Payment terminal device, payment system, and product sales data processing device

Abstract

To suppress confusion at a job site when a failure occurs in a settlement system supporting non-cash settlement.SOLUTION: A settlement terminal device comprises: settling means which can execute non-cash settlement supporting non-cash settlement brands via communication with a settlement processing device; receiving means for receiving settlement acceptability information on acceptability of non-cash settlement; controlling means for controlling execution acceptability of non-cash settlement supporting the non-cash settlement brands according to reception of the settlement acceptability information by the receiving means; and outputting means for outputting brand supporting settlement acceptability information on execution acceptability of non-cash settlement supporting the non-cash settlement brands.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment terminal device, a payment system, and a product sales data processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] When purchasing goods and the like at a store, non-cash payments using credit cards instead of cash are becoming common. In non-cash payments, a payment terminal installed at the store communicates with a payment processing device such as a payment server (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-180984 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Since non-cash payments involve communication between store terminals and payment processing devices as described above, if a communication failure occurs over a wide area, for example, non-cash payments will not be available at many stores. However, it is difficult for each store to quickly and accurately grasp information about the failure, which can easily lead to confusion at the store or other locations.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to reduce on-site confusion when a failure occurs in a payment system that supports non-cash payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems is a payment terminal device that includes a payment means capable of executing a non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand via communication with a payment processing device, a receiving means for receiving payment feasibility information regarding whether or not a non-cash payment can be made, a control means for controlling whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand can be made in response to the payment feasibility information being received by the receiving means, and an output means for outputting brand-compatible payment feasibility information regarding whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand can be made.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a payment system comprising a payment terminal device installed in each store and capable of performing non-cash payments via communication with a payment processing device, and a management device that manages each of the payment terminal devices, the management device comprising a transmission means for transmitting payment feasibility information regarding whether or not non-cash payments can be made to the payment terminal device, and the payment terminal device comprising a control means for controlling whether or not non-cash payments can be made in response to receipt of the payment feasibility information.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a product sales data processing device that includes a display control means for displaying the availability of non-cash payment brands to be used for non-cash payment as selectable, a receiving means for receiving brand-compatible payment feasibility information regarding the feasibility of non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand transmitted from a payment agency server, and a notification of non-cash payment brands for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand-compatible payment feasibility information received by the receiving means. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a payment system in a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of installation of a POS terminal in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a POS terminal in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a payment terminal in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a payment agent server in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of payment terminal management information in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a payment agent server and a payment terminal in the payment system of the first embodiment in relation to providing information regarding the occurrence of a failure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a brand selection screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure executed by a payment agent server, a payment terminal, and a POS terminal in the payment system of the second embodiment in relation to providing information regarding the occurrence of a failure. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a payment type selection screen and a brand selection screen in the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a brand selection screen in the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] First Embodiment [Example of payment system configuration] A payment system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The payment system according to the present embodiment will be described as a payment system that uses a credit card (credit card payment) as a non-cash payment. FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a payment system according to this embodiment.

[0011] The payment system in the figure includes a POS terminal 20 and a payment terminal 30 installed in each of a plurality of stores ST. Note that, although the figure shows an example in which one POS terminal 20 and one payment terminal 30 are provided for each store ST, the number of POS terminals 20 provided in the store ST and the number of payment terminals 30 corresponding to the number of POS terminals 20 are not particularly limited.

[0012] The POS terminal 20 executes processes related to transactions (accounting processes) including, for example, a registration process for registering products purchased by a customer and a settlement process for settling the payment for the registered products for each transaction.

[0013] The payment terminal 30 executes a payment process (terminal payment process) corresponding to the credit card when a customer makes a payment by credit card. The payment terminal 30 is connected to the POS terminal 20 so as to be able to communicate with it. The communication between the payment terminal 30 and the POS terminal 20 may be wired or wireless. The payment terminal 30 also includes a card reader that reads information (card information) recorded on a credit card. When making a credit card payment at the store ST, the store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 to complete the product registration for the corresponding transaction, determine the total amount, and then transmits the determined total amount to the payment terminal 30. In addition, the store clerk (or the customer) operates the payment terminal 30 to read the card information of the customer's credit card and select the brand of the credit card to be used this time (an example of a non-cash payment brand). In response to receiving the total amount from the POS terminal 20 and the operation performed as described above, the payment terminal 30 acquires the total amount, card information, and brand information indicating the selected brand.

[0014] The store ST enters into an affiliated store contract with an acquirer of at least one of the credit card brands that it has decided to use at its store. Therefore, the brands of credit cards that customers can use at the store ST depend on which acquirer the store ST has an affiliated store contract with. The store ST also enters into a membership contract with the issuer that issues the credit card to the customer (card user).

[0015] The payment terminal 30 transmits a payment processing request including the brand information, card information, and total amount acquired as described above to the payment agent server 40 (an example of a management device). The payment agency server 40 (an example of a management device) executes payment processing in response to a payment processing request sent from the payment terminal 30. When performing payment processing, the payment agency server 40 authenticates the authenticity of the acquirer server and issuer server corresponding to the brand indicated by the brand information included in the received payment processing request, among the acquirer server 50 and issuer server 80 corresponding to each brand, and the credit card used. When authentication is successful, the payment agency server 40 performs payment processing.

[0016] In addition, the payment agent server 40 is connected to a call center terminal 60, a telecommunications carrier terminal 70, etc. so as to be able to communicate with them. The call center terminal 60 is, for example, a terminal provided in a call center operated by a payment agent corresponding to the payment agent server 40. The call center is a department that handles inquiries from stores ST that have contracted for credit card payment agent services via telephone and network. The carrier terminal 70 is a terminal of a carrier that provides a line used for communication between devices in the settlement system of this embodiment.

[0017] [Example of POS terminal configuration] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the installation of a POS terminal. Figure 2(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the customer side. Figure 2(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20, etc., as seen from the store clerk side. As shown in Figure 2(A), a counter is placed to the right of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a POS terminal. Fig. 3(A) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the customer side. Fig. 3(B) is a perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as seen from the store clerk side. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20. In Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the same parts are given the same symbols.

[0019] An example of the configuration of the POS terminal 20 shown in Fig. 4 will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. The POS terminal 20 in Fig. 4 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a hard disk 204, a customer display unit 205, a customer scanner unit 206, a card reader 208, a change dispenser 209, a store clerk display unit 210, a key operation unit 211, a store clerk scanner unit 212, a printing unit 213, an audio output unit 214, and a communication unit 215. These can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0020] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit, and controls the operation of the POS terminal 20 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 202 . The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores various types of information used by the CPU 201, including programs.

[0021] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory and stores various information. For example, the RAM 203 stores information acquired from the outside (e.g., a product master acquired from a higher-level device (not shown)) and information generated during processing (e.g., registration information generated during registration processing, settlement information generated during settlement processing, etc.). In the following description, either or both of the registration information and the settlement information may be referred to as transaction information.

[0022] The hard disk 204 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 204 may store programs executed by the CPU 201 instead of the ROM 202. Also, instead of the RAM 203, the hard disk 204 may store information acquired from the outside and information generated during processing.

[0023] The customer-side display unit 205 is a touch display for customers, which displays various information to customers and accepts various inputs from customers. The customer side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for customer use, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products.

[0024] Although the customer-side scanner unit 206 is used when a customer registers a product, the customer may register the product by other methods. For example, if a product order button or the like is displayed on the customer-side display unit 205, the customer can operate (press) the order button to register the product.

[0025] The card reader 208 is capable of reading information on a transportation card, a membership card, a point card, etc., and executing a process corresponding to a payment. The card reader 208 of this embodiment may include, for example, a card recognition unit (reading unit), a display unit, and an operation unit, but it is sufficient that the card reader 208 includes at least a card recognition unit.

[0026] It should be noted that the card reader 208 may be configured to read card information from a credit card, but in this embodiment, credit card payments are made by the payment terminal 30.

[0027] The change machine 209 (cash settlement unit) is a cash settlement mechanism that has an input port for banknotes and coins and an output port for banknotes and coins. It calculates the amount of money inserted into the input port, calculates the change amount, which is the difference between the input amount and the purchase amount, and dispenses the change from the output port.

[0028] The store clerk's display unit 210 is a touch display for the store clerk, which displays various information to the store clerk and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The key operation unit 211 is made up of various keys (buttons) and receives various inputs from the store clerk. The store clerk scanner unit 212 is a scanner unit for use by the store clerk, and optically reads, for example, bar codes (product codes, etc.) attached to products and store clerk codes attached to the name tags of store clerks.

[0029] Although the store clerk's scanner unit 212 is used when the store clerk registers a product, the store clerk may register the product by other methods. For example, if a key corresponding to a product (e.g., a key corresponding to a sports newspaper, etc.) is arranged on the key operation unit 211, the store clerk can operate (press) that key to register the product. Also, if a preset key corresponding to a product is displayed on the store clerk's display unit 210, the store clerk can operate that preset key to register the product.

[0030] Printing unit 213 is a printing unit that ejects media, and prints and issues various media such as receipts. Printing unit 213 is a single printing unit that can be freely rotated to face from the store clerk side to the customer side and from the customer side to the store clerk side (direction of the media issuing port). The orientation of the printing unit may be changed manually, or may be changed automatically (mechanically controlled, etc.) in response to, for example, a transition in operating mode. The correctness of the orientation of the printing unit may be detected by a sensor or the like.

[0031] The audio output unit 214 outputs audio. For example, the audio output unit 214 outputs audio guidance and the like. The communication unit 215 communicates with other devices connected to a network within the same store ST, and with devices outside the store ST connected via the network.

[0032] [Example of payment terminal configuration] An example of the configuration of payment terminal 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Payment terminal 30 in the figure includes a POS-compatible communication unit 301, a server-compatible communication unit 302, a card reader 303, a touch panel display unit 304, a key operation unit 305, and a control unit 306.

[0033] The POS compatible communication unit 301 communicates with the POS terminal 20 in the same store ST. The POS compatible communication unit 301 may be configured to communicate in accordance with a data interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus). The POS compatible communication unit 301 may be compatible with either wired or wireless communication. The server corresponding communication unit 302 communicates with the payment agent server 40 via a dedicated line or a network, for example. Furthermore, the server corresponding communication unit 302 communicates with the acquirer server 50, the call center terminal 60, the carrier terminal 70, and the like.

[0034] The card reader 303 reads the card information recorded on the credit card. The card information may include, in addition to the credit card number given to the credit card, information such as the cardholder's name, expiration date, and credit card brand.

[0035] The touch panel display unit 304 displays images under the control of the control unit 306, and also accepts operations performed by touching the display surface with an operating object such as a finger. The key operation unit 305 is an operation unit on which physical keys are arranged. The keys in the key operation unit 305 include, for example, a numeric keypad used for inputting numbers, an enter key, a cancel key, and the like.

[0036] Control unit 306 executes various controls to realize the functions of payment terminal 30. The functions of control unit 306 are realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in payment terminal 30 executing a program.

[0037] [Example of payment agent server configuration] An example of the configuration of the payment agent server 40 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The payment agent server 40 in the figure includes a communication unit 401, a control unit 402, and a storage unit 403.

[0038] The communication unit 401 communicates with the payment terminal 30. The communication unit 401 also communicates with the acquirer server 50, the call center terminal 60, the communication carrier terminal 70, and the like.

[0039] The control unit 402 executes various controls to realize the functions of the payment agency server 40. The functions of the control unit 402 are realized by a CPU included in the payment agency server 40 executing a program.

[0040] The memory unit 403 stores various information corresponding to the payment agency server 40. The memory unit 403 stores payment terminal management information. The payment terminal management information is information for each payment terminal 30 managed by the payment agency server 40. The payment terminal 30 managed by the payment agency server 40 is a payment terminal 30 installed in a store ST that concludes a contract with a payment agency corresponding to the payment agency server 40 for the payment agency to receive payment agency services.

[0041] An example of the payment terminal management information is shown in Fig. 7. The payment terminal management information in this figure stores, for each payment terminal 30, a payment terminal identifier, an address, a store identifier, contract brand information, and area information. The payment terminal identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the corresponding payment terminal 30. The address is a network address assigned to the corresponding payment terminal 30. The store identifier is an identifier that uniquely identifies the store ST in which the corresponding payment terminal 30 is installed. The contracted brand information is information that indicates the brand of credit card (contracted brand) with which the store ST identified by the corresponding store identifier has a contract as an affiliated store. The area information is information indicating a divided area (area) that includes the store ST indicated by the corresponding store identifier, among divided areas (areas) divided according to predetermined rules (for example, by city / town / village, by postal code, by mesh set on a map, etc.).

[0042] [Summary of troubleshooting for payment system issues] In the payment system of this embodiment, in the payment process, communication is performed between the payment terminal 30 and the payment agent server 40, and between the payment agent server 40 and the acquirer server 50, etc. For this reason, a failure occurs in which credit card payment using the payment terminal 30 cannot be performed in a store ST included in an area where a communication failure occurs for some reason. When such a failure occurs, for example, the acquirer provides the affiliated store with information about the failure. However, it takes a considerable amount of time, for example about 30 minutes, from the time the failure occurs until the acquirer provides the store ST with the information in order to understand the situation and identify the cause. Furthermore, even if you call a call center or the like in such a case, they may not yet be able to identify a solution or you may not be able to get through on the phone, and so the call may not be effective in dealing with the failure. For this reason, at the store ST or other on-site locations in the area where the failure occurred, it is easy for confusion to arise as the cause of why credit card payments using the payment terminal 30 can no longer be understood until information about the failure is provided.

[0043] Therefore, the settlement system of this embodiment is configured so as to provide information regarding the occurrence of a failure to the store ST as quickly as possible, as will be described below.

[0044] [Example of processing procedure] An example of a process procedure executed by the payment agent server 40 and the payment terminal 30 in the payment system of this embodiment in relation to the provision of information regarding the occurrence of a failure will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0045] First, an example of a processing procedure of the payment agent server 40 will be described. Step S101: The payment agent server 40 collects information (fault information) regarding any fault in the payment system. The fault information is transmitted to the payment system from, for example, the acquirer server 50, the call center terminal 60, the carrier terminal 70, etc., in response to the occurrence of a fault. Step S102: The payment agent server 40 determines whether or not a failure has occurred in the payment system based on the failure information collected in step S101. If it is determined that no failure has occurred, the process returns to step S101.

[0046] Step S103: If it is determined in step S102 that a failure has occurred, the payment agency server 40 identifies the area where the failure has occurred (failure occurrence area) based on the failure information collected so far. The payment agency server 40 can map the region, point, etc. where the failure has occurred, which is shown in the failure information collected, on a map with regional divisions, and identify the failure occurrence area based on the distribution of the mapped region, point, etc. where the failure has occurred.

[0047] Step S104: If it is determined that a failure has occurred in step S102, the payment agency server 40 identifies a payment-prohibited brand. A payment-prohibited brand is a brand of credit card for which payment cannot be made due to the occurrence of a failure. As a situation in which a failure has occurred, among the brands of credit cards, payment for a certain brand has become impossible, but payment can be made for other brands. In step S104, in response to such a situation in which a failure has occurred, a payment-prohibited brand is identified due to the occurrence of the current failure. The payment agency server 40 can identify a payment-prohibited brand based on information indicating a brand for which payment has become impossible, which is indicated in the collected failure information. Furthermore, the identification of a payment-prohibited brand may be performed for each divided area included in the failure-occurring area. In this case, the payment-prohibited brand identified as a failure occurrence situation may differ between divided areas in the failure-occurring area.

[0048] The faulty area identified in step S103 and the payment-disabled brand identified in step S104 correspond to the determination result regarding the status of the currently occurring fault (fault occurrence status).

[0049] Step S105: After the processing of step S104, the payment agency server 40 transmits suspension of use information to each of the payment terminals 30 that are the target of the fault notification. The payment terminals 30 that are the target of the fault notification are the payment terminals 30 installed in the store ST included in the fault area identified in step S103. The payment agency server 40 may set as the fault notification target the payment terminals 30 that are managed by the payment terminal management information and whose area indicated by the area information is included in the fault area identified in step S103, among the payment terminals 30 that are managed by the payment terminal management information. The suspension information is information related to the suspension of credit card payment. Specifically, the suspension information in this embodiment includes information indicating the brand identified as an unacceptable brand in step S104. In other words, the suspension information is information that instructs the payment terminal 30 to suspend credit card payments on a brand-by-brand basis.

[0050] Steps S106 and S107 will be described later because they are effective in response to a case where it is determined in step S110 described later that the failure has not been resolved and the process is returned to step S105. When it is determined in step S102 that a failure has occurred and step S105 is executed for the first time, the processes of steps S106 and S107 may be skipped and the process may proceed from step S105 to step S108.

[0051] Step S108: The payment agency server 40 collects the failure information and determines the current status of the failure that has occurred this time (failure occurrence status). The payment agency server 40 may determine the failure occurrence status by identifying the current failure occurrence area and identifying the currently unacceptable brands.

[0052] Step S109: The payment agent server 40 judges whether the failure occurrence status judged in step S108 has changed from the previous failure occurrence status. If it is judged that the failure occurrence status has not changed, the process returns to step S108. Specific examples of the change in the failure occurrence status judged in step S109 include an increase, decrease, or movement of the failure occurrence area, a change in the brand that cannot be paid for, and the like.

[0053] Step S110: If it is determined in step S109 that there is a change in the failure occurrence status, the payment agency server 40 determines whether the failure has been resolved as a result of the change in the failure occurrence status. The payment agency server 40 may determine that the failure has been resolved when, for example, the failure information is no longer collected as a result of the change in the failure occurrence status, or, even if failure information is collected, it is determined that no failure has occurred as a result of analysis based on the contents of the failure information. If it is determined that the failure has not been resolved, the process returns to step S105.

[0054] When the process is returned from step S110 to step S105 as described above, the payment agency server 40 transmits suspension of use information to the payment terminal 30 corresponding to the failure area according to the changed failure situation in step S105. The suspension of use information transmitted at this time has contents instructing suspension of use of the payment-unavailable brand identified under the changed failure situation.

[0055] Step S106: When the process is returned from step S110 to step S105, the payment agency server 40 further determines whether or not there is any payment terminal 30 for which the failure has been resolved in accordance with the change in the current failure situation. For example, the payment agency server 40 determines that the payment terminal 30 of the store ST that was included in the failure area before the failure situation changed but is no longer included in the failure area in accordance with the change in the failure situation is the payment terminal 30 for which the failure has been resolved.

[0056] Step S107: If it is determined in step S106 that the failure has been resolved for any payment terminal 30, the payment agency server 40 transmits a usage suspension lift notification to the payment terminal 30 for which it has been determined that the failure has been resolved. The usage suspension lift notification notifies that credit card payments of all brands are now possible, in accordance with the resolution of the failure. After the process of step S107, or if it is determined in step S106 that the failure has been resolved for all payment terminals 30, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0057] Step S111: If it is determined in step S110 that the failure has been resolved, the payment agency server 40 transmits a usage suspension lift notification. In step S111, the payment agency server 40 may transmit the usage suspension lift notification only to the payment terminal 30 to which the usage suspension information was sent in the last step S105. Alternatively, in step S111, the payment agency server 40 may transmit the usage suspension lift notification by broadcast to all payment terminals 30 managed by the payment terminal management information.

[0058] Next, an example of a processing procedure of the payment terminal 30 will be described. Step S201: The payment terminal 30 determines whether or not the suspension of use information transmitted from the payment agent server 40 in step S105 has been received.

[0059] Step S202: The payment terminal 30 has registered therein the brands (contracted brands) with which the corresponding store ST has a contract as an affiliated store. In performing the payment process, the payment terminal 30 displays a brand selection screen on the touch panel display unit 304, which allows the user to select the brand of the credit card to be used in the current transaction from among the contracted brands. The store clerk performs an operation to select a brand on the brand selection screen (brand selection operation), and then causes the payment terminal 30 to execute the terminal payment process. If it is determined in step S201 that suspension information has been received, the payment terminal 30 disables brand selection operations on the brand selection screen for the contracted brand that is indicated as a suspended brand by the suspension information among the contracted brands.

[0060] Step S203: In response to receiving the suspension information, the payment terminal 30 notifies the user that a failure is currently occurring.

[0061] FIG. 9 shows an example of a brand selection screen displayed on the touch panel display unit 304 in response to the brand selection operation being set to be disabled for a certain contract brand in step S202. The brand selection screen in the figure is an example of a case where there are four contracted brands: brand A, brand B, brand C, and brand D. On the brand screen in the figure, brand selection buttons BT (BT-A, BT-B, BT-C, BT-D) corresponding to the contracted brands, brand A, brand B, brand C, and brand D, are arranged. The store clerk performs a brand selection operation by touching the brand selection button BT corresponding to the brand of the credit card used by the customer.

[0062] The brand selection screen in the figure shows an example in which, of contract brands A to D, brand selection operation has been set to disabled for contract brands B and D. In this case, of the brand selection buttons BT-A to BT-D arranged on the brand selection screen, the brand selection buttons BT-B and BT-D corresponding to the contract brands B and D for which brand selection operation has been set to disabled are grayed out and inoperable. By displaying the brand selection buttons BT in this way, it is made clear that, of the contract brands A to D, contract brands A and C can be used for credit card payments, whereas contract brands B and D cannot be used for credit card payments. Displaying the brand selection buttons BT in this way is one example of a form of outputting brand-compatible payment availability information.

[0063] Moreover, a fault occurrence notification ALT is displayed on the brand selection screen in the figure. The fault occurrence notification ALT is one example of the fault occurrence notification in step S203. The failure notification ALT is displayed in response to reception of suspension information. In the failure notification ALT in the figure, a text message is displayed to notify that a failure is currently occurring in the payment system, such as "A failure is occurring in the payment system." Also, in the failure notification ALT in the figure, a text message is displayed to notify that the brands that cannot be used for credit card payment at the payment terminal 30 at present are brand B and brand D, such as "Busy: brand B, brand C." The display of such a failure notification ALT is an example of a mode of outputting brand-compatible payment availability information.

[0064] In addition, the failure notification ALT may only display a message informing that a failure has occurred in the payment system. In this case, even if the failure notification ALT does not clearly indicate the brands that cannot be paid for, the store clerk can understand that at least one of the contracted brands cannot be used for credit card payment, which is an example of the output mode of brand-compatible payment availability information. Furthermore, information on the area where a failure has occurred may be included in the service suspension information, and the area where a failure has occurred may be notified by the failure occurrence notification ALT. Furthermore, even if the display on the touch panel display unit 304 transitions from the brand selection screen to another screen, the fault occurrence notification ALT may continue to be displayed on the other screen after the transition.

[0065] Returning to the explanation given in FIG. Step S204: If it is determined in step S201 that the suspension of use information has not been received, or after the processing of step S203, the payment terminal 30 determines whether or not the suspension of use lift notification transmitted in step S107 or step S111 has been received.

[0066] If it is determined in step S204 that the notice of lifting the suspension of use has not been received, the process returns to step S201. As a result, depending on steps S202 and S203 in the case where it is determined in step S201 from the second time onwards that the suspension information has been received, the brand selection button BT reflecting the change in the unacceptable brand as a change in the failure occurrence situation and the failure occurrence notification ALT are displayed.

[0067] Step S205: If it is determined in step S204 that the notice of lifting suspension of use has been received, the payment terminal 30 sets the brand selection operation for all contracted brands to be possible. As a result, when the payment terminal 30 subsequently displays the brand selection screen, the brand selection buttons BT corresponding to all contracted brands are made operable.

[0068] Step S206: In response to receiving the notice of lifting the suspension of use, the payment terminal 30 ends the failure occurrence notification made in step S203. Specifically, the payment terminal 30 erases the failure occurrence notification ALT that has been displayed up until now. When the failure occurrence notification ALT is erased, the payment terminal 30 may display a message notifying that the failure has been resolved on the touch panel display unit 304. The message notifying that the failure has been resolved may be erased a certain period of time after the message is first displayed, or may be erased in response to a confirmation operation by a store clerk (for example, an operation on a confirmation button displayed together with the message).

[0069] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the failure occurrence notification is performed by the payment terminal. In contrast, in this embodiment, as described below, the failure occurrence notification is performed by the POS terminal 20 connected to the payment terminal 30 in the store ST.

[0070] An example of a processing procedure executed by the payment agent server 40, the payment terminal 30, and the POS terminal 20 in the payment system of this embodiment in relation to providing information regarding the occurrence of a failure will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 10. In this figure, steps that are the same as those in Fig. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 8.

[0071] The payment agent server 40 of this embodiment executes the processes of steps S101 to S110 in the same manner as in FIG.

[0072] The payment terminal 30 of this embodiment executes steps S203-1 and S206-1 as follows, instead of the failure occurrence notification in step S203 of FIG. 8 and the end of the failure occurrence notification in step S206.

[0073] Step S203-1: The payment terminal 30 transmits suspension of use information to the POS terminal 20. The suspension of use information transmitted in step S203-1 may be information generated by the payment terminal 30 based on the suspension of use information received in step S201 so as to have a format and content suitable for the manner of failure occurrence notification performed by the POS terminal 20. The suspension of use information transmitted in step S203-1 includes information indicating which of the contracted brands is currently considered to be an unacceptable brand for payment. In addition, if the suspension of use information received in step S201 includes information indicating the current area where a failure has occurred, the suspension of use information transmitted in step S203-1 may also include information indicating the current area where a failure has occurred.

[0074] Step S206-1: The payment terminal 30 transmits a usage suspension lift notification to the POS terminal 20. The usage suspension lift notification transmitted in step S206-1 may be information generated by the payment terminal 30 based on the usage suspension lift notification received in step S204, so as to have a format and content that matches the manner of notification of fault resolution made by the POS terminal 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the payment terminal 30 transmits usage suspension information and usage suspension lift notification to the POS terminal 20 as a manner of outputting brand payment availability information.

[0075] Next, an example of a process performed by the POS terminal 20 will be described. Step S301: The POS terminal 20 determines whether or not the suspension of use information transmitted from the payment terminal 30 in step S203-1 has been received.

[0076] Step S302: The POS terminal 20 issues a fault occurrence notification in response to receiving the suspension of use information transmitted from the payment terminal 30. As the fault occurrence notification in step S302, the POS terminal 20 may display, on the store clerk display unit 210, a display in a manner conforming to the fault occurrence notification ALT in Fig. 9 at a predetermined position on the display surface.

[0077] Step S303: After the process of step S302, or if it is determined in step S301 that the suspension of use information has not been received, the POS terminal 20 determines whether or not a suspension of use release notice transmitted from the payment terminal 30 in step S206-1 has been received.

[0078] If it is determined in step S303 that the notice of lifting the suspension of use has not been received, the process returns to step S301. As a result, depending on step S302 in the case where suspension information is received in step S301 for the second or subsequent times, the failure occurrence notification ALT is displayed so as to reflect the change in the unacceptable brand as a change in the failure occurrence situation.

[0079] Step S304: If it is determined in step S303 that the usage suspension release notice has been received, the POS terminal 20 ends the fault occurrence notification made in step S302. Specifically, the POS terminal 20 erases the fault occurrence notification that has been displayed on the store clerk display unit 210. When the POS terminal 20 erases the fault occurrence notification, it may display a message informing that the fault has been resolved on the store clerk display unit 210. In this case, the message informing that the fault has been resolved may be erased a certain period of time after the message started to be displayed, or may be erased in response to a confirmation operation by the store clerk (for example, an operation on a confirmation button displayed together with the message).

[0080] At the POS terminal 20, the store clerk performs operations appropriate to the transaction for each transaction, regardless of whether or not a credit card payment is made. For this reason, by displaying a fault notification on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 as in this embodiment, it becomes easier for the store clerk to notice the occurrence of a fault. In addition, the size of the display surface of the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20 is larger than the touch panel display unit 304 of the payment terminal 30. For this reason, it becomes easier to see the fault notification display and it is also possible to easily display detailed information.

[0081] In this embodiment, together with the POS terminal 20, the payment terminal 30 may also notify the occurrence of a failure.

[0082] <Third embodiment> In each of the above embodiments, the payment terminal 30 executes payment processing only for credit cards as a non-cash payment type, and issues a failure notification only for credit cards. In contrast, the payment system of this embodiment is configured so that the payment terminal 30 can handle payments corresponding to other predetermined non-cash payment types in addition to credit cards. Accordingly, the payment system of this embodiment is configured so that the payment terminal 30 can issue a failure notification for non-cash payment types that can be used for payment. In addition, the payment system of this embodiment is configured so that the payment terminal 30 notifies the user of the occurrence of a failure, similar to the first embodiment.

[0083] The payment agency server 40 of this embodiment is further connected to a server corresponding to each brand of non-cash payment type other than credit card contracted by the store ST in addition to the configuration of FIG. 1. In addition, when executing the process of FIG. 8, the payment agency server 40 of this embodiment collects failure information corresponding to each non-cash payment type contracted by the store ST (step S101), and when a failure occurs, identifies the failure occurrence area and the payment impossible brand (steps S102 to S104). In this case, the payment agency server 40 transmits to the payment terminal, according to the failure occurrence situation, the suspension information indicating the impossibility of payment for each brand of non-cash payment type contracted by the store ST (step S105). In response to receiving the suspension information, the payment terminal 30 of the present embodiment disables the selection operation of the suspended brand and notifies the occurrence of a failure (steps S201 to S203). The payment terminal 30 may be configured to notify the occurrence of a failure, for example, in the following manner.

[0084] Fig. 11(A) shows an example of a payment type selection screen displayed on the touch panel display unit 304 of the payment terminal 30 of this embodiment. The payment operation screen in the figure has non-cash payment type selection buttons BT1 (BT1-1 to BT1-5) arranged. The non-cash payment type selection button BT1 is a button operated by a store clerk to select the non-cash payment type to be used in the payment process. In the example shown in the figure, the non-cash payment type selection button BT1-1 is a button that is operated when selecting the use of a credit card as the non-cash payment type. The non-cash payment type selection button BT1-2 is a button that is operated when selecting the use of a transportation IC card as the non-cash payment type. The non-cash payment type selection button BT1-3 is a button that is operated when selecting the use of electronic money as the non-cash payment type. The non-cash payment type selection button BT1-4 is a button that is operated when selecting the use of code payment as the non-cash payment type. The non-cash payment type selection button BT1-5 is a button that is operated when selecting the use of a debit card as the non-cash payment type.

[0085] When the non-cash payment type selection button BT1 is operated, the display on the touch panel display unit 304 is changed from the payment type selection screen shown in the figure to a brand selection screen corresponding to the operated non-cash payment type selection button BT1. The brand selection screen is a screen where an operation is performed to select a brand that the payment terminal 30 can handle and process for the non-cash payment type.

[0086] In the payment type selection screen in the figure, the non-cash payment type selection button BT1-3 corresponding to the non-cash payment type of electronic money among the non-cash payment type selection buttons BT1 displays "Error Occurred." This is an error occurrence notification that notifies the user that an error has occurred with at least one of the brands included in the non-cash payment type of electronic money.

[0087] When the non-cash payment type selection button BT1-3 is operated while such a fault occurrence notification is being issued, the touch panel display unit 304 displays, for example, a brand selection screen as shown in FIG.

[0088] In the brand selection screen in the figure, brand selection buttons BT2 (BT2-1, BT2-3, BT2-2) corresponding to three brands of electronic money, "electronic money A", "electronic money B", and "electronic money C", are arranged in the non-cash payment type as electronic money. Such a brand selection screen indicates that the store ST has contracts with the brands of electronic money, "electronic money A", "electronic money B", and "electronic money C", and the payment terminal 30 is capable of making payments corresponding to these three brands of electronic money. The store clerk operates the brand selection button BT2 corresponding to the brand of electronic money used by the customer for payment. The payment terminal 30 selects the brand corresponding to the operated brand selection button BT2 as the brand of electronic money to be processed for payment, communicates with the payment agent server 40, and executes payment processing according to the electronic money of the selected brand. At this time, the payment terminal 30 can execute payment processing by communicating with, for example, an electronic money card of the selected brand, or a terminal such as a smartphone that functions as an electronic money card of the selected brand.

[0089] However, on the brand selection screen in the figure, the brand selection buttons BT2, the two from the top, BT2-1 and BT-3, are in an active state where they can be operated. On the other hand, the brand selection button BT2-2, which is located at the bottom of the brand selection buttons BT2, is in an inoperable state, for example by being grayed out, and a message saying "communication failure" is displayed. This indicates that a communication failure is currently occurring and payment processing is not possible for "electronic money 003," one of the brands of electronic money that the payment terminal 30 can handle for payment processing. Also, when no failure occurs with any of the brands of electronic money, the brand selection buttons BT2-1, BT2-2, and BT2-3 are arranged from top to bottom on the brand selection screen. In other words, the brand selection buttons BT2 are arranged from top to bottom in the order of "electronic money A," "electronic money B," and "electronic money C." However, in a situation like this where "electronic money B" is an unavailable brand for payment, the arrangement of the brand selection buttons BT2 is changed so that the brand selection button BT2-2 corresponding to "electronic money B" is located at the very bottom. By changing the arrangement in this way, the operable brand selection buttons BT2 are all located at the top, making it easier to select a brand.

[0090] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. As in the third embodiment, the payment system of this embodiment is configured to allow payments corresponding to other predetermined non-cash payment types, in addition to credit cards, through the payment terminal 30. Accordingly, in the payment system of this embodiment, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a failure of the payment terminal 30 for the non-cash payment types that can be used for payment. In addition, the payment system of this embodiment is configured so that the POS terminal 20 notifies the user of the occurrence of a failure, similar to the second embodiment.

[0091] In the payment system of this embodiment, suspension information indicating unacceptable brands for each brand of non-cash payment type contracted by the store ST is transmitted from the payment terminal 30 to the POS terminal 20. The POS terminal 20 notifies the occurrence of a failure based on the received suspension information.

[0092] In this embodiment, the occurrence of a fault may be notified on a brand selection screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 210 of the POS terminal 20. The brand selection screen is displayed in response to an operation by a store clerk when the POS terminal 20 moves to settlement in response to a subtotal for one transaction, for example, and a customer makes a non-cash payment.

[0093] An example of a brand selection screen is shown in Fig. 12. The brand selection screen in the figure has brand selection buttons BT3 (BT3-1, BT3-2, BT3-3, BT3-4, BT3-11, BT3-12, BT3-21, BT3-22) that correspond to brands for each non-cash payment type, such as credit card, electronic money, and code payment. Brand selection buttons BT3-1, BT3-2, BT3-3, and BT3-4 respectively correspond to brands of credit card A, credit card B, credit card C, and credit card D that belong to the non-cash payment type of credit card. The brand selection buttons BT3-11 and BT3-12 respectively correspond to brands of electronic money A and electronic money C which belong to the non-cash payment type of electronic money. The brand selection buttons BT3-21 and BT3-22 respectively correspond to the brands of code payment D and code payment F, which belong to the non-cash electronic money payment type. The store clerk operates the brand selection button BT3 corresponding to the non-cash payment type and brand to be used for the current payment. The POS terminal 20 designates the selected non-cash payment type and brand, and instructs the payment process to the payment terminal 30. The payment terminal 30 executes the payment process according to the designated non-cash payment type and brand.

[0094] <Modification> A modification of this embodiment will now be described.

[0095] [First Modification] In each of the above embodiments, the area where the failure has occurred and the brand for which payment is not possible are identified in response to the occurrence of a failure. In this modified example, the payment-prohibited brands are identified in response to the occurrence of a failure, but the area in which the failure occurred is not identified. In this modified example, the payment agency server 40 may omit the process of step S103 in the process of FIG. 8 or FIG. 10. In this case, the payment terminal 30 to which the suspension information is sent in step S105 and the payment terminal 30 to which the suspension release notice is sent in step S107 or step S111 may each be sent to all payment terminals 30 managed by the payment terminal management information. In this case, the payment-prohibited brands indicated by the suspension information include all brands for which payment is prohibited in the entire area in which the failure occurred. In this modified example, the payment agency server 40 may transmit suspension information indicating the same unacceptable brand to all payment terminals 30 managed by the payment terminal management information.

[0096] [Second modified example] In this modified example, contrary to the first modified example, the failure area is identified in response to the occurrence of a failure, but the payment-prohibited brands are not identified. In this modified example, the payment agency server 40 may omit the process of step S104 under the process of FIG. 8 or FIG. 10. In this case, in step S105, the payment agency server 40 transmits suspension of use information that does not reflect the identification result of the payment-prohibited brands to the payment terminal 30 of the store ST included in the failure area. The payment terminal 30 that receives such suspension of use information may set in step S202, for example, to disable brand selection operation for all contracted brands.

[0097] [Third Modification] In each of the above embodiments, when it is determined that a failure has occurred, the area in which the failure has occurred and the brand for which payment is not possible are immediately identified. In contrast, in this modified example, when it is determined that a failure has occurred, the payment agent server 40 first transmits suspension information (primary suspension information) to all payment terminals 30 managed by the payment terminal management information, without identifying either the failure area brand or the payment-disabled brand. The payment terminal 30 that receives the primary suspension information disables selection operations for all contracted brands. After transmitting the primary suspension information, the payment agent server 40 may monitor the failure status while collecting failure information, and transmit suspension information (secondary suspension information) and a notice of suspension release based on the failure area and the unpayment-prohibited brand (either the failure area or the unpayment-prohibited brand may be specified depending on the first or second modification) that are specified according to the change in the failure status. The secondary suspension information includes information instructing the suspension of use of the specified unpayment-prohibited brand. For example, depending on the circumstances and cause of the failure, it may take time for the payment agency server 40 to identify the area where the failure occurred or the brands that cannot be used for payment. According to the configuration of this modified example, in response to the occurrence of a failure, first, each of the payment terminals 30 under the management of the payment agency server 40 is set to disable credit card payments for all contracted brands, and a failure occurrence notification is also issued. In other words, under this modified example, first, it is possible to quickly notify the store ST that a failure has occurred. Then, as the failure is gradually restored thereafter, the contracted brands for which credit card payments were not possible for each payment terminal 30 can be restored to a state in which credit card payments are possible.

[0098] [Fourth Variation] In the above embodiments, a credit card is used as a non-cash payment, and the payment terminal 30 supports credit card payments. However, the non-cash payment that the payment terminal 30 can support may also be payments using electronic money cards, point cards, or transportation cards.

[0099] [Fifth Modification] The device that transmits the suspension information and the suspension lift notice in response to the failure occurrence status may be a device other than the payment agent server 40, such as another server that is communicably connected to the payment terminal 30. In addition, the transmission of the suspension information and the suspension lift notice in response to the failure occurrence status may be performed by, for example, multiple devices distributed on a network working together.

[0100] [Sixth Modification] In each of the above embodiments, a payment system configuration called an internal loop system has been exemplified, in which the POS terminal 20 and the payment agency server 40 are connected to the payment terminal 30, and the POS terminal 20 itself does not communicate with the payment agency server 40. In an internal loop system payment system, the POS terminal 20 does not hold information on non-cash payment cards such as credit cards, so the security of information on non-cash payment cards can be easily ensured. In contrast to this, a payment system configuration called an outside loop system is also known in which a payment terminal and a payment agency server are connected to a POS terminal, and information on a non-cash payment card read by the payment terminal is transmitted from the POS terminal to the payment agency server. The configuration related to failure notification of this embodiment may also be applied to an outside loop system payment system. In this case, first, the POS terminal can notify the occurrence of a failure based on the suspension of use information transmitted from the payment agency server. Furthermore, the suspension of use information is transmitted (transferred) from the POS terminal to the payment terminal, and the payment terminal can notify the occurrence of a failure.

[0101] [Seventh Variation] In the above embodiments, the brand of non-cash payment is determined according to the operation of a store clerk. However, the payment terminal 30 may recognize the type and brand of non-cash payment and execute the payment process based on information read from a non-cash payment card (which may be a terminal such as a smartphone with card functions) used by a customer. In this case, the occurrence of a fault may be notified by, for example, presenting a list of non-cash payment types, brands, etc. that can be handled at the store ST, and then displaying in a predetermined manner an indication that the list items of the brands that cannot be paid for are in a non-payment state. Alternatively, the failure may be notified by displaying the list items or icons of the brands that cannot be paid for.

[0102] [Eighth Modification] The payment terminal 30 and the POS terminal 20 may notify the occurrence of a failure by voice. In this case, the payment terminal 30 and the POS terminal 20 may notify the occurrence of a failure by voice and display in parallel.

[0103] <Overview of the embodiment> (1) As described above, one aspect of this embodiment is a payment terminal device (e.g., payment terminal 30) that includes a payment means capable of executing a non-cash payment (e.g., credit card payment) corresponding to a non-cash payment brand via communication with a payment processing device (e.g., payment agency server 40), a receiving means for receiving payment feasibility information regarding whether or not the non-cash payment can be made (e.g., suspension of use information, notice of lifting suspension of use), a control means (steps S202, S205) that controls whether or not the non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand can be made in response to the payment feasibility information being received by the receiving means, and an output means for outputting brand-compatible payment feasibility information regarding whether or not the non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand can be made.

[0104] According to the above configuration, the payment terminal 30 can receive payment availability information in response to the occurrence of a failure in the payment system. In response to receiving the payment availability information, the payment terminal 30 controls whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand can be executed, and outputs information regarding whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to the brand can be executed. This allows, for example, a store clerk at a store ST to check the information on whether or not non-cash payments can be made that is output in response to a failure in the payment system, and to understand that non-cash payments cannot be made on a brand-by-brand basis. This makes it possible to reduce confusion on-site when a failure occurs in a payment system that handles credit card payments, etc.

[0105] For example, the payment agency server 40 of the payment agency monitors the communication status with each of the acquirer server 50 and the issuer server 80 and transmits payment availability information to the payment terminal, allowing the store ST to take action, thereby preventing payment processing stagnation at the store ST due to a failure in advance. Also, for example, a payment agency or call center can determine the occurrence of a failure based on information about the failure reported from a store, etc., and notify the payment terminal of payment availability information notifying information about non-cash payment brands that have become unavailable and areas where non-cash payment has become unavailable, allowing a store clerk at the store ST to take appropriate action, such as announcing the situation to customers in advance.

[0106] (2) One aspect of this embodiment is the payment terminal device described in (1), wherein the control means controls the payment terminal device so that a non-cash payment brand that cannot be used for non-cash payment cannot be selected as a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment.

[0107] With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the operation of selecting a brand that has become unavailable for credit card payments due to a failure as a brand to be used for credit card payments from being accepted. This prevents a brand that is unavailable for credit card payments from being selected as a brand to be used for credit card payments at a store, effectively preventing confusion at the store.

[0108] (3) One aspect of this embodiment is a payment terminal device as described in (1) or (2), wherein the output means outputs the brand-compatible payment availability information to a product sales data processing device (e.g., POS terminal 20) that executes product sales data processing corresponding to the transaction to be paid.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the POS terminal 20 can notify the occurrence of a failure based on the brand-compatible payment availability information.

[0110] (4) One aspect of this embodiment is a payment terminal device as described in any one of (1) to (3), wherein the output means displays a screen for selecting a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment that reflects the contents of the brand-compatible payment availability information.

[0111] According to the above configuration, brands that cannot be used for payment are displayed on the screen where the operation to select a non-cash payment brand is performed, so that store clerks do not select or are unable to select non-cash payment brands, thereby improving operability regarding the selection of non-cash payment brands.

[0112] (5) One aspect of this embodiment is a payment system comprising a payment terminal device (e.g., payment terminal 30) installed in each store and capable of performing non-cash payment via communication with a payment processing device, and a management device (e.g., payment agency server 40) that manages each of the payment terminal devices, the management device comprising a transmission means for transmitting payment feasibility information regarding the feasibility of non-cash payment to the payment terminal device, and the payment terminal device comprising a control means for controlling the feasibility of non-cash payment in response to receipt of the payment feasibility information.

[0113] According to the above configuration, in response to the occurrence of a failure in the payment system, the payment terminal 30 controls whether or not to execute non-cash payment. In this case, a store clerk can understand that a failure has occurred, for example, because the execution of non-cash payment has been stopped (prohibited) in the payment terminal 30. This makes it possible to prevent confusion on-site when a failure occurs in a payment system that handles credit card payments, etc.

[0114] (6) One aspect of this embodiment is the payment system described in (4), wherein the management device includes an identification means for identifying a payment terminal that meets specified conditions from among the payment terminal devices installed in each store, and the transmission means transmits payment availability information to the payment terminal device identified by the identification means.

[0115] According to the above configuration, it is possible to transmit the payment availability information only to the payment terminal 30 that meets the condition that the payment terminal 30 is installed in a store ST in the failure-occurring area. This makes it possible to prevent the failure occurrence notification from being sent to the store ST in the area where no failure has occurred.

[0116] (7) One aspect of this embodiment is a display control means for displaying the availability of non-cash payment brands to be used for non-cash payment as selectable, a receiving means for receiving brand-compatible payment feasibility information regarding the feasibility of non-cash payment corresponding to the non-cash payment brand transmitted from a payment agency server, and a product sales data processing device (e.g., a POS terminal) for notifying about non-cash payment brands for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand-compatible payment feasibility information received by the receiving means.

[0117] According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify about brands that cannot be used for payment at the POS terminal of an outside payment system.

[0118] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the above-mentioned POS terminal 20, payment terminal 30, payment agency server 40, etc. may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the above-mentioned processing of the POS terminal 20, payment terminal 30, payment agency server 40, etc. Here, "reading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. In addition, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including the Internet, WAN, LAN, dedicated lines, and other communication lines. In addition, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, the recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside the computer system that can be accessed from a distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program in a format executable by the terminal device. That is, the format in which the program is stored in the distribution server does not matter as long as the program can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form executable by the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at a different time and then combined on the terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes a storage medium that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that is a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be one that realizes part of the above-mentioned functions.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 20 POS terminal, 30 payment terminal, 40 payment agent server, 50 acquirer server, 60 call center terminal, 70 telecommunications carrier terminal, 80 issuer server, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 204 hard disk, 205 customer side display unit, 206 customer side scanner unit, 208 card reader, 209 change dispenser, 210 store clerk side display unit, 211 key operation unit, 212 store clerk side scanner unit, 213 printing unit, 214 voice output unit, 215 communication unit, 301 POS compatible communication unit, 302 server compatible communication unit, 303 card reader, 304 touch panel display unit, 304 touch panel display unit, 305 key operation unit, 306 control unit, 401 communication unit, 402 control unit, 403 storage unit

Claims

1. A display control means for displaying a selectable use of a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment; A receiving means for receiving brand-compatible payment availability information regarding the availability of non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand, the information being transmitted from a payment agent server; a notification means for notifying about non-cash payment brands for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand-compatible payment availability information received by the receiving means; a transmission means for transmitting the received brand-compatible payment availability information to a payment terminal device; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. The device further includes a control means for controlling so that a non-cash payment brand that cannot be used for non-cash payment cannot be selected as a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The display control means controls the display to reflect the content of the brand-compatible payment availability information on a screen for selecting a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment.

3. A product sales data processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A system including a product sales data processing device and a payment terminal device, The product sales data processing device includes: A display control means for displaying a selectable use of a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment; A receiving means for receiving brand-compatible payment availability information regarding the availability of non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand, the information being transmitted from a payment agent server; A first notification means for notifying about a non-cash payment brand for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand corresponding payment availability information received by the receiving means; a transmitting means for transmitting the received brand-compatible payment availability information to a payment terminal; The payment terminal device The device is provided with a notification means for notifying users of non-cash payment brands that are not available for non-cash payment based on the brand-compatible payment availability information. A system characterized by:

5. A computer as a product sales data processing device, A display control means for selectively displaying the use of a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment; A receiving means for receiving brand corresponding payment availability information regarding whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand can be executed, the information being transmitted from the payment agent server; a notification means for notifying about non-cash payment brands for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand-compatible payment availability information received by the receiving means; A transmission means for transmitting the received brand-compatible payment availability information to a payment terminal device. A program to function as a

6. A system including a product sales data processing device and a payment terminal device, the system including a first program for causing a first computer to function as the product sales data processing device, and a second program for causing a second computer to function as the payment terminal device, The first program causes the first computer to A display control means for selectively displaying the use of a non-cash payment brand to be used for non-cash payment; A receiving means for receiving brand corresponding payment availability information regarding whether or not a non-cash payment corresponding to a non-cash payment brand can be executed, the information being transmitted from the payment agent server; a first notification means for notifying about a non-cash payment brand for which non-cash payment is not possible based on the brand corresponding payment availability information received by the receiving means; a transmitting means for transmitting the received brand-compatible payment availability information to a payment terminal; The second program causes the first computer to The device functions as a notification means for notifying users of non-cash payment brands that are not available for non-cash payment based on the brand-compatible payment availability information. program.

Images