Payment device and program

Abstract

To make it possible to check a receipt image based on receipt data received from a registration device by an operator.SOLUTION: A settlement device comprises: first communication means, second communication means, settlement means, reception means, output means, and transmission means. The first communication means communicates data with a registration device which registers product sales data. The second communication means performs data communication with a server which manages an electronic receipt. The settlement means settles a purchase and sale transaction of a product registered with the registration device. The receiving means receives receipt data related to the purchase and sale transaction from the registration device. The output means outputs a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the reception means. The transmission means transmits the receipt data to a server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In recent years, so-called electronic receipt systems, which allow consumers to receive sales transaction receipts in the form of electronic data, have become widespread. Electronic receipt systems generally assign a unique identification code, known as an electronic receipt ID, to consumers who register as members by installing an electronic receipt app, a dedicated application software for electronic receipt services, on an information terminal such as a smartphone. The electronic receipt ID is displayed as a machine-readable code, such as a barcode, on the display of the information terminal by launching the electronic receipt app. When a consumer shops at a store affiliated with the electronic receipt system, the consumer presents the machine-readable code to a store clerk. The store clerk registers sales data of the consumer's purchases in a registration device, such as a point-of-sales (POS) terminal, and reads the machine-readable code with a scanner. Once the machine-readable code, i.e., the electronic receipt ID, is read by the scanner, the registration device associates the electronic receipt ID with the receipt data of the sales transaction with the consumer and transmits the data to a server that manages electronic receipts. The receipt data transmitted to the server is downloaded to the consumer's information terminal, identified by the associated electronic receipt ID, and displayed as a receipt image on the display. Thus, the consumer can receive an electronic receipt of the transaction.

[0003] When such an electronic receipt system is introduced in a shopping center, there is no problem as long as the registration devices, such as POS terminals, operated by each tenant in the center are compatible with the electronic receipt system. However, tenants who open stores in a shopping center usually bring their own registration devices. As a result, not all tenants' registration devices are necessarily compatible with the electronic receipt system. To address this issue, there are conventional payment devices equipped with functions to support the electronic receipt system. The payment device is a device for processing non-cash payments such as credit cards and electronic money. When this type of payment device is connected to a registration device that is not compatible with the electronic receipt system, the payment device receives receipt data from the registration device, associates the receipt data with an electronic receipt ID read by a scanner, and transmits the receipt data to a server. Such payment devices are cheaper than registration devices. Therefore, even in shopping centers where registration devices that are not compatible with the electronic receipt system are operated, it is possible to introduce the electronic receipt system relatively inexpensively and easily.

[0004] However, when building an electronic receipt system using a payment device, there is currently no way to check the receipt image based on the receipt data received from the registration device on the payment device. For example, if the store clerk operating the payment device could check the receipt image on the payment device, it would help prevent mistakes and would be preferable in practical operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-167710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a payment device and a program therefor that allow an operator to check a receipt image based on receipt data received from a registration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the payment device includes a first communication means, a second communication means, a payment means, a receiving means, an output means, and a transmitting means. The first communication means performs data communication with a registration device that registers product sales data. The second communication means performs data communication with a server that manages electronic receipts. The payment means settles sales transactions of products registered in the registration device. The receiving means receives receipt data related to the sales transactions from the registration device. The output means outputs a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the receiving means. The transmitting means transmits the receipt data to the server. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electronic receipt system installed in a shopping center consisting of multiple tenants. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the POS terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor of the payment terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of an image displayed on the display device of the payment terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of an image displayed on the display device of the payment terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a payment device that allows an operator to check a receipt image based on receipt data received from a registration device will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram when an electronic receipt system 100 is introduced into a shopping center SC consisting of multiple tenants T. The electronic receipt system 100 includes a center server 10 managed by an electronic receipt center RC and a relay server 20 installed in the shopping center SC. The center server 10 and the relay server 20 are connected by a communication network 30. The communication network 30 is typically a wide-area network that uses public lines or dedicated lines as a relay network and a wired LAN (Local Area Network), wireless LAN, mobile communication network, mobile phone communication network, etc. as an access network. If the center server 10 is a server that uses cloud computing, the communication network 30 is mainly the Internet.

[0011] The Electronic Receipt Center RC is a computer system operated by an institution that operates an electronic receipt service that digitizes transaction receipts and provides them online to consumers who pay for those transactions. An institution is generally an organization independent of a store. An institution can also be referred to as an organization, a business entity, a company, etc.

[0012] A consumer who uses an electronic receipt service enters into a membership contract with an institution. The contract is usually made online. The consumer installs an electronic receipt app, which is application software dedicated to the electronic receipt service, on their information terminal 1. The information terminal 1 is typically a smartphone. The information terminal 1 may be any portable terminal, such as a tablet terminal or laptop. The consumer can enter into a contract with the institution by launching the electronic receipt app and entering the necessary information into the information terminal 1. Hereinafter, a consumer who has entered into a contract with an institution will be referred to as a receipt member M. An electronic receipt ID is assigned to the receipt member M as unique identification information. When the electronic receipt app is launched on the information terminal 1, the display device screen becomes a top screen that displays the electronic receipt ID in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode. A receipt member M who wants to receive a receipt for a purchase transaction at a store as an electronic receipt shows the top screen to a store clerk and has the machine-readable code read by a scanner. By doing so, in the electronic receipt system 100, the receipt data of the sales transaction with the receipt member M is processed in association with the electronic receipt ID of the receipt member M.

[0013] The center server 10 is a server for realizing a service that manages digitized receipt data. Specifically, the center server 10 has a function of storing receipt data generated in a sales transaction with a receipt member M in association with the electronic receipt ID of the receipt member M, and a function of transmitting receipt data associated with the electronic receipt ID inquired from an information terminal 1 to the information terminal 1. Meanwhile, the information terminal 1 that has the electronic receipt app installed has a function of inquiring about receipt data from the center server 10 using the electronic receipt ID, and a function of displaying a receipt image on a display device based on the receipt data received from the center server 10. In this way, the receipt member M can receive a receipt for the sales transaction as an electronic receipt.

[0014] The relay server 20 is a server for realizing a service that provides receipt data of transactions settled by each tenant T to the electronic receipt center RC. Specifically, the relay server 20 has a function of transmitting receipt data acquired from each tenant T to the center server 10 via the communication network 30.

[0015] Each tenant T is equipped with a POS terminal 40 as a registration device for registering product sales data. The POS terminal 40 may or may not be compatible with an electronic receipt system. Each tenant T also connects a payment terminal 50 to the POS terminal 40. The payment terminal 50 of each tenant T is connected to the relay server 20 described above via a communication network 60 such as a LAN. In this way, the relay server 20 can obtain receipt data generated by the POS terminal 40 of each tenant T via the payment terminal 50.

[0016] The payment terminal 50 is an example of a payment device for processing non-cash payments such as credit cards, electronic money, etc. The payment terminal 50 has a function for supporting an electronic receipt system. Details of this function will be described later.

[0017] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal 40. The POS terminal 40 includes a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, a communication interface 405, a device interface 406, a change dispenser interface 407, a keyboard 408, a display 409, a scanner 410, a printer 411, and a system transmission path 412. The system transmission path 412 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 412 connects the processor 401 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0018] The POS terminal 40 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 401, a main memory 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a clock 404, and a communication interface 405 via a system transmission path 412. The POS terminal 40 is then constituted by connecting to this computer via the system transmission path 412 a device interface 406, a change dispenser interface 407, a keyboard 408, a display 409, a scanner 410, a printer 411, and other various devices.

[0019] The processor 401 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 401 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 40 in accordance with an operating system or application programs. The processor 401 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0020] The main memory 402 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 402 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 402 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 402 may store data required for the processor 401 to execute processes for controlling each unit in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 402 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 401 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0021] The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 403. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used by the processor 401 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 401, etc. The auxiliary storage device 403 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0022] The clock 404 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 401 processes the date and time kept by the clock 404 as the current date and time.

[0023] The communication interface 405 is a circuit device for communicating data with a store server (not shown). The store server is a server for implementing a service that manages the buying and selling of goods at tenant T. To implement such a service, the store server is equipped with a product data file that stores product names, prices, etc. in association with product codes that identify each product, and a summary data file that summarizes the number of items sold, sales amounts, etc. in association with the product codes of each product.

[0024] The device interface 406 is a circuit for performing data communication with the payment terminal 50. The change machine interface 407 is a circuit for performing data communication with an automatic change machine (not shown).

[0025] The keyboard 408 is a device on which various keys necessary for registering products, etc. are arranged. The display 409 is a device capable of displaying the product name, price, etc. of registered products. The scanner 410 is a device capable of reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes. The printer 411 is a device capable of printing receipts, etc. An existing POS terminal can be applied as the POS terminal 40 configured with such hardware. That is, the POS terminal brought by each tenant T when opening a store in the shopping center SC can be applied as the POS terminal 40 as it is.

[0026] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of payment terminal 50. Payment terminal 50 includes processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary storage device 503, communication interface 504, device interface 505, touch panel 506, printer 507, card reader 508, reader / writer 509, scanner 510, and system transmission path 511. System transmission path 511 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. System transmission path 511 connects processor 501 to other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0027] Payment terminal 50 is configured as a computer by connecting processor 501, main memory 502, auxiliary storage device 503, and communication interface 504 via system transmission path 511. Payment terminal 50 is configured by connecting device interface 505, and various devices such as touch panel 506, printer 507, card reader 508, reader / writer 509, and scanner 510 to this computer via system transmission path 511.

[0028] The processor 501 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 501 controls each part to realize various functions of the payment terminal 50 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 501 is, for example, a CPU.

[0029] The main memory 502 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 502 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 502 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 502 may store data required for the processor 501 to execute processes for controlling each unit in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 502 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 501 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0030] The auxiliary storage device 503 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be the auxiliary storage device 503. The auxiliary storage device 503 stores data used by the processor 501 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 501, etc. The auxiliary storage device 503 may also store the application programs described above.

[0031] The communication interface 504 is a circuit for performing data communication with the relay server 20 connected via the communication network 60. The device interface 505 is a circuit for performing data communication with the POS terminal 40.

[0032] The touch panel 506 is a device that combines a display as a display unit and a touch sensor as a detection unit. The printer 507 is a device that can print credit card slips and the like. The card reader 508 is a device that can read data magnetically recorded on a magnetic card. The reader / writer 509 is a device that can write and read data to and from wireless communication media such as contactless IC cards. The scanner 510 is a device that can read machine-readable codes such as barcodes.

[0033] The payment terminal 50 configured with such hardware can be an existing payment device that processes non-cash payments such as credit cards and electronic money. However, to support an electronic receipt system, the payment terminal 50 uses part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 502 as a first area 61 and a second area 62. The first area 61 is an area for storing receipt data. The second area 62 is an area for storing an electronic receipt ID. Furthermore, the processor 501 of the payment terminal 50 has functions as a payment means 71, a receiving means 72, an output means 73, an acquisition means 74, a reception means 75, an association means 76, and a transmission means 77.

[0034] The payment means 71 cooperates with the card reader 508 or the reader / writer 509 to settle the purchase and sale transactions of products registered in the POS terminal 40 by non-cash payment methods such as credit cards and electronic money. Incidentally, purchase and sale transactions paid in cash are settled at the POS terminal 40.

[0035] The receiving means 72 has a function of receiving receipt data relating to a sales transaction from the POS terminal 40 in cooperation with the device interface 505, which is the first communication means. Here, the receipt data does not only include receipt data for sales transactions settled by the payment means 71 using a non-cash payment method, but also includes receipt data for sales transactions settled by cash payment at the POS terminal 40.

[0036] The output means 73 has a function of working in cooperation with the touch panel 506 to output a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the receiving means 72. This function causes the receipt image to be displayed on the display of the touch panel 506.

[0037] The acquiring means 74 has a function of acquiring an identification code that identifies the user of the electronic receipt, that is, an electronic receipt ID. As described above, the electronic receipt ID is displayed in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode on the display of the information terminal 1. Therefore, the acquiring means 74 cooperates with the scanner 510 to acquire the electronic receipt ID from the machine-readable code read by the scanner 510.

[0038] The receiving means 75 has a function of receiving an input as to whether or not to associate the electronic receipt ID acquired by the acquiring means 74 with receipt data. Specifically, the receiving means 75 arranges a soft key button on the touch panel 506 on which the receipt image is displayed as an operator for instructing whether or not to associate the electronic receipt ID, and receives input from the soft key button.

[0039] The associating means 76 has a function of associating the electronic receipt ID acquired by the acquiring means 74 with the receipt data of the receipt image displayed on the touch panel 506 when the accepting means 75 accepts input to associate the receipt data.

[0040] The transmitting means 77 has a function of cooperating with the communication interface 504, which is the second communication means, to transmit receipt data to the center server 10. Receipt data includes receipt data associated with an electronic receipt ID and receipt data not associated with an electronic receipt ID. The receipt data output from the communication interface 504 by functioning as the transmitting means 77 is transmitted to the relay server 20 via the communication network 60, and is further transmitted from the relay server 20 to the center server 10 via the communication network 30.

[0041] The functions of the payment means 71, receiving means 72, output means 73, acquisition means 74, acceptance means 75, association means 76, and transmission means 77 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 501 in accordance with a control program. The control program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 502 or the auxiliary storage device 503. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control program in the main memory 502 or the auxiliary storage device 503. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via communication over a network and installed in the main memory 502 or the auxiliary storage device 503. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by a device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0042] Next, the operation of the POS terminal 40 and the payment terminal 50 when a receipt member M purchases a product from one of the tenants T in the shopping center SC and receives a receipt for the transaction as an electronic receipt will be described using the flowcharts in FIGS. 4 and 5 and the screen display examples in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 401 of the POS terminal 40. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor 501 of the payment terminal 50. FIGS. 6 and 7 show examples of images displayed on the display of the touch panel 506, which is the display device of the payment terminal 50. Note that the content and steps of the processing described below are examples. The content and steps can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be achieved. Furthermore, the image layout, text, etc. are examples and can, of course, be changed as appropriate.

[0043] First, receipt member M, who has finished shopping at tenant T, requests a store clerk to pay for the purchased items. Upon receiving the request, the store clerk performs an operation to register the purchased items on the POS terminal 40. For example, if the purchased items have barcodes indicating their product codes, the store clerk reads the barcodes with the scanner 410. If the purchased items do not have barcodes, the store clerk enters the product codes of the purchased items by operating the keys on the keyboard 408.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 4, the processor 401 of the POS terminal 40 waits for product registration in ACT1. When the above-described registration operation is performed using the scanner 410 or the keyboard 408, the processor 401 proceeds from ACT1 to ACT2. The processor 401 executes product sales data processing in ACT2. Specifically, the processor 401 acquires data such as the product name and price of the product identified by the product code entered in the registration operation from the product data file, and creates product sales data using the product code, product name, price, sales quantity, sales amount, etc. The processor 401 then writes and stores this product sales data in the transaction memory, which is part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 402. The processor 401 also displays the product name, price, etc. of the product sales data on the display 409.

[0045] Upon completing the product sales data processing, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, the processor 401 checks whether a closing key has been entered. The closing key is a key used to declare the end of product registration for a sales transaction, and is arranged on the keyboard 408 according to the payment method. That is, on the keyboard 408, a cash total key is arranged as the closing key for cash payments, a credit key is arranged as the closing key for credit card payments, and an electronic money key is arranged as the closing key for electronic money payments. The store clerk enters the closing key after performing the registration operation for all products purchased by receipt member M. For example, if receipt member M wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk enters the cash total key, if he wishes to pay by credit card, the store clerk enters the credit key, and if he wishes to pay by electronic money, the store clerk enters the electronic money key.

[0046] If the closing key is not entered in ACT 3, the processor 401 returns to ACT 1. The processor 401 waits for the next product registration. Once the product registration is completed, the processor 401 executes the product sales data processing described above and proceeds to ACT 3.

[0047] If a closing key is entered in ACT3, processor 401 proceeds to ACT4. Processor 401 determines whether cash payment or non-cash payment has been selected in ACT4. If a cash total key is entered as the closing key, processor 401 recognizes that cash payment has been selected. If a credit key or electronic money key is entered, processor 401 confirms that non-cash payment has been selected.

[0048] If cash payment is selected, processor 401 proceeds from ACT4 to ACT5. Processor 401 executes cash payment processing in ACT5. That is, processor 401 calculates the change amount by subtracting the transaction amount from the deposit amount. The calculated change amount is displayed on display 409. After completing the cash payment processing, processor 401 proceeds to ACT9. The processing from ACT9 onwards will be described later.

[0049] On the other hand, if non-cash payment is selected, the processor 401 proceeds from ACT4 to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 401 checks whether non-cash payment is possible at the payment terminal 50. For example, the processor 401 sends a confirmation signal to the payment terminal 50 via the device interface 406 and waits for a response signal from the payment terminal 50. Upon receiving the confirmation signal, the payment terminal 50 returns an approval response signal if it is operating normally and non-cash payment is possible. If it is operating but is undergoing maintenance, for example, and non-cash payment is not possible, it returns a negative response signal. If the payment terminal 50 is not operating, no response signal is returned. If the processor 401 receives an approval response signal from the payment terminal 50, it determines that non-cash payment is possible. If the processor 401 receives a negative response signal from the payment terminal 50 or does not receive any response signal, it determines that non-cash payment is not possible.

[0050] If non-cash payment is not possible, the processor 401 returns from ACT6 to ACT4. That is, the processor 401 treats the input of the credit key or electronic money key as an error and waits for cash payment to be selected. Then, if cash payment is selected, the processor 401 executes cash payment processing in ACT5.

[0051] If cashless payment is possible, the processor 401 proceeds from ACT6 to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 401 outputs a payment request signal from the device interface 406 to the payment terminal 50. In the payment terminal 50 that receives the payment request signal, a cashless payment process such as a credit card payment or electronic money payment is executed, and the processor 401 waits for the non-cash payment process to end in ACT8. Once the non-cash payment process has ended, the processor 401 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9.

[0052] Thus, when the cash payment process is completed in ACT4, or when the end of the non-cash payment process in the payment terminal 50 is confirmed in ACT8, the processor 401 proceeds to ACT9. In ACT9, the processor 401 generates receipt data for the sales transaction based on the product sales data, etc. stored in the transaction memory, and outputs this to the printer 411 to control the issuance of a paper receipt. In ACT10, the processor 401 also sends the receipt data to the payment terminal 50 via the device interface 406. Note that if the payment terminal 50 is undergoing maintenance or is out of operation and an error occurs in sending the receipt data, the processor 401 temporarily stores the receipt data. Then, when the payment terminal 50 is restored and is able to receive receipt data, the processor 401 sends the stored receipt data to the payment terminal 50. With this, the processor 401 completes the information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4.

[0053] In the payment terminal 50 connected to the POS terminal 40 operating as described above, two events occur: receiving a payment request signal from the POS terminal 40 and receiving receipt data. As shown in FIG. 5, the processor 501 of the payment terminal 50 waits for either receiving a payment request signal in ACT11 or receiving receipt data in ACT12. When the processor 501 receives a payment request signal from the POS terminal 40 via the device interface 406, the processor 501 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT13. The processor 501 selects a non-cash payment method in ACT13. That is, when the processor 501 receives a payment request signal generated by inputting a credit key in the POS terminal 40, the processor 501 recognizes that credit card payment has been selected. When the processor 501 receives a payment request signal generated by inputting an electronic money key in the POS terminal 40, the processor 501 recognizes that electronic money payment has been selected.

[0054] After selecting the payment method, processor 501 proceeds from ACT 13 to ACT 14. In ACT 14, processor 501 waits for input of a payment medium. That is, if credit card payment is selected, processor 501 waits for credit card data to be read by card reader 508. If electronic money payment is selected, processor 501 waits for data from an electronic money medium composed of a wireless communication medium to be read by reader / writer 509.

[0055] When credit card data or electronic money medium data is read, the processor 501 proceeds from ACT14 to ACT15. The processor 501 executes non-cash payment processing in ACT15. That is, when credit card data is read, the processor 501 executes credit card payment processing. For example, the processor 501 authenticates the credit card and executes processing to deduct the transaction amount from the approved credit card account. When electronic money medium data is read, the processor 501 executes electronic money payment processing. That is, it executes processing to deduct the transaction amount from the electronic money balance.

[0056] Once this non-cash payment process is complete, the processor 501 proceeds to ACT 16. In ACT 16, the processor 601 outputs a payment completion signal to the POS terminal 40 via the device interface 505. This completes the information processing performed by the processor 501 when it receives a payment request signal. The processor 501 then waits to receive receipt data again or to receive a payment request signal. Incidentally, upon receiving the payment completion signal, the processor 401 of the POS terminal 40 executes the paper receipt issuing process in ACT 9 and the receipt data output process in ACT 10, as described above.

[0057] If receipt data is received during the standby state of ACT11 and ACT12, the processor 501 proceeds from ACT12 to ACT17. In ACT17, the processor 501 stores the receipt data in the first area 61. In ACT18, the processor 501 displays a receipt image edited based on the receipt data on the display of the touch panel 506.

[0058] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a screen 80 displaying an example receipt image 81. As shown in Fig. 6, the screen 80 displays, together with the receipt image 81, text 82 prompting the user to select whether or not they would like an electronic receipt, and softkey buttons for a "Yes" affirmative button 83 and a "No" negative button 84.

[0059] The clerk checks screen 80 and confirms whether the customer is a receipt member M who desires an electronic receipt. If the customer is a receipt member M who desires an electronic receipt, the clerk presses the affirmative button 83. The clerk then performs an operation to read the machine-readable code of the electronic receipt ID displayed on the information terminal 1 owned by the receipt member M with the scanner 510. If the customer is not a receipt member, or if the customer is a receipt member but does not desire an electronic receipt, the clerk presses the negative button 84.

[0060] The processor 501 of the payment terminal 50 that has displayed the screen 80 checks whether an electronic receipt has been commanded in ACT 19. If the affirmative button 83 has been pressed, the processor 501 recognizes that an electronic receipt has been commanded. If the negative button 84 has been pressed, the processor 501 recognizes that an electronic receipt has not been commanded.

[0061] When an electronic receipt is commanded, the processor 501 acquires an electronic receipt ID in ACT 20. That is, the processor 501 acquires the electronic receipt ID from the machine-readable code read by the scanner 510. Then, the processor 501 stores the electronic receipt ID in the second area 62 in ACT 21. The processor 501 also displays the electronic receipt ID on the display of the touch panel 506 in ACT 22.

[0062] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of a screen 90 displaying an example electronic receipt ID 91. As shown in Fig. 7, the screen 90 displays the receipt image 81 displayed on the screen 80, the electronic receipt ID 91 stored in the second area 62, text 92 prompting the user to select whether or not to associate the electronic receipt ID with receipt data, and soft key buttons, a "Yes" affirmative button 93 and a "No" negative button 94.

[0063] After checking screen 90, the clerk confirms whether or not it is permissible to associate the electronic receipt ID 91 with the receipt data of the receipt image 81. If the receipt image 81 is an image of a paper receipt issued for a sales transaction by receipt member M, the clerk determines that the association is permissible and presses the Yes button 93. On the other hand, if the receipt image 81 is not an image of a paper receipt issued for a sales transaction by receipt member M, the clerk determines that the association is not permissible and presses the No button 94.

[0064] The processor 501 of the payment terminal 50 that displays the screen 90 checks whether or not a command to associate an electronic receipt ID has been issued in ACT 23. If the affirmative button 93 is pressed, the processor 501 recognizes that a command to associate an electronic receipt ID has been issued. If the negative button 94 is pressed, the processor 501 recognizes that a command to associate an electronic receipt ID has not been issued.

[0065] If a command to associate an electronic receipt ID is issued, the processor 501 proceeds from ACT23 to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 501 performs a process to associate the electronic receipt ID stored in the second area 62 with the receipt data stored in the first area 61. After that, in ACT25, the processor 501 controls the communication interface 504 to perform a process to transmit the receipt data associated with the electronic receipt ID to the center server 10. Through this process, the receipt data associated with the electronic receipt ID is transmitted to the relay server 20 via the communication network 60, and further transmitted to the center server 10 via the communication network 30.

[0066] On the other hand, if the association of an electronic receipt ID is not commanded, the processor 501 skips the processing in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25. That is, the processor 501 performs processing to transmit receipt data that is not associated with an electronic receipt ID to the center server 10. Note that, if the electronic receipt is not commanded in ACT19, the processor 501 skips the processing in ACT20 to ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25. That is, the processor 501 performs processing to transmit receipt data that is not associated with an electronic receipt ID to the center server 10.

[0067] This completes the information processing performed by the processor 501 when receipt data is received. The processor 501 then waits to receive receipt data again or a payment request signal.

[0068] Here, the processor 501 realizes the function of a payment means 71 by processing ACT13 to ACT15. The processor 501 realizes the function of a receiving means 72 by processing ACT12 and ACT17. The processor 501 realizes the function of an output means 73 by processing ACT18. The processor 501 realizes the function of an acquisition means 74 by processing ACT20 and ACT21. The processor 501 realizes the function of a reception means 75 by processing ACT22 and ACT23. The processor 501 realizes the function of an association means 76 by processing ACT24. The processor 501 realizes the function of a transmission means 77 by processing ACT25.

[0069] Configuring the electronic receipt system 100 using a payment terminal 50 that operates as described above can achieve the following effects: An image of the receipt issued by the POS terminal 40 is displayed on the touch panel 506, which is the display device of the payment terminal 50. Therefore, an operator of the payment terminal 50, such as a store clerk, can check the contents of the receipt based on the receipt data sent to the center server 10 before sending it.

[0070] Here, if the customer is a receipt member M and desires an electronic receipt, the store clerk performs an operation to read the machine-readable code of the electronic receipt ID displayed on the information terminal 1 of the receipt member M with the scanner 510. By performing this operation, the electronic receipt ID is displayed on the touch panel 506 together with an image of the receipt. Therefore, the store clerk can confirm whether the receipt is for a sales transaction with the receipt member M identified by the electronic receipt ID before associating the electronic receipt ID with the receipt data. Then, if it is OK to associate the electronic receipt ID with the receipt data, the store clerk presses the affirmative button 93 indicating "Yes." On the other hand, if it is not OK to associate the electronic receipt ID with the receipt data, the store clerk presses the negative button 94 indicating "No." If the affirmative button 93 is pressed, the receipt data associated with the electronic receipt ID is transmitted to the center server 10. If the negative button 94 is pressed, the receipt data not associated with the electronic receipt ID is transmitted to the center server 10.

[0071] For example, if a cash payment transaction is executed at the POS terminal 40 while the payment terminal 50 is undergoing maintenance, the receipt data of the transaction will be transmitted to the payment terminal 50 after the maintenance is completed. Non-cash payments When a sales transaction is executed and the customer of the transaction requests an electronic receipt, the receipt image displayed on the touch panel 506 of the payment terminal 50 may not be the receipt for the customer who requests an electronic receipt, but may be the receipt for the customer whose transaction was executed during maintenance. Even in such a case, the payment terminal 50 of this embodiment allows the image of the receipt to be confirmed before associating the receipt data with an electronic receipt ID, thereby preventing receipt data with incorrect association from being sent to the center server 10.

[0072] Although one embodiment has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this. In the above embodiment, the payment terminal 50 of each tenant T is connected to the relay server 20 via the communication network 60, and receipt data is sent to the center server 10 via the relay server 20. In this regard, it is also possible to omit the relay server 20. In other words, the payment terminal 50 may be directly connected to the communication network 30 and the receipt data may be sent to the center server 10.

[0073] In the above embodiment, in ACT13 of Fig. 5, the payment method was selected by identifying whether the payment request signal received from the POS terminal 40 was a signal generated by inputting a credit key or an electronic money key. In this regard, soft key buttons for the credit key and the electronic money key are provided on the touch panel 506 of the payment terminal 50. The processor 501 may then recognize that credit card payment has been selected when the credit key has been input, and that electronic money payment has been selected when the electronic money key has been input.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the output means 73 outputs a receipt image by displaying it on the touch panel 506, which is the display device of the payment terminal 50. In this regard, receipt data may be output to a display device separately connected to the payment terminal 50, and the receipt image may be displayed.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the acquiring means 74 acquires the electronic money ID from the machine-readable code read by the scanner 510 of the payment terminal 50. In this regard, the electronic money ID may be acquired from the machine-readable code by receiving the data of the machine-readable code read by the scanner 410 of the POS terminal 40 via the device interface 505. In this way, the scanner 510 can be omitted from the payment terminal 50.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the accepting unit 75 accepts the presence or absence of association by selectively inputting soft key buttons displayed on the touch panel 506. In this regard, keys indicating whether or not there is association may be arranged on the keyboard 408 of the POS terminal 40. Then, when a key signal indicating there is association is received via the device interface 505, the accepting unit 75 may accept that there is association, and when a key signal indicating no association is received via the device interface 505, the accepting unit 75 may accept that there is no association.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the screen 80 displaying the receipt image 81 displays text 82 prompting the user to select whether or not they want an electronic receipt, and soft key buttons including a "Yes" button 83 and a "No" button 84. In this regard, whether or not to accept the selection of whether or not they want an electronic receipt can be set using an option on the payment terminal 50. If the selection is accepted, the processor 501 displays the screen 80 shown in FIG. 6 on the touch panel 506 in ACT 18. Thereafter, the processor 501 executes the processes from ACT 19 onward in the same manner as in the above embodiment. On the other hand, if the selection is not accepted, the processor 501 displays only the receipt image 81 on the touch panel 506 in ACT 18 of FIG. 5. The processor 501 skips the process of ACT 19 and proceeds to ACT 20, and executes the processes from ACT 20 onward in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the processor 501 of the payment terminal 50 receives receipt data (YES in ACT12 in FIG. 5 ), it unconditionally displays the receipt image 81 on the screen 80 of the touch panel 506 (ACT18 in FIG. 5 ). In this regard, whether or not to display the receipt image can be set using an option on the payment terminal 50. If the setting is to display the receipt image, the processor 501 executes the processing from ACT17 in FIG. 5 onward in response to receipt data reception, similar to the above embodiment. That is, the processor 501 displays the receipt image 81, for example, in the layout shown in FIG. 6 , and checks whether an electronic receipt is to be ordered. On the other hand, if the setting is not to display the receipt, the processor 501 skips the processing in ACT18 and ACT19 after processing ACT17 and proceeds to ACT20. That is, the processor 501 assumes that an electronic receipt is to be ordered, and executes the processing from ACT20 onward in the same manner as the above embodiment.

[0079] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [1] A payment device comprising: a first communication means for performing data communication with a registration device that registers product sales data; a second communication means for performing data communication with a server that manages electronic receipts; a payment means for settling a sales transaction of a product registered in the registration device; a receiving means for receiving receipt data related to the sales transaction from the registration device; an output means for outputting a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the receiving means; and a transmission means for transmitting the receipt data to the server. [2] The payment device according to appendix [1] further comprises an acquisition means for acquiring an identification code that identifies the user of the electronic receipt, and an association means for associating the identification code acquired by the acquisition means with the receipt data in which the receipt image is output by the output means, and the transmission means transmits the receipt data associated with the identification code by the association means to the server. [3] The payment device described in appendix [2] further comprises a receiving means for receiving input as to whether or not to associate the identification code acquired by the acquisition means with the receipt data, and the associating means associates the identification code with the receipt data when the receiving means receives input indicating association. [4] The payment device according to appendix [3], wherein the sending means sends the receipt data to the server without associating it with the identification code when the receiving means receives input indicating no association. [5] The output means is a means for displaying and outputting a receipt image on a display device, and the acceptance means accepts input as to whether or not to associate the identification code with the receipt data by operating a button image arranged on a part of the screen of the display device on which the receipt image is displayed. The payment device described in appendix [3] or [4]. [6] A program for causing a computer of a registration device that registers product sales data and a payment device that communicates data with a server that manages electronic receipts to function as a payment means that settles sales transactions of products registered by the registration device, a receiving means that receives receipt data related to the sales transactions from the registration device, an output means that outputs a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the receiving means, and a transmitting means that transmits the receipt data to the server. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...information terminal, 10...center server, 20...relay server, 30, 60...communication network, 40...POS terminal, 50...payment terminal, 71...payment means, 72...receiving means, 73...output means, 74...acquisition means, 75...acceptance means, 76...association means, 77...transmission means, 100...electronic receipt system.

Claims

1. a first communication means for performing data communication with a registration device that registers sales data of the products; a second communication means for performing data communication with a server that manages electronic receipts; a settlement means for settling the purchase and sale of the commodity registered by the registration device; a receiving means for receiving receipt data relating to the sales transaction from the registration device via the first communication means; an output means for displaying a receipt image on a display device based on the receipt data received by the receiving means; An acquisition means for acquiring an identification code for identifying a user of the electronic receipt; a receiving means for receiving an input as to whether or not the identification code acquired by the acquiring means should be associated with receipt data in which a receipt image is displayed on the display device; an association means for associating the identification code acquired by the acquisition means with receipt data in which a receipt image is output on the display device when the acceptance means accepts an input indicating association; a transmitting means for transmitting the receipt data associated with the identification code to the server via the second communication means; A payment device comprising:

2. 2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits receipt data that is not associated with the identification code to the server when the receiving means receives an input indicating that the identification code is not associated.

3. A payment device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the reception means receives input as to whether or not to associate the identification code with the receipt data by operating a button image located on a part of the screen of a display device on which the receipt image is displayed.

4. A payment device as described in claim 1, wherein the output means displays the receipt image on a display device provided in the payment device or a display device connected to the payment device.

5. A registration device that registers product sales data and a payment device computer that performs data communication with a server that manages electronic receipts, a settlement means for settling the purchase and sale of the commodity registered in the registration device; a receiving means for receiving receipt data relating to the sales transaction from the registration device; an output means for displaying a receipt image based on the receipt data received by the receiving means on a display device; An acquisition means for acquiring an identification code for identifying a user of the electronic receipt; a receiving means for receiving an input as to whether or not the identification code acquired by the acquiring means should be associated with receipt data in which a receipt image is displayed on the display device; an association means for associating the identification code acquired by the acquisition means with receipt data in which a receipt image is output on the display device when the acceptance means accepts an input indicating association; and a transmitting means for transmitting the receipt data associated with the identification code to the server; A program to function as a

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