Settlement device and control program thereof, and settlement method of settlement device

Abstract

To allow customers to issue a receipt through their own operations.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes acquisition means, first display control means, second display control means, and output means. The acquisition means acquires information pertaining to the settlement of a transaction with a customer. The first display control means causes a display unit to display a first image for accepting the selection of whether to output the receipt for the transaction in a receipt format or a proof-of-payment format, together with a second image for the customer to select the settlement method for the transaction. When the customer selects one of the settlement methods via the second image, the second display control means causes the display unit to display a third image for instructing the customer to settle the transaction using the selected settlement method. With the instruction of the settlement for the transaction via the third image, the output means outputs a receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the information pertaining to the settlement obtained by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device, a control program therefor, and a payment method for the payment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Retail stores are increasingly introducing self-service or semi-self-service payment systems. Self-service payment systems allow customers to do everything from registering purchased items to paying for them themselves. Semi-self-service payment systems allow store clerks to register purchased items and customers to pay for them. 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 a registration device specialized for registering purchased items and a payment device specialized for customer payments.

[0003] Incidentally, receipts that record the details of a transaction and are issued to customers come in two types: receipt-style receipts and receipt-style receipts. Hereinafter, receipt-style receipts will be referred to as "receipts," and receipt-style receipts will be referred to as "receipts." A receipt records store identification information, transaction date, transaction details, transaction total amount, payment information for the transaction, etc. A receipt records transaction date, recipient's name, transaction total amount, issuer's name and address, etc.

[0004] Generally, receipt issuers write the recipient's name on a receipt, affix a stamp, and stamp it. In other words, receipt issuance requires the intervention of a store clerk. For this reason, payment devices in self-service POS terminals or self-service payment systems are designed to prevent receipts from being issued by customers themselves without the intervention of a store clerk. However, considering the need to reduce the burden on store clerks, an increasing number of stores are now allowing customers to issue receipts by themselves. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-062353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a payment device that allows a customer to issue a receipt through their own operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the payment 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 the settlement of a transaction with a customer. The first display control means displays, on the display unit, a first image for accepting a selection of whether a receipt for the transaction is to be output in receipt format or in receipt format, together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction. When one 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 the customer to settle the transaction using the selected payment method. When the payment 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. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a self-service POS terminal according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting screen displayed on the touch panel of the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a receipt printed out by the self-service POS terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the payment device will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a payment device of a self-service payment system is exemplified, and hereinafter, the payment device is referred to as a self-service POS terminal. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0010] 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. A display pole 11 and a touch panel 12 are attached to the top of the main body 10. A basket stand 30 is provided in the center of the side of the main body 10 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 work by standing 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, from the customer's perspective, 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 description, the side on which the customer stands is referred to as the front of the main body 10, the side on which the scale unit 20 is installed is referred to as the left side of the main body 10, and the side on which the basket stand 30 is installed is referred to as the right side of the main body 10.

[0011] The display pole 11 has a light-emitting unit 13 at its tip that selectively emits light, for example, in blue or red. The display pole 11 displays the status of the self-service POS terminal 1, such as standby, operating, calling, or error, depending on the color of light emitted by the light-emitting unit 13.

[0012] The touch panel 12 is composed of a display for displaying various screens to an 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.

[0013] A reading window 141 for the scanner 14 (see FIG. 2), a card insertion slot 151 for the card reader 15 (see FIG. 2), and an issuing slot 161 for receipts printed by the printer 16 (see FIG. 2) are formed on the front of the main body 10. A coin insertion slot 171, a coin dispensing outlet 172, a bill insertion slot 173, and a bill dispensing outlet 174 for the automatic change dispenser 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 surface 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 surface of the main body 10.

[0014] Scale unit 20 has a structure in which scale pan 22 is provided on top of housing 21, and bag holder 23 is attached to the top of scale pan 22. The top surface of scale pan 22 serves as a placement surface 221. 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." Scale unit 20 measures the weight of an item placed in the plastic bag or my bag held by holding arms 231 and placed on placement surface 221.

[0015] As shown in Figure 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, etc. 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 processor 31, the main memory 32, and the auxiliary storage device 33 are connected via the system transmission path 36 to form a computer for the self-service POS terminal 1.

[0016] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or an application program to realize various functions of the self-service POS terminal 1. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0017] 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 store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. 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.

[0019] The clock 34 keeps time. The processor 31 processes the time kept by the clock 34 as the current time.

[0020] The communication interface 35 performs data communication in accordance with a preset communication protocol with external devices connected via a network, such as a store server, an attendant terminal, a router, or another self-service POS terminal.

[0021] The scanner 14 reads a code symbol from a product held over the 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. The scanner 14 may be of a type that reads a code symbol by scanning with laser light, or of a type that reads a code symbol from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0022] Card reader 15 reads card data recorded on a card medium such as a credit card, a point card, etc. Card reader 15 pulls the card medium inserted into card insertion slot 151 into main body 10, reads the card data, and then ejects the card from card insertion slot 151.

[0023] 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 is printed is ejected from the issuing port 161, cut by a cutter (not shown), and issued as a receipt or proof of purchase.

[0024] The automatic change dispenser 17 includes a coin unit 175 and a banknote 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 a safe by denomination. The coin unit 175 takes out coins of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, change data, and dispenses them to the coin dispensing outlet 172. The banknote unit 176 sorts banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 173 one by one, identifies the denomination, and stores them in the safe by denomination. The banknote unit 176 takes out banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on, for example, change data, and dispenses them to the banknote dispensing outlet 174.

[0025] 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.

[0026] In the self-service POS terminal 1 configured as described above, the processor 31 includes an acquisition unit, a first display control unit, a second display control unit, an output unit, a storage unit, and an information switching unit. The acquisition unit acquires information related to the settlement of a transaction with a customer. The first display control unit displays a first image, which accepts the selection of whether a receipt for the transaction is to be output in receipt format or in receipt format, on the touch panel 12, which is the display unit, along with a second image, which allows the customer to select a payment method for the transaction. The second display control unit displays a third image, which instructs the customer to settle the transaction using the selected payment method, on the touch panel 12, which is the display unit, when a payment method is selected via the second image. The output unit outputs a receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the payment information acquired by the acquisition unit, when payment for the transaction is instructed via the third image. The storage unit stores information identifying whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or in 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 every time a selection is received via the first image.

[0027] The functions of the processor 31 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Figures 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 31 according to a control program. Figures 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams of screens displayed on the touch panel 12. Figures 9 to 12 are schematic diagrams of receipts printed by the printer 16.

[0028] Note that the procedures shown in Figures 3 and 4 are examples. The procedures are not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained. Furthermore, the screens shown in Figures 5 to 8 are also examples. The format is not particularly limited as long as the information required by the user can be obtained. Similarly, the receipts shown in Figures 9 to 12 are also examples. The format is not particularly limited as long as the information required by the user can be obtained.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, processor 31 waits for product registration as ACT1. A customer who starts self-registration of purchased products using self-service POS terminal 1 first operates touch panel 12 to input 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. Once the information required for self-registration has been input, processor 31 changes the screen of touch panel 12 to a product registration screen. The product registration screen is similar to existing screens, and therefore will not be described here.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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, where the unit price includes tax, or for a tax-exclusive product, where the unit price does not include tax. The unit weight is the standard weight of one product.

[0032] Processor 31 calculates the weight of the product placed on placement surface 221 based on the amount of change in weight data measured by scale unit 20. Processor 31 then determines whether this product weight is within the allowable range for the unit weight. If it is within the allowable range, processor 31 recognizes that product registration has been performed normally.

[0033] If the value 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.

[0034] When processor 31 recognizes that product registration has been performed successfully, it determines 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 classification, sales points, sales amount, etc. of the purchased product. The sales points are the multiplier if a multiplier was entered via touch panel 12 before entering the product code. If a multiplier was not entered, the sales points are "1". Processor 31 registers the product sales data in transaction memory. 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.

[0035] Upon completing product sales data processing, processor 31 checks in ACT3 whether the next product has been registered. If no product has been registered, processor 31 determines NO in ACT3 and proceeds to ACT4. Processor 31 checks in ACT4 whether the checkout button has been pressed. The checkout button is displayed on touch panel 12, for example. If the checkout button has not been pressed, processor 31 determines NO in ACT4 and returns to ACT3. Here, processor 31 waits in ACT3 and ACT4 for product registration to be performed or for the checkout button to be pressed.

[0036] When processor 31 detects that a product has been registered in the standby state of ACT3 and ACT4, it 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 registered by the customer through self-operation.

[0037] When processor 31 detects that the checkout button has been pressed, it determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5. Processor 31 acquires information related to the transaction settlement in ACT5. The information related to the transaction settlement includes product sales data stored in the transaction file. The information related to the transaction settlement 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 issued for each transaction settlement. Store data includes the store name, address, store telephone number, etc. Here, processor 31 functions as an acquisition means by processing ACT5.

[0038] The processor 31 sets the receipt flag F to "0" as ACT6. The receipt flag F is an example of information that identifies whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or in receipt note format. The receipt flag F is stored in the main memory 32, which is a storage unit. In this embodiment, the receipt flag F is set to "0" when the receipt is to be output in receipt format, and the receipt flag F is set to "1" when the receipt is to be output in receipt note format. In other words, in this embodiment, outputting the receipt in receipt format is the default.

[0039] In ACT 7, processor 31 displays a payment method selection screen on touch panel 12. In ACT 8, processor 31 checks receipt flag F. If receipt flag F is "0", meaning that a receipt is to be output in receipt format, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. In ACT 9, processor 31 displays on the payment method selection screen that receipts in receipt format are valid.

[0040] On the other hand, if the receipt flag F is "1", that is, if the receipt is to be output in receipt format, the processor 31 determines 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.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen 401 when the receipt flag F is "0", that is, when the receipt is output in receipt format. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen 402 when the receipt flag F is "1", that is, when the receipt is output in receipt format.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 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 41-43. The balance inquiry button 44 is input by a customer when inquiring about the balance of electronic money. The store clerk call button 45 is input by a customer when it is necessary to call a store clerk. The back button 46 is input by a 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 a plurality of button images are arranged for specifying a group of products without barcodes.

[0043] 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 should be output in receipt format or receipt note format.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, on the payment method selection screen 401 when a receipt is to be 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 ACT9. Also, on the payment method selection screen 401, a guidance 48 is displayed in association with the receipt format switch button 47, instructing a customer who wishes to output a receipt in receipt format to press the receipt format switch button 47 before selecting a payment method. The display form of the receipt format switch button 47 and the guidance 48 shown in FIG. 5 are merely examples. It may also be possible to indicate that a receipt in receipt format is valid in other forms. Furthermore, the customer may be guided through the operating procedure using content different from the guidance 48.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, on 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 due to the processing of ACT10. Also, on the payment method selection screen 402, a guidance 49 is displayed in association with the receipt format switch button 47, instructing 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 merely examples. The fact that a receipt in receipt format is valid may be displayed in other forms. Also, the customer may be guided through the operating procedure using content different from the guidance 49.

[0046] The receipt format switching button 47 is a first image for accepting the selection of whether to output the transaction receipt in receipt format or in 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.

[0047] After checking the payment method selection screen 401 in Figure 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 presses the desired payment method button. The customer does not press the receipt format switch button 47.

[0048] In response to this, a customer who receives 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.

[0049] If the customer has pressed the receipt format switch button 47 but still decides to receive a receipt as 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.

[0050] After completing the processing of ACT9 or ACT10, the processor 31 checks in ACT11 whether the receipt format switching button 47 has been pressed. If the receipt format switching button 47 has not been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT12. The processor 31 checks in ACT12 whether any of the payment method buttons has been pressed. If no payment method button has been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT12 and returns to ACT11. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT11 and ACT12 for the receipt format switching button 47 to be pressed or for a payment method button to be pressed. Note that if the balance inquiry button 44, clerk call button 45, or back button 46 is pressed in this standby state, the processor 31 executes the process corresponding to that button.

[0051] In the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12, when processor 31 detects that the receipt format switching button 47 has been pressed, processor 31 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT13. Processor 31 checks the receipt flag F in ACT13. If the receipt flag F is set to "0", processor 31 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT14. Processor 31 changes the receipt flag F to "1" in ACT14. Thereafter, processor 31 returns to ACT8. Therefore, as described above, the screen of touch panel 12 changes from the payment method selection screen 401 shown in FIG. 5 to the payment method selection screen 402 shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] On the other hand, if the receipt flag F is set to "1", the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 13 and proceeds to ACT 15. The processor 31 changes the receipt flag F to "0" in ACT 15. Thereafter, 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.

[0053] Here, the processor 31 functions as a storage means by the processing of ACT 6. The processor 31 also functions as an information switching means by the processing of ACT 13 to ACT 15.

[0054] When processor 31 detects that the payment method button has been pressed while in the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12, it determines YES in ACT12 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 4. Processor 31 checks the receipt flag F in ACT21. If the receipt flag F is set to "0", processor 31 determines YES in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT22. 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", processor 31 determines NO in ACT21 and proceeds to ACT23. Processor 31 generates a receipt settlement button 542 (see FIG. 8) in ACT23.

[0055] After completing the processing in ACT22 or ACT23, the processor 31 switches the screen of the touch panel 12 from the payment method selection screen 401, 402 to a checkout screen corresponding to the payment method in ACT24.

[0056] Figures 7 and 8 show examples of the accounting screen when cash payment is selected as the payment method. Figure 7 shows accounting screen 501 when receipt flag F is "0," meaning that the receipt will be output in receipt format. Figure 8 shows accounting screen 502 when receipt flag F is "1," meaning that the receipt will be output in receipt format.

[0057] 7 and 8, the cash payment checkout screens 501, 502 have a total amount display area 51, a deposited amount display area 52, and a change display area 53. In addition, the checkout screens 501, 502 have button images of a checkout button 541 or a checkout button 542, a back button 55, and a store clerk call button 56 arranged in areas other than the display areas 51-53.

[0058] The customer presses the settlement button 541 or the settlement button 542 when instructing to settle the transaction using the selected payment method. In other words, the settlement button 541 or the settlement button 542 is the third image. The customer presses the back button 55 when returning to the payment method selection screen 401, 402. In other words, 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 checkout screen when a payment method other than cash is selected is the same as the cash payment checkout screens 501, 502, except that the inserted amount display area 52 and the change display area 53 are different. In other words, the processor 31 functions as a second display control means by processing ACT24.

[0059] The checkout screen 501 in Figure 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.

[0060] The checkout screen 502 in Figure 8 displays a receipt settlement button 542 generated by the processing of 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 a receipt will be output in receipt format.

[0061] Note that 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 screen 501, 502. The point is that any information that allows a customer viewing accounting screen 501, 502 to easily know whether the receipt will be output in receipt format or receipt note format will suffice.

[0062] After displaying the checkout screens 501 and 502, the processor 31 checks in ACT 25 whether the back button 55 has been pressed. If the back button 55 has not been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 25 and proceeds to ACT 26. The processor 31 checks in ACT 26 whether the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 has been pressed. If the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 has not been pressed, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 26 and returns to ACT 25. Here, the processor 31 waits in ACT 25 and ACT 26 for the back button 55 to be pressed, or for the receipt settlement button 541 or the receipt settlement button 542 to be pressed. Note that 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.

[0063] When it is detected that the back button 55 has been pressed in the standby state of ACT25 and ACT26, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT25 and returns to ACT7 in Fig. 3. Then, the processor 31 executes the processes from ACT7 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0064] If processor 31 detects that receipt settlement button 541 or receipt settlement button 542 has been pressed during the standby state of ACT 25 and ACT 26, processor 31 determines YES in ACT 26 and proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, processor 31 executes a settlement process corresponding to the payment method.

[0065] For example, if cash payment is selected, processor 31 executes the settlement process using cash payment. For example, if credit card payment is selected, processor 31 executes the settlement process using credit card payment. For example, if electronic money payment is selected, processor 31 executes the settlement process using electronic money payment. The same applies when other payment methods are selected. Note that these settlement processes are well known, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0066] When the payment process is complete, processor 31 checks receipt flag F in ACT 28. If receipt flag F is set to "0", processor 31 determines YES in ACT 28 and proceeds to ACT 29. In ACT 29, processor 31 checks whether the total amount of the transaction is an amount that requires a revenue stamp, for example, 50,000 yen or more.

[0067] If the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, the processor 31 determines NO in ACT 29 and proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, the processor 31 edits receipt data in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps.

[0068] If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 29 and proceeds to ACT 31. In ACT 31, the processor 31 edits receipt data in a receipt format compatible with revenue stamps.

[0069] On the other hand, if the receipt flag F is set to "1", the processor 31 determines 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 a revenue stamp, for example, 50,000 yen or more.

[0070] If the total amount of the transaction is less than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, the processor 31 determines 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.

[0071] If the total amount of the transaction is equal to or greater than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, the processor 31 determines YES in ACT 32 and proceeds to ACT 34. In ACT 34, the processor 31 edits receipt data in a receipt format compatible with revenue stamps.

[0072] Once the receipt data has been edited in ACT30, ACT31, ACT33 or ACT34, the processor 31 controls the printer 16 to print the receipt data on receipt paper in ACT35.

[0073] With this control, if receipt data is edited in ACT 30 in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps, a receipt 61 with the layout shown in Fig. 9 is issued from the issuing port 161. If receipt data is edited in ACT 31 in a receipt format that supports revenue stamps, a receipt 71 with the layout shown in Fig. 11 is issued from the issuing port 161.

[0074] As shown in Figures 9 and 11, receipt 61 or receipt 71 has printed on it store identification information, transaction date, transaction details, transaction total amount, payment information for the transaction, etc., based on information related to the settlement of the transaction. In addition, receipt 71 has printed on the back a message 711 instructing the user to affix a revenue stamp and tally it. Receipt 61 does not have message 711 printed on it.

[0075] On the other hand, if the receipt data has been edited in a receipt format that does not support revenue stamps in ACT 33, a receipt 62 with the layout shown in Fig. 10 is issued from the issuing port 161. If the receipt data has been edited in a receipt format that supports revenue stamps in ACT 34, a receipt 72 with the layout shown in Fig. 12 is issued from the issuing port 161.

[0076] 10 or 12, receipt 62 or receipt 72 has the transaction date, recipient's name, total transaction 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 the stamp affixing field 721 printed on it.

[0077] Here, the processor 31 functions as an output means by the processing of ACT28 to ACT35. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0078] 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 shown in Fig. 5. From the image of the receipt format switching button 47 on the payment method selection screen 401 shown in Fig. 5, the customer can see that the setting is such that a receipt will be issued as a receipt.

[0079] If the customer wishes to receive a receipt as a receipt, they press one of the payment buttons. For example, if they press the cash payment button, the screen on touch panel 12 will switch from payment method selection screen 401 in Fig. 5 to checkout screen 501 in Fig. 7. From the image of receipt settlement button 541 on this checkout screen 501, the customer can see that a receipt is set to be issued as a receipt.

[0080] If the customer presses receipt settlement button 541, a receipt 61 in the format shown in Fig. 9 will be issued if the total transaction amount is less than the amount that requires a revenue stamp. If the total transaction amount is equal to or greater than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, a receipt 71 in the format shown in Fig. 11 will be issued.

[0081] On the other hand, if the customer wishes to receive a receipt as a proof of purchase, the customer presses receipt format switch button 47 on payment method selection screen 401 in Fig. 5. This switches the screen on touch panel 12 from payment method selection screen 401 in Fig. 5 to payment method selection screen 402 in Fig. 6. From the image of receipt format switch button 47 on payment method selection screen 402 in Fig. 6, the customer can know that the setting has been changed so that a receipt will be issued as a proof of purchase.

[0082] Next, the customer presses one of the payment buttons. For example, if the cash payment button is pressed, the screen on the touch panel 12 switches from the payment method selection screen 402 in Fig. 6 to the checkout screen 502 in Fig. 8. From the image of the receipt settlement button 542 on this checkout screen 502, the customer can see that a receipt is set to be issued as a receipt.

[0083] If the customer presses the receipt settlement button 542, a receipt 62 in the format shown in Fig. 10 will be issued if the total transaction amount is less than the amount that requires a revenue stamp. If the total transaction amount is equal to or greater than the amount that requires a revenue stamp, a receipt 72 in the format shown in Fig. 12 will be issued.

[0084] If a customer who has checked the checkout screen 501 in FIG. 7 wishes to change the screen so that they can receive a receipt as a proof of purchase, they press the back button 55. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to switch from the checkout 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 the receipt as a proof of purchase.

[0085] Similarly, if a customer who has checked the checkout screen 502 in FIG. 8 wants to change the screen so that they can receive a receipt instead, they press the back button 55. This causes the screen on the touch panel 12 to switch from the checkout 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 instead.

[0086] Now, when a customer receives the receipt 71 in FIG. 11 or the receipt 72 in FIG. 12, they need to affix a stamp and have a tally stamped on the receipt 71 or receipt 72. This work is performed, for example, by a store clerk at the service counter. Therefore, the customer will go to the service counter with the receipt 71 or receipt 72. Therefore, 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 or the like on the screen of the touch panel 12 informing the customer that they must go to the service counter to receive a stamp and a tally stamp.

[0087] Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a self-checkout POS terminal 1 that allows a customer to issue a receipt through their own operation.

[0088] Furthermore, if the settlement button on the accounting screen is receipt settlement button 541, the customer will know that the setting is to output a receipt in receipt format. Similarly, if the settlement button on the accounting screen is receipt settlement button 542, the customer will know that the setting is to output a receipt in receipt format. This makes it possible to prevent customers from making the mistake of receiving a receipt in a format they do not want.

[0089] Additionally, pressing the back button 55 on the accounting screen returns the screen on the touch panel 12 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 Figure 5 without pressing the receipt format switch button 47, they can easily change the setting to output a receipt in receipt format.

[0090] Furthermore, 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.

[0091] 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. However, 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 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

1. 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 receipt format or in receipt format, together with a second image for the customer to select a payment method for the transaction; a second display control means for, when one of the payment methods is selected via the second image, causing the display unit to display a third image for instructing settlement of the transaction using the selected payment method; an output means for outputting the receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the information related to the payment acquired by the acquisition means when payment of the transaction is instructed via the third image; A payment device comprising:

2. The payment device according to claim 1 , wherein the third image includes information informing the customer whether the receipt should be output in receipt format or receipt note format.

3. The payment device according to claim 2, 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.

4. a storage means for storing information for identifying whether the receipt is to be output in receipt format or 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:

4. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the output means outputs the receipt in a format identified by the information.

5. a computer of a payment device having a display unit, Acquisition means for acquiring information related to settlement of transactions with customers; a first display control means for displaying on the display unit a first image for receiving a selection of whether a receipt for the transaction is to be output in receipt format or in receipt 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 settlement of the transaction using the selected payment method; and an output means for outputting the receipt in the format selected via the first image based on the 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

6. 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 the transaction with the 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 using 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 the format selected via the first image based on information related to the payment of the transaction.

Images