POS terminal, switching method, and program

Abstract

To allow for easy switching of connection with a settlement center for performing settlement processing using a credit card.SOLUTION: A POS terminal is connected to a settlement terminal which acquires card information from a credit card, and includes setting means and settlement means. The setting means sets connection destination data indicating a first settlement center or a second settlement center to which an inquiry about credit is to be made for settling payment for a commodity based on the card information acquired from the settlement terminal. In settling the payment for the commodity based on the card information, the settlement means inquires to the first or second settlement center indicated by the connection destination data set by the setting means, to execute credit settlement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a POS terminal connected to a payment terminal that acquires card information from a credit card in a POS (Point Of Sales) system, and a switching method and program executed by the POS terminal. [Background technology]

[0002] POS systems installed in stores such as supermarkets allow customers to select cash, credit card, or other payment methods for the products they wish to purchase, depending on their needs. POS terminals that allow credit card payments are connected to a payment terminal that reads customer-specific card information from the credit card. The payment terminal is equipped with a card reader that reads card information from the credit card, buttons for entering a PIN (Personal Identification Number), and other devices.

[0003] When paying by credit card, the POS terminal sends a credit inquiry (credit authorization) for processing the payment for the product, that is, an inquiry to confirm whether it is possible to pay for the product using a credit card, to the payment center via the payment terminal based on the card information acquired from the payment terminal. When the POS terminal receives a response to the inquiry to the payment system that the credit card can be used, it continues the processing for the credit card payment.

[0004] Generally, there are three types of credit cards: IC (integrated circuit) cards, magnetic cards, and IC cards with wireless communication functions. If the types of credit cards used at a store are IC cards and magnetic cards, a message (data) for communicating with the payment center is generated based on the card information obtained from the credit card and sent to the payment center via the payment terminal.

[0005] Furthermore, when adding an IC card with wireless communication functionality to the types of credit cards used at a store, the payment terms and conditions (for example, the maximum payment amount) differ between IC cards and magnetic cards, so it is necessary to generate a message (data) in a different format than when using an IC card and a magnetic card, and communicate with a payment center that supports the use of an IC card with wireless communication functionality.

[0006] Therefore, when the types of credit cards that can be used at a store are changed, it is necessary to generate a message (data) corresponding to the new payment center and to implement a function in the POS terminal for communicating with the corresponding payment center. For this reason, particularly in stores (such as supermarkets) that have multiple POS terminals in operation, the workload of changing the functions of the POS terminals when the types of credit cards that can be used are changed is heavy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-140688 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a POS terminal, a switching method, and a program that can easily switch settlement centers for settlement processing using credit cards. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an embodiment, the POS terminal is connected to a payment terminal that acquires card information from a credit card, and includes a setting means and a payment means. The setting means sets connection destination data indicating a first payment center or a second payment center to be used for credit card inquiries in order to process payment for products based on the card information acquired from the payment terminal. When processing payment for products based on the card information, the payment means makes an inquiry to the first payment center or the second payment center indicated in the connection destination data set by the setting means and executes credit card payment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store server in this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data stored in the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen in the settlement center connection flag setting process in the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS terminal in this embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operational transition of processing during credit card payment in this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a system according to this embodiment. The system shown in Figure 1 includes payment centers 10 and 12, a management server 16, point-of-sales (POS) systems 14 installed in each of a plurality of stores, and the management server 16, all connected via a network 18 including the Internet.

[0013] When a payment is made by credit card at a POS system 14 (POS terminal 22) installed in a store such as a supermarket, the payment centers 10, 12 execute a process to confirm whether payment for the product can be made using the credit card (credit authorization) in response to a credit inquiry for processing the payment for the product received from the POS terminal 22 (payment terminal 24).The payment centers 10, 12 confirm whether the credit card is legitimate and valid, and the card's credit limit, based on the card information acquired from the credit card received in the credit inquiry.

[0014] The settlement center 10 is a system that executes credit authorization in response to a credit inquiry when the types of credit cards used in the POS system 14 (POS terminal 22) are, for example, IC cards and magnetic cards. The settlement center 12 is a system that executes credit authorization in response to a credit inquiry when the types of credit cards used in the POS system 14 (POS terminal 22) are, for example, IC cards, magnetic cards, and IC cards with wireless communication functions.

[0015] In the following explanation, we will use as an example a case where the POS system 14 (POS terminal 22) currently allows the use of credit cards using IC cards and magnetic cards, but in order to newly allow the use of credit cards using IC cards with wireless communication functions, the payment center to be contacted for credit inquiries is switched from payment center 10 (old) to payment center 12 (new).

[0016] The POS system 14 is configured by connecting a plurality of POS terminals 22 to a store server 20 via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The POS terminal 22 can be, for example, a face-to-face POS terminal where a store clerk performs operations for registering and settling products that a customer wishes to purchase, a self-service POS terminal where a customer performs operations for registering and settling products, or an accounting terminal where a customer performs operations for settling products that have been registered by a store clerk at a registration terminal. In other words, the POS terminal 22 can be a terminal where a customer can use a credit card to settling for products to be purchased.

[0017] The POS terminal 22 processes data related to product sales transactions, such as product sales data including data such as sales amounts associated with product information such as product codes that identify each product, product names, and unit prices. The POS terminal 22 allows customers to select cash or credit card as a payment method for the products they wish to purchase, depending on their request. For this reason, a payment terminal 24 is connected to the POS terminal 22 for reading card information for each customer from each credit card. The payment terminal 24 is equipped with a card reader that reads card information from a credit card, buttons for entering a personal identification number (PIN), and the like.

[0018] Management server 16 is a server for managing POS system 14 (POS terminal 22). Management server 16 executes a process for setting a payment center connection flag (FIG. 4(B), described later) for switching between payment centers 10 and 12 for POS terminal 22 of POS system 14 via network 18, for example, in response to an operation by an administrator.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the store server 20 in this embodiment.

[0020] The store server 20 is equipped with computer functions and includes a CPU (central processing unit) 200, a ROM (read-only memory) 201, a RAM (random-access memory) 202, an auxiliary memory unit 203, a keyboard 204, a touch panel 205, a display 206, a printer 207, and a communication unit 208.

[0021] The CPU 200 is a circuit for controlling each unit to realize various operations of the store server 20 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 201 and RAM 202.

[0022] The ROM 201 and RAM 202 store various programs executed by the CPU 200, as well as data that the CPU 200 refers to when performing various processes.

[0023] The programs executed by the CPU 200 include a control program for managing the POS terminals 22. The control program includes a program for executing a process for setting a payment center connection flag (FIG. 4(B), described later) for switching between the payment centers 10 and 12 for the multiple POS terminals 22 via a network such as a LAN, by operation of a store administrator (such as a store manager), for example.

[0024] The auxiliary storage unit 203 stores data used by the CPU 200 when it performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 200. As the auxiliary storage unit 203, for example, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. can be used.

[0025] The keyboard 204 and the touch panel 205 are input devices for inputting data according to operations by, for example, an administrator of the POS system 14.

[0026] The display 206 and the printer 207 are output devices for outputting (displaying, printing) the results of processing by the CPU 200.

[0027] The communication unit 208 communicates with the settlement centers 10 and 12 or the management server 16 via the network 18, and with the multiple POS terminals 22 via a network such as a LAN in the POS system 14.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 22 in this embodiment.

[0029] The POS terminal 22 is equipped with computer functions and includes a CPU 220 , a ROM 221 , a RAM 222 , an auxiliary storage unit 223 , an automatic change dispenser 224 , a communication unit 225 , a scanner 226 , a touch panel 227 , a printer 228 , and an external interface 229 .

[0030] The CPU 220 is a circuit for controlling each part to realize various operations of the POS terminal 22 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 221 and RAM 222.

[0031] The ROM 221 and RAM 222 store various programs executed by the CPU 220, as well as data that the CPU 220 refers to when performing various processes.

[0032] The programs executed by CPU 220 include, for example, a control program for executing normal operation processes including registration / payment of products that a customer wishes to purchase, as well as a control program 30 (see FIG. 9) for realizing functions for payment processing using a credit card. Control program 30 includes a program for executing a payment center connection flag setting process, a program for setting communication functions (first communication library 301 and second communication library 302 shown in FIG. 9) for controlling communication for payment processing with the payment center via payment terminal 24, and the like.

[0033] The program that executes the payment center connection flag setting process is a program that executes the payment center connection flag setting process that sets the payment center connection flag (connection destination data) to select (switch) the payment center to contact for credit inquiries (credit authorization) when using a credit card.

[0034] The program for setting the communication function is a setting processing program that determines the payment center connection flag (connection destination data), for example, when the POS terminal 22 is opened (powered on), and, depending on this determination, sets the first communication library 301 (first communication function) that communicates with the payment center 10 or the second communication library 302 (second communication function) that communicates with the payment center 12.

[0035] The auxiliary storage unit 223 stores programs corresponding to the various functions executed by the CPU 220, data used by the CPU 220 in processing the various functions, or data generated by processing in the CPU 220. The auxiliary storage unit 223 may be, for example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD.

[0036] The programs executed by the CPU 220 are stored in the RAM 222 or the auxiliary storage unit 223. The RAM 222 or the auxiliary storage unit 223 also stores setting data called system options and connection IO options for setting the functions of the POS terminal 22. The system options include, for example, a payment center setting item that indicates a payment center to which the credit inquiry destination is switched when a credit card is used, depending on a change in the type of credit card used in the POS terminal 22. The connection IO option includes, for example, a payment center connection flag (connection destination data) that indicates either the current (old) payment center or the (new) payment center that is to be the credit inquiry destination of the payment center indicated by the payment center setting item.

[0037] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing examples of setting data.

[0038] Figure 4(A) shows an example of data set in the payment center setting item of the system options. In Figure 4(A), for example, when a credit card issued by a certain corporate group that can process payments using an IC card or magnetic card is changed to an IC card with wireless communication function, data indicating the payment center to be used for credit inquiries regarding the credit card issued by the corporate group ("2" in Figure 4(A)) is set.

[0039] Figure 4(B) shows an example of the settlement center connection flag (connection destination data) of the connection IO option. For example, the settlement center connection flag is set to "0" to indicate the current settlement center 10 (old) and "1" to indicate the settlement center 12 (new). Figure 4(B) shows that "1" is set, indicating the settlement center 12 (new).

[0040] The automatic change dispenser 224 receives coins and bills that are inserted, and also dispenses coins and bills as change.

[0041] The scanner 226 optically scans data recorded on a medium such as a receipt. The scanner 226 may be a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner, or may be a type that identifies products using image recognition technology based on a photograph of the product. The scanner 226 may be of one type or multiple types.

[0042] The touch panel 227 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays any screen, such as a GUI screen. For example, the display device displays a list of transaction information (product name, price, etc.) related to products registered for purchase, a subtotal, various menus and setting screens, and buttons for inputting commands. The display device may be a well-known device, such as a color LCD. The touch sensor is placed over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the position of the operator's touch on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 220. The touch sensor may be a well-known device.

[0043] The printer 228 is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and issues transaction receipts (vouchers) and the like by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper.

[0044] The external interface 229 connects to the payment terminal 24 and controls communication with the payment terminal 24 .

[0045] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the payment terminal 24 in this embodiment.

[0046] The payment terminal 24 is equipped with computer functions and includes a CPU 240, a ROM 241, a RAM 242, an auxiliary storage unit 243, a keyboard 244, a card reader 245, a display 246, and communication units 247, 247.

[0047] The CPU 240 is a circuit for controlling each part to realize various operations of the payment terminal 24 based on the programs stored in the ROM 241 and the RAM 242.

[0048] The ROM 241 and RAM 242 store various programs executed by the CPU 240, as well as data that the CPU 240 refers to when performing various processes.

[0049] The programs executed by CPU 240 include a control program for communicating with payment center 10 or payment center 12 via network 18 in response to instructions from POS terminal 22 (control program 30 for realizing functions for payment processing using credit cards).

[0050] The auxiliary storage unit 243 stores data used by the CPU 240 when it performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 240. The auxiliary storage unit 243 may be, for example, an EEPROM, an SSD, or the like.

[0051] The keyboard 244 is an input device provided with buttons and the like for inputting a personal identification number (PIN), for example.

[0052] The card reader 245 reads card information from a credit card, and can read credit cards such as IC cards, magnetic cards, and IC cards with wireless communication functions.

[0053] The display 246 is an output device for outputting (displaying, printing) the results of processing by the CPU 240.

[0054] The communication unit 247 is connected to the POS terminal 22 and communicates with the POS terminal 22 .

[0055] The communication unit 248 communicates with the settlement centers 10 and 12 or the management server 16 via the network 18 .

[0056] Next, the operation of the POS system in this embodiment will be described.

[0057] Here, we will use as an example a case where the POS system 14 (POS terminal 22) currently allows the use of credit cards using IC cards and magnetic cards, but in order to newly allow the use of credit cards using IC cards with wireless communication functions, the settlement center to contact for credit inquiries is switched from settlement center 10 (old) to settlement center 12 (new).

[0058] In this case, the POS terminal 22 is equipped with a first communication library 301 for realizing a communication function of acquiring card information from a credit card (IC card and magnetic card) and making a credit inquiry to the settlement center 10 (old). Also, the settlement center connection flag is set to "0" which indicates the current settlement center 10 (old).

[0059] In order to enable the use of a credit card that is an IC card with a wireless communication function, the second communication library 302 is implemented in the POS terminal 22 (stored in the auxiliary storage unit 223) before the timing of the switch. In addition, a payment center connection flag setting process for setting the payment center connection flag is executed, for example, after the store closes on the day before the credit card operation is switched.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the settlement center connection flag setting process of the POS terminal 22 in this embodiment.

[0061] For example, if credit cards with wireless communication functions are to be made available from business days on April 1st, the settlement center connection flag setting process is executed after business hours on March 31st have ended.

[0062] For example, a store employee (such as a store manager) or a system administrator issues an instruction to execute a payment center connection flag setting process by operating the touch panel 227 of the POS terminal 22. When the instruction to execute the payment center connection flag setting process is input, the CPU 220 of the POS terminal 22 starts the payment center connection flag setting process (ACT1, Yes).

[0063] The CPU 220 refers to the settlement center connection flag (connection destination data) of the current connection IO option, and causes the touch panel 227 to display a settlement center selection screen (ACT 2).

[0064] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a payment center selection screen. In the example shown in Figure 7, there are provided a button 41 for selecting the new payment center 12 after the change and a button 42 for selecting the current payment center 10 (old). The payment center connection flag before the change is set to "0", which indicates the current payment center 10 (old). Therefore, button 42 on the selection screen is displayed in a display form (for example, inverted) that indicates that it has been selected.

[0065] When a selection operation (touch) is performed on button 41 for selecting payment center 12 (new) on the selection screen (ACT3, No → ACT5, Yes), CPU 220 changes the display state of button 41 to a selected state (changes button 42 to a non-selected state) and sets the payment center connection flag in the connection IO option to "1".

[0066] When the CPU 220 receives an instruction to complete the setting operation (ACT7, Yes), it ends the settlement center connection flag setting process.

[0067] Furthermore, if a selection operation (touch) is performed on the button 42 for selecting the payment center 10 (old) on the selection screen (ACT3, Yes), the display form of the button 42 is similarly changed to a selected state, and the payment center connection flag in the connection IO options is set to "0" (ACT4).

[0068] In this way, the settlement center connection flag can be easily set / changed by the settlement center connection flag setting process.

[0069] In the above explanation, the selection screen is displayed on the POS terminal 22, and the payment center connection flag is set by operating the buttons 41 and 42 provided on the selection screen, but other setting methods can also be used.

[0070] For example, without using the setting screen on the POS terminal 22, the user may access a connection IO option file containing a payment center connection flag, rewrite the payment center connection flag to "1" or "0", and save the file.

[0071] Furthermore, instead of setting the payment center connection flag by operating the POS terminal 22, it is also possible to set the payment center connection flag remotely from the store server 20 or the management server 16. For example, a program (setting instruction function) for executing a process to instruct the store server 20 to set the payment center connection flag is provided, and a program (setting function) for setting / changing the payment center connection flag in response to an instruction from the store server 20 (setting instruction function) is provided in the POS terminal 22.

[0072] For example, a store administrator (such as a store manager) operates the store server 20 to select a payment option, similar to the payment center connection flag setting process described above. In response to this payment option selection, the POS terminal 22 in the POS system 14 is instructed to set / change the payment center connection flag. The POS terminal 22 sets / changes the payment center connection flag in response to the instruction from the store server 20.

[0073] This allows the payment center connection flag to be set / changed for multiple POS terminals 22 connected to the store server 20 via a network such as a LAN by operating the store server 20. Therefore, the same payment center connection flag can be set / changed for multiple POS terminals 22, which reduces the workload for switching payment centers.

[0074] Similarly, the management server 16 can also set / change the payment center connection flag for the POS terminals 22 in the POS systems 14. In this case, the management server 16 may individually select the POS systems 14 for which the payment center connection flag is to be set / changed and set / change the payment center connection flag for each POS system 14, or may collectively set / change the payment center connection flag for the POS terminals 22 included in each of the multiple POS systems 14.

[0075] Next, a flowchart showing the operation of the station opening process when the POS terminal 22 in this embodiment is powered on will be described.

[0076] Typically, the POS terminal 22 is powered on before the store opens, and an opening process is executed as preparation for operation of the operation process. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 22 sets a communication function for communicating with the payment center according to the payment center connection flag during the opening process.

[0077] The POS terminal 22 starts the establishment process when the power is turned on. In the establishment process, the CPU 220 executes a program for setting up a communication function for communicating with the settlement center based on the settlement center connection flag (connection destination data).

[0078] The CPU 220 refers to the payment center setting item in the system options and determines whether the payment center is the one for which the credit inquiry contact point should be switched when a credit card is used.

[0079] If the payment center setting item indicates that the payment center is not the one for switching the credit inquiry destination (ACT12, No), the CPU 220 does not execute the process of setting up the communication function for communicating with the payment center, but instead transitions to operational processing for carrying out normal business (ACT17).

[0080] On the other hand, if the settlement center setting item is set to "2" and indicates a settlement center for switching the credit inquiry destination, the CPU 220 refers to the settlement center connection flag (connection destination data) of the connection IO option (ACT13).

[0081] Here, if the payment center connection flag is set to "0" (ACT14, Yes), that is, if it indicates that the credit inquiry contact should be the current payment center 10 (old), the CPU 220 sets the first communication library 301 (first communication function) (ACT15).

[0082] On the other hand, if the payment center connection flag is set to "1" (ACT14, No), that is, if it indicates that the credit inquiry contact point should be the new payment center 12 (new), the CPU 220 sets the second communication library 302 (second communication function) (ACT16).

[0083] In this way, when the CPU 220 completes the setting of the communication function according to the payment center connection flag (ACT15, ACT16), it proceeds to operation processing for carrying out normal business (ACT17). In the operation processing, at the time of credit card payment, the CPU 220 executes communication with payment center 10 or 12 through the communication function (first communication function or second communication function) set according to the payment center connection flag to execute a credit card inquiry.

[0084] When the POS terminal 22 is restarted (ACT18, Yes), it is set in accordance with the payment center connection flag in the same manner as described above (ACT11 to 16). Therefore, although the above description has described that the payment center connection flag is set before the business day when the credit card type is changed, it is possible to change the setting of the payment center connection flag at any timing (for example, before business starts on the day, during business hours, etc.) and then restart the POS terminal 22 to change the communication function (switch from payment center 10 to payment center 12).

[0085] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the transition of operational processing during credit card payment in this embodiment.

[0086] After the customer has completed registration of the product they wish to purchase, if credit card payment is selected as the payment method, the CPU 220 of the POS terminal 22 executes initialization processing 51 and establishes communication with the payment terminal 24 by processing the control program 30 (communication function by the first communication library 301 or the second communication library 302).

[0087] Next, the CPU 220 executes the credit inquiry process 52, and acquires the card information read from the credit card by the payment terminal 24 through the processing of the control program 30 (communication function).

[0088] When the first communication library 301 is set, the CPU 220 uses the first communication function of the first communication library 301 to make a credit inquiry to the payment center 10 via the payment terminal 24 based on the card information acquired from the payment terminal 24. The first communication function of the first communication library 301 generates a message (data) in a format for communication with the payment center 10 and communicates with the payment center 10.

[0089] On the other hand, when the second communication library 302 is set, the CPU 220 uses the second communication function of the second communication library 302 to make a credit inquiry to the payment center 12 via the payment terminal 24 based on the card information acquired from the payment terminal 24. The second communication function of the second communication library 302 generates a message (data) in a format for communication with the payment center 12 and communicates with the payment center 12.

[0090] When a credit inquiry to settlement center 10 or settlement center 12 confirms that a credit card can be used, CPU 220 displays card information, payment amount, and payment method (e.g., lump-sum payment, installment payment, bonus payment, etc.) selection buttons on touch panel 227, and when the customer selects the payment method and confirms the transaction amount, credit card settlement process 53 is executed.

[0091] The CPU 220 executes the credit card payment process 53, and by processing the control program 30 (communication function), the customer is prompted to input a personal identification number (PIN) at the payment terminal 24, thereby authenticating the customer.

[0092] When the first communication library 301 is set, the CPU 220 executes a credit card payment process for the payment center 10 via the payment terminal 24 using the first communication function of the first communication library 301 .

[0093] On the other hand, if the second communication library 302 is set, the CPU 220 executes the credit card payment process for the payment center 12 via the payment terminal 24 using the second communication function of the second communication library 302 .

[0094] In Figure 9, it is shown that credit card payment processing is performed at payment centers 10 and 12, but in response to a credit inquiry (credit authorization), payment centers 10 and 12 perform credit card payment processing, for example, with a card company's payment system, and then perform credit card payment processing between them.

[0095] When the credit card payment is completed, the CPU 220 causes the printer 228 to print a transaction receipt (voucher), etc. After that, the CPU 220 executes termination processing 54 to disconnect communication with the payment terminal 24 and terminates the processing for the credit card payment.

[0096] In this way, when the type of credit card that can be used at a store is changed, the POS terminal 22 in this embodiment executes the payment center connection flag setting process before the timing of the changeover and sets the payment center connection flag corresponding to the new payment center. This allows the communication function (communication library) corresponding to the new payment center to be set the next time the power is turned on (start-up process). This makes it possible to significantly reduce the workload of changing the functions of the POS terminal 22 in response to a change in the type of credit card that can be used at a store, i.e., switching the payment system to which credit card inquiries are directed.

[0097] In the above explanation, the communication library (first communication library 301, second communication library 302) is set by referring to the settlement center connection flag in the opening process when the POS terminal 22 is powered on, but the communication library may be set at other times. For example, the setting may be executed when connecting to the settlement center for the first time when using a credit card, or when various credit processing operations are performed (for example, obtaining credit card inquiry information, credit authorization, credit payment cancellation, credit cancellation, etc.).

[0098] 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims.

[0099] Furthermore, the processes described in the above-described embodiments can be written as a program that can be executed by a computer onto a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory, and provided to various devices. They can also be transmitted via a communications medium and provided to various devices. A computer reads a program recorded on a recording medium or receives a program via a communications medium, and executes the above-described processes by having its operation controlled by the program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10, 12...payment center, 14...POS system, 16...management server, 18...network, 20...store server, 22...POS terminal, 24...payment terminal, 200, 220, 240...CPU.

Claims

1. A POS terminal connected to a payment terminal that acquires card information from a credit card, a setting means for setting connection destination data indicating a first settlement center or a second settlement center to be contacted for credit inquiries in order to process payment for goods based on the card information acquired from the settlement terminal; and a settlement means for executing credit card settlement by inquiring about the first settlement center or the second settlement center indicated by the connection destination data set by the setting means when processing payment for a product based on the card information.

2. the communication system further comprises a communication function setting means for determining whether the connection destination data set by the setting means at the time of opening indicates the first settlement center or the second settlement center, and setting a first communication function for communicating with the first settlement center or a second communication function for communicating with the second settlement center in accordance with the determination; 2. The POS terminal according to claim 1, wherein the settlement means communicates with the first settlement center or the second settlement center through the first communication function or the second communication function set by the communication function setting means.

3. A switching method executed by a POS terminal connected to a payment terminal that acquires card information from a credit card, comprising: setting connection destination data indicating a first settlement center or a second settlement center to be used as a credit inquiry point for processing payment for merchandise based on the card information acquired from the settlement terminal; A switching method for executing credit card settlement by inquiring the first settlement center or the second settlement center indicated by the connection destination data when processing settlement for a product based on the card information.

4. at the time of opening, determining whether the connection destination data indicates the first settlement center or the second settlement center, and setting a first communication function for communicating with the first settlement center or a second communication function for communicating with the second settlement center according to the determination; 4. The switching method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of: executing communication with the first settlement center or the second settlement center through the set first communication function or the set second communication function.

5. Computer, A POS terminal connected to a payment terminal that acquires card information from a credit card, a setting means for setting connection destination data indicating a first settlement center or a second settlement center to be contacted for credit inquiries in order to process payment for goods based on the card information acquired from the settlement terminal; A program for functioning as a payment means that, when processing payment for a product based on the card information, queries the first payment center or the second payment center indicated by the connection destination data set by the setting means and executes credit card payment.

6. Computers, and more determining whether the connection destination data set by the setting means at the time of opening indicates the first settlement center or the second settlement center, and, depending on the determination, causing the setting means to function as a communication function setting means for setting a first communication function for executing communication with the first settlement center or a second communication function for executing communication with the second settlement center; 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the payment means functions to communicate with the first payment center or the second payment center through the first communication function or the second communication function set by the communication function setting means.

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