JP2020057284A - Registration device and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable transaction details to be easily changed even after receipt of settlement data in a settlement device even though point granting has been performed using a point terminal.SOLUTION: A registration device of an embodiment includes registration means, output means, grant instruction means, call-back means, and reduction instruction means. The registration means registers details of a transaction. The output means outputs settlement data for causing settlement for the transaction whose details have been registered by the registration means to be performed in a settlement device. The grant instruction means instructs a point terminal to grant a settling person a point concerning the settlement based on the settlement data output from the output means. The call-back means calls back the settlement data in order to cancel settlement processing in the settlement device. The reduction instruction means instructs the point terminal to reduce the point instructed to be granted by the grant instruction means concerning the settlement based on the settlement data called back by the call-back means from points that the settling person has.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration device and an information processing program.

In the semi-self-type checkout system, even after the payment device receives the payment data output from the registration device, it is necessary to recall the payment data from the payment device to the registration device in order to correct the transaction details. It is possible.
However, in the case of using a point terminal that is external to the payment device and performs a process for giving points to a settler according to an instruction from the payment device, the registration device outputs payment data to the payment device. In the stage, the point terminal is instructed to give points. Then, the point terminal executes a process for giving points regardless of whether or not the settlement is completed by the settlement device.

For this reason, at the timing of recalling the payment data from the payment device to the registration device as described above, the points have already been given. For this reason, if the settlement data is recalled to the registration device to allow the modification of the transaction content, etc., there is a risk that the awarded points may not be in accordance with the settlement results. Therefore, when points are given, recall is prohibited.
If recall is prohibited, if it is necessary to correct the transaction details, etc., the settlement device will cancel all the relevant transactions, cancel the point provision at the point terminal, and then proceed to the registration device Had to start over from the beginning.
Under such circumstances, it has been desired that the content of the transaction can be easily changed even after the payment data is received by the payment device, while the point is given using the point terminal.

JP-A-2006-062344

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration device and an information processing program that can easily change transaction contents even after receiving payment data in a payment device, while giving a point using a point terminal. That is.

  The registration device of the embodiment constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device for performing a payment process for a payment by a payment person for a transaction and a point terminal for providing a point service to the payment person, A registration unit, an output unit, an assignment instruction unit, a recall unit, and a cancellation instruction unit are provided. The registration means registers the details of the transaction. The output unit outputs settlement data for causing the settlement device to settle the transaction of the content registered by the registration unit. The giving instruction means instructs the point terminal to give a point related to the settlement based on the settlement data output from the output means to the settler. The recall unit recalls the payment data so as to stop the payment process in the payment device. The cancellation instruction means instructs the point terminal to attenuate, from the points held by the settler, the points designated by the assignment instruction means for the payment based on the settlement data recalled by the recall means, from the points held by the settler.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a registration device according to an embodiment, and a schematic configuration of a checkout system including the registration device. 4 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 1 regarding registration and settlement.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a registration device 1 according to the present embodiment and a schematic configuration of a checkout system 10 including the registration device 1.

  The checkout system 10 includes at least one registration device 1, at least one accounting device 2, and at least one point terminal 3. FIG. 1 shows one registration device 1, two accounting devices 2 associated with the registration device 1, and one point terminal 3 connected to the registration device 1. The number of the registration devices 1, the accounting devices 2, and the point terminals 3 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the registration devices 1 to the number of the accounting devices 2 is also arbitrary. The point terminals 3 are typically connected one by one to all the registration devices 1, but may not be connected to some of the registration devices 1.

  The registration device 1 and the accounting device 2 can communicate with each other via a LAN (local area network) 20. The registration device 1 and the point terminal 3 can communicate with each other via a communication cable or the like. Wireless communication may be used for communication between the registration device 1 and the checkout device 2 or for communication between the registration device 1 and the point terminal 3. Instead of the LAN 20 or in addition to the LAN 20, the Internet, a virtual private network (VPN), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like can be used alone or in an appropriate combination. The registration device 1 and the point terminal 3 may be able to communicate via these communication networks.

The clerk of the registration device 1 is a clerk who plays a role called a checker. The customer of the accounting device 2 is a customer who settles the transaction related to the transaction at the store. However, a part of the operation of the registration device 1 may be performed by a customer. The accounting apparatus 2 may be operated by a clerk.
The registration device 1 performs a registration process for registering a product that a customer wants to purchase as a purchased product. Further, the registration device 1 outputs payment data used for a payment process for settingtle the price of the registered purchased product so as to be received by any of the associated accounting devices 2. Note that the registration device 1 may have a function of performing a payment process for performing the above-described payment.

When the settlement device 2 receives the settlement data output from the registration device 1, the settlement device 2 performs a settlement process to settle the transaction price based on the settlement data. That is, the accounting device 2 is an example of a settlement device.
The point terminal 3 can communicate with the point server 30 via the communication network 40. The point terminal 3 reads a member code recorded on a recording medium such as a point card in response to an instruction from the registration device 1 and notifies the registration device 1 of the membership code. The point terminal 3 requests the point server 30 to add or subtract points to the point balance associated with the member code in accordance with an instruction from the registration device 1. The point server 30 manages the point balance by associating each point service user with a predetermined member code so as to be identifiable. The point server 30 updates the managed point balance according to the above request from the point terminal 3. As the communication network 40, the Internet, a VPN, a LAN, a public communication network, a mobile communication network, or the like can be used alone or in an appropriate combination.

The registration device 1 includes a processor 1a, a main memory 1b, an auxiliary storage unit 1c, a scanner 1d, a keyboard 1e, a touch panel 1f, a reader / writer 1g, a printer 1h, an interface 1i, a communication unit 1j, and a transmission path 1k.
In the registration device 1, the processor 1a, the main memory 1b, and the auxiliary storage unit 1c are connected by a transmission line 1k to constitute a computer that performs information processing for controlling the registration device 1.

  The processor 1a corresponds to a central part of the computer. The processor 1 a controls each unit to realize various functions as the registration device 1 by executing information processing according to various information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and an application program.

  The main memory 1b corresponds to a main storage part of the computer. The main memory 1b includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 1b stores the above information processing program in a nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 1b may store data necessary for the processor 1a to execute processing for controlling each unit in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 1b uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 1a.

  The auxiliary storage unit 1c corresponds to an auxiliary storage part of the computer. As the auxiliary storage unit 1c, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disc drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or various other known storage devices can be used. The auxiliary storage unit 1c stores data used when the processor 1a performs various processes and data generated by the process in the processor 1a. The auxiliary storage unit 1c may store the information processing program described above.

  The information processing program stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c includes an information processing program described regarding information processing described later. The registration device 1 is generally transferred in a state where the information processing program is stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c. However, the hardware of the registration device 1 is in a state where the information processing program is not stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c, or when another information processing program is stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c. May be transferred. In this case, the information processing program is recorded on a removable recording medium or transferred via a network, and is written in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c under the instruction of a maintenance worker, for example. As a removable recording medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used. In this case, the information processing program is provided as an upgrade program, written in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c, and is stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c. It is assumed that it is used instead of.

  The scanner 1d captures an image of a product through a scanner window by a built-in camera, and identifies an optically readable code symbol such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code displayed on the product by image processing. Then, the scanner 1d outputs data represented by the identified code symbol to the processor 1a. Note that the scanner 1d can use another type of well-known device that identifies a code symbol using reflection of laser light. The scanner 1d may have a function of identifying a product by using an object recognition technique based on features of an image of the product itself. The scanner 1d may include a plurality of types of devices.

The keyboard 1e includes a numeric keypad and a plurality of function keys. The keyboard 1e receives various instructions from the operator through key operations.
The touch panel 1f includes a display device and a touch sensor, respectively. The display device displays an arbitrary screen such as a GUI (graphical user interface) screen under the control of the processor 1a. As the display device, a known device such as a color LCD (liquid crystal display) can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects a touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the processor 1a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The reader / writer 1g reads data recorded on a recording medium such as a card or an IC chip. The reader / writer 1g writes data to the recording medium. The card is a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card. The IC chip may be provided in an information terminal such as a smartphone in addition to the various cards described above. The reader / writer 1g may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.
The printer 1h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

The interface 1i interfaces communication with the point terminal 3. As the interface 1i, for example, a known device conforming to USB (universal serial bus) can be used.
The communication unit 1j performs communication via the LAN 20.
The transmission path 1k transmits data exchanged between connected units. As the transmission line 1k, a known transmission line including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits for connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

  Next, the operation of the registration device 1 configured as described above will be described. Note that the contents of various processes described below are merely examples, and the order of some processes can be changed, some processes can be omitted, or another process can be added as appropriate.

When the registration device 1 is in an operation state in which transaction registration is to be performed, the processor 1a executes information processing described below based on an information processing program stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor 1a regarding registration and settlement.

  As Act1, the processor 1a performs preparation processing such as initialization or deletion of data used temporarily in information processing regarding one transaction such as a product table. The product table is a data table representing a list of products to be processed in one transaction, and is stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c.

As Act2, the processor 1a confirms whether or not a declaration to use the point service (hereinafter, referred to as a point declaration) has been made. Then, if the corresponding declaration is not made, the processor 1a determines No, and proceeds to Act3.
As Act3, the processor 1a confirms whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. Then, if the corresponding designation has not been made, the processor 1a determines No, and proceeds to Act4.

As Act4, the processor 1a confirms whether or not the output of the payment data has been instructed. Then, if the corresponding instruction has not been issued, the processor 1a determines No, and proceeds to Act5.
As Act 5, the processor 1a checks whether a recall has been instructed. Then, if the corresponding instruction has not been issued, the processor 1a determines No, and returns to Act2.
Thus, as Act2 to Act5, the processor 1a waits for any of the point declaration, the product specification, the output instruction, and the recall instruction.

The customer picks up the product he or she wants to purchase from the sales floor, brings the product to the checkout corner, and hands it over to the clerk in charge of operating the registration device 1. If the customer wants to give points for the settlement for the purchase of the product, the customer informs the clerk to that effect.
The clerk performs a predetermined operation for declaring points when the customer instructs that the customer wants to give points. The operation is, for example, pressing a key to which a point declaration function is assigned among keys included in the keyboard 1e. Then, if such an operation for declaring a point is performed, the processor 1a determines Yes in Act2 and proceeds to Act6.

  As Act 6, the processor 1a acquires the customer's member code. The processor 1a instructs the point terminal 3 to acquire a member code, for example. In response to this instruction, the point terminal 3 shifts to a state of trying to read a member code recorded on a recording medium such as a card. Thus, the clerk or customer performs a predetermined operation for causing the point terminal 3 to read the member code recorded on the recording medium possessed by the customer. Thus, the point terminal 3 reads the member code from the recording medium and notifies the processor 1a. Then, the processor 1a acquires the notified member code. The processor 1a stores the acquired member code in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c. Then, the processor 1a thereafter returns to the standby state of Act2 to Act5.

  The clerk performs a registration operation for designating each product passed from the customer as a purchase target. The registration operation is, for example, an operation of causing the scanner 1d to read a barcode displayed on a product, or an operation of touching the touch panel 1f to specify a product. Then, if such a registration operation is performed, the processor 1a determines Yes in Act3, and proceeds to Act7.

  As Act7, the processor 1a updates the product table to include the product code for identifying the product specified as described above. When the cancellation of the purchase of the specified product is specified, the processor 1a deletes the product code for identifying the product from the product table. Further, when the change of the purchase quantity of the specified product is specified, the processor 1a updates the product table so that the purchase quantity related to the product code for identifying the product is changed according to the specification. Further, when a change in the selling price of the specified product is specified, the processor 1a updates the product table so as to represent the changed price in association with a product code for identifying the product. The processor 1a may perform other various updates according to the designation. After that, the processor 1a returns to the standby state of Act2 to Act5.

  Thus, if the registration operation is repeated, the processor 1a repeatedly updates the product table in accordance with this, and registers the product as a purchased product. Further, the processor 1a edits the product table according to the designation. The process of updating the product table in such a manner that the product table represents a list of purchased products is the product registration process. Thus, when the processor 1a executes the information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 1a as a central part functions as a registration unit. The processor 1a may always calculate the latest subtotal amount by sequentially adding the unit price of the newly registered product to the subtotal amount in parallel with the product registration process.

  The clerk finishes the registration operation for all the products passed from the customer and performs a predetermined operation for instructing the output of the settlement data when it is necessary to shift to the settlement. The operation is, for example, a touch on a button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 1f. Then, if the corresponding operation is performed, the processor 1a determines Yes in Act4, and proceeds to Act8.

  The processor 1a generates and transmits payment data as Act8. The payment data at least represents a list of purchased products. The settlement data may include the amount to be settled or any other information. The processor 1a sets the total price of all the products identified by the product codes included in the product table as the amount to be settled. If the subtotal amount is sequentially obtained as described above, the processor 1a may use the subtotal amount at the time when the output instruction is issued as the amount to be settled. In calculating the amount to be settled, the processor 1a may apply some kind of discount processing. As an example, the processor 1a transmits the settlement data to a predetermined accounting device 2. In this case, the settlement data is received by the accounting device 2 of the transmission destination, or is transferred to another accounting device 2 by the accounting device 2. When three or more accounting devices 2 are associated with the registration device 1, the settlement data is transferred between the accounting devices 2 and received by any one of the accounting devices 2. Further, as another example, the processor 1a autonomously selects one of the accounting apparatuses 2 in a state in which settlement of a new transaction can be started, and transmits the settlement data to the accounting apparatus 2. Further, as another example, the processor 1a selects one of the accounting apparatuses 2 in accordance with an instruction from the operator, and transmits the settlement data to the accounting apparatus 2. Transmitting the payment data in this way corresponds to outputting payment data for performing the payment with the accounting device 2 as a payment device. In this way, the processor 1a executes information processing based on the information processing program, so that the computer having the processor 1a as a central part functions as an output unit.

  As Act 9, the processor 1a confirms whether or not a point declaration has been made for the transaction to be processed at present. Then, if the member code stored in Act 6 is stored in main memory 1b or auxiliary storage unit 1c, processor 1a determines Yes, and proceeds to Act 10. Note that the processor 1a sets a flag indicating that point declaration has been completed when the member code can be acquired in Act6, and when the flag is in the set state, the processor 1a determines Yes in Act9. Good.

  As Act 10, the processor 1a instructs the point terminal 3 to give points via the interface 1i. The processor 1a determines, for example, the number of points to be awarded according to the content of the transaction settled by the accounting device 2 based on the settlement data. Then, the processor 1a sends a predetermined command for instructing the point addition to the point terminal 3 with the notification of the number of points and the member code stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit. Note that the processor 1a determines the number of points to be provided according to a predetermined rule. The processor 1a does not need to determine and notify the number of points if the rule is to provide a uniform number of points for one settlement. Upon receiving the instruction, the point terminal 3 requests the point server 30 to add the number of points notified as described above to the point balance associated with the member code. Then, the point server 30 updates the corresponding point balance as instructed. Thus, when the processor 1a executes the information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 1a as a central part functions as the assignment instruction means. After that, the processor 1a returns to the standby state of Act2 to Act5. Note that if the point declaration is not made, the processor 1a determines No in Act9, and returns to the standby state of Act2 to Act5 without performing the giving instruction in Act10.

  The clerk performs a predetermined operation for instructing a recall, if the transaction contents need to be corrected after the settlement data is received by any of the accounting devices 2. The operation is, for example, a touch on a button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 1f. More specifically, for example, the processor 1a displays, on the screen of the touch panel 1f, a button that enables selection of each of the accounting apparatuses 2 in which payment has not been completed and payment data can be recalled. Then, the clerk operates the above button so as to select the accounting device 2 that is in a state of performing the settlement regarding the transaction that requires the recall. Then, if the corresponding operation is performed, the processor 1a determines Yes in Act5, and proceeds to Act11.

  As Act 11, the processor 1a recalls the settlement data from the accounting device 2 in accordance with the recall instruction by the above operation. The processor 1a causes, for example, a command predetermined to request transmission of settlement data to be transmitted from the communication unit 1j to the LAN 20 to the accounting device 2 designated as a target of the recall. When this command is transmitted to the corresponding accounting device 2 via the LAN 20, the accounting device 2 sends back the received settlement data to the registration device 1. The payment data is transmitted to the registration device 1 via the LAN 20 and received by the communication unit 1j. Therefore, the processor 1a creates a product table in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c according to the list of purchased products included in the payment data received by the communication unit 1j. Thus, when the processor 1a executes the information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 1a as a central part functions as a recall unit.

  As Act 12, the processor 1a confirms whether or not points have been given when the recalled settlement data is transmitted to the accounting device 2. The processor 1a generates, for example, history data which can confirm that at least with respect to the settlement data permitted to be recalled, an instruction to give a point accompanying the transmission of the settlement data is generated and stored in the main memory 1b or the auxiliary storage unit 1c. Keep it. Then, the processor 1a refers to the history data when confirming Act12. Note that the processor 1a includes, when the condition for giving the point giving instruction is satisfied, data that indicates that the giving instruction is given to the payment data, and determines whether the data is included in the recalled payment data. The confirmation of Act 12 may be performed based on Then, the processor 1a determines “Yes” if instructing to give points, and proceeds to Act13.

  As Act 13, the processor 1a acquires the customer's member code in the same manner as in Act 6. That is, the processor 1a causes the point terminal 3 to read the member code recorded on the recording medium possessed by the customer again. Since the customer regarding the recalled payment data is the customer identified by the member code acquired in Act 6, the same member code as in Act 6 is usually acquired in Act 13. However, when the customer has two recording media on which different member codes are recorded, a member code different from Act6 may be obtained in Act13. Therefore, it is desirable that the processor 1a notify the store clerk that the member code is to be acquired in order to reduce the added points, by displaying on the touch panel 1f or the like. The notification may be provided to the customer by separately providing a display device with the screen facing the customer and displaying the display on the display device. Further, the member code acquired in Act 13 may be compared with the member code acquired in Act 6, and Act 13 may be repeated until both member codes match. If the point service allows points associated with a member code different from the member code associated with the point added in Act 10 to be reduced, the member code acquired in Act 13 is valid as it is. It may be good. Further, the processor 1a may include the member code in the above-described history data or payment data, and in Act 13, may acquire the member code from the history data or payment data.

  As Act 14, the processor 1a instructs the point terminal 3 via the interface 1i to reduce points. The processor 1a requests the point server 30 to subtract, for example, the number of points added in Act 10 following transmission of the recalled settlement data from the point balance associated with the member code acquired in Act 13. Then, the point server 30 updates the corresponding point balance as instructed. For example, the processor 1a sets the number of points added to the history data or the payment data described above, and in Act 14, sets the number of points to be subtracted from the number of points indicated in the history data or the payment data. Thus, when the processor 1a executes the information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 1a as a central part functions as the attenuation instruction means. After that, the processor 1a returns to the standby state of Act2 to Act5. Note that the processor 1a determines No in Act12 if no points are given when the recalled settlement data is transmitted to the accounting device 2, and cancels the points without performing Act13 and Act14. Without going back to the standby state of Act2 to Act5.

  As described above, even if the settlement data is received by the accounting device 2, the registration device 1 calls back from the accounting device 2 if the settlement according to the settlement data is not completed. Then, in this case, the registration device 1 instructs the point terminal to reduce the already given points when transmitting the recalled settlement data. Thus, after the recall, the registration device 1 returns to the state before transmitting the settlement data. Therefore, according to the registration device 1, the transaction contents can be easily changed even after the payment data is received by the accounting device 2, while the point is given using the point terminal 3.

This embodiment can be implemented in the following various modifications.
The transaction to be registered by the registration device 1 is not limited to the sale of a product, but may be any service such as a food and beverage service or a service that does not involve the provision of a product.

  Some or all of the functions realized by the processor 1a by information processing can be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit that executes information processing not based on a program. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining hardware such as the above logic circuit with software control.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

  Reference Signs List 1 registration device, 1a processor, 1b main memory, 1c auxiliary storage unit, 1d scanner, 1e keyboard, 1f touch panel, 1g reader reader / writer, 1h printer 1i interface, 1j communication unit 1k: transmission line, 2: accounting device, 3: point terminal, 10: checkout system, 20: LAN, 30: point server, 40: communication network.

Claims (2)

A checkout system together with a payment device for performing a payment process for the clearer to settle the transaction and a point terminal for providing a point service to the clearer,
Registration means for registering the content of the transaction;
Output means for outputting payment data for causing the payment device to perform payment for the transaction of the content registered by the registration means,
Grant instructing means for instructing the point terminal to grant a point related to settlement based on the settlement data output by the output means to the settler,
Recalling means for recalling the payment data to cancel the payment processing in the payment device;
With respect to the settlement based on the settlement data recalled by the recall unit, the cancellation instruction unit for instructing the point terminal to reduce the point instructed to be given by the giving instruction unit from the point held by the clearer,
A registration device comprising: A payment device that performs a payment process for a clearer to settle a transaction, and a computer that controls a registration device that configures a checkout system together with a point terminal for providing a point service to the clearer.
Registration means for registering the content of the transaction;
Output means for outputting payment data for causing the payment device to perform payment for the transaction of the content registered by the registration means,
Grant instructing means for instructing the point terminal to grant a point related to settlement based on the settlement data output by the output means to the settler,
Recalling means for recalling the payment data to cancel the payment processing in the payment device;
With respect to the settlement based on the settlement data recalled by the recall unit, the cancellation instruction unit for instructing the point terminal to reduce the point instructed to be given by the giving instruction unit from the point held by the clearer,
An information processing program for functioning.