purchase related products,” i.e., one of the menu items (Step S506). If “purchase related products” has been selected, theCPU11 extracts, from the data recorded on the electronic receipt, merchandise-purchase site ID and the date of purchasing the merchandise (Step S510). At this point, the place where the merchandise has been bought may be extracted, too.
• Thereafter, theCPU11 activates the merchandise-purchase-site reviewing program P11, accesses the merchandise-purchase site (i.e., merchandise purchase server90) via theInternet5 on the basis of the merchandise-purchase site ID, and transmits the date and time of purchasing the merchandise (Step S511). At the same time the date and time of purchasing the merchandise is transmitted, the data representing the site may be transmitted, too.
• If any item other than “review merchandise information” is selected in the menu, the operation returns to Step S504.
• The sequence of the major steps of the operation that themerchandise purchase server90 performs when the user operates theportable terminal8, thereby accessing the merchandise-purchase site, will be explained, with reference toFIG. 23.
• Themerchandise purchase server90 keeps activating the merchandise-information transmitting program P12 and keeps waiting for an access from the portable terminal8 (Step S601). In themerchandise purchase server90, theCPU61 receives the purchase-site reviewing data and the date and time of purchasing the merchandise from theportable terminal8 when theportable terminal8 makes a demand for reviewing the purchase information (Step S602).
• Next, theCPU61 extracts, from the merchandise-information managing area63aof therecording unit63, related merchandise recommended on the basis of the merchandise-purchase site ID contained in the purchase-site reviewing data and the date and time of purchasing the merchandise (Step S603). Assume the user of theportable terminal8 has bought wine and accesses themerchandise purchase server90 four days later. In this case, theCPU61 extracts “corkscrew,” “label-removing set,” and “wine X 750 ml,” as merchandise related to the wine.
• Thereafter, theCPU61 generates a purchase Web page for purchasing the related merchandise, on the basis of the data items extracted from the merchandise-information managing area63a(Step S604). TheCPU61 then transmits the Web page to theportable terminal8 that has accessed the merchandise-purchase site (Step S605).
• How theportable terminal8 operates when the user orders the related merchandise will be explained, with reference toFIG. 24.
• TheCPU11 of theportable terminal8 receives the Web page for purchasing the related merchandise, sent from the merchandise purchase server90 (Step S701). TheCPU11 then makes thedisplay unit17 display the Web page (Step S702).
• FIG. 27 shows another example of the information displayed by thedisplay unit17 of theportable terminal8 at this point. This example of information is displayed when the user accesses “wine 750 ml” four days after he or she has bought the same merchandise, i.e., “wine 750 ml.” The merchandise related to “wine 750 ml,” i.e., “corkscrew,” “label-removing set,” and “wine X 750 ml,” are displayed. The user can place an order for these related items of merchandise by operating theinput unit18.
• The user may operate theinput unit18, moving the cursor to any merchandise he or she would like to order and may push the OK button. Then, theCPU11 of theportable terminal8 determines that the user has selected the merchandise (Step S703). TheCPU11 then transmits ordered-merchandise information designating the merchandise selected, to the merchandise purchase server90 (Step S704). If no merchandise is selected, theCPU11 transmits data representing the end of process to the merchandise purchase server90 (Step S705).
• The sequence of the major steps of the operation themerchandise purchase server90 performs when the user of theportable terminal8 orders merchandise will be explained, with reference toFIG. 25.
• Themerchandise purchase server90 keeps activating the merchandise-ordering program P13 at all times and keeps waiting for an access from the portable terminal8 (Step S801). Upon receiving an order for any merchandise from theportable terminal8, theCPU61 of themerchandise purchase server90 places order for the merchandise to the seller who sells the merchandise (Step S802). After placing the order, theCPU61 transmits a message to theportable terminal8, telling that the order has been accepted (Step S803). (The message may read, for example, “The order for the merchandise has been duly accepted.”)
• In the second embodiment, theportable terminal8 can access themerchandise purchase server90 on the basis of the data recorded on the electronic receipt downloaded from the electronic-receipt server6. Theportable terminal8 further can acquire, from themerchandise purchase server90, a Web page for ordering any merchandise and merchandise related thereto, and can cause thedisplay unit17 to display the Web page thus acquired. Using the Web page, the user can easily place an order for the merchandise displayed on thedisplay unit17.
• Thus, it is easy for the user to access the merchandise related to the merchandise purchased. This is very useful for the user, and also to the shops because the merchandise information helps to promote the sales.
• In each embodiment described above, the various functions that implement the present invention are recorded in the apparatuses. Nonetheless, the functions may be downloaded into the apparatuses from networks. Alternatively, similar functions may be installed in the apparatuses, in the form of recording media. The recording medium may be of any types available, such as CD-ROM, so long as they can store programs that the apparatuses can read. The functions, either installed or downloaded, may be of the types that work in cooperation with the operating systems (OS) installed in the apparatuses.
• Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (15)

1. A merchandising-information providing apparatus to be accessed via a network from a portable terminal in which electronic receipts are recorded, the apparatus comprising:

a related-merchandise information storage unit which stores information about merchandise related to each item of merchandise, together with data representing numbers of days, which are associated with the related merchandise, respectively;

a receiving unit which receives merchandise-purchase-site information designating a merchandise-purchase site at which any merchandise selected from those recorded in the electronic receipt is to be purchased;

a related-merchandise-data extracting unit which extracts data representing any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information received by the receiving unit, which remains not purchased for more days than a number of days after the merchandise has been purchased; and

a list-transmitting unit which transmits a list of the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information and the data extracted by the related-merchandise-data extracting unit and representing any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise, to the portable terminal accessed via the network.

2. The merchandising-information providing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the number of days is a period within which the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information is expected to be consumed and is preset for each merchandise related to the merchandise.

3. The merchandising-information providing apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the list-transmitting unit generates a purchase Web page which purchases the related merchandise and the generated purchase Web page is transmitted to the accessed portable terminal through the network.

4. The merchandising-information providing apparatus according toclaim 3, further comprising:

an order placement unit which places an order for the merchandise to a seller when an order information of merchandise from the portable terminal is received by the receiving unit.

5. The merchandising-information providing apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein the order placement unit transmits a message that an order of the merchandise is accepted to the portable terminal when the order of the merchandise is placed.

6. A program stored on a computer readable medium and configured to be read by and executed by a computer that is configured to access merchandising-information via a network from a portable terminal in which electronic receipts are recorded, the program configured to instruct the computer to perform a process routine comprising:

storing information about merchandise related to each item of merchandise in a related-merchandise information storage unit, together with data representing numbers of days, which are associated with the related merchandise, respectively;

receiving merchandise-purchase-site information with a receiving unit, the merchandise-purchase-site information designating a merchandise-purchase site at which any merchandise selected from those recorded in the electronic receipt is to be purchased;

extracting data with a related-merchandise-data extracting unit, the data representing any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information received by the receiving unit, which remains not purchased for more days than a number of days after the merchandise has been purchased; and

transmitting with a list-transmitting unit a list of the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information and the data extracted by the related-merchandise-data extracting unit and presenting any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise to the portable terminal accessed via the network.

7. The program ofclaim 6, wherein the number of days is a period within which the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information is expected to be consumed and is preset for each merchandise related to the merchandise.

8. The program ofclaim 6, the program further configured to instruct the computer to generate with the list-transmitting unit a purchase Web page that purchases the related merchandise, the generated purchase Web page is transmitted to the accessed portable terminal through the network.

9. The program ofclaim 8, the program further configured to instruct the computer to place with an order placement unit an order for the merchandise to a seller when an order information of merchandise from the portable terminal is received by the receiving unit.

10. The program ofclaim 9, the program further configured to instruct the computer to transmit with the order placement unit a message that an order of the merchandise is accepted to the portable terminal when the order of the merchandise is placed.

11. A method for accessing merchandising-information via a network with a portable terminal in which electronic receipts are recorded, the method comprising:

storing information about merchandise related to each item of merchandise in a related-merchandise information storage unit of a merchandise-information providing apparatus, together with data representing numbers of days, which are associated with the related merchandise, respectively;

receiving merchandise-purchase-site information with a receiving unit of the merchandise-information providing apparatus, the merchandise-purchase-site information designating a merchandise-purchase site at which any merchandise selected from those recorded in the electronic receipt is to be purchased;

extracting data with a related-merchandise-data extracting unit of the merchandise-information providing apparatus, the data representing any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information received by the receiving unit, which remains not purchased for more days than a number of days after the merchandise has been purchased; and

transmitting with a list-transmitting unit of the merchandise-information providing apparatus a list of the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information and the data extracted by the related-merchandise-data extracting unit and presenting any one of items of merchandise related to the merchandise to the portable terminal accessed via the network.

12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the number of days is a period within which the merchandise designated by the merchandise-purchase-site information is expected to be consumed and is preset for each merchandise related to the merchandise.

13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising generating with the list-transmitting unit a purchase Web page that purchases the related merchandise, the generated purchase Web page is transmitted to the accessed portable terminal through the network.

14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising placing with an order placement unit an order for the merchandise to a seller when an order information of merchandise from the portable terminal is received by the receiving unit.

15. The method ofclaim 14, further comprising transmitting with the order placement unit a message that an order of the merchandise is accepted to the portable terminal when the order of the merchandise is placed.

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