JP7712450B2 - Payment device, its control program, and payment method for payment device - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment device, a control program for the device, and a payment method for the payment device.

Self-service or semi-self-service payment systems are increasingly being introduced in retail stores. Self-service payment systems allow customers to do everything from registering purchased items to making payments themselves. Semi-self-service payment systems allow store clerks to register purchased items and customers to make payments. Stores that have introduced self-service payment systems use payment devices compatible with self-service systems, so-called self-service POS terminals. Stores that have introduced semi-self-service payment systems use registration devices specialized for registering purchased items and payment devices specialized for customer payments.

Receipts that record the details of a transaction and are issued to customers come in two types: receipt-format receipts and receipt-format receipts. In what follows, receipt-format receipts will be referred to as "receipts," and receipt-format receipts will be referred to as "receipts." Receipts record store identification information, transaction date, transaction details, total transaction amount, payment information for the transaction, etc. Receipts record the transaction date, recipient's name, total transaction amount, and the issuer's name and address, etc.

Generally, when issuing a receipt, the issuer writes the recipient's name, affixes a stamp and makes a tally. In other words, the issuance of a receipt requires the intervention of a store clerk. For this reason, self-service POS terminals or payment devices in a self-service payment system are designed to prevent receipts from being issued by customers themselves without the intervention of a store clerk. However, at the same time, an increasing number of stores are willing to allow customers to issue receipts by themselves, with a view to reducing the burden on store clerks, etc.

JP 2016-062353 A

The problem that the embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a payment device that allows the customer to issue a receipt by their own operation.

In one embodiment, the settlement device includes an acquisition means , a first display control means, a second display control means, and an output means. The acquisition means acquires information related to settlement of a transaction with a customer . The first display control means displays on a display unit a first image for accepting a selection by the customer of whether to output a receipt of the transaction in a receipt format or a receipt format, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format is selected, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format is selected, a guidance image for guiding the customer to make a selection using the first image before the customer selects a payment method for the transaction, and a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction. When any of the payment methods is selected via the second image, the second display control means displays on the display unit a third image for instructing settlement of the transaction using the selected payment method. When settlement of the transaction is instructed via the third image, the output means outputs a receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the information related to the settlement acquired by the acquisition means. The third image includes information informing the customer whether the receipt should be output in receipt format or receipt note format.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal. 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the self-checkout POS terminal. 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a processor of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on a touch panel of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on a touch panel of the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-checkout POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-checkout POS terminal.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a payment device will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, a payment device of a self-service payment system is exemplified. Hereinafter, the payment device will be referred to as a self-service POS terminal.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-checkout POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the self-service POS terminal 1 comprises a main body 10 installed on the floor and a scale unit 20 installed beside the main body 10. The main body 10 has a display pole 11 and a touch panel 12 attached to its upper part. The main body 10 has a basket stand 30 installed in the center of the side opposite the side on which the scale unit 20 is installed. The basket stand 30 is for customers coming from the sales floor to place baskets containing purchased items. Customers stand on the front side of the main body 10 in FIG. 1 so that they can see the screen of the touch panel 12. Therefore, when viewed from the customer, the basket stand 30 is on the right side of the main body 10 and the scale unit 20 is on the left side. In the following explanation, the side on which the customer stands is the front of the main body 10, the side on which the scale unit 20 is installed is the left side of the main body 10, and the side on which the basket stand 30 is installed is the right side of the main body 10.

The display pole 11 has a light-emitting unit 13 at its tip that selectively emits light, for example, blue or red. The display pole 11 displays the status of the self-service POS terminal 1, such as waiting, operating, calling, or error, depending on the color of the light emitted by the light-emitting unit 13.

The touch panel 12 is composed of a display for displaying various screens to the operator who operates the self-service POS terminal 1, and a touch sensor for detecting touch inputs to the screen by the operator. In the self-service POS terminal 1, the operator is usually a customer.

The front of the main body 10 is provided with a reading window 141 for the scanner 14 (see FIG. 2), a card insertion port 151 for the card reader 15 (see FIG. 2), and an issuing port 161 for receipts printed by the printer 16 (see FIG. 2). The coin insertion port 171, coin dispensing port 172, bill insertion port 173, and bill dispensing port 174 for the automatic change machine 17 (see FIG. 2) are also formed on the front of the main body 10. Furthermore, a communication cable 181 extends from the right side of the main body 10 to the outside, and a reader/writer 18 for electronic money media is connected to the tip of this communication cable 181. The reader/writer 18 is placed on a stand 182 provided on the upper right side of the main body 10.

The scale unit 20 has a structure in which a scale pan 22 is provided on the top of a housing 21, and a bag holder 23 is attached to the top of the scale pan 22. The top surface of the scale pan 22 serves as a placement surface 221. The bag holder 23 has a pair of holding arms 231, which hold a plastic bag or a shopping bag brought by a customer, known as a "my bag." The scale unit 20 measures the weight of an item placed in the plastic bag or my bag held by the holding arms 231 and placed on the placement surface 221.

As shown in FIG. 2, the self-service POS terminal 1 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication interface 35, a touch panel 12, a light-emitting unit 13, a scanner 14, a card reader 15, a printer 16, an automatic change dispenser 17, a reader/writer 18, a scale unit 20, and a system transmission path 36. The system transmission path 36 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 36 connects the processor 31 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input/output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. The computer of the self-service POS terminal 1 is formed by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage device 33 via the system transmission path 36.

The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the self-service POS terminal 1 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may also store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 33 may be an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

The clock 34 keeps track of the time. The processor 31 processes the time kept by the clock 34 as the current time.

The communication interface 35 communicates data with external devices connected via a network according to a preset communication protocol. The external devices are, for example, a store server, an attendant terminal, a router, or another self-service POS terminal.

Scanner 14 reads the code symbol from a product held over reading window 141. Each product sold in a store is affixed with a code symbol that encodes a product ID or the like to identify the product. The code symbol is, for example, a barcode. The code symbol may also be, for example, a two-dimensional data code. Scanner 14 may be of a type that reads the code symbol by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads the code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

The card reader 15 reads card data recorded on card media such as credit cards and point cards. The card reader 15 pulls the card media inserted into the card insertion slot 151 into the main body 10, reads the card data, and then ejects the card from the card insertion slot 151.

The printer 16 prints receipt data and other information indicating the details of the transaction on receipt paper. The receipt paper on which the receipt data has been printed is discharged from the issuing port 161, cut by a cutter (not shown), and issued as a receipt or invoice.

The automatic change machine 17 includes a coin unit 175 and a bill unit 176. The coin unit 175 sorts coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 171 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe by denomination. The coin unit 175 takes out coins of the appropriate denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to the coin dispensing outlet 172. The bill unit 176 sorts bills inserted into the bill insertion slot 173 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe by denomination. The bill unit 176 takes out bills of the appropriate denomination from the safe based on, for example, the change data, and dispenses them to the bill dispensing outlet 174.

The reader/writer 18 reads and rewrites electronic money recorded on an electronic money medium. The electronic money medium is, for example, a contactless IC card. The electronic money medium may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal.

In the self-service POS terminal 1 having such a configuration, the processor 31 constitutes an acquisition means, a first display control means, a second display control means, an output means, a storage means, and an information switching means. The acquisition means is a function of acquiring information related to the settlement of a transaction with a customer. The first display control means is a function of displaying a first image for accepting a selection of whether to output a receipt for the transaction in receipt format or receipt format on the touch panel 12, which is the display unit, together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction. The second display control means is a function of displaying a third image for instructing the settlement of the transaction by the selected payment method on the touch panel 12, which is the display unit, when any payment method for the transaction is selected via the second image. The output means is a function of outputting a receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the information related to the settlement acquired by the acquisition means, when the settlement of the transaction is instructed via the third image. The storage means is a function of storing information identifying whether to output the receipt in receipt format or receipt format in the main memory 32, which is the storage unit. The information switching means is a function that switches the information from information identifying one format to information identifying the other format each time a selection is received via the first image.

The functions of the processor 31 will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 12. Figs. 3 and 4 are flow charts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with a control program. Figs. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams of screens displayed on the touch panel 12. Figs. 9 to 12 are schematic diagrams of receipts printed by the printer 16.

The procedures shown in Figures 3 and 4 are examples. There are no particular limitations on the procedures as long as similar results can be obtained. The screens shown in Figures 5 to 8 are also examples. There are no particular limitations on the format as long as the information required by the user can be obtained. Similarly, the receipts shown in Figures 9 to 12 are also examples. There are no particular limitations on the format as long as the information required by the user can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 3, the processor 31 waits for product registration as ACT 1. A customer who uses the self-service POS terminal 1 to start self-registration of a purchased product first operates the touch panel 12 to input the information required for self-registration. The information required for self-registration is, for example, information indicating whether or not a reusable bag will be used. When the information required for self-registration has been input, the processor 31 sets the screen of the touch panel 12 to a product registration screen. The product registration screen is the same as the existing screen, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

After checking the product registration screen, the customer picks up each item to be purchased, holds it over the reading window 141 to have the code symbol read, and then places the purchased item on the placement surface 221 of the scale pan 22. For fresh food or other items that do not have a code symbol, the customer selects the item to be purchased from the list of products without barcodes displayed on the touch panel 12, and then places the item on the placement surface 221.

Through such self-service operation, the product code of the purchased product is entered into the self-service POS terminal 1. The processor 31 searches the product data file using the product code to obtain the product data of the purchased product. The product data file is stored, for example, in the auxiliary storage device 33. The product data includes information such as the product name, unit price, tax category, and unit weight. The tax category is information that identifies whether the data is for a tax-inclusive product, in which the unit price includes tax, or for a tax-exclusive product, in which the unit price does not include tax. The unit weight is the standard weight of one product.

The processor 31 calculates the weight of the product placed on the placement surface 221 based on the amount of change in the weight data measured by the scale unit 20. The processor 31 then determines whether or not this product weight is within the allowable range for the unit weight. If it is within the allowable range, the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally.

If the difference is outside the allowable range, the processor 31 recognizes that the product registration is an error. In this case, the processor 31 displays an error message on the touch panel 12. The processor 31 also notifies the attendant terminal of the product registration error via the communication interface 35. The processor 31 also controls the light-emitting unit 13 to indicate that an error has occurred.

When processor 31 recognizes that the product registration has been performed normally, it judges YES in ACT1 and proceeds to ACT2. Processor 31 executes product sales data processing in ACT2. That is, processor 31 generates product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, tax category, sales points, sales amount, etc. of the purchased product. The sales points are the multiplier if a multiplier was input via touch panel 12 before inputting the product code. If a multiplier is not input, the sales points are "1". Processor 31 registers the product sales data in transaction memory. The transaction memory is, for example, a part of the volatile area in main memory 32. Processor 31 displays the product name, sales amount, etc. of the product sales data on the product registration screen of touch panel 12.

When the product sales data processing is completed, the processor 31 checks in ACT 3 whether the next product has been registered. If a product has not been registered, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 3 and proceeds to ACT 4. The processor 31 checks in ACT 4 whether the checkout button has been pressed. The checkout button is displayed on the touch panel 12, for example. If the checkout button has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 4 and returns to ACT 3. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT 3 and ACT 4 for a product to be registered or for the checkout button to be pressed.

When processor 31 detects that a product has been registered during the standby state of ACT3 and ACT4, processor 31 returns to ACT2. That is, processor 31 executes the product sales data processing described above. Therefore, the transaction file stores product sales data for each product that the customer has registered through self-operation.

When processor 31 detects that the checkout button has been pressed, it determines YES in ACT 4 and proceeds to ACT 5. In ACT 5, processor 31 acquires information related to the settlement of the transaction. The information related to the settlement of the transaction includes product sales data stored in the transaction file. The information related to the settlement of the transaction also includes the transaction date and time, register number, store number, transaction number, store data, etc. The transaction date and time is the date and time kept by clock 34. The register number is terminal identification information set for each self-service POS terminal 1. The store number is store identification information set for each store in which the self-service POS terminal 1 is installed. The transaction number is transaction identification information that is issued for each settlement of a transaction. The store data is the store name, address, store telephone number, etc. Here, processor 31 functions as an acquisition means by processing in ACT 5.

The processor 31 sets the receipt flag F to "0" in ACT 6. The receipt flag F is an example of information that identifies whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or receipt note format. The receipt flag F is stored in the main memory 32, which is the storage unit. In this embodiment, when the receipt is to be output in receipt format, the receipt flag F is set to "0", and when the receipt is to be output in receipt note format, the receipt flag F is set to "1". That is, in this embodiment, when the receipt is to be output in receipt format, it is set as the default.

In ACT 7, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 12 to display a payment method selection screen. In ACT 8, the processor 31 checks the receipt flag F. If the receipt flag F is "0", that is, the receipt is to be output in receipt format, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. In ACT 9, the processor 31 displays on the payment method selection screen that receipts in receipt format are valid.

In contrast, if the receipt flag F is "1", that is, if the receipt is to be output in receipt format, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 10. In ACT 10, the processor 31 displays on the payment method selection screen that a receipt in receipt format is valid.

Figure 5 shows an example of the payment method selection screen 401 when the receipt flag F is "0", i.e., when the receipt is output in receipt format. Figure 6 shows an example of the payment method selection screen 402 when the receipt flag F is "1", i.e., when the receipt is output in receipt format.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the payment method selection screens 401, 402 have a first area 41, a second area 42, and a third area 43. Furthermore, the payment method selection screens 401, 402 have button images of a balance inquiry button 44, a store clerk call button 45, and a back button 46 arranged in areas other than the first to third areas 41 to 43. The balance inquiry button 44 is entered by the customer when making an inquiry about the balance of electronic money. The store clerk call button 45 is entered by the customer when it is necessary to call a store clerk. The back button 46 is entered by the customer when returning to product registration. The second area 42 is an area for displaying the total amount of the transaction. The third area 43 is an area in which multiple button images are arranged for specifying a group of products without barcodes.

The first area 41 has an area 411 in which images of multiple payment method buttons are arranged, and an area 412 in which an image of a receipt format switching button 47 is arranged. The payment method buttons are buttons that allow the customer to specify one of various payment methods, such as cash, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, electronic money, code payment, etc. The receipt format switching button 47 is a button that allows the customer to specify whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or receipt note format.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the payment method selection screen 401 when the receipt is to be output in receipt format, the receipt format switch button 47 is in a state indicating that the receipt in receipt format is valid as a result of the processing of ACT 9. Also, in association with the receipt format switch button 47, the payment method selection screen 401 displays guidance 48 instructing a customer who wishes to output the receipt in receipt format to press the receipt format switch button 47 before selecting a payment method. Note that the display form of the receipt format switch button 47 and the guidance 48 shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples. It may be possible to display that the receipt in receipt format is valid in a different form. Also, the customer may be guided in the operating procedure using content different from the guidance 48.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the payment method selection screen 402 when a receipt is output in receipt format, the receipt format switch button 47 is in a state indicating that a receipt in receipt format is valid as a result of the processing of ACT 10. Also, in association with the receipt format switch button 47, guidance 49 is displayed on the payment method selection screen 402 to guide customers who do not require a receipt to press the receipt format switch button 47 before selecting a payment method. Note that the display form of the receipt format switch button 47 and the guidance 49 shown in FIG. 6 are examples. It may be possible to indicate in other forms that a receipt in receipt format is valid. Also, the customer may be guided on the operating procedure using content different from the guidance 49.

The receipt format switching button 47 is a first image for accepting the selection of whether the transaction receipt is to be output in receipt format or receipt note format. The payment method button is a second image for the customer to select the payment method for the transaction. That is, the processor 31 functions as a first display control means by processing ACT7.

After checking the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5, the customer decides whether to receive the receipt as a receipt or as a receipt note. Then, the customer who receives the receipt as a receipt inputs the desired payment method button. The customer does not input the receipt format switching button 47.

In response to this, a customer who wishes to receive a receipt as a receipt first presses the receipt format switch button 47. By pressing the receipt format switch button 47, the screen on the touch panel 12 changes from the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5 to the payment method selection screen 402 in FIG. 6. The customer then presses the desired payment method button.

If the customer has pressed the receipt format switch button 47 but still wants to receive a receipt in the form of a paper receipt, he or she presses the receipt format switch button 47 again. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to change from the payment method selection screen 402 in FIG. 6 to the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5. The customer then presses the desired payment method button.

After completing the processing of ACT 9 or ACT 10, the processor 31 checks whether the receipt format switching button 47 has been pressed in ACT 11. If the receipt format switching button 47 has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 12. The processor 31 checks whether any of the payment method buttons have been pressed in ACT 12. If no payment method button has been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 12 and returns to ACT 11. Here, the processor 31 waits for the receipt format switching button 47 to be pressed or for a payment method button to be pressed in ACT 11 and ACT 12. Note that in this standby state, if the balance inquiry button 44, the clerk call button 45, or the back button 46 is pressed, the processor 31 executes the process corresponding to that button.

When it is detected that the receipt format switching button 47 has been input in the standby state of ACT 11 and ACT 12, the processor 31 judges as YES in ACT 11 and proceeds to ACT 13. The processor 31 checks the receipt flag F in ACT 13. Here, if the receipt flag F is set to "0", the processor 31 judges as YES in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 14. The processor 31 changes the receipt flag F to "1" in ACT 14. Thereafter, the processor 31 returns to ACT 8. Therefore, as described above, the screen of the touch panel 12 is changed from the payment method selection screen 401 shown in FIG. 5 to the payment method selection screen 402 shown in FIG. 6.

In contrast, if the receipt flag F is set to "1", the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 15. The processor 31 changes the receipt flag F to "0" in ACT 15. Then, the processor 31 returns to ACT 8. Therefore, as described above, the screen of the touch panel 12 changes from the payment method selection screen 402 shown in FIG. 6 to the payment method selection screen 401 shown in FIG. 5.

Here, the processor 31 functions as a storage means by the processing in ACT 6. The processor 31 also functions as an information switching means by the processing in ACT 13 to ACT 15.

When the processor 31 detects that the payment method button has been input in the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12, the processor 31 judges as YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT21 of FIG. 4. The processor 31 checks the receipt flag F in ACT21. If the receipt flag F is set to "0", the processor 31 judges as YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. The processor 31 generates a receipt settlement button 541 (see FIG. 7) in ACT22. On the other hand, if the receipt flag F is set to "1", the processor 31 judges as NO in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT23. The processor 31 generates a receipt settlement button 542 (see FIG. 8) in ACT23.

After completing the processing of ACT 22 or ACT 23, the processor 31 switches the screen of the touch panel 12 from the payment method selection screen 401, 402 to the accounting screen corresponding to the payment method in ACT 24.

Figures 7 and 8 show examples of accounting screens when cash payment is selected as the payment method. Figure 7 shows accounting screen 501 when receipt flag F is "0", i.e., when the receipt is output in receipt format. Figure 8 shows accounting screen 502 when receipt flag F is "1", i.e., when the receipt is output in receipt format.

As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cash payment accounting screens 501, 502 have a total amount display area 51, an inserted amount display area 52, and a change display area 53. In addition, the accounting screens 501, 502 have button images of a settlement button 541 or 542, a back button 55, and a store clerk call button 56 in areas other than the display areas 51 to 53.

The customer presses the settlement button 541 or the settlement button 542 when instructing to settle the transaction using the selected payment method. That is, the settlement button 541 or the settlement button 542 is the third image. The back button 55 is pressed by the customer when returning to the payment method selection screen 401, 402. That is, the back button is the fourth image. The customer presses the call clerk button 56 when it is necessary to call a clerk. Note that the accounting screen when a payment method other than cash is selected is the same as the cash payment accounting screens 501, 502, except that the inserted amount display area 52 and the change display area 53 are different. That is, the processor 31 functions as a second display control means by processing ACT24.

The accounting screen 501 in FIG. 7 displays a receipt settlement button 541 generated by the processing of ACT 22. The receipt settlement button 541 displays the text "Receipt" along with the text "Settlement" at the top of the button as information to notify the customer that a receipt will be output in receipt format.

The accounting screen 502 in FIG. 8 displays a receipt settlement button 542 generated by the processing in ACT 23. The receipt settlement button 542 displays the text "Receipt" along with the text "Settlement" at the top of the button as information to notify the customer that the receipt will be output in receipt format.

The information informing the customer whether the receipt will be output in receipt format or receipt note format is not limited to the image displayed at the top of receipt settlement button 541 or receipt settlement button 542. For example, a message informing the customer whether the receipt will be output in receipt format or receipt note format may be displayed in part of the area of accounting screens 501, 502. In short, any information that allows a customer who views accounting screens 501, 502 to easily know whether the receipt will be output in receipt format or receipt note format will suffice.

After displaying the accounting screens 501 and 502, the processor 31 checks whether the back button 55 has been pressed in ACT 25. If the back button 55 has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 25 and proceeds to ACT 26. The processor 31 checks whether the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 has been pressed in ACT 26. If the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 has not been pressed, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 26 and returns to ACT 25. Here, the processor 31 waits for the back button 55 to be pressed or the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 to be pressed in ACT 25 and ACT 26. If the store clerk call button 56 is pressed in this standby state, the processor 31 executes the process corresponding to the store clerk call button 56.

When it is detected that the back button 55 has been pressed in the standby state in ACT 25 and ACT 26, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 25 and returns to ACT 7 in FIG. 3. The processor 31 then executes the processes from ACT 7 onwards in the same manner as described above.

If input of the receipt settlement button 541 or receipt settlement button 542 is detected during the standby state of ACT 25 and ACT 26, the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27. The processor 31 executes the settlement process corresponding to the payment method in ACT 27.

For example, if cash payment is selected, processor 31 executes the payment process using the cash payment. For example, if credit card payment is selected, processor 31 executes the payment process using the credit card payment. For example, if electronic money payment is selected, processor 31 executes the payment process using the electronic money payment. The same applies when other payment methods are selected. Note that these payment processes are well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

When the payment process is completed, the processor 31 checks the receipt flag F in ACT 28. If the receipt flag F is set to "0", the processor 31 judges YES in ACT 28 and proceeds to ACT 29. In ACT 29, the processor 31 checks whether the total amount of the transaction is an amount that requires revenue stamps, for example, 50,000 yen or more.

If the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires revenue stamps, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 29 and proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, the processor 31 edits the receipt data in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps.

If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires revenue stamps, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 29 and proceeds to ACT 31. In ACT 31, the processor 31 edits the receipt data in a receipt format compatible with revenue stamps.

On the other hand, if the receipt flag F is set to "1", the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 28 and proceeds to ACT 32. In ACT 32, the processor 31 checks whether the total amount of the transaction is an amount that requires revenue stamps, for example, 50,000 yen or more.

If the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires revenue stamps, the processor 31 judges NO in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 31 edits the receipt data in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps.

If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires revenue stamps, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 34. In ACT 34, the processor 31 edits the receipt data in a receipt format compatible with revenue stamps.

When the receipt data is edited in ACT 30, ACT 31, ACT 33, or ACT 34, the processor 31 controls the printer 16 to print the receipt data on receipt paper in ACT 35.

By this control, if receipt data is edited in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps in ACT 30, receipt 61 with the layout shown in FIG. 9 is issued from the issuing port 161. If receipt data is edited in a receipt format that supports revenue stamps in ACT 31, receipt 71 with the layout shown in FIG. 11 is issued from the issuing port 161.

As shown in Figures 9 and 11, receipt 61 and receipt 71 have store identification information, transaction date, transaction details, transaction total amount, payment information for the transaction, etc. printed on them based on the information related to the settlement of the transaction. In addition, receipt 71 has a message 711 printed on the back instructing the user to affix a revenue stamp and tally the amount. Receipt 61 does not have a message 711 printed on it.

On the other hand, if the receipt data has been edited in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps in ACT 33, receipt 62 with the layout shown in FIG. 10 is issued from issue port 161. If the receipt data has been edited in a receipt format that supports revenue stamps in ACT 34, receipt 72 with the layout shown in FIG. 12 is issued from issue port 161.

As shown in FIG. 10 or FIG. 12, receipt 62 or receipt 72 has the transaction date, recipient's name, transaction total amount, issuer's name and address, etc. printed on it based on information related to the settlement of the transaction. Furthermore, receipt 72 has a stamp affixing field 721 printed on it. Receipt 62 does not have a stamp affixing field 721 printed on it.

Here, the processor 31 functions as an output means through the processing of ACT 28 to ACT 35. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

As described above in detail, when a customer who has completed self-registration of purchased items using the self-service POS terminal 1 presses the checkout button, the screen on the touch panel 12 switches from the registration screen to the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5. From the image of the receipt format switch button 47 on the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5, the customer can see that the setting is set to issue a receipt as a receipt.

If the customer wishes to receive a receipt as a receipt, the customer presses one of the payment buttons. For example, if the customer presses the payment button for the cash payment method, the screen on the touch panel 12 switches from the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5 to the accounting screen 501 in FIG. 7. From the image of the receipt settlement button 541 on this accounting screen 501, the customer can tell that a receipt is set to be issued as a receipt.

When the customer presses receipt settlement button 541, if the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, a receipt 61 in the format shown in FIG. 9, for example, is issued. If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, a receipt 71 in the format shown in FIG. 11, for example, is issued.

On the other hand, if the customer wishes to receive a receipt as a proof of payment, the customer presses the receipt format switch button 47 on the payment method selection screen 401 of FIG. 5. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to switch from the payment method selection screen 401 of FIG. 5 to the payment method selection screen 402 of FIG. 6. From the image of the receipt format switch button 47 on the payment method selection screen 402 of FIG. 6, the customer can see that the settings have been changed so that a receipt will be issued as a proof of payment.

Then, the customer presses one of the payment buttons. For example, when the cash payment method payment button is pressed, the screen on the touch panel 12 switches from the payment method selection screen 402 in FIG. 6 to the accounting screen 502 in FIG. 8. From the image of the receipt settlement button 542 on this accounting screen 502, the customer can see that a receipt is set to be issued as a receipt.

When the customer presses the receipt settlement button 542, if the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires revenue stamps, a receipt 62, for example, in the format shown in FIG. 10, is issued. If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires revenue stamps, a receipt 72, for example, in the format shown in FIG. 12, is issued.

If a customer who has checked the accounting screen 501 in FIG. 7 wishes to change so that they can receive a receipt as their receipt, they press the back button 55. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to switch from the accounting screen 501 in FIG. 7 to the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5. The customer then presses the receipt format switch button 47 to switch to the payment method selection screen 402 in FIG. 6, and then selects the payment method again. By doing so, the customer can receive a receipt as their receipt.

Similarly, if a customer who has checked the accounting screen 502 in FIG. 8 wants to change so that they can receive a receipt as a receipt, they press the back button 55. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to switch from the accounting screen 502 in FIG. 8 to the payment method selection screen 402 in FIG. 6. The customer then presses the receipt format switch button 47 to switch to the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5, and then selects the payment method again. By doing so, the customer can receive a receipt as a receipt.

When a customer receives the receipt 71 in FIG. 11 or the receipt 72 in FIG. 12, the customer must affix a stamp and tally to the receipt 71 or receipt 72. This task is performed, for example, by a store clerk at the service counter. For this reason, the customer must go to the service counter with the receipt 71 or receipt 72. When the receipt 71 in FIG. 11 or the receipt 72 in FIG. 12 is printed out by the printer 16, it is advisable to display a message on the screen of the touch panel 12 informing the customer that they must go to the service counter to receive the stamp and tally.

Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a self-service POS terminal 1 that allows customers to issue receipts by operating the terminal themselves.

Furthermore, if the settlement button on the accounting screen is the receipt settlement button 541, the customer can know that the setting is to output a receipt in receipt format. Similarly, if the settlement button on the accounting screen is the receipt settlement button 542, the customer can know that the setting is to output a receipt in receipt format. Therefore, it is possible to prevent as much as possible the mistake of the customer receiving a receipt in a format that they do not want.

In addition, when the back button 55 on the accounting screen is pressed, the screen on the touch panel 12 returns from the accounting screen to the payment method selection screen. Therefore, for example, even if a customer who wants a receipt selects a payment method on the payment method selection screen 401 in FIG. 5 without pressing the receipt format switch button 47, they can easily change the setting to output a receipt in receipt format.

In addition, by repeatedly pressing one receipt format switching button 47, the setting of whether the receipt is output in receipt format or receipt note format can be easily changed. Therefore, even customers who are unfamiliar with operating the self-service POS terminal 1 can easily change the receipt format.

Although the embodiment of the payment device has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.
In the above embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 1 is exemplified as an example of a payment device. The present invention can also be applied to a payment device in a semi-self-service payment system. In this case, the acquisition unit acquires information related to the payment of a transaction with a customer from the registration device.

In the above embodiment, the default is to output the receipt in receipt format. For example, in a store that issues receipts frequently, the default may be to output the receipt in receipt format. In this case, in ACT 6 of FIG. 3, the processor 31 sets the receipt flag to "1." In ACT 7, the processor 31 displays the payment method selection screen 402 of FIG. 6.

Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
In addition, the claims as originally filed in this application are set forth below.
[C1]
An acquisition means for acquiring information related to settlement of a transaction with a customer;
a first display control means for displaying on a display unit a first image for receiving a selection of whether a receipt for the transaction is to be output in a receipt format or in a receipt note format together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
a second display control means for causing the display unit to display a third image for instructing the user to settle the transaction using the selected payment method when any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image;
an output means for outputting the receipt in a format selected via the first image based on information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means when the payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image;
A payment device comprising:
[C2]
The third image includes information notifying the customer whether the receipt should be output in receipt format or receipt note format.
[C3]
The second display control means displays on the display unit, together with the third image, a fourth image that instructs the image on the display unit to be returned to the image displayed by the first display control means.The payment device described in [C2].
[C4]
A storage means for storing information for identifying whether the receipt is to be output in a receipt format or a receipt note format in a storage unit;
an information switching means for switching the information from information identifying one format to information identifying the other format each time a selection is received via the first image;
Further comprising:
The output means outputs the receipt in a format identified by the information.
[C5]
A computer of a payment device having a display unit,
An acquisition means for acquiring information related to settlement of transactions with customers;
a first display control means for causing the display unit to display a first image for accepting a selection of whether a receipt for the transaction is to be output in a receipt format or in a receipt note format together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
a second display control means for, when any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image, causing the display unit to display a third image for instructing the settlement of the transaction by the selected payment method; and
an output means for outputting the receipt in a format selected via the first image based on information related to the payment acquired by the acquisition means when payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image;
A control program that functions as a
[C6]
A payment device having a display unit,
displaying on the display unit a first image for receiving a selection of whether to output a receipt for a transaction with a customer in receipt format or receipt note format together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
When any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image, a third image for instructing the settlement of the transaction by the selected payment method is displayed on the display unit;
A payment method for a payment device, in which, when payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image, the receipt is output in a format selected via the first image based on information related to the payment of the transaction.

1...self-service POS terminal, 12...touch panel, 14...scanner, 15...card reader, 16...printer, 17...automatic change dispenser, 18...reader/writer, 20...scale unit, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 34...clock, 35...communication interface, 61, 71...receipt, 62, 72...receipt, 401, 402...payment method selection screen, 501, 502...accounting screen.

Claims (5)

An acquisition means for acquiring information related to settlement of a transaction with a customer;
a first display control means for displaying on a display unit a first image for receiving a selection by the customer of whether to output a receipt for the transaction in receipt format or receipt format, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format has been selected, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format has been selected, a guidance image for guiding the customer to make a selection using the first image before selecting a payment method for the transaction, and a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
a second display control means for causing the display unit to display a third image for instructing the user to settle the transaction using the selected payment method when any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image;
an output means for outputting the receipt in a format selected via the first image based on information related to the transaction acquired by the acquisition means when the payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image;
Equipped with
The third image includes information informing the customer whether the receipt should be output in receipt format or receipt note format . The payment device according to claim 1 , wherein the second display control means causes the display unit to display, together with the third image, a fourth image instructing the display unit to return the image to the image displayed by the first display control means. A storage means for storing information for identifying whether the receipt is to be output in a receipt format or a receipt note format in a storage unit;
an information switching means for switching the information from information identifying one format to information identifying the other format each time a selection is received via the first image;
Further comprising:
3. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the receipt in a format identified by the information. A computer of a payment device having a display unit,
An acquisition means for acquiring information related to settlement of transactions with customers;
a first display control means for displaying on a display unit a first image for accepting a selection by the customer of whether to output a receipt for the transaction in receipt format or receipt format, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format has been selected, and for switching to output in the receipt format when output in the receipt format has been selected, a guidance image for guiding the customer to make a selection using the first image before selecting a payment method for the transaction, and a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
a second display control means for, when any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image, causing the display unit to display a third image for instructing the settlement of the transaction by the selected payment method; and
an output means for outputting the receipt in a format selected via the first image based on information related to the payment acquired by the acquisition means when payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image;
Function as a
The third image includes information informing the customer whether the receipt should be output in receipt format or receipt note format . A payment device having a display unit,
displaying on a display unit a first image for accepting a selection by the customer of whether a receipt for a transaction with a customer is to be output in receipt format or receipt format, and for switching to output in receipt format when output in receipt format has been selected, and for switching to output in receipt format when output in receipt format has been selected, a guidance image for guiding the customer to select whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or receipt format before the customer selects a payment method for the transaction, and a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction;
When any one of the payment methods is selected via the second image, a third image for instructing the settlement of the transaction by the selected payment method is displayed on the display unit;
When payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image, the receipt is output in the format selected via the first image based on information related to the payment of the transaction ;
A payment method for a payment device , wherein the third image includes information notifying the customer whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or receipt note format .