JP2022040221A - Checkout system, settlement device and control program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify an operation for making a payment from a settlement device.

SOLUTION: An input processing device waits for any one payment method to be specified from among a plurality of price payment methods, and stores the specified payment method in a memory unit. When end of input of data related to merchandise sales or service provision is instructed, the input processing device transmits settlement information and information of the memory unit in association with each other to a settlement device. The settlement device determines a price payment method on the basis of the information associated with the settlement information received from the input processing device. The settlement device waits for a remittance according to the determined price payment method, and processes the settlement of the settlement information when remittance data necessary for the settlement is detected.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a payment device incorporated in this system, and a control program thereof.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a product data input processing device and a transaction settlement device are separated. The input processing device waits for the input of data related to product sales. When the data is input, the input processing device generates payment information based on the data and transfers the payment information to the payment device. The payment device waits for input of payment data for payment information. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the payment device processes the payment based on the payment information and the payment data. This type of checkout system in which the input processing device and the payment device are separated can be operated in a so-called semi-self system in which the input processing device is operated by a clerk and the payment device is operated by a shopper.

By the way, in general, the price related to the sale of goods or the provision of services can be paid not only by cash but also by non-cash such as credit and electronic money. For this reason, many payment devices have a payment function for non-cash payments in addition to a payment function for cash payments. A conventional payment device provided with such two or more types of payment functions requires an operation of selecting a payment method before payment. For this reason, when a checkout system of a type in which the input processing device and the payment device are separated is operated by a semi-self method, it is the shoppers who operate the payment device, and many shoppers are unfamiliar with the operation. Simplification was required.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-08615

An object to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a checkout system capable of simplifying an operation for payment in a payment device and a payment device used in this system.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes an input processing device and a payment device. The input processing device includes a generation means, a storage means, and a transmission means. The generation means waits for the input of data related to product sales or service provision, and generates payment information based on the input data. The storage means waits for one of the plurality of payment methods to be designated, and stores information indicating the designated payment method in the storage unit. When the transmission means is instructed to end the input of the data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services, the transmission means associates the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmits the information to the payment device. The payment device includes a receiving means, a determining means, and a first processing means. The receiving means receives the payment information transmitted from the input processing device. The determining means determines the payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means. The first processing means waits for the payment by the payment method determined by the determination means, and when it detects the data regarding the payment necessary for the payment, it processes the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means.

The perspective view of the checkout system in one Embodiment. The block diagram of the product registration device and the payment device constituting the checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the data memory area formed in the RAM of a product registration apparatus and a payment apparatus. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a product registration apparatus executes according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration apparatus. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the 1st payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the 2nd payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment device.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system that can simplify the operation for payment by the payment device will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the product registration device (input processing device) and the payment device are separated, and the product registration device is operated by the clerk, and the payment device is operated by the shopper. The system is illustrated. The embodiment is a case where the payment device has a payment function for cash payment and a payment function for non-cash payment using a credit card or an electronic money card.

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

The clerk 21 of the above-mentioned store, which plays a role called a checker, is the operator of the product registration device 11. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold at the above-mentioned store. However, the payment device 12 does not interfere with the operation by the clerk 21.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

The product registration device 11 includes functions for registering purchased products, generating payment information, and notifying the payment device 12 of the payment information. The registration process is a process of registering a product purchased by the shopper 22 as a purchased product. Payment information is information required for payment processing. The settlement information includes the number and amount of each purchased product registered by the registration process, and the total number and amount of each purchased product.

When the payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs payment processing based on the payment information. The settlement process is a process for settling a transaction related to the sale of purchased products.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram 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 which is a network. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used instead of the LAN 13. 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, and two touch panels 11g1, It includes 11g2, a printer 11h, two card reader / writers 11i1, 11i2, a communication unit 11j and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to 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 functions as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

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

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to by the CPU 11a in 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 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 in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 described above.

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.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. The touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 both include 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 touch panel 11g1 for the clerk is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space side of the clerk 21. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The transmission system 11k transfers data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i1, 11i2, and communication unit 11j. To transmit. 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 such a 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, two card reader / writers 12i1, 12i2, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to 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 middleware or application program. Further, the ROM 12b may store data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to by the CPU 12a in 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 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement device 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12 described above.

The automatic change machine 12e is provided with a coin and bill insertion slot, and receives coins and bills inserted from this slot. At the time of this collection, the automatic change machine 12e identifies the denominations of the inserted coins and banknotes, and counts the number of inserted coins by denomination. Further, the automatic change machine 12e is provided with a payout port for coins and banknotes, and the coins and banknotes as change are discharged to the payout port.

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 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

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

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

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

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

The communication unit 12j performs data communication with a plurality of product registration devices 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another payment device 12 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, 12i2, 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 such a payment device 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

As described above, the checkout system 10 in which the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 which are input processing devices are separated may use the data memory areas 31, 32 and 33 shown in FIG. 3 for the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12. It is formed in RAMs 11c and 12c, respectively.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records composed of product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and amount of money. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product is attached with a product code represented by, for example, a barcode. The product name and unit price are the product name and the price per item determined by the product code of the same record. The quantity and amount are the sales data of the product determined by the product code of the same record, that is, the quantity sold and the sales amount corresponding to the quantity.

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

Such a data memory area 31 is referred to as a transaction memory. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by the transaction memory 31a, and the product registration device 12 is represented by the transaction memory 31b.

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

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

The data memory area 33 is an area for storing selection flags F1, F2, and F3 set for each type of payment method. The selection flags F1, F2, and F3 stored in this area are reset to "0" when the corresponding payment method is not selected. The selection flag F1 is a flag for which cash payment is set as one of the payment methods, and is set to "1" when cash payment is selected by the information processing of the CPU 11a in the product registration device 11 described later. The selection flag F2 is a flag for which credit payment is set as one of the payment methods, and is set to "1" when credit payment is selected by information processing of the product registration device 11 described later. The selection flag F3 is a flag for which electronic money payment is set as one of the payment methods, and is set to "1" when electronic money payment is selected by the information processing of the CPU 11a in the product registration device 11 described later. ..

Such a data area 33 is referred to as a selection flag memory. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by the selection flag memory 33a, and the product registration device 12 is represented by the selection flag memory 33b.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 5 to 6 are schematic views showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the product registration device 11 by the control process. 7 to 11 are flow charts showing the main procedure of the control process executed by the CPU 12a of the payment apparatus 12 according to the control program. 12 to 13 are schematic views showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12 by the control process. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these figures. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the product registration device 11 is started in the mode of performing the purchase product registration process, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG.

First, the CPU 11a clears the transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the selection flag memory 33a (Act 1). When the selection flag memory 33a is cleared, the selection flags F1, F2, and F3 are reset to "0".

Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen to be displayed on a part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act2). The registration screen shows the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a, and causes the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. The CPU 11a displays various button images such as a product button and a subtotal button outside the registration screen area of the touch panel 11g1 screen. The product button is operated by the clerk 21 when designating a product. The subtotal button is operated when the clerk commands the output of the subtotal amount.

With the registration screen displayed, the clerk 21 operates, for example, the scanner 11f or the product button to sequentially input the product code of the product purchased by the shopper 22. Then, when the product codes of all the purchased products are input, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

The CPU 11a displaying the registration screen waits for the product code of the product to be registered for purchase to be input (Act 3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects the product information such as the product name and the unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. .. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the sales amount by multiplying this unit price by the number of units sold. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number of units sold, and the sales amount in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the number of units sold and the sales amount to the total memory 32a (Act 4). When the record related to the product sale is registered in the transaction memory 31a in this way, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen in Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code has been input (Act 6). If the product code has not been entered (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act7), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the product code has been entered (Act6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched in the processing of Act 6 and Act 7.
The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

When the product code is input (YES in Act6) in the standby state of Act6 and Act7, the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act4. That is, the CPU 11a detects the product information associated with the product code and set in the product database. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the number of units sold, and the sales amount in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the number of units sold and the sales amount to the total memory 32a (Act 4). Further, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5). After that, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched (Act6, Act7).

When the subtotal button is touched in this standby state (YES in Act 7), the CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a at this time (Act 8).
Here, the computer including the CPU 11a constitutes a generation means that waits for the input of data related to product sales by the processing of Act3 to Act8 and generates payment information based on the input data.

The CPU 11a displays the transfer destination selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 (Act 9).
FIG. 5 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC1. The transfer destination selection screen SC1 includes display areas R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18.

The display area R11 displays the total number of the total memory 32a and the total amount of money. The display area R12 displays the buttons B11, B12, and B13 together with the guidance prompting the designation of the payment method (for example, "please specify the payment method"). The button B11 is for the clerk 21 to specify cash payment, which is one of the payment methods. The button B12 is for the clerk 21 to specify credit payment, which is one of the payment methods. The button B13 is for the clerk 21 to specify electronic money payment, which is one of the payment methods.

The display area R13 displays various guidances or messages. The button B14 is for the clerk 21 to specify that a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g1 is returned to the registration screen SC1.

The display areas R14 to R17 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12. Buttons B15 to B18 are for the clerk 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information while the payment process is being executed. "Transfer not possible" is displayed in the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. On the contrary, "transferable" is displayed in the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the payment device 12 that accepts the transfer of payment information. The buttons B15 to B18 may have different display forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. Alternatively, if the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information, the buttons B15 to B18 may be hidden.

When the transfer destination selection screen SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment method is specified, that is, whether or not any of the buttons B11 to B13 is touched (Act 10). If the payment method is not specified, that is, if none of the buttons B11 to B13 is touched (NO in Act10), the CPU 11a determines whether the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred is specified. That is, it is confirmed whether or not any of the buttons B15 to B18 is touched (Act 11). When the payment device 12 is not specified, that is, when none of the buttons B15 to B18 is touched (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment method is specified again (Act10). ). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the payment method to be specified or the payment device to be specified in the processing of Act 10 and Act 11.

The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

The clerk 21 who confirmed the transfer destination selection screen SC3 asks the shopper 22 for the payment method. Then, when the shopper 22 wishes to pay in cash, the clerk 21 touches the button B11. On the other hand, when the shopper 22 wishes to pay the credit, the clerk 21 touches the button B12. When the shopper 22 wishes to pay the electronic money, the clerk 21 touches the button B13.

When any of the buttons B11 to B13 of the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the payment method has been specified. When the payment method is specified (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a sets the selection flags F1, F2 or F3 corresponding to the specified payment method among the selection flags F1 to F3 stored in the selection flag memory 33a. Set to "1". At this time, if the other selection flags F1 to F3 are set, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag flags F1, F2 or F3 to "0". (Act12).

For example, when the button B11 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F1 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F2 or F3 is set to "1", the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F2 or F3 to "0". Similarly, when the button B12 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F2 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F1 or F3 is set to "1", the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F1 or F3 to "0". When the button B13 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F3 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F1 or F2 is set to "1", the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F1 or F2 to "0".

The computer including the CPU 11a waits for one of a plurality of payment methods to be specified by each process of Act 10 and Act 12, and information indicating the specified payment method (selection flag F1). A storage means for storing ~ F3) in the storage unit (selection flag memory 33a) is configured.

When the selection flags F1 to F3 have been updated, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act 10 and Act 11. Therefore, for example, if the shopper 22 wants to pay the credit card, the clerk 21 touches the button B12, and then the shopper 22 offers to change to the cash payment, the clerk 21 may touch the button B11. By touching the button B11, the operation of touching the button B12 immediately before the button B11 becomes invalid.

If the shopper 22 touches the buttons B11 to B13 corresponding to the desired payment method, or the shopper 22 does not offer the payment method, the clerk 21 transfers the transaction data based on the information in the display areas R14 to R17. Determine the payment device 12. Then, the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination.

When any of the buttons B15 to B18 of the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the payment device 12 has been designated. When the payment device 12 is specified (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a adds the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 to the payment information generated in the process of Act 8. Then, the CPU 11a outputs the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added to the payment device 12 designated by the buttons B15 to B18 of the transfer destination selection screen SC3 (Act 13).

Specifically, the CPU 11a uses the communication address set in the designated payment device 12 as the destination address, the communication address set by itself as the source address, and payment with the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 added. The communication unit 11j is controlled so as to output the information to the LAN 13. By this control, the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 in which the destination address and the source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. Then, the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 is received by the payment device 12 whose destination address matches the communication address. The payment device 12 that has received the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 determines the product registration device 11 that is the source of the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 by storing the source address of the received information. can.

Here, when the computer including the CPU 11a is instructed to end the input of the data related to the product sale by the processing of Act 11 and Act 13, the payment information and the information of the storage unit (selection flag memory 33a) (selection flags F1 to F3). A transmission means for transmitting to the payment device 12 is configured in association with the above.

When the payment information is output, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on a part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act 14). FIG. 6 shows an example of the notification screen SC2. The notification screen SC2 includes display areas R21 and R22. Further, the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g1 includes the button B21. The notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 does not include the button B21.

The display area R21 displays an image for making the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 recognize that the payment is made by semi-self. The semi-self payment is a payment mode in which the payment device 12 executes the payment process in response to the operation by the shopper 22. The display area R22 represents the total number of pieces and the total amount of money included in the payment information, and displays to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents is transferred. Further, the display area R22 displays a message notifying payment by the payment method designated by the buttons B11 to B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC1. The button B21 is for the clerk 21 to specify that the notification screen SC2 is closed.

The CPU 11a ends the information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 4 in response to the touch of the button B21. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 1 again in the same manner as described above.

When the buttons B15 to B18 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine YES in Act 11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information. Therefore, 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 does not wait for the designation of the payment device 12.

The clerk 21 who has confirmed the notification screen SC2 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment by the displayed payment method on the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R22 among the payment devices 12. The shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment. The clerk 21 does not notify the shopper 22, but the printer 12h of the product registration device 11 outputs a paper on which the number of the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R22 is printed, and this paper is used by the shopper. You may pass it to 22.

Therefore, next, the operation of the payment device 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 7 to 11. First, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 21). The standby screen indicates that the payment process is not being 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. After the screen of the touch panel 12g is set as the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received (Act 22).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 of FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination.

Here, the computer including the CPU 12a and the communication unit 11j constitute a receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the product registration device 11.

When the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 is received (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a expands the payment information to the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b (Act23). That is, the CPU 12a stores the records of the product name, the unit price, the number of units sold, and the sales amount included in the payment information in the transaction memory 31b. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the total memory 32b. Further, the CPU 12a matches the selection flags F1 to F3 of the selection flag memory 33b with the values of the selection flags F1 to F3 added to the payment information (Act 24). The procedure between the process of Act23 and the process of Act24 is not limited to the above procedure. First, the selection flags F1 to F3 of the selection flag memory 33b are matched with the values of the selection flags F1 to F3 added to the payment information (Act24), and then the payment information is expanded in the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b. You may (Act23).

The CPU 12a causes the payment screen SC3 (see FIG. 12 or 13) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 25). An example of the payment screen SC3 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows a payment screen (hereinafter referred to as the first payment screen SC3-1) when the payment method is not specified by the product registration device 11, and FIG. 13 shows the payment method by the product registration device 11. It is a payment screen at the time of designation (hereinafter, referred to as a second payment screen SC3-2).

The first payment screen SC3-1 includes display areas R31 and R32 and a button B31. The display area R31 displays operation guidance for each type of payment method. The display area R32 displays the total number and the total amount of money stored in the total memory 32b as the number of transaction points and the transaction amount with the shopper 22. The button B31 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21.

The payment device 12 includes cash payment using the automatic change machine 12e, credit payment using the card reader / writer 12i1 for credit cards, and electronic money payment using the card reader / writer 12i2 for electronic money cards. It supports various payment methods. For cash payment, for example, an operation guidance stating "For cash payment, please insert cash" is displayed in the display area R31. For credit payment, for example, the operation guidance "For credit payment, please insert the card" is displayed in the display area R31. For electronic money payment, for example, an operation guidance saying "For electronic money payment, please bring the card closer" is displayed in the display area R31.

The second payment screen SC3-2 includes display areas R41 and R42 and buttons B41 and B42. The display area R41 displays an operation guidance indicating a payment method. In the case of cash payment, this guidance is, for example, "Please insert cash". In the case of credit card payment, for example, "Please insert the card". In the case of electronic money payment, for example, "Please bring the card closer". The second payment screen SC3-2 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to cash payment. The display area R41 also displays operation guidance when changing the payment method. For example, "To change the payment method, touch the change button" is displayed in the display area R41. The display area R42 displays the total number and the total amount of money stored in the total memory 32b as the number of transaction points and the transaction amount with the shopper 22. The button B41 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21. The button B42 is for the shopper 22 to specify a change in the payment method.

When the payment method is not specified in the product registration device 11, all the selection flags F1 to F3 are reset to "0". On the other hand, when the payment method is specified, any one of the selection flags F1 to F3 corresponding to the payment method is set to "1".

When all the selection flags F1 to F3 stored in the selection flag memory 33b are reset to "0", the CPU 12a displays the first payment screen SC3-1 on the touch panel 12g. When any one of the selection flags F1 to F3 is set to "1", the CPU 12a displays the second payment screen SC3-2 on the touch panel 12g.

The shopper 22 who confirms the first payment screen SC3-1 shown in FIG. 12 decides whether to pay by cash, credit, or electronic money. When paying in cash, the shopper 22 puts cash in excess of the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying by credit, the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1. When paying with electronic money, the shopper 22 brings the electronic money card closer to the card reader / writer 12i2.

The shopper 22 who confirmed the second payment screen SC3-2 shown in FIG. 13 inserts cash of the total amount or more into the automatic change machine 12e. Alternatively, when changing to a payment method other than cash, the shopper 22 touches the button B42.

The CPU 12a displaying the first payment screen SC3-1 or the second payment screen SC-2 has a payment method of the product registration device 11 of the payment information sender based on the selection flags F1 to F3 of the selection flag memory 33b. Check if it is specified (Act26). As described above, when the selection flags F1 to F3 are all reset to "0", the payment method is not specified. In this case (NO in Act26), the CPU 12a activates the device required for payment and puts it in the standby state (Act27).

The device required for cash payment is the automatic change machine 12e. The CPU 12a activates the automatic change machine 12e and waits for coins or banknotes to be inserted into the insertion slot. The device required for credit payment is a card reader / writer 12i1. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i1 and waits for the credit card to be inserted into the card insertion slot. The device required for electronic money payment is a card reader / writer 12i2. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i2 and waits for the electronic money card to be held in the antenna unit.

The CPU 12a, which is in the standby state for the device required for payment, confirms whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act 28). When the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 28), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the electronic money card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (Act 29). When the data of the electronic money card is not read (NO in Act 29), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 30). If no cash has been inserted (NO in Act30), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act28. Therefore, in the processing of Act 28 to Act 30, the CPU 11a waits for the data of the credit card to be read, the data of the electronic money card to be read, or the cash to be inserted.

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

When the credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 12i1 in the standby state of Act28 to Act30 (YES in Act28), as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12a is in a standby state other than credit payment, that is, electronic money payment. Cancel the standby state and the standby state for cash payment (Act 31). By this process, the drive of the card reader / writer 12i2 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 holds the electronic money card in the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data of the electronic money card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to insert cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the insertion slot with a shutter or the like.

If the standby state other than the credit payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes the payment processing by the credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act 32). Since this payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, the description here will be omitted.

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

When the data of the electronic money card is read by the card reader / writer 12i2 in the standby state of Act 28 to Act 30 (YES in Act 29), the CPU 12a is in a standby state other than the electronic money payment, that is, credit payment, as shown in FIG. Cancel the standby state of and the standby state of cash payment (Act 41). By this process, the drive of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the credit card data. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to insert cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the insertion slot with a shutter or the like.

When the standby state other than the electronic money payment is released, the CPU 12a executes the payment processing by the electronic money payment based on the electronic money card data read by the card reader / writer 12i2, that is, the electronic money balance data. (Act42). Since this payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, the description here will be omitted.

When the payment process by electronic money payment is completed, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act43). When the amount of the electronic money balance data read from the electronic money card is equal to or greater than the amount of the total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, if the amount of the electronic commerce balance data is smaller than the amount of the total amount data, the difference becomes the balance.

If there is a balance (YES in Act43), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC3 (Act44). After that, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 27 shown in FIG. 7. That is, the CPU 12a restarts the device required for payment and puts it in the standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 again in the same manner as described above.

If there is no balance (NO in Act43), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act45). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a ends the processing for the payment information received in Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

When cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12e in the standby state of Act 28 to Act 30 (YES in Act 30), the CPU 12a is in a standby state other than cash payment, that is, a standby state of credit payment, as shown in FIG. Cancel the standby state for electronic money payment (Act 51). By this process, the drive of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the card reader / writer 12i2 is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the credit card data. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 holds the electronic money card in the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data of the electronic money card.

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

When the payment process by cash payment is completed, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act53). When the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e is equal to or greater than the amount of the total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, if the amount of cash put in is less than the amount of the total amount data, the difference will be the balance.

If there is a balance (YES in Act53), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC3 (Act54). After that, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 27 shown in FIG. 7. That is, the CPU 12a restarts the device required for payment and puts it in the payment standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 again in the same manner as described above.

If there is no balance (NO in Act53), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act55). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a ends the processing for the payment information received in Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

In the process of Act26, when any one of the selection flags F1, F2 or F3 is set to "1", the payment method is specified by the product registration device 11 of the payment information transmission source. In this case (NO in Act 26), as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the flag set in “1” is the selection flag F1 (Act 61). If it is not the selection flag F1 (NO in Act61), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the flag set in "1" is the selection flag F2 (Act62). If it is not the selection flag F2 (NO in Act62), the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F3. That is, the payment method specified by the product registration device 11 is electronic money payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts the device required for electronic money payment in the standby state (Act 63). That is, the CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i2 and waits for the electronic money card to be held in the antenna unit.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the data of the electronic money card has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (Act64). When the data of the electronic commerce card is not read (NO in Act64), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the button B42 is touched (Act65). If the button B42 is not touched (NO in Act65), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act64. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the data on the electronic commerce card to be read or the button B42 to be touched in the processing of Act64 and Act65.

When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act64 and Act65 (YES in Act65), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in the standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

When it is detected that the data of the electronic money card has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 in the standby state of Act64 and Act65 (YES in Act64), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act42 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes a payment process by electronic money payment based on the data of the electronic money card read by the card reader / writer 12i2, that is, the balance data of the electronic money. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 43 in the same manner as described above.

When the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F1 (YES in Act61), the payment method specified by the product registration device 11 is cash payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts the device required for cash payment in the standby state (Act66). That is, the CPU 12a activates the automatic change machine 12e and waits for coins or banknotes to be inserted into the insertion slot.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 67). When no cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (NO in Act 67), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the button B42 has been touched (Act 68). If the button B42 is not touched (NO in Act68), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act67. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 12e or for the button B42 to be touched in the processing of Act 67 and Act 68.

When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act 67 and Act 68 (YES in Act 68), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in the standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

When it is detected that cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e in the standby state of Act 67 and Act 68 (YES in Act 67), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 52 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process by cash payment based on the amount data of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 53 in the same manner as described above.

When the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F2 (YES in Act62), the payment method specified by the product registration device 11 is credit payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts the device required for credit payment in the standby state (Act69). That is, the CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i1 and waits for the credit card to be inserted into the card insertion slot.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act 70). If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 70), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the button B42 has been touched (Act 71). If the button B42 is not touched (NO in Act71), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act69. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the credit card data to be read or the button B42 to be touched in the processing of Act 70 and Act 71.

When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act 70 and Act 71 (YES in Act 71), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in the standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

When it is detected that the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 in the standby state of Act 70 and Act 71 (YES in Act 70), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 32 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes a payment process by credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12i1. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 33 in the same manner as described above.

Here, the computer including the CPU 12a constitutes a determination means for determining the payment method based on the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the payment information received by the receiving means by the processing of Act26 and Act61 to Act62. do.

Further, the CPU 12a waits for the payment by the payment method determined by the determination means by the processing of Act63 to Act71, and when it detects the data related to the payment required for the payment, the CPU 12a processes the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means. Configure processing means.

Further, when the CPU 12a indicates that the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the payment information by the processing of Act26 to Act33, Act41 to Act45, and Act51 to Act55 indicates that the payment method is not specified, a plurality of payments are made. When the payment by the payment method is awaited and the data related to the payment required for the payment is detected by any one of the payment methods, the second processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means is configured.

Further, when the CPU 12a is instructed to change the payment method determined by the determination means by processing Act65, Act68 or Act71, Act27 to Act33, Act41 to Act45 and Act51 to Act55, the CPU 12a makes a payment by a plurality of payment methods. When the data related to the payment required for payment is detected by any one of the payment methods, a third processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means is configured.

Further, when the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the payment information indicates the specified payment method by the processing of Act25, the CPU 12a notifies the guidance of notifying the payment method by the payment method, and the payment method. When indicating that is not specified, a notification means for notifying the guidance for notifying the payment method for each of a plurality of payment methods is configured.

In the store where the checkout system 10 that operates as described above is introduced, the clerk 21 operates the product registration device 11 to perform the registration process of the product purchased by the shopper 22. By this registration process, the product registration device 11 generates payment information including the price of the purchased product. Further, the transfer destination selection screen SC is displayed on the touch panel 11g1.

Therefore, the clerk 21 asks the shopper about the payment method. Here, when the shopper 22 selects cash payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B11 on the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F1 is set to "1", and the other selection flags F2 and F3 are reset to "0".

Next, the clerk 21 determines the payment device 12 for transferring transaction data based on the information in the display areas R14 to R17 of the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination. Then, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is transferred to one payment device 12 selected by the clerk 21.

On the payment device 12 that has received the payment information, the second payment screen SC3-2 showing the operation guidance for cash payment is displayed. Further, since the selection flag F1 is set to "1", the automatic change machine 12e is activated in the payment device 12.

The shopper 22 moves to the front of the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred according to the instruction of the clerk 21 or the information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11. Then, the shopper 22 inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e according to the guidance displayed on the payment screen SC3-2. Thus, the payment device 12 executes the payment process by cash payment.

On the other hand, when the shopper 22 selects credit payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B12 of the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F2 is set to "1", and the other selection flags F1 and F3 are reset to "0".

After that, when the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is one payment device 12 selected by the clerk 21. Will be transferred to.

On the payment device 12 that has received the payment information, the second payment screen SC3-2 showing the operation guidance for credit payment is displayed. Further, since the selection flag F2 is set to "1", the card reader / writer 12i1 is activated in the payment device 12.

The shopper 22 moves to the front of the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred according to the instruction of the clerk 21 or the information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11. Then, the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1 according to the guidance displayed on the payment screen SC3-2. Thus, the payment device 12 executes the payment process by credit card payment.

Similarly, when the shopper 22 selects electronic money payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B13 of the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F3 is set to "1", and the other selection flags F1 and F2 are reset to "0".

After that, when the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is one payment device 12 selected by the clerk 21. Will be transferred to.

On the payment device 12 that has received the payment information, the second payment screen SC3-2 showing the operation guidance for electronic money payment is displayed. Further, since the selection flag F3 is set to "1", the card reader / writer 12i2 is activated in the payment device 12.

The shopper 22 moves to the front of the payment device 12 to which the payment information is transferred according to the instruction of the clerk 21 or the information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11. Then, the shopper 22 holds the electronic money card on the antenna of the card reader / writer 12i2 according to the guidance displayed on the payment screen SC3-2. Thus, the payment device 12 executes the payment process by electronic money payment.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 operates the payment device 12 to make a payment, the payment can be completed without selecting a payment method. Therefore, since the operation for payment by the payment device 12 can be simplified, even the shopper 22 who is unfamiliar with the operation of the payment device 12 can smoothly complete the payment.

By the way, when the shopper 22 does not offer the payment method in response to the inquiry from the clerk 21, the clerk 21 does not touch the buttons B11 to B13 and the button B15 corresponding to the payment device 12 determined as the transfer destination. Touch B18. Then, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is transferred to one payment device 12 selected by the clerk 21. The information of the selection flags F1 to F3 at this time is all reset to "0".

Therefore, in the payment device 12 that has received the payment information, all the devices required for payment are activated and the standby state is set. That is, the automatic change machine 12e and the card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2 are activated. Then, the payment device 12 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 12e, a credit card to be inserted into the card reader / writer 12i1, or an electronic money card to be held in the card reader / writer 12i2.

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

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

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

Further, for example, the shopper 22 who has offered cash payment notices that there is a shortage of cash at the stage of inserting cash into the automatic change machine 12e by the payment device 12, and the payment method is electronic money payment or credit payment. May be changed to. In such a case, the shopper 22 touches the button B42 of the second payment screen SC3-2. Then, in the payment device 12, all the devices necessary for payment are activated, and the payment device 12 is in the standby state. Therefore, the shopper 22 can change the payment method to electronic money payment or credit payment.

Such an effect also occurs when the shopper 22 who offers credit payment changes to electronic money payment or cash payment, and when the shopper who offers electronic money payment changes to credit payment or cash payment. The same is true.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, even when the shopper 22 changes the payment method offered at the product registration stage at the payment stage, the shopper 22 can complete the payment without selecting the payment method.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the clerk 21 who operates the product registration device 11 inputs the payment method desired by the shopper 22 is illustrated. As another embodiment, a mode in which the shopper himself inputs the payment method desired by the shopper 22 into the product registration device 11 can be considered. For example, the buttons B11 to B13 displayed in the display area R12 of the transfer destination selection screen SC1 are displayed on the touch panel 11g2 for the customer. Then, the CPU 11a accepts the input of the buttons B11 to B13 from the time when the product code is input in the process of Act 3 of FIG. 4 until the payment device 12 is designated in the process of Act 11. Then, when it is detected that the buttons B11 to B13 are touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flags F1 to F3 corresponding to the touched buttons B11 to B13 to "1". By doing so, the shopper 22 can input the payment method desired by the shopper 22 to the product registration device 11 by himself / herself.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the button B42 of the second payment screen SC3-2 is touched (YES in Act65, Act68 or Act71), the CPU 12a exemplifies the case where the CPU 12a shifts to the standby state of Act27 shown in FIG. bottom. As another embodiment, a screen for selecting a payment method such as cash payment, credit payment, electronic money payment, etc. may be displayed, and a device of the selected payment method may be activated via this screen. When such a form is adopted, although the operation of selecting the payment method occurs for the shopper 22 who changes the payment method at the payment stage, many shoppers 22 change the payment method at the payment stage. Therefore, it can have an effect of simplifying the operation for payment by the payment device 12.

Further, in the above embodiment, the non-cash payment method is limited to credit payment and electronic money payment, but the non-cash payment method is not limited to this. For example, it may correspond to payment by points using a point card, payment by a prepaid amount using a prepaid card, and the like.

Further, the above embodiment exemplifies a checkout system for transactions related to the sale of products, but for example, a checkout system for transactions related to the provision of services such as usage fees for parking lots and sports facilities, admission fees for amusement parks, etc. Is also applicable.

The transfer of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is generally performed in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like transferred separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to an operation by a user or the like. The control program or the like can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communicating via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the device can read it. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with the OS (operating system) or the like inside the device.

In addition, 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, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... Scanner, 11g1,11g2,12g ... Touch panel, 11h, 12h ... Printer, 11i, 12i1,12i2 ... Card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... Communication unit, 13 ... LAN, 21 ... Clerk, 22 ... shoppers, 31a, 31b ... transaction memory, 32a, 32b ... total memory, 33a, 33b ... selection flag memory.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes an input processing device and a payment device. The input processing device includes a first receiving means , a second receiving means , and a transmitting means. The first receiving means accepts the selection of any one of a plurality of payment methods. The second receiving means receives an instruction to transmit payment information based on the input data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services. When the transmission means receives the payment information transmission instruction by the second reception means, and if the first reception means accepts the selection of any one payment method, the payment information and the price for which the selection is accepted are accepted. Information indicating the payment method is transmitted to the payment device, and if the selection of the payment method is not accepted, the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method is not selected are transmitted to the payment device. The payment device includes a receiving means , a first processing means, and a second processing means . The receiving means receives the payment information transmitted from the input processing device . When the first processing means receives the payment information and the information indicating the payment method for which the selection has been accepted by the receiving means, the first processing means waits for the payment by the payment method indicated by the information and receives the data related to the payment required for the payment. When detected, the payment of payment information is processed. When the second processing means receives the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method is not selected by the receiving means, the second processing means waits for the payment by a plurality of payment methods and settles by one of the payment methods. When the data related to the payment required for payment is detected, the payment of payment information is processed.

In addition, 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.
[1] An input processing device and a payment device are provided, and the input processing device waits for input of data related to product sales or service provision, and generates payment information based on the input data. A storage means that waits for one of a plurality of payment methods to be specified and stores information indicating the specified payment method in a storage unit, and data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services. When the end of input is instructed, the payment device includes a transmission means for associating the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmitting the information to the payment device, and the payment device is transmitted from the input processing device. Receiving means for receiving payment information, determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means, and payment by the payment method determined by the determining means. A checkout system including a first processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when data related to payment required for standby and payment is detected.
[2] When the information associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not specified, the payment device waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and one of the payment methods. The checkout system according to the appendix [1], further comprising a second processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when the data related to the payment required for the payment is detected.
[3] When the information associated with the payment information indicates the specified payment method, the payment device notifies the payment method by the payment method, and indicates that the payment method is not specified. Occasionally, the checkout system according to the appendix [2] is further provided with a notification means for notifying the payment method for each of the plurality of payment methods.
[4] When the payment device is instructed to change the payment method determined by the determination means, the payment device waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and payment required for payment by any one of the payment methods. The check according to any one of the appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a third processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when the data relating to the above is detected. Out system.
[5] When the end of input of data related to product sales or service provision is instructed, the payment information generated based on the data related to product sales or service provision is designated from a plurality of payment methods. An input processing device for transmitting information indicating one of the payment methods in association with each other and a payment device constituting a checkout system, the receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device, and the above. Determining means for determining the payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means, and waiting for payment by the payment method determined by the determination means, and data on the payment required for payment. A payment device comprising: a first processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when detected.
[6] When the end of input of data related to product sales or service provision is instructed, payment information generated based on the data related to product sales or service provision is designated from a plurality of payment methods. The information associated with the payment information transmitted and received from the input processing device to the computer of the input processing device and the payment device constituting the checkout system for transmitting the information indicating one of the payment methods in association with each other. When the function of determining the payment method based on the above and the data regarding the payment required for the payment are detected by waiting for the payment by the determined payment method, the payment of the payment information received from the input processing device is processed. A control program to realize the function.

Claims (6)

Equipped with an input processing device and a payment device,
The input processing device is
A generation method that waits for the input of data related to product sales or service provision and generates payment information based on the input data,
A storage means that waits for one of the payment methods to be specified from a plurality of payment methods and stores information indicating the specified payment method in the storage unit.
When the end of input of data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services is instructed, the payment means is provided with a transmission means for associating the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmitting the data to the payment device.
The payment device is
A receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device, and
A determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means, and
It is provided with a first processing means for processing the settlement of the payment information received by the receiving means when it waits for the payment by the payment method determined by the determining means and detects the data related to the payment required for the settlement. A checkout system featuring. The payment device is
When the information associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not specified, data regarding payment required for payment by any one of the payment methods is awaited for payment by the plurality of payment methods. The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a second processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means. The payment device is
When the information associated with the payment information indicates the specified payment method, the payment method by the payment method is notified, and when the payment method is not specified, the plurality of payment methods are used. The checkout system according to claim 2, further comprising a notification means for notifying the payment method for each payment. The payment device is
When a change in the payment method determined by the determination means is instructed, payment by the plurality of payment methods is awaited, and when data regarding payment required for payment is detected by any one of the payment methods, the reception is received. The checkout system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a third processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the means. When the end of input of data related to product sales or service provision is instructed, one of a plurality of payment methods is specified in the payment information generated based on the data related to the product sales or service provision. It is a payment device that constitutes a checkout system and an input processing device that associates and sends information indicating one payment method.
A receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device, and
A determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means, and
It is equipped with a first processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when it waits for the payment by the payment method determined by the determination means and detects the data related to the payment required for the payment. A payment device featuring. When the end of input of data related to product sales or service provision is instructed, one of a plurality of payment methods is specified in the payment information generated based on the data related to the product sales or service provision. To the computer of the input processing device and the payment device that constitutes the checkout system, which sends information indicating one payment method in association with each other.
A function of determining a payment method based on the information transmitted from the input processing device and associated with the received payment information, and
A control program for realizing a function of waiting for payment by the determined payment method, detecting data related to payment required for payment, and processing payment of the payment information received from the input processing device.

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