Payment device and its program

Abstract

To provide a settlement device that allows customers to easily indicate a format they require for the output of receipts in a self-service system for payment.SOLUTION: A settlement device according to an embodiment includes discrimination means, first display means, settlement means, and receipt processing means. The discrimination means determines whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member. The first display means, after completing registration for purchased articles, displays an operation screen for issuing a receipt in response to the settlement of the purchased articles, with different options for the form of receipt issuance depending on whether the consumer is the electronic receipt member or not. The settlement means settles the payment for the purchased articles. The receipt processing means executes processing related to the receipt for the settlement according to the form of receipt issuance selected via the operation screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device and a program thereof.

Background Art

[0002] There is a type of settlement device for settling the purchase of goods where the customer himself / herself operates to make the payment. In the case of the type operated by the customer himself / herself, since the store clerk is not involved, the work efficiency of the store clerk can be increased. On the other hand, as a payment method, the customer needs to select a payment method, for example, cash, credit card, electronic money, etc., and perform an operation according to the selected payment method. Also, regarding the output of the receipt, there may be a need to select whether to issue a receipt or a receipt voucher, or to select whether a receipt is required or not. Furthermore, in recent years, instead of a paper receipt, an electronic receipt service that can obtain electronic receipt data can be used, but when using the service, there may be confusion about how to perform the selection operation regarding the output of the receipt.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a settlement device that can easily indicate the format required by the customer for the output of the receipt when the payment is made self-service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement device and a program thereof that can easily indicate the format required by the customer for the output of the receipt when the payment is made self-service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the payment device comprises a discrimination means, a first display means, a payment means, and a receipt processing means. The discrimination means determines whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member. After registering the purchased items, the first display means displays an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased items, changing the selection of receipt issuance format depending on whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member or not. The payment means makes the payment for the purchased items. The receipt processing means performs receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory of the payment device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the payment device's processor. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the receipt output process performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of a subplan view displayed on the touch panel of an input device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the first notification screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a second notification screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of the total screen displayed on the first touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transition of information displayed in the second customer area of ​​the total screen shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of the first operation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a second operation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the first touch panel of a payment device. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an example of a screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device while the store clerk is operating it. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of a payment support screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows an example of a payment confirmation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the first touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 25]FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the transition of screens respectively displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel when a customer performs a payment operation by himself / herself. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the transition of screens respectively displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel when a store clerk performs a selection operation of a payment method on behalf of the customer.

Embodiment for Implementing the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, in the case of self-performing payment, an embodiment of a settlement device that enables a store clerk to easily intervene in the payment without confusion will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a merchandise sales system in which an input device for inputting information on merchandise purchased by a customer (consumer) and a settlement device for settling transactions with the customer are separated is exemplified.

[0009] [Explanation of the Configuration of the Merchandise Sales System] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a merchandise sales system 1 according to an embodiment. The merchandise sales system 1 includes an input device 2 and a settlement device 3. The input device 2 and the settlement device 3 are connected by a transmission cable 6 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable (see FIG. 2). Further, the merchandise sales system 1 is connected via a communication network 7 including a LAN, the Internet, etc. to a store server (not shown), an electronic receipt management server 8 that provides an electronic receipt service (hereinafter, the management server 8), etc. (see FIG. 2).

[0010] The input device 2 is attached to the checkout counter 4. The checkout counter 4 is positioned along the checkout lane PA, where the customer walks in the direction of the arrow in the diagram. The input device 2 is attached to the center of the top surface of the checkout counter 4. The area upstream of the input device 2 in the checkout lane PA is designated as a space for placing purchased items before entering the product code, and the area downstream is designated as a space for placing purchased items after entering the product code. The input device 2 is a device for entering the product code and other information attached to the purchased items, and the payment device 3 is a device for storing the information of the purchased items, into which the product code and other information have been entered by the input device 2, in the main memory 62. This process of storing the information of purchased items in the main memory 62 is called registration. The payment device 3 settles the transaction based on the information of purchased items registered in the main memory 62.

[0011] Input device 2 includes a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25 as input / output devices. Input device 2 positions the stationary scanner 21 so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the checkout counter 4, and arranges the handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, keyboard 24, and display 25 around the stationary scanner 21.

[0012] More specifically, the input device 2 has a fixed scanner 21 fixed to the top surface of the checkout counter 4. The fixed scanner 21 is vertical and fixed so that the barcode reading window is on the side opposite to the checkout lane PA. The input device 2 has a handheld scanner 22 attached to one side of the fixed scanner 21. A touch panel 23 is attached to the top of the fixed scanner 21 so that its operation panel surface faces the same direction as the reading window of the fixed scanner 21. A keyboard 24 is attached to one side of the touch panel 23 so that its key surface faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23. Furthermore, a display 25 is attached to one side of the fixed scanner 21 so that its display screen faces the checkout lane PA. Note that the display 25 may be a touch panel.

[0013] With this arrangement of input / output devices, a store employee standing in space SP on the opposite side of the checkout lane PA from the checkout counter 4 can operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 to input information about the items purchased by the customer, such as product code, quantity purchased, and discount amount. At this time, the employee can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items using the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items using the information displayed on the display 25. In addition, if the customer is registered as a member of the electronic receipt service, identification information (electronic receipt member ID) that identifies the electronic receipt member presented by the customer can be entered. For example, if a customer presents a barcode of their electronic receipt member ID displayed on a smartphone, the employee reads the barcode with the handheld scanner 22. As a result, the electronic receipt member ID data is entered, and receipt data showing the details of the transaction with that customer is issued in the form of an electronic receipt.

[0014] To use the electronic receipt service, customers must register as members with the electronic receipt service provider in advance. Customer data is managed on management server 8. Upon registration, a unique electronic receipt member ID is issued to each customer. This electronic receipt member ID is issued, for example, by installing a dedicated application program for the electronic receipt service on the customer's smartphone, and then being set in that program (electronic receipt app).

[0015] The payment device 3 includes a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 as a device integrated with the main unit 30. The payment device 3 also includes a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, a cashless payment terminal 37, etc., as external devices attached to the main unit 30. The payment device 3 is mounted on the top surface of the cash register counter 5, which is located on the opposite side of the checkout lane PA near the downstream end of the checkout counter 4.

[0016] More specifically, the payment device 3 is positioned on the cash register counter 5 such that the key surface of the keyboard 31 and the operation panel surface of the first touch panel 32 face the space SP where the store clerk stands. Around the main unit 30 of the device are a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, and a cashless payment terminal 37. The handheld scanner 33 is positioned so that it can be operated by a store clerk standing in space SP. The second touch panel 34 is positioned so that its display screen can be seen by customers standing in the checkout lane PA. The printer 35 is positioned so that customers standing in the checkout lane PA can easily receive their receipts. The automatic change dispenser 36 is positioned so that customers standing in the checkout lane PA can easily insert coins and take out the dispensed change. The cashless payment terminal 37 is positioned so that customers standing in the checkout lane PA can easily operate it when making cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and code payments.

[0017] With this arrangement of devices, the keyboard 31, the first touch panel 32, and the handheld scanner 33 are operated by store employees. The second touch panel 34, the printer 35, the automatic change dispenser 36, and the cashless payment terminal 37 are operated by customers. In other words, the first touch panel 32 displays information for store employees and functions as a display unit for store employees that can be operated by store employees. The second touch panel 34 displays information for customers and functions as a display unit for customers that can be operated by customers.

[0018] In large retail stores such as supermarkets and home improvement stores, it is common to install multiple units of this product sales system 1 in parallel at the checkout counter (cash register), which is separate from the sales area where the products are displayed. On the other hand, in smaller retail stores such as specialty shops, only one product sales system 1 may be installed within the store.

[0019] [Description of Payment Device Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment device 3. As shown in the figure, the payment device 3 is equipped with the following circuit components in the device body 30: a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71. The processor 61 is connected to the main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71 by a system transmission path 72. The system transmission path 72 is a transmission path that includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc.

[0020] The payment device 3 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 61 and the other components via a system transmission path 72. The payment device 3 then connects the keyboard 31 and the first touch panel 32 to this computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0021] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a payment device 3 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 61 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0022] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system or application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0023] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. 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 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0024] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0025] The communication interface 65 is an interface for data communication with a store server connected via the communication network 7, or with a management server 8 that manages the electronic receipt service. The store server is a computer that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product sold in the store, and collects and aggregates sales data of products processed by the payment device 3 to manage the overall sales and inventory of the store. The management server 8 is a computer that collects and manages data about customers registered as users of the electronic receipt service. For example, the management server 8 stores electronic receipt data, which is an electronic version of a receipt containing information related to a customer transaction (payment), in the electronic receipt database, associated with the electronic receipt member ID.

[0026] The scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, and payment terminal interface 70 are all interfaces for data communication with devices externally attached to the main unit 30. Specifically, the scanner interface 66 communicates data with the handheld scanner 33. The touch panel interface 67 communicates data with the second touch panel 34. The printer interface 68 communicates data with the printer 35. The change dispenser interface 69 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser 36. The payment terminal interface 70 communicates data with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0027] The input device interface 71 is an interface for data communication with the input device 2 connected by the transmission cable 6. Specifically, the input device interface 71 communicates data with the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25, respectively.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory 62. The payment device 3 uses a portion of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62 to store the first transaction file 81, the second transaction file 82, the flag memory 83, the status memory 84, the member flag memory 85, and the receipt issuance format memory. 86The first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 are areas for storing sales data for purchased goods processed as a single transaction. The sales data includes items such as the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount for the purchased goods. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity. The first transaction file 81 stores sales data related to purchased goods from the time input of the product code, etc. for purchased goods processed as a single transaction is started until it is finished. The second transaction file 82 stores sales data from the time input of the product code, etc. for purchased goods is finished until the transaction is settled. Note that "registration of purchased goods" includes storing the data of purchased goods in the settlement device 3. The first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 store information entered via the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 of the input device 2 (for example, information relating to the products purchased by the customer, such as product code, purchase quantity, discount amount, etc.), or information entered via the keyboard 31 or first touch panel 32 of the payment device 3 (for example, information relating to the products purchased by the customer, such as product code, purchase quantity, discount amount, etc.).

[0029] The flag memory 83 is an area for storing the payment in progress flag F. The payment in progress flag F is a 1-bit data for identifying whether or not payment is in progress at the payment device 3. In this embodiment, the payment in progress flag F indicating that payment is in progress is set to "1", and the payment in progress flag F indicating that payment is not in progress is set to "0".

[0030] Status memory 84 is an area for storing payment status ST. Payment status ST represents the payment mode. There are two payment modes: self-service mode and support mode. Self-service mode is a mode in which the customer performs the payment operation themselves. Support mode is a mode in which a store employee intervenes in the payment operation. In this embodiment, payment status ST representing self-service mode is set to "10", and payment status ST representing support mode is set to "20". Also, payment status ST before entering the payment operation is set to "00".

[0031] The member flag memory 85 is an area for storing the member flag MF. The member flag MF is a 1-bit data that identifies whether or not a customer is an electronic receipt member. In this embodiment, when the electronic receipt member ID is obtained by the input device 2, the member flag MF indicating that the customer is an electronic receipt member is set to "1", and the member flag MF indicating that the customer is not an electronic receipt member is set to "0".

[0032] Receipt Issuance Format Memory 86 This is an area for storing the receipt issuance type status RST. The receipt issuance type status RST represents the receipt issuance type specified by the customer's selection operation via the operation screen. The receipt issuance type is specified on the operation screen related to receipt issuance, which differs depending on whether the customer (consumer) is an electronic receipt member. If the customer is not an electronic receipt member, the first operation screen (Figure 16 In the receipt issuance format specified in (see reference), "01" represents a paper receipt, "02" represents no paper receipt output required, and "03" represents a receipt, and these are set as the receipt issuance format status RST. Also, if the customer is an electronic receipt member, the second operation screen (Figure) 17 As specified in the reference, "11" representing an electronic receipt and "13" representing a paper receipt are set as the receipt issuance status RST.

[0033] A receipt is a document that lists the details of the purchased items (such as product name, quantity, total, and amount paid). A payment receipt, on the other hand, includes a space for the recipient's name, the purchase amount, the issuing store information, and a space for notes (information about the purchased items, such as "as xx," which can be handwritten). The payment receipt may be integrated with the receipt that lists the details of the purchased items.

[0034] [Description of payment device functions] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 61 of the payment device 3. As shown in the figure, the processor 61 has the functions of a first receiving means 91, a second receiving means 92, a control means 93, a discrimination means 94, a payment means 95, a receipt processing means 96, and an acquisition means 97.

[0035] The first reception means 91 is a function that accepts input of a selection of one of several payment methods by the store clerk. Specifically, the first reception means 91 accepts input of a selection of a payment method by displaying a payment method selection screen on a store clerk-operated display unit, i.e., the first touch panel 32. Alternatively, the first reception means 91 accepts input of a selection of one of the payment methods by using multiple payment keys, each assigned to a different payment method, from among the various keys located on the keyboard 31. Alternatively, instead of accepting input of a selection of one of several payment methods by the store clerk, the first reception means 91 may also have a function that accepts input of an operation to execute (confirm) a payment by the store clerk. In this case, specifically, the first reception means 91 accepts instruction to execute (confirm) a payment by displaying a screen including a button to execute (confirm) a payment on a store clerk-operated display unit, i.e., the first touch panel 32. Furthermore, the first receiving means 91 may be configured to include an execution key among the various keys located on the keyboard 31 for executing (deciding) the payment, and to accept a selection input for executing (deciding) the payment via the execution key.

[0036] The second reception means 92 is a function that accepts input from the customer to select one of several types of payment methods. Specifically, the second reception means 92 accepts input from the customer to select a payment method by displaying a payment method selection screen on a customer display unit that the customer can operate, i.e., the second touch panel 34. Alternatively, instead of accepting input from the customer to select one of several types of payment methods by the customer, the second reception means 92 may be a function that accepts input from the customer to select an operation to execute (decide) the payment. In this case, specifically, the second reception means 92 may be configured to accept instructions to execute (decide) the payment by displaying a screen including a button to decide on payment on a customer display unit that the customer can operate, i.e., the second touch panel 34.

[0037] Furthermore, the second reception means 92 has the function of displaying an operation screen on the second touch panel 34 that includes options for receipt issuance, and accepting the customer's operation to select the receipt issuance format. Specifically, the second reception means 92 has a first display means 921 and a second display means 922. If the discrimination means 94 determines that the customer is not an electronic receipt member, the first display means 921 displays a first operation screen (see Figure 16) that includes options for paper receipt issuance format. If the discrimination means 94 determines that the customer is an electronic receipt member, the second display means 922 displays a second operation screen (see Figure 17) that does not include options for paper receipt issuance format but includes options for electronic receipt issuance format.

[0038] The control means 93 controls each of the functions 91, 92, 94-97. The control means 93 controls the first reception means 91 and the second reception means 92 so that when one of the reception means is accepting input for the receipt issuance format and payment method, the other reception means does not accept input for selection. Specifically, the control means 93 controls the other touch panel so that when either the first touch panel 32 or the second touch panel 34 is displaying an operation screen related to receipt issuance (first operation screen, second operation screen) or a payment method selection screen, it does not display an operation screen or a payment method selection screen on the other touch panel. For example, when the second touch panel 34 is displaying the first operation screen or the second operation screen, the control means 93 controls the first touch panel 32 so that it does not display the first operation screen or the second operation screen. It also does not accept input from keys on the keyboard 31. The control means 93 waits for a store employee to switch the display. When a switching operation is detected, the control means 93 displays an operation screen on the first touch panel 32 and clears the operation screen from the second touch panel 34. The control means 93 also accepts input for selecting the receipt issuance format by typing on the keys located on the keyboard 31.

[0039] The discrimination means 94 determines whether the customer (consumer) is an electronic receipt member by referring to the member flag MF, which is set when the electronic receipt member ID entered in the input device 2 is acquired by the acquisition means 97.

[0040] The payment method 95 is a function that settles the purchase of goods using the amount deposited by the customer. For example, when cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36, the payment method 95 considers that the amount to be paid in cash has been deposited and executes the cash payment process. For example, when credit card data is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 95 considers that the amount to be paid by credit card has been deposited and executes the credit card payment process. For example, when electronic money is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 95 considers that the amount to be paid by electronic money has been deposited and executes the electronic money payment process. For example, when a barcode or two-dimensional code for code payment is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 95 considers that the balance identified by the barcode or two-dimensional code has been deposited as the payment amount and executes the code payment process. These payment processes, such as cash payment processing, credit card payment processing, electronic money payment processing, and code payment processing, are well known processes, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0041] The receipt processing means 96 performs receipt output processing related to the payment made by the payment means 95, according to the receipt issuance format selected by the customer via the operation screen (first operation screen, second operation screen) displayed by the second reception means 92.

[0042] The acquisition means 97 is a function that acquires information related to customer transactions entered by the store clerk through operation of the input device 2. The acquisition means 97 inputs information related to the purchased items that the customer buys, such as product code, purchase quantity, and discount amount. In addition, if the customer has entered an electronic receipt member ID presented by the customer into the input device 2, the acquisition means 97 acquires the customer's electronic receipt member ID from the input device 2. By acquiring the electronic receipt member ID, the member flag MF is set from "0" to "1".

[0043] With this function, the processor 61 of the payment device 3 operates as follows: That is, input by the acquisition means 97 DeviceBased on the member flag MF set when the customer's electronic receipt member ID is obtained from 2, the first operation screen including the option for issuing a paper receipt by the first display means 921, or the second operation screen including the option for issuing an electronic receipt but not the option for issuing a paper receipt by the second display means 922, is displayed depending on whether the customer is an electronic receipt member or not, as determined by the discrimination means 94. When payment is made for the customer's purchased items by the payment means 95 and a receipt is printed, the receipt processing means 96 performs processing related to the receipt according to the receipt issuance format selected by the capture operation on the first operation screen or the second operation screen.

[0044] In this way, a first or second operation screen with different options is displayed depending on whether the customer is an electronic receipt member or not, making it easy to specify the format the customer requests for the receipt output.

[0045] The functions of the first receiving means 91, the second receiving means 92, the control means 93, the discrimination means 94, the payment means 95, the receipt processing means 96, and the acquisition means 97 are realized by information processing performed by the processor 61 according to the business program. Next, the main information processing procedures will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 5 to 8 and the screen examples in Figures 9 to 26. Note that the procedures described below are just examples. The procedures can be changed as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved. The screen examples are also just examples. The content of the output text, the arrangement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc., can be changed as appropriate.

[0046] Incidentally, a business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63. The method of installing a business program in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63 is not particularly limited. It can be installed in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63 by recording an input program on a removable recording medium or by distributing the business program via communication over a network. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0047] [Explanation of information processing for payment devices] <First Information Processing> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 according to the business program. A customer who has collected their purchased items from around the sales floor moves to the checkout area. The customer then places their purchased items on the checkout counter 4 in an empty checkout lane PA. When the customer arrives at the checkout area, the store clerk standing in space SP touches, for example, the start button on the touch panel 23. This operation is a command to start input in the input device 2. In other words, it is a command to start registration in the payment device 3. Upon receiving this command, the processor 61 starts the first information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. The processor 61 uses the touch panel 23 and the display 25 screens of the input device 2 as the registration screen as ACT1.

[0048] Figure 9 shows an example of the registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc. The current area AAa is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AAc is an area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for commanding the output of the subtotal of purchased products registered as a transaction in the settlement device 3.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of the registration screen SBa displayed on the display 25. The registration screen SBa divides the screen into multiple rows (seven rows in the example in Figure 10), with the rows from the first row to the second to last row being the detail area ABa rows, and the last row being the total area ABb row. In the detail area ABa rows, the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased product are displayed one row at a time. In the total area ABb, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount are displayed on a single row.

[0050] After confirming the registration screen SAa, the store clerk enters the information of the purchased items placed on the checkout counter 4 into the input device 2. Specifically, the clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased item using the fixed scanner 21 or handheld scanner 22 of the input device 2. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased item is entered into the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the clerk displays a list of barcode-less items on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2. The clerk then selects the purchased item from that list. Through this operation, the product code of the barcode-less purchased item is entered into the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71.

[0051] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. Processor 61, with the touch panel 23 and display 25 screens set to registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa, proceeds to ACT2. Processor 61 waits for the information necessary for registering purchased products to be entered as ACT2. When the product code, which is information about purchased products, is entered from the input device 2 via the input device interface 71, processor 61 determines that the information necessary for registering purchased products has been entered. Processor 61 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. Processor 61 executes product sales data processing as ACT3. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the entered product code from the product master, generates sales data for purchased products including product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., and writes it to the first transaction file 81, i.e., registers the product.

[0052] After completing the processing of product sales data, processor 61 proceeds to ACT4. Processor 61 updates registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa as ACT4.

[0053] Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 in the current area AAa. At this time, if the sales data of the previously entered purchase product is displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of that sales data in the details area AAb. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the first transaction file 81 in the total area AAc.

[0054] Regarding the registration screen SBa, the processor 61 displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 on the first line of the detail area ABa. If sales data is already displayed on the first line of the detail area ABa, the processor 61 shifts the data from the first line onward to the second line onward, and then displays the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 on the first line. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the first transaction file 81 in the total area ABb.

[0055] After updating registration screens SAa and SBa, processor 61 proceeds to ACT5. Processor 61 checks whether the information for the next purchased item has been entered into input device 2 as ACT5. If the information for the next purchased item has not been entered, processor 61 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been pressed as ACT6. If the subtotal button BAa has not been pressed, processor 61 returns to ACT5. In this way, processor 61 waits for the information for the next purchased item to be entered or for the subtotal button BAa to be pressed as ACT5 and ACT6.

[0056] When information about the purchased product is entered while the system is in the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 61 returns to ACT3. The processor 61 then executes the processing of ACT3 and ACT4 in the same manner as described above.

[0057] Therefore, by operating the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input information on each purchased item placed on the checkout counter 4, the sales data for each purchased item is stored in the first transaction file 81. In addition, registration screens SAa and SBa are updated. After the store clerk has finished inputting information related to the purchased items to the input device 2, they touch the subtotal button BAa.

[0058] In the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the subtotal button BAa is input by the store clerk's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT7. For ACT7, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 on the input device 2 as the subtotal plane SAb (see Figure 11).

[0059] Figure 11 shows an example of the subplanning screen SAb displayed on the touch panel 23. The subplanning screen SAb includes a total area AAd that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased items in a single transaction. The subplanning screen SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal discount button BAc, a checkout button Bad, and a back button BAe. Each of the buttons BAb, Bac, Bad, and BAe is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The subtotal discount button BAc is an operator used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The checkout button BAd is an operator used to instruct that the input of purchased item information has been completed. The back button BAe is an operator used to instruct the user to return to the input of purchased item information.

[0060] After reviewing the sub-planning page SAb, the clerk checks whether any unentered purchase items remain at checkout counter 4. If there are any unentered purchase items, the clerk touches the back button BAe.

[0061] On the other hand, if there are no unentered purchase items, the clerk checks whether the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount or subtotal reduction. For example, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAb and enters the discount amount using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called a subtotal discount process. Similarly, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAc and enters the discount rate using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called a subtotal discount process.

[0062] Once the clerk confirms that there are no unentered purchase items and that no subtotal discount or reduction is needed, they touch the checkout button Bad.

[0063] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. When the touch panel 23 screen is set to subplanning plane SAb, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT8. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BAe has been pressed as ACT8. If the back button BAe has not been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT9. The processor 61 checks whether the accounting button Bad has been pressed as ACT9. If the accounting button Bad has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT8. In this way, the processor 61, displaying subplanning plane SAb, waits for either the back button Bad or the accounting button Bad to be pressed as ACT8 or ACT9.

[0064] Furthermore, if the subtotal discount button BAb or the subtotal discount button BAc is pressed while ACT8 and ACT9 are in standby mode, the processor 61 performs the subtotal discount processing or subtotal discount processing described above. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby mode for ACT8 and ACT9.

[0065] If the back button BAd is pressed by the store clerk via touch operation while in the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 61 returns the touch panel 23 screen to the previous registration screen SAa. Then the processor 61 enters the standby state for ACT5 and ACT6. At this point, the store clerk can operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input any missing information about the purchased items.

[0066] If the payment button BAd is pressed by the store clerk's touch operation while in the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 61 checks the payment in progress flag F. If no payment operation has been performed on the payment device 3, the payment in progress flag F is reset to "0". If the payment in progress flag F is reset to "0", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. As ACT12, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 to the first notification screen SBb (see Figure 12).

[0067] Figure 12 shows an example of the first notification screen SBb displayed on the display 25. The first notification screen SBb displays the information of the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa, along with the first text TXa. The first text TXa is text that instructs the customer to move to the payment machine because payment is possible. After seeing the first text TXa, the customer moves to the payment machine, i.e., the location where the settlement device 3 is installed, and makes the payment.

[0068] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the first notification screen SBb on the display 25, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 13. As ACT 13, the processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81, that is, the sales data of the purchased goods registered as a transaction, to the second transaction file 82. Also, as ACT 14, the processor 61 sets the payment in progress flag F in the flag memory 83 to "1". With this, the processor 61 completes the first information processing related to the transaction with the first customer.

[0069] The processor 61 then proceeds to begin the first information processing related to the transaction with the second customer. That is, the processor 61 executes the processing from ACT1 onward in the same manner as described above. At this time, the payment in progress flag F, which was set to "1" in ACT14 of the first information processing for the first customer, may not have been reset to "0" by ACT11 of the first information processing for the second customer.

[0070] In ACT11, if the payment flag F is set to "1", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 as the second notification screen SBc (see Figure 13).

[0071] Figure 13 shows an example of the second notification screen SBc displayed on the display 25. The second notification screen SBc displays the second text TXb along with the information of the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa. The second text TXb is a message instructing the customer to wait because payment is not possible. The second customer who sees the second text TXb will wait until payment becomes possible.

[0072] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the second notification screen SBc on display 25, processor 61 returns to ACT11. Processor 61 waits for the payment flag F to be reset to "0" as ACT11. The payment flag F is reset to "0" in the second information processing described later when the settlement process is completed. Once the payment flag F is reset to "0", processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. Processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT12 through ACT14 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 61 displays the first notification screen SBb on display 25. This display prompts the second customer to move to the area where the payment device 3 is installed and make the payment.

[0073] Processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81 to the second transaction file 82. Processor 61 also sets the payment flag F to "1" and finishes the first information processing for the second customer. Thereafter, processor 61 continues to perform the first information processing for the third, fourth, and subsequent customers in the same manner as described above.

[0074] When the store clerk inputs information about the purchased items using the input device 2, they confirm with the customer whether they are an electronic receipt member, that is, whether they will use the electronic receipt service for the purchase of the items. For example, before registering the items in ACT1 in Figure 5, the store clerk asks the customer if they are an electronic receipt member. If the customer displays the barcode of their electronic receipt member ID on their smartphone or the like and presents it to the store clerk, the store clerk reads the barcode with the handheld scanner 22. The processor 61 stores the data indicating the electronic receipt member ID read by the handheld scanner 22 in, for example, the main memory 62. The processor 61 also updates the member flag MF from the default "0" to "1" in response to the acquisition of the electronic receipt member ID. Note that reading the electronic receipt member ID is not limited to before item registration; for example, in ACT9 in Figure 5, before the store clerk operates the payment button BAd, they ask the customer if they are an electronic receipt member in the same manner as described above, and perform the reading operation if the electronic receipt member ID is presented. Furthermore, in ACT9 of Figure 5, it may be possible to allow the reading of the electronic receipt member ID at any time before the store clerk operates the payment button BAd.

[0075] <Second Information Processing> Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 in accordance with the business program. The processor 61 performs the second information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0076] The processor 61 waits for the payment flag F to be set to "1" as ACT16. During this waiting state, the initial screen is displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. The content of the initial screen is not particularly limited. For example, the initial screen displayed on the first touch panel 32 is a screen with the same layout as the total screen SCa described later. However, no information is displayed on the initial screen. The initial screen displayed on the second touch panel 34 is a screen that displays text or an image, such as "Welcome." Alternatively, nothing may be displayed.

[0077] In ACT14 of the first information processing, when the payment flag F is set to "1", processor 61 proceeds from ACT16 to ACT17. Processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "10" in ACT17.

[0078] Furthermore, the processor 61 sequentially displays screens (operation screen → payment method setting screen) for the customer to select the receipt issuance format and payment method according to the customer's request in order to settle the payment for the customer's purchased items, and accepts operations from the customer or store clerk. In the payment device 3 in this embodiment, an operation screen is displayed in which the options change depending on whether the customer is an electronic receipt member or not, allowing the customer to select the receipt issuance format, and then a payment method selection screen is displayed for the customer to select the payment method.

[0079] First, the processor 61 refers to the member flag MF to determine if the customer is an electronic receipt member. If the member flag MF is determined to be "0" in ACT18, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store staff, as the total screen SCa (see Figure 14) and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, as the first operation screen SDf1 (see Figure 16) in ACT23.

[0080] On the other hand, if the member flag MF is determined to be "1" in ACT18, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store staff, as the total screen SCa (see Figure 14) as ACT23, and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, as the second operation screen SDf2 (see Figure 17).

[0081] Figure 14 shows an example of the total screen SCa displayed on the first touch panel 32. The total screen SCa has a first customer area ACa and a second customer area ACb. The first customer area ACa is an area for displaying information about the first customer who is about to pay. The first customer area ACa displays the total points and total amount for the first customer. That is, the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of purchased goods stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the first customer area ACa. A toggle button BCa is also displayed in the first customer area ACa. The toggle button BCa is a software key. The toggle button BCa is an operator used to declare that a store employee will intervene in the payment operation.

[0082] The second guest area ACb is an area for displaying information about the second guest. An example of the information displayed in the second guest area ACb is shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transition of information displayed in the second guest area ACb.

[0083] When the input device 2 has not yet started entering the information for the second customer's purchase, "Waiting" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-1. When the input of information for the second customer's purchase begins, "Registering" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-2. When the input of information for the second customer's purchase is completed, "Waiting for Payment" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-3. After the first customer's payment is completed and the system moves on to the second customer's payment, it returns to "Waiting," as shown in the second customer area ACb-1. Note that nothing may be displayed in the second customer area ACb-1.

[0084] Thus, the information displayed in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa is an area for displaying information about the first customer who is about to pay. Similarly, the information displayed in the second customer area ACb of the total screen SCa is an area for displaying information about the second customer who will pay after the first customer whose information is displayed in the first customer area ACa. In other words, the total screen SCa can be said to be a screen for displaying information about customers before payment.

[0085] Figure 16 shows an example of the first operation screen SDf1 displayed on the second touch panel 34. The first operation screen SDf1 has three options (buttons BDr1 to BDr3) for the receipt issuance format that can be specified by the customer. Button BDr1 is the option to instruct the output of a standard paper receipt. Button BDr2 is the option to instruct the output of a paper receipt to be canceled. Button BDr3 is the option to instruct the output of a paper receipt instead of a standard paper receipt.

[0086] The first operation screen SDf1 has a button to indicate whether or not a receipt needs to be printed, allowing customers who are not electronic receipt members to explicitly indicate whether or not they need a receipt. Therefore, unnecessary receipt printing can be eliminated, preventing the wasteful consumption of paper resources and the increase of waste. In addition, a button BDr3 is provided to indicate the printing of a receipt, allowing customers who require a receipt to explicitly indicate that they need a receipt instead of a paper receipt.

[0087] Figure 17 shows an example of the second operation screen SDf2 displayed on the second touch panel 34. The second operation screen SDf2 provides two options (buttons BDr4 and BDr5) ​​for the receipt issuance format that can be specified by the customer. Button BDr4 is the option for instructing the output of an electronic receipt. Button BDr5 is the option for instructing the output of a paper receipt.

[0088] The second operation screen SDf2 is equipped with a button BDr4 for instructing the output of an electronic receipt, allowing customers who are electronic receipt members to explicitly indicate that they require an electronic receipt. In other words, by instructing the output to be an electronic receipt, it is clear that a paper receipt is not needed. This prevents customers from being confused when selecting whether to print a receipt when using the electronic receipt service. Additionally, a button BDr5 for instructing the output of a receipt is provided, allowing customers who require a receipt to explicitly indicate that they need both an electronic receipt and a paper receipt.

[0089] The processor 61, as ACT21, sets the receipt issuance status RST in response to the customer's operation on the first operation screen SDf1 or the second operation screen SDf2. Specifically, on the first operation screen, if button BDR1 is selected, it sets "01" to represent a paper receipt; if button BDR2 is selected, it sets "02" to represent no paper receipt output; and if button BDR3 is selected, it sets "03" to represent a receipt. On the second operation screen, if button BDR4 is selected, it sets "11" to represent an electronic receipt; and if button BDR4 is selected, it sets "13" to represent a receipt.

[0090] Here, the set receipt issuance status RST is referenced in the receipt output process in ACT44 shown in Figure 7, which will be described later, and processing related to the receipt according to the set status is executed.

[0091] Figure 18 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34. The payment method selection screen SDa includes a group of payment method selection buttons BDa. The group of payment method selection buttons BDa includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, a code payment button, a prepaid button, and a points button. The cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and points button are all software keys.

[0092] Furthermore, the payment method selection screen SDa includes the total area ADa. The total area ADa displays the total number of items and the total amount for the customer who is about to make a payment. In other words, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of purchased items stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the total area ADa.

[0093] After viewing the payment method selection screen SDa, customers touch the button corresponding to their desired payment method from the payment method selection button group BDa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay with cash touches the cash button. A customer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button. A customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button. A customer who wishes to pay with QR code payment touches the QR code payment button. A customer who wishes to pay with a prepaid card touches the prepaid button. A customer who wishes to pay with accumulated points touches the points button.

[0094] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. If the first touch panel 32 screen is designated as the total screen SCa and the second touch panel 34 screen is designated as the payment method selection screen SDa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 61 checks whether one of the payment method selection buttons BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa has been pressed. If no button from the payment method selection button group BDa has been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 61 checks whether the toggle button BCa displayed on the total screen SCa has been pressed. If the toggle button BCa on the total screen SCa has also not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT24. In this way, the processor 61 waits for either a button from the payment method selection button group BDa on the payment method selection screen SDa or a toggle button BCa on the total screen SCa to be pressed, as ACT24 and ACT25.

[0095] In the standby state of ACT24 and ACT25, when a button in the payment method selection button group BDa is pressed by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT30 in Figure 7. The processing from ACT30 onward will be described later.

[0096] On the other hand, if the toggle button BCa is pressed by a store employee's touch operation while ACT24 and ACT25 are in standby state, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT25 to ACT26. The processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "20" as ACT26. The processor 61 also sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the store employee display unit, to the payment method selection screen SCb (see Figure 19) as ACT27, and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the store employee operation screen SDb (see Figure 20).

[0097] Figure 19 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SCb displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment method selection screen SCb is created by placing the payment method selection button group BCb and the back button BCc in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa. The second customer area ACb of the total screen SCa is displayed similarly in the payment method selection screen SCb.

[0098] The payment method selection button group BCb includes the aforementioned cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and points button, as well as a gift certificate button. The gift certificate button is also a software key. When paying with a gift certificate, the intervention of a store employee is required to verify the validity of the gift certificate. For this reason, the payment method selection screen SDa of the second touch panel 34, which is operated by the customer, does not include a gift certificate button, but the payment method selection screen SCb of the first touch panel 32, which is operated by a store employee, does include a gift certificate button. The back button BCc is a software key. The back button BCc is an operator used to declare that the user is returning to the previous screen, i.e., the total screen SCa.

[0099] Figure 20 shows an example of the staff operation screen SDb displayed on the second touch panel 34. As shown in the figure, the staff operation screen SDb displays a third text TXc to notify the customer that a staff member is operating the device. Alternatively, an image indicating that a staff member is operating the device may be displayed instead of the third text TXc. Or, both the third text TXc and an image may be displayed. The main point is to notify the customer that a staff member is operating the device.

[0100] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. If the first touch panel 32 screen is set to the payment method selection screen SCb and the second touch panel 34 screen is set to the employee operation screen SDb, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT28. As ACT28, the processor 61 checks whether one of the payment method selection buttons BCb displayed on the payment method selection screen SCb has been pressed. If no button from the payment method selection button group BCb has been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT29. As ACT29, the processor 61 checks whether the back button BCc on the payment method selection screen SCb has been pressed. If the back button BCc has also not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT28. In this way, the processor 61 waits for either a button from the payment method selection button group BCb or a back button BCc to be pressed as ACT28 and ACT29.

[0101] In the standby state of ACT28 and ACT29, when a button in the payment method selection button group BCb is pressed by a store employee via touch operation, processor 61 proceeds from ACT28 to ACT30 in Figure 7. The processing from ACT30 onward will be described later.

[0102] In contrast, if the back button BCc is pressed by the store clerk's touch operation while ACT28 and ACT29 are in standby state, processor 61 returns from ACT29 to ACT17. That is, processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "10" and performs the same processing as described above.

[0103] As described above, in ACT24, if a button from the payment method selection button group BDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 is pressed by the customer, or in ACT28, if a button from the payment method selection button group BCb displayed on the first touch panel 32 is pressed by the store clerk, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT30 in Figure 7. In ACT30, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store clerks, as the total screen SCa (see Figure 14), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, as the payment support screen SDc (see Figure 21).

[0104] Figure 21 shows an example of the payment support screen SDc displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 21 shows the payment support screen SDc when the cash button is selected from the payment method selection button group BDa or payment method selection button group BCb. The payment support screen SDc includes the change machine information area ADb. The payment support screen SDc also has a back button BDb.

[0105] The change dispenser information area ADb displays the total amount, the amount inserted (i.e., the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36), and the remaining amount after subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount. The back button BDb is a software key. The back button BDb is an operator used to instruct the machine to cancel the payment using the selected payment method.

[0106] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. If the first touch panel 32 screen is set to the total screen SCa and the second touch panel 34 screen is set to the payment support screen SDc, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT31. The processor 61 checks whether payment has been received as ACT31. If no payment has been received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT32. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BDb has been pressed as ACT32. If the back button BDb has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT31. In this way, the processor 61 waits for payment to be received or for the back button BDb to be pressed as ACT31 and ACT32.

[0107] Customers who choose cash payment as their payment method insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 36. Customers who choose credit card payment have their credit card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who choose electronic money payment have their electronic money data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who choose code payment have their code payment barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the scanner of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who wish to pay with a prepaid card have their prepaid card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who wish to pay with points have their point card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. When a customer makes such a payment operation, the processor 61 determines in ACT 31 that a payment has been received.

[0108] If processor 61 determines that a payment has been received, it proceeds from ACT31 to ACT33. Processor 61 then executes the payment process as ACT33. For example, if cash payment is selected, processor 61 subtracts the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 from the total amount. If credit card payment is selected, processor 61 authenticates the credit card. If electronic money payment is selected, processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the electronic money balance. If code payment is selected, processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the code payment balance. If prepaid card payment is selected, processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the prepaid card balance. If points payment is selected, processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the amount equivalent to the accumulated points.

[0109] Processor 61, having executed the payment processing, proceeds to ACT34. Processor 61 determines whether the payment is complete or not as ACT34. For example, if the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 is insufficient to cover the total amount, processor 61 determines that the payment is incomplete. Similarly, if credit card authentication fails, or if the balance of electronic money, code payment, prepaid card, accumulated points, etc., is insufficient to cover the total amount, processor 61 also determines that the payment is incomplete. If the payment is incomplete, processor 61 returns to ACT31. Processor 61 then waits for further deposits as ACT31 and ACT32, or for the back button BDb to be pressed.

[0110] When payment is incomplete, i.e., in the waiting state of ACT31 and ACT32, the customer can change the payment method. For example, if the customer selected cash payment but does not have enough cash on hand, they can change to a payment method other than cash. A customer who wishes to change to a different payment method touches the back button BDb.

[0111] In the waiting state of ACT31 and ACT32, if the back button BDb is pressed by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT32 to ACT35. As ACT35, the processor 61 checks whether the back button BDb was pressed after cash was inserted into the automatic change machine 36. If the back button BDb was pressed after cash was inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT36. As ACT36, the processor 61 stores the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the so-called deposit amount, in the main memory 62. If the back button BDb is pressed without cash being inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 skips the processing of ACT36.

[0112] If the process in ACT36 is executed or skipped, processor 61 proceeds to ACT37. Processor 61 checks the status ST as ACT37. At this point, the status ST is either "10" or "20".

[0113] If the status ST is "10", the processor 61 returns to ACT23 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the total screen SCa (see Figure 14), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the payment method selection screen SDa (see Figure 18). Thus, when the status ST is "10" and the customer touches the return button BDb, the payment method selection screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 34. Therefore, the customer just needs to touch the button for their desired payment method from the group of payment method selection buttons BDa again.

[0114] In contrast, if the status ST is "20", the processor 61 returns to ACT27 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the payment method selection screen SCb (see Figure 19), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the store clerk operation screen SDb (see Figure 20). Thus, when the status ST is "20" and the customer touches the return button BDb, the payment method selection screen SCb is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, the store clerk just needs to touch the button for the payment method the customer wants from the payment method selection button group BCb again.

[0115] Upon recognizing that payment has been completed in ACT34, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT38. The processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, as the total screen SCa (see Figure 14), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, as the payment confirmation screen SDd (see Figure 22).

[0116] Figure 22 shows an example of the payment confirmation screen SDd displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 22 shows the payment confirmation screen SDd when the cash button in either the payment method selection button group BDa or the payment method selection button group BCb is selected. The payment confirmation screen SDd includes the change machine information area ADb. In the payment support screen SDc, the change machine information area ADb displays the difference between the total amount and the amount inserted as the remaining amount, but in the payment confirmation screen SDd, it displays the difference between the amount inserted and the total amount as the change amount. The payment confirmation screen SDd also has a payment button BDc. The back button BDb, which was located on the payment support screen SDc, is not located on the payment support screen SDc. The payment button BDc is an operator used to declare that payment has been completed. A customer who has finished paying touches the payment button BDc.

[0117] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. Processor 61, with the first touch panel 32 screen set to the total screen SCa and the second touch panel 34 screen set to the payment confirmation screen SDd, proceeds to ACT39. Processor 61 waits for the payment button BDc to be input as ACT39. When the payment button BDc is input by the customer's touch operation, processor 61 proceeds to ACT40. Processor 61 checks whether the deposit amount is stored as ACT40. If the deposit amount was stored in the processing of ACT36, processor 61 proceeds to ACT41. Processor 61 controls the automatic change dispenser 36 so that cash equivalent to the deposit amount is dispensed as ACT41. If the deposit amount was not stored in the processing of ACT36, processor 61 skips the processing of ACT41.

[0118] If the process of ACT41 is executed or skipped, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT42. The processor 61 checks whether there is change as ACT42. If cash payment is selected as the payment method and change is generated because an amount of cash exceeding the total amount has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT43. The processor 61 controls the automatic change dispenser 36 as ACT43 so that cash equivalent to the change amount is dispensed. If no change is generated, the processor 61 skips the process of ACT43.

[0119] If the process in ACT43 is executed or skipped, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT44. The processor 61 then executes the receipt output process as ACT44.

[0120] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the receipt output process executed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 in accordance with the business program.

[0121] The processor 61 refers to the receipt issuance status RST and executes processing for receipt output according to the receipt issuance status RST. If the receipt issuance status RST is determined to be "01" in ACT 51, the processor 61 causes the printer 56 to output a paper receipt in ACT 55. That is, the processor 61 generates receipt data showing the details of the commercial transaction based on the sales data etc. stored in the second transaction file 82. Then the processor 61 outputs this receipt data to the printer 56. Thus, the printer 56 operates and a paper receipt is printed and issued.

[0122] If the receipt issuance status RST is "02", it indicates that a paper receipt is not required, so the processor 61 terminates the receipt output process without printing a receipt.

[0123] If the receipt issuance status RST is determined to be "03" in ACT52, the processor 61 causes the printer 56 to print a receipt in ACT56. That is, the processor 61 generates receipt data based on the sales data stored in the second transaction file 82. The processor 61 then outputs this receipt data to the printer 56. Thus, the printer 56 operates, prints the receipt on paper, and issues it.

[0124] Furthermore, if the receipt issuance status RST is determined to be "13" in ACT53, the processor 61 will, in ACT57, print a receipt using the printer 56 in the same manner as described above, and then in ACT58, execute electronic receipt processing to print an electronic receipt. That is, the processor 61 sends the receipt data along with the customer's electronic receipt ID to the management server 8. Thus, the customer can obtain electronic receipt data using the electronic receipt service by operating their smartphone. In this way, if a customer who is registered as an electronic receipt member has selected receipt as the receipt issuance type, they can receive both a paper receipt and electronic receipt data. Note that if receipt is selected as the receipt issuance type, only a paper receipt may be issued, and neither a paper receipt nor an electronic receipt may be issued. In this way, the customer can receive paper proof of purchase in the issuance type they desire, and it is possible to suppress the issuance of unnecessary paper documents from the payment device 3.

[0125] The processor 61 may also transmit the sales data stored in the second transaction file 82 along with the electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt management server 8 connected to the payment device 3, and the electronic receipt management server 8 may perform electronic receipt processing to output an electronic receipt based on the sales data transmitted from the processor 61. In other words, the electronic receipt processing may be performed on a device other than the payment device 3.

[0126] Furthermore, if the receipt issuance status RST is determined to be "11" in ACT54, the processor 61 executes electronic receipt processing in ACT58 in the same manner as described above to output an electronic receipt. In this way, if a customer who is registered as an electronic receipt member has selected electronic receipt as the receipt issuance method, only an electronic receipt can be issued without issuing a paper receipt.

[0127] In the explanation above, when the receipt issuance status RST in ACT53 is determined to be "13," that is, when a receipt is selected as the receipt issuance type, both a receipt and an electronic receipt are issued (ACT57, ACT58). However, it is also acceptable to issue only a receipt. Alternatively, it is also possible to pre-configure whether to issue both a receipt and an electronic receipt, or only a receipt, and determine the output format according to this setting.

[0128] The processor 61, which has processed the receipt output, proceeds to ACT45. In ACT45, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the payment completion screen SCc (see Figure 23), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the payment completion screen SDe (see Figure 24).

[0129] Figure 23 shows an example of the payment completion screen SCc displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment completion screen SCc overlays a pop-up window PUa on the total screen SCa to notify the store clerk that the payment has been completed. The store clerk recognizes that the customer's payment has been completed at the payment device 3 when this pop-up window PUa is displayed.

[0130] Figure 24 shows an example of the payment completion screen SDe displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 24 shows the payment completion screen SDe when the cash button is selected from the payment method selection button group BDa or payment method selection button group BCb. The payment completion screen SDe displays a fourth text TXd along with the change machine information area ADb, informing the customer that they have not forgotten their receipt and change. If the receipt is issued as an electronic receipt, the fourth text TXd changes to, for example, "Please take your change. Please check your electronic receipt." After the customer has confirmed the contents displayed on the payment completion screen SDe, they receive the paper receipt if one is issued from the printer 35. They also receive the cash if the amount deposited or the change is dispensed from the automatic change machine 36.

[0131] Figures 23 and 24 show examples of displays when a paper receipt is issued, but the display will change depending on the processing content of the receipt output process (receipt issuance status RST). Specifically, when a receipt is issued, "Receipt" will be replaced with "Receipt," and when an electronic receipt is issued, text indicating that an electronic receipt has been issued will be displayed. Furthermore, if a paper receipt is not issued, text indicating that a receipt will not be issued may be displayed to notify the customer. This allows the customer to explicitly recognize that the receipt output process has been executed in accordance with their selection on the operation screen.

[0132] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. When the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 to the payment completion screen SCc and the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment completion screen SDe, it proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, the processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82. Also as ACT47, the processor 61 resets the payment in progress flag F to "0". Furthermore, as ACT48, the processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "00". With this, the processor 61 finishes the second information processing. Thus, the payment of the first customer is processed at the settlement device 3. Then, when the payment in progress flag F is set to "1" again at ACT14 in Figure 5, the processor 61 repeatedly executes the second information processing described above. Thus, the payment of the second customer is processed at the settlement device 3. Thereafter, the payments of the third, fourth, and subsequent customers are processed sequentially at the settlement device 3 in the same manner.

[0133] On the other hand, when the payment status ST is "10," that is, when the total screen SCa is displayed on the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, and the payment method selection screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, the processor 61 will treat any input of the payment key on the keyboard 31 as an error. Therefore, even if the store clerk operates the payment key, that key operation will be invalid.

[0134] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function of the first receiving means 91 through the processing of ACT 51. The processor 61 also realizes the function of the control means 93 through the processing of ACT 52.

[0135] [Explanation of screen transitions on payment devices] Figure 25 shows the screen transitions displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 when a customer performs all operations themselves, including selecting the receipt issuance format and making the payment. The screen transitions shown in Figure 25 are executed by the processor 61 controlling the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. First, when the payment flag F is "0," meaning that no payment processing is being performed in the payment device 3, the initial screen is displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34, respectively.

[0136] When the cashier presses the payment button BAd on the sub-plan screen SAb displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2, the payment flag F is set to "1". At this time, the screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions from the initial screen to the total screen SCa.

[0137] The second touch panel 34 transitions from the initial screen to the first operation screen SDf1 if the member flag MF is "0", and from the initial screen to the second operation screen SDf2 if the member flag MF is "1". The customer then moves to the payment device 3 and touches the desired button on either the first operation screen SDf1 or the second operation screen SDf2 to select the receipt issuance method.

[0138] Once the receipt issuance method is selected, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions to the payment method selection screen SDa. Following the selection of the receipt issuance method, the customer searches for the button corresponding to their desired payment method from the group of payment method selection buttons BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa. The customer then touches that button.

[0139] When a button in the payment method selection button group BDa is pressed, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the payment support screen SDc. The screen of the first touch panel 32 does not transition from the total screen SCa. After viewing the payment support screen SDc, the customer makes the payment using the selected payment method according to the information displayed on screen SDc. For example, if cash payment is selected, the customer inserts cash into the automatic change dispenser 36.

[0140] As a result, once payment is complete, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen SDc to the payment confirmation screen SDd. The screen of the first touch panel 32 remains the total screen SCa. After confirming the payment confirmation screen SDd, the customer touches the payment button BDc on that screen SDd. Meanwhile, the store clerk can recognize that the customer is still paying because the screen of the first touch panel 32 remains the total screen SCa. If there is another customer, the store clerk inputs the information of the items that customer will purchase into the input device 2.

[0141] When the payment button BDc is pressed, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment confirmation screen SDd to the payment completion screen SDe. The screen of the first touch panel 32 also transitions from the total screen SCa to the payment completion screen SCc. Upon seeing the payment completion screen SCc, the store clerk can recognize that the customer has finished paying.

[0142] Figure 26 illustrates the screen transitions of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 when a store clerk selects the receipt issuance format and payment method on behalf of the customer. The screen transitions shown in Figure 26 are also executed by the processor 61 controlling the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34.

[0143] In the diagram shown in Figure 6, during the processing of ACT18 to ACT21, the customer is allowed to select the receipt issuance format, and for the payment method, the payment method selection screen is switched to the display of the first touch panel 322, allowing the store clerk to select on behalf of the customer. Figure 26 shows the case where the store clerk selects both the receipt issuance format and the payment method. The transition of the first touch panel 32 screen from the initial screen to the total screen SCa, and the transition of the second touch panel 34 screen from the initial screen to the operation screen (first operation screen SDf1, second operation screen SDf2) is the same as in Figure 25.

[0144] Here, for example, if the customer is having trouble operating the first operation screen SDf1 or the second operation screen SDf2, the store clerk touches the switch button BCa on the total screen SCa. Then, the screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions from the total screen SCa to the first operation screen SCf1 or the second operation screen SCf2. The first operation screen SCf1 or the second operation screen SCf2 has the same selections (buttons) as the first operation screen SDf1 and the second operation screen SDf2 shown in Figures 16 and 17. The screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the first operation screen SDf1 or the second operation screen SDf2 to the store clerk operation screen SDb. The store clerk confirms the receipt issuance format with the customer according to the operation screen displayed on the first touch panel 32. Then, the store clerk touches the button for the receipt issuance format specified by the customer from among the buttons displayed on the first operation screen SCf1 or the second operation screen SCf2.

[0145] Once the receipt issuance method is selected, the screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions to the payment method selection screen SCb. Following the selection of the receipt issuance method, the clerk searches for the button corresponding to their desired payment method from the group of payment method selection buttons BCb displayed on the payment method selection screen SCb. The clerk then touches that button.

[0146] When the store clerk touches the payment method button, the screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions from the payment method selection screen SCb to the total screen SCa. The screen of the second touch panel 34 also transitions from the store clerk operation screen SDb to the payment support screen SDc. Therefore, the customer will perform the payment operation using their desired payment method according to the information displayed on the payment support screen SDc. After that, the screens of the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 transition in the same manner as in Figure 25.

[0147] As shown in Figure 25, when the payment method selection screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 34, the total screen SCa is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, the operation to select a payment method is limited to the customer. Once a payment method is selected, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions to the payment support screen SDc, and when the payment is completed, it transitions to the payment completion screen SDe. Therefore, the customer can complete the payment entirely by following the instructions displayed on each screen in sequence.

[0148] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 26, when a store clerk touches the switch button BCa on the total screen SCa, the first operation screen SCf1 or the second operation screen SCf2 is displayed on the first touch panel 32, and after the receipt issuance format is selected, the payment method selection screen SCb is displayed. Also, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions to the store clerk operation screen SDb. Therefore, the operation to select the receipt issuance format and payment method is limited to the store clerk. At this time, the screen of the second touch panel 34 is the store clerk operation screen SDb, so the customer does not operate the screen. Therefore, in the payment device 3 where customers pay for their purchases themselves, the store clerk can easily intervene in the selection of the receipt issuance format and payment without confusion. Moreover, when a store clerk intervenes, the screen of the second touch panel 34 becomes the store clerk operation screen SDb, so the customer can easily recognize that a store clerk is intervening.

[0149] Incidentally, the payment device 3 allows the user to select a payment method using the payment keys located on the keyboard 31. However, input of the payment keys is only valid when the payment status ST is "20," that is, when the payment method selection screen SCb is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, when a customer is trying to select a payment method, the store clerk will not accidentally input a payment key and select a payment method. Thus, the payment device 3 can be provided that allows customers to pay for their purchases themselves without any problems caused by errors made by store clerks.

[0150] [Other embodiments] In the above embodiment, while the payment method selection screen SCb was displayed on the first touch panel 32, the screen of the second touch panel 34 was set to the employee operation screen SDb. However, it is not necessary to set the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the employee operation screen SDb. For example, the payment method selection screen SDa could be erased from the second touch panel 34. In this way, simply erasing the payment method selection screen SDa would prevent the customer from accidentally operating the screen of the second touch panel 34, thus enabling the employee to easily and without confusion to intervene in the payment process.

[0151] The information displayed in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa is not limited to the total points and total amount for the first customer. For example, the information displayed in the current area AAa, details area AAb, and total area AAc of the registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 may be displayed. This allows the store clerk to easily check detailed information about the first customer before payment. Similarly, the information displayed in the second customer area ACb is not limited to the information shown in Figure 14. For example, when registering, the registered points and total amount up to that point may be displayed, and when waiting to pay, the total points and total amount may be displayed. This allows the store clerk to check detailed information about the second customer before payment.

[0152] In the above embodiment, a toggle button BCa was placed on the total screen SCa, but the toggle button BCa may be omitted. In other words, the operation of selecting the payment method may be limited to the customer. Needless to say, the same effects and advantages as in the above embodiment will be achieved in that case as well.

[0153] The payment device 3 shown in Figure 1 generates and registers sales data for purchased products based on information about purchased products, such as product codes, entered by the input device 2. Other payment devices include a keyboard 31 operated by a store employee, a first touch panel 32, or a handheld scanner 33 as input devices. These input devices receive information about purchased products, such as product codes, and generate and register sales data for purchased products based on that information. On the other hand, the payment of the amount necessary for settling the transaction is made by the customer themselves operating a second touch panel 34, printer 35, automatic change dispenser 36, or cashless payment terminal 37, similar to the embodiment described above. In other words, it may be a payment device referred to as a face-to-face POS terminal, etc.

[0154] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A payment device comprising: a determination means for determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member; a first display means for displaying an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to payment for the purchased goods after the consumer has finished registering the purchased goods, changing the selection of receipt issuance formats depending on whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member or not; a payment means for settling the purchased goods; and a receipt processing means for executing receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen. [2] The payment device as described in Appendix [1], wherein the first display means displays a first operation screen including a choice of paper receipt issuance format if the consumer is not an electronic receipt member, and displays a second operation screen that does not include a choice of paper receipt issuance format but includes a choice of electronic receipt issuance format if the consumer is an electronic receipt member. [3] The payment device as described in Appendix [2], wherein the first display means further displays options for not printing a paper receipt and the format of the receipt on the first operation screen, and further displays options for the format of the receipt on the second operation screen. [4] A payment device according to any of the appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a second display means for displaying a payment method selection screen for allowing the consumer to select a payment method to be used for payment by the payment means, wherein the first display means displays the operation screen before the payment method selection screen is displayed by the second display means. [5] The receipt processing means outputs an electronic receipt and prints a paper receipt when an operation is performed on the second operation screen to select an option for the receipt issuance format, as described in Appendix [3]. [6] A program to cause the computer of a payment device to function as a determination means for determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member; a first display means for displaying an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased goods after the registration of the purchased goods has been completed, changing the selection of receipt issuance formats depending on whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member or not; a payment means for settling the payment of the purchased goods; and a receipt processing means for executing receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen. [Explanation of symbols]

[0155] 1…Product sales system, 2…Input device, 3…Payment device, 4…Checkout counter, 5…Cash register counter, 6…Transmission cable, 21…Fixed scanner, 22…Handheld scanner, 23…Touch panel, 24…Keyboard, 25…Display, 31…Keyboard, 32…First touch panel, 33…Handheld scanner, 34…Second touch panel, 35…Printer, 36…Automatic change dispenser, 37…Cashless payment terminal, 61…Processor, 62…Main memory, 63…Auxiliary storage device, 64…Clock, 65…Communication interface, 66…Scanner interface, 67…Touch panel interface, 68…Printer interface, 69…Change dispenser Interface, 70...Payment terminal interface, 71...Input device interface, 72...System transmission path, 81...First transaction file, 82...Second transaction file, 83...Flag memory, 84...Status memory, 91...First receiving means, 92...Second receiving means, 93...Control means, 94...Discrimination means, 95...Payment means, 96...Receipt processing means, 97...Acquisition means, SCa...Total screen, SCb...Payment method selection screen, SCc...Payment completion screen, SDa...Payment method selection screen, SDb...Clerk operation screen, SDc...Payment support screen, SDd...Payment confirmation screen, SDe...Payment completion screen, SDf1, SCf1...First operation screen, SDf2, SCf2...Second operation screen.

Claims

1. A means of determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member, After registering the purchased items, the first display means displays, as an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased items, a first operation screen including an option for the format of issuing a paper receipt if the consumer is not an electronic receipt member, and a second operation screen including an option for issuing an electronic receipt but not an option for issuing a paper receipt if the consumer is an electronic receipt member. A payment method for settling the payment for the aforementioned purchased goods, A receipt processing means that performs receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen, A payment device equipped with the following features.

2. The payment device according to claim 1, wherein the first display means further displays options for not printing a paper receipt and the format of the receipt on the first operation screen, and further displays options for the format of the receipt on the second operation screen.

3. The system further comprises a second display means for displaying a payment method selection screen that allows the consumer to select a payment method to be used for payment by the aforementioned payment means, The payment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first display means displays the operation screen before the payment method selection screen is displayed by the second display means.

4. The payment device according to claim 2, wherein the receipt processing means outputs an electronic receipt and prints a paper receipt when an operation is performed on the second operation screen to select an option for the receipt issuance format.

5. A means for determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member, After the registration of the purchased items is completed, a first display means displays an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased items, changing the options for the receipt issuance format depending on whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member or not. A payment method for settling the payment for the aforementioned purchased goods, A receipt processing means that performs receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen, A second display means that displays a payment method selection screen for allowing the consumer to select a payment method to be used for payment by the aforementioned payment means, It is equipped with, The first display means is a payment device that displays the operation screen before the payment method selection screen is displayed by the second display means.

6. The computer of the payment device, A means of determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member, After registering the purchased items, the first display means displays, as an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased items, a first operation screen including an option for the format of issuing a paper receipt if the consumer is not an electronic receipt member, and a second operation screen including an option for issuing an electronic receipt but not an option for issuing a paper receipt if the consumer is an electronic receipt member. A payment method for settling the payment for the aforementioned purchased goods, A program to function as a receipt processing means that performs receipt-related processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the aforementioned operation screen.

7. The computer of the payment device, A means of determining whether a consumer is an electronic receipt member, After the registration of the purchased items is completed, a first display means displays an operation screen for issuing a receipt corresponding to the payment of the purchased items, changing the options for the receipt issuance format depending on whether the consumer is an electronic receipt member or not. A payment method for settling the payment for the aforementioned purchased goods, A receipt processing means that performs receipt processing for the payment according to the receipt issuance format selected via the operation screen, A second display means is provided to display a payment method selection screen that allows the consumer to select a payment method to be used for payment by the aforementioned payment means. The first display means is a program that displays the operation screen before the payment method selection screen is displayed by the second display means.

Images