JP2020173865A - Checkout system - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce time and effort, of an operator, for executing both of continuous transaction and service application in association with a user code.SOLUTION: A checkout system of an embodiment comprises settlement means, acquisition means, determination means and processing means. The settlement means performs settlement processing for commercial transaction. The acquisition means acquires a user code for identifying a user of service related to the settlement processing. The determination means determines execution of continuous transaction including a plurality of commercial transactions for the same customer, according to an instruction by an operator. The processing means, in the case where execution of the continuous transaction is determined by the determination means and the user code is acquired by the acquisition means, performs processing for applying service using the user code to each of the plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system.

In supermarkets and the like, shoppers may wish to check out multiple commercial transactions at once. For example, a shopper may bring two shopping carts, each containing an item, to a checkout corner and request that a separate receipt be issued for each shopping cart.

In such a case, in the conventional checkout system, it is common to process each of a plurality of transactions individually and continuously. Such a checkout processing form is hereinafter referred to as "continuous transaction".

On the other hand, in the checkout system, a service associated with a user code for identifying a service user, such as a point service, may be applied to a transaction. Then, in order to apply such a service, the checkout system acquires a user code for each transaction.

For this reason, when checking out in the form as described above, the operator has to repeat the operation for obtaining the user code to the checkout system a plurality of times, which is troublesome.

Under these circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the time and effort of the operator when both continuous transaction and service application associated with the user code are performed.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-65240

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout system that can reduce the time and effort of an operator when both continuous transactions and service application associated with a user code are performed.

The checkout system of the embodiment includes payment means, acquisition means, determination means and processing means. The settlement means performs settlement processing related to commercial transactions. The acquisition means acquires a user code for identifying a user of a service related to payment processing. The determination means determines the execution of continuous transactions in which a plurality of commercial transactions related to the same customer are continuously performed in response to instructions from the operator. As for the processing means, if the execution of the continuous transaction is decided by the determination means and the user code is acquired by the acquisition means, the service using the user code can be provided by a plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction. Perform processing to apply to each of.

The perspective view of the checkout system which concerns on one Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a product registration device and a payment device in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The figure which shows the standby screen as an example. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the notification screen as an example. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the payment apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the payment apparatus in FIG.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12. The number of the checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 is also arbitrary. The product registration device 11 is an example of a registration device.

The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store, who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. In addition, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a passage for the shopper 22.

The product registration device 11 includes purchase registration, payment information generation, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12. The purchase registration is a process of registering the product brought by the shopper 22 who has entered the aisle as a purchase product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of purchased products. Payment information is information required for payment processing.

When the payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12.

Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or wireless LAN can be used. Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , Card reader / writer 11i, communication unit 11j and transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.

The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit in order to realize various operations 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 above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware or application program. Further, the ROM 11b may store data to be referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.

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

The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 to the user is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or may be transferred to a user via a network. Then, the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 under the operation of the user.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for accommodating money.

The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged 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. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 11i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and point cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 11i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11j communicates via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

As the hardware of the product registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 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, a card reader / writer 12i, 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 form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the payment device 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 above operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware or application program. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 12a for performing various processes.

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

The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the payment device 12 to the user is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the payment device 12 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. The control program may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or may be transferred to a user via a network.
Then, the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12 described above under the operation of the user.

The automatic change machine 12e collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by 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, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged 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. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 12i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and point cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 12i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 12j communicates via the LAN 13.

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

As the hardware of the payment device 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described.
The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

(Operation of product registration device 11)
When the product registration device 11 is started in a mode for registering the purchased product, the CPU 11a starts the control process according to the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.
3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are flowcharts of control processing of the CPU 11a.

In Act1, the CPU 11a resets the continuous flag and the point flag. The continuous flag indicates that the continuous transaction is set when the set state is set. The point flag indicates that the point service is applied when the set state is set. Both the continuous flag and the point flag are realized as, for example, 1-bit data in the RAM 11c.

In Act2, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table and the user code area set in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The registered product table is a data table for describing information about products for which purchase registration has been completed. The user code area stores the user code.

In Act3, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a standby screen.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a standby screen SC1 as an example.
The standby screen SC1 includes texts T1, T2, T3 and button B21.
The text T1 indicates that the employee 21 should start the operation for registering the purchased product. The text T2 indicates that the employee 21 should touch the button B21 prior to starting the operation for registering the purchased product in the case of conducting continuous transactions. The text T3 indicates that the employee 21 should have the card reader / writer 11i read the point card when applying the point service to the commercial transaction related to the registration of the purchased product to be started.

In Act4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the user code has been acquired. The user code is a unique code for identifying the user of the point service. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the user code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act5.

In Act5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the execution of the continuous transaction is instructed. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the operation for the corresponding instruction has not been performed, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act6.

In Act6, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act4.

Thus, in Act4 to Act6, the CPU 11a waits for the user code to be acquired, the execution of continuous transactions to be instructed, or the product code to be acquired. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

When the shopper 22 offers to apply the point service, the employee 21 keeps the point card owned by the shopper 22 and causes the card reader / writer 11i to read the point card. Alternatively, the shopper 22 causes the card reader / writer 11i to read the point card by himself / herself. The point card is possessed by the user of the point service, and the user code assigned to the user is recorded. When the card reader / writer 11i reads the user code from the point card, it notifies the CPU 11a of this. Thus, the card reader / writer 11i is an example of the acquisition means. Then, upon receiving this notification, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act4 and proceeds to Act7. The user code may be acquired by the touch panel 11g in response to a character input operation on the touch panel 11g, for example. In this case, the touch panel 11g is an example of the acquisition means.

In Act 7, the CPU 11a stores the user code notified from the card reader / writer 11i in the user code area of the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. If the user code is already saved in the user code area, the user code area is overwritten with the new user code notified this time.
In Act8, the CPU 11a sets the point flag. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act4 to Act6 after this.

When the shopper 22 requests continuous transactions, the employee 21 instructs the execution of continuous transactions by an operation such as touching the button B21. Then, if such an operation is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act5 and proceeds to Act9.
In Act9, the CPU 11a sets a continuous flag.
Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the above control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a determination means in cooperation with the touch panel 11g.

In Act10, the CPU 11a sets "1" as the value of the variable m. The variable m is a variable for counting the number of commercial transactions within a continuous transaction. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act4 to Act6 after this.

By the way, the CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. Then, when the CPU 11a acquires the product code, it determines Yes in Act6 and proceeds to Act11.
In Act 11, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. Then, the CPU 11a then proceeds to Act 12 in FIG. Thus, the CPU 11a keeps the continuous flag in the reset state if the operation for purchase registration is performed without being instructed to execute the continuous transaction.

In Act 12, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen shows the contents of the registered product table and the like, and causes the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC2 as an example.
The registration screen SC2 includes areas R1 and R2.
The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, and unit price of the most recently registered product, and the total quantity and total price of the purchased products after the product is registered.
The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts related to products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown on the registration screen SC2.

The registration screen SC2 shows a state in which various information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made is displayed. However, if the CPU 11a progresses from Act 8 to Act 12, the registered merchandise table does not include information about purchased merchandise. For this reason, the registration screen does not represent various information about the product, but only the predetermined basic form. Further, when the CPU 11a advances from Act 11 to Act 12, the registered product table contains only information about one product. Therefore, the registration screen represents information about the product in the area R2, but does not display information about the product in the area R1.

Further, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product or a subtotal button in addition to the area designated as the registration screen in the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

In Act 13 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the user code has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the user code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act14.
In Act 14, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act15.
In Act15, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act 13.
Thus, in Act 13 to Act 15, the CPU 11a waits for the user code to be acquired, the subtotal button to be touched, or the product code to be acquired. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

When the card reader / writer 11i reads the user code from the point card and notifies the CPU 11a of this, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 13 and proceeds to Act 16.
In Act 17, the CPU 11a stores the user code notified from the card reader / writer 11i in the user code area of the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. If the user code is already saved in the user code area, the user code area is overwritten with the new user code notified this time.
In Act 18, the CPU 11a sets the point flag. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act13 to Act1 after this.

When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, it determines Yes in Act15 and proceeds to Act18.
In Act 18, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act13 to Act15 after this.

If the touch panel 11g detects that the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 14, and proceeds to Act 19 in FIG.
In Act 19, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the continuous flag is set. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes because the continuous flag is set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act20.

In Act 20, the CPU 11a generates information for settlement regarding the registered product described in the registered product table as the m-th payment information based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The payment information includes at least a list of registered products. The payment information may include information such as the total number of purchased products and the total amount. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a generation means.

In Act21, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first selection screen.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC3 as an example.
The first selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

The CPU 11a represents the total number of purchased products and the total price in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. Note that the payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information during the execution of the payment process, and the CPU 11a indicates "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. That is, when a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the first selection screen SC3, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment process. The buttons B4 to B7 have different display forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information, or the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. If not, it may be hidden.

Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the payment information. Button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify to start the purchase registration for the next account in the continuous transaction. Buttons B4 to B7 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The button B8 is for the employee 21 to specify to return to the state where a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is the registration screen.

By the way, if the CPU 11a determines No in Act 19 because the continuous flag is not set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 22.
In Act 22, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time.

In Act23, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC4 as an example. In FIG. 9, the same elements as those in FIG. 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The second selection screen SC4 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.
That is, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC4. As a result, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen on which it is not possible to input the designation by the employee 21 to start the purchase registration for continuous transactions.

The CPU 11a proceeds to Act 24 after setting a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen in Act 21 or Act 23. The payment information generated by Act 20 or Act 22 is stored in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d until one of the payment devices 12 is notified as described later.

In Act24, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act25.
In Act 25, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act26.
In Act26, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the button B3 is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the button B3 has not been touched, the CPU 11a returns to the Act 24.
Thus, in Act24 to Act26, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired, one of the payment devices 12 to be specified, or the button B3 to be touched. However, when a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second selection screen, the button B3 does not exist and the button B3 is not touched, so that the CPU 11a always determines No in Act26. It will be. That is, in the standby state of Act24 to Act26, if the continuous flag is not set, the CPU 11a waits for either the product code to be acquired or the payment device 12 to be specified.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B1 and B2 to be touched in this standby state. Then, if, for example, any of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and the touch panel 11g detects that, the CPU 11a responds to the subsequent instruction by the employee 21 with the total amount included in the payment information. To change. Further, the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event. For example, the CPU 11a may confirm whether or not the user code has been acquired in this standby state. Then, in this case, if the user code is acquired, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act24 to Act26 after the same processing as in Act7 and Act8.

If the CPU 11a has acquired the product code, it determines Yes in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 27.
In Act 27, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen, then proceeds to Act 18 in FIG. 4, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the touch panel 11g detects that the button B3 is touched while the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act24 to Act26, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act26 and proceeds to Act28.
In Act 28, the CPU 11a increments the value of the variable m by one.
In Act29, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table.
After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act 12 in FIG. 4 and repeats the processing after Act 12. As a result, the CPU 11a sequentially generates a plurality of payment information.

Thus, only when the continuous flag is set, a new list of purchased products in the registered product table is started even if the payment information described later is not transferred. That is, the CPU 11a prohibits the start of creating a new list until the payment information is notified when the execution of the continuous transaction is not decided, and the payment information when the execution of the continuous transaction is decided. Allows you to start creating a new list without being notified.

If the payment device 12 is specified while the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act 24 to Act 26, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 25 and proceeds to Act 30. The payment device is designated, for example, by the employee 21 touching any of the buttons B4 to B7 of the first or second selection screens SC3 and SC4. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 25 even if the button B4 to B7 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information. If all of the payment devices 12 are in the stopped operation state or the operation state in which the transfer of payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a specifies the payment device 12 in the standby state of Act24 to Act26. It will not stand by.

In Act30, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the point flag is set. Then, if the CPU 11a determines Yes because the point flag is set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act31.

In Act31, the CPU 11a adds the user code stored in the user code area to the payment information. The user code saved in the user code area at this time is one of the most recently acquired by the card reader / writer 11i. When a plurality of payment information is generated, the CPU 11a adds the above-mentioned one user code to each of the plurality of payment information. After this, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act32. If the CPU 11a determines No in Act 30 because the point flag is not set, the CPU 11a passes Act 31 and proceeds to Act 32.

In Act 32, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the designated payment device 12. The payment information to be transferred here is the payment information generated by Act22 when the continuous flag is not set, and one generated by Act20 when the continuous flag is set. Or all of a plurality of payment information. By the way, even if the employee 21 instructs the execution of continuous transactions, it is possible to instruct the transfer of payment information at the stage when the product registration for one transaction is completed. Therefore, even if the continuous flag is set, there may be a case where only one settlement information is generated by Act20. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to be transferred to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the payment information is notified to the payment device 12. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, and the function as the first notification means is realized by the cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion and the communication unit 11j. Further, if the user code is added to the payment information, the CPU 11a notifies the payment device 12 of the user code. Thus, the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, and the function as the second notification means is realized by the cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion and the communication unit 11j.

In Act33, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen.
The notification screen is a screen for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the payment device 12 for the semi-self payment. The semi-self settlement is a settlement form in which the settlement device 12 executes the settlement process in response to the operation by the shopper 22.
The notification screen may have the same content regardless of the state of the continuous flag, or may have different content depending on the state of the continuous flag.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC5 as an example.
The notification screen SC5 includes display areas AR11, AR12 and button B11.
The display area AR 11 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. The display area AR 12 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information for two cases for continuous transactions has been transferred. That is, the notification screen SC5 has different contents depending on the state of the continuous flag, and is when the continuous flag is set.
The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC5.

Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 in response to the touch of the button B11, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. That is, the CPU 11a ends the purchase registration for the commercial transaction of one customer in response to the touch of the button B11, and shifts to the process of the purchase registration for the commercial transaction of another shopper 22.

(Operation of payment device 12)
On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process according to the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.
11 and 12 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 12a.

In Act 41, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen indicates that the user is not in a situation where payment processing is performed, and what kind of information may be displayed may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen represents a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

In Act 42, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment information has been received. Then, the CPU 12a determines No if the payment information has not been received, and repeats Act 42. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received in the Act 42.

As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination of the payment information sent from the communication unit 11j of the product registration device 11 to the LAN 13 receives the payment information and receives the payment information in the RAM 12c or It is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. When a plurality of payment information is sent, the communication unit 12j receives all of the plurality of payment information and stores it in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response to this, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act42, and proceeds to Act43.

In Act43, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the received payment information is plural. Then, when only one payment information is received, the CPU 12a determines No and proceeds to Act44.

In Act44, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.
The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on the one received payment information. The payment screen represents, for example, at least the total amount shown in the payment information. The payment screen may also include a total number or a list of purchased products. Further, if payment by a plurality of payment methods is allowed, the payment screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select the payment method.

In Act 45, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 12a repeats Act 45. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the operation for settlement to be performed in Act45.

By the way, the employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 notifies the shopper 22 that when the product is transferred to any of the payment devices 12, the payment should be made by the payment device 12 at the transfer destination. Upon receiving this notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment on the above-mentioned payment screen. Then, the CPU 12a determines that the operation for payment is performed in this way, and if this is detected by the touch panel 12g, it is determined as Yes by the Act 45, and the process proceeds to the Act 46.

In Act46, the CPU 12a executes a payment process. Specifically, the CPU 12a calculates the total amount of each of the purchased products shown in the product list included in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and determines this as the payment amount. Alternatively, if the payment information includes the total amount, the CPU 12a may determine the total amount as the payment amount as it is. If the CPU 12a calculates the total amount here, the settlement device 12 is also referred to as an accounting device. Then, the CPU 12a settles the determined settlement amount by the settlement method designated by the shopper 22. The payment method is well known, for example, by cash, credit card, electronic money, or the like. For the settlement process here, for example, the process performed by an existing self-POS terminal or the like can be applied as it is. Thus, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as the central portion functions as a payment means.

In Act47, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment information includes the user code. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes because the payment information includes the user code, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act48.

In Act 48, the CPU 12a gives points to the shopper 22 according to the content of the commercial transaction. Specifically, for example, the CPU 12a determines the points earned for the current commercial transaction according to the result of the settlement process in Act46. Then, the CPU 12a performs a process for adding the above-mentioned earned points to the amount of the point account associated with the user code included in the payment information. This process may be a well-known process performed for providing an existing point service. As an example, the CPU 12a notifies a point server (not shown) of a user code and earned points.
After this, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act49. If the CPU 12a determines No in Act47 because the payment information does not include the user code, the CPU 12a passes Act48 and proceeds to Act49.
In Act49, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information shown in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the above payment processing. Then, the CPU 12a returns to the Act 41 after this, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act43 because a plurality of payment information has been received, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act50 in FIG.
In Act50, the CPU 12a sets "1" as the value of the variable n.
In Act51, the CPU 12a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for allowing the shopper 22 to select individual payment or batch payment. The individual settlement represents a settlement form in which settlement is individually performed according to each of a plurality of settlement information that is the target of continuous transactions. In addition, the lump-sum payment represents a payment form in which payments according to a plurality of payment information are collectively performed.

In Act 52, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the batch settlement is selected. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the batch settlement is not selected, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act53.
In Act53, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the split settlement is selected. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the split settlement is not selected, the CPU 12a returns to Act 52.
Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the batch settlement or the split settlement to be selected in the Act 52 and the Act 53. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

If the operation of selecting individual payment is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act53 and proceeds to Act54.
In Act 54, the CPU 12a executes a payment process based on the nth payment information.

In Act55, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the user code is included in the nth payment information. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes because the user code is included in the nth payment information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act56.
In Act 56, the CPU 12a award points to the shopper 22 according to the content of the commercial transaction, similarly to Act 48.
After this, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act57. If the CPU 12a determines No in Act55 because the payment information does not include the user code, the CPU 12a passes Act56 and proceeds to Act57.

In Act57, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information shown in the nth payment information and the result of the above payment processing.
In Act58, the CPU 12a increments the value of the variable n by one.
In Act 59, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the nth payment information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, the CPU 12a returns to Act54 if the nth payment information exists, and processes Act54 to Act57 for the payment information. Thus, the CPU 12a sequentially performs the processes of Act54 to Act57 for each of the plurality of received payment information. If a user code has been acquired during the registration process in the product registration device 11 related to the generation of the plurality of payment information, the same user code is included in each of the plurality of payment information. Therefore, when the CPU 12a sequentially performs the processes of Act 54 to Act 57 for each of the plurality of payment information, points are given to the same point account.

After the CPU 12a finishes executing Act54 to Act57 for all the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act59. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 41 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to the state of waiting for new payment information to be received.
In this way, when the individual payment is selected by the shopper 22, the CPU 12a sequentially performs the payment processing based on each of the plurality of payment information, and issues a receipt each time.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12a is in the standby state of Act 52 and Act 53, if the operation of selecting batch payment is detected by, for example, the touch panel 11g, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 52 and proceeds to Act 60.
In Act60, the CPU 12a calculates the total amount as the sum of the respective amounts of all the purchased products shown in the product list included in each of the plurality of payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Alternatively, if the payment information includes the total amount, the CPU 12a may calculate the total amount as the total of the total amounts shown in the plurality of payment information.
In Act61, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settling the total amount.

In Act 62, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the user code is included in the nth payment information. Then, if the CPU 12a determines Yes because the user code is included in the nth payment information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act63.
In Act63, the CPU 12a gives points to the shopper 22 according to the content of the commercial transaction. Specifically, for example, the CPU 12a determines the points earned for the entire continuous transaction this time according to the result of the settlement process in Act61. Then, the CPU 12a performs a process for adding the above-mentioned earned points to the amount of the point account associated with the user code included in one of the payment information.
After this, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act64. If the CPU 12a determines No in Act62 because the payment information does not include the user code, the CPU 12a passes Act63 and proceeds to Act64.

In Act64, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt showing the information shown in the nth payment information and the result of the above payment processing.
In Act65, the CPU 12a increments the value of the variable n by one.
In Act66, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the nth payment information exists in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. Then, the CPU 12a returns to Act64 if the nth payment information exists, and performs Act64 on the payment information.

In this way, if the batch payment is selected, the CPU 12a setstles the total amount at one time based on the plurality of payment information. However, the CPU 12a sequentially issues receipts according to each of the plurality of payment information. Further, if the user code has been acquired during the registration process in the product registration device 11 related to the generation of a plurality of payment information, points will be given to the same point account for each of the plurality of payment information. Become.

After the CPU 12a finishes executing Act64 for all the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act66. Then, in this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 41 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to the state of waiting for new payment information to be received.

As described above, in the product registration device 11, when the shopper 22 wishes to apply the point service during continuous transactions, the card reader / writer 11i is used for each of the plurality of payment information generated in the continuous transactions. Each acquired user code is included. Then, the payment device 12 receives a plurality of payment information for continuous transactions, and when the plurality of payment information includes a user code, the point account associated with each user code, that is, the same point account Points will be awarded to. Therefore, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as the central portion functions as a processing means. Here, the processes of Act56 and Act63 correspond to the processes for applying the service using the user code to commercial transactions.
Thus, according to the checkout system 100, even when the point service is applied to each of a plurality of continuous transactions, the employee 21 or the shopper 22 causes the product registration device 11 to acquire the user code. You only have to perform the operation once. That is, according to the checkout system 100, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the operator when both continuous transactions and application of the point service, which is one of the services associated with the user code, are performed.

Further, according to the checkout system 100, the same user code is used to apply the point service to each of a plurality of commercial transactions that are the targets of continuous transactions. However, according to the checkout system 100, the user code to be used is the last user code acquired in the period until the subtotal button is touched. Therefore, the employee 21 or the shopper 22 can appropriately change the user code used for applying the point service before touching the subtotal button.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

The user code may be notified from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 without being included in the plurality of payment information. Alternatively, payment information including a plurality of product lists and one user code may be notified from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12.

The service associated with the user code may be various services such as an electronic receipt service, a discount service when a plastic shopping bag is unnecessary, a shareholder benefit service, or an elderly discount service.

Commercial transactions are not limited to buying and selling goods. Therefore, the goods are not limited to goods, but may be services. Therefore, the “purchased product” may refer to a service provided by the provider to the beneficiary for a fee.

In another form of system, such as a POS terminal or cash register where the operation for product registration and payment is performed by the employee 21, or a self-POS terminal where the operation for product registration and payment is performed by the shopper 22. It is also possible to apply the present application.
Therefore, the checkout system is not limited to the form realized by the combination of a plurality of devices as in the above-described embodiment, but may be a form realized as one independent device.

Although some 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration device, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... Communication unit, 11k ... Transmission system, 12 ... Payment device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 12f ... Scanner, 12g ... Touch panel , 12h ... Printer, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 12j ... Communication unit, 12k ... Transmission system.

The checkout system of the embodiment includes payment means, acquisition means, determination means , display means, registration means and processing means. The settlement means performs settlement processing related to commercial transactions. The acquisition means acquires a user code for identifying a user of a service related to payment processing. The determination means determines the execution of continuous transactions in which a plurality of commercial transactions related to the same customer are continuously performed in response to instructions from the operator. The display means displays the first screen showing the button when the decision means determines the execution of the continuous transaction. The registration means sets the registration before the button is touched and the registration after the button as separate transactions included in the continuous transaction. As for the processing means, if the execution of the continuous transaction is decided by the determination means and the user code is acquired by the acquisition means, the service using the user code can be provided by a plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction. Perform processing to apply to each of.

When the card reader / writer 11i reads the user code from the point card and notifies the CPU 11a of this, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 13 and proceeds to Act 16.
In Act 16 , the CPU 11a stores the user code notified from the card reader / writer 11i in the user code area of the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. If the user code is already saved in the user code area, the user code area is overwritten with the new user code notified this time.
In Act 17 , the CPU 11a sets the point flag. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act13 to Act1 after this.

In Act23, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC4 as an example. In FIG. 9, the same elements as those in FIG. 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The second selection screen SC4 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.
That is, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC3 . As a result, the second selection screen SC4 is a screen on which it is not possible to input the designation by the employee 21 to start the purchase registration for continuous transactions.

Although some 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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the original claims of the present application are described below.
[Appendix 1] Payment methods for processing payments related to commercial transactions,
An acquisition means for acquiring a user code for identifying a user of a service related to the payment processing, and
A decision-making means for determining the execution of continuous transactions in which multiple commercial transactions for the same customer are carried out in succession according to instructions from the operator,
If the execution of the continuous transaction is determined by the determination means and the user code is acquired by the acquisition means, a plurality of the services using the user code are included in the continuous transaction. Processing means for performing processing to be applied to each of the above-mentioned commercial transactions, and
A checkout system characterized by being equipped with.
[Appendix 2] A registration device including the acquisition means and the determination means, and a payment device including the payment means and the processing means are included.
The registration device further
A generation means for generating payment information for payment processing by the payment means for each commercial transaction,
A first notification means for notifying the payment device of a plurality of the payment information generated by the generation means for each of the plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction.
A second notification means for notifying the payment device of the user code acquired by the acquisition means, and
Equipped with
The payment means sequentially performs payment processing according to each of the plurality of payment information notified by the first notification means.
The processing means performs a process for applying the service using the one user code notified by the second notification means to each of a plurality of payment processes by the payment process.
The checkout system according to Appendix 1, characterized in that.
[Appendix 3] The processing means includes any one of a discount service in the payment, a point service according to the result of the payment processing, and an electronic receipt service that enables the contents of the commercial transaction to be browsed via a network. The checkout system according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that processing for application as a service is performed.
[Appendix 4] The processing means is for granting a plurality of points, each determined according to the results of settlement by a plurality of settlement processes by the settlement process, to one point account specified by the user code. The checkout system according to Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that processing is performed.
[Appendix 5] When the acquisition means acquires a plurality of the user codes, the processing means applies the service using the user code acquired by the acquisition means to each of the plurality of commercial transactions. The checkout system according to any one of Appendix 1-4, which comprises performing a process for performing the above.

Claims (5)

A payment method that performs payment processing related to commercial transactions,
An acquisition means for acquiring a user code for identifying a user of a service related to the payment processing, and
A decision-making means for determining the execution of continuous transactions in which multiple commercial transactions for the same customer are carried out in succession according to instructions from the operator,
If the execution of the continuous transaction is determined by the determination means and the user code is acquired by the acquisition means, a plurality of the services using the user code are included in the continuous transaction. Processing means for performing processing to be applied to each of the above-mentioned commercial transactions, and
A checkout system characterized by being equipped with. A registration device including the acquisition means and the determination means, and a payment device including the payment means and the processing means.
The registration device further
A generation means for generating payment information for payment processing by the payment means for each commercial transaction,
A first notification means for notifying the payment device of a plurality of the payment information generated by the generation means for each of the plurality of commercial transactions included in the continuous transaction.
A second notification means for notifying the payment device of the user code acquired by the acquisition means, and
Equipped with
The payment means sequentially performs payment processing according to each of the plurality of payment information notified by the first notification means.
The processing means performs a process for applying the service using the one user code notified by the second notification means to each of a plurality of payment processes by the payment process.
The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout system is characterized in that. The processing means applies any one of a discount service in the payment, a point service according to the result of the payment processing, and an electronic receipt service that enables the contents of the commercial transaction to be browsed via a network as the service. The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing for the purpose is performed. The processing means performs a process for granting a plurality of points, each of which is determined according to the results of settlement by a plurality of settlement processes by the settlement process, to one point account specified by the user code. The checkout system according to claim 1 or 2. When the acquisition means acquires a plurality of the user codes, the processing means is a process for applying the service using the user code acquired by the acquisition means to each of the plurality of commercial transactions. The checkout system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the checkout system is performed.