JP2016162106A - Checkout system, settlement device, and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To dissolve troublesomeness of an operator with regard to payment performed via a settlement device having two or more kinds of settlement functions.SOLUTION: A settlement device settles a payment arising from merchandise sales or service provision, on the basis of inputted cash payment data. The settlement device settles a payment on the basis of inputted non-cash payment data. The settlement device waits for input of cash payment data or input of non-cash payment data, in response to input of settlement information including a payment amount. Then, if cash payment data is inputted, the settlement device implements first settlement means. If non-cash payment data is inputted, the settlement device implements second settlement means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, a settlement apparatus incorporated in the system, and a control program thereof.

  In general, payment for merchandise sales or service provision can be made not only by cash, but also by non-cash such as credit and electronic money. For this reason, many settlement apparatuses have a settlement function for cash payment and a settlement function for non-cash payment.

  A conventional payment apparatus having two or more types of payment functions requires an operation of selecting a payment method before payment. For example, in the case of cash payment, the operator operates a key or button for declaring cash payment. In response to this operation, the settlement apparatus waits for the insertion of cash. When cash is inserted, the settlement apparatus executes a settlement process using the amount of money as the amount of payment. As described above, conventionally, an operation for selecting a payment method is required for each settlement, which is troublesome for the operator.

JP 2010-086158 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement apparatus that can eliminate the troublesomeness of an operator for payment and a checkout system including the settlement apparatus.

  In one embodiment, the settlement apparatus includes a first settlement unit, a second settlement unit, and a control unit. The first settlement means settles a price generated by selling products or providing services based on cash payment data. The second settlement means settles the price based on non-cash payment data. The control unit waits for input of payment data by cash or payment data by non-cash in response to input of settlement information including the price, and when the payment data by cash is input, the first means When the non-cash payment data is input, the second settlement unit is executed.

The perspective view of the checkout system in an embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus which comprise a checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the data memory area | region formed in RAM of a goods registration apparatus and a payment apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on the touchscreen of a goods registration apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touchscreen of a payment apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a settlement apparatus that can eliminate the troublesomeness of an operator for payment will be described with reference to the drawings.
In addition, this embodiment illustrates the payment apparatus of a semi-self type checkout system. Incidentally, the semi-self checkout system separates the product registration device, which is an input unit, and the payment device, which is a payment unit, so that the clerk operates the product registration device and the shopper operates the payment device. It is a thing. In this embodiment, the settlement apparatus has a settlement function for cash payment and a settlement function for non-cash payment using a credit card or an electronic money card.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 in the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one settlement device 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is also arbitrary. The merchandise registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

  In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, the store clerk 21 of the store that has a role called a checker is the operator. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases a product for sale at the above store is the operator. However, the settlement apparatus 12 does not hinder the operation by the store clerk 21.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel to each other, whereby a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes functions of a purchase merchandise registration process, payment information generation, payment processing, and payment information notification to the payment apparatus 12. The registration process is a process of registering a product purchased by the shopper 22 as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of a transaction related to sales of purchased products. The payment information is information necessary for the payment process. The settlement information includes the number and amount of each purchased product registered by the registration process, and the total number and total amount of each purchased product. That is, the product registration device 11 functions as an input unit for data related to product sales. In addition, the product registration apparatus may function as a settlement unit for transactions related to product sales.

  When the payment information is notified from the merchandise registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information. That is, the settlement apparatus 12 functions as a settlement unit for transactions related to product sales.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 that is a network. Instead of the LAN 13, another network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used as the network. Or it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the goods registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, two touch panels 11g1, 11g2, a printer 11h, two card reader / writers 11i1 and 11i2, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to constitute a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to implement various functions as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes, or data generated by processes performed by the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately-registered product registration apparatus 11.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a store clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. The touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The clerk touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk 21 work space. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 such that the display screen faces the shopper 22 passage side.

  The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer 11h.

  Of the two card reader / writers 11i1 and 11i2, one card reader / writer 11i1 is for a credit card which is one type of payment card, and the other card reader / writer 11i2 is also one type of a payment card. For electronic money cards.

  The card reader / writer 11i1 for a credit card has a function of reading data recorded on the credit card and a function of writing data to the credit card. The credit card is generally composed of a contact type IC card or a magnetic card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 11i1 is a reader / writer of a contact type IC card or a reader / writer of a magnetic card. In the case of a credit card, the function of writing data is not always necessary. Therefore, for a credit card, a card reader having only a function of reading data may be used.

  In this embodiment, the card reader / writer corresponding to the contact type IC card is a card reader / writer 11i1 for credit cards. The card reader / writer 11i1 has a card insertion slot, and reads data necessary for credit settlement from a credit card IC chip inserted into the card insertion slot.

  The card reader / writer 11i2 for an electronic money card has a function of reading data recorded on the electronic money card and a function of writing data to the electronic money card. An electronic money card is generally composed of a contactless IC card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 11i2 is a reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card. A reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card has an antenna portion. When an electronic money card is inserted into the antenna unit, the card reader / writer 11i2 reads electronic money balance data recorded on the IC chip of the electronic money card, or writes electronic money balance data to the IC chip. To do.

  The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11k includes data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panels 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writers 11i1, 11i2, and communication unit 11j. To transmit. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

  As hardware of such a commodity registration apparatus 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, two card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

  The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to implement various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 12b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

  The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used when the CPU 12a performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement apparatus 12 that is separately transferred.

  The automatic change machine 12e includes a coin and banknote slot, and receives coins and banknotes inserted from the slot. At the time of receipt, the automatic change machine 12e identifies the coins and bills denominated and counts the number of coins inserted by denomination. Furthermore, the automatic change machine 12e is provided with a coin and banknote payout port, and discharges coins and banknotes as change to the payout port.

  The scanner 12f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. For example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used as this type of printer.

  Of the two card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2, one card reader / writer 12i1 is for a credit card, which is a kind of payment card, and the other card reader / writer 12i2 is also a kind of a payment card. For electronic money cards.

  The card reader / writer 12i1 for credit card has a function of reading data recorded on the credit card and a function of writing data to the credit card. The credit card is generally composed of a contact type IC card or a magnetic card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 12i1 is a contact IC card reader / writer or a magnetic card reader / writer. In the case of a credit card, the function of writing data is not always necessary. Therefore, the credit card may be a so-called card reader specialized in the function of reading data.

  In this embodiment, the card reader / writer corresponding to the contact type IC card is a card reader / writer 12i1 for credit cards. The card reader / writer 12i1 has a card insertion slot, and reads data necessary for credit settlement from a credit card IC chip inserted into the card insertion slot.

  The card reader / writer 12i2 for an electronic money card has a function of reading data recorded on the electronic money card and a function of writing data to the electronic money card. An electronic money card is generally composed of a contactless IC card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 12i2 is a reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card. A reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card has an antenna portion. When an electronic money card is inserted into the antenna unit, the card reader / writer 12i2 reads electronic money balance data recorded on the IC chip of the electronic money card, or writes electronic money balance data to the IC chip. To do.

  The communication unit 12j performs data communication with a plurality of product registration apparatuses 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another settlement apparatus 12 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writers 12i and 12i2, and communication unit 12j. . As the transmission system 12k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

  As described above, the checkout system 10 that separates the product registration device 11 that is an input unit and the payment device 12 that is a payment unit uses the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 3 in the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The RAMs 11c and 12c are respectively formed.

  The data memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records each consisting of data of a product code, a product name, a unit price, a number, and a price. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. For example, a product code represented by a barcode is attached to each product. The product name and unit price are the name of the product and the price per point determined by the product code of the same record. The number and the amount of money are sales data of the product determined by the product code of the same record, that is, the sales number and the sales amount for the number.

  The checkout system 10 connects a database server via the LAN 13 (not shown). This database server has a product database for setting product information such as product name and unit price in association with the product code of each product. When a product code is input in the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a inquire product information from the database server using the product code. Upon receiving this inquiry, the database server accesses the product database and reads product information associated with the product code from the product database. Then, the database server notifies the merchandise information to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 via the LAN 13. The CPUs 11 a and 12 a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 generate a record related to merchandise sales based on the merchandise information notified from the database server, and store it in the data memory area 31.

  Such a data memory area 31 is called a transaction memory. Hereinafter, the merchandise registration device 11 is represented by a transaction memory 31a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a transaction memory 31b.

  The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total number is the sum of the numbers stored in each record stored in the transaction memory 31. The total amount is the total amount of each record stored in the transaction memory 31.

  Such a data memory area 32 is called a total memory. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by the total memory 32a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by the total memory 32b.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 according to the control program. 5 to 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the commodity registration apparatus 11 by the control process. 7 to 10 are flowcharts showing main procedures of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12 by the control process. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these drawings. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

First, the operation of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 will be described.
When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts control processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act1). Next, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen on a part of the screen of the clerk touch panel 11g1 and the customer touch panel 11g2 (Act2).

  The registration screen represents the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a, and allows the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. In addition, CPU11a displays various button images, such as a product button and a subtotal button, outside the area | region used as a registration screen among the screens of the touchscreen 11g1 for shop assistants. The product button is operated when the clerk 21 designates a product. The subtotal button is operated when the store clerk instructs to output the subtotal amount.

  In the state where the registration screen is displayed, the clerk 21 sequentially inputs the product codes of the products purchased by the shopper 22 by operating the scanner 11f or the product buttons, for example. Then, after inputting the product codes of all the purchased products, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

  The CPU 11a displaying the registration screen waits for the input of the product code of the product to be purchased and registered (Act 3). When a product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects product information such as the product name and unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. . Further, the CPU 11a calculates a sales amount by multiplying the unit price by the number of sales. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a sales quantity, and a sales price in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales price to the total memory 32a (Act4). Thus, if the record concerning merchandise sales is registered in the transaction memory 31a, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5).

  After updating the registration screen in Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a product code has been input (Act 6). When the product code is not input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button is touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not a product code has been input (Act 6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the merchandise code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched in the processes of Act6 and Act7.

  If a product code is input in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act4. That is, the CPU 11a detects product information set in the product database in association with the product code. Further, the CPU 11a calculates a sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a sales quantity, and a sales price in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales price to the total memory 32a (Act4). Further, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5). Thereafter, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be input or a subtotal button to be touched (Act6, Act7).

  In this standby state, when the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act 7), the CPU 11a generates settlement information based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a at this time (Act 8: generation means). Then, the CPU 11a displays a transfer destination selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) on a part of the screen of the clerk touch panel 11g1 (Act 10).

  An example of the transfer destination selection screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The transfer destination selection screen SC1 includes display areas R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16, and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, and B17.

  The display area R11 displays the total number and total amount of the total memory 32a. The display area R12 displays various messages. Buttons B11 and B12 are for the store clerk 21 to specify that the discount is applied to the total amount. The button B13 is for the clerk 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the clerk touch panel 11g1 is returned to the registration screen SC1.

  The display areas R13 to R16 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. Buttons B14 to B17 are for the store clerk 21 to designate the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information during execution of payment processing. In the display areas R13 to R16 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state, “transfer impossible” is displayed. On the contrary, “transfer is possible” is displayed in the display areas R13 to R16 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has accepted the settlement information transfer. The buttons B14 to B17 may be displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 accepts payment information transfer. Alternatively, when the associated payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information, the buttons B14 to B17 may be hidden.

  When the transfer destination selection screen SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to be the transfer destination of payment information to be designated (Act 10). The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event. For example, when one of the buttons B11 and B12 is touched by the store clerk 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount included in the settlement information according to an instruction from the store clerk 21 thereafter.

  The clerk 21 confirming the transfer destination selection screen SC3 determines the settlement apparatus 12 that transfers the transaction data based on the information in the display areas R13 to R16. Then, the clerk 21 touches the buttons B14 to B17 corresponding to the settlement apparatus 12 determined as the transfer destination.

  When any of the buttons B14 to B17 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act 10, the CPU 11a considers that the settlement apparatus 12 has been designated. When the settlement apparatus 12 is designated (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a outputs settlement information to the designated settlement apparatus 12 (Act 11: output means).

  Specifically, the CPU 11a sets the communication address set in the designated payment device 12 as a transmission destination address, sets the communication address set in itself as the transmission source address, and outputs the payment information to the LAN 13 so as to output the payment information. 11j is controlled. With this control, settlement information in which the transmission destination address and the transmission source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. This settlement information is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose transmission destination address matches the communication address. The payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information can determine the merchandise registration apparatus that is the transmission source of the payment information by storing the transmission source address of the payment information.

  When the settlement information is output, the CPU 11a displays the notification screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) on a part of the screen of the store clerk touch panel 11g1 and the customer touch panel 11g2 (Act 12). An example of the notification screen SC2 is shown in FIG. Notification screen SC2 includes display areas R21 and R22. Further, the notification screen SC2 displayed on the clerk touch panel 11g1 includes a button B21. The notification screen SC2 displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2 does not include the button B21.

  The display area R21 displays an image for causing the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to recognize that the payment is semi-self. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement form in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22. The display area R22 displays the total number and total amount included in the payment information, and displays which of the four payment apparatuses 12 has transferred the payment information including such contents. The button B21 is for the clerk 21 to specify that the notification screen SC2 is closed.

  In response to the button B21 being touched, the CPU 11a finishes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act1 again in the same manner as described above.

  When the buttons B14 to B17 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has not accepted the settlement information transfer are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine YES in Act10. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. Therefore, if all of the payment devices 12 are in an operation stop state or are in an operation state in which transfer of payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the payment device 12.

  The clerk 21 confirming the notification screen SC2 notifies the shopper 22 that payment should be made with the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R22 among the payment devices 12. Upon receiving this notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement. Note that the clerk 21 does not notify the shopper 22 but outputs the paper on which the number of the settlement apparatus 12 displayed in the display area R22 is printed by the printer 12 of the merchandise registration apparatus 11, and this paper is used as the shopper. You may make it pass to 22.

Next, the operation of the settlement apparatus 12 will be described.
When the settlement apparatus 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act21). The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act22).
As described above, the CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transmits the settlement information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act11 in FIG. This settlement information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination.

  When the payment information is received (YES in Act 22), the CPU 12a expands the payment information in the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b (Act 23). That is, the CPU 12a stores a record of the product name, unit price, sales quantity, and sales price included in the settlement information in the transaction memory 31b. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number and total amount of purchased products included in the settlement information in the total memory 32b.

  If the settlement information is expanded in the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b, the CPU 12a displays the settlement screen SC3 (see FIG. 11) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 24).

  An example of the settlement screen SC3 is shown in FIG. Settlement screen SC3 includes display areas R31 and R32 and a button B31. The display area R31 displays operation guidance for each type of settlement method. The display area R32 displays the total number and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b as the number of transaction points and the transaction amount with the shopper 22. The button B31 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the clerk 21 is called.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes cash payment using an automatic change machine 12e, credit payment using a card reader / writer 12i1 for a credit card, and electronic money payment using a card reader / writer 12i2 for an electronic money card. Supports various payment methods. For cash payment, for example, an operation guidance “Cash payment, please insert cash” is displayed in the display area R31. For credit payment, for example, an operation guidance “Please insert a card for credit payment” is displayed in the display area R31. For electronic money payment, for example, an operation guidance “For electronic money payment, please bring the card closer” is displayed in the display area R31.

  The shopper 22 confirming the settlement screen SC3 decides whether to pay with cash, pay with credit, or pay with electronic money. When paying in cash, the shopper 22 places more cash than the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying by credit, the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1. When paying with electronic money, the shopper 22 brings the electronic money card closer to the card reader / writer 12i2.

  The CPU 12a displaying the settlement screen SC3 activates a device necessary for payment and enters a standby state (Act 25). A device required for cash payment is an automatic change machine 12e. The CPU 12a activates the automatic change machine 12e and waits for coins or bills to be inserted into the insertion slot. A device necessary for credit payment is a card reader / writer 12i1. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i1 and waits for a credit card to be inserted into the card insertion slot. A device necessary for electronic money payment is a card reader / writer 12i2. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i2 and waits for an electronic money card to be deceived by the antenna unit.

  The CPU 12a having set the device required for payment in the standby state checks whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act 26). When the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 26), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the electronic money card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (Act 27). If the electronic money card data has not been read (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a checks whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 28). When cash is not inserted (NO in Act 28), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 26. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the credit card data, the electronic money card data, or the cash to be inserted in the processes of Act26 to Act28.

  In the above description, when the device required for payment is in a standby state, first, it is confirmed whether or not the credit card data has been read, and then whether or not the electronic money card data has been read. Then, it was confirmed whether or not cash was inserted, but the order of confirmation is not particularly limited. First, it may be confirmed whether data of the electronic money card has been read, or whether cash has been inserted.

  When the credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 12i1 when the device required for payment is in the standby state (YES in Act 26), as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12a is in a standby state other than credit payment. That is, the standby state for electronic money payment and the standby state for cash payment are canceled (Act 31). By this process, driving of the card reader / writer 12i2 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data on the electronic money card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to put cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the slot with a shutter or the like.

  If the standby state other than the credit payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes the settlement process by the credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act32). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a and the card reader / writer 12i1 constitute a second settlement unit that settles the price generated by the sale of goods based on non-cash payment data, that is, credit card data. Further, the computer including the CPU 12a waits for input of payment data in cash or payment data in non-cash in response to input of settlement information including a price, and credit card data as non-cash payment data is received. When inputted, it constitutes a control means for executing the second settlement means.

  When the settlement process by credit payment is completed, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a credit slip (Act 33). When the credit slip is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the process for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  When the device necessary for payment is in the standby state, when the data of the electronic money card is read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a, as shown in FIG. The standby state, that is, the standby state for credit payment and the standby state for cash payment are canceled (Act 41). By this process, driving of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the data of the credit card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to put cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the slot with a shutter or the like.

  When the standby state other than the electronic money payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes the settlement process by the electronic money payment based on the electronic money card data read by the card reader / writer 12i2, that is, the balance data of the electronic money. (Act42). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a and the card reader / writer 12i2 constitute a second settlement unit that settles the price generated by the sale of goods based on non-cash payment data, that is, balance data of electronic money. Further, the computer including the CPU 12a waits for input of payment data in cash or payment data in non-cash in response to input of settlement information including a price, and balance data of electronic money which is non-cash payment data Is input, the control means for executing the second settlement means is configured.

  When the settlement process by electronic money payment is completed, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act 43). If the amount of electronic money balance data read from the electronic money card is equal to or greater than the amount of total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, when the amount of electronic money balance data is less than the amount of total amount data, the difference becomes the balance.

  When there is a balance (YES in Act 43), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the settlement screen SC3 (Act 44). Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 25 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates a device necessary for payment again to enter a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 26 again in the same manner as described above.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a includes means for resetting standby for inputting payment data in cash when the second settlement means is executed but there is a balance in the price.

  If there is no balance (NO in Act 43), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 45). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the processing for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  When the device required for payment is in the standby state, if cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (YES in Act 28), the CPU 12a, as shown in FIG. The standby state for credit payment and the standby state for electronic money payment are canceled (Act 51). By this processing, the driving of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the card reader / writer 12i2 is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the data of the credit card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data on the electronic money card.

  If the standby state other than the cash payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process by cash payment based on the amount data of the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 52). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a and the automatic change machine 12e constitute a first settlement unit that settles the price generated by the sale of the goods based on the input cash payment data, that is, the amount data of the inserted cash. . Further, the computer including the CPU 12a waits for input of payment data in cash or payment data in non-cash in response to input of settlement information including a price, and balance data of electronic money which is non-cash data is received. When inputted, it constitutes a control means for executing the second settlement means.

  When the settlement process by cash payment is completed, the CPU 12a checks whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act 53). When the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e is equal to or greater than the amount of total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, if the amount of cash input is less than the amount of total amount data, the difference is the balance.

  When there is a balance (YES in Act 53), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the settlement screen SC3 (Act 54). Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 25 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates a device necessary for payment again to enter a payment standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 26 again in the same manner as described above.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a includes means for resetting the waiting for input of non-cash payment data when the first settlement means is executed but there is a balance in the price.

  When there is no balance (NO in Act 53), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 55). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the processing for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  In a store where the checkout system 10 that operates as described above is introduced, the store clerk 21 operates the product registration device 11 to perform registration processing of the product purchased by the shopper 22. By this registration process, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 generates settlement information including the price of the purchased merchandise. The payment information is transferred from the transfer destination selection screen SC1 displayed on the touch panel 11g1 of the merchandise registration device 11 to one payment device 12 selected by the store clerk 21. In the payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information, a payment screen SC3 is displayed.

  The shopper 22 moves to the front of the settlement apparatus 12 to which the settlement information has been transferred in accordance with an instruction from the store clerk 21 or information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the commodity registration apparatus 11. Then, the shopper 22 pays the payment displayed on the payment screen SC3 to the payment apparatus 12.

  Here, the shopper 22 can pay the price in cash or non-cash (credit, electronic money). When paying with cash, the shopper 22 puts cash into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying by credit among non-cash, the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1. When paying with electronic money out of non-cash, the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2.

  In the payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information, a device necessary for payment is activated and is in a standby state. That is, the automatic change machine 12e and the card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2 are activated, and the settlement apparatus 12 determines whether cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12e or a credit card is inserted into the card reader / writer 12i1. The card reader / writer 12i2 waits for an electronic money card to be deceived.

  Accordingly, when the shopper 22 inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the total amount of cash inserted is calculated by the action of the automatic change machine 12e. When cash more than the price is inserted, a receipt is issued by the printer 12h, and the settlement is completed. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring cash payment.

  On the other hand, when the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the credit card data is read by the action of the card reader / writer 12i1. When the credit card is authenticated, a credit slip is issued by the printer 12h and the settlement is completed. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring credit payment.

  Similarly, when the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the balance data of the electronic money is read from the electronic money card by the action of the card reader / writer 12i2. Then, the price is reduced from the balance data, and a receipt is issued by the printer 12h to complete the settlement. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring electronic money payment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the payment apparatus 12 having the payment function with cash and the payment function with non-cash such as credit or electronic money, an operation of selecting a payment method at the time of payment can be made unnecessary. . Therefore, the troublesomeness of the operator (shopper 22 in the case of this embodiment) with respect to payment can be eliminated.

  By the way, in this embodiment, when the shopper 22 puts cash into, for example, the automatic change machine 12e in the payment apparatus 12 in which a device required for payment is in a standby state, a device required for non-cash payment, that is, a card reader. The standby state of the writers 12i1 and 12i2 is released. Therefore, for example, even if the electronic money card is mistakenly tampered with the card reader / writer 12i2 after the cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12e, the data of the electronic money card is not read. Similarly, even if, for example, after inserting the card reader / writer 12i1, an attempt is made to accidentally insert cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the insertion of cash is prevented.

  However, on the other hand, the shopper 22 selects payment by electronic money, for example, and hesitates the electronic money card to the card reader / writer 12i2, but there is a case where the balance of electronic money is insufficient for the price of the purchased product. possible. In this case, in the payment apparatus 12, the shortage is displayed on the touch panel 12g as a balance. In addition, the standby state of the device that has been released from the standby state is reset. That is, the automatic change machine 12a and the card reader / writer 12i1 enter a standby state. Therefore, the balance can be paid in cash or can be paid with a credit card. It is also possible to pay with electronic money by charging electronic money.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the embodiment, the non-cash payment method is limited to credit payment and electronic money payment, but the non-cash payment method is not limited to this. For example, payment corresponding to points using a point card, payment using a prepaid amount using a prepaid card, or the like may be used.

  In the above embodiment, a semi-self type checkout system is exemplified, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to a semi-self type checkout system. For example, even in a checkout system in which a store clerk operates a payment unit, the same payment device 12 as in the above embodiment can be employed. Further, the function of the settlement apparatus 12 can be incorporated in a checkout system in which the input unit and the settlement unit are not separated and integrated, that is, a so-called face-to-face POS terminal or a self-type POS terminal. .

  Moreover, although the said embodiment illustrated the checkout system of the transaction which concerns on sale of goods, for example, in the checkout system of the transaction which relates to service provisions, such as usage fees, such as a parking lot and a sports facility, admission fees, such as an amusement park Can be applied similarly.

  Note that the transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer apparatus may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer apparatus in accordance with an operation of a user or the like. The transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

  In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Merchandise registration apparatus, 12 ... Settlement device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 12e ... automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g ... touch panel, 11h, 12h ... printer, 11i, 12i1, 12i2 ... card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... communication unit, 13 ... LAN, 21 ... clerk, 22 ... Shopper, 31a, 31b ... Transaction memory, 32a, 32b ... Total memory.

Claims (6)

A first settlement means for settlement based on cash payment data for a price resulting from product sales or service provision;
A second settlement unit that settles the price based on non-cash payment data;
When the payment information including the price is input, the cash payment data input or the non-cash payment data input is waited. When the cash payment data is input, the first payment means Control means for executing the second settlement means when the non-cash payment data is input;
A settlement apparatus characterized by comprising:   The control means cancels the non-cash payment data input waiting state when the first settlement means is executed by inputting the cash payment data, and the non-cash payment data is input. 2. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when executing the second settlement means, the waiting state for inputting payment data in cash is canceled.   3. The settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means resets the waiting state for input of payment data by the cash when the second settlement means is executed but there is a balance in the price.   3. The settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control means resets the non-cash payment data input waiting state when the first settlement means is executed but there is a balance in the payment. An input unit and a payment unit,
The input unit is
Generating means for receiving input of data relating to product sales or service provision, and generating settlement information including a price generated by the product sales or service provision based on the input data;
Output means for outputting the payment information generated by the generating means to the payment unit;
Comprising
The settlement unit is
First payment means for making a payment based on payment data in cash;
A second settlement unit that settles the price based on non-cash payment data;
When the payment information including the price is input, the cash payment data input or the non-cash payment data input is waited. When the cash payment data is input, the first payment means Control means for executing the second settlement means when the non-cash payment data is input;
A checkout system comprising: A first settlement unit that settles a price generated by merchandise sales or service provision based on cash payment data; and a second settlement unit that settles the price based on non-cash payment data. In the computer of the payment device,
A function of waiting for input of payment data by cash or payment data by non-cash in response to input of settlement information including the price;
A function of executing the first settlement means when the cash payment data is input while waiting for the cash payment data input or the non-cash payment data input; and the cash payment data A function of executing the second settlement means when the non-cash payment data is input while waiting for input or non-cash payment data input;
Control program to realize.