US20190073649A1 - Transaction data processing apparatus connected to an external device for data communication - Google Patents

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic receipt system according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a first identification code displayed on a mobile device according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a POS terminal in the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an example of output setting according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a store server in the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a company server in the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic receipt server in the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
• 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.
• FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a format of a first identification code in the membership master.
• FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the mobile device in the electronic receipt system according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of a control unit in the POS terminal according to the first embodiment.
• FIGS. 12 and 13 each are a schematic diagram showing an example of receipt information according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a receipt generating process performed by the POS terminal according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a receipt outputting process performed by the POS terminal according to the first embodiment.
• FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of a control unit in a POS terminal according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a receipt outputting process performed by the POS terminal according to the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• 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
• FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration example of an electronic receipt system according to a first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, anelectronic receipt system1 includesPOS terminals2,store servers3,company servers4, anelectronic receipt server5, and amobile device6.
• ThePOS terminals2 and thestore servers3 are located in each of stores P1. ThePOS terminal2 and thestore server3 in each store P1 are connected via a network N1 such as local area network (LAN) so as to communicate with each other. ThePOS terminal2 and thestore server3 are connected to a network N2 that connects the stores P1 and thecompany server4 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).
• ThePOS terminal2 functions as a printing control device in the present embodiment. ThePOS terminal2 performs processes related to various transactions such as merchandize sales registration, and generates receipt information indicating the transaction content thereof. ThePOS terminal2 outputs a sheet receipt by printing the generated receipt information by aprinter23. ThePOS terminal2 generates electronic receipt information obtained by converting a data format of the receipt information and outputs (transmits) the generated information to theelectronic receipt server5 through thestore server3.
• Thestore server3 generally manages a merchandise sales data process performed in thePOS terminal2. For example, thestore server3 transmits the electronic receipt information generated in thePOS terminal2 to thecompany server4 at a predetermined timing. Thestore server3 stores and manages a merchandise master used in the merchandise sales data process or a company membership master.
• The number ofPOS terminals2 in each store P1 is not particularly limited, and may be plural. Although it is described in the present embodiment that thePOS terminal2 outputs the electronic receipt information, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, thestore server3 or a non-illustrated conversion device may convert the receipt information generated in thePOS terminal2 into electronic receipt information, and may output the converted information to theelectronic receipt server5.
• Thecompany servers4 are respectively provided in companies P2 that operate the stores P1. Thecompany server4 and the respective stores P1 of the company are connected through the network N2 so as to communicate with each other. The company servers4 and theelectronic receipt server5 are connected via a network N3 such as the Internet or a VPN so as to communicate with each other.
• Thecompany server4 has functions such as sales management, sales analysis, and inventory management of the company. Thecompany server4 receives the electronic receipt information transmitted from the respective stores P1 via the network N2. Thecompany server4 transmits the electronic receipt information of the respective stores P1 to theelectronic receipt server5 via the network N3. Thecompany server4 transmits (sends) the company membership master, which is received from theelectronic receipt server5 to thestore servers3 of the respective stores P1 via the network N2.
• Theelectronic receipt server5 collectively manages the electronic receipt information of the respective companies P2. The electronic receipt server5 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 device6 (for example, an electronic mail address), which is a transmission destination of the electronic receipt information. Theelectronic receipt server5 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).
• Theelectronic receipt server5 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. Theelectronic receipt server5 provides (transmits) the extracted data as the company membership master to thecompany server4 of the corresponding company.
• Theelectronic receipt server5 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.
• When the electronic receipt information is stored in the electronic receipt managing region, theelectronic receipt server5 specifies a transmission destination (mobile device6) by referring to the transmission destination information correlated with the first identification code of the electronic receipt information. Theelectronic receipt server5 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 themobile device6, theelectronic receipt server5 extracts the electronic receipt corresponding to the first identification code from the electronic receipt managing region, and provides (transmits) the extracted receipt to themobile device6.
• Themobile device6 is a computing device carried by a user (customer) of the electronic receipt system. Examples of themobile device6 include a smartphone, a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), and a tablet computer. Themobile device6 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 themobile device6.
• Themobile device6 performs membership registration to the electronic receipt system by accessing theelectronic receipt server5 via the network N4. Here, the network N4 is the internet or various public networks.
• The membership registration to the electronic receipt system is performed according to the following processes, for example. The customer transmits a blank mail to theelectronic receipt server5 using themobile device6. Theelectronic receipt server5 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 themobile device6 using the received URL, and themobile device6 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, theelectronic receipt server5 performs the membership registration on the membership master. Thereafter, theelectronic receipt server5 distributes a membership registration completion mail including the first identification code to themobile device6. In this manner, the membership registration is performed.
• After such membership registration, themobile device6 displays the first identification code of the customer as a code symbol CS such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code on adisplay unit63, as shown inFIG. 2. The customer presents the code symbol CS displayed on themobile device6 to a salesperson at the time of a transaction in the store P1. The salesperson reads the code symbol CS displayed on themobile device6 using a code scanner25 (seeFIG. 3) connected to thePOS terminal2. Thus, it is possible to correlate the first identification code of the customer with the receipt information generated in thePOS terminal2 for the transaction.
• After the transaction at thePOS terminal2 is performed, themobile device6 receives the electronic receipt information of the transaction from theelectronic receipt server5 via the network N4. Themobile device6 receives the electronic receipt information related to the first identification code from theelectronic receipt server5 by transmitting the electronic receipt inquiry that designates the first identification code to theelectronic receipt server5. Themobile device6 displays the received electronic receipt information on thedisplay unit63.
• 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.
• 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 thedisplay unit63 of themobile device6. The customer presents the code symbol CS displayed on themobile device6 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 themobile device6 using the code scanner25 (seeFIG. 3) connected to thePOS terminal2. The salesperson reads the second identification code contained in the presented card medium using a card reader26 (seeFIG. 3) connected to thePOS terminal2. 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 theelectronic receipt server5 via thestore server3 and thecompany server4. 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”.
• In theelectronic receipt system1, when a transaction is performed in thePOS terminal2 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 theelectronic receipt server5 and then to themobile device6, and stored in and managed by themobile device6. Themobile device6 that has a browsing application such as a Web browser can display the electronic receipt information.
• Next, the configuration of major devices configuring theelectronic receipt system1 will be described.
• First, thePOS terminal2 will be described.FIG. 3 is a block diagram of thePOS terminal2. As shown inFIG. 3, thePOS terminal2 includes acontrol unit21 that controls various calculations or the respective units of thePOS terminal2. Thecontrol unit21 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.
• Thecontrol unit21 is connected to anoperation unit22, theprinter23, adisplay unit24, thecode scanner25, and thecard reader26 through abus29.
• Theoperation unit22 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.
• Theprinter23 is a printing device that prints a receipt or a journal. Theprinter23 outputs a sheet receipt by printing the receipt information on a sheet such as a roll sheet under the control of theoperation unit22.
• For example, thedisplay unit24 is a liquid crystal display or the like. Thedisplay unit24 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. Thedisplay unit24 includes afirst display24athat displays various kinds of information to a cashier, and asecond display24bthat displays various kinds of information to the customer. Thedisplay unit24 may be a touch panel, and in this case, the touch panel functions as theoperation unit22.
• Thecode scanner25 is a scanner device that optically reads the code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. For example, thecode scanner25 reads the code symbol assigned to the merchandise or the code symbol displayed on themobile device6, and outputs the read information to thecontrol unit21. A merchandise code of the merchandise is contained in the code symbol assigned to the merchandise. The code symbol displayed on themobile device6 contains the first identification code of a customer carrying themobile device6.
• Thecard reader26 is a reader device that reads information contained in a card medium. Examples of thecard reader26 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, thecard reader26 reads the second identification code from the card medium presented by the customer, and outputs the read information to thecontrol unit21.
• Thecontrol unit21 is connected to a communication interface (I/F)27 through thebus29. Thecontrol unit21 is configured to be connected the network N1 or the network N2 through the communication I/F27.
• Thecontrol unit21 is connected to astorage unit28 through thebus29. For example, thestorage unit28 is a secondary storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). Thestorage unit28 stores various setting information and programs for performing various POS operations including the merchandise sales data process. Thestorage unit28 stores an output setting information table28athat indicates an output method of information regarding each transaction.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the output setting information table28a. As shown inFIG. 4, the output setting information table28aincludes columns of a transaction classification, an output condition, and an output method, respectively. A classification of the transaction performed in thePOS terminal2 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”.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The output setting information table28amay be used when the output method is determined for each transaction. The setting content of the output setting information table28ais not limited to the example ofFIG. 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 table28amay follow a default output setting (for example, printing) or another rule.
• Thestorage unit28 stores POS identification information of thePOS terminal2 in an identificationcode managing region28b. For example, the POS identification information includes a POS number assigned to thePOS terminal2, a company code (identification code of the company that operates the store), and a store code of the store P1 where thePOS terminal2 is located. The company code (identification code of the company that operates the store) may be stored in thecompany server4.
• Thecontrol unit21 performs a process related to transaction indicated by the operator, and generates receipt information according to the transaction. Thecontrol unit21 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.
• Next, the configuration of thestore server3 will be described with reference to a block diagram inFIG. 5.FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a configuration example of thestore server3. As shown inFIG. 5, thestore server3 includes acontrol unit31 that generally controls various calculations or the respective units of thestore server3. Thecontrol unit31 is a computer (processor) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
• Thecontrol unit31 is configured to be connected to the network N1 or the network N2 through a communication I/F32 connected to a bus34. Thecontrol unit31 is connected to a storage unit33 through a bus34.
• The storage unit33 stores various kinds of setting information or various programs that can be executed by thecontrol unit31. The storage unit33 stores the receipt information generated in thePOS terminals2 of the store P1 in a storereceipt managing region33a. The storage unit33 stores a merchandise master that includes merchandise data such as merchandise name, merchandise code, and unit price of merchandise, in a merchandisemaster managing region33b. The storage unit33 stores the company membership master in a company membershipmaster managing region33c. The merchandise master and the company membership master may be distributed to thePOS terminal2 of the store P1 at a predetermined timing.
• When the company membership master is received from thecompany server4, thecontrol unit31 stores the company membership master in the company membershipmaster managing region33c. Thecontrol unit31 opens the merchandisemaster managing region33bor the company membershipmaster managing region33censured in the storage unit33 so as to be referred by thePOS terminal2 of the store. Thecontrol unit31 collects the receipt information items generated in thePOS terminals2, and stores the collected information items in the storereceipt managing region33a. When the electronic receipt information is transmitted to thecompany server4 via thestore server3, thecontrol unit31 transmits (sends) the electronic receipt information to thecompany server4 when the electronic receipt information generated in thePOS terminal2 is received.
• Next, the configuration of thecompany server4 will be described with reference to a block diagram inFIG. 6.FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a configuration example of thecompany server4. As shown inFIG. 6, thecompany server4 includes acontrol unit41 that controls various calculations or the respective units of thecompany server4. Thecontrol unit41 is a computer (processor) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
• Thecontrol unit41 is configured to be connected to the network N2 or the Network N3 through a communication I/F42 connected to a bus44. Thecontrol unit41 is connected to astorage unit43 through the bus44.
• Thestorage unit43 stores various setting information items or various programs that can be executed by thecontrol unit41. Thestorage unit43 stores the electronic receipt information items transmitted from the stores P1 operated by the company in a companyreceipt managing region43a.
• When the company membership master is received from theelectronic receipt server5, thecontrol unit41 transmits (sends) the company membership master to thestore server3 of the store P1 operated by the company. When the electronic receipt information is received from the store (thePOS terminal2 or the store server3) operated by the company, thecontrol unit41 stores the electronic receipt information in the companyreceipt managing region43a. Thecontrol unit41 transmits the electronic receipt information stored in the companyreceipt managing region43ato theelectronic receipt server5 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 companyreceipt managing region43a. The electronic receipt information stored in the companyreceipt managing region43amay be transmitted at a predetermined time interval such as once an hour.
• Next, the configuration of theelectronic receipt server5 will be described with reference to a block diagram inFIG. 7.FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of theelectronic receipt server5. As shown inFIG. 7, theelectronic receipt server5 includes acontrol unit51 that generally controls various calculations or the respective units of theelectronic receipt server5. Thecontrol unit51 is a computer (processor) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and a RTC.
• Thecontrol unit51 is configured to be connected to the network N3 or the network N4 through a communication I/F52 connected to abus54. Thecontrol unit51 is connected to astorage unit53 through thebus54.
• Thestorage unit53 stores various kinds of setting information or various programs that can be executed by thecontrol unit51. Thestorage unit53 stores a membership master in a membershipmaster managing region53a.
• Here,FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a data structure of the membershipmaster managing region53a(membership master). As shown inFIG. 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.
• 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. InFIG. 9, the first identification code C1 is a numerical value of16 digits.
• 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. InFIG. 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.
• Thestorage unit53 stores the electronic receipt information transmitted from therespective company servers4 in the electronicreceipt managing region53b. More specifically, the electronicreceipt managing region53bis 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).
• When the electronic receipt information is received from thecompany server4 of each company, thecontrol unit51 stores the electronic receipt information in the electronicreceipt managing region53b. When the electronic receipt information indicates the correlation registration, thecontrol unit51 registers the company code and the second identification code in correlation with the first identification code included in the electronic receipt information, in the membershipmaster managing region53a. Thecontrol unit51 extracts data indicating the correlation relationship between the first identification code and the second identification code for each company (company code) from the membershipmaser managing region53a. Thecontrol unit51 transmits the extracted data as the company membership master to thecompany server4 of the corresponding company.
• When the electronic receipt information is stored in the electronicreceipt information region53b, thecontrol unit51 specifies a transmission destination by referring to the transmission destination information correlated with the first identification code of the electronic receipt information. Thecontrol unit51 provides (sends) the electronic receipt information stored in the electronicreceipt managing region53bto this transmission destination. When an electronic receipt inquiry that designates the first identification code is received from themobile device6, thecontrol unit51 extracts the electronic receipt information corresponding to the first identification code from the electronicreceipt managing region53b. Thecontrol unit51 operates to transmit the extracted electronic receipt information to themobile device6.
• Next, the configuration of themobile device6 will be described with reference to a block diagram inFIG. 10.FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a configuration example of themobile device6. As shown inFIG. 10, themobile device6 includes acontrol unit61 that generally controls various calculations or the respective units of themobile device6. Thecontrol unit61 is a computer (processor) that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM and a RTC.
• Thecontrol unit61 is connected to anoperation unit62 and adisplay unit63 through a bus66. Theoperation unit62 includes a pointing device and various operation keys for performing an operation input by a user (customer). Thedisplay unit63 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various kinds of information including electronic receipt information. Thedisplay unit63 maybe a touch panel, and in this case, the touch panel functions as theoperation unit62.
• Thecontrol unit61 is connected to a communication I/F64 through the bus66. Thecontrol unit61 is configured to be connected to the network N4 through the communication I/F64. Thecontrol unit61 is configured to be connected to the network N1 through the communication I/F64.
• Thecontrol unit61 is connected to astorage unit65 through the bus66. Thestorage unit65 stores various kinds of setting information or various programs that can be executed by thecontrol unit61, such as a Web browser for browsing various information items (contents). Thestorage unit65 stores the first identification code in a first identificationcode managing region65a.
• Thecontrol unit61 receives the electronic receipt information of the transaction from theelectronic receipt server5. Thecontrol unit61 receives the electronic receipt information correlated with the first identification code from theelectronic receipt server5 by transmitting the electronic receipt inquiry that designates the first identification code to theelectronic receipt server5. Thecontrol unit61 displays the received electronic receipt information on thedisplay unit63.
• Next, the functional configuration of thecontrol unit21 of thePOS terminal2, which is the printing control device, according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown inFIG. 11, the CPU of thecontrol unit21 generates a receiptinformation generating section211, and anoutput processing section212, as functional sections, in cooperation with the programs stored in the ROM or thestorage unit28. Here,FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the functional configuration of thecontrol unit21.
• The receiptinformation generating section211 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 theoperation unit22, the receiptinformation generating section211 performs a process according to the transaction, and generates the print data according to the transaction.
• For example, when the execution of the merchandise sales registration is indicated as the transaction classification, the receiptinformation generating section211 obtains the merchandise code of the merchandise through thecode scanner25. Subsequently, the receiptinformation generating section211 reads the merchandise data corresponding to the merchandise code from the merchandise master. The receiptinformation generating section211 performs the merchandise sales data process to calculate a total price based on a unit prices included in the read merchandise data. The receiptinformation generating section211 generates the receipt information indicating the statement of the transaction.
• The receiptinformation generating section211 adds the transaction character string according to the transaction classification being performed to the receipt information based on the output setting information table28a. Specifically, when the “transaction classification” set to the output setting information table28ais performed, the receiptinformation generating section211 adds the transaction character string set as the “output condition” to the receipt information when the condition set as the “output condition” is satisfied.
• The receiptinformation generating section211 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 thecode scanner25, the receiptinformation generating section211 determines that the first identification code is received. When the second identification code is received through thecard reader26, the receiptinformation generating section211 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 receiptinformation generating section211 determines that the first identification code is received.
• When the first identification code is received, the receiptinformation generating section211 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 receiptinformation generating section211 adds these identification codes to the receipt information.
• 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 theprinter23.
• As shown inFIGS. 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.
• 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 inFIG. 12.
• When the receipt information corresponds to the “transaction classification” and the “output condition” of the output setting information table28a, the receiptinformation generating section211 generates the receipt information including the transaction character string set as the “output condition”, as shown inFIG. 13. Here,FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the receipt information generated when the correlation registration is performed. As shown inFIG. 13, when the correlation registration is performed, a character string of “correlation”, is included in the receipt information as a transaction character string D8.
• When the first identification code is input, the receiptinformation generating section211 generates the receipt information including a flag character string D9 indicating that the first identification code is present, as shown inFIGS. 12 and 13. InFIGS. 12 and 13, a character string of “SRID” is used as the flag character string D9, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.
• When the first identification code or the second identification code is input, the receiptinformation generating section211 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.
• The receiptinformation generating section211 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.
• For example, when the printing of the receipt information is indicated, the receiptinformation generating section211 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 receiptinformation generating section211 adds the command character string D12 (for example, “*B”) indicating the printing and the transmission to the last of the first identification code D10.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 table28a.
• 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.
• Referring back toFIG. 11, theoutput processing section212 is a functional unit that outputs the receipt information generated by the receiptinformation generating section211. As shown inFIG. 11, theoutput processing section212 includes astate determining section2121, a filer processing section2122, aprint outputting section2123, and an electronicreceipt outputting unit2124.
• Thestate determining section2121 determines a communication state between the POS terminal and the external device in cooperation with the communication I/F27. Here, the external device is a transmission destination of the electronic receipt information, such as thestore server3 or thecompany server4. When the electronic receipt information is directly transmitted to theelectronic receipt server5, the communication state between the POS terminal and theelectronic receipt server5 may be checked.
• For example, thestate determining section2121 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, thestate determining section2121 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.
• The filter processing section2122 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.
• Specifically, the filter processing section2122 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.
• When the flag character string D9 is not included in the receipt information, the filter processing section2122 determines that the output of the sheet receipt is designated, and outputs the receipt information to theprint outputting section2123. 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 section2122 determines that the output of the electronic receipt (electronic receipt information) is designated. Subsequently, the filter processing section2122 determines whether or not a predetermined numerical value (for example, “99”) is included in the header part C11 of the first identification code D10.
• 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 section2122 is excluded from an outputting target of the electronic receipt information by outputting the receipt information to theprint outputting section2123.
• When the predetermined numerical value is included in the header part C11, the filter processing section2122 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.
• More specifically, the filter processing section2122 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 table28a. When the transaction character string D8 is included in the receipt information, the filter processing section2122 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 section2122 determines that the output of the sheet receipt is designated, and outputs the receipt information to theprint outputting section2123. When the “transmission” is set as the output method, the filter processing section2122 determines that the output of the electronic receipt information is designated, and outputs the receipt information to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• When the transaction character string D8 is not included in the receipt information, the filter processing section2122 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.
• When the command character string D12 is not added to the last of the first identification code D10, the filter processing section2122 outputs the receipt information as a default setting to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• Meanwhile, when the command character string D12 is added, the filter processing section2122 outputs the receipt information according to the command character string D12. Here, when the command character string D12 indicates the “printing”, the filter processing section2122 determines that the output of the sheet receipt is designated, and outputs the receipt information to theprint outputting section2123. When the command character sting D12 indicates both the “printing” and the “transmission”, the filter processing section2122 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 section2122 outputs the receipt information to both theprint outputting section2123 and the electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• For example, theprint outputting section2123 is a printer driver. When the receipt information is input from the filter processing section2122, theprint outputting section2123 prints the receipt information on the sheet by controlling theprinter23.
• For example, the electronicreceipt outputting section2124 is a network driver. When the receipt information is input from the filter processing section2122, the electronicreceipt outputting section2124 converts the receipt information into a predetermined data format according to a predetermined conversion rule. The electronicreceipt outputting section2124 transmits (outputs) the receipt information of which the data format is converted, that is, the electronic receipt information to thecompany server4 through the communication I/F27. The electronic receipt information may be transmitted to thecompany server4 through thestore server3, or may be directly transmitted to thecompany server4. Alternatively, the electronic receipt information may be directly transmitted to theelectronic receipt server5.
• 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 electronicreceipt outputting section2124 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.
• In the present embodiment, although thestate determining section2121 and the electronicreceipt outputting section2124 are separately provided, the electronicreceipt outputting section2124 may have a function of thestate determining section2121.
• Hereinafter, the operation of thePOS terminal2 will be described with reference toFIGS. 14 and 15. Here,FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a receipt generating process performed by thePOS terminal2. Thestate determining section2121 determines the communication state in the background of this process.
• First, when the transaction classification is designated as an executing target by the operator, the receiptinformation generating section211 of thePOS terminal2 starts the process according to the transaction classification (Act11). For example, when the “sales registration” is designated as the transaction classification, the receiptinformation generating section211 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.
• Subsequently, the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the first identification code has been input in advance (Act12). When the first identification code has not been input (Act12; No), the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the first identification code is received (Act13). Here, when the first identification code is received (Act13; Yes), the receiptinformation generating section211 temporarily stores the first identification code in the RAM (Act14), and the process proceeds to Act17. Even when the first identification code is not received (Act13; No), the process proceeds to Act17.
• Meanwhile, when the first identification code has been input in advance (Act12; Yes), the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the output method of the receipt information is indicated (Act15). Here, the output method may be indicated by the operation of the operator or by predetermined setting information.
• When the output method is indicated (Act15; Yes), the receiptinformation generating section211 temporarily stores the indicated output method in the RAM (Act16), and the process proceeds to Act17. Even when the output method is not indicated (Act15; No), the process proceeds to Act17.
• Thereafter, the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the second identification code has been input in advance (Act17). Here, when the second identification code has been input (Act17; Yes), the process proceeds to Act20.
• When the second identification code has not been input (Act17; No), the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the second identification code is received (Act18). Here, when the second identification code is received (Act18; Yes), the receiptinformation generating section211 temporarily stores this second identification code in the RAM (Act19), and the process proceeds to Act20. Even when the second identification code is not received (Act18; No), the process proceeds to Act20.
• When the first identification code corresponding to the second identification code is registered in the company membership master, the receiptinformation generating section211 obtains this first identification code from the company membership master. In Act13, it is determined that the input of the first identification code is received.
• Subsequently, the receiptinformation generating section211 determines whether or not the end of the transaction is indicated by the operation of the end key (Act20). When the end of the transaction is not indicated (Act20; No), the receiptinformation generating section211 returns to Act12, and waists for the input of the first identification code or the second identification code, and the indication input of the output method.
• When the indication of ending the transaction is received in Act20 (Act20; Yes), the receiptinformation generating section211 generates the receipt information according to this transaction content (Act21), and ends the process.
• Here, the specific character string according to the processed results of Act11 to Act19 is included in the receipt information generated inAct21. Specifically, when the transaction classification of the transaction performed in Act11 is set in the output setting information table28a, the transaction character string is included in the receipt information. When the first identification code is received in Act13, 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 Act18, the second identification code D11 is included in the receipt information. When the indication of the output method is received in Act15, 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.
• FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a receipt outputting process performed by thePOS terminal2. This process is performed after the receipt generating process is performed.
• The filter processing section2122 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 section2122 determines whether or not the flag character string D9 is included in the receipt information (Act31). When the flag character string D9 is not included in the receipt information (Act31; No), the filter processing section2122 prints the receipt information on the sheet by outputting the receipt information to the print outputting section2123 (Act37).
• When the flag character string D9 is included in the receipt information (Act31; Yes), the filter processing section2122 determines whether or not a predetermined numerical value is included in the header part C11 of the first identification code D10 (Act32). When the predetermined numerical value is not included in the header part C11 (Act32; No), the filter processing section2122 prints the receipt by outputting the receipt information to the print outputting section2123 (Act37).
• When the predetermined numerical value is included in the header part C11 (Act32; Yes), the filter processing section2122 determines whether or not the command character string D12 is added to the last of the first identification code D10 (Act33). When the command character string D12 is added (Act33; Yes), the filter processing section2122 determines the output method indicated by the command character string D12 (Act35).
• When the command character string D12 is not added (Act33; No), the filter processing section2122 determines whether or not the transaction character string D8 set to the output setting information table28ais included in the receipt information (Act34). When the transaction character string D8 is included (Act34; Yes), the filter processing section2122 determines the process method according to the transaction character string D8 by referring to the output setting information table28a(Act35). When the transaction character string D8 is not included (Act34; No), the filter processing section2122 proceeds to Act38.
• As the determined result in Act35, when the output method indicates the printing (Act36; No), the filter processing section2122 prints the receipt by outputting the receipt information to the print outputting section2123 (Act37).
• Meanwhile, as the determined result of Act35, when the output method indicates the transmission of the electronic receipt information (Act36; Yes), the filter processing section2122 proceeds Act38. In Act38, the filter processing section2122 transmits the receipt information as the electronic receipt information to the external device by outputting the receipt information to the electronic receipt outputting section2124 (Act38). When the output method indicates both the printing and the transmission, the filter processing section2122 performs both Act37 and Act38.
• As described above, thePOS terminal2 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. ThePOS terminal2 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, thePOS terminal2 can flexibly output the receipt information.
• ThePOS terminal2 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, thePOS terminal2 outputs the receipt information from theprinter23 when the determined result of thestate determining section2121 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
• 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 thestate determining section2121. 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.
• FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of acontrol unit21A of a POS terminal according to the second embodiment. Thecontrol unit21A includes a receiptinformation generating section211, and anoutput processing section212A. Further, theoutput processing section212A includes astate determining section2121, afilter processing section2122A, aprint outputting section2123, and an electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• Similarly to the filter processing section2122, thefilter processing section2122A determines the output method of the receipt information based on the specific character string included in the receipt information.
• When the receipt information is output to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124, thefilter processing section2122A refers to the determined result of thestate determining section2121. Here, when the determined result of thestate determining section2121 is the online state, thefilter processing section2122A outputs the receipt information to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• Meanwhile, when the determined result of thestate determining section2121 is the offline state, thefilter processing section2122A 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 unit24 (first display24a). Thefilter processing section2122A holds the output of the receipt information to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124 by temporarily storing the receipt information in the RAM. Thefilter processing section2122A prints the receipt information on the receipt by outputting the receipt information to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124. When the determined result of thestate determining section2121 returns to the online state, thefilter processing section2122A transmits the temporarily stored receipt information to the external device by outputting the receipt information to the electronicreceipt outputting section2124.
• As described above, when the POS terminal is in the offline state, thecontrol unit21A 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.
• FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a receipt outputting process performed by thecontrol unit21A. For example, this process is performed after the receipt generating process (SeeFIG. 14) described in the first embodiment has been performed. For example, this process corresponds to Act36 to Act38 of the receipt outputting process (seeFIG. 15) described in the first embodiment. Thestate determining section2121 determines the communication state in the background of this process.
• First, thefilter processing section2122A determines the output method (output form) of the receipt information based on the specific character string included in the receipt information (Act41). When it is determined that the sheet receipt is output (printed) (Act41; No), thefilter processing section2122A outputs the sheet receipt by outputting the receipt information to the print outputting section2123 (Act42).
• When it is determined that the electronic receipt information is output (transmitted) (Act41; Yes), thefilter processing section2122A determines whether or not the communication state is the online state by referring to the determined result of the state determining section2121 (Act43). When the determined result is the online state (Act43; Yes), the process proceeds to Act49.
• Meanwhile, when the determined result is the offline state (Act43; No), thefilter processing section2122A displays notification information notifying that the communication state is the offline state on the display unit24 (first display24a) (Act44). Subsequently, thefilter processing section2122A temporarily stores the receipt information in the RAM (Act45). Thefilter processing section2122A outputs the sheet receipt by outputting the receipt information temporarily stored in Act45 to the print outputting section2123 (Act46).
• Thereafter, thefilter processing section2122A waits until the determined result of thestate determining section2121 returns to the online state (Act47; No). When the communication state is switched to the online state (Act47; Yes), thefilter processing section2122A cancels the notification (Act48), and the process proceeds to Act49.
• Thefilter processing section2122A transmits the electronic receipt information to the external device by outputting the receipt information to the electronic receipt outputting section2124 (Act49), and ends this process.
• When the output methods are both the printing and the transmission, thefilter processing section2122A performs bothAct42 and Act49 (Act43 to Act49). In this case, when the POS terminal is in the offline state, Act46 may be skipped such that the receipt is not repeatedly printed inAct42 and Act46.
• 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 theprinter23 when the determined result of thestate determining section2121 is the offline state. When the determined result of thestate determining section2121 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.
• 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.
• For example, although it is described in the above embodiments that the printing control device is applied to thePOS terminal2, an application target is not limited thereto.
• 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 table28aor the command character string D12 are not necessary in the POS terminal according to the second embodiment.
• 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.
• Although it has been described in the second embodiment that the operator of thePOS terminal2 is notified that the communication state is the offline state is transmitted to by displaying the notification information on the display unit24 (first display24a), the notification information may be transmitted to the customer. For example, the filter processing section2122 may notify the customer that the communication state is the offline state by displaying notification information on the display unit24 (second display24b). The filter processing section2122 may notify through the sheet output by theprinter23 by outputting the receipt information and the notification information to theprint outputting section2123. 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.
• 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 thePOS terminal2 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 thePOS terminal2 according to the first embodiment.
• 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.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

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 toclaim 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 toclaim 2, wherein the receipt information is generated in an unstructured format.

4. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 7, wherein the structured data format is one XML or CSV.

9. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according toclaim 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 toclaim 1, wherein the external device is a third-party electronic receipt server.

11. The point-of-sale terminal control unit according toclaim 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 toclaim 12, wherein the receipt information is generated in an unstructured format.

14. The point-of-sale terminal according toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 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 toclaim 16, wherein the structured data format is one XML or CSV.

18. The point-of-sale terminal according toclaim 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 toclaim 12, wherein the external device is a third-party electronic receipt server.

20. The point-of-sale terminal according toclaim 12, wherein the external device is a store server.

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