JP2022121737A - Settlement device and settlement program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a person who should make settlement from fraudulently leaving without paying a charge.

SOLUTION: When receiving a declaration to pay a charge by a first paying means, a settlement device receives the input of payment data by the first paying means. When receiving a declaration to pay the charge by a second paying means, the settlement device receives the input of payment data by the second paying means. Although the settlement device receives an instruction to restore a state of receiving a declaration when receiving a declaration to pay the charge by the first paying device, it does not receive the above-mentioned instruction when receiving a declaration to pay the price by the second paying means. Furthermore, the settlement device restores a state of receiving a declaration of whether the charge is paid by the first paying means or the second paying means when receiving the above-mentioned instruction.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment program for causing a payment device and a computer to function as the payment device.

2. Description of the Related Art There are types of settlement devices that are operated by a settlement person other than a store clerk, such as a shopper or a facility user, for example, to process the settlement of the price generated in a commercial transaction or the provision of a service, that is, the amount paid by a buyer to a seller. In addition, this type of payment apparatus includes a self-service system in which even the registration operation necessary for calculating the price is performed by the payer, and a semi-self system in which the registration operation is performed by the store clerk.

When paying in cash at a self-type or semi-self-type settlement device, the user first selects cash as the means of payment. The payer then inserts cash into the cash slot. As a result, when the amount of cash more than the price is put in, the settlement is completed. At that time, when change is generated, the change is dispensed from the change dispensing port, and the user collects the change.

In addition to cash, electronic money, credit cards, and the like can generally be used as means of payment. For this reason, in a self-type or semi-self-type settlement device, a first screen is displayed on the touch panel for allowing the settler to select one of the means of payment. For example, button images corresponding to each payment means are displayed on the first screen, so the payer touches the button image corresponding to the desired payment means. Then, the screen of the touch panel switches to the second screen for receiving input of payment data by the selected payment means.

Here, it is assumed that there is a settlement person who has selected one of the payment methods, but then wants to change to another payment method, and the second screen has a screen for accepting an instruction to return to the first screen. A "back" button is displayed. For this reason, a person who chooses cash as a means of payment, inserts less cash than the price and then presses the "return" button will return the cash that was inserted through the change dispenser. there is This kind of fraud is similar to the act of paying the price in cash and collecting change, so there is a possibility that the clerk will overlook the fraud.

JP 2017-58744 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention relates to a payment device and a payment program that can prevent fraudulent payment by a payer who leaves unpaid.

In one embodiment, the payment device comprises a first acceptance means, a second acceptance means, a payment means and a return means. The first receiving means receives a declaration to pay the price with one payment means out of at least two payment means, ie, the first payment means or the second payment means. The second receiving means receives input of payment data by the first payment means when the first receiving means receives a declaration that the price is to be paid by the first payment means. Further, the second receiving means receives input of payment data by the second payment means when the first receiving means receives a declaration that the price is to be paid by the second payment means. The settlement means settles the price based on the payment data by the first payment means when the input of the payment data by the first payment means is received by the second reception means. Further, the settlement means settles the price based on the payment data by the second payment means when the input of the payment data by the second payment means is received by the second reception means. After the first accepting means accepts the declaration that the price is to be paid by the first payment means, the returning means restores the state of accepting the declaration. After the first accepting means accepts the declaration that the price is to be paid by the second payment means, the settlement device cannot return to the state where the declaration is accepted by the returning means.

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system in one embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of a registration device and a settlement device included in the checkout system; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the payment device as viewed from above the front. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data memory areas formed in RAMs of the registration device and the settlement device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing main data memory areas formed in a RAM and an auxiliary storage device of the registration device; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to the registration program; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device according to the registration program; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the settlement device according to the settlement program. FIG. 9 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of accounting processing in FIG. 8; FIG. 10 is a flowchart specifically showing the processing procedure of the CPU of the settlement device after the cash button is touched in FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a flow diagram specifically showing the processing procedure of the CPU of the payment device after the credit button is touched in FIG. 9; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment means selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the settlement device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an electronic money reception screen displayed on the touch panel of the settlement device; The schematic diagram which shows an example of the cash reception screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment waiting screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device; FIG. 11 is a flow diagram specifically showing the processing procedure of the CPU of the settlement device after the cash button is touched in the second embodiment; FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cash reception screen displayed on the touch panel of the settlement apparatus in the second embodiment;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a settlement device capable of preventing the illegality of a settlement person who leaves without paying will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a settlement device in a semi-self checkout system installed in a retail store such as a supermarket is exemplified.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to the first embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 which are larger in number than the registration devices 11 . The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of the store.

In FIG. 1, two registration devices 11 (11-1, 11-2) and six settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-4, 12-5, 12- 6) and are arranged in two checkout lanes. One registration device 11 (11-1) and three settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) are arranged in one checkout lane. Three settlement devices 12 (12-1, 12-2, 12-3) arranged in the same checkout lane are grouped for the registration device 11 (11-1). Similarly, one registration device 11 (11-2) and three payment devices 12 (12-4, 12-5, 12-6) are arranged in the other checkout lane. Three settlement devices 12 (12-4, 12-5, 12-6) arranged in the same checkout lane are grouped for the registration device 11 (11-2).

The number of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary. Also, the ratio between the number of registration devices 11 and the number of settlement devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is arbitrary.

The registration device 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold at a store, that is, a so-called settlement person. However, the store clerk may be the payer.

The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passage (checkout lane) for shoppers 22 is formed by arranging a plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel.

The registration device 11 has functions of registering products for sale, generating accounting data, transferring the accounting data to the settlement device 12, and settlement processing. The registration of the merchandise for sale means registering the merchandise to be purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 as the merchandise for sale. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a product for sale. Accounting data is data relating to accounting for sales products registered as one transaction. Accounting data includes a product code, which is an identification code of the product to be sold, product name, unit price, number of products, amount of money, and the like. Settlement processing is to settle the price of a transaction, which is a commodity trading act, based on accounting data. The price is, for example, the total amount of purchased products. When there is only one product to be purchased, the price of the product can be the payment. Also, if there is a discount or discount on the total amount, the price will be the amount after the discount or discount. For settlement, cash, credit card, electronic money, etc. are used as payment.

The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when accounting data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes settlement of the transaction fee based on the accounting data.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. Both the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. A server (not shown) is connected to the LAN 13 . The server has a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product.

The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13 . As for the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13 . Further, a configuration may be adopted in which information is exchanged between the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

The 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 and 11g2. , a printer 11h, a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c and an auxiliary storage unit 11d via a transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each section to realize various functions of the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

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

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include a control program describing information processing executed by the registration device 11, such as a registration program. The registration device 11 is generally transferred with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network and written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product to obtain the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, scanner 11f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may also include a scanner of the type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for store employees and the other touch panel 11g2 is for customers. Each of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has a display screen of any screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

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

The card reader/writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards can include membership cards called membership cards, point cards, etc., in addition to settlement cards such as credit cards and electronic money cards.

The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with other registration devices 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

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

For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a registration device 11 .

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change dispenser 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader/writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The automatic change dispenser 12e is provided with a coin slot, a coin payout slot, a banknote slot, and a banknote payout slot, respectively. The automatic change dispenser 12e receives coins and banknotes inserted from the coin slot and the bill slot. Also, the automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and banknotes as change from the coin dispensing opening and the bill dispensing opening.

Other functions of the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader/writer 12i, communication unit 12j, and transmission system 12k are the functions of the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage of the registration device 11. It is equivalent to the unit 11d, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader/writer 11i, the communication unit 11j, and the transmission system 11k.

That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to form a computer. The CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include a control program describing information processing executed by the settlement device 12, such as a settlement program. Transfer of the settlement device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-service system can be used.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the settlement apparatus 12 as viewed from above the front. The settlement apparatus 12 includes a first housing 121 having a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g and the like, and a second housing 122 having an automatic change dispenser 12e and the like. The first housing 121 is provided above the second housing 122 integrally with the second housing 122 .
The second housing 122 is formed with a coin slot 123 , a coin payout slot 124 , a banknote slot 125 and a banknote payout slot 126 . That is, a coin payout port 124, a banknote payout port 126, and a bill payout port 125 are provided stepwise in order from the back side where the coin slot 123 is provided toward the front side. Specifically, the surface provided with the coin slot 123 is the upper stage, the stage provided with the coin dispensing slot 124 is the middle stage located below the upper stage, and the banknote dispensing port 126 and the banknote slot 125 are provided. The lower stage is located below the middle stage. The coin dispensing opening 124 located in the middle stage is located closer to the front side in the depth direction of the second housing 122 than the coin insertion opening 123 located in the upper stage. Further, the banknote payout port 126 and the banknote insertion port 125 located in the lower stage are located closer to the front side in the depth direction of the second housing 122 than the coin payout opening 124 located in the middle stage. By arranging the coin slot 123, the coin payout slot 124, the banknote slot 125, and the bill payout slot 126 in a stepped manner in this manner, it is possible to see all the slot and discharge ports from the back side to the front side. can.

The checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the payment device 12 having such configurations forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing data of sales products in one transaction. The data includes items such as product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price. A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by a barcode, for example, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per item. The number is the number of sales of the same product, and the amount is the amount (sales amount) for the number of sales. The data memory area 31 is hereinafter referred to as transaction memory. The transaction memory 31a for the registration device 11 and the transaction memory 31b for the settlement device 12 are used.

The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number of items and the total amount of money. The total number is the total number of sales stored in transaction memory 31 . The total amount is the sum of the sales amounts stored in the transaction memory 31 . The data memory area 32 is hereinafter referred to as total memory. The memory for the registration device 11 is represented by a total memory 32a, and the memory for the settlement device 12 is represented by a total memory 32b.

The checkout system 10 forms the data memory area 41 shown in FIG.

The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price of one sales product. The data memory area 41 is hereinafter referred to as a temporary buffer 41 .

The data memory area 42 stores settlement apparatus IDs and identification names in association with a series of list numbers (accounting data transfer order) starting from "1". The settlement device ID is a unique ID assigned to each settlement device 12 to individually identify each settlement device 12 and stored in the ROM 12b, for example. Incidentally, the same registration device ID is stored in the ROM 11b for each registration device 11 as well. The identification name is a unique name individually set for each settlement device 12 . The operator of the registration device 11 can determine which payment device 12 is indicated from the identification name. The data memory area 42 is hereinafter referred to as a list table 42 .

The list number "1" of the list table 42 is preset with the payment device ID and identification name of the payment device 12 installed closest to the registration device 11, and the list number "2" is set. , the settlement device ID and the identification name of the settlement device 12 that is installed second closest to the registration device 11 are set in advance. In this way, the transfer order of accounting data is set in descending order of distance from the registration device 11 . Note that such a setting is an example, and the transfer order does not necessarily have to be set in order of distance from the registration device 11 .

6 and 7 are flowcharts showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the registration program. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 according to the settlement program. 9 to 11 are flow charts specifically showing the procedure of accounting processing during the information processing shown in the flow chart of FIG. 12 to 15 are schematic diagrams showing various image examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of operation modes. When the registration device 11 is activated in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act 1). This initialization clears the transaction memory 31a, total memory 32a and temporary buffer 41. FIG.

Next, the CPU 11a uses the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen (Act 2). The registration screen displays the contents of the temporary buffer 41, the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the progress of the registration process.

After confirming that the registration screen is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the store clerk 21 recognizes that the product to be purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the store clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs the product code of the product. When the product codes of all the products have been entered, the store clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operations, the registration of the product to be purchased by one shopper (sale registration for one transaction) is completed.

In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a that displays the registration screen waits for input of a product code (Act 3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. . Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of pieces to calculate the amount of money for the number of pieces. The number is the numerical value when the number is entered with the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is entered, and is "1" when the number is not entered. When the CPU 11a thus generates the product sales data including the product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price, it stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 4). At this time, if merchandise sales data has already been stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the stored merchandise sales data to the transaction memory 31, and then transfers new merchandise sales data to the temporary buffer 41. store in

The CPU 11a adds the number and amount stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1 and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the next product code has been input (Act 6). If the product code has not been input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the product code has been input (Act 6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the product code or the touch of the subtotal button in Act6 and Act7. Note that when the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to processing corresponding to the occurrence event. Such an operation is the same in other waiting states.

In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, when the product code is input (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

In the waiting state of Act6 and Act7, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processes of Act8 and Act9. Note that the processing procedures of Act8 and Act9 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 8 , the CPU 11 a moves the merchandise sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31 . Then, the CPU 11a generates accounting data from the data in the transaction memory 31a and the data in the total memory 32a. In Act 9, the CPU 11a uses the screen of the touch panel 11g as a checkout screen. The accounting confirmation screen displays the total number of items in the total memory 32a, the total amount of money, and the like. The checkout screen displays button images including a return button and a checkout button. The return button is a button image for the store clerk 21 to specify to return the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen. The checkout button is a button image for the store clerk 21 to instruct the transition to checkout after completing product registration for one transaction.

The CPU 11a that displays the payment confirmation screen confirms whether or not the payment button has been pressed (Act 10). If the checkout button has not been pressed (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a checks whether the return button has been pressed (Act 11). If the return button has not been pressed (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a checks again whether the checkout button has been pressed (Act 10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for an input of the checkout button or an input of the return button in Act10 and Act11.

The store clerk 21 confirming the accounting confirmation screen confirms whether or not the merchandise purchased by the shopper 22 remains registered. If it remains, the store clerk 21 touches the return button. If not, the store clerk 21 touches the checkout button.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, when the return button is pressed (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a returns the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act 6, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, if the checkout button is touched (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a reads a list of IDs and identification names of the settlement devices 12 from the list table 42 (Act 13). Next, the CPU 11a detects the payment apparatus ID with the list number "1" from the list table 42 (Act 14). Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data generated in the process of Act 8 and the list data obtained in the process of Act 13 to the settlement apparatus ID of the list number "1" (Act 15). In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits "accounting data + list data" over the LAN 13 with the settlement device ID of the list number "1" as the destination and the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source. . This "accounting data + list data" is received by the settlement device 12 whose destination settlement device ID matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b.

When the CPU 12a of each settlement device 12 receives "accounting data + list data" via the communication unit 12j, it determines whether the settlement device ID added to the data as the destination matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. Confirm. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards the "accounting data + list data". If they match, the CPU 12a takes in "accounting data+list data". Then, the CPU 12a starts reception interrupt processing specifically shown in FIG.

When the reception interrupt process is started, the CPU 12a first checks the busy flag F (Act 21). The busy flag F is 1-bit data which is set to "1" while the CPU 12a is processing settlement of transactions based on accounting data, and is reset to "0" when the processing is completed, and is stored in the RAM 12c. there is Thus, while the busy flag F is set, the settlement device 12 is executing the settlement of the transaction. Therefore, the settlement device 12 cannot settle a new transaction.

If the busy flag F is reset, that is, if the settlement device 12 is ready to settle transactions (YES in Act21), the CPU 12a executes Act22, Act23 and Act24. The processing procedures of Act22, Act23 and Act24 are not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act22, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1".

In Act 23, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit transaction-enabled response command data to the registration device 11, which is the data transmission source. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends command data for an accountable response whose destination is the registration device ID set as the transmission source of "accounting data + list data" and whose transmission source is the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b. is transmitted onto the LAN 13 . This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing based on the received accounting data. The accounting treatment will be explained later. When the accounting process is finished, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" (Act 25).

This completes the reception interrupt processing for "accounting data + list data" in the state where the busy flag F is reset.

On the other hand, if the busy flag F is set, that is, if the settlement device 12 is in a state where settlement of the transaction cannot be executed (NO in Act 21), the CPU 12a searches the received list data (Act 26). . Then, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b is associated with the final list number of the list data (Act 27).

If the payment device ID is not associated with the final list number (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a adds "1" to the list number associated with the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b from the list data. is detected (Act 28). Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit "accounting data+list data" to the detected settlement apparatus ID (Act 29). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j transmits "accounting data + list data" to the LAN 13 with the detected settlement device ID as the destination and the registered device ID indicating the transmission source as it is. This "accounting data + list data" is received by the settlement device 12 whose destination settlement device ID matches the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b.

On the other hand, if the settlement device ID is associated with the final list number (the maximum value of the list number) (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a sends a non-accounting response to the data transmission source registration device 11. The communication unit 12j is instructed to transmit command data (Act 30). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends command data for a non-accounting response, with the registration device ID set as the transmission source of "accounting data + list data" as the destination and the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. is transmitted onto the LAN 13 . This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b.

This completes the reception interrupt processing of "accounting data + list data" in the state where the busy flag F is set.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the "accounting data + list data" in Act 15 of Fig. 7 waits for a response from the settlement device 12 (Act 16). When command data indicating a response is received via the communication unit 11j (YES in Act 16), the CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is a transaction-enabled response or a transaction-impossible response (Act 17).

In the case of a transaction-possible response (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a searches the list table 42 and reads out the identification name stored in association with the payment apparatus ID that is the transmission source of the command data. Then, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the payment apparatus 12 with this identification name is ready for payment in a part of the payment confirmation screen (Act 18). After confirming this message, the store clerk notifies the shopper to use the settlement device 12 specified by the identification name to pay the bill.

On the other hand, in the case of the transaction not possible response (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the transaction data could not be transmitted in a partial area of the transaction confirmation screen (Act 19). After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disabling process.

The transmission disabling process waits, for example, for the payment button to be pressed again, and once the payment button is pressed, the process from Act 13 onwards is executed again. In this case, the store clerk confirms the message and touches the checkout button.

In the transmission prohibition processing, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and transmitted to the server, and the printer 11h is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed. In this case, the store clerk confirms the message and gives the checkout ticket to the shopper. The shopper has the scanner 12f of the settlement device 12 prepared at a place other than the checkout lane, for example, to read the barcode of the checkout ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 acquires the accounting data attached with the identification code obtained from the bar code from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes the processing of Act22, Act24 and Act25 in FIG. 8 based on this accounting data.

In this manner, the store clerk 21 registers the product to be purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 . After completing the registration, the store clerk 21 touches the checkout button on the checkout screen. Then, accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions with this shopper 22 is transmitted together with the list data of the list table 42 . The destination of this "accounting data + list data" is the settlement device 12 (assumed to be settlement device 12-1) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number "1".

Here, if the settlement device 12-1 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-1 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, on the checkout confirmation screen of the registration device 11, the identification name representing the settlement device 12-1 and a message indicating that the checkout is ready are displayed. The user is notified to pay by the device 12-1.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-1 cannot execute the transaction settlement (busy flag F=1), the "accounting data + list data" is transferred from the settlement device 12-1 to the other settlement device 12. be. The conversion destination is the settlement device 12 (assumed to be settlement device 12-2) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number “2”.

Here, if the settlement device 12-2 can execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-2 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, on the checkout confirmation screen of the registration device 11, the identification name representing the settlement device 12-2 and a message indicating that the checkout is ready are displayed. The user is notified to pay by the device 12-2.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-2 cannot execute settlement of the transaction (busy flag F=1), the "accounting data + list data" is further transferred from the settlement device 12-2 to the other settlement device 12. be done. The conversion destination is the settlement device 12 (settlement device 12-3) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number “3”.

Here, if the settlement device 12-3 is capable of executing transaction settlement (busy flag F=0), the settlement device 12-3 transmits to the registration device 11 transaction enable response command data. As a result, on the checkout confirmation screen of the registration device 11, the identification name representing the payment device 12-3 and a message indicating that the checkout is ready are displayed. The user is notified to make a payment using the device 12-3.

On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-3 is incapable of executing transaction settlement (busy flag F=1), all three settlement devices 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3 will settle the transaction. is impossible. In this case, the settlement device 12-3 transmits command data for a non-accounting response to the registration device 11. FIG. As a result, a message indicating that transmission is not possible is displayed on the checkout confirmation screen of the registration device 11, so the clerk 21 touches the checkout button again. Alternatively, since a checkout ticket is issued together with a message indicating that transmission is prohibited, the salesclerk 21 passes the checkout ticket to the shopper 22 .

A shopper 22 notified by a store clerk 21 to pay with any settlement device 12 moves to the place of the settlement device 12. - 特許庁At this time, the settlement device 12 starts accounting processing according to the settlement program. When the accounting process is started, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 sets the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment method selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 12) (Act31).

FIG. 12 is an example of the payment means selection screen SC1. The payment method selection screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2 and buttons B1 and B2. The display area R1 displays operation guidance for the payer (usually the shopper 22) who operates the payment device 12. FIG. The display area R2 displays the total number and total price stored in the total memory 32b. The total number and total amount stored in the total memory 32b are values calculated by the settlement apparatus 12 based on the unit price, number, and amount of sales items included in the accounting data, similarly to the registration apparatus 11. FIG. Note that the values calculated by the registration device 11 may be used as they are. The button B1 is a payment button B1 for the payer to select one of the payment means from a plurality of payment means.

The payment button B1 includes a cash button B11 operated by the settler when the means of payment is cash, a credit button B12 operated by the settler when the means of payment is a credit card, and a button B12 operated by the settler when the means of payment is electronic money. and an electronic money button B13 operated by . The button B2 is a clerk call button B2 operated by the payer when calling the clerk 21 .

After confirming the payment method selection screen SC1, the settler decides the payment method for the price and touches the payment button B1 corresponding to the payment method.

The CPU 12a that has displayed the payment method selection screen SC1 checks whether or not the cash button B11 has been touched (Act 32). If the cash button B11 has not been touched (NO in Act32), the CPU 12a checks whether the credit button B12 has been touched (Act33). If the credit button B12 has not been touched (NO in Act33), the CPU 12a checks whether the electronic money button B13 has been touched (Act34). If the electronic money button B13 has not been touched (NO in Act34), the CPU 12a checks again whether the cash button B11 has been touched (Act32). Thus, the CPU 12a waits for any one of the cash button B11, the credit button B12 and the electronic money button B13 to be touched as Act32 to Act34.

In this embodiment, cash, credit cards, and electronic money are exemplified as payment means. When paying by credit card or electronic money, the card data of the credit card or electronic money card is read through the card reader/writer 12i. By reading these card data, the personal information of the card owner or the settlement person is taken into the settlement device 12 . Here, payment means by credit card or electronic money corresponds to the first payment means. On the other hand, when paying by cash, the payer inserts cash into the banknote slot 125 or the coin slot 123 . When the payment with cash is completed and there is change, bills as change are dispensed from the bill payout port 126 and coins are dispensed from the coin payout port 124 . Here, the cash payment means corresponds to the second payment means.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12g to execute the processes of Act 32, Act 33 and Act 34, thereby declaring whether to pay the price with the first payment means or the second payment means. It is accepted. That is, a first receiving means is realized.

When the CPU 12a detects that the electronic money button B13 has been touched in the standby state from Act32 to Act34 (Act34, YES), the screen of the touch panel 12g is changed to the electronic money reception screen SC2 (see FIG. 13) (Act35). .

FIG. 13 is an example of the electronic money reception screen SC2. The electronic money acceptance screen SC2 includes a button B3 in addition to the display areas R1 and R2 and the clerk call button B2 similar to the payment method selection screen SC1. The button B3 is a return button B3 operated by the payer to cancel the previous operation and return to the previous screen.

After confirming the electronic money reception screen SC2, the payer causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the electronic money card when continuing the payment with electronic money. On the other hand, when canceling the payment with electronic money, the settler touches the return button B3. Also, when calling a clerk, the payer touches the clerk call button B2.

The CPU 12a that displays the electronic money reception screen SC2 determines whether or not the return button B3 has been touched (Act36). If the return button B3 is not touched (Act36, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 is touched (Act37). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act 37, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not payment data with electronic money has been input (Act 38). Electronic money payment data is electronic money balance data recorded in an electronic money recording medium such as an electronic money card. The input of the payment data means that the balance data of the electronic money recorded in the electronic money recording medium is read by the card reader/writer 12i. If payment data with electronic money has not been input (Act38, NO), the CPU 12a checks again whether the return button B3 has been touched (Act36). Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the return button B3 or the store clerk call button B2 to be touched, or for the input of electronic money payment data in Acts 36-38.

When the CPU 12a detects that the return button B3 has been touched in the standby state of Act36 to Act38 (Act36, YES), it returns to the processing of Act31. That is, the CPU 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12g from the electronic money reception screen SC2 to the payment method selection screen SC1.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12g to execute the processing of Act 36, thereby accepting the declaration to pay the price with electronic money, which is a kind of the first payment means, by the first receiving means. In this case, the instruction to return to the state of accepting the declaration of whether to pay the price by the first payment means or the second payment means is accepted.

Further, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act36 and Act31, and after accepting the declaration to pay the price with electronic money, which is a kind of the first payment means, by the first reception means, accepts the declaration. It will return to the state of acceptance. That is, return means are realized.

When the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state of Act36 to Act38 (Act37, YES), the CPU 12a controls the communication unit 12j to transmit the clerk call signal to the registration device 11. (Act 39). By this control, a clerk calling signal is transmitted from the communication unit 12j to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13. FIG. In the registration device 11 that has received this clerk calling signal, for example, a message is displayed on the clerk's side touch panel 11g1 to notify the operator of the settlement apparatus 12 that is calling the clerk.

The CPU 12a that has controlled the transmission of the clerk call signal sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as the clerk call screen (Act 40). The clerk call screen includes, for example, a message for notifying the payer that the clerk is being called. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

Further, when the CPU 12a detects that the card reader/writer 12i has read balance data of electronic money recorded in an electronic money recording medium such as an electronic money card in the standby state of Act36 to Act38, the payment data by electronic money is read. judged to have been entered. When determining that the payment data for electronic money has been input (Act 38, YES), the CPU 12a executes electronic money payment processing (Act 41). Since this process is a well-known process of deducting the transaction price from the electronic money balance, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the card reader/writer 12i to execute the processing of Act 38, thereby declaring that the first receiving means will pay the price with electronic money, which is a kind of the first payment means. If accepted, it means that the input of payment data with electronic money has been accepted. That is, a part of the second receiving means is realized.

Further, by executing the process of Act 41, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a, when the second accepting means accepts input of payment data in electronic money, which is a kind of the first payment means, Payment is settled based on the payment data. That is, a part of payment means is realized.

When the electronic money payment process is completed in this way, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a payment end screen (Act 42). The payment completion screen includes a message or the like for notifying the payer that payment has been completed. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

When the CPU 12a detects that the credit button B12 has been touched in the standby state of Act32 to Act34 (Act33, YES), the process proceeds to Act51 of FIG. That is, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a card acceptance screen (Act 51). The card acceptance screen is the same as the electronic money acceptance screen SC2 except for the message in the display area R1. In the case of the electronic money reception screen SC2, for example, a message such as "Please let the reader read the electronic money" is displayed in the display area R1. Please let the department read it." is displayed. The card acceptance screen is also the same as the electronic money acceptance screen SC2 in that a return button B3 is displayed in addition to the clerk call button B2.

After confirming the card acceptance screen, the payer causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the credit card when continuing the payment by the credit card. On the other hand, when canceling payment by credit card, the payer touches the return button B3. Also, when calling a clerk, the payer touches the clerk call button B2.

The CPU 12a that displays the card reception screen determines whether or not the return button B3 has been touched (Act 52). If the return button B3 is not touched (Act 52, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 is touched (Act 53). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act 53, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether credit card data has been input (Act 54). If credit card data has not been entered (Act 54, NO), the CPU 12a checks again whether the return button B3 has been touched (Act 52). Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the return button B3 or the clerk call button B2 to be touched, or the credit card data to be input, in Acts 52 to 54.

When the CPU 12a detects that the return button B3 has been touched in the standby state from Act52 to Act54 (Act52, YES), it returns to the process of Act31. That is, the CPU 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12g from the card reception screen to the payment method selection screen SC1.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12g to execute the processing of Act 52, thereby accepting the declaration to pay the price with a credit card, which is a kind of the first payment means, by the first reception means. In this case, it means that the instruction to return to the state of accepting the declaration of whether the price is to be paid by the first payment means or the second payment means is accepted.

Further, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 52 and Act 31, and after accepting the declaration to pay the price with a credit card, which is a kind of the first payment means, by the first reception means, the declaration is accepted. It will return to the state of acceptance. That is, return means are realized.

When the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state of Acts 52 to 54 (Act 53, YES), the CPU 12a sends a clerk call signal to the registration device 11 in the same manner as in the processing of Act 39 described above. Control the communication unit 12j to transmit (Act 55). Further, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as the clerk call screen (Act 56), similarly to the process of Act 40 described above. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

When the CPU 12a detects that credit card data has been read by the card reader/writer 12i in the standby state from Act52 to Act54, the CPU 12a determines that credit card payment data has been input. Credit card payment data is authentication data recorded in a credit card. When determining that credit card payment data has been input (Act 54, YES), the CPU 12a executes credit card payment processing (Act 57). Since this process is a well-known process including credit card authentication, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the card reader/writer 12i to execute the processing of Act 54, thereby declaring that the first receiving means will pay the price with a credit card, which is a kind of the first payment means. If accepted, it means that input of payment data by credit card has been accepted. That is, a part of the second receiving means is realized.

In addition, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a executes the process of Act 57, so that when the second accepting means accepts input of payment data by credit card, which is a type of the first payment means, Payment is settled based on the payment data. That is, a part of payment means is realized.

When the credit card payment process is completed in this way, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a payment end screen (Act 58). The payment completion screen includes a message or the like for notifying the payer that payment has been completed. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

When the CPU 12a detects that the cash button B11 has been touched in the standby state of Act32 to Act34 (Act32, YES), the process proceeds to Act61 of FIG. That is, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g to the cash reception screen SC3 (see FIG. 14) (Act61).

FIG. 14 is an example of the cash reception screen SC3. The cash reception screen SC3 includes a display area R3 and a clerk call button B2 in addition to the display area R1 similar to the payment method selection screen SC1. However, the return button B3 displayed on the electronic money reception screen SC2 or the credit card reception screen is not displayed. The display area R3 is an area for displaying the total amount, the input amount, and the amount of change.

After confirming the cash acceptance screen SC3, the payer inserts cash into the bill slot 125 or coin slot 123 of the automatic change dispenser 12e when continuing to pay in cash. On the other hand, when canceling the payment in cash or when calling a clerk, the payer touches the clerk call button B2.

The CPU 12a that has displayed the cash reception screen SC3 determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act 62). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act 62, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 63). If no cash has been inserted (Act 63, NO), the CPU 12a again confirms whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act 62). Thus, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B2 to be touched or cash to be inserted in Acts 62 and 63.

When the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state of Act62 and Act63 (Act62, YES), the CPU 12a sends the clerk call signal to the registration device 11 in the same manner as the processing of Act39 and Act55 described above. (Act 69). In addition, the CPU 12a makes the screen of the touch panel 12g the clerk call screen (Act 70), similarly to the processes of Act 40 and Act 56 described above. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

Incidentally, the called clerk can return the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment method selection screen SC1 by performing a predetermined return operation after switching the operation mode of the payment device 12 to the clerk mode. That is, the settlement device 12 has a second return means different from the return means. Therefore, a person who has stopped paying by cash can pay by another means of payment, such as a credit card or electronic money, by calling a store clerk. Note that the return means is a means by which any payer can return the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment means selection screen SC1. On the other hand, the second return means is a means that can be returned only by a limited number of people, such as a store clerk.

When the CPU 12a detects that a banknote or coin has been inserted into the banknote slot 125 or the coin slot 123 of the automatic change dispenser in the standby state of Act62 and Act63, it determines that cash payment data has been input. When determining that payment data in cash has been input (Act 63, YES), the CPU 12a calculates the amount of payment (Act 64). Then, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the amount of money received is greater than or equal to the amount of payment (Act 65). If the received amount is less than the paid amount (Act65, NO), the CPU 12a returns to the standby state of Act62 and Act63. Therefore, if more cash is entered (Act 63, YES), the entered amount is added. Then, when the CPU 12a confirms that the amount of money received is greater than or equal to the amount of payment (Act65, YES), the screen of the touch panel 12g is changed to the accounting waiting screen SC4 (see FIG. 15) (Act66).

FIG. 15 is an example of the accounting waiting screen SC4. The checkout waiting screen SC4 is a screen obtained by adding a checkout button B4 to the cash reception screen SC3.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the automatic change dispenser 12e to execute the processing of Act 63, thereby accepting the declaration to pay the price in cash, which is a kind of the second payment means, by the first reception means. In this case, the input of payment data in cash is accepted. That is, a part of the second receiving means is realized. On the other hand, when the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a accepts the declaration to pay the price in cash, which is the second payment means, by the first reception means, the payment is made by the first payment means or by the second payment means. It does not accept instructions to return to the state of accepting the declaration of whether to pay by means.

After confirming the payment waiting screen SC4, the payer touches the payment button B4 to complete the payment in cash. On the other hand, when calling a clerk, the payer touches the clerk call button B2.

The CPU 12a that has displayed the checkout waiting screen SC4 determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act 67). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act 67, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the checkout button B4 is touched (Act 68). If the checkout button B4 has not been touched (Act68, NO), the CPU 12a again confirms whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act67). Thus, the CPU 12a waits in Acts 67 and 68 for the clerk call button B2 to be touched or the checkout button B4 to be touched.

When the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state of Act 67 and Act 68 (Act 67, YES), the CPU 12a controls the communication unit 12j to transmit the clerk call signal to the registration device 11. (Act 69). Further, the CPU 12a uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a clerk call screen (Act 70). With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12a detects that the accounting button B4 has been touched in the standby state of Act67 and Act68 (Act68, YES), it executes cash payment processing (Act71). This process is a well-known process of subtracting the amount of payment from the amount of cash deposited from the banknote slot 125 or the coin slot 123 to calculate the amount of change. Cash corresponding to the amount of change is dispensed from the banknote dispensing opening 126 or the coin dispensing opening 124 of the automatic change machine 12e. Also, the printer 12h is driven to print and issue a receipt.

Therefore, by executing the process of Act 71, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a receives the input of the payment data in cash, which is a type of the second payment means, by the second reception means. Payment will be made based on That is, a part of payment means is realized.

When the cash payment process is completed in this way, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a payment end screen (Act 72). The payment completion screen includes a message or the like for notifying the payer that payment has been completed. With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

As described above, according to the settlement apparatus 12 of the present embodiment, when the settlement person selects a credit card or electronic money as a means of payment on the payment means selection screen SC1, the screen of the touch panel 12g is a credit acceptance screen or an electronic money acceptance screen. Screen SC2 is displayed. A return button B3 is displayed on the credit acceptance screen or the electronic money acceptance screen SC2. Therefore, the payer can return the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment method selection screen SC1 by touching the return button B3.

On the other hand, when the payer selects cash as the means of payment, the screen of the touch panel 12g becomes the cash reception screen SC3, but the return button B3 is not displayed on this cash reception screen SC3. Therefore, the payer cannot return the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment method selection screen SC1. In other words, even if the payer selects cash as a means of payment, inserts less cash than the price, operates the "return" button, and leaves without paying, it cannot be carried out. Therefore, fraudulent non-payment can be prevented in advance when cash is used as a means of payment.

In general, such fraud involves the use of the medium for entering payment data, i.e., the cash slot (coin slot 123, bill slot 125) and the medium associated with the entry of said payment data, i.e., payment of change. Since the exits (coin dispensing opening 124, banknote dispensing opening 126) are different, it is difficult for the store clerk to notice. According to this embodiment, as described above, the return button B3 is not displayed on the cash reception screen SC3, so this kind of fraud can be reliably prevented.
The medium for inputting payment data is cash in the case of cash payment, a credit card in the case of credit payment, and an electronic money recording medium such as an electronic money card in the case of electronic money payment. be. The medium related to the input of the payment data is change or the same amount of money as the inserted amount in the case of cash payment, an inserted credit card in the case of credit payment, and an inserted credit card in the case of electronic money payment. is the inserted electronic money recording medium.

On the other hand, in the case of credit cards and electronic money as payment means, the settlement device 12 can acquire the information of the settlement person who is the card owner. The information of the payer is, for example, the name, address, telephone number, and the like. Therefore, there is a low possibility that the person making the payment will misuse the return button B3 and leave without paying, as in the case of cash. Therefore, there is no problem even if the return button B3 is displayed on the credit acceptance screen or the electronic money acceptance screen SC2. can be changed to Also, even in the case of cash payment, if the information of the payer can be obtained, a return button may be displayed. For example, a return button may be displayed after the payment device 12 acquires a membership card from which the information of the payer can be acquired.
The acquired information of the payer is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 11d in association with the identifier that identifies the transaction.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the return button B3 is not displayed on the cash acceptance screen SC3 displayed on the touch panel 12g when the payer selects cash as the means of payment. However, it is conceivable that after selecting cash as a means of payment, there may be a payer who wishes to change to another means of payment before depositing cash. Before the cash is inserted, even if the return button is operated, the cash is not dispensed from the banknote dispensing opening 126 or the coin dispensing opening 124 of the automatic change machine 12e, so the fraud of leaving without paying the bill cannot occur.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, when cash is selected as the payment method, a button B3 for returning to the payment method selection screen SC1 is displayed until cash is inserted so that the screen can be returned to the payment method selection screen SC1. will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIG. 1 to 11, 12, 13, and 15 described in the first embodiment are also used in the second embodiment as they are, and descriptions thereof are omitted here.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 according to the settlement program after the cash button B11 is touched in Act32 of FIG. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

When the CPU 12a detects that the cash button B11 has been touched in the standby state of Act32 to Act34 (Act32, YES), it proceeds to Act81 of FIG. That is, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as the cash reception screen SC5 (see FIG. 17) (Act81).

FIG. 17 is an example of the cash reception screen SC5. The cash reception screen SC5 is a screen to which a button B3 for returning to the cash reception screen SC3 of the first embodiment is added.

After confirming the cash acceptance screen SC5, the payer inserts cash into the banknote slot 125 or the coin slot 123 of the automatic change dispenser 12e when continuing to pay in cash. On the other hand, when canceling the payment in cash, the payer touches the return button B3. Also, when calling a clerk, the payer touches the clerk call button B2.

The CPU 12a that displays the cash acceptance screen SC5 determines whether or not the return button B3 has been touched (Act82). If the return button B3 is not touched (Act82, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 is touched (Act83). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act83, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act84). If no cash has been inserted (Act84, NO), the CPU 12a checks again whether the return button B3 has been touched (Act82). Thus, the CPU 12a waits in Acts 82 to 84 for the return button B3 or the clerk call button B2 to be touched, or for cash payment data to be input.

When the CPU 12a detects that the return button B3 has been touched in the standby state from Act82 to Act84 (Act82, YES), it returns to the process of Act31. That is, the CPU 12a returns the screen of the touch panel 12g from the cash reception screen SC5 to the payment method selection screen SC1.

On the other hand, when the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state from Act82 to Act84 (Act83, YES), the CPU 12a causes the communication unit 12j to transmit the clerk call signal to the registration device 11. control (Act 95). The CPU 12a also uses the screen of the touch panel 12g as a clerk call screen (Act 96). With this, the CPU 12a ends the accounting process.

When the CPU 12a detects that bills or coins have been inserted into the bill slot 125 or coin slot 123 of the automatic change dispenser in the standby state of Act82 to Act84, it determines that cash has been input as payment data. When determining that cash has been input (Act83, YES), the CPU 12a erases the return button B3 from the cash reception screen SC5 (Act84). The CPU 12a also calculates the amount of money to be paid (Act 86). Then, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the amount of money received is greater than or equal to the amount of payment (Act 87). If the received amount is less than the paid amount (Act 87, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act 88). If the clerk call button B2 is not touched (Act88, NO), the CPU 12a determines whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act89). If cash has not been inserted (Act 89, NO), the CPU 12a again confirms whether or not the clerk call button B2 has been touched (Act 88). Thus, in Act88 and Act89, the CPU 12a waits for the clerk call button B2 to be touched or for cash payment data to be input.

When the CPU 12a detects that the clerk call button B2 has been touched in the standby state of Act88 and Act89 (Act88, YES), it executes the processes of Act95 and Act96.

Further, when the CPU 12a detects that payment data in cash has been input in the standby state of Act88 and Act89, it executes the processing of Act86 and Act87 described above. Therefore, if more cash is entered (Act 89, YES), the entered amount is added. When the CPU 12a confirms that the amount of money received is greater than or equal to the amount of money paid (Act 87, YES), the screen of the touch panel 12g is changed to the accounting waiting screen SC4 (Act 90).

After that, the CPU 12a executes the same processes as Act67 to Act70 of the first embodiment as Act91 to Act96.

Therefore, the computer mainly composed of the CPU 12a cooperates with the touch panel 12g to execute the processes of Act81 to Act89, thereby accepting the declaration to pay the price in cash, which is the second payment means, by the first reception means, and , when the input of the payment data in cash is received by the second receiving means, the instruction to return to the state of accepting the declaration is not accepted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the cash button B11 is touched and cash is selected as the payment means, the button B3 for returning to the cash reception screen SC5 that is displayed after that is displayed. The return button B3 disappears from the cash reception screen SC5 when cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e. Therefore, the payer who has selected cash as the payment method can return the screen of the touch panel 12g to the payment method selection screen SC1 by touching the return button B3 before inserting cash.

On the other hand, since the return button B3 is erased when cash is inserted, the payer cannot operate the return button B3. Therefore, even in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent fraudulent behavior such as leaving without payment.

Other embodiments will be described below.

The first embodiment exemplifies the first operation in which the return button B3 is not displayed on the cash reception screen SC3. In the second embodiment, cash is displayed while the cash reception screen SC3 including the return button B3 is displayed. The second operation is illustrated in which the back button B3 is deleted when it is inserted. In another embodiment, the first operation and the second operation can be selected as options of the settlement device 12. FIG. By doing so, it is possible to easily select whether to adopt the first operation or the second operation at the store where the settlement device 12 is introduced.

In the first and second embodiments, cash, credit cards, and electronic money are used as payment means, but payment means are not limited to these. Other payment instruments may be added. Also, any payment means may be omitted.

In that case, the first payment means is not limited to credit cards and electronic money. Similarly, the second means of payment is not limited to cash. In short, the second payment means should be used for the payment means that may cause fraudulent leaving without paying due to the operation of the return button B3, and the first payment means should be used for the other payment means.

In the first and second embodiments, the semi-self checkout system in which the registration device 11 transmits "accounting data + list data" to the settlement device 12 was exemplified. The out system is not limited to this. For example, the registration device 11 transmits accounting data to one preset settlement device 12 . The settlement device 12 performs settlement processing based on the accounting data if settlement is possible, but transmits the accounting data to another preset settlement device if settlement is not possible. This type of semi-self checkout system may be used. Alternatively, for example, a semi-self checkout system of a type that transmits accounting data to one payment device 12 selected by a store clerk in the registration device 11 may be used. In short, the type of semi-self checkout system is not particularly limited. Further, for example, the same configuration as that of the present embodiment can be applied to a payment device of a self-service checkout system in which even a registration operation necessary for calculating the price is performed by a payment person who is not a store clerk.

Additionally, while several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

11 registration device 12 settlement device 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d auxiliary storage unit 11e drawer opening unit 12e automatic change dispenser 11f, 12f scanner 11g1, 11g2, 12g touch panel 11h, 12h printer 11i, 12i card reader/writer 11j, 12j communication unit 11k, 12k transmission system 13 LAN 31 (31a, 31b) ... transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... total memory, 41 ... temporary buffer, 42 ... list table.

Claims (9)

a first receiving means for receiving a declaration of payment by one of at least two means of payment, i.e., the first means of payment or the second means of payment;
When the first receiving means receives a declaration to pay the price with the first payment means, input of payment data by the first payment means is received, and the first receiving means receives the price. a second receiving means for receiving input of payment data by the second payment means when a declaration of payment by the second payment means is received;
When the input of the payment data by the first payment means is accepted by the second reception means, the payment is settled based on the payment data by the first payment means, and the payment is made by the second reception means. settlement means for settling the price based on the payment data by the second payment means when input of payment data by the second payment means is accepted;
a returning means for returning to a state of accepting the declaration after the first accepting means accepts the declaration that the price is to be paid by the first payment means;
The settlement device, wherein after the declaration of paying the price by the second payment means is received by the first reception means, the return means cannot return to the state of accepting the declaration. 2. A second return means different from said return means for returning to a state of accepting said declaration after said first acceptance means accepts a declaration that said price is to be paid by said second payment means. Payment device as described. a first receiving means for receiving a declaration of payment by one of at least two means of payment, i.e., the first means of payment or the second means of payment;
When the first receiving means receives a declaration to pay the price with the first payment means, input of payment data by the first payment means is received, and the first receiving means receives the price. a second receiving means for receiving input of payment data by the second payment means when a declaration of payment by the second payment means is received;
When the input of the payment data by the first payment means is accepted by the second reception means, the payment is settled based on the payment data by the first payment means, and the payment is made by the second reception means. settlement means for settling the price based on the payment data by the second payment means when input of payment data by the second payment means is accepted;
After the first receiving means receives a declaration to pay the price with the first payment means, or after the first receiving means receives a declaration to pay the price with the second payment means; and returning means for returning to a state of accepting the declaration until the second accepting means accepts input of payment data from the second payment means,
After the first accepting means accepts the declaration to pay the price with the second payment means and after the second accepting means accepts input of payment data by the second payment means, The settlement device that cannot be returned to the state of accepting the declaration by the return means. after the first accepting means accepts the declaration to pay the price with the second payment means and after the second accepting means accepts input of payment data by the second payment means, the declaration 4. The settlement apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising second return means different from said return means for returning to an accepting state. 5. The settlement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said first payment means is a payment means capable of acquiring information of a settlement person who pays said price. 5. Any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second payment means is a payment means having a medium slot for inputting said payment data and a medium dispensing slot related to input of said payment data. 1. The payment device according to item 1. 5. The settlement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second payment means is a payment means using cash. a first receiving means for receiving a payment declaration;
a second receiving means for receiving input of payment data when the first receiving means receives the declaration of payment;
settlement means for settling the price based on the payment data when the input of the payment data is received by the second reception means;
a return means for returning to a state of accepting the payment declaration after the payment declaration is accepted by the first reception means;
After the payment declaration is received by the first reception means and when the input of the payment data is received by the second reception means, the return means cannot return to the state of accepting the payment declaration. payment device. the computer,
a first receiving means for receiving a declaration of payment of the price;
a second receiving means for receiving input of payment data when the first receiving means receives the declaration of payment;
settlement means for settling the price based on the payment data when the input of the payment data is received by the second reception means; and
After the payment declaration is received by the first reception means, it functions as a return means for returning to a state of accepting the payment declaration, and
After the payment declaration is received by the first reception means and when the input of the payment data is received by the second reception means, the return means cannot return to the state of accepting the payment declaration. A payment program that works for

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