Receipt issuing device and program

Abstract

Adjust the size of the receipt image. [Solution] The receipt issuing device comprises a receiving means and an issuing means. The receiving means receives a first image. The issuing means issues a receipt on a medium, which is a second image printed on a medium according to the size indicated by the size information, based on the first image.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a receipt issuing device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Many companies are implementing measures to improve the customer attraction power of stores and increase sales by providing promotional receipts printed with promotional images to members.

[0003] For the same promotion, the size of the promotional image is the same regardless of the member. Thus, the size of the promotional image cannot be adjusted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [[ID=…]]

Patent Document ①

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of adjusting the size of an image on a receipt.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, a receipt issuing device includes a receiving unit and an issuing unit. The receiving unit receives a first image. The issuing unit issues a receipt in which a second image corresponding to the size indicated by size information is printed on a medium based on the first image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a transaction processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2]Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a POS terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating image information stored in the image information storage area according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage area according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the first image according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information reception processing in a transaction processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of transaction processing in the transaction processing system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates a promotional receipt printed with a second image corresponding to the large size according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates a promotional receipt printed with a second image corresponding to the medium size according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates a promotional receipt printed with a second image corresponding to the small size according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Several embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the scale of the parts in the drawings used in the following description of embodiments may have been changed as appropriate. Also, for illustrative purposes, some components may be omitted from the drawings used in the following description of embodiments.

[0009] <Embodiment> (Example configuration) Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating the transaction processing system SA. The Transaction Processing System SA is a system that communicates between multiple devices to process transactions in a store. For example, a store is a mass retailer such as a supermarket, but is not limited to this. A transaction is the transfer of fees from the customer to the store in connection with the sale of goods by the store. From the store's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of selling goods. From the customer's perspective, a transaction includes the meaning of purchasing goods. Goods can be tangible products, services, or vouchers that circulate in a form similar to cash currency. For example, vouchers include, but are not limited to, gift certificates, rice vouchers, and beer vouchers. Note that vouchers can be physical or digital. In the following, goods will be used as an example of goods. Unless otherwise specified, the term "transaction" refers to a single transaction.

[0010] The transaction processing system SA includes a store system SB, a member server 4, and a user terminal 5. The store system SB, the member server 4, and the user terminal 5 are connected to each other via a network NWA so that they can communicate with one another. For example, the network NWA includes one or more networks such as the Internet or a mobile communication network. The transaction processing system SA includes a store system SB for each store. The transaction processing system SA may include one user terminal 5 or multiple user terminals 5.

[0011] The store system SB is a system that includes multiple devices installed in the store. An example configuration of the store system SB will be described later.

[0012] Membership Server 4 is the device that provides membership services. Membership services are services provided to customers who have registered as members of the store. For example, membership services include point services and promotional services. Promotional services are an abbreviation for sales promotion. Point services are services that use points, such as the awarding and redemption of points. Points are a virtual system that has the same value as cash.

[0013] The promotion service is a service that provides promotion information to customers. The promotion information is information for the purpose of promotion. The promotion information may be information targeted at specific products or information not targeted at specific products. When the promotion information is information targeted at specific products, the promotion information includes information on the specific products. The information on the specific products may be an explanation of the specific products or a picture or photograph of the specific products. The promotion information includes benefits provided to customers. The benefits include, but are not limited to, price discounts, percentage discounts, exchanges, or point awards. A price discount is a subtraction of a determined amount. A percentage discount is a subtraction of an amount according to a determined percentage. An exchange is an exchange with a determined product.

[0014] The member server 4 stores image information for each promotion. The image information may be pre-registered using the user terminal 5. The image information is information about a first image corresponding to the promotion. The image information includes promotion identification information, the first image, and image range information. The promotion identification information is information that can identify the promotion information.

[0015] The first image is an image of the promotion. The first image is the original image of a second image printed on a medium for issuing a promotion receipt. The promotion receipt is a receipt obtained by printing the second image on a medium. A receipt is a printed matter obtained by printing an image on a medium. For example, the medium is paper.

[0016] Assume that the first image is a rectangular image. Assume that the first direction of the first image is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the medium. Assume that the second direction of the first image orthogonal to the first direction is a direction along the width direction of the medium.

[0017] The second image is an image of the promotion. The second image is an image of all or part of the first image extracted from the first image. The second image is an image printed on a medium for issuing a promotion receipt. Assume that the second image is a rectangular image.

[0018] The size of the second image is the size along the longitudinal direction of the medium. For example, the size of the second image is the size along the longitudinal direction of the medium from one end of the first image. The size of the second image can be set to any size. For example, the size of the second image can be set to one size selected from a plurality of sizes. The second image corresponding to the largest size among the plurality of sizes is the entire image of the first image. The second image corresponding to a size other than the largest size among the plurality of sizes is a partial image of the first image. Let any size among the plurality of sizes be the first size. Let a size smaller than the first size among the plurality of sizes be the second size. In this case, the second image corresponding to the first size is an image including the second image corresponding to the second size.

[0019] Although the plurality of sizes are described as being in three levels, it is not limited to this. The plurality of sizes may be in two levels or four levels or more. Here, the plurality of sizes are assumed to be, in order from the larger, the large size, the medium size, and the small size. The second image corresponding to the large size is the entire image of the first image. The second image corresponding to the medium size is a partial image of the first image. The second image corresponding to the small size is a partial image of the first image from which a range narrower than the medium size is extracted from the first image. The second image corresponding to the large size is an image including the second image corresponding to the medium size. The second image corresponding to the large size is an image including the second image corresponding to the small size. The second image corresponding to the medium size is an image including the second image corresponding to the small size.

[0020] The image range information is information on the range for extracting the second image from the first image. The image range information includes information indicating the range for extracting the second image from the first image for each setable size of the second image. Here, the image range information includes information indicating the range for extracting the second image corresponding to the large size, information indicating the range for extracting the second image corresponding to the medium size, and information indicating the range for extracting the second image corresponding to the small size.

[0021] The member server 4 stores the setting information for each promotion. The setting information may be registered in advance using the user terminal 5. The setting information may differ between stores for the same promotion, or it may be the same across stores. The setting information may differ between POS terminals 1 in the same store for the same promotion, or it may be the same across POS terminals 1 in the same store.

[0022] The configuration information is the information set for the second image extracted from the first image in accordance with the promotion. The configuration information includes promotion identification information and size information. The size information indicates the size of the configured second image. For example, the size information indicates one size selected from multiple sizes. Here, the size information is assumed to be one size selected from large, medium, and small sizes. This allows the user to easily set the size of the second image. The size of the second image indicated by the size information is the size along the long side of the medium.

[0023] The member server 4 stores condition information for each promotional receipt. The condition information may be registered in advance using the user terminal 5. The condition information includes promotional identification information and conditions. The conditions are the conditions for a member to issue a promotional receipt based on a first image associated with the promotional identification information. The member conditions may also be conditions set based on member information. For example, member information includes information such as the member's attributes and the member's transaction history. Member attributes include, but are not limited to, gender and age. Transaction history includes, but are not limited to, the goods or amounts traded.

[0024] User terminal 5 is a device usable by the user who registers image information and configuration information to the member server 4. For example, user terminal 5 may be a smartphone, tablet, or PC (Personal Computer), but is not limited to these.

[0025] The store system SB includes a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 1, a store server 2, and a router 3. The POS terminal 1, store server 2, and router 3 are connected to each other via a network NWB so that they can communicate with one another. For example, the network NWB includes one or more networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wireless LAN or a wired LAN.

[0026] The store system SB may include one POS terminal 1, or it may include multiple POS terminals 1.

[0027] POS terminal 1 is a device that processes transactions in a store. POS terminal 1 has product registration and accounting functions, and is a device that allows store employees to perform product registration and accounting operations. Processing a transaction may include processing product registration. Processing a transaction may include processing accounting. POS terminal 1 is an example of a transaction processing device that processes transactions. POS terminal 1 is an example of an accounting machine that processes accounting. POS terminal 1 is an example of a receipt issuing device that issues receipts. A receipt is a printed document with an image printed on a medium.

[0028] Product registration is the registration of goods before accounting for a transaction. Registered goods are also called registered goods. Accounting is payment after product registration. Accounting includes the meaning of settlement. Settlement methods for accounting include offline settlement and online settlement.

[0029] Offline payment is an accounting method in which the POS terminal does not require interaction with other devices via a network. For example, offline payment is an accounting method using cash and gift certificates.

[0030] Online payment is accounting performed by a POS terminal 1 in cooperation with other devices via a network. Examples of online payments include credit card payments, electronic money payments, debit card payments, code payments, and point payments. Point payments are payments made using points.

[0031] Store Server 2 is a device that processes transactions in the store. For example, Store Server 2 receives image information for each promotion assigned to the store from Member Server 4 and stores the received image information. Store Server 2 also receives setting information for each promotion assigned to the store from Member Server 4 and stores the received setting information.

[0032] Router 3 is a device used to connect each device included in the store system SB to the network NWA.

[0033] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating POS terminal 1. POS terminal 1 includes a processing circuit 10, main memory 11, storage 12, communication circuit 13, reading device 14, touch panel 15, printing device 16, reader 17, change dispenser 18, and input / output interface 19. Each element included in POS terminal 1 is connected to each other so that signals can be input and output. In Figure 2, the interface is denoted as "I / F".

[0034] The processing circuit 10 corresponds to the central part of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The processing circuit 10 includes one or more arithmetic circuits that perform multiple processes by performing multiple functions. For example, the arithmetic circuit is a processor, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited to these. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited to these. The processing circuit 10 loads programs stored in the main memory 11 or storage 12 into the main memory 11. By executing the programs loaded into the main memory 11, the processing circuit 10 makes various processes executable.

[0035] The main memory 11 includes elements corresponding to the main memory portion of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 is an element that constitutes the computer of the POS terminal 1. The main memory 11 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 11, the operating system or programs are stored. The volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 11 is used as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processing circuit 10. For example, the main memory 11 includes ROM (Read Only Memory) as a non-volatile memory area. For example, the main memory 11 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) as a volatile memory area.

[0036] Storage 12 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of POS terminal 1. Storage 12 includes one or more storage devices. For example, the storage device may be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is not limited to these. Storage 12 stores the above-mentioned program, data used by the processing circuit 10 in performing various processes, and data generated by the processing in the processing circuit 10.

[0037] Storage 12 includes an image information storage area 121. The image information storage area 121 stores image information for each promotion. POS terminal 1 receives image information for each promotion from the store server 2 and stores the received image information. The image information storage area 121 is an example of a storage unit that stores image information.

[0038] Storage 12 includes a configuration information storage area 122. The configuration information storage area 122 stores configuration information for each promotion. POS terminal 1 receives configuration information for each promotion from the store server 2 and stores the received configuration information. The configuration information storage area 122 is an example of a storage unit that stores configuration information.

[0039] The communication circuit 13 is a circuit that includes various interfaces for transmitting or receiving signals. The communication circuit 13 connects the POS terminal 1 to other devices via the network NWA, enabling communication between them.

[0040] The reading device 14 is a device that can read information from various code symbols and input the read information into the POS terminal 1. The reading device 14 may be a scanner that reads by sensing, or a camera that reads by taking a picture. For example, the code symbol may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0041] The touch panel 15 is a device that can be operated by store staff. The touch panel 15 includes an input device 151 and a display device 152. The input device 151 is a device that can input instructions or information into the POS terminal 1. The input device 151 is a touchscreen configured together with the display device 152. The input device 151 is an example of the input section of the POS terminal 1 for inputting instructions or information into the POS terminal 1. The input section may include a keyboard. The display device 152 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 10. For example, the display device 152 is a liquid crystal display or an EL (electroluminescence) display. The display device 152 is an example of the display unit of the POS terminal 1 that displays images.

[0042] The printing device 16 is a device for issuing printed materials in which an image is printed on a medium by printing onto the medium. For example, the printing device 16 is a thermal printer or an inkjet printer, etc., but is not limited to these. The printing device 16 is an example of a printing unit that issues printed materials in which an image is printed on a medium.

[0043] The reader 17 is a device that communicates with wireless tags to read information from and write information to wireless tags. For example, the reader 17 can communicate with wireless tags contained in electronic money media for electronic money payment. The change dispenser 18 is a device capable of inserting and dispensing cash.

[0044] The input / output interface 19 is an interface for connecting other devices to the POS terminal 1 and for inputting or outputting signals. For example, the POS terminal 1 is connected to a credit terminal via the input / output interface 19.

[0045] The hardware configuration of POS terminal 1 is not limited to the configuration described above. POS terminal 1 allows for the omission and modification of the above-described components, as well as the addition of new components, as appropriate.

[0046] The various means implemented by the processing circuit 10 will now be described. The processing circuit 10 implements a first receiving means 101, a second receiving means 102, a member processing means 103, a registration means 104, an accounting means 105, and an issuing means 106. Each means implemented by the processing circuit 10 can also be called a part or a function.

[0047] The first receiving means 101 is a receiving means for receiving image information. Receiving image information is one example of receiving a first image. The second receiving means 102 is a receiving means for receiving configuration information. Receiving configuration information is one example of receiving size information. The member processing means 103 processes transactions made by members. The registration means 104 processes the registration of the transaction's products. Accounting instrument 105 processes the accounting of the transaction. The issuing means 106 issues a receipt with an image printed on the medium.

[0048] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the image information stored in the image information storage area 121. The image information storage area 121 stores image information for each promotion. The image information includes promotion identification information, a first image, and image range information.

[0049] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration information stored in the configuration information storage area 122. The setting information storage area 122 stores setting information for each promotion. The setting information includes promotion identification information and size information.

[0050] (Example image) Figure 5 is an example of the first image IM. The first image IM contains multiple images. Each image in the first image IM is, but is not limited to, an image about the same promotion. Each image in the first image IM may be an image about a different promotion. Here, the first image IM is described as containing three images about the same promotion, but is not limited to this. The number of images may be two, four or more.

[0051] The image for the first promotional information is the leftmost of the three images included in the first image IM. The first promotional information may also be a special offer. The image for the second promotional information is the center of the three images included in the first image IM. The second promotional information may be an illustration or photograph of a specific product. The image for the third promotional information is the rightmost of the three images included in the first image IM. The third promotional information may be a description of a specific product.

[0052] In this example, in the image range information, the range from which the second image corresponding to the large size is extracted includes the image of the first promotional information, the image of the second promotional information, and the image of the third promotional information. The range from which the second image corresponding to the medium size is extracted includes the image of the first promotional information and the image of the second promotional information, but does not include the image of the third promotional information. The range from which the second image corresponding to the small size is extracted includes the image of the first promotional information, but does not include the image of the second promotional information or the image of the third promotional information.

[0053] Thus, it is preferable that the second image is an image extracted from the first image along the boundaries between images contained within the first image. This allows customers to appropriately grasp the promotional information from the second image.

[0054] (Example of processing) The processing procedure described below is merely an example, and each process may be modified as much as possible. Furthermore, depending on the embodiment, steps in the processing procedure described below may be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate.

[0055] Figure 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of information reception processing in the transaction processing system SA. In this scenario, store server 2 distributes image information and configuration information to POS terminal 1.

[0056] Store server 2 transmits image information to POS terminal 1 (ACT1). The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives image information from the store server 2 (ACT2). ACT2 may also be processed by the first receiving means 101. The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 stores the received image information in the image information storage area 121 (ACT3).

[0057] Store server 2 sends configuration information to POS terminal 1 (ACT4). The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives configuration information from the store server 2 (ACT5). ACT5 may also be processed by the second receiving means 102. The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 stores the received configuration information in the configuration information storage area 122 (ACT6).

[0058] In ACT5, the processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives configuration information from the store server 2, but is not limited to this. The processing circuit 10 may also accept pre-registered configuration information using the input device 151.

[0059] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of transaction processing in the transaction processing system SA. Here, we assume that the customer has brought the items they wish to purchase to POS terminal 1. The customer presents a code symbol containing member identification information to the store clerk. Member identification information is information that can identify the customer as a member. The code symbol containing member identification information may be an image attached to a card or an image displayed on the terminal.

[0060] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives member identification information read from the code symbol by the reading device 14 (ACT 11). ACT 11 may also be processed by the member processing means 103.

[0061] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 sends inquiry information containing member identification information to the member server 4 (ACT 12). ACT 12 may also be processed by the member processing means 103. The inquiry information is information requesting promotional identification information for issuing promotional receipts.

[0062] The member server 4 receives inquiry information from the POS terminal 1 (ACT13). The member server 4 retrieves member information based on the member identification information contained in the inquiry information. The member server 4 searches for conditions that the member information satisfies. The member server 4 extracts promotional identification information associated with the conditions that the member information satisfies.

[0063] The member server 4 sends response information to the POS terminal 1 (ACT14). The response information is the response to the inquiry information. The response information includes extracted promotional identification information.

[0064] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 receives response information from the member server 4 (ACT 15). ACT 15 may also be processed by the member processing means 103.

[0065] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 extracts image information and setting information based on the response information (ACT 16). ACT 16 may also be processed by the member processing means 103. In ACT 16, the processing circuit 10 extracts image information from the image information storage area 121 based on the promotional identification information contained in the response information. The processing circuit 10 extracts setting information from the setting information storage area 122 based on the promotional identification information contained in the response information.

[0066] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 processes the registration of the transaction's product (ACT 17). ACT 17 may also be processed by the registration means 104. In ACT 17, for example, the processing circuit 10 receives product identification information read from the product's code symbol by the reading device 14. Product identification information is information that can identify a product. For example, product identification information is a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, but is not limited to this. The processing circuit 10 may also receive product identification information based on a product selection instruction entered using the input device 151.

[0067] The processing circuit 10 can refer to the product master stored in the storage 12 and process product registration based on the acquired product identification information. The product master contains information about each product sold in the store. The product information may include all or part of the product identification information, product name, and price. The product information may also include information other than this.

[0068] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 processes the accounting of the transaction (ACT 18). ACT 18 may also be processed by the accounting means 105. In ACT 18, for example, the processing circuit 10 processes the accounting of the transaction to settle the accounting amount of the transaction. The accounting amount is the amount required to complete the transaction.

[0069] The processing circuit 10 of the POS terminal 1 issues a receipt using the printing device 16 (ACT 19). ACT 19 may also be processed by the issuing means 106. In ACT 19, for example, the processing circuit 10 issues a transaction receipt based on the accounting of the transaction. The transaction receipt is a receipt with an image related to the transaction printed on a medium. The image related to the transaction is an image that shows the details of the transaction. The details of the transaction include transaction product information for each item traded. The transaction product information includes all or part of the information on product identification information, product name, price, quantity, and product amount. The product amount is an amount calculated based on the product of price and quantity. The details of the transaction include information on the accounting amount.

[0070] The processing circuit 10 issues a promotional receipt by printing a second image on a medium, corresponding to the size indicated by the size information, based on the first image. For example, the processing circuit 10 identifies the range from which to extract the second image based on the image range information included in the extracted image information and the size information included in the extracted setting information. The processing circuit 10 extracts the image within the identified range from the first image included in the extracted image information as the second image. The processing circuit 10 issues a promotional receipt by having the printing device 16 print the extracted second image on a medium.

[0071] The size indicated in the size information is the size along the longitudinal direction of the medium. This allows the POS terminal 1 to adjust the length along the longitudinal direction of the promotional receipt.

[0072] The first image is a promotional image. This allows the processing circuit 10 to print a promotional receipt on a medium, with the second promotional image, corresponding to the size indicated by the size information, printed on the medium.

[0073] The second image is all or part of the first image. This allows the processing circuit 10 to print the second image extracted from the first image onto a medium to issue a promotional receipt. Therefore, the person setting up the system does not need to prepare the second image for each size.

[0074] (Example of a promotional receipt) This section explains an example of a promotional receipt that corresponds to the size of the second image.

[0075] Figure 8 illustrates a promotional receipt RA with a second image IMA printed on it, corresponding to the large size. Here, the size indicated in the size information is assumed to be the large size. The second image IMA, corresponding to the large size, is an image that, like the first image, includes the image of the first promotional information, the image of the second promotional information, and the image of the third promotional information. Therefore, the length of the promotional receipt RA is the longest.

[0076] Figure 9 illustrates a promotional receipt RB with a second image IMB printed on it, corresponding to a medium size. Here, the size indicated in the size information is assumed to be medium size. The second image IMB, corresponding to the medium size, includes the image of the first promotional information and the image of the second promotional information, but does not include the image of the third promotional information. Therefore, the length of the promotional receipt RB is shorter than that of the promotional receipt RA.

[0077] Figure 10 illustrates a promotional receipt RC with a second image IMC (Image Media Code) printed on it, adapted to a smaller size. Here, the size indicated in the size information is assumed to be the small size. The second image IMC, corresponding to the small size, is an image that includes the image of the first promotional information but does not include the images of the second and third promotional information. Therefore, the length of the promotional receipt RC is shorter than that of the promotional receipt RB.

[0078] As described above, the POS terminal 1 can issue a promotional receipt on a medium in which a second image, corresponding to the size indicated by the size information, is printed based on the first image. This allows the POS terminal 1 to adjust the size of the second image on the promotional receipt. Since the length of the promotional receipt changes according to the size of the second image, it is possible to reduce paper resources and the associated costs.

[0079] <Other Embodiments> In the embodiments described above, a POS terminal 1 capable of allowing store staff to register products and perform payment operations was used as an example of a receipt issuing device, but the invention is not limited to this. The receipt issuing device can be any device that issues receipts. The receipt issuing device may also be a fully self-checkout register capable of allowing customers to register products and perform payment operations. The receipt issuing device may be separate from the device capable of allowing store staff to register products and be a device capable of allowing customers to perform payment operations. The device capable of allowing customers to register products may be a portable device. The portable device may be a dedicated terminal mounted on a shopping cart, a portable terminal prepared in advance by the store, or a portable terminal owned by the customer.

[0080] Each of the means implemented by the processing circuit 10 described in the above embodiment may be implemented by a server that can communicate with the POS terminal 1. In this case, the server is an example of a receipt issuing device.

[0081] Each of the means implemented by the processing circuit 10 described in the above-described embodiment is not limited to being implemented in a single device such as the POS terminal 1. Each means may be implemented in a distributed manner across multiple devices.

[0082] The embodiments described above may be applied to methods performed by the device. The embodiments described above may be applied to a program that can cause the device's computer to perform each function. The embodiments described above may be applied to a recording medium that stores the program.

[0083] Each of the one or more arithmetic circuits that make up a processing circuit performs one or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of a single arithmetic circuit, the single arithmetic circuit performs all of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple arithmetic circuits, each of the multiple arithmetic circuits performs some of the multiple processes. Some of the multiple processes may be one of the multiple processes, or two or more of the multiple processes. If the processing circuit consists of multiple arithmetic circuits, the multiple arithmetic circuits may be contained in one device, or they may be distributed across multiple devices.

[0084] The program may be transferred while stored in the device according to the embodiment, or it may be transferred without being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while recorded on a recording medium. The recording medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The recording medium is a computer-readable medium. The recording medium may be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0085] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents.

[0086] Some of the embodiments described above may be expressed as follows: (1) Receiving means for receiving a first image, An issuing means for issuing a receipt that prints a second image on a medium according to the size information indicated by the first image, A receipt issuing device equipped with the following features. (2) The size information is information that indicates one size selected from multiple sizes. (1) The receipt issuing device described above. (3) The size indicated in the size information is the size along the longitudinal direction of the medium. (1) The receipt issuing device described above. (4) The second image is all or part of the first image. (1) The receipt issuing device described above. (5) The aforementioned first image is a promotional image. (1) The receipt issuing device described above. (6) The second image corresponding to the first size is an image that includes the second image corresponding to a second size smaller than the first size. (1) The receipt issuing device described above. (7) To the computer, A function to receive the first image, Based on the first image, a function to issue a receipt by printing a second image on a medium according to the size information, and A program that can execute [this command]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1...POS terminal, 2...Store server, 3...Router, 4...Member server, 5...User terminal, 10...Processing circuit, 11...Main memory, 12...Storage, 13...Communication circuit, 14...Reading device, 15...Touch panel, 16...Printing device, 17...Reader, 18...Cash dispenser, 19...Input / output interface, 101...First receiving means, 102...Second receiving means, 103...Member processing means, 104...Registration means, 105...Accounting means, 106...Issuing means, 121...Image information storage area, 122...Setting information storage area, 151...Input device, 152...Display device, IM...First image, IMA...Second image, IMB...Second image, IMC...Second image, NWA...First network, NWB...Second network, RA...Promotional receipt, RB...Promotional receipt, RC...Promotional receipt, SA...Transaction processing system, SB...Store system.

Claims

1. A receiving means for receiving a first image, An issuing means for issuing a receipt that prints a second image on a medium according to the size information indicated by the first image, A receipt issuing device equipped with the following features.

2. The aforementioned size information is information indicating one size selected from multiple sizes. The receipt issuing device according to claim 1.

3. The size indicated in the aforementioned size information is the size along the longitudinal direction of the medium. The receipt issuing device according to claim 1.

4. The second image is all or part of the first image. The receipt issuing device according to claim 1.

5. The first image mentioned above is a promotional image. The receipt issuing device according to claim 1.

6. On the computer, A function to receive the first image, Based on the first image, a function to issue a receipt by printing a second image on a medium according to the size information, and A program that can execute [this command].

Images