JP7583665B2 - Payment terminals and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment terminal and a program.

Conventionally, there are payment terminals that execute payment processing using media such as credit cards, electronic money cards, and debit cards. When a POS (Point of Sales) terminal is connected to the payment terminal, the payment terminal executes credit card payment processing or electronic money payment processing based on a transaction start command received from the POS terminal.

Such payment terminals are also used when points are awarded based on the payment amount. The payment terminals perform the task of awarding points, according to the point awarding business operator. For this reason, payment terminals may be customized in terms of point awarding at the request of the business operator. At that time, new error commands may be added.

In this case, if an error occurs in the payment terminal related to the allocation of points and the payment terminal sends an error command to the POS terminal, the POS terminal may not correctly recognize the added error command, and the POS terminal may not correctly handle the error.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a payment terminal and a program that enable a POS terminal to correctly process errors that occur in the payment terminal related to the allocation of points.

The payment terminal of the embodiment is connected to a product sales data processing device, and performs payment processing for a product that has been registered in the product sales data processing device in a transaction with a customer. The payment terminal includes an inquiry means for inquiring of a point management server regarding the allocation of points related to the payment amount of the product that has been registered, and a control means for transmitting the customer's point balance to the product sales data processing device if there is a response that the points have been successfully allocated, and transmitting a point balance indicating that an error has occurred related to the allocation of points to the product sales data processing device if there is no response that the points have been successfully allocated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the payment terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment terminal. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the payment terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the payment terminal. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a transaction selection screen of the payment terminal. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen of the payment terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a processing screen related to point allocation of the payment terminal.

Below, an embodiment of a payment terminal and a program will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the embodiment, a POS terminal will be described as an example of a sales data processing device. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of a payment terminal and a program, and does not limit the configuration or specifications. This embodiment is an example of application to a payment terminal that is installed in a store such as a supermarket and that processes payments for products that have been registered in a POS terminal.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a POS system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the POS system 1 includes a POS terminal 2, a payment terminal 3, an electronic money terminal 4, a server 5, and a point management server 6. The payment terminal 3 is communicatively connected to the POS terminal 2 via a communication line 74, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) line or a serial line. The payment terminal 3 is also connected to a server 5, which can communicate with servers installed in credit companies, banks, etc., via a communication line 75, such as the Internet or a dedicated line. The payment terminal 3 is also communicatively connected to the point management server 6 via a communication line 76, such as the Internet or a dedicated line. The payment terminal 3 is also communicatively connected to the electronic money terminal 4 via a communication line 77.

As shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal 2 is equipped with a display unit 22 for store clerks and a display unit 23 for customers on the top of the main body 21. Each display unit 22, 23 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an LCD with a touch panel on its surface, and displays product names, product prices, the total amount of one transaction, etc. A keyboard 24 is also provided on the top surface of the main body 21. Furthermore, a printer 25 for printing receipts and the like is provided inside the main body 21. Receipt paper printed by the printer 25 is issued from a receipt issuing port 26 provided on the top of the main body 21. The receipt issuing port 26 issues receipts on which product information and payment information for registered sales products are printed.

The POS terminal 2 is a device that performs product registration processing for products purchased by customers. Product registration processing refers to the process of reading and displaying the product name and price (collectively referred to as "product information") of the product from the product master 642 (see Figure 3) based on the product code that identifies the product, and storing the read product information in the product information section 631 (see Figure 3). When completing a transaction with a customer, the total amount of the customer's purchases is calculated based on the stored product information, and the amount to be paid by the customer is calculated by adding the tax amount. This payment amount is the settlement amount.

When the product registration process for all products is completed, the POS terminal 2 operates the closing key 671 (see FIG. 3). The POS terminal 2 then transmits to the payment terminal 3 a transaction start command that prompts the start of a transaction at the payment terminal 3. This transaction start command includes information on a transaction number that identifies the transaction. The transaction start command may also include information on the payment amount (settlement amount) to be paid by the customer.

The POS terminal 2 executes processing based on the processing result notification received from the payment terminal 3. For example, the POS terminal 2 receives information indicating the result of a credit card or electronic money transaction (including the slip number of the slip issued by the payment terminal 3) and prints it on a receipt. For example, the POS terminal 2 receives the result (points balance) of a points transaction processed by the payment terminal 3 and prints it on a receipt.

The payment terminal 3 reads card information from various cards (point cards, credit cards, debit cards, etc.) consisting of IC cards, magnetic cards, etc., and executes card-based payment processing by communicating with the card company or bank server via the server 5.

The electronic money terminal 4 is a terminal that uses near-field wireless communication technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication) to access a contactless electronic money card that electronically stores monetary information, and executes payment processing using the amount (hereinafter referred to as the "card amount"), which is the monetary value stored on the card. The electronic money terminal 4 reads the card amount from the electronic money card and transmits it to the payment terminal 3. The payment terminal 3 executes payment processing based on the electronic money information received from the electronic money terminal 4.

The payment terminal 3 generates points based on the amount of the transaction made by the payment process. Specifically, the payment terminal 3 generates points corresponding to the amount of the payment input from the numeric keypad or the like. For example, if the terminal is set to generate points equal to 1% of the payment amount, the payment terminal 3 generates points equal to the input amount information divided by 100. In other words, if the payment amount paid by the customer is 100 yen or more, points are generated. If the payment amount is less than 100 yen, no points are generated. Note that the amount information may be input by placing a number on the payment terminal 3, or may be received and input from the POS terminal 2.

The payment terminal 3 may also set different percentages of points to be awarded depending on the type of media used for payment. For example, when payment is made with cash, points of 2% of the payment amount may be awarded, and when payment is made with a credit card or electronic money, points of 1% of the payment amount may be awarded.

The payment terminal 3 reads, for example, from a point card, a customer code that magnetically or electrically identifies the customer to whom points are to be awarded. When points are generated, the payment terminal 3 inquires of the point management server 6 whether the points generated based on the read customer code can be awarded to the customer. When the payment terminal 3 receives a response from the point management server 6 that points can be awarded (hereinafter, this process will be referred to as "normal point transaction"), a point transaction is performed in which the points are added to the point balance of the customer in the point management server 6. Note that if points are not generated (for example, if the payment amount is less than 100 yen), the payment terminal 3 does not inquire of the point management server 6 about points.

When the payment terminal 3 inquires about points from the point management server 6 and, for example, a communication error occurs and the point balance of the customer stored in the point management server 6 exceeds an upper limit (these are collectively referred to as "point transaction abnormality"), the payment terminal 3 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the point transaction.

In response to a transaction start command received from the POS terminal 2, the payment terminal 3 sends a processing result notification of the transaction with the point management server 6 to the POS terminal 2. The processing result notification includes information such as the slip number, transaction result, transaction amount eligible for points, and point balance. The slip number is a number that identifies the slip issued by the payment terminal 3 on which information on the transaction result is printed. The transaction result will be described later. The transaction amount eligible for points is the payment amount related to the transaction placed at the payment terminal 3. The point balance is the total value of points currently held by the customer as a result of accumulating and using them.

The payment terminal 3 can be set (switched) between a "standard mode" (first mode) and a "zero points mode when an abnormality occurs" (second mode). When the payment terminal 3 is set to the standard mode, it transmits the following transaction result to the POS terminal 2. That is, when the point transaction is normal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the value "0" indicating that the point transaction result is normal as transaction result information. When the point transaction is normal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the point balance of the customer stored in the point management server 6. On the other hand, when the point transaction is abnormal, the payment terminal 3 transmits an error code indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the point transaction with the point management server 6 to the POS terminal 2 as the transaction result. When the point transaction is abnormal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the point balance of the customer stored in the point management server 6.

On the other hand, if the payment terminal 3 is set to the abnormal point 0 mode, it transmits the following transaction result to the POS terminal 2. That is, when the point transaction is normal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the value "0" indicating that the point transaction result is normal as transaction result information. Also, when the point transaction is normal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the point balance of the customer stored in the point management server 6. On the other hand, when the point transaction is abnormal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the value "0" indicating that the point transaction result is normal as transaction result information. That is, when the payment terminal 3 is set to the abnormal point 0 mode, it transmits the transaction result indicating that the point transaction result is normal to the POS terminal 2 even when the point transaction is abnormal. Also, when the point transaction is abnormal, the payment terminal 3 transmits the point balance 0 to the POS terminal 2, with the value of the point balance held by the customer set to "0", regardless of the actual point balance of the customer stored in the point management server 6. That is, even though points have been generated for the payment amount, the point balance 0 is transmitted.

The POS terminal 2, which has received a processing result notification from the payment terminal 3, executes processing according to the processing result notification. That is, when the POS terminal 2 receives an error code as the transaction result, if the error code can be analyzed (understood), it analyzes it and executes processing according to the analysis result. If the error code cannot be analyzed, it executes processing such as stopping the operation of the POS terminal 2.

When the POS terminal 2 receives "0" as the transaction result, indicating that the points transaction was performed normally, and if the received point balance is not "0", it assumes that the generated points were processed normally and executes normal processing related to the points transaction, such as printing the point balance on a receipt. On the other hand, if the received point balance is "0", the POS terminal 2 recognizes that an abnormality has occurred in the processing of points in the payment terminal 3. The POS terminal 2 then displays information indicating an abnormal state related to the points transaction, such as displaying a message to re-execute the points transaction between the payment terminal 3 and the point management server 6. Note that if the payment amount is an amount for which points are not generated (for example, less than 100 yen), the POS terminal 2 does not recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the processing of points in the payment terminal 3 even if the received point balance is "0".

In response to an authentication request for payment processing from the payment terminal 3, the server 5 performs a check, such as a negative check of the credit card, and then sends a command to execute authentication to the payment terminal 3. The server 5 inquires of the card company or bank as to whether or not payment is possible with the medium for which the payment terminal 3 is attempting to perform the payment processing. The server 5 sends the payment information processed by the payment terminal 3 to a server installed at the card company or bank.

Next, the payment terminal 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the appearance of the payment terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a power switch 36 for turning the payment terminal 3 on and off is provided on the side of the main body 31 of the payment terminal 3. In addition, a top panel 37 that can be opened and closed relative to the main body 31 is provided on the top of the main body 31. By opening the top panel 37, a roll of receipt paper can be set inside the main body 31. In addition, a display unit 32 having an operation unit 33 made of a touch panel arranged on the surface of the top panel 37 is provided on the surface of the top panel 37. In the following explanation, "operating the displayed keys" means, more precisely, operating the operation unit 33 at a position corresponding to the image of the key displayed on the display unit 32, but for convenience of explanation, it will be described as "operating the displayed keys."

A card reader 34 is provided on the upper side of the main body 31, which magnetically reads information stored on a payment card. Examples of payment cards that can be used include credit cards, debit cards, and point cards. The card reader 34 may be configured to electrically contact an IC chip built into the inserted card and electrically read information stored on the card (IC chip).

Inside the main body 31, there is a printing unit 57 (see FIG. 4) that prints payment information, sales reports, etc. on the receipt paper mentioned above. The receipt related to the transaction printed on the receipt paper is issued from the receipt issuing port 35 located between the main body 31 and the top panel 37. A receipt number identifying the receipt is printed on the receipt.

Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, a memory section 64, and the like. The CPU 61 is the main controller. The ROM 62 stores various programs. The RAM 63 expands programs and various data. The memory section 64 stores various programs. The CPU 61, the ROM 62, the RAM 63, and the memory section 64 are connected to one another via a bus 65. The CPU 61, the ROM 62, and the RAM 63 constitute the control section 600. That is, the control section 600 executes the control process of the POS terminal 2, which will be described later, by the CPU 61 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 62 and the memory section 64 and expanded in the RAM 63.

The RAM 63 also stores various data. The RAM 63 includes a product information section 631. The product information section 631 stores product information about products that have been registered by the POS terminal 2.

The memory unit 64 includes a control program unit 641 and a product master 642. The control program unit 641 stores a program that controls the POS terminal 2. The product master 642 stores product information (product name, price, etc.) related to the product by product code that identifies the product.

The control unit 600 is connected to the operation unit 67 having a closing key 671, the display unit 22, the display unit 23, the keyboard 24, and the printer 25 via the bus 65 and the controller 66. The closing key 671 is operated when completing a transaction at the POS terminal 2. When the closing key 671 is operated, the POS terminal 2 sends a transaction start command to the payment terminal 3. The control unit 600 also connects a communication I/F (Interface) 27 to the control unit 600 via the bus 65, and the communication I/F 27 is connected to the payment terminal 3 via a communication line 74.

Next, the hardware of the payment terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the payment terminal 3 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 is the main controller. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute the control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes the control process of the payment terminal 3 described below by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 52 and the memory unit 54 and expanded in the RAM 53.

The memory unit 54 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores a control program unit 541 that stores a control program, and a flag unit 542. The flag unit 542 stores a POS linked point setting flag (hereinafter referred to as "flag") that indicates whether the payment terminal 3 is in standard mode or abnormality point 0 mode. When the payment terminal 3 is in standard mode, the flag unit 542 stores flag "0". When the payment terminal 3 is in abnormality point 0 mode, the flag unit 542 stores flag "1".

The controller 56 is also connected to the display unit 32 and the operation unit 33. The controller 56 executes various controls based on commands from the control unit 100. The display unit 32 displays various information including images of keys. The operation unit 33 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 32, and executes various key operations by touching the touch panel at a position corresponding to a key, such as a numeric input key, displayed on the display unit 32.

The controller 56 also connects the printing unit 57 and the card reading unit 34. The printing unit 57 pulls out the tip of the receipt paper stored inside the main body 31 and uses, for example, a thermal head to print various slips (credit transaction slips, debit transaction slips, electronic money transaction slips, point transaction slips, etc.) on the receipt paper. The card reading unit 34 magnetically or electrically reads card information, including customer information, stored on payment cards (credit cards, debit cards, point cards, etc.).

The bus 55 also connects the communication I/Fs 59, 70, 71, and 72. The communication I/F 59 connects to the POS terminal 2 via a communication line 74. The communication I/F 70 connects to the electronic money terminal 4 via a communication line 77. The communication I/F 71 connects to the server 5 via a communication line 75. The communication I/F 72 connects to the point management server 6 via a communication line 76. The payment terminal 3 transmits and receives information to and from the POS terminal 2, the electronic money terminal 4, the server 5, and the point management server 6 via the communication I/Fs 59, 70, 71, and 72.

Next, the control of the POS terminal 2 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal 2. In FIG. 5, the control unit 600 judges whether or not a product code has been acquired (S71). The product code is acquired by reading a code symbol attached to the product. If it is determined that the product code has been acquired (Yes in S71), the control unit 600 reads product information from the product master 642 based on the acquired product code. The control unit 600 then executes product registration processing for the product based on the read product information, and stores the product information in the product information unit 631 (S72). The control unit 600 then returns to S71.

Also, if it is determined that the acquisition of a product code is not required (No in S71), the control unit 600 determines whether the closing key 671 has been operated (S73). If it is determined that the closing key 671 has been operated (Yes in S73), the control unit 600 determines whether a cash settlement has been specified (specifically, whether the deposit/cash key (not shown) has been operated) (S74). If it is determined that a cash settlement has been specified (Yes in S74), the control unit 600 executes a cash settlement process (S75). If a settlement other than cash has been specified (No in S74) or if the process of S75 has been executed, the control unit 600 next transmits a transaction start command including a transaction number that identifies the transaction to the payment terminal 3 (S76). The control unit 600 then returns to S71.

If it is determined that the closing key 671 has not been operated (No in S73), the control unit 600 determines whether a processing result notification has been received from the payment terminal 3 (S81). If it is determined that a processing result notification has been received from the payment terminal 3 (Yes in S81), the control unit 600 (determination means) determines whether the transaction result included in the processing result notification is a normal transaction (i.e., whether "0" was sent as the transaction result) (S82).

If the transaction result is not normal (i.e., an error code is received as the transaction result) (No in S82), the control unit 600 judges whether the error code can be analyzed (understood) (S83). For example, if the POS terminal 2 stores information about the error code, the error code can be analyzed. If it is determined that the error code can be analyzed (Yes in S83), the control unit 600 executes point error processing based on the analysis result (S84). The control unit 600 then returns to S71. On the other hand, if it is determined that the error code cannot be analyzed (No in S83), the control unit 600 stops the operation of the POS terminal 2 (S85). The control unit 600 then returns to S71.

Also, if the transaction result is a normal transaction (i.e., "0" is received as the transaction result) (Yes in S82), the control unit 600 (judgment means) judges whether the received point balance is "0" (S86). If the received point balance is not "0" (No in S86), the control unit 600 (judgment means) executes normal processing to print the received point balance on a receipt (S87). Then, the control unit 600 returns to S71. Also, if the received point balance is "0" (Yes in S86), the control unit 600 (judgment means) executes point error processing (S88). That is, even if the control unit 600 (judgment means) receives "0" as the transaction result, it judges that a point error has occurred if the received point balance is "0". The point error processing executed by the control unit 600 in S88 is the same processing as the point error processing executed in S84, and displays a message on the display unit 22 to prompt the user to execute the point allocation operation again, for example. Then, the control unit 600 returns to S71. If it is determined that the processing result notification has not been received from the payment terminal 3 (No in S81), the control unit 600 returns to S71.

From here, the functional configuration of the payment terminal 3 will be described. Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the payment terminal 3. The control unit 100 of the payment terminal 3 operates according to the control program stored in the control program unit 541, and functions as an inquiry means 101 and a control means 102.

The inquiry means 101 makes an inquiry to the point management server 6 regarding the allocation of points related to the payment amount of the product for which the product registration process has been performed.

If there is a response indicating that points have been normally awarded (normal point transaction), the control means 102 transmits the customer's point balance related to the transaction to the POS terminal 2, and if there is no response indicating that points have been normally awarded (abnormal point transaction), the control means 102 transmits a point balance indicating that an error related to point award has occurred to the POS terminal 2. Specifically, if there is no response indicating that points have been normally awarded in response to an inquiry (abnormal point transaction), the control means 102 transmits a point balance of 0 points to the POS terminal 2, indicating that an error related to point award has occurred.

In addition, the control means 102 transmits transaction result information indicating that points have been successfully awarded when there is a response indicating that points have been successfully awarded and when there is no response indicating that points have been successfully awarded.

In addition, when the standard mode is selected, the control means 102 transmits information indicating that points have been normally granted if there is a response indicating that points have been normally granted (when the point transaction is normal), and transmits the transaction result indicating an error code related to the point granting if there is no response indicating that points have been normally granted (when the point transaction is abnormal); and when the abnormality point 0 mode is selected, the control means 102 transmits information on the transaction result indicating that points have been normally granted if there is a response indicating that points have been normally granted (when the point transaction is normal) and if there is no response indicating that points have been normally granted (when the point transaction is abnormal).

From here, we will explain the control of the payment terminal 3. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the payment terminal 3. As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 100 of the payment terminal 3 displays a business selection screen on the display unit 32 as an initial operation (S11).

Figure 8 shows an example of the business selection screen displayed in S11. As shown in Figure 8, the display unit 32 displays a business key 81, a tally key 82, a setting key 83, a practice key 84, and a reprint key 85, which indicate the type of business, under the control of the control unit 100. The display unit 32 also displays the type of media to be paid in an area 91. In the example of Figure 8, the area 91 displays payment buttons for four types of media: a credit payment key 86, a debit payment key 87, an XY card key 88, and an electronic money payment key 89. The credit payment key 86 is operated when paying with a credit card. The debit payment key 87 is operated when paying with a debit card. The XY card key 88 is assigned to a specific (e.g., frequently used) credit card, and is operated when paying with that card (XY card). The electronic money payment key 89 is operated when paying with an electronic money card.

The display unit 32 also displays a point key 92. The point key 92 is operated when conducting point transactions (granting points, using points) with the point management server 6.

Here, the memory unit 54 (control program unit 541) stores four types of payment processing programs: a credit payment processing program, a debit payment processing program, an XY payment processing program, a points transaction processing program, and an electronic money payment processing program. The credit payment processing program is a program related to credit processing that is activated when the credit payment key 86 is operated. The debit payment processing program is a program related to debit processing that is activated when the debit payment key 87 is operated. The XY payment processing program is a program related to credit processing that is activated when the XY card key 88 is operated. The electronic money payment processing program is a program related to electronic money processing that is activated when the electronic money payment key 89 is operated. The points transaction processing program is a program related to points transactions that is activated when the points key 92 is operated.

Note that reference number 90 is displayed when the POS terminal 2 is connected to the payment terminal 3. Also, the media used for payment described above is used in the embodiment as an example, and is not limited to the above media and may be other media.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the control unit 100 next judges whether a transaction start command sent from the POS terminal 2 has been received (S12). If it is determined that a transaction start command has not been received (No in S12), it judges whether the setting key 83 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the setting key 83 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 100 displays a setting selection screen (S22).

Figure 9 (a) is an example of the setting selection screen displayed in S22. The control unit 100 displays a standard key 94 and a zero points in abnormality key 95 on the display unit 32 as the setting selection screen. The standard key 94 is operated when setting the payment terminal 3 to standard mode. When the standard key 94 is operated, the payment terminal 3 is set to standard mode (first mode). The zero points in abnormality key 95 is operated when setting the payment terminal 3 to zero points in abnormality mode. When the zero points in abnormality key 95 is operated, the payment terminal 3 is set to zero points in abnormality mode (second mode).

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the control unit 100 next judges whether the standard key 94 has been operated (S23). If it is judged that the standard key 94 has been operated (Yes in S23), a confirmation screen is displayed (S24). An example of the screen displayed in S24 is shown in FIG. 9(b). As shown in FIG. 9(b), the confirmation screen displays a display 321 indicating that the standard mode has been selected, and the execute key 96. To confirm the selection of the standard mode, the execute key 96 is operated.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the control unit 100 next judges whether the execution key 96 has been operated (S25). The control unit 100 waits until the execution key 96 has been operated (No in S25), and if it is determined that the execution key 96 has been operated (Yes in S25), the control unit 100 sets the flag stored in the flag unit 542 to "0" (S26). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. Note that in S25, to return to the setting selection screen, the back key displayed in FIG. 9(b) is operated.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the standard key 94 has not been operated (No in S23), it is determined whether the 0 points in abnormality key 95 has been operated (S27). If it is determined that the 0 points in abnormality key 95 has been operated (Yes in S27), a confirmation screen is displayed (S28). An example of the screen displayed in S28 is shown in FIG. 9(c). As shown in FIG. 9(c), the confirmation screen displays a display 322 indicating that the 0 points in abnormality mode has been selected, and the execute key 96. To confirm the selection of the 0 points in abnormality mode, the execute key 96 is operated.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 7, the control unit 100 next judges whether the execution key 96 has been operated (S29). The control unit 100 waits until the execution key 96 has been operated (No in S29), and if it is determined that the execution key 96 has been operated (Yes in S29), the control unit 100 sets the flag stored in the flag unit 542 to "1" (S30). The control unit 100 then returns to S11. Note that in S29, to return to the setting selection screen, the back key displayed in FIG. 9(c) is operated. Also, if it is determined that the abnormality 0 points key 95 has not been operated (No in S27), the control unit 100 returns to S23.

In addition, if it is determined in S12 that a transaction start command has been received from the POS terminal 2 (Yes in S12), the control unit 100 displays a receiving screen on the display unit 32 (S41), for example, as shown in FIG. 10(a). In FIG. 10(a), information is displayed urging the user to wait for a while because data (transaction start command) is being received. Once data reception is complete, the control unit 100 displays the business selection screen shown in FIG. 8 (S42).

Next, the control unit 100 judges whether the point key 92 has been operated (S43). If it is judged that the point key 92 has been operated (Yes in S43), the control unit 100 displays a display on the display unit 32 to prompt the payment terminal 3 to scan the point card, as shown in FIG. 10(b) for example (S44). In FIG. 10(b), a screen is displayed prompting the user to pass or insert the point card through the card reading unit 34. When the point card is scanned or inserted, the control unit 100 then displays a payment medium selection screen as shown in FIG. 10(c) for example (S45). In FIG. 10(c), as an example, a selection key 323 is displayed that allows the user to select the payment medium of credit card, debit card, cash, or electronic money. In S45, the payment medium selection screen is displayed to prompt the user to select the medium to be used for payment because the point allocation rate may differ depending on the medium used.

When one of the media to be used for payment is selected, the control unit 100 displays an amount input screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(d) (S46). In FIG. 10(d), the payment amount (payment amount) is input by operating the number input keys 324. In FIG. 10(d), credit is selected as the payment medium, and a display 325 is displayed showing the input payment amount of 10,000 yen. The operator operating the payment terminal 3 checks the input amount, etc., and operates the set key 98.

The control unit 100 judges whether the set key 98 has been operated (S47). It waits until it is operated (No in S47), and if it is determined that the set key 98 has been operated (Yes in S47), the control unit 100 calculates the number of points to be awarded for this transaction based on the type of media selected and the input payment amount (S48). Next, the control unit 100 displays a confirmation screen (S49), for example, as shown in FIG. 10(e). FIG. 10(e) displays the selected payment media (payment method), the input payment amount, the number of points to be awarded, etc. The operator operating the payment terminal 3 operates the execute key 99 after checking the displayed information.

When the execution key 99 is operated, the inquiry means 101 inquires of the point management server 6 about the number of points to be awarded in relation to the payment amount of the product for which product registration processing has been performed (S50). The control unit 100 then displays an inquiry screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(f) (S51). When the point management server 6 receives the inquiry and awards the received number of points, it makes a judgment, for example, as to whether the amount exceeds the upper limit of the point balance held by the customer.

The control unit 100 then determines whether there has been a response from the point management server 6 to the inquiry of S50 (S52). The response from the point management server 6 will be either a response indicating that the points have been successfully awarded because adding the number of points to be awarded does not exceed the upper limit of the point balance, or a response indicating that adding the number of points to be awarded would exceed the upper limit of the point balance and therefore points cannot be awarded.

If there is no response (No in S52), the process returns to S51. If there is a response (Yes in S52), the control unit 100 displays a communication end screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(g) (S53). FIG. 10(g) shows that the point management server 6 has responded to the inquiry from the payment terminal 3, and communication with the point management server 6 has ended. Note that if there is no response from the point management server 6 even after a predetermined time has elapsed in S52, for example due to a communication error or the like, the control unit 100 determines that a communication error has occurred, and in the process of S53, information indicating that a communication error has occurred is displayed.

Next, the control unit 100 judges whether the point management server 6 has responded to the inquiry in S50 to indicate that points have been normally awarded (S54). If it has been judged that the point management server 6 has responded to indicate that points have been normally awarded (Yes in S54), the control means 102 determines that the transaction was normal and that points were normally awarded, and transmits the customer's point balance, including the number of points awarded for the transaction, to the POS terminal 2 as processing result information (S55). That is, the control means 102 transmits a response to the POS terminal 2 as processing result information, including the slip number of the slip related to the transaction issued by the printing unit 57, the transaction result (information of "0" indicating that the transaction was normal), the transaction amount eligible for points (payment amount), and the point balance (S55). The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

On the other hand, if there is a response from the point management server 6 indicating that points cannot be granted because the number of points to be granted exceeds the upper limit of the point balance when the number of points to be granted is added, or if there is no response from the point management server 6 due to a communication error or the like, the control unit 100 does not determine in S54 that there is a response from the point management server 6 indicating that points have been granted normally. If it is not determined that there is a response from the point management server 6 indicating that points have been granted normally (No in S54), the control means 102 determines whether the flag unit 542 is set to flag "1" (S56). If it is determined that the flag unit 542 is set to flag "0" (No in S56), the control means 102 determines that the payment terminal 3 is set to standard mode, and transmits a response including information on the slip number of the slip, the transaction result (error information indicating that the transaction was not normal), the transaction amount eligible for points (payment amount), and the point balance (point balance not including the number of points generated this time) to the POS terminal 2 as the processing result (S57). Then the control unit 100 returns to S11.

Also, if it is determined that the flag section 542 is set to "1" (No in S56), the control means 102 determines that the payment terminal 3 is set to 0 points mode in abnormal situations, and transmits a response including the slip number of the slip, the transaction result (information of "0" indicating that the transaction was successful), the transaction amount eligible for points (payment amount), and the point balance (point balance = 0) to the POS terminal 2 as the processing result (S58). The control section 100 then returns to S11.

If a key other than the point key 92 is operated in S43, another process corresponding to the operated key is executed (S59). Then, the control unit 100 returns to S11.

When set to the 0 points mode in abnormal situations, if points were not awarded normally, such a payment terminal 3 transmits information of "0" indicating that the transaction was successful as a transaction result, and transmits information indicating that the points balance is 0 to the POS terminal 2 as processing result information. This allows the POS terminal 2 to recognize that an error has occurred in the awarding of points. This allows the POS terminal 2 to correctly process errors that have occurred in the payment terminal 3 regarding the awarding of points.

As described above, the payment terminal 3 of the embodiment is connected to the POS terminal 2 and performs payment processing for products that have been registered at the POS terminal 2 in a transaction with a customer, and includes an inquiry means 101 that inquires of the point management server 6 about the allocation of points related to the payment amount of the registered product, and a control means 102 that, if there is a response that points have been successfully allocated, sends the customer's point balance related to the transaction to the POS terminal 2, and, if there is no response that points have been successfully allocated, sends information that the point balance = 0 to the POS terminal 2, indicating that an error has occurred related to the allocation of points.

In such an embodiment, the payment terminal 3 transmits information indicating that the transaction was successful as a transaction result when points were not normally awarded, and transmits information indicating that the point balance is 0 to the POS terminal 2 as processing result information. Since the POS terminal 2 can recognize that an error has occurred in the awarding of points, the payment terminal 3 can cause the POS terminal 2 to correctly process the error that has occurred in the payment terminal 3 regarding the awarding of points.

Note that the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment, a point balance of 0 is sent to the POS terminal 2 as a point balance indicating that an error related to point allocation has occurred. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the point balance may be set to a value that would not be possible in normal point allocation processing (e.g., a negative value).

In addition, in the embodiment, the type of media used for payment and the payment amount are input into the payment terminal 3. However, this is not limited to the above, and for example, the transaction start command received from the POS terminal 2 may include information on the type of media used for payment and the payment amount. Also, information on the type of media used for payment and the payment amount may be received from the POS terminal 2 as information separate from the transaction start command. In these cases, it is not necessary to input the type of media used for payment or the payment amount into the payment terminal 3.

The program executed by the payment terminal 3 of the embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program executed by the payment terminal 3 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. The program executed by the payment terminal 3 may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The program executed by the payment terminal 3 of the embodiment may also be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

Reference Signs List 1 POS system 2 POS terminal 3 Settlement terminal 4 Electronic money terminal 6 Point management server 32 Display unit 33 Operation unit 34 Card reading unit 35 Receipt issuing port 51 CPU
52 ROM
53 RAM
54 Memory section 61 CPU
62 ROM
63 RAM
64 Memory section 67 Operation section 81 Business key 83 Setting key 86 Credit settlement key 87 Debit settlement key 89 Electronic money settlement key 92 Point key 94 Standard key 95 0 points key in case of abnormality 96 Execution key 98 Set key 99 Execution key 100 Control section 101 Inquiry means 102 Control means 323 Selection key 324 Number entry key 542 Flag section 600 Control section

JP 2018-181379 A

Claims (6)

A payment terminal connected to a product sales data processing device for performing payment processing for a product registered in the product sales data processing device in a transaction with a customer,
an inquiry means for making an inquiry to a point management server regarding the allocation of points related to the payment amount of the product for which the product registration process has been performed;
a control means for transmitting the customer's point balance to the product sales data processing device when there is a response indicating that the points have been normally awarded, and transmitting a point balance indicating that an error has occurred relating to the awarding of points to the product sales data processing device when there is no response indicating that the points have been normally awarded;
A payment terminal equipped with When there is no response to the inquiry indicating that the points have been normally assigned, the control means transmits to the product sales data processing device a value of 0 points as the point balance, indicating that an error has occurred related to the assignment of points.
The payment terminal of claim 1 . the control means transmits, to the product sales data processing device, a transaction result indicating that the points have been normally awarded, when there is a response indicating that the points have been normally awarded and when there is no response indicating that the points have been normally awarded.
The payment terminal according to claim 1 or 2. A selection unit that selects the first mode and the second mode,
the control means, when the first mode is selected, transmits the transaction result indicating that the points have been normally awarded if there is a response that the points have been normally awarded, and transmits the transaction result indicating an error code related to the point awarding if there is no response that the points have been normally awarded, and, when the second mode is selected, transmits the transaction result indicating that the points have been normally awarded if there is a response that the points have been normally awarded and if there is no response that the points have been normally awarded.
The payment terminal according to claim 3. The payment processing can be performed using at least one of a credit card, a debit card, and electronic money.
A payment terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 4. a computer as a payment terminal connected to a product sales data processing device and performing payment processing for a product registered in the product sales data processing device in a transaction with a customer;
an inquiry means for making an inquiry to a point management server regarding the allocation of points related to the payment amount of the product for which the product registration process has been performed;
a control means for transmitting the points balance of the customer involved in the transaction to said product sales data processing device when there is a response indicating that the points have been normally awarded, and transmitting the points balance indicating that an error has occurred in the awarding of points to said product sales data processing device when there is no response indicating that the points have been normally awarded;
A program to make it function as such.

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