JP2015179474A - Selling time point management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce load applied to a user, the load relates to sign-in.SOLUTION: A POS system of an embodiment comprises: a portable terminal having input means and first notification means; an authentication device having authentication means and reply means; a POS terminal having query means and setting means. The input means inputs user's identification information and one kind password information among plural kinds. The first notification means notifies of the input identification information to the authentication device and POS terminal, and notifies of the password information to the authentication device. The authentication means authenticates a user based on the notified identification information and password information. The query means queries the authentication result about the identification information to the authentication device. The reply means notifies of the authentication result to the POS terminal, as a reply to the query. The setting means sets the user identified by the identification information as an operator of the POS terminal when the authentication result results in success of authentication.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a point-of-sale management system.

  In a point-of-sale (hereinafter referred to as POS) system, it is known to perform sign-in for the purpose of unauthorized use of a POS terminal, management of usage history, and the like.

  In such a POS system, when the user inputs the user identification information and the password information using the operation device provided in the POS terminal to be signed in, the usage based on the identification information and the password information is used. Person authentication is performed by a POS terminal or an authentication device.

  In such a POS system, since it is necessary to input the personal identification information by a predetermined uniform operation after going to the place of installation of the POS terminal to be signed in, the degree of freedom is low and troublesome. It was.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to reduce the burden on the user related to sign-in.

JP 2008-15877 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a point-of-sale management system that can reduce the burden on the user involved in sign-in.

  The POS system of the embodiment includes a portable terminal provided with input means and first notification means, an authentication device provided with authentication means and response means, and a POS terminal provided with inquiry means and setting means. The input means inputs identification information of a user who intends to use the POS terminal and one kind of password information determined in advance among a plurality of kinds. The first notification means notifies the identification information input by the input means to the authentication device and the POS terminal, and notifies the authentication information to the authentication device. The authentication unit authenticates the user based on the identification information and the password information notified by the first notification unit. The inquiry means inquires of the authentication device about the authentication result of the authentication means regarding the identification information notified by the first notification means. The response means notifies the POS terminal of the authentication result of the authentication means as a response to the inquiry by the inquiry means. The setting means sets the user identified by the identification information notified by the first notification means as the operator of the POS terminal when the authentication result notified by the response means is successful authentication.

1 is a block diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the database for authentication. The figure which shows the procedure of the sign-in of the salesclerk to the POS terminal in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication screen for password authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication screen for pattern authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication screen for fingerprint authentication. It is a figure which shows an example of the authentication screen for signature authentication.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system 100 according to the present embodiment.

  The POS system 100 includes a POS terminal 1, a mobile terminal 2, and an authentication device 3. The POS terminal 1 and the authentication device 3 can communicate with each other via the data communication network 200, and the portable terminal 2 and the authentication device 3 can communicate with each other via the data communication network 200 and the mobile communication network 300.

  The POS terminal 1 performs various data processing related to product sales such as registration of purchased products, calculation of the purchase price, and settlement.

  The portable terminal 2 is a data communication terminal carried by a store clerk who can be an operator of the POS terminal 1. The clerk is an example of a user of the POS terminal 1.

  The authentication device 3 performs an authentication process for signing in the clerk to the POS terminal 1.

  As the data communication network 200, the Internet or a LAN (local area network) can be used. As the mobile communication network 300, a mobile communication network such as a long term evolution (LTE) network, a personal handyphone system (PHS) network, a wireless LAN, or the like can be used.

  The POS terminal 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1a, a read-only memory (ROM) 1b, a random-access memory (RAM) 1c, an auxiliary storage unit 1d, a clock unit 1e, an input / output port (I / O) 1f, A communication unit 1g, a scanner 1h, a keyboard 1i, an operator touch panel 1j, a customer touch panel 1k, a printer 1m, an NFC unit 1n, and a transmission system 1p are included.

  The CPU 1a, ROM 1b, RAM 1c and auxiliary storage unit 1d are connected by a transmission system 1p to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 1a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 1a controls each unit to implement various operations as the POS terminal 1 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1d.

  The ROM 1b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 1b stores the above operating system. The ROM 1b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 1b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 1a performs various processes.

  The RAM 1c corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The RAM 1c stores data referred to when the CPU 1a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 1c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 1a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 1d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 1d is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores data used when the CPU 1a performs various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 1a. . The auxiliary storage unit 1d may store the above middleware and application programs.

  The application program stored in the ROM 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the POS terminal 1 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1d. However, the POS terminal 1 is transferred in a state in which the control program is not stored in the ROM 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, 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 1d of the POS terminal 1 that is separately transferred.

  The clock unit 1e regularly performs a time measurement operation and generates date / time information representing the date and time. For the clock unit 1e, for example, a TOD (time of day) clock can be used.

  The input / output port 1 f outputs a drive signal for driving the drawer unit 400 to the drawer unit 400 in response to an instruction to open the drawer from the CPU 1 a. The drawer unit 400 receives the drive signal and opens the drawer.

  The communication unit 1g communicates with the authentication device 3 via the data communication network 200. As the communication unit 1g, for example, an existing LAN communication device or an Internet communication device can be applied.

  The scanner 1h reads a barcode and outputs information represented by the barcode. The scanner 1h may include either a fixed type or a handy type, or both.

  The keyboard 1i outputs a command representing the content of the operation by the operator.

  The operator touch panel 1j includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen to be presented to the operator, such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 1a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The customer-side touch panel 1k includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays an arbitrary screen to be presented to the customer, 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 customer on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 1a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 1m is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt or the like by printing various character strings or images on a receipt sheet.

  The NFC (near field communication) unit 1n performs wireless data communication with other NFC units existing within the communication range. The NFC unit 1n is an example of a second wireless communication device.

  The transmission system 1p includes a CPU 1a, ROM 1b, RAM 1c, auxiliary storage unit 1d, clock unit 1e, input / output port 1f, communication unit 1g, scanner 1h, keyboard 1i, operator touch panel 1j, customer touch panel 1k, printer 1m and NFC unit. Data exchanged between 1n is transmitted. As the transmission system 1p, 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.

  The portable terminal 2 includes a CPU 2a, ROM 2b, RAM 2c, auxiliary storage unit 2d, touch panel 2e, fingerprint sensor 2f, NFC unit 2g, communication unit 2h, and transmission system 2i.

  The CPU 2a, ROM 2b, RAM 2c and auxiliary storage unit 2d are connected by a transmission system 2i to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 2a is a central part of the above computer. The CPU 2a executes a control process for realizing a desired function as the portable terminal 2 based on an operating system stored in the ROM 2b and an application program stored in the ROM 2b or the auxiliary storage unit 2d. In addition to the well-known functions that the existing smartphone has, for example, the above-mentioned expected functions. It includes functions realized by control processing to be described later.

  The ROM 2b is a main storage part of the above computer. The ROM 2b stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 2b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 2a performs various processes.

  The RAM 2c is a main storage part of the above computer. The RAM 2c stores data referred to when the CPU 2a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 2c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used when the CPU 2a performs various processes is stored.

  The auxiliary storage unit 2d is an auxiliary storage part of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 2d stores the above application program, data used when the CPU 2a performs various processes, or data generated by the process in the CPU 2a.

  The touch panel 2e includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device displays 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 clerk's touch position on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 2a. For example, an existing device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The fingerprint sensor 2f reads a fingerprint pattern and generates fingerprint data representing it. For example, an existing device can be used as the fingerprint sensor 2f.

  The NFC unit 2g performs wireless data communication with other NFC units existing within the communication range. Thus, the NFC unit 2g can perform data communication with the NFC unit 1n when the NFC unit 1n of the POS terminal 1 is within the communication range. The NFC unit 2g is an example of a second wireless communication device.

  The communication unit 2h performs communication via the mobile communication network 300. The communication unit 2h can also communicate with the authentication device 3 via the mobile communication network 300.

  The transmission system 2i transmits data among the CPU 2a, ROM 2b, RAM 2c, auxiliary storage unit 2d, NFC unit 2g, touch panel 2e, and communication unit 2h. The transmission system 2i may be a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and each unit.

  As the hardware of the mobile terminal 2, a device that can arbitrarily install an application program, such as an existing smartphone or tablet terminal, can be used as it is. And the portable terminal 2 is implement | achieved by installing the control program which is an application program which described the control processing mentioned later by the seller or user of the device in the auxiliary storage unit 2d with which this kind of device is provided. At this time, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or distributed to a seller or a user via a network. The control program may be stored in the ROM 2b.

  The authentication device 3 includes a CPU 3a, ROM 3b, RAM 3c, auxiliary storage unit 3d, communication unit 3e, and transmission system 3f.

  The CPU 3a, ROM 3b, RAM 3c and auxiliary storage unit 3d are connected by a transmission system 3f to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 3a is a central part of the above computer. The CPU 3a executes a control process for realizing a desired function as a server device based on an operating system stored in the ROM 3b and an application program stored in the ROM 3b or the auxiliary storage unit 3d. One of the expected functions is a function realized by a control process described later.

  The ROM 3b is a main storage part of the above computer. The ROM 3b stores the above operating system and application programs. The ROM 3b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 3a performs various processes.

  The RAM 3c is a main storage part of the above computer. The RAM 3c stores data referred to when the CPU 3a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 3c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 3a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 3d is an auxiliary storage portion of the above computer. The auxiliary storage unit 3d stores the above application program, data used when the CPU 3a performs various processes, or data generated by the process in the CPU 3a.

  The transmission system 3f transmits data among the CPU 3a, ROM 3b, RAM 3c, auxiliary storage unit 3d, and communication unit 3e. The transmission system 3f may be a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and each unit.

  As the hardware of the authentication device 3, for example, a general-purpose server device or computer device can be used. And the authentication apparatus 3 is implement | achieved by installing the control program which is an application program which described the control processing mentioned later by the seller or user of the apparatus in the auxiliary storage unit 3d with which this kind of apparatus is provided. At this time, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or distributed to a seller or a user via a network. The control program may be stored in the ROM 3b.

  The function as the authentication device 3 may be realized as one function of the POS server.

  The auxiliary storage unit 3d stores an authentication database.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication database.

  The authentication database is a set of data records including a clerk code field, a password type field, a password information field, and an authentication ticket field.

  In the clerk code field, a clerk code for identifying each clerk who can be an operator of the POS terminal 1 is described. Since the clerk corresponds to a user who can be an operator of the POS terminal 1, the clerk code is an example of identification information.

  In the personal identification information field, personal identification information used for authentication of a salesclerk identified by a salesclerk code included in the same data record is described.

  In the personal identification type field, the type of personal identification information included in the same data record is described. Information described in the password type field corresponds to type information. Therefore, the auxiliary storage unit 3d is an example of a first storage unit.

  In the authentication ticket field, an authentication ticket issued as described later is described.

  Next, the operation of the POS system 100 will be described. 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.

  A characteristic operation in the POS system 100 is an operation related to the sign-in of the store clerk to the POS terminal 1. Other operations may be the same as those of the existing POS system, for example, and the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a procedure for signing in to the POS terminal 1 by a store clerk. FIG. 3 shows the procedure of control processing by each of the CPUs 1a, 2a, and 3a, and the accompanying information exchange.

  First, a store clerk who wants to sign in to the POS terminal 1 starts an application on the mobile terminal 2 and causes the CPU 2a to execute the control process shown in FIG.

  In Act1, the CPU 2a inputs a clerk code designated by the clerk's operation on the touch panel 2e. Thus, when the CPU 2a executes the control processing based on the control program, the input means is realized by the cooperation of the computer having the CPU 2a as a central portion and the touch panel 2e.

  In Act 2, the CPU 2a notifies the authentication device 3 of the input clerk code. Specifically, the CPU 2 a controls the communication unit 2 h and sends a clerk code to the authentication device 3 via the mobile communication network 300 and the data communication network 200. When the clerk code is transmitted to the authentication device 3 by the data communication network 200, the communication unit 3e receives the clerk code, stores it in the RAM 3c, and notifies the CPU 3a accordingly. In this way, the clerk code is notified from the portable terminal 2 to the authentication device 3.

  In Act 12, the CPU 3a determines the authentication method for the clerk identified by the notified clerk code. Specifically, the CPU 3a searches the authentication database for a data record including the notified clerk code, and determines the authentication method based on the description of the password type field in the corresponding data record. In the present embodiment, four types of authentication methods are prepared: password authentication, pattern authentication, fingerprint authentication, and signature authentication. For example, if the contents of the authentication database are as shown in FIG. 2 and the notified clerk code is “00000001”, the CPU 3a determines that the authentication method is password authentication.

  The authentication method may be at least one of a number of methods including other types such as a face authentication method.

  In Act 12, the CPU 3a notifies the portable terminal 2 of the authentication method determined as described above. Specifically, the CPU 3 a controls the communication unit 3 e and sends method information for identifying the authentication method determined as described above to the mobile terminal 2 via the data communication network 200 and the mobile communication network 300. When the system information is transmitted to the mobile terminal 2 via the mobile communication network 300, the communication unit 2h receives the system information, stores it in the RAM 2c, and notifies the CPU 2a accordingly. In this way, the authentication method is notified from the authentication device 3 to the portable terminal 2.

  In Act 3, the CPU 2a causes the touch panel 2e to display an authentication screen corresponding to the authentication method notified as described above.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen 10 for password authentication.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the authentication screen 10 represents a display field 11, a numeric keypad 12, and an OK button 13.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen 20 for pattern authentication.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the authentication screen 20 represents a pattern designation area 21 and an OK button 22.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen 30 for fingerprint authentication.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the authentication screen 30 represents a message 31.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen 40 for signature authentication.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the authentication screen 40 represents a signature field 41 and an OK button 42.

  The display of the authentication screen is performed according to the notification of the authentication method from the authentication device 3, and the notification of the authentication method corresponds to a request for displaying the authentication screen. Therefore, when the CPU 3a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 3a as a central part functions as a request unit.

  In Act 4, the CPU 2a inputs the password information in accordance with the store clerk's operation on the authentication screen.

  When the authentication screen 10 is displayed, the CPU 2a inputs a password in response to a tap operation on the numeric keypad 12 as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 2a updates the authentication screen 10 so that the input password is displayed in the display field 11. However, the display in the display column 11 may be expressed by replacing each number with another symbol. The CPU 2a uses the password input when the OK button 13 is touched as the password information.

  When the authentication screen 20 is displayed, the CPU 2a inputs a pattern as a passing order of a plurality of reference points in the trajectory of the swipe operation in the pattern designation area 21 as shown in FIG. Then, the CPU 2a uses the pattern inputted when the OK button 22 is touched as the password information.

  When the authentication screen 30 is displayed, the CPU 2a uses the fingerprint pattern read by the fingerprint sensor 2f by touching the fingerprint sensor 2f as shown in FIG.

  When the authentication screen 40 is displayed, the CPU 2a inputs a signature as a swipe operation locus in the signature column 41 as shown in FIG. 7B. Then, the CPU 2a uses the signature inputted when the OK button 42 is touched as the personal identification information.

  In Act 5, the CPU 2a notifies the authentication device 3 of the password information input as described above. Specifically, the CPU 2 a controls the communication unit 2 h and sends the password information to the authentication device 3 via the mobile communication network 300 and the data communication network 200. Thus, when the CPU 2a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 2a as the central part functions as the first notification means. When the password information is transmitted to the authentication device 3 via the data communication network 200, the communication unit 3e receives the password information, stores it in the RAM 3c, and notifies the CPU 3a accordingly. In this way, the personal identification information is notified from the portable terminal 2 to the authentication device 3.

  In Act 13, the CPU 3a executes an authentication process based on the notified personal identification information and the clerk code notified in Act 2 and stored in the RAM 3c. Specifically, the CPU 3a searches the authentication database for a data record including a clerk code stored in the RAM 3c, and enters the personal identification information directly described in the personal identification information field or the personal identification information field in the corresponding data record. The password information indicated by the data file specified by the described path is collated with the notified password information. Thus, when the CPU 3a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 3a as a central part functions as an authentication unit.

  In the authentication database shown in FIG. 2, in the data record whose password type field is “password”, the regular password is directly described in the password information field. In a data record in which the personal identification type field is “pattern”, information representing a regular pattern is directly described in the personal identification information field. In a data record in which the personal identification type field is “fingerprint”, the personal identification information field describes the path of a data file representing a regular fingerprint pattern. In a data record in which the personal identification type field is “signature”, the personal identification information field describes the path of the data file representing the regular signature.

  When the authentication method is password authentication, the CPU 3a compares the password notified as the password information with a regular password directly described in the password information field. When the authentication method is pattern authentication, the CPU 3a compares the pattern notified as the password information with a regular pattern represented by information directly described in the password information field. When the authentication method is fingerprint authentication, the CPU 3a compares the fingerprint pattern notified as the password information with the regular fingerprint pattern represented by the data file specified by the path described in the password information field. When the authentication method is signature authentication, the CPU 3a compares the signature notified as the password information with the regular signature represented by the data file specified by the path described in the password information field.

  The CPU 3a generates an authentication ticket only when the authentication is successful, and writes the authentication ticket in the authentication ticket field in the data record including the clerk code stored in the RAM 3c. The authentication ticket is data that can be distinguished from other generated authentication tickets and cannot be easily guessed. This authentication ticket is an example of completion information. Thus, the auxiliary storage unit 3d is an example of a second storage unit.

  In Act 14, the CPU 3a notifies the portable terminal 2 of the authentication ticket when the authentication is successful, or an error command when the authentication fails. Specifically, the CPU 3 a controls the communication unit 3 e and sends an authentication ticket or an error command to the mobile terminal 2 via the data communication network 200 and the mobile communication network 300. Thus, when the CPU 3a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 3a as a central part functions as a second notification means. When the authentication ticket or error command is transmitted to the portable terminal 2 via the mobile communication network 300, the communication unit 2h receives the authentication ticket or error command, stores it in the RAM 2c, and notifies the CPU 2a accordingly. In this way, the authentication ticket or the error command is notified from the authentication device 3 to the portable terminal 2.

  When the error command is notified, the CPU 2a performs error processing such as displaying an error screen for notifying the store clerk on the touch panel 2e, but this is not shown. On the other hand, when the authentication ticket is notified, the CPU 2a proceeds to Act6.

  In Act 6, the CPU 2a waits for the NFC unit 2g to communicate with the NFC unit 1n.

  The store clerk operates the mobile terminal 2 to complete the authentication as described above, and then brings the mobile terminal 2 close to the POS terminal 1. As a result, when the NFC unit 1n enters the communication range of the NFC unit 2g, the NFC unit 2g can communicate with the NFC unit 1n. When the CPU 2a becomes communicable in this way, the process proceeds to Act7.

  In Act 7, the CPU 2a notifies the POS terminal 1 of the clerk code input in Act 1 and the notified authentication ticket. Specifically, the CPU 2a controls the NFC unit 2g and transmits a radio signal representing the clerk code and the authentication ticket to the POS terminal 1. Thus, when the CPU 2a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 2a as the central part functions as a third notification means. When the wireless signal transmitted by the NFC unit 2g reaches the NFC unit 1n, the NFC unit 1n receives the wireless signal, and extracts a clerk code and an authentication ticket from this signal. The NFC unit 1n stores the clerk code and the authentication ticket in the RAM 1c, and notifies the CPU 1a accordingly. In this way, the clerk code and the authentication ticket are notified from the portable terminal 2 to the POS terminal 1.

  In Act 21, the CPU 1 a transfers the notified clerk code and authentication ticket to the authentication device 3. Specifically, the CPU 1a controls the communication unit 1g and sends the clerk code and authentication ticket stored in the RAM 1c to the authentication device 3 via the data communication network 200. When the clerk code and the authentication ticket are transmitted to the authentication device 3 via the data communication network 200, the communication unit 3e receives the clerk code and the authentication ticket, stores them in the RAM 3c, and notifies the CPU 3a accordingly. In this way, the clerk code and the authentication ticket are notified from the POS terminal 1 to the authentication device 3.

  As a result, the clerk code and the authentication ticket are notified from the portable terminal 2 to the authentication device 3 via the POS terminal 1.

  In Act 15, the CPU 3a verifies the authenticity of the authentication ticket based on the notified clerk code and authentication ticket. Specifically, the CPU 3a searches the authentication database for a data record including the notified clerk code, and compares the authentication ticket described in the authentication ticket field in the corresponding data record with the notified authentication ticket. . If both authentication tickets match, it is determined to be OK, and otherwise, it is determined as NG.

  In Act 16, the CPU 3a notifies the POS terminal 1 of the verification result. Specifically, the CPU 3 a controls the communication unit 3 e and sends information representing the verification result to the POS terminal 1 via the data communication network 200. Thus, the notification of the clerk code and the authentication ticket in Act 21 corresponds to an inquiry about the result of authentication in Act 13. Therefore, when the CPU 1a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 1a as the central part functions as an inquiry unit. Further, when the CPU 3a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 3a as a central part functions as a response means. When information representing the verification result is transmitted to the POS terminal 1 via the data communication network 200, the communication unit 1g receives the information, stores it in the RAM 1c, and notifies the CPU 1a accordingly. In this way, the verification result is notified from the authentication device 3 to the POS terminal 1.

  When the notified verification result is NG, the CPU 1a performs alarm processing such as displaying an alarm screen on the operator touch panel 1j to notify the store clerk to that effect, but this is not shown. doing. On the other hand, if the verification result is OK, the CPU 1a proceeds to Act 22.

  In Act 22, the CPU 1a sets the clerk code notified in Act 7 and stored in the RAM 1a as an operator code. Thus, when the CPU 1a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 1a as a central part functions as a setting unit.

  The CPU 1a does not realize most of the functions of the POS terminal 1 when no operator code is set. That is, at this time, the POS terminal 1 is in a locked state. Note that which of the functions of the POS terminal 1 is not realized in this locked state may be arbitrarily determined by, for example, the designer of the POS terminal 1. However, in a state where the operator code is set, the CPU 1a sets each part of the POS terminal 1 in order to realize the function of the POS terminal 1 within the range according to the authority associated with the capacity code set as the operator code. Control.

  Further, the CPU 1a may perform processing using the operator code such as recording the operator code in journal data.

  As described above, according to the POS system 100, the operation by the store clerk for sign-in may be performed at any place on the portable terminal 2. Therefore, the degree of freedom of operation is improved and the burden on the clerk of the POS terminal 1 can be reduced as compared with the case where the operation for sign-in is performed at the POS terminal 1.

  In general, the POS terminal 1 is in a state where the keyboard 1i and the operator touch panel 1j can be easily seen by another store clerk or a shopper in the vicinity. Therefore, it is necessary for the store clerk to carefully input the password information on the keyboard 1i and the operator touch panel 1j while paying attention to the surroundings. However, according to the POS system 100, it is possible to perform an operation for signing in without being noticed. In this respect as well, the burden on the store clerk is reduced and the security can be improved.

  Further, in the POS system 100, an authentication method used for sign-in can be determined for each store clerk from a plurality of types of authentication methods. Thereby, the freedom degree of operation further improves and the burden of the shop assistant of the POS terminal 1 can further be reduced.

  Further, in the POS system 100, when NFC communication is used for communication between the POS terminal 1 and the portable terminal 2, and communication between the NFC unit 1n and the NFC unit 2g becomes possible, the portable terminal 2 to the POS terminal 1 Notification is done automatically. For this reason, when the authentication using the portable terminal 2 is completed, the store clerk may bring the portable terminal 2 closer to the POS terminal 1 to be signed in, and the POS terminal 1 performs any operation for sign-in. You don't have to do it.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  The authentication procedure can be changed as appropriate. As an example, the following procedure can be used. That is, the store clerk code and the password information input in accordance with the store clerk's instruction in the portable terminal 2 are stored in the RAM 2, and the store clerk code and the password information are sent to the POS terminal 1 by NFC communication. Then, the POS terminal 1 transfers the clerk code and the password information to the authentication device 3. The authentication device performs authentication based on the clerk code and the password information, and notifies the POS terminal 1 of the result. The POS terminal 1 sets the corresponding clerk code as an operator code when the authentication result notified in this way indicates successful authentication.

  For the wireless communication between the POS terminal 1 and the portable terminal 2, another arbitrary communication method such as bluetooth can be applied.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example 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 100 ... POS system, 200 ... Data communication network, 300 ... Mobile communication network, 1 ... POS terminal, 2 ... Portable terminal, 3 ... Authentication apparatus, 1a, 2a, 3a ... CPU, 1b, 2b, 3b ... ROM, 1c, 2c, 3c ... RAM, 1d, 2d, 3d ... auxiliary storage unit, 1e ... clock unit, 1f ... input / output port, 1g ... communication unit, 1h ... scanner, 1i ... keyboard, 1j ... operator touch panel, 1k ... customer surface Touch panel, 1m ... printer, 1n ... unit, 1p ... transmission system, 2e ... touch panel, 2f ... fingerprint sensor, 2g ... unit, 2h ... communication unit, 2i ... transmission system, 3e ... communication unit, 3f ... transmission system.

Claims (5)

A point-of-sale management system including a portable terminal, an authentication device, and a point-of-sale management terminal,
Input means provided in the portable terminal for inputting identification information of a user who intends to use the point-of-sale management terminal, and one type of password information of a plurality of types,
A first notification means provided in the portable terminal, for notifying the identification information input by the input means to the authentication device and the point-of-sale management terminal, and notifying the authentication information to the authentication device; ,
An authentication unit provided in the authentication device, for authenticating the user based on the identification information and the password information notified by the first notification unit;
Inquiry means provided in the point-of-sale time management terminal and inquiring the authentication device for an authentication result in the authentication means regarding the identification information notified by the first notification means;
Provided in the authentication device, as a response to the inquiry by the inquiry means, a response means for notifying the point of sale management terminal of the authentication result in the authentication means;
The user identified in the identification information notified by the first notification means when the authentication result notified by the response means is a success of the authentication, provided in the point-of-sale management terminal. A point-of-sale management system comprising setting means for setting as an operator of the point-of-sale management terminal. The input means first inputs the identification information,
The first notification means notifies the authentication device of the identification information input by the input means,
The point-of-sale management system further includes:
A first storage unit that is provided in the authentication device and stores type information representing any one of the plurality of types of password information in association with the identification information;
In order to allow the user to input password information represented by the type information stored in the first storage means in association with the identification information notified by the first notification means, provided in the authentication device Requesting means for requesting the portable terminal to display the input screen;
A display means provided in the portable terminal, for displaying the input screen according to a request by the request means;
2. The point-of-sale management system according to claim 1, wherein the input means inputs password information designated by the user in accordance with an input screen displayed by the display means. A first wireless communication device provided in the portable terminal;
A second wireless communication device provided in the point of sale management terminal,
The first notification unit wirelessly transmits the identification information input by the input unit in response to the first wireless communication device being able to communicate with the second wireless communication device. Controlling the first wireless communication device;
The inquiry means inquires of the authentication apparatus about an authentication result in the authentication means regarding the identification information that is wirelessly transmitted by the first wireless communication device and received by the second wireless communication device. The point-of-sale management system according to claim 1 or 2. A second notifying unit provided in the authentication device and notifying the portable terminal of completion information when the authentication is successful;
A second storage means provided in the authentication device and storing the completion information in association with the identification information notified by the first notification means;
A third notifying unit provided in the portable terminal and notifying the point-of-sale management terminal of the completion information notified by the second notifying unit;
The inquiry means performs the inquiry with a notification to the authentication apparatus of the identification information notified by the first notification means and the completion information notified by the third notification means,
The response means, when the identification information notified by the inquiry means and the completion information are associated with each other in the second storage means, indicates a successful authentication as a response to the inquiry to the point-of-sale management terminal. The point-of-sale management system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A first wireless communication device provided in the portable terminal;
A second wireless communication device provided in the point of sale management terminal,
The first notification unit wirelessly transmits the identification information input by the input unit in response to the first wireless communication device being able to communicate with the second wireless communication device. Controlling the first wireless communication device;
The third notification unit wirelessly transmits the completion information notified by the second notification unit in response to the first wireless communication device being able to communicate with the second wireless communication device. Controlling the first wireless communication device to
The inquiry means performs the inquiry with a notification to the authentication apparatus of the identification information and the completion information that are wirelessly transmitted by the first wireless communication device and received by the second wireless communication device. The point-of-sale management system according to claim 4.