U.S. patent application number 16/180831 was filed with the patent office on 2019-03-07 for transaction data processing apparatus connected to an external device for data communication.
The applicant listed for this patent is TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA. Invention is credited to Yasuhiro ARAI, Tsuyoshi GOTANDA, Keiichi HASEGAWA, Koichi SUGIYAMA, Kuniyoshi YAMADA.
Application Number | 20190073649 16/180831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54145562 |
Filed Date | 2019-03-07 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190073649 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SUGIYAMA; Koichi ; et
al. |
March 7, 2019 |
TRANSACTION DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS CONNECTED TO AN EXTERNAL
DEVICE FOR DATA COMMUNICATION
Abstract
A transaction data processing apparatus includes a scanning unit
configured to scan a product code of a product related to a
transaction, a printing unit configured to print transaction data
on a sheet, a communication unit configured to transmit the
transaction data to an external device over a network, and a
control unit. The control unit is configured to generate the
transaction data based on the scanned product code, determine
whether the network is online or offline, and control the
communication unit to transmit the transaction data to the external
device when the network is online, and the printing unit to print
the transaction data on the sheet when the network is offline.
Inventors: |
SUGIYAMA; Koichi; (Izunokuni
Shizuoka, JP) ; ARAI; Yasuhiro; (Mishima Shizuoka,
JP) ; GOTANDA; Tsuyoshi; (Ota Tokyo, JP) ;
HASEGAWA; Keiichi; (Koto Tokyo, JP) ; YAMADA;
Kuniyoshi; (Ota Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
54145562 |
Appl. No.: |
16/180831 |
Filed: |
November 5, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16137179 |
Sep 20, 2018 |
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16180831 |
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14832502 |
Aug 21, 2015 |
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16137179 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07G 5/00 20130101; G06Q
20/202 20130101; G06Q 20/047 20200501; G06Q 20/209 20130101; G06Q
20/208 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/20 20120101
G06Q020/20; G07G 5/00 20060101 G07G005/00; G06Q 20/04 20120101
G06Q020/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2014 |
JP |
2014-180444 |
Sep 4, 2014 |
JP |
2014-180445 |
Claims
1. A point-of-sale terminal control unit, comprising: a processor
configured to: check receipt information of a sales transaction for
a transaction character string to obtain an output condition for
the receipt information; detect a communication state between a POS
terminal and an external device over a network; and output the
receipt information according to the output condition and the
communication state, wherein the receipt information is output for
printing when either the output condition indicates printing has
been selected or the communication state is detected as offline,
and the receipt information is output as an electronic receipt when
both the output condition indicates an electronic receipt has been
selected and the communication state is detected as online.
2. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 1,
wherein the processor is further configured to: generate the
receipt information of the sales transaction.
3. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 2,
wherein the receipt information is generated in an unstructured
format.
4. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 3,
wherein the output method is indicated according to whether or not
a flag character string is included in the transaction character
string.
5. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 1,
wherein the output condition is set according to whether or not a
membership identification is entered in association with the sales
transaction.
6. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 5,
wherein the membership identification is associated with a
preferred output method in a membership database.
7. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 1,
wherein the receipt information is output in a structured data
format which is converted to the electronic receipt based on a
predetermined conversion rule.
8. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 7,
wherein the structured data format is one XML or CSV.
9. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 7,
wherein the structured data format is converted to the electronic
receipt by a network driver from transmission to the external
device.
10. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 1,
wherein the external device is a third-party electronic receipt
server.
11. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according to claim 1,
wherein the external device is a store server.
12. A point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a code scanner for
scanning merchandise codes in a sales transaction; a printer for
outputting a printed receipt for the sales transaction; a processor
configured to: generate receipt information according to the
merchandise codes in the sales transaction and include a
transaction character string in the receipt information, the
transaction character string indicating an output condition for the
receipt information; check the receipt information of the sales
transaction for the transaction character string to obtain the
output condition for the receipt information; detect a
communication state between a POS terminal and an external device
over a network; and output the receipt information according to the
output condition and the communication state, wherein the receipt
information is output for printing by the printer when either the
output condition indicates printing has been selected or the
communication state is detected as offline, and the receipt
information is output as an electronic receipt when both the output
condition indicates an electronic receipt has been selected and the
communication state is detected as online.
13. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
receipt information is generated in an unstructured format.
14. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 13, wherein the
output method is indicated according to whether or not a flag
character string is included in the transaction character
string.
15. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
output condition is set according to whether or not a membership
identification is entered in association with the sales
transaction.
16. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
receipt information is output in a structured data format which is
converted to the electronic receipt based on a predetermined
conversion rule.
17. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 16, wherein the
structured data format is one XML or CSV.
18. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 16, wherein the
structured data format is converted to the electronic receipt by a
network driver from transmission to the external device.
19. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
external device is a third-party electronic receipt server.
20. The point-of-sale terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
external device is a store server.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/137,179, filed on Sep. 20, 2018, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/832,502, filed
on Aug. 21, 2015, which is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2014-180444 and
2014-180445, filed Sep. 4, 2014, the entire contents of each of
which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD
[0002] Embodiments described herein relate generally to a
transaction data processing apparatus, in particular, a transaction
data processing apparatus connected to an external device for data
communication.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A transaction data processing apparatus in an electronic
receipt system transmits electronic data of a transaction at a
store (i.e., an electronic receipt) to a computing device of a
customer, instead of or in addition to printing a conventional
paper receipt.
[0004] The electronic receipt is useful to the customer, because
the customer can manage his or her transactions electronically.
Further, the electronic receipt is useful to the store, because the
store can reduce paper usage and with full conversion, will not
need to invest in machines that issue the paper receipt. In
addition, providing electronic receipts instead of paper receipts
may reduce the time necessary to carry out settlement processing
for the transaction.
[0005] The transaction data processing apparatus is connected to
the electronic receipt system generally via a network such as a
private network. When an error occurs in the network, communication
to or from the transaction data processing apparatus is in an
offline state. In such a case, the electronic receipt cannot be
properly delivered to the computing device of the customer.
Therefore, the customer cannot check the content of the transaction
on the computing device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic receipt system according to
a first embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a first identification code displayed on
a mobile device according to the first embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a POS terminal in the
electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of output setting according to
the first embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a store server in the
electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a company server in the
electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic receipt server in
the electronic receipt system according to the first
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a data structure of a
membership master managing region (membership master) stored in the
electronic receipt server according to the first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a format of a first
identification code in the membership master.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the mobile device in the
electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of
a control unit in the POS terminal according to the first
embodiment.
[0017] FIGS. 12 and 13 each are a schematic diagram showing an
example of receipt information according to the first
embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a receipt generating process
performed by the POS terminal according to the first
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a receipt outputting process
performed by the POS terminal according to the first
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of
a control unit in a POS terminal according to a second
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a receipt outputting process
performed by the POS terminal according to the second
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In general, according to an embodiment, a transaction data
processing apparatus includes a scanning unit configured to scan a
product code of a product related to a transaction, a printing unit
configured to print transaction data on a sheet, a communication
unit configured to transmit the transaction data to an external
device over a network, and a control unit. The control unit is
configured to generate the transaction data based on the scanned
product code, determine whether the network is online or offline,
and control the communication unit to transmit the transaction data
to the external device when the network is online, and the printing
unit to print the transaction data on the sheet when the network is
offline.
First Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of an electronic
receipt system according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1,
an electronic receipt system 1 includes POS terminals 2, store
servers 3, company servers 4, an electronic receipt server 5, and a
mobile device 6.
[0024] The POS terminals 2 and the store servers 3 are located in
each of stores P1. The POS terminal 2 and the store server 3 in
each store P1 are connected via a network N1 such as local area
network (LAN) so as to communicate with each other. The POS
terminal 2 and the store server 3 are connected to a network N2
that connects the stores P1 and the company server 4 through a
network device (not shown) such as a router connected to the
network N1. The network N2 is a private network such as the
Internet or a virtual private network (VPN).
[0025] The POS terminal 2 functions as a printing control device in
the present embodiment. The POS terminal 2 performs processes
related to various transactions such as merchandize sales
registration, and generates receipt information indicating the
transaction content thereof. The POS terminal 2 outputs a sheet
receipt by printing the generated receipt information by a printer
23. The POS terminal 2 generates electronic receipt information
obtained by converting a data format of the receipt information and
outputs (transmits) the generated information to the electronic
receipt server 5 through the store server 3.
[0026] The store server 3 generally manages a merchandise sales
data process performed in the POS terminal 2. For example, the
store server 3 transmits the electronic receipt information
generated in the POS terminal 2 to the company server 4 at a
predetermined timing. The store server 3 stores and manages a
merchandise master used in the merchandise sales data process or a
company membership master.
[0027] The number of POS terminals 2 in each store P1 is not
particularly limited, and may be plural. Although it is described
in the present embodiment that the POS terminal 2 outputs the
electronic receipt information, the present embodiment is not
limited thereto. For example, the store server 3 or a
non-illustrated conversion device may convert the receipt
information generated in the POS terminal 2 into electronic receipt
information, and may output the converted information to the
electronic receipt server 5.
[0028] The company servers 4 are respectively provided in companies
P2 that operate the stores P1. The company server 4 and the
respective stores P1 of the company are connected through the
network N2 so as to communicate with each other. The company
servers 4 and the electronic receipt server 5 are connected via a
network N3 such as the Internet or a VPN so as to communicate with
each other.
[0029] The company server 4 has functions such as sales management,
sales analysis, and inventory management of the company. The
company server 4 receives the electronic receipt information
transmitted from the respective stores P1 via the network N2. The
company server 4 transmits the electronic receipt information of
the respective stores P1 to the electronic receipt server 5 via the
network N3. The company server 4 transmits (sends) the company
membership master, which is received from the electronic receipt
server 5 to the store servers 3 of the respective stores P1 via the
network N2.
[0030] The electronic receipt server 5 collectively manages the
electronic receipt information of the respective companies P2. The
electronic receipt server 5 stores and manages membership data of
the respective customers (members) registered in the electronic
receipt system in a membership master. Here, the membership data of
a member includes a first identification code, name, and
transmission destination information of the mobile device 6 (for
example, an electronic mail address), which is a transmission
destination of the electronic receipt information. The electronic
receipt server 5 stores and manages a second identification code in
correlation with the first identification code for which
correlation registration has been performed (to be described
below).
[0031] The electronic receipt server 5 extracts data indicating a
correlation relationship between the first identification code and
the second identification code from the membership data stored in
the membership master for each company. The electronic receipt
server 5 provides (transmits) the extracted data as the company
membership master to the company server 4 of the corresponding
company.
[0032] The electronic receipt server 5 receives the electronic
receipt information transmitted from the respective stores P1 via
the network N3, and stores and manages the received information in
an electronic receipt managing region. More specifically, the
electronic receipt information includes an element such as the
first identification code in addition to the transaction content,
and is managed in correlation with the corresponding membership
data.
[0033] When the electronic receipt information is stored in the
electronic receipt managing region, the electronic receipt server 5
specifies a transmission destination (mobile device 6) by referring
to the transmission destination information correlated with the
first identification code of the electronic receipt information.
The electronic receipt server 5 provides (transmits) the electronic
receipt information stored in the electronic receipt managing
region to the transmission destination thereof via the network N4.
When an electronic receipt inquiry that designates the first
identification code is received from the mobile device 6, the
electronic receipt server 5 extracts the electronic receipt
corresponding to the first identification code from the electronic
receipt managing region, and provides (transmits) the extracted
receipt to the mobile device 6.
[0034] The mobile device 6 is a computing device carried by a user
(customer) of the electronic receipt system. Examples of the mobile
device 6 include a smartphone, a mobile telephone, personal digital
assistant (PDA), and a tablet computer. The mobile device 6 has
applications such as a Web browser for browsing various kinds of
information provided over the network N4. A larger computing device
such as a desktop or notebook PC may be used in place of the mobile
device 6.
[0035] The mobile device 6 performs membership registration to the
electronic receipt system by accessing the electronic receipt
server 5 via the network N4. Here, the network N4 is the internet
or various public networks.
[0036] The membership registration to the electronic receipt system
is performed according to the following processes, for example. The
customer transmits a blank mail to the electronic receipt server 5
using the mobile device 6. The electronic receipt server 5
transmits a uniform resource locator (URL) of a page for the
membership registration to the received mail address. The customer
accesses the page for the membership registration from the mobile
device 6 using the received URL, and the mobile device 6 displays
an input screen for inputting information (name, and transmission
destination information) necessary for the membership registration.
After the necessary information is input by the customer, the
electronic receipt server 5 performs the membership registration on
the membership master. Thereafter, the electronic receipt server 5
distributes a membership registration completion mail including the
first identification code to the mobile device 6. In this manner,
the membership registration is performed.
[0037] After such membership registration, the mobile device 6
displays the first identification code of the customer as a code
symbol CS such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code on a display
unit 63, as shown in FIG. 2. The customer presents the code symbol
CS displayed on the mobile device 6 to a salesperson at the time of
a transaction in the store P1. The salesperson reads the code
symbol CS displayed on the mobile device 6 using a code scanner 25
(see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 2. Thus, it is possible
to correlate the first identification code of the customer with the
receipt information generated in the POS terminal 2 for the
transaction.
[0038] After the transaction at the POS terminal 2 is performed,
the mobile device 6 receives the electronic receipt information of
the transaction from the electronic receipt server 5 via the
network N4. The mobile device 6 receives the electronic receipt
information related to the first identification code from the
electronic receipt server 5 by transmitting the electronic receipt
inquiry that designates the first identification code to the
electronic receipt server 5. The mobile device 6 displays the
received electronic receipt information on the display unit 63.
[0039] The first identification code may be correlated with the
second identification code which is issued to each customer by each
company. Here, the second identification code is, for example, a
unique identification code retained in a card medium such as a
point card distributed from the company. The second identification
code is used to manage customers or manages points issued to each
customer according to a purchase amount.
[0040] For example, when the first identification code is
correlated with the second identification code of each company, the
following processes are performed. The customer displays his or her
first identification code as the code symbol CS on the display unit
63 of the mobile device 6. The customer presents the code symbol CS
displayed on the mobile device 6 together with a card medium issued
by the company that operates the store P1, to the sales person of
the store P1. The salesperson reads the code symbol CS (first
identification code) displayed on the mobile device 6 using the
code scanner 25 (see FIG. 3) connected to the POS terminal 2. The
salesperson reads the second identification code contained in the
presented card medium using a card reader 26 (see FIG. 3) connected
to the POS terminal 2. The POS terminal transmits the first
identification code and the second identification code together
with an identification code (company code) of the company P2 that
operates the store P1 to the electronic receipt server 5 via the
store server 3 and the company server 4. Thus, it is possible to
correlate the second identification code issued to each customer by
each company with the first identification code. Hereinafter, a
process for correlating the first identification code with the
second identification code is referred to as "correlation
registration".
[0041] In the electronic receipt system 1, when a transaction is
performed in the POS terminal 2 of the store P1, the receipt
information (electronic receipt information) indicating the
transaction content thereof is generated. The generated electronic
receipt information is sent to the electronic receipt server 5 and
then to the mobile device 6, and stored in and managed by the
mobile device 6. The mobile device 6 that has a browsing
application such as a Web browser can display the electronic
receipt information.
[0042] Next, the configuration of major devices configuring the
electronic receipt system 1 will be described.
[0043] First, the POS terminal 2 will be described. FIG. 3 is a
block diagram of the POS terminal 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS
terminal 2 includes a control unit 21 that controls various
calculations or the respective units of the POS terminal 2. The
control unit 21 is a computer (processor) that includes a central
processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access
memory (RAM), and a real time clock (RTC). The ROM stores various
programs and data. The random access memory (RAM) temporarily
stores various programs or stores various data in a rewritable
manner. The real time clock (RTC) tracks current date and time.
[0044] The control unit 21 is connected to an operation unit 22,
the printer 23, a display unit 24, the code scanner 25, and the
card reader 26 through a bus 29.
[0045] The operation unit 22 includes various operation keys for an
operator to perform an operation input. Examples of the operation
key include numeric keys for inputting numerical values, a cursor
key or an enter key for selecting a predetermined item, and a
subtotal key indicating the total price of merchandise for which
sales registration has been performed in a transaction. Further, a
transaction start key for declaring the start of a transactions and
an end key for declaring the end of a transaction are provided.
[0046] The printer 23 is a printing device that prints a receipt or
a journal. The printer 23 outputs a sheet receipt by printing the
receipt information on a sheet such as a roll sheet under the
control of the operation unit 22.
[0047] For example, the display unit 24 is a liquid crystal display
or the like. The display unit 24 displays various kinds of
information such as the name and price of merchandise for which
sales registration has been performed, the total price of one
transaction, and a change amount. The display unit 24 includes a
first display 24a that displays various kinds of information to a
cashier, and a second display 24b that displays various kinds of
information to the customer. The display unit 24 may be a touch
panel, and in this case, the touch panel functions as the operation
unit 22.
[0048] The code scanner 25 is a scanner device that optically reads
the code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. For
example, the code scanner 25 reads the code symbol assigned to the
merchandise or the code symbol displayed on the mobile device 6,
and outputs the read information to the control unit 21. A
merchandise code of the merchandise is contained in the code symbol
assigned to the merchandise. The code symbol displayed on the
mobile device 6 contains the first identification code of a
customer carrying the mobile device 6.
[0049] The card reader 26 is a reader device that reads information
contained in a card medium. Examples of the card reader 26 include
a magnetic card reader that magnetically reads the information
contained in the card medium, and an IC card reader that reads the
information using a short-range radio communication technology such
as RFID. For example, the card reader 26 reads the second
identification code from the card medium presented by the customer,
and outputs the read information to the control unit 21.
[0050] The control unit 21 is connected to a communication
interface (I/F) 27 through the bus 29. The control unit 21 is
configured to be connected the network N1 or the network N2 through
the communication I/F 27.
[0051] The control unit 21 is connected to a storage unit 28
through the bus 29. For example, the storage unit 28 is a secondary
storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state
drive (SSD). The storage unit 28 stores various setting information
and programs for performing various POS operations including the
merchandise sales data process. The storage unit 28 stores an
output setting information table 28a that indicates an output
method of information regarding each transaction.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the output setting
information table 28a. As shown in FIG. 4, the output setting
information table 28a includes columns of a transaction
classification, an output condition, and an output method,
respectively. A classification of the transaction performed in the
POS terminal 2 is set in the column of "transaction
classification". A condition according to the transaction
classification, and a specific character string (hereinafter,
referred to as a transaction character string) included in the
receipt information when this condition is satisfied is set in the
column of "output condition". An output method of the receipt
information when the transaction character string set in the
"output condition" is included in the receipt information is set in
the column of "output method". Printing of the receipt information
on the sheet corresponds to an output form of "sheet receipt".
Transmission of the receipt information as the electronic receipt
information to an external device corresponds to an output form of
"electronic receipt".
[0053] For example, the following output condition and output
method are set to "cancel" for cancelling the merchandise for which
the registration has been completed. A setting that the transaction
character string of "cancel" is included in the receipt information
when all merchandises are cancelled is set to the output condition.
When a character string of "cancel" is included in the receipt
information, a setting that the receipt information is printed is
set to the output method.
[0054] For example, the following output condition and output
method are set to "transaction holding" for performing transaction
holding. A setting fact that a transaction character string of
"holding" is included in the receipt information when the
"transaction holding" is performed is set to the output condition.
When the character string of "holding" is included in the receipt
information, a setting that the receipt information is printed is
set to the output method.
[0055] For example, the following output condition and output
method are set to "correlation registration" for performing the
correlation registration of the second identification code. A
setting that a transaction character string of "correlation" is
included in the receipt information when the "correlation
registration" is performed is set to the output condition. When the
character string of "correlation" is included in the receipt
information, a setting that the receipt information is transmitted
as the electronic receipt is set to the output method.
[0056] The output setting information table 28a may be used when
the output method is determined for each transaction. The setting
content of the output setting information table 28a is not limited
to the example of FIG. 4, and may be arbitrarily set. An output
method of another transaction (for example, "sales transaction" for
performing the merchandise sales registration) that is not
registered in the output setting information table 28a may follow a
default output setting (for example, printing) or another rule.
[0057] The storage unit 28 stores POS identification information of
the POS terminal 2 in an identification code managing region 28b.
For example, the POS identification information includes a POS
number assigned to the POS terminal 2, a company code
(identification code of the company that operates the store), and a
store code of the store P1 where the POS terminal 2 is located. The
company code (identification code of the company that operates the
store) may be stored in the company server 4.
[0058] The control unit 21 performs a process related to
transaction indicated by the operator, and generates receipt
information according to the transaction. The control unit 21
determines the output method (output form) of the generated receipt
information depending on whether or not a specific character string
is included in the receipt information.
[0059] Next, the configuration of the store server 3 will be
described with reference to a block diagram in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a
block diagram of a configuration example of the store server 3. As
shown in FIG. 5, the store server 3 includes a control unit 31 that
generally controls various calculations or the respective units of
the store server 3. The control unit 31 is a computer (processor)
that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
[0060] The control unit 31 is configured to be connected to the
network N1 or the network N2 through a communication I/F 32
connected to a bus 34. The control unit 31 is connected to a
storage unit 33 through a bus 34.
[0061] The storage unit 33 stores various kinds of setting
information or various programs that can be executed by the control
unit 31. The storage unit 33 stores the receipt information
generated in the POS terminals 2 of the store P1 in a store receipt
managing region 33a. The storage unit 33 stores a merchandise
master that includes merchandise data such as merchandise name,
merchandise code, and unit price of merchandise, in a merchandise
master managing region 33b. The storage unit 33 stores the company
membership master in a company membership master managing region
33c. The merchandise master and the company membership master may
be distributed to the POS terminal 2 of the store P1 at a
predetermined timing.
[0062] When the company membership master is received from the
company server 4, the control unit 31 stores the company membership
master in the company membership master managing region 33c. The
control unit 31 opens the merchandise master managing region 33b or
the company membership master managing region 33c ensured in the
storage unit 33 so as to be referred by the POS terminal 2 of the
store. The control unit 31 collects the receipt information items
generated in the POS terminals 2, and stores the collected
information items in the store receipt managing region 33a. When
the electronic receipt information is transmitted to the company
server 4 via the store server 3, the control unit 31 transmits
(sends) the electronic receipt information to the company server 4
when the electronic receipt information generated in the POS
terminal 2 is received.
[0063] Next, the configuration of the company server 4 will be
described with reference to a block diagram in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a
block diagram of a configuration example of the company server 4.
As shown in FIG. 6, the company server 4 includes a control unit 41
that controls various calculations or the respective units of the
company server 4. The control unit 41 is a computer (processor)
that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
[0064] The control unit 41 is configured to be connected to the
network N2 or the Network N3 through a communication I/F 42
connected to a bus 44. The control unit 41 is connected to a
storage unit 43 through the bus 44.
[0065] The storage unit 43 stores various setting information items
or various programs that can be executed by the control unit 41.
The storage unit 43 stores the electronic receipt information items
transmitted from the stores P1 operated by the company in a company
receipt managing region 43a.
[0066] When the company membership master is received from the
electronic receipt server 5, the control unit 41 transmits (sends)
the company membership master to the store server 3 of the store P1
operated by the company. When the electronic receipt information is
received from the store (the POS terminal 2 or the store server 3)
operated by the company, the control unit 41 stores the electronic
receipt information in the company receipt managing region 43a. The
control unit 41 transmits the electronic receipt information stored
in the company receipt managing region 43a to the electronic
receipt server 5 at a predetermined timing. Here, the timing at
which the electronic receipt information is transmitted is not
particularly limited. For example, the electronic receipt
information may be transmitted whenever the electronic receipt
information is stored in the company receipt managing region 43a.
The electronic receipt information stored in the company receipt
managing region 43a may be transmitted at a predetermined time
interval such as once an hour.
[0067] Next, the configuration of the electronic receipt server 5
will be described with reference to a block diagram in FIG. 7. FIG.
7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the
electronic receipt server 5. As shown in FIG. 7, the electronic
receipt server 5 includes a control unit 51 that generally controls
various calculations or the respective units of the electronic
receipt server 5. The control unit 51 is a computer (processor)
that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
[0068] The control unit 51 is configured to be connected to the
network N3 or the network N4 through a communication I/F 52
connected to a bus 54. The control unit 51 is connected to a
storage unit 53 through the bus 54.
[0069] The storage unit 53 stores various kinds of setting
information or various programs that can be executed by the control
unit 51. The storage unit 53 stores a membership master in a
membership master managing region 53a.
[0070] Here, FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a data structure of
the membership master managing region 53a (membership master). As
shown in FIG. 8, the membership master includes name and
transmission destination information correlated with the first
identification code of the member. The membership master also
includes the first identification code of the member for which the
correlation registration has been performed in correlation with the
company code and the second identification code.
[0071] For example, the first identification code represents a
numerical value of a plurality of digits. Here, FIG. 9 illustrates
an example of a format of the first identification code. In FIG. 9,
the first identification code C1 is a numerical value of 16
digits.
[0072] The first identification code C1 includes three parts of a
header part C11, a data part C12, and an option part C13. A
specific numerical value (for example, "99") indicating that this
code is the first identification code is included in the header
part C11. A unique numerical value allocated to each member is
included in the data part C12. A numerical value indicating various
additional conditions is included in the option part C13. In FIG.
9, upper two digits represent the header part C11, the subsequent
10 digits represent the data part C12, and the last 4 digits
represent the option part C13, but the number of digits of the
respective parts is not limited thereto.
[0073] The storage unit 53 stores the electronic receipt
information transmitted from the respective company servers 4 in
the electronic receipt managing region 53b. More specifically, the
electronic receipt managing region 53b is used to manage the
electronic receipt information of each company that operates the
stores for each member. The electronic receipt information includes
the first identification code, the company code, the store code,
the POS number, a receipt number, and the merchandise sales data
(including date and time data).
[0074] When the electronic receipt information is received from the
company server 4 of each company, the control unit 51 stores the
electronic receipt information in the electronic receipt managing
region 53b. When the electronic receipt information indicates the
correlation registration, the control unit 51 registers the company
code and the second identification code in correlation with the
first identification code included in the electronic receipt
information, in the membership master managing region 53a. The
control unit 51 extracts data indicating the correlation
relationship between the first identification code and the second
identification code for each company (company code) from the
membership maser managing region 53a. The control unit 51 transmits
the extracted data as the company membership master to the company
server 4 of the corresponding company.
[0075] When the electronic receipt information is stored in the
electronic receipt information region 53b, the control unit 51
specifies a transmission destination by referring to the
transmission destination information correlated with the first
identification code of the electronic receipt information. The
control unit 51 provides (sends) the electronic receipt information
stored in the electronic receipt managing region 53b to this
transmission destination. When an electronic receipt inquiry that
designates the first identification code is received from the
mobile device 6, the control unit 51 extracts the electronic
receipt information corresponding to the first identification code
from the electronic receipt managing region 53b. The control unit
51 operates to transmit the extracted electronic receipt
information to the mobile device 6.
[0076] Next, the configuration of the mobile device 6 will be
described with reference to a block diagram in FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is
a block diagram of a configuration example of the mobile device 6.
As shown in FIG. 10, the mobile device 6 includes a control unit 61
that generally controls various calculations or the respective
units of the mobile device 6. The control unit 61 is a computer
(processor) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and a RTC.
[0077] The control unit 61 is connected to an operation unit 62 and
a display unit 63 through a bus 66. The operation unit 62 includes
a pointing device and various operation keys for performing an
operation input by a user (customer). The display unit 63 is, for
example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various kinds of
information including electronic receipt information. The display
unit 63 maybe a touch panel, and in this case, the touch panel
functions as the operation unit 62.
[0078] The control unit 61 is connected to a communication I/F 64
through the bus 66. The control unit 61 is configured to be
connected to the network N4 through the communication I/F 64. The
control unit 61 is configured to be connected to the network N1
through the communication I/F 64.
[0079] The control unit 61 is connected to a storage unit 65
through the bus 66. The storage unit 65 stores various kinds of
setting information or various programs that can be executed by the
control unit 61, such as a Web browser for browsing various
information items (contents). The storage unit 65 stores the first
identification code in a first identification code managing region
65a.
[0080] The control unit 61 receives the electronic receipt
information of the transaction from the electronic receipt server
5. The control unit 61 receives the electronic receipt information
correlated with the first identification code from the electronic
receipt server 5 by transmitting the electronic receipt inquiry
that designates the first identification code to the electronic
receipt server 5. The control unit 61 displays the received
electronic receipt information on the display unit 63.
[0081] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 21 of
the POS terminal 2, which is the printing control device, according
to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 11,
the CPU of the control unit 21 generates a receipt information
generating section 211, and an output processing section 212, as
functional sections, in cooperation with the programs stored in the
ROM or the storage unit 28. Here, FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the
functional configuration of the control unit 21.
[0082] The receipt information generating section 211 is a
functional section that generates print data (receipt information)
of various transactions and receipts. Specifically, when the start
of the transaction is indicated through the transaction start key
of the operation unit 22, the receipt information generating
section 211 performs a process according to the transaction, and
generates the print data according to the transaction.
[0083] For example, when the execution of the merchandise sales
registration is indicated as the transaction classification, the
receipt information generating section 211 obtains the merchandise
code of the merchandise through the code scanner 25. Subsequently,
the receipt information generating section 211 reads the
merchandise data corresponding to the merchandise code from the
merchandise master. The receipt information generating section 211
performs the merchandise sales data process to calculate a total
price based on a unit prices included in the read merchandise data.
The receipt information generating section 211 generates the
receipt information indicating the statement of the
transaction.
[0084] The receipt information generating section 211 adds the
transaction character string according to the transaction
classification being performed to the receipt information based on
the output setting information table 28a. Specifically, when the
"transaction classification" set to the output setting information
table 28a is performed, the receipt information generating section
211 adds the transaction character string set as the "output
condition" to the receipt information when the condition set as the
"output condition" is satisfied.
[0085] The receipt information generating section 211 receives an
input of the first identification code of the customer at any
timing during one transaction. Specifically, when the first
identification code is read through the code scanner 25, the
receipt information generating section 211 determines that the
first identification code is received. When the second
identification code is received through the card reader 26, the
receipt information generating section 211 inquires the first
identification code corresponding to the second identification code
of the company membership master. When the corresponding first
identification code is obtained from the company membership master,
the receipt information generating section 211 determines that the
first identification code is received.
[0086] When the first identification code is received, the receipt
information generating section 211 adds a character string
(hereinafter, referred to as a flag character string) indicating
that the first identification code is present to the receipt
information. When the first identification code and the second
identification code are received, the receipt information
generating section 211 adds these identification codes to the
receipt information.
[0087] FIGS. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing examples of
the receipt information. Here, the receipt information is
unstructured text data, and is used for printing by the printer
23.
[0088] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the receipt information
includes data elements such as a company code (company name) D1 of
the company that operates the stores, a store code D2, transaction
date and time D3, a transaction number (receipt number) D4, a cash
register number D5, and the name of a casher D6.
[0089] The receipt information includes a data element of content
according to the transaction classification. For example, when the
merchandise sales registration is performed, the transaction
content such as the merchandise name (merchandise code) or price of
the registered merchandise, the total price of the merchandise, and
deposit amount paid by the customer is included in a region D7, as
shown in FIG. 12.
[0090] When the receipt information corresponds to the "transaction
classification" and the "output condition" of the output setting
information table 28a, the receipt information generating section
211 generates the receipt information including the transaction
character string set as the "output condition", as shown in FIG.
13. Here, FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the receipt information
generated when the correlation registration is performed. As shown
in FIG. 13, when the correlation registration is performed, a
character string of "correlation", is included in the receipt
information as a transaction character string D8.
[0091] When the first identification code is input, the receipt
information generating section 211 generates the receipt
information including a flag character string D9 indicating that
the first identification code is present, as shown in FIGS. 12 and
13. In FIGS. 12 and 13, a character string of "SRID" is used as the
flag character string D9, but the present embodiment is not limited
thereto.
[0092] When the first identification code or the second
identification code is input, the receipt information generating
section 211 generates the receipt information including a first
identification code D10 and a second identification code D11 that
indicate these identification codes. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows an
example in which the first identification code is input, and the
value thereof is included in the receipt information as the first
identification code D10. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the
first identification code and the second identification code are
input, and the values thereof are included in the receipt
information as the first identification code D10 and the second
identification code D11, respectively.
[0093] The receipt information generating section 211 adds a
command character string D12 to the last of the first
identification code D10 in response to the indication from the
operator. The command character string D12 is used to exceptionally
indicate the output method of the receipt information.
[0094] For example, when the printing of the receipt information is
indicated, the receipt information generating section 211 adds the
command character string D12 (for example, "*A") indicating the
printing to the last of the first identification code D10. When the
printing of the receipt information and the transmitting
(hereinafter, referred to as "transmission") of the receipt
information as the electronic receipt information to an external
device are indicated, the receipt information generating section
211 adds the command character string D12 (for example, "*B")
indicating the printing and the transmission to the last of the
first identification code D10.
[0095] In the present embodiment, the command character string D12
is added in response to the indication operation by the operator,
but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a
condition for adding the command character string D12 may be
correlated with the added command character string D12, and the
correlated information may be previously set as setting
information.
[0096] In this case, a "case of an offline state" may be set as a
condition, and the setting may be performed such that the command
character string D12 indicating the "printing" is added. When this
setting is adopted, even if the receipt information is supposed to
be transmitted as the electronic receipt information to the
external device, the sheet receipt is output in the offline state.
In the present embodiment, the condition related to this offline
state is set as the setting information.
[0097] A "case where the flag character string D9 is present" may
be set as another condition, and the setting may be performed such
that the command character string D12 indicating the "printing" or
the "transmission" is added. The setting may be performed such that
the command character string D12 is added for each transaction
classification. The command character string D12 may be set as the
transaction character string set to the "output condition" of the
output setting information table 28a.
[0098] In the present embodiment, the electronic receipt
information is transmitted when the command character string D12 is
not added, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto. The
transmission may be explicitly performed by the command character
string D12. When neither the printing nor the transmission is not
performed, the command character string D12 according to the
command content may be added.
[0099] Referring back to FIG. 11, the output processing section 212
is a functional unit that outputs the receipt information generated
by the receipt information generating section 211. As shown in FIG.
11, the output processing section 212 includes a state determining
section 2121, a filer processing section 2122, a print outputting
section 2123, and an electronic receipt outputting unit 2124.
[0100] The state determining section 2121 determines a
communication state between the POS terminal and the external
device in cooperation with the communication I/F 27. Here, the
external device is a transmission destination of the electronic
receipt information, such as the store server 3 or the company
server 4. When the electronic receipt information is directly
transmitted to the electronic receipt server 5, the communication
state between the POS terminal and the electronic receipt server 5
may be checked.
[0101] For example, the state determining section 2121 determines
whether or not the POS terminal is in an online state capable of
communicating with the external device through polling. Here, when
the communication between the POS terminal and the external device
is not available due to a communication error, the state
determining section 2121 determines that the communication state is
an offline state. Here, a timing at which the communication state
is checked is not particularly limited. For example, the
communication state maybe checked at a predetermined time interval,
or may be checked when the electronic receipt information is
transmitted to the external device.
[0102] The filter processing section 2122 determines whether or not
the specific character string is included in the receipt
information, and determines the output method (output form) of the
receipt information based on the determined result.
[0103] Specifically, the filter processing section 2122 determines
whether or not the flag character string D9 (for example, "SRID")
is included in the receipt information. Here, the flag character
string D9 corresponds to a first character string.
[0104] When the flag character string D9 is not included in the
receipt information, the filter processing section 2122 determines
that the output of the sheet receipt is designated, and outputs the
receipt information to the print outputting section 2123.
Meanwhile, when the flag character string D9 is included in the
receipt information, that is, when the first identification code is
input, the filter processing section 2122 determines that the
output of the electronic receipt (electronic receipt information)
is designated. Subsequently, the filter processing section 2122
determines whether or not a predetermined numerical value (for
example, "99") is included in the header part C11 of the first
identification code D10.
[0105] When the predetermined numerical value is not included in
the header part C11, it is difficult to use the first
identification code D10 as the first identification code of the
electronic receipt system. Thus, when the predetermined numerical
value is not included in the header part C11, the filter processing
section 2122 is excluded from an outputting target of the
electronic receipt information by outputting the receipt
information to the print outputting section 2123.
[0106] When the predetermined numerical value is included in the
header part C11, the filter processing section 2122 determines
whether or not the transaction character string D8 is included in
the receipt information. Here, the transaction character string D8
corresponds to a second character string.
[0107] More specifically, the filter processing section 2122
determines whether or not any transaction character string D8 set
to the "output condition" is included in the receipt information by
referring to the output setting information table 28a. When the
transaction character string D8 is included in the receipt
information, the filter processing section 2122 outputs the receipt
information according to the output method set in correlation with
the transaction character string D8. Here, when the "printing" is
set as the output method, the filter processing section 2122
determines that the output of the sheet receipt is designated, and
outputs the receipt information to the print outputting section
2123. When the "transmission" is set as the output method, the
filter processing section 2122 determines that the output of the
electronic receipt information is designated, and outputs the
receipt information to the electronic receipt outputting section
2124.
[0108] When the transaction character string D8 is not included in
the receipt information, the filter processing section 2122
determines whether or not the command character string D12 is added
to the last of the first identification code D10. Here, the command
character string D12 corresponds to a third character string and a
fourth character string.
[0109] When the command character string D12 is not added to the
last of the first identification code D10, the filter processing
section 2122 outputs the receipt information as a default setting
to the electronic receipt outputting section 2124.
[0110] Meanwhile, when the command character string D12 is added,
the filter processing section 2122 outputs the receipt information
according to the command character string D12. Here, when the
command character string D12 indicates the "printing", the filter
processing section 2122 determines that the output of the sheet
receipt is designated, and outputs the receipt information to the
print outputting section 2123. When the command character sting D12
indicates both the "printing" and the "transmission", the filter
processing section 2122 determines that both the output of the
sheet receipt and the output of the electronic receipt information
are designated. In this case, the filter processing section 2122
outputs the receipt information to both the print outputting
section 2123 and the electronic receipt outputting section
2124.
[0111] For example, the print outputting section 2123 is a printer
driver. When the receipt information is input from the filter
processing section 2122, the print outputting section 2123 prints
the receipt information on the sheet by controlling the printer
23.
[0112] For example, the electronic receipt outputting section 2124
is a network driver. When the receipt information is input from the
filter processing section 2122, the electronic receipt outputting
section 2124 converts the receipt information into a predetermined
data format according to a predetermined conversion rule. The
electronic receipt outputting section 2124 transmits (outputs) the
receipt information of which the data format is converted, that is,
the electronic receipt information to the company server 4 through
the communication I/F 27. The electronic receipt information may be
transmitted to the company server 4 through the store server 3, or
may be directly transmitted to the company server 4. Alternatively,
the electronic receipt information may be directly transmitted to
the electronic receipt server 5.
[0113] Here, the electronic receipt information includes structured
data (structured document) such as XML or CSV. The receipt
information is converted into the electronic receipt information
based on a predetermined conversion rule. Specifically,
predetermined elements configuring the receipt information and
attribute information (tags) indicating attributes of these
elements are defined in the conversion rule. The electronic receipt
outputting section 2124 generates structured electronic receipt
information by structuring the respective elements of the receipt
information using the corresponding attribute information. Since it
is possible to efficiently use the elements included in the
electronic receipt information when structured, it is possible to
obtain various advantages in view of data management.
[0114] In the present embodiment, although the state determining
section 2121 and the electronic receipt outputting section 2124 are
separately provided, the electronic receipt outputting section 2124
may have a function of the state determining section 2121.
[0115] Hereinafter, the operation of the POS terminal 2 will be
described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. Here, FIG. 14 is a
flowchart showing an example of a receipt generating process
performed by the POS terminal 2. The state determining section 2121
determines the communication state in the background of this
process.
[0116] First, when the transaction classification is designated as
an executing target by the operator, the receipt information
generating section 211 of the POS terminal 2 starts the process
according to the transaction classification (Act 11). For example,
when the "sales registration" is designated as the transaction
classification, the receipt information generating section 211
starts to perform the merchandise sales registration. When the
"correlation registration" is designated as the transaction
classification, the receipt information generating unit starts the
process of performing the correlation registration.
[0117] Subsequently, the receipt information generating section 211
determines whether or not the first identification code has been
input in advance (Act 12). When the first identification code has
not been input (Act 12; No), the receipt information generating
section 211 determines whether or not the first identification code
is received (Act 13). Here, when the first identification code is
received (Act 13; Yes), the receipt information generating section
211 temporarily stores the first identification code in the RAM
(Act 14), and the process proceeds to Act 17. Even when the first
identification code is not received (Act 13; No), the process
proceeds to Act 17.
[0118] Meanwhile, when the first identification code has been input
in advance (Act 12; Yes), the receipt information generating
section 211 determines whether or not the output method of the
receipt information is indicated (Act 15). Here, the output method
may be indicated by the operation of the operator or by
predetermined setting information.
[0119] When the output method is indicated (Act 15; Yes), the
receipt information generating section 211 temporarily stores the
indicated output method in the RAM (Act 16), and the process
proceeds to Act 17. Even when the output method is not indicated
(Act 15; No), the process proceeds to Act 17.
[0120] Thereafter, the receipt information generating section 211
determines whether or not the second identification code has been
input in advance (Act 17). Here, when the second identification
code has been input (Act 17; Yes), the process proceeds to Act
20.
[0121] When the second identification code has not been input (Act
17; No), the receipt information generating section 211 determines
whether or not the second identification code is received (Act 18).
Here, when the second identification code is received (Act 18;
Yes), the receipt information generating section 211 temporarily
stores this second identification code in the RAM (Act 19), and the
process proceeds to Act 20. Even when the second identification
code is not received (Act 18; No), the process proceeds to Act
20.
[0122] When the first identification code corresponding to the
second identification code is registered in the company membership
master, the receipt information generating section 211 obtains this
first identification code from the company membership master. In
Act 13, it is determined that the input of the first identification
code is received.
[0123] Subsequently, the receipt information generating section 211
determines whether or not the end of the transaction is indicated
by the operation of the end key (Act 20). When the end of the
transaction is not indicated (Act 20; No), the receipt information
generating section 211 returns to Act 12, and waists for the input
of the first identification code or the second identification code,
and the indication input of the output method.
[0124] When the indication of ending the transaction is received in
Act 20 (Act 20; Yes), the receipt information generating section
211 generates the receipt information according to this transaction
content (Act 21), and ends the process.
[0125] Here, the specific character string according to the
processed results of Act 11 to Act 19 is included in the receipt
information generated in Act 21. Specifically, when the transaction
classification of the transaction performed in Act 11 is set in the
output setting information table 28a, the transaction character
string is included in the receipt information. When the first
identification code is received in Act 13, the flag character
string D9 and the first identification code D10 are included in the
receipt information. When the second identification code is
received in Act 18, the second identification code D11 is included
in the receipt information. When the indication of the output
method is received in Act 15, the command character string D12
according to this output method is added to the last of the first
identification code D10. When the communication state is the
offline state, the command character string D12 indicating the
"printing" is added to the last of the first identification code
D10.
[0126] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a receipt
outputting process performed by the POS terminal 2. This process is
performed after the receipt generating process is performed.
[0127] The filter processing section 2122 analyzes the receipt
information generated in the receipt generating process, and
determines whether or not the specific character string is included
in the receipt information. First, the filter processing section
2122 determines whether or not the flag character string D9 is
included in the receipt information (Act 31). When the flag
character string D9 is not included in the receipt information (Act
31; No), the filter processing section 2122 prints the receipt
information on the sheet by outputting the receipt information to
the print outputting section 2123 (Act 37).
[0128] When the flag character string D9 is included in the receipt
information (Act 31; Yes), the filter processing section 2122
determines whether or not a predetermined numerical value is
included in the header part C11 of the first identification code
D10 (Act 32). When the predetermined numerical value is not
included in the header part C11 (Act 32; No), the filter processing
section 2122 prints the receipt by outputting the receipt
information to the print outputting section 2123 (Act 37).
[0129] When the predetermined numerical value is included in the
header part C11 (Act 32; Yes), the filter processing section 2122
determines whether or not the command character string D12 is added
to the last of the first identification code D10 (Act 33). When the
command character string D12 is added (Act 33; Yes), the filter
processing section 2122 determines the output method indicated by
the command character string D12 (Act 35).
[0130] When the command character string D12 is not added (Act 33;
No), the filter processing section 2122 determines whether or not
the transaction character string D8 set to the output setting
information table 28a is included in the receipt information (Act
34). When the transaction character string D8 is included (Act 34;
Yes), the filter processing section 2122 determines the process
method according to the transaction character string D8 by
referring to the output setting information table 28a (Act 35).
When the transaction character string D8 is not included (Act 34;
No), the filter processing section 2122 proceeds to Act 38.
[0131] As the determined result in Act 35, when the output method
indicates the printing (Act 36; No), the filter processing section
2122 prints the receipt by outputting the receipt information to
the print outputting section 2123 (Act 37).
[0132] Meanwhile, as the determined result of Act 35, when the
output method indicates the transmission of the electronic receipt
information (Act 36; Yes), the filter processing section 2122
proceeds Act 38. In Act 38, the filter processing section 2122
transmits the receipt information as the electronic receipt
information to the external device by outputting the receipt
information to the electronic receipt outputting section 2124 (Act
38). When the output method indicates both the printing and the
transmission, the filter processing section 2122 performs both Act
37 and Act 38.
[0133] As described above, the POS terminal 2 according to the
present embodiment generates the receipt information including the
specific character string indicating the output method based on the
indication from the operator or the predetermined setting
information. The POS terminal 2 determines the output method of the
receipt information according to the specific character string
included in the receipt information. As described above, since the
output method of the receipt information can be arbitrarily
designated by the specific character string included in the receipt
information, the POS terminal 2 can flexibly output the receipt
information.
[0134] The POS terminal 2 according to the present embodiment can
usability of the electronic receipt system by outputting the
receipt according to the communication state with the external
device. Specifically, even when the output of the electronic
receipt information is designated, the POS terminal 2 outputs the
receipt information from the printer 23 when the determined result
of the state determining section 2121 is the offline state. Thus,
the customer can check the transaction content of the transaction
performed in the offline state by reviewing the sheet receipt.
Second Embodiment
[0135] In the first embodiment, when the communication state is the
offline state, control is performed such that the sheet receipt is
output by adding the command character string D12 indicating the
"printing". In a second embodiment, when the communication state is
the offline state, the sheet receipt is output by directly using
the determined result of the state determining section 2121. In the
second embodiment, the condition related to the offline state of
the communication state is not set as the setting information. The
same elements as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the
same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be
omitted.
[0136] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of
a control unit 21A of a POS terminal according to the second
embodiment. The control unit 21A includes a receipt information
generating section 211, and an output processing section 212A.
Further, the output processing section 212A includes a state
determining section 2121, a filter processing section 2122A, a
print outputting section 2123, and an electronic receipt outputting
section 2124.
[0137] Similarly to the filter processing section 2122, the filter
processing section 2122A determines the output method of the
receipt information based on the specific character string included
in the receipt information.
[0138] When the receipt information is output to the electronic
receipt outputting section 2124, the filter processing section
2122A refers to the determined result of the state determining
section 2121. Here, when the determined result of the state
determining section 2121 is the online state, the filter processing
section 2122A outputs the receipt information to the electronic
receipt outputting section 2124.
[0139] Meanwhile, when the determined result of the state
determining section 2121 is the offline state, the filter
processing section 2122A notifies the operator that the
communication state is the offline state. The notification method
is not particularly limited, and, for example, notification
information such as a message or an icon image indicating that the
communication state is the offline state may be displayed on the
display unit 24 (first display 24a). The filter processing section
2122A holds the output of the receipt information to the electronic
receipt outputting section 2124 by temporarily storing the receipt
information in the RAM. The filter processing section 2122A prints
the receipt information on the receipt by outputting the receipt
information to the electronic receipt outputting section 2124. When
the determined result of the state determining section 2121 returns
to the online state, the filter processing section 2122A transmits
the temporarily stored receipt information to the external device
by outputting the receipt information to the electronic receipt
outputting section 2124.
[0140] As described above, when the POS terminal is in the offline
state, the control unit 21A temporarily holds the transmission of
the receipt information, and prints the receipt information
instead. Thus, the customer can check the transaction content by
reviewing the printed receipt for a period during which the
electric receipt information.
[0141] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a receipt
outputting process performed by the control unit 21A. For example,
this process is performed after the receipt generating process (See
FIG. 14) described in the first embodiment has been performed. For
example, this process corresponds to Act 36 to Act 38 of the
receipt outputting process (see FIG. 15) described in the first
embodiment. The state determining section 2121 determines the
communication state in the background of this process.
[0142] First, the filter processing section 2122A determines the
output method (output form) of the receipt information based on the
specific character string included in the receipt information (Act
41). When it is determined that the sheet receipt is output
(printed) (Act 41; No), the filter processing section 2122A outputs
the sheet receipt by outputting the receipt information to the
print outputting section 2123 (Act 42).
[0143] When it is determined that the electronic receipt
information is output (transmitted) (Act 41; Yes), the filter
processing section 2122A determines whether or not the
communication state is the online state by referring to the
determined result of the state determining section 2121 (Act 43).
When the determined result is the online state (Act 43; Yes), the
process proceeds to Act 49.
[0144] Meanwhile, when the determined result is the offline state
(Act 43; No), the filter processing section 2122A displays
notification information notifying that the communication state is
the offline state on the display unit 24 (first display 24a) (Act
44). Subsequently, the filter processing section 2122A temporarily
stores the receipt information in the RAM (Act 45). The filter
processing section 2122A outputs the sheet receipt by outputting
the receipt information temporarily stored in Act 45 to the print
outputting section 2123 (Act 46).
[0145] Thereafter, the filter processing section 2122A waits until
the determined result of the state determining section 2121 returns
to the online state (Act 47; No). When the communication state is
switched to the online state (Act 47; Yes), the filter processing
section 2122A cancels the notification (Act 48), and the process
proceeds to Act 49.
[0146] The filter processing section 2122A transmits the electronic
receipt information to the external device by outputting the
receipt information to the electronic receipt outputting section
2124 (Act 49), and ends this process.
[0147] When the output methods are both the printing and the
transmission, the filter processing section 2122A performs both Act
42 and Act 49 (Act 43 to Act 49). In this case, when the POS
terminal is in the offline state, Act 46 may be skipped such that
the receipt is not repeatedly printed in Act 42 and Act 46.
[0148] As described above, the POS terminal according to the
present embodiment can improve usability of the electronic receipt
system by outputting the receipt according to the communication
state with the external device. Specifically, even when the output
of the electronic receipt information is designated, the POS
terminal outputs the receipt information from the printer 23 when
the determined result of the state determining section 2121 is the
offline state. When the determined result of the state determining
section 2121 is switched (returns) to the online state from the
offline state, the POS terminal transmits the receipt information
output onto the sheet receipt to the external device. Since the
customer can check the transaction content by the sheet receipt for
a period during which the electronic receipt information is
supplied, it is possible to improve usability of the electronic
receipt system.
[0149] While the embodiments of the present invention have been
described, the present invention is not limited to these
embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, additions, and
combinations are possible without departing from the gist of the
present invention. Additional effects or modifications can be
easily derived by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a wider
aspect of the present invention is not limited by the specific
details and the representative embodiment represented and described
above. Therefore, various changes are possible without departing
from the spirit or the scope of the general concept of the present
invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0150] For example, although it is described in the above
embodiments that the printing control device is applied to the POS
terminal 2, an application target is not limited thereto.
[0151] Although it is described in the above embodiments that the
output method is determined based on the plurality of elements such
as the flag character string D9 or the command character string D12
included in the receipt information, the embodiments are not
limited thereto. The output method may be determined based on a
part of the elements. For example, the output method may be
determined based on whether or not the flag character string D9 (or
the first identification code) is included in the receipt
information. When this configuration is adopted, the output setting
information table 28a or the command character string D12 are not
necessary in the POS terminal according to the second
embodiment.
[0152] Although it is described in the first embodiment that the
output method designated by the command character string is adopted
preferentially to the output method designated by another specific
character string, the embodiment is not limited thereto. For
example, the output method designated by the transaction character
string may be most preferentially adopted. When the plurality of
specific character strings is included in the receipt information,
the adopted output method may be determined based on a priority
between the specific character strings that are set in advance.
[0153] Although it has been described in the second embodiment that
the operator of the POS terminal 2 is notified that the
communication state is the offline state is transmitted to by
displaying the notification information on the display unit 24
(first display 24a), the notification information may be
transmitted to the customer. For example, the filter processing
section 2122 may notify the customer that the communication state
is the offline state by displaying notification information on the
display unit 24 (second display 24b). The filter processing section
2122 may notify through the sheet output by the printer 23 by
outputting the receipt information and the notification information
to the print outputting section 2123. For example, when the
notification information is transmitted to the customer, the
notification that the electronic receipt information is provided
may be performed as soon as the communication state returns to the
online state.
[0154] The configuration of the POS terminal according to the
second embodiment which is related to the notification in the
offline state may be applied to the POS terminal 2 according to the
first embodiment. Further, the configuration of the POS terminal
according to the second embodiment which is related to the
operation at the time of returning to the online state may be
applied to the POS terminal 2 according to the first
embodiment.
[0155] While certain embodiments have been described, these
embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel
embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other
forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in
the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without
departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying
claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or
modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the
inventions.
* * * * *