JP7733535B2 - Media reader and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a media reading device and a program.

Magnetic cards such as point cards and credit cards have traditionally been used when purchasing goods at supermarkets, convenience stores, mass retailers, and other stores. These magnetic cards have the necessary information magnetized and stored on them, and the card information stored on the card is read by scanning the card with a media reader.

However, the magnetic force of information magnetically stored on a magnetic card can weaken over time. When the magnetic force weakens, a reading error occurs, and the media reader is no longer able to read the information on the magnetic card. Furthermore, when replacing a media reader, there is also the issue of compatibility with the new card reader, and on cards with weak magnetic force, information that was previously readable can suddenly become unreadable (a reading error occurs). To avoid this phenomenon, it is desirable for the magnetic field on the card to maintain a certain level of magnetic force.

Furthermore, in the case of cards with electrical contacts, such as IC cards that store information on a built-in IC chip, deterioration over time can cause poor contact at the contacts. Cards with such poor contact can also cause reading errors, making it impossible to read the information stored in the IC.

For this reason, in the past, transactions using cards that frequently had reading errors were stopped, and a message was sent urging users to replace their cards. However, because card replacements had to be carried out by the card issuer, it was not easy to notify users of the replacement.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a media reading device and program that makes it easy to notify the replacement of cards that frequently experience reading errors.

The medium reading device of the embodiment comprises a reading mechanism that reads information stored on a medium, an error determination means that determines whether a reading error has occurred based on the reading result by the reading mechanism, a code information acquisition means that acquires a card ID that identifies the medium in which the error determination means has determined that an error has occurred from the information read from the medium by the reading mechanism , and a printing means that acquires contact information for the issuer of the medium from a memory unit that stores the contact information for the type of medium in which the error has occurred, as determined based on the acquired card ID, and prints the contact information on a printing medium.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a POS terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 3 is a memory map showing the configuration of the error count section. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the contact section. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the credit processing. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the point card processing. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a POS terminal. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of another display screen of the POS terminal. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of yet another display screen of the POS terminal. FIG. 12 shows an example of what is printed on a receipt by a POS terminal. FIG. 13 shows another example of printing on a receipt by a POS terminal. FIG. 14 shows yet another example of printing on a receipt by a POS terminal.

Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a POS terminal will be described as an example of a medium reading device. Magnetic cards with magnetic stripes, such as credit cards and point cards, will also be described as an example of a medium. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

One or more POS (Point of Sales) terminals 1 are installed in stores such as supermarkets, convenience stores, mass retailers, and specialty stores that sell products. In transactions with customers, the POS terminal 1 processes product data and settlement for products purchased by the customer. The POS terminal 1 captures images of symbols, such as barcodes, attached to products sold in transactions and acquires product codes that identify the corresponding products. Product data processing refers to the process in which the POS terminal 1 displays the product name and price of the product based on the product information (product name, price, etc.) of the product read from the acquired product code, and stores the product information in the product information section 131 (see Figure 2). The POS terminal 1 may also optically read images of symbols attached to the product and acquire the corresponding product code. The POS terminal 1 may also capture an image of the product and acquire the product code of the identified product.

The settlement process refers to the process of displaying the total amount for the transaction based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 through product data processing, calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer, and instructing the change dispenser to issue the change. The settlement process also includes the process of issuing a receipt on which the product information and payment information (total amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) processed through product data processing are printed. The product information and payment information are information related to payment.

The POS terminal 1 transmits product information and payment information for processed products via a communication line to a server (not shown) (e.g., a store server). The POS terminal 1 also transmits settlement information for sales over a specified period (e.g., one day) via the communication line to the server.

The server is installed, for example, in the back room of a store. The server centrally manages product information, payment information, accounting information, etc. received from each POS terminal 1. In other words, the server manages sales at the store. The server also receives from each POS terminal 1 information on read errors (number of read errors) at the POS terminal 1 when scanning a magnetic card (described below), and accumulates and stores this information by card ID. The server then transmits the stored information on the number of read errors that occurred by card ID to each POS terminal 1.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a POS terminal 1 according to an embodiment, as seen from the operator's side.

The POS terminal 1 has a main body 4 and a money storage box 5. The money storage box 5 has a drawer for storing coins and bills, and stores money received from customers, valuable securities such as gift certificates, and change to be handed to customers.

The main body 4 is equipped with an operation unit 21, an operator display unit 22, a customer display unit 23, a printing unit 24, a card reading unit 25 (reading mechanism), a code reader 27, etc. The operation unit 21 is a keyboard equipped with keys such as numeric keys for entering numbers. The operator display unit 22 is composed of an LCD display or the like, and displays product information, payment information, etc. to the operator who operates the POS terminal 1. The customer display unit 23 is composed of an LCD display or the like, and displays product information, payment information, etc. to the customer.

The printing unit 24 pulls out a roll of receipt paper stored in the main body 4 and prints product information, payment information, etc. using, for example, a thermal printer equipped with a thermal transfer print head, and issues a receipt. The card reading unit 25 has a magnetic head 251 (see Figure 2) and reads the card ID (i.e., customer identification information that identifies the customer carrying the magnetic card) that is magnetically stored on a magnetic card (medium) such as a credit card or point card presented by the customer and that uniquely identifies the magnetic card.

The code reader 27 is, for example, a handheld code reader. The code reader 27 captures and reads the symbol attached to the product using, for example, visible light. The code reader 27 may also read the symbol using an optical scanner.

Now, let's explain magnetic cards. Magnetic cards are formed with magnetic stripes in a band-like shape, and information including the card ID is magnetically stored in the stripes. When the magnetic card is first created, the card ID stored in the stripes is stored with a strong magnetic force that exceeds a predetermined magnetic force. However, the magnetic force used to store information such as the card ID gradually weakens with age. When the magnetic force weakens below the predetermined value, the magnetic head 251 can no longer magnetically read the information stored in the stripes. In other words, the card reader 25 is unable to read the magnetic card, resulting in a read error.

The POS terminal 1 counts the number of read errors and stores them cumulatively for each card ID. If multiple POS terminals 1 are connected to the server, the server stores the number of read errors cumulatively for each card ID. That is, the server receives the number of read errors for all connected POS terminals 1 from each POS terminal 1 and centrally stores the cumulative number based on the card ID of the magnetic card. The server then transmits the number of read errors for each card ID that it has stored to all connected POS terminals 1. Each POS terminal 1 receives and stores the number of read errors for each card ID transmitted from the server. That is, each POS terminal 1 stores the same data as the number of read errors for each card ID that the server centrally stores.

For example, if the magnetic card information is read on the tenth scan of the card reading unit 25, the number of read errors for the card ID included in the information read on the tenth scan will be incremented by 9, since there were read errors on the first nine scans. However, if the magnetic card information is read on the first scan, the number of read errors will not be incremented.

The POS terminal 1 determines whether a magnetic card has a weakened magnetic force based on the number of read errors for each stored card ID. The POS terminal 1 determines that the magnetic force of the information stored in the stripe of a magnetic card for which the number of read errors for each stored card ID has reached (or exceeded) a predetermined number has weakened. In other words, a magnetic card for which the number of read errors for each stored card ID has reached a predetermined number is determining that its magnetic force has weakened because it is frequently causing read errors.

If the POS terminal 1 determines that the magnetic force of the magnetic card has weakened, it prints information for replacing the magnetic card on receipt paper and issues it. Specifically, the POS terminal 1 prints contact information for the issuer of the magnetic card (e.g., the card issuing company). Contact information for the issuer may include one or more or all of the issuer's address, telephone number, email address, etc. Note that if a single issuer is identified based on the card ID, only the contact information for that issuer may be printed. Alternatively, if the type of magnetic card is identified (e.g., it is identified as a credit card), contact information for all credit card companies with which the store has contracts may be printed.

If the magnetic card with reduced magnetic force is a points card, the points card may have been issued by the store itself, in which case information indicating the location in the store where the magnetic card can be exchanged or information encouraging the exchange may be printed on the card.

Next, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the POS terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, and a memory unit 14. The CPU 11 is the main controller. The ROM 12 stores various programs. The RAM 13 loads programs and various data. The memory unit 14 stores various programs. The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to one another via a bus 15. The CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute the control unit 100. In other words, the control unit 100 executes control processing related to the POS terminal 1, which will be described later, by the CPU 11 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and memory unit 14 and loaded in the RAM 13.

RAM 13 includes a product information section 131 and a retry count section 132. The product information section 131 stores product information (product name, product price, etc.) for products processed based on the product code obtained from the symbol read by the code reader 27. The retry count section 132 stores the number of retries to read the magnetic card, which is processed in S33, described later in Figure 6.

The memory unit 14 is composed of non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory, which retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141, a product master 142, an error count unit 143, and a contact unit 144. The control program unit 141 stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 1. The product master 142 stores product information (product name, unit price, etc.) related to each product.

The error count unit 143 cumulatively stores the number of read errors that have occurred with the magnetic card for each card ID. If multiple POS terminals 1 are connected to the server, the server collects the number of read errors that have occurred at each POS terminal 1 and cumulatively stores them for each card ID, and the server distributes this information to each POS terminal 1. In other words, the number of read errors stored in the POS terminal 1 is the total number of read errors that have occurred with the magnetic card for each POS terminal 1 connected to the server. The error count unit 143 will be described later in Figure 3.

The contact information section 144 stores, for each type of magnetic card, contact information (one or more types of information such as address, telephone number, email address, etc.) of the issuer of the magnetic card in order to exchange the magnetic card. The contact information section 144 will be described later in Figure 4.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the operation unit 21, operator display unit 22, customer display unit 23, printing unit 24, card reading unit 25, and code reader 27 via the bus 15 and controller 16. The controller 16 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation unit 21, operator display unit 22, customer display unit 23, printing unit 24, card reading unit 25, and code reader 27. For convenience of explanation, the following description will be given assuming that the control performed by the controller 16 is performed by the control unit 100.

The operation unit 21 includes a settlement key 211, a "Yes" key 212, a "No" key 213, a credit key 214, a points key 215, a character key 216, a code key 217, and a card inspection key 218. The settlement key 211 is operated when processing a settlement in a transaction with a customer. The "Yes" key 212 is operated when a predetermined number of consecutive read errors have occurred with the same (single) magnetic card. The "No" key 213 is operated when a predetermined number of consecutive read errors have not occurred with the same (single) magnetic card. The credit key 214 is operated when the magnetic card that has caused a predetermined number of consecutive read errors is a credit card (S37 in Figure 6). The points key 215 is operated when the magnetic card that has caused a predetermined number of consecutive read errors is a points card (S43 in Figure 6). The character key 216 is operated when printing contact information in text (S39 in FIG. 6) (S64 in FIG. 7). The code key 217 is operated when printing contact information as a symbol such as a two-dimensional code (S41 in FIG. 6) (S66 in FIG. 7). The card inspection key 218 is operated when inspecting the magnetic state of a magnetic card on the POS terminal 1 (S22 in FIG. 6).

The operator display unit 22 displays information such as product information and payment information to the operator operating the POS terminal 1. The customer display unit 23 displays information such as product information and payment information to the customer making a transaction. The printing unit 24 prints the product information and payment information on receipt paper (printing medium) and issues a receipt. The printing unit 24 also prints contact information on receipt paper in addition to the product information and payment information described below in Figures 12 to 14 and issues a receipt.

The card reading unit 25 is equipped with a magnetic head 251. The magnetic head 251 comes into contact with the stripe of the magnetic card being scanned and reads information, including the card ID, magnetically stored in the stripe. The code reader 27 captures an image or optically reads the information on the symbol attached to the product.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 26 via the bus 15. The communication unit 26 is electrically connected to other POS terminals 1 installed in the store and to a server via a communication line. The control unit 100 sends information about any reading errors that occur on the POS terminal 1 to the server via the communication unit 26.

Figure 3 is a memory map showing part of the configuration of the error count section 143. The error count section 143 contains information distributed from the server. For each card ID, the error count section 143 stores the cumulative number of reading errors that occurred by the card reading unit 25 (magnetic head 251) at each POS terminal 1 when scanning the magnetic card.

The error count section 143 has a card ID section 1431, a card company section 1432, an error count section 1433, and a contact requirement section 1434. The card ID section 1431 stores a card ID that identifies the magnetic card. The card ID is also information that identifies the customer who carries the magnetic card. The card ID includes information about the type of card. Therefore, based on the card ID stored in the card ID section 1431, it is possible to determine the type of magnetic card (in the embodiment, whether it is a credit card or a points card). Furthermore, based on the card ID stored in the card ID section 1431, it is possible to identify the issuer (card issuing company) of the magnetic card. The card company section 1432 stores the issuer (card issuing company) that issued the magnetic card identified by the card ID. The error count unit 1433 scans the magnetic card of the card ID stored in the card ID unit 1431 and stores the cumulative number of read errors that occurred at each POS terminal 1 (if there is only one POS terminal 1, the cumulative number of read errors that occurred at that POS terminal 1 is stored for each card ID). When the cumulative number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 reaches a predetermined number (the predetermined number is stored in advance in the memory unit 14, for example) (i.e., when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the control unit 100 stores information (e.g., flag information) indicating that the cumulative number of read errors has reached the predetermined number in the contact necessity unit 1434. More precisely, when the cumulative number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 reaches the predetermined number within a certain period (e.g., one week) (i.e., when a predetermined condition is satisfied), the control unit 100 stores information (e.g., flag information) indicating this in the contact necessity unit 1434. In other words, if flag information is stored in the contact necessity section 1434, it indicates that the frequency of reading errors is high, and therefore the magnetic force of the information stored in the stripe of the magnetic card identified by the card ID may be weakening.

Next, we will explain the contact information unit 144. The contact information unit 144 stores contact information for the issuer of each magnetic card for each type of magnetic card (credit cards and point cards in this embodiment).

The contact information section 144 has a contact information section (text) 1441 and a contact information section (code) 1442. The contact information section (text) 1441 stores information for printing the contact information of the issuer of a magnetic card in text for each type of magnetic card. In an embodiment, area 14411 stores information for printing the contact information of the issuer of a credit card that can be used at the store in text (the issuer's address, telephone number, email address, URL, etc.). Area 14412 stores printed information related to the exchange of a point card that can be used at the store (for example, information indicating the location of the store's service counter or information encouraging the customer to go to the service counter). Area 14421 stores information for printing the contact information of the issuer of a credit card that can be used at the store in symbols such as two-dimensional codes (graphical information of the symbol including the issuer's address, telephone number, email address, URL, etc.).

Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1. Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the POS terminal 1. The control unit 100 functions as an error determination unit 101, a printing unit 102, and a payment unit 103 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and the control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

The error determination means 101 determines, based on the reading results from the card reading unit 25, whether the number of reading errors stored in the error count unit 1433 has reached a predetermined number, or whether a reading error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred. Specifically, the error determination means 101 determines whether flag information is stored in the contact necessity unit 1434. If flag information is stored in the contact necessity unit 1434, the error determination means 101 determines that a reading error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred. If flag information is not stored in the contact necessity unit 1434, the error determination means 101 does not determine that a reading error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred.

The error determination means 101 also determines whether a read error has occurred a predetermined number of times in succession (i.e., whether a predetermined number of retries have been performed). If a read error has occurred a predetermined number of times in succession, the error determination means 101 determines that a read error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred. If a read error has not occurred a predetermined number of times in succession, the error determination means 101 does not determine that a read error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred in the notification necessity section 1434.

When the error determination means 101 determines that a reading error has occurred that satisfies predetermined conditions, the printing means 102 prints the contact information of the issuer of the medium on the printing medium. Specifically, when the error determination means 101 determines that a reading error has occurred that satisfies predetermined conditions, the printing means 102 drives the printing unit 24 to print the contact information stored in the contact information section 144 onto receipt paper (printing medium). In this case, the printing means 102 prints the contact information stored in area 14411 or area 14421 in the case of a credit card based on the identified card ID. Furthermore, in the case of a point card, the printing means 102 prints the information stored in area 14412 instead of the contact information of the issuer.

Payment means 103 executes payment processing for merchandise using a magnetic card. Specifically, if payment can be made using a magnetic card (for example, if the magnetic card is a credit card), payment means 103 executes payment processing using the magnetic card.

Next, we will explain the control of the POS terminal 1. Figures 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal 1. As shown in Figure 6, the control unit 100 of the POS terminal 1 determines whether the code reader 27 has read a symbol attached to a product (S11). If it is determined that a symbol has been read (Yes in S11), the control unit 100 analyzes the read code symbol and obtains a product code that identifies the product (S12). Next, the control unit 100 searches the product master 142 based on the obtained product code and obtains product information (product name, price, etc.) for the product. The control unit 100 then processes product data for the product (S13). In the processing of S13, the control unit 100 stores all products for which product data has been processed in the product information unit 131. The control unit 100 then returns to S11.

Also, if it is determined that the reading was not a symbol reading (No in S11), the control unit 100 determines whether the payment key 211 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the payment key 211 has been operated (Yes in S21), the operator of the POS terminal 1 inserts a magnetic card into the card reading unit 25 and slides it to perform a scanning operation. The magnetic head 251 contacts the magnetic card being scanned and reads the information stored in the stripe (S31). The control unit 100 then determines whether the information on the magnetic card has been read (S32). If a reading error occurs (No in S32), the control unit 100 increments the number of retries stored in the retry count unit 132 (which is initially set to "0") by 1 (S33). The error determination means 101 then determines whether the number of retries stored in the retry count unit 132 has reached a predetermined number (whether a predetermined condition has been met) (S34). If the error determination means 101 determines that the number of retries has not reached the predetermined number (no reading error that meets the predetermined conditions has occurred) (No in S34), the control unit 100 will, for example, notify the operator that a reading error has occurred and prompt them to scan the magnetic card again. When the operator scans the magnetic card again, the process of S31 is repeated. If reading errors continue to occur thereafter, the processes of S31 to S34 are repeated.

On the other hand, if the error determination means 101 determines in S34 that the number of retries has reached the predetermined number (i.e., a predetermined number of consecutive read errors have occurred, in other words, a read error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred) (Yes in S34), the control unit 100 displays a magnetic card read failure, indicating that the magnetic card has failed to be read consecutively (S35). The control unit 100 displays this read failure message on either the operator display unit 22 or the customer display unit 23, or both. In this embodiment, it displays it on both.

Figure 9 shows an example of a display on the operator display unit 22 indicating a magnetic card reading failure. In Figure 9, display 221 indicates that a predetermined number of consecutive magnetic card reading attempts have failed. Display 222 is a display that asks whether the same card failed during the process of magnetic card reading failures. Display 223 is an image of a key to be operated to answer "Yes" to the inquiry in display 222. Display 224 is an image of a key to be operated to answer "No" to the inquiry in display 222. An operation unit 21 consisting of a touch panel is provided on the surface of the operator display unit 22, and operating the touch panel opposite display 223 functions as a "Yes" key 212. Operating the touch panel opposite display 224 functions as a "No" key 213.

The control unit 100 determines whether the "Yes" key 212 or the "No" key 213 has been operated (S36). If the "Yes" key 212 has been operated (if reading of the same card has failed) (Yes in S36), the control unit 100 displays the screen shown in Figure 10. The control unit 100 displays this screen on either the operator display unit 22 or the customer display unit 23, or both. In this embodiment, it is displayed on both. If the "No" key 213 has been operated (if reading of the same card has failed) (No in S36), the control unit 100 returns to S31.

In Figure 10, display 225 is a message indicating that the magnetic force of the information stored in the stripe of the magnetic card may be weakening, and urging the operator to replace the magnetic card. Display 226 is an image of a key that the operator operates if the magnetic card to be replaced is a points card. Display 227 is an image of a key that the operator operates if the magnetic card to be replaced is a credit card. When the touch panel opposite display 226 is operated, it functions as point key 215. When the touch panel opposite display 227 is operated, it functions as credit key 214.

The control unit 100 determines whether the credit key 214 has been operated (S37). If it determines that the credit key 214 has been operated (Yes in S37), the control unit 100 requests input of the card ID of the credit card in question. Since the card ID is printed on the surface of the credit card, the operator manually enters the card ID, for example, from the operation unit 21. Next, the control unit 100 displays a selection screen for whether to print the contact information of the issuer of the magnetic card related to the credit card in text or symbols (S38).

Figure 11 shows an example of the selection screen displayed in S38. In Figure 11, display 228 is a message recommending that the user inquire about exchanging their credit card. Display 229 is an image of a key that displays the exchange destination for the credit card in characters. Display 230 is an image of a key that displays the exchange destination for the credit card in symbols (codes). Operating the touch panel at the position corresponding to display 229 functions as character keys 216. Operating the touch panel at the position corresponding to display 230 functions as code key 217.

The control unit 100 determines whether the character keys 216 have been operated (S39). If it determines that the character keys 216 have been operated (Yes in S39), the payment means 103 performs payment processing with a credit card for the manually entered card ID based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 (S40). The printing means 102 then prints the product information (information related to the payment) and payment information (information related to the payment) of the product for which payment has been processed onto receipt paper, and also prints the contact information related to the credit card stored in area 14411 in text onto the receipt paper, and issues a receipt (S40). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11.

Figure 12 shows an example of a receipt issued in S40. In Figure 12, receipt L has a purchased item section 231 that displays product information and payment information for the purchased item (the item for which payment has been processed), and a contact information section 232 that has text printed with the credit card company's contact information, including the contact information for the replacement magnetic card. The customer receives this receipt and contacts the contact information written in the contact information section 232. This makes it easy to contact the credit card company to replace a card that frequently experiences reading errors. Furthermore, by receiving a receipt with text printed with the credit card company's contact information, including the contact information for the replacement magnetic card, the customer can contact the credit card company after payment is complete while looking at the receipt, without having to contact them at the time of payment at the POS terminal 1, which prevents inconvenience to subsequent customers waiting to pay.

Also, if it is determined in S39 that the character key 216 was not operated (No in S39), the control unit 100 determines whether the code key 217 was operated (S41). If it is determined that the code key 217 was operated (Yes in S41), the payment means 103 performs credit card payment processing for the manually entered card ID based on the product information stored in the product information section 131 (S42). The printing means 102 then prints the product information and payment information for the processed product on receipt paper, and also retrieves symbol information including contact information for the credit card stored in area 14421 and prints the symbol on receipt paper, thereby issuing a receipt (S42). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11. Note that if it is determined that the code key 217 was not operated (No in S41), the control unit 100 returns to S39.

Figure 13 shows an example of a receipt issued in S42. In Figure 13, receipt L is printed with a purchased item section 231 that displays product information and payment information for the purchased item (the item for which payment has been processed), and a contact information section 233 with a symbol such as a two-dimensional code that includes contact information for the credit card company, including the contact information for the magnetic card to be replaced. The customer receives this receipt, captures an image of the symbol printed in contact information section 233 with a mobile device, etc., displays the contact information included in the symbol on the mobile device, and contacts the contact person. This makes it easy to contact the contact person for replacement of a card that frequently experiences reading errors. Furthermore, by receiving a receipt with a symbol printed on it that includes the contact information for the credit card company, including the contact information for the magnetic card to be replaced, the customer can capture an image of the symbol and contact the credit card company after payment is complete, without having to contact them at the time of payment at POS terminal 1, thereby avoiding inconvenience to subsequent customers waiting to pay.

Furthermore, if it is determined in S37 that the credit key 214 was not operated (No in S37), the control unit 100 determines whether the point key 215 was operated (S43). If it is determined that the point key 215 was operated (Yes in S43), the control unit 100 performs payment processing based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 for the manually entered card ID (S44). The printing means 102 then prints the product information and payment information for the processed product onto receipt paper, and also prints the information related to the point card exchange stored in area 14412 in text onto the receipt paper, and issues a receipt (S44). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11. Note that if it is determined that the point key 215 was not operated (No in S43), the control unit 100 returns to S37.

Figure 14 shows an example of a receipt issued in S44. In Figure 14, receipt L is printed with a purchased item section 231 that displays product information and payment information for the purchased item (item for which payment has been processed), and a contact information section 234 that displays the location within the store where a replacement magnetic card can be reissued (e.g., the service counter) and a message urging the customer to replace the magnetic card. The customer receives this receipt L and heads to the location listed in the contact information section 234. This makes it easy to contact the store to request a replacement for a point card, which frequently experiences reading errors.

In addition, in S32, the information on the magnetic card may be read. Because the magnetic force of the magnetic card is strong, the information may be read in a single reading operation, or it may not be read in one go and the processes of S32 to S34 may be repeated multiple times to read the information multiple times. If it is determined in S32 that the information on the magnetic card has been read (Yes in S32), the control unit 100 obtains the card ID contained in the read information and determines whether the magnetic card is a credit card or a points card based on the card ID (S51). If it is determined that the magnetic card is a credit card (Yes in S51), the control unit 100 executes credit card processing (S52).

Figure 7 shows an example of credit card processing performed in S52. In Figure 7, the control unit 100 takes the number of retries counted in S33 and stored in the retry count unit 132 as the number of read errors and adds it to the number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 corresponding to the card ID obtained in S51 (S61). If, as a result of adding the number of read errors, the cumulative number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 100 stores flag information in the contact necessity unit 1434.

The error determination means 101 determines whether flag information is stored in the contact necessity section 1434 (i.e., whether a reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (S62). If it is determined that flag information is stored in the contact necessity section 1434 (i.e., whether a reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (Yes in S62), the control unit 100 displays a selection screen for whether to print the contact information of the issuer of the magnetic card related to the credit card in text or symbols, as shown in FIG. 11 (S63).

Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the character keys 216 have been operated (S64). If it is determined that the character keys 216 have been operated (Yes in S64), the payment means 103 performs payment processing with a credit card based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 for the card ID acquired in S51 (S65). The printing means 102 then prints the product information and payment information for the processed product onto receipt paper, as well as the contact information for the credit card stored in area 14411, and issues the receipt L shown in FIG. 12 (S65). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11.

The customer receives this receipt L and contacts the contact information listed in the contact information section 232. This makes it easy to contact the credit card company to replace cards that frequently experience reading errors. Furthermore, by receiving a receipt L with the credit card company's contact information, including the contact information for the replacement magnetic card, printed in text, the customer can contact the credit card company after the payment is complete while looking at the receipt L, rather than contacting the credit card company at the time of payment using the POS terminal 1, thereby avoiding inconvenience to subsequent customers waiting to pay.

Furthermore, if it is determined in S64 that the character key 216 was not operated (No in S64), the control unit 100 determines whether the code key 217 was operated (S66). If it is determined that the code key 217 was operated (Yes in S66), the payment means 103 performs credit card payment processing based on the product information stored in the product information unit 131 for the card ID acquired in S51 (S67). The printing means 102 then prints the product information and payment information for the processed product on receipt paper, as well as a symbol containing the contact information for the credit card stored in area 14421 on the receipt paper, and issues the receipt L shown in FIG. 13 (S67). The control unit 100 then ends the processing and returns to S11. Note that if it is determined that the code key 217 was not operated (No in S66), the control unit 100 returns to S64.

The customer receives this receipt L, captures an image of the symbol printed in the contact information section 233 using a mobile device, etc., and contacts the contact person from the mobile device. This makes it easy to contact the contact person for a replacement card, which frequently experiences reading errors. Furthermore, by receiving a receipt L printed with a symbol that includes the contact information of the credit card company, including the contact information of the replacement magnetic card, the customer can capture an image of the symbol and contact the credit card company after the payment is complete, without having to contact the credit card company at the time of payment using the POS terminal 1, thereby avoiding inconvenience to subsequent customers waiting to pay.

Also, if it is determined in S62 that no flag information is stored in the notification necessity section 1434 (i.e., no reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (No in S62), the control unit 100 executes the payment process for the product stored in the product information section 131 (S68). The control unit 100 then issues a receipt on which the product information and payment information for the product for which payment has been processed are printed (contact information for the issuer of the magnetic card is not printed) (S68). The control unit 100 then ends the process and returns to S11.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 6, if it is determined in S51 that the magnetic card is a point card (No in S51), the control unit 100 executes point card processing (S53).

Figure 8 shows an example of the point card processing performed in S53. In Figure 8, the control unit 100 takes the number of retries counted in S33 and stored in the retry count unit 132 as the number of read errors and adds it to the number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 corresponding to the card ID obtained in S51 (S71). If, as a result of adding the number of read errors, the cumulative number of read errors stored in the error count unit 1433 reaches a predetermined number, the control unit 100 stores flag information in the contact necessity unit 1434.

The error determination means 101 determines whether flag information is stored in the notification necessity section 1434 (i.e., whether a reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (S72). If it is determined that flag information is stored in the notification necessity section 1434 (i.e., whether a reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (Yes in S72), the payment means 103 performs payment processing based on the product information stored in the product information section 131 for the card ID acquired in S51 (S73). The printing means 102 then prints the product information and payment information for the product for which payment has been processed onto receipt paper, and also prints the information related to the point card exchange stored in area 14412 in text onto the receipt paper, and issues the receipt L shown in FIG. 14 (S73). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11.

The customer receives this receipt L and, based on the information written in the contact section 232, brings, for example, a point card to the service counter. This makes it easy to contact the service counter to exchange a card that frequently experiences reading errors. Furthermore, by receiving a receipt L printed with text related to the replacement point card, the customer can contact the service counter after the payment is complete while looking at the receipt L, without having to contact the service counter at the time of payment at the POS terminal 1, thereby avoiding inconvenience to subsequent customers waiting to pay.

Also, if it is determined in S72 that no flag information is stored in the contact necessity section 1434 (i.e., no reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred) (No in S72), the payment means 103 executes payment processing for the product stored in the product information section 131 (S74). The control unit 100 then issues a receipt on which product information and payment information for the product for which payment processing has been performed are printed (contact information for the issuer of the magnetic card is not printed) (S74). The control unit 100 then ends processing and returns to S11.

Returning to the explanation of Figure 6, if it is determined in S21 that the operation was not the payment key 211 (No in S21), the control unit 100 determines whether the card inspection key 218 was operated (S22). The POS terminal 1 of this embodiment has a function that, separate from the payment process, inspects whether a reading error has occurred with the magnetic card. This function can be obtained, for example, by installing dedicated software on the POS terminal 1.

If it is determined that the card inspection key 218 has been operated (Yes in S22), the control unit 100 then executes the processes of S31 to S53 in FIG. 6, the processes of FIG. 7, and the processes of FIG. 8. However, if it is determined that the card inspection key 218 has been operated, the payment process is not executed in S40, S42, S44, S65, S67, S68, S73, and S74. Therefore, in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, product information and payment information (i.e., printing in the purchased product section 231) are not printed. For example, information indicating that the card inspection key 218 has been operated (e.g., flag information) may be stored in RAM 13, etc., and by determining whether the flag information has been stored before the payment process, the payment process is not executed in S40, S42, S44, S65, S67, S68, S73, and S74.

Furthermore, such a POS terminal 1 may be installed in a designated location in the store with the payment function disabled in advance. The customer can operate the card inspection key 218 to scan the magnetic card themselves to check for any reading errors on the magnetic card they own.

As described above, the POS terminal 1 of this embodiment comprises a card reading unit 25 that reads information stored on a magnetic card, an error determination means 101 that determines whether a reading error that satisfies predetermined conditions has occurred based on the reading results from the card reading unit 25, and a printing means 102 that prints contact information for the issuer of the magnetic card on receipt paper when the error determination means 101 determines that a reading error that satisfies the predetermined conditions has occurred.

In this embodiment, the POS terminal 1 prints the contact information of the issuer of a magnetic card on the receipt paper when the magnetic strength of the card weakens. This makes it easy to contact the issuer of a card that frequently experiences reading errors and requires a replacement.

The above describes embodiments and variations of the present invention, but these embodiments and variations are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments and variations can be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

For example, in the embodiments, credit cards and point cards have been described as examples of magnetic cards. However, this is not a limitation, and the magnetic card may be other cards (for example, debit cards or electronic money cards).

Furthermore, in the embodiment, a magnetic card has been described as an example of a medium. However, this is not limited to this, and the medium may also be a card that stores information electrically, such as an IC card. Furthermore, the medium is not limited to a card.

In addition, in the embodiment, the error determination means 101 determines that a read error that satisfies a predetermined condition has occurred when a predetermined number of consecutive retries have been made when reading has not been successful, or when the cumulative number of read errors has reached a predetermined number. However, this is not limited to this, and the error determination means 101 may also determine that a read error has occurred when, for example, a read error has occurred even once or several times (i.e., even if the predetermined condition is not satisfied).

In addition, in the embodiment, when contact information is printed on the receipt, the contact information for all card issuing companies with which the store has a contract is printed. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, it may be possible to print only the contact information for the card company identified by the acquired card ID.

In addition, in the embodiment, the POS terminal 1 has been described as an example of a media reading device. However, this is not limited to this, and the media reading device may also be, for example, a payment terminal that is connected to the POS terminal 1 and performs payment processing using a medium such as a credit card based on information transmitted from the POS terminal 1. Furthermore, a terminal device without payment functionality that is installed separately from the POS terminal 1 in a predetermined location in the store and that scans or inserts media to check whether or not a reading error has occurred with the media may also be a media reading device.

In addition, in the embodiment, it is possible to select whether to print contact information on receipt paper as text or symbols. However, this is not limited to this. For example, information on whether to print as text or symbols for each card ID can be stored in advance, and the information can be printed in the stored format when printing.

In addition, in the embodiment, the number of reading errors that occurred at multiple POS terminals 1 connected to the server is tallied and sent to each POS terminal 1. However, this is not limited to this, and in the case of a single POS terminal 1, the number of reading errors that occurred at that POS terminal 1 may be counted. That single POS terminal 1 may or may not be connected to the server.

The programs executed by the POS terminal 1 of this embodiment are provided as installable or executable files stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The program executed by the POS terminal 1 of the embodiment may also be configured to be provided pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

1 POS terminal 11 CPU
21 Operation unit 22 Operator display unit 23 Customer display unit 24 Printing unit 25 Card reading unit 100 Control unit 101 Error determination means 102 Printing means 103 Settlement means 131 Product information unit 132 Retry count unit 143 Error count unit 144 Contact information unit 211 Settlement key 214 Credit key 215 Point key 216 Character key 217 Code key 218 Card inspection key 231 Purchased product unit 232 Contact information unit 233 Contact information unit 234 Contact information unit 251 Magnetic head 1431 Card ID unit 1432 Card company unit 1433 Error count unit 1434 Contact necessity unit 1441 Contact information unit (characters)
1442 Contact Information Section (Code)
L Receipt

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-161448

Claims (8)

a reading mechanism for reading information stored on the medium;
an error determination means for determining whether a reading error has occurred based on the reading result by the reading mechanism;
a code information acquiring means for acquiring a card ID for identifying the medium in which it has been determined by the error determining means that an error has occurred from the information read from the medium by the reading mechanism ;
a printing means for acquiring contact information from a storage unit storing contact information for the issuer of the medium for each type of the medium in which the error occurred , determined based on the acquired card ID , and printing the contact information on a printing medium;
A medium reading device comprising: The error determination means determines whether a read error has occurred that satisfies a predetermined condition indicating that the cumulative number of read errors occurring on the same medium has reached a predetermined number,
the printing means prints the contact information when the error determination means determines that the reading error satisfies the predetermined condition.
The medium reading device of claim 1 . a payment means for executing payment processing for the product using the medium;
The printing means prints the contact information together with product information and payment information of the product for which payment has been processed.
3. The medium reading device according to claim 1 or 2. The printing means prints a two-dimensional code including the contact information and readable by a mobile terminal.
4. A medium reading device according to claim 1. the medium magnetically stores the information;
the reading mechanism includes a magnetic head that reads the information stored on the medium;
5. A medium reading device according to claim 1. A computer as a media reader equipped with a reading mechanism for reading information stored on a medium,
an error determination means for determining whether a reading error has occurred based on the reading result by the reading mechanism;
a code information acquiring means for acquiring a card ID for identifying the medium in which it has been determined by the error determining means that an error has occurred from the information read from the medium by the reading mechanism ;
a printing means for acquiring contact information from a storage unit storing contact information for the issuer of the medium for each type of the medium in which the error occurred , determined based on the acquired card ID , and printing the contact information on a printing medium;
A program to make it function as such. a reading mechanism for reading information stored on the medium;
an error determination means for determining whether a reading error has occurred based on the reading result by the reading mechanism;
a code information acquiring means for acquiring a card ID for identifying the medium in which it has been determined by the error determining means that an error has occurred from the information read from the medium by the reading mechanism ;
a printing means for acquiring contact information of the issuer of the medium from a storage unit storing the contact information based on the acquired card ID , and printing the acquired contact information on a printing medium;
a payment means for executing payment processing for the product based on the acquired card ID ;
Equipped with
The printing means prints the contact information together with product information and payment information of the product for which payment has been processed.
Media reader. a reading mechanism for reading information stored on the medium;
an error determination means for determining whether a reading error has occurred based on the reading result by the reading mechanism;
a code information acquiring means for acquiring a card ID for identifying the medium in which it has been determined by the error determining means that an error has occurred from the information read from the medium by the reading mechanism ;
a printing means for acquiring contact information of the issuer of the medium from a storage unit storing the contact information based on the acquired card ID , and printing the acquired contact information on a printing medium;
Equipped with
The printing means prints a two-dimensional code including the contact information and readable by a mobile terminal.
Media reader.