JP2023045659A - Settlement device and control program thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a settlement device and a control program of the settlement device capable of efficiently performing settlement by settlement information included in a point card.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes acquisition means, receiving means, determination means, settlement means, and providing means. The acquisition means acquires identification information of a settling person and settlement information used for the settlement of a transaction with the settling person. The receiving means receives an instruction of the settlement of the transaction. The determination means determines whether or not the settling person is a member of service based on the settlement of the transaction according to the identification information of the settling person acquired by the acquisition means after the receiving means receives the instruction of the settlement of the transaction. The settlement means performs the settlement of the transaction with the settling person by the settlement information acquired by the acquisition means after the receiving means receives the instruction of the settlement of the transaction. The providing means provides service based on the settlement of the transaction to the settling person who is determined as the member by the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The embodiment of the present invention relates to a settlement device and its control program.

In recent years, point cards having electronic money functions, so-called point cards with electronic money, have been widely used. With the point card with electronic money, service points accumulated by settling transactions at a point card affiliated store can be charged into house-type electronic money that can be used at the affiliated store, so customers can be retained.

A point card with electronic money can automatically pay for a transaction set as a transaction for giving service points by reading card data with electronic money attached to the card. By identifying that the customer is a member of the point service before settlement processing using electronic money (for example, before or during registration of purchased products), the customer can receive service points. Therefore, the customer needs to have the card data read by a card reader or the like of the payment device in advance. Therefore, in the case of a self-service payment device, if the customer forgets to have the card reader read the card data in advance, service points will not be awarded. As a result, there has been a situation in which the point card with electronic money cannot be used effectively.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-087020

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement device and its control program that can effectively perform settlement using settlement information possessed by a point card.

In one embodiment, the payment device comprises acquisition means, reception means, determination means, payment means, and provision means. The acquisition means acquires the identification information of the settler and the settlement information used for settlement of transactions with the settler. The accepting means accepts an instruction to settle a transaction. The determination means determines whether or not the settlement person is a member of the service based on the settlement of the transaction based on the identification information of the settlement person acquired by the acquisition means after receiving the transaction settlement instruction by the acceptance means. The settlement means settles the transaction with the settler using the settlement information acquired by the acquisition means after receiving the transaction settlement instruction by the reception means. The provision means provides a service based on transaction settlement to the settlement person determined by the determination means to be a member.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external configuration of a self-service POS terminal. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-POS terminal. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the control procedure of the main part of the processor in the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the main control procedure of the processor in the self-service POS terminal. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a purchase registration screen. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a point card insertion image displayed on the purchase registration screen. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout image displayed on the purchase registration screen. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment completion image displayed on the purchase registration screen. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the self-POS terminal in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a main part control procedure of the processor in the self-POS terminal in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing main part control procedures of the processor in the self-POS terminal in the second embodiment.

Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment, a customer uses a point card with electronic money at a self-service POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 10 in a store to settle a transaction. A point card with electronic money is a card owned by a customer who has become a member of a point service to which service points are awarded by settlement of transactions. In the following, point service members are simply referred to as members.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing system S. As shown in FIG. The information processing system S includes a plurality of self-POS terminals 10 , store servers 20 , point servers 30 and electronic money servers 40 . Self-POS terminal 10, store server 20, point server 30, and electronic money server 40 are connected to communication network 1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be wired or wireless.

The self-service POS terminal 10 is a fully self-service settlement terminal in which the customer himself/herself performs operations from registering the product to be purchased by the customer, that is, the so-called purchased product, to making a payment. Self-POS terminal 10 is an example of a settlement device.

The store server 20 is a computer that manages information relating to a store in which the information processing system S is installed and that executes various information processing related to the store.

The point server 30 manages the point database 301 . The point database 301 is a collection of point records generated for each member. A point record is a data record that records the member ID of a member and the service points owned by the member. The member ID is identification information set for each member to identify the member to whom service points are provided by settlement of transactions. A member is an example of a payer. A member ID is an example of identification information of a payer.

The electronic money server 40 manages an electronic money database 401 . The electronic money database 401 is a collection of electronic money records generated for each member. The electronic money record is a data record in which the member's electronic money ID and the electronic money balance owned by the member are recorded. The electronic money ID is information related to electronic money, for example, identification information corresponding to the balance of electronic money. The electronic money ID is an example of settlement information used for settlement of transactions with a settlement party. In this embodiment, the electronic money ID is different from the member ID. By the way, the member can convert the service points of the point record containing his own member ID into electronic money and charge the electronic money of the electronic money record containing his own electronic money ID.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the external configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10. As shown in FIG.
The self-service POS terminal 10 includes a main body 50 installed on the floor and a bagging table 60 installed on the side of the main body 50.例文帳に追加The main body 50 has a touch panel 51 attached to its upper portion. The touch panel 51 is composed of a display and a touch sensor. The display is a device for displaying various screens to the customer who is the user who operates the self-service POS terminal 10 . A touch sensor is a device for detecting a touch input on a screen by a customer.

The main body 50 is provided with a basket base 70 at the central portion of the side surface opposite to the side on which the bagging base 60 is installed. The basket stand 70 is for placing a basket or the like containing purchased commodities by a customer coming from the sales floor. The customer works while standing on the front side of the main body 50 in FIG. 2 so that the screen of the touch panel 51 can be seen. Therefore, when viewed from the customer, the basket base 70 is on the right side of the main body 50, and the bagging base 60 is on the left side. In the following description, the front side of the main body 50 is the side on which customers stand, the left side of the main body 50 is the side where the bagging table 60 is installed, and the right side of the main body 50 is the side where the basket table 70 is installed.

The main body 50 has a reading window 52 of a scanner 107 (see FIG. 3), a card insertion slot 53, a receipt issuing slot 54, a coin slot 55, a coin dispensing slot 56, a bill slot 57 and a bill dispensing slot 58 on the front. to form A communication cable 71 extends from the right side of the main body 50 to the outside, and a reader/writer 72 for an electronic money medium is connected to the tip of the communication cable 71 . The reader/writer 72 is placed on a stand 73 provided on the upper right side surface of the main body 50 .

The main body 50 has a display pole 74 attached to its upper surface. The display pole 74 has a light-emitting portion 75 for selectively emitting blue and red light, for example, at its tip. The display pole 74 displays the state of the self-POS terminal 10, such as waiting, operating, calling, error, etc., according to the color of light emitted from the light-emitting portion 75. FIG.

The bagging table 60 has a structure in which a bag holder 62 is attached to the top of a housing 61 . The bag holder 62 is provided with a pair of holding arms 63, and the holding arms 63 hold a shopping bag provided in the store or a shopping bag brought by a customer, ie, a so-called personal bag.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the essential circuit configuration of the self-POS terminal 10. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-service POS terminal 10 includes a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, a communication interface 105, an automatic change machine 106, a scanner 107, a touch panel 51, a printer 108, a card reader 109, a reader・Equipped with a writer 72 , a light emitting unit 75 and a system transmission line 110 . The system transmission line 110 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines and the like. A system transmission line 110 connects the processor 101 and other units directly or via a signal input/output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them. A computer of the self-service POS terminal 10 is configured by connecting the processor 101 , the main memory 102 and the auxiliary storage device 103 via a system transmission line 110 .

The processor 101 corresponds to the core part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part as a control part to realize various functions of the self-POS terminal 10 according to an operating system or application programs stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 . In this embodiment, it is assumed that the processor 101 executes various processes as a control unit. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 102 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 102 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. Main memory 102 stores an operating system or application programs in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 102 may store data necessary for the processor 101 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101 . The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). A volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disc Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like can be the auxiliary storage device 103 . The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used when the processor 101 performs various types of processing, data created by processing in the processor 101, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 103 may store the above application programs.

Application programs stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 include control programs, which will be described later. A method for installing the control program in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 is not particularly limited. The control program can be recorded on a removable recording medium or distributed via network communication and installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 . The recording medium may be of any form, such as a CD-ROM, memory card, etc., as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device.

The clock 104 functions as a time information source for the self-POS terminal 10 . The processor 101 clocks the current date and time (date and time) based on the time information clocked by the clock 104 .

The communication interface 105 performs data communication with the store server 20, the point server 30, the electronic money server 40, or other self-service POS terminals 10 connected via the communication network 1 according to a preset communication protocol.

Automatic change dispenser 106 includes a coin unit and a bill unit. The coin unit sorts the coins inserted into the coin slot 55 one by one, identifies the denominations, and accommodates them in the safe by denomination. The coin unit takes out the coin of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on the change data, for example, and pays it out to the coin payout port 56 . The banknote unit sorts banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 57 one by one, identifies the denominations, and stores the banknotes in the safe according to the denominations. The banknote unit takes out banknotes of the corresponding denomination from the safe based on the change data, for example, and delivers them to the banknote dispensing opening 58 .

The scanner 107 reads the bar code symbol of the purchased product held over the reading window 52 . Each product sold in a store is provided with a barcode symbol that is a product code for identifying the product.

The printer 108 prints receipt data representing details of commercial transactions on a receipt sheet. The receipt paper on which the receipt data is printed is discharged from the receipt issuing port 54, cut by a cutter, and issued as a receipt.

A card reader 109 is an input device that reads data from a point card with electronic money. The card reader 109 draws the point card with electronic money inserted into the card insertion slot 53 into the main body 50 , reads the card data, and then ejects it from the card insertion slot 53 . A medium from which data can be read by the card reader 109 is not limited to a point card with electronic money. For example, if the card reader 109 is an IC card reader, it is possible to read data from credit cards, common electronic money cards, etc., which are IC cards. A common electronic money card is, for example, a card compatible with transportation electronic money. For example, if the card reader 109 is a magnetic card reader, it can also read data from magnetic cards such as credit cards and prepaid cards.

The reader/writer 72 reads and rewrites electronic money recorded on an electronic money medium on which electronic money is recorded. The electronic money medium is, for example, a point card with electronic money.

The main memory 102 has a first memory area 1021 , a second memory area 1022 , a third memory area 1023 , a fourth memory area 1024 and a fifth memory area 1025 . First storage area 1021 stores the member ID read from the point card with electronic money. The second storage area 1022 stores the electronic money ID read from the point card with electronic money. That is, a member ID and an electronic money ID are recorded on the electronic money point card. The third storage area 1023 stores purchase registration data. Purchase registration data will be described later. A fourth storage area 1024 stores service points. The fifth storage area 1025 stores the electronic money balance.

Processor 101 has functions as acquisition means 1011 , reception means 1012 , determination means 1013 , payment means 1014 , provision means 1015 and notification means 1016 . Acquisition means 1011 has a function of acquiring identification information of a payer, ie, member ID, and payment information, ie, electronic money ID, used for settlement of transactions with the payer.

The accepting means 1012 is a function of accepting an instruction for settlement of transactions.

Judgment means 1013 has a function of judging whether or not the person making the payment is a member of the service based on the payment of the transaction based on the member ID acquired by the acquisition means 1011 after the acceptance means 1012 accepts an instruction to settle the transaction. is.

The settlement means 1014 is a function that settles the transaction with the settler by using the electronic money ID acquired by the acquisition means 1011 after the reception means 1012 receives the transaction settlement instruction.

The providing means 1015 is a function of providing a service based on the settlement of transactions to the person who has been determined to be a member by the determining means 1013 .

The notification means 1016 has two functions. The first is a function of notifying that the obtaining means 1011 has not obtained the member ID and the electronic money ID when the receiving means 1012 receives an instruction to settle the transaction. The second is a function of not notifying that the member ID and the electronic money ID have been acquired by the acquisition means 1011 when the acceptance means 1012 has received an instruction to settle the transaction.

4 and 5 are flow charts showing main part control procedures executed by the processor 101 in the self-service POS terminal 10 according to the control program. Principal operations of the information processing system S when a customer who is a member uses the self-POS terminal 10 to self-register a purchased product and make a payment will be described below with reference to these flow charts. Note that the operation described below is an example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

When the customer stands in front of the self-POS terminal 10 for payment, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 51 to display a registration start screen as ACT1. The registration start screen is a screen for allowing the customer to select, for example, whether to use the shopping bag provided in the store or to use his/her own bag. The registration start screen includes an image of a shopping bag button for the customer to instruct the use of the shopping bag, and an image of the my bag button for the customer to instruct the use of the personal bag. When the customer confirms the registration start screen and uses a shopping bag, the customer holds the shopping bag on the holding arm 63 and touches the shopping bag button. When using the personal bag, the customer holds the personal bag on the holding arm 63 and touches the personal bag button.

The processor 101 waits for the shopping bag button or my bag button to be touched as ACT2. When the shopping bag button or my bag button is touched, the processor 101 recognizes that the start of registration has been instructed. If the shopping bag button or my bag button is touched, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3.

The processor 101 causes the touch panel 51 to display the purchase registration screen 100 (see FIG. 6) as ACT3.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the purchase registration screen 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the purchase registration screen 100 includes a detail column 11 for displaying the details of the products registered for purchase, a total column 12 for displaying the total points and total price of the products registered for purchase, It includes an image of a point button 13 for instructing a request for provision of service points, and an image of a payment button 14 for instructing payment. The detail column 11 includes the product name, price, points, and purchase price of the product. The points are the number of purchases of the product identified by the product code, and the purchase price is the amount obtained by multiplying the price by the points. When the point button 13 is touched, a point card insertion image is displayed. The point card insertion image will be described later. When the checkout button 14 is touched, a checkout image is displayed. Accounting images will be described later. Note that the contents of the text data and the image displayed in FIG. 6 are examples.

Returning to the description of FIG.
After confirming the purchase registration screen 100, the customer takes out the purchased commodities one by one from the basket placed on the basket stand 70.例文帳に追加Then, the bar code portion attached to the purchased product is held up to the reading window 52 . Then, the bar code is read by the scanner 107 and the purchased product is registered. The customer puts the purchased product in a shopping bag or my bag held by the bag holder 62 .

The processor 101 confirms whether or not the purchased product has been registered as ACT4. If the purchased product is not registered, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT5.

The processor 101 confirms whether or not the point button 13 has been touched in ACT5. If the point button 13 is not touched, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT6. The processor 101 confirms whether or not the checkout button 14 has been touched in ACT6. If the checkout button 14 is not touched, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT6 and returns to the process of ACT4. That is, the processor 101 returns to the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6.

In the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6, when the purchased product is registered, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT4 and proceeds to ACT7.

The processor 101 executes product registration processing as ACT7. Specifically, processor 101 generates purchase registration data and stores the purchase registration data in third storage area 1023 of main memory 102 . The purchase registration data includes the product code, price, points, purchase amount, etc. of the registered purchase product. The processor 101 also displays the product name, price, points, and purchase amount of the purchased product in the detail column 11 of the purchase registration screen 100 . Further, processor 101 calculates the current total points and total amount based on the purchase registration data stored in third storage area 1023 and displays them in total column 12 of purchase registration screen 100 . Since such product registration processing is well-known processing in existing self-POS terminals, detailed description thereof will be omitted here. The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6.

When the point button 13 is touched in the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT8.

The processor 101 causes the point card insertion image 200 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT8.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a point card insertion image 200 displayed on the purchase registration screen 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the point card insertion image 200 includes a message for notifying the customer that the point card with electronic money is to be inserted into the card insertion slot 53 and an image of the return button 21 . When the return button 21 is touched, the purchase registration screen 100 is displayed. Note that the content of the text data displayed in FIG. 7 is an example.

Returning to the description of FIG.
After confirming the point card insertion image 200 , the customer inserts the point card with electronic money into the card insertion slot 53 . That is, the processor 101 waits for the point card with electronic money to be read by the card reader 109 in ACT9. When the point card with electronic money is read by the card reader 109, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT9 and proceeds to ACT10.

The processor 101 stores the member ID in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID in the second storage area 1022 as the ACT 10 by the function of the acquisition means 1011 .

Processor 101 acquires a service point as ACT11. Specifically, processor 101 generates a point inquiry command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to point server 30 . The point inquiry command includes the member ID stored in first storage area 1021 . With this control, a point inquiry command is transmitted from the communication interface 105 to the point server 30 via the communication network 1 . Upon receiving the point inquiry command, the point server 30 searches the point database 301 and acquires the service points owned by the member from the point record containing the member ID in the point inquiry command. The point server 30 returns the response command to the self-POS terminal 10 that sent the point inquiry command. The response command contains the service point. Thus, when the processor 101 receives a response command from the point server 30, it acquires service points. When the processor 101 acquires service points, it determines that the transaction is for a member. Processor 101 stores service points in fourth storage area 1024 of main memory 102 . The processor 101 then returns to the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6.

After completing the registration of all purchased products, the customer touches the checkout button 14 displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 .

When the checkout button 14 is touched in the standby state of ACT4 to ACT6, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT12. When the checkout button 14 is touched, the processor 101 recognizes that the checkout has been instructed, and accepts the checkout instruction by the function of the receiving means 1012 .

The processor 101 causes the checkout image 300 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT12.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a checkout image 300 displayed on the purchase registration screen 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the checkout image 300 includes a display field 31 for displaying the total number of purchased products and the total amount, an image of a payment method selection button 32, and an image of a return button 33. FIG. When the payment method selection button 32 is touched, a payment method selection image is displayed. The payment method selection image will be described later. When the return button 33 is touched, the purchase registration screen 100 is displayed. Note that the contents of the text data and the image displayed in FIG. 8 are examples.

Returning to the description of FIG.
The processor 101 checks in ACT13 whether or not the payment method selection button 32 displayed on the checkout image 300 has been touched. If the payment method selection button 32 is touched, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG.

The processor 101 displays a payment method selection image on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT21. The payment method selection image is an image for allowing the customer to select any one payment method from a plurality of payment methods such as cash, credit card, point card with electronic money, and the like. The payment method selection images include an image of a cash payment button for the customer to instruct cash payment, an image of a credit card payment button for the customer to instruct credit card payment, and a customer to instruct point card payment with electronic money. and an image of a point card payment button with electronic money. When the customer confirms the payment method selection image and selects cash payment, the customer touches the cash payment button. If you select credit card payment, touch the credit card payment button. When selecting point card payment with electronic money, touch the point card payment button with electronic money.

The processor 101 checks in ACT22 whether or not the point card payment button with electronic money displayed in the payment method selection image has been touched. If the electronic money attached point card payment button is not touched, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT22 and executes other processing. Other processing is settlement processing according to the selected payment method. For example, if cash payment is selected, the processor 101 executes a cash transaction settlement process in which the total amount is subtracted from the deposit amount. For example, when credit card payment is selected, the processor 101 executes settlement processing based on the credit transaction of the credit card read by the card reader 109 . These settlement processes are well-known processes in existing self-POS terminals, so detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted here.

When the point card payment button with electronic money is touched, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT22 and proceeds to ACT23.

Processor 101 checks whether member ID and electronic money ID are stored in first storage area 1021 and second storage area 1022 of main memory 102 as ACT 23, respectively.

When the member ID and the electronic money ID are not stored in the first storage area 1021 and the electronic money ID in the second storage area 1022, respectively, the processor 101 determines NO in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT24.

The processor 101 executes the processing of ACT24 to ACT27 in the same manner as the processing of ACT8 to ACT11 in FIG. 4 described above. Specifically, the processor 101 causes the point card insertion image 200 to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT 24 by the function of the notification means 1016 . The processor 101 waits for the point card with electronic money to be read by the card reader 109 in ACT25. If the card reader 109 reads the point card with electronic money, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT25 and proceeds to ACT26. The processor 101 stores the member ID in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID in the second storage area 1022 as the ACT 26 by the function of the acquisition means 1011 . Processor 101 obtains a service point as ACT27. When the processor 101 acquires the service points, the function of the determination means 1013 determines that the transaction is made by a member. Processor 101 stores the service points in fourth storage area 1024 . Processor 101 then proceeds to ACT 28 .

If the member ID is stored in first storage area 1021 and the electronic money ID is stored in second storage area 1022, processor 101 determines YES in ACT23. The processor 101 skips the processing of ACT24 to ACT27 and proceeds to ACT28.

The processor 101 acquires the electronic money balance as ACT28. Specifically, processor 101 generates a balance inquiry command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to electronic money server 40 . The balance inquiry command includes the electronic money ID stored in second storage area 1022 . Under this control, a balance inquiry command is transmitted from communication interface 105 to electronic money server 40 via communication network 1 . Upon receiving the balance inquiry command, the electronic money server 40 searches the electronic money database 401 and acquires the electronic money balance from the electronic money record containing the electronic money ID in the balance inquiry command. The electronic money server 40 returns the response command to the self-POS terminal 10 that sent the balance inquiry command. The response command includes the electronic money balance. Thus, when the processor 101 receives the response command from the electronic money server 40, it acquires the electronic money balance. Processor 101 stores the balance of electronic money in fifth storage area 1025 of main memory 102 .

The processor 101 executes electronic money payment processing as ACT 29 by the function of the payment means 1014 . Specifically, processor 101 deducts the settlement amount from the electronic money balance stored in fifth storage area 1025 . Processor 101 then generates a balance update command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to electronic money server 40 . The balance update command includes the electronic money ID stored in the second storage area 1022 and the electronic money balance after the settlement amount is deducted. By this control, a balance update command is transmitted from communication interface 105 to electronic money server 40 via communication network 1 . Upon receiving the balance update command, the electronic money server 40 searches the electronic money database 401 and replaces the electronic money balance of the electronic money record containing the electronic money ID in the balance update command with the electronic money balance in the balance update command. change.

Processor 101 performs service point addition processing as ACT 30 by the function of providing means 1015 . Specifically, the processor 101 calculates service points based on the total amount. Processor 101 adds the calculated service points to the service points stored in fourth storage area 1024 of main memory 102 . Processor 101 then generates a point update command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to point server 30 . The point update command includes the member ID stored in first storage area 1021 and the service points after addition. By this control, a point update command is transmitted from the communication interface 105 to the point server 30 via the communication network 1 . Upon receiving the point update command, the point server 30 searches the point database 301 and updates the service points in the point record containing the member ID in the point update command to the service points in the point update command.

The processor 101 controls the printer 108 as ACT 31 to print a receipt. The processor 101 causes the payment completion image 400 (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT32.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment completion image 400 on the purchase registration screen 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the payment completion image 400 has a display field 41 for displaying the total amount of the purchased product, the deposit amount and the change amount, and a display field 42 for displaying the service points given to the customer by the settlement of this transaction. Including. Note that the contents of the text data and the image displayed in FIG. 9 are examples. With this, the processor 101 completes the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5 .

Therefore, with such an information processing system S, when the checkout button 14 displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 is touched, the checkout image 300 including the payment method selection button 32 is displayed. When the payment method selection button 32 is touched, a payment method selection image is displayed. When electronic money payment is selected and the member ID is not stored in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID is not stored in the second storage area 1022, the card reader 109 reads the point card with electronic money. As a result, the processor 101 acquires the member ID and the electronic money ID. The processor 101 transmits a point inquiry command including the member ID to the point server 30, and when receiving a response command including service points from the point server 30, acquires service points and determines that the transaction is a member transaction. The processor 101 transmits a balance inquiry command including the electronic money ID to the electronic money server 40, and upon receiving a response command from the electronic money server 40, acquires the electronic money balance. Then, the processor 101 executes electronic money settlement processing and executes service point addition processing.

If electronic money payment is selected and the member ID is not stored in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID is not stored in the second storage area 1022, for example, the customer may pre-register or register the purchased product. It is conceivable that the purchaser forgets to touch the point button 13 displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 and touches the checkout button 14 after completing the registration of the purchased product. Even in this case, service points are awarded. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the service points are not provided, and to effectively perform settlement using the point card with electronic money.

Also, when the electronic money payment is selected and the member ID is not stored in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID is not stored in the second storage area 1022, that is, when the checkout button 14 is touched. However, if the member ID and the electronic money ID are not stored respectively, the processor 101 causes the point card insertion image 200 to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 . Therefore, the customer who confirms the point card insertion image 200 can insert the point card with electronic money into the card insertion slot 53, and service points are provided without requiring complicated operations.
On the other hand, when the electronic money payment is selected and the member ID is stored in the first storage area 1021 of the main memory 102 and the electronic money ID is stored in the second storage area 1022, that is, when the checkout button 14 is touched. , the processor 101 does not display the point card insertion image 200 on the purchase registration screen 100 . Therefore, settlement by the point card with electronic money can be efficiently performed.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the electronic money ID is the same as the member ID. In the second embodiment, it is assumed that a card ID is recorded in the point card with electronic money. The card ID is identification information set for each point card with electronic money in order to identify the point card with electronic money owned by the member to whom service points are provided by settlement of transactions. The card ID has a function as a member ID and a function as an electronic money ID in the first embodiment. A card ID is an example of identification information of a medium used for payment. The medium is a general term for data holding media such as point cards with electronic money, IC cards, magnetic cards, bar codes, and two-dimensional data codes.

In each drawing relating to the second embodiment and the description thereof below, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same elements may be omitted. 2 and 6 to 9 used in the explanation of the first embodiment are also common to the second embodiment, so explanations thereof will be omitted here.

In the second embodiment, the point record included in the point database 301 managed by the point server 30 of FIG. 1 differs from the first embodiment in that the member's card ID is recorded. That is, the point record is a data record that records the member's card ID and the service points owned by the member. Further, the electronic money record included in the electronic money database 401 managed by the electronic money server 40 of FIG. 1 differs from the first embodiment in that the member's card ID is recorded. That is, the electronic money record is a data record that records the member's card ID and the electronic money balance owned by the member.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the essential circuit configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10 in the second embodiment.

Processor 101 has functions as acquisition means 1017 , reception means 1012 , determination means 1018 , payment means 1019 , provision means 1015 and notification means 1020 .

Acquisition means 1017 has a function of acquiring identification information of a medium used for settlement, that is, a card ID.

Judgment means 1018 has a function of judging whether or not the person making the payment is a member of the service based on the payment of the transaction based on the card ID acquired by the acquisition means 1017 after the acceptance means 1012 accepts an instruction to settle the transaction. is.

The settlement unit 1019 is a function that settles the transaction with the settler using the card ID acquired by the acquisition unit 1017 after the acceptance unit 1012 accepts the transaction settlement instruction.

The notification means 1020 has two functions. The first is a function of notifying that the card ID has not been obtained by the obtaining means 1017 when the receiving means 1012 receives an instruction to settle the transaction. The second is a function of not notifying that the card ID has been obtained by the obtaining means 1017 when the receiving means 1012 receives an instruction to settle the transaction.

The main memory 102 has a sixth memory area 1026 , a third memory area 1023 , a fourth memory area 1024 and a fifth memory area 1025 . A sixth storage area 1026 stores a card ID read from a point card with electronic money.

11 and 12 are flow charts showing main part control procedures executed by the processor 101 in the self-POS terminal 10 according to the control program in the second embodiment. 11 and 12 respectively correspond to FIGS. 4 and 5 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same processing steps as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Note that the operation described below is an example. The procedure is not particularly limited as long as similar results can be obtained.

In the second embodiment, the processor 101 performs the processing of ACT41 and ACT42 after the processing of ACT9 in FIG.
The processor 101 stores the card ID in the sixth storage area 1026 of the main memory 102 as ACT 41 by the function of the acquisition means 1017 .

Processor 101 acquires a service point as ACT42. Specifically, processor 101 generates a point inquiry command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to point server 30 . The point inquiry command includes the card ID stored in sixth storage area 1026 . With this control, a point inquiry command is transmitted from the communication interface 105 to the point server 30 via the communication network 1 . Upon receiving the point inquiry command, the point server 30 searches the point database 301 and acquires the service points owned by the member from the point record containing the card ID in the point inquiry command. The point server 30 returns the response command to the self-POS terminal 10 that sent the point inquiry command. The response command contains the service point. Thus, when the processor 101 receives a response command from the point server 30, it acquires service points. When the processor 101 acquires service points, it determines that the transaction is for a member. Processor 101 stores service points in fourth storage area 1024 of main memory 102 .

In the second embodiment, the process of ACT51 is performed after the process of ACT22 in FIG.
The processor 101 confirms whether or not the card ID is stored in the sixth storage area 1026 of the main memory 102 as ACT51. If no card ID is stored in sixth storage area 1026, processor 101 determines NO in ACT51 and proceeds to ACT52. The processor 101 causes the point card insertion image 200 to be displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as ACT 52 by the function of the notification means 1020 .

In the second embodiment, the processing of ACT53 to ACT57 is performed after the processing of ACT25. The processor 101 executes the processing of ACT53 and ACT54 in the same manner as the processing of ACT41 and ACT42 in FIG. 11 described above. That is, the processor 101 stores the card ID in the sixth storage area 1026 of the main memory 102 as ACT 53 by the function of the acquisition means 1017 . Processor 101 obtains a service point as ACT53. When the processor 101 acquires the service points, the function of the determination means 1018 determines that the transaction is made by a member. Processor 101 then proceeds to ACT55. The processing of ACT55 will be described later.

If the card ID is stored in sixth storage area 1026, processor 101 determines YES in ACT51. Processor 101 skips the processing of ACT52, ACT25, ACT53 and ACT54 and proceeds to ACT55.

The processor 101 acquires the electronic money balance as ACT55. Specifically, processor 101 generates a balance inquiry command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to electronic money server 40 . The balance inquiry command includes the card ID stored in sixth storage area 1026 . Under this control, a balance inquiry command is transmitted from communication interface 105 to electronic money server 40 via communication network 1 . Upon receiving the balance inquiry command, the electronic money server 40 searches the electronic money database 401 and acquires the electronic money balance from the electronic money record containing the card ID in the balance inquiry command. The electronic money server 40 returns the response command to the self-POS terminal 10 that sent the balance inquiry command. The response command includes the electronic money balance. Thus, when the processor 101 receives the response command from the electronic money server 40, it acquires the electronic money balance. Processor 101 stores the balance of electronic money in fifth storage area 1025 of main memory 102 .

The processor 101 executes electronic money payment processing as ACT 56 by the function of the payment means 1019 . Specifically, processor 101 deducts the settlement amount from the electronic money balance stored in fifth storage area 1025 . Processor 101 then generates a balance update command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to electronic money server 40 . The balance update command includes the card ID stored in the sixth storage area 1026 and the electronic money balance after the settlement amount is deducted. By this control, a balance update command is transmitted from communication interface 105 to electronic money server 40 via communication network 1 . Upon receiving the balance update command, the electronic money server 40 searches the electronic money database 401 and changes the electronic money balance of the electronic money record containing the card ID in the balance update command to the electronic money balance in the balance update command. do.

Processor 101 executes service point addition processing as ACT 57 by the function of providing means 1015 . Specifically, the processor 101 calculates service points based on the total amount. Processor 101 adds the calculated service points to the service points stored in fourth storage area 1024 of main memory 102 . Processor 101 then generates a point update command and controls communication interface 105 to transmit it to point server 30 . The point update command includes the card ID stored in sixth storage area 1026 and the service points after addition. By this control, a point update command is transmitted from the communication interface 105 to the point server 30 via the communication network 1 . Upon receiving the point update command, the point server 30 searches the point database 301 and updates the service points in the point record containing the card ID in the point update command to the service points in the point update command. With this, the processor 101 completes the information processing of the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 .

As described above, in the second embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained even when using a point card with electronic money in which the card ID is recorded without distinguishing between the member ID and the electronic money ID. obtain. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation in which service points are not provided, and to effectively perform settlement using a point card with electronic money.

Although the first embodiment and the second embodiment have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these.

In the above embodiment, the member is exemplified as a point service member. The member may be, for example, a preferential member who is given a privilege by visiting the store.

In the above-described embodiment, each product sold in a store is provided with a bar code symbol obtained by converting the product code into a bar code. For example, the code symbols may be two-dimensional data encoding schemes.

In the above embodiment, the self-service POS terminal 10 was exemplified as an example of the settlement device. For example, a POS terminal operated by a store clerk may be used. For example, it may be a semi-self-type settlement device comprising a registration device and a checkout device, wherein the registration device is operated by a store clerk and the checkout device is operated by the customer. For example, a semi-self or full self-payment system in which the registration device is composed of a tablet terminal, attached to a shopping card, and the bar code, etc. of the purchased product is read by the scanner of the tablet terminal when the customer purchases the product at the sales floor. It can be a device.

In the above embodiment, the point card insertion image 200 is displayed on the purchase registration screen 100 as an example. For example, the insertion of a point card with electronic money into the card slot 53 may be output by voice.

In the above embodiment, the processor 101 displays the point card insertion image 200, the accounting image 300, the payment completion image 400, and the payment method selection image on the purchase registration screen 100 as an example. For example, the processor 101 may display a point card insertion screen, accounting screen, payment completion screen, and payment method selection screen as one screen.

In the above embodiment, the member has a point card with electronic money. For example, a member may own an electronic money card with a bar code or two-dimensional data code containing the member ID. In this case, for example, the scanner 107 may read a bar code or two-dimensional data code including the member ID attached to the electronic money card. Then, when the bar code or two-dimensional data code is read by the scanner 107, the processor 101 acquires the member ID. When the member ID and the electronic money ID are the same, processor 101 may perform data communication with point server 30 and electronic money server 40 using the acquired member ID.

In the first embodiment, the processor 101 may display an inquiry image on the purchase registration screen 100 while executing the processes of ACT10, ACT11, ACT26 and ACT27. The inquiry image includes, for example, a message for notifying the customer that an inquiry about a point card with electronic money is in progress. Further, the processor 101 may display a payment processing execution image on the purchase registration screen 100 while executing the processing of ACT28 to ACT30. The payment processing execution image includes, for example, a message for notifying the customer that payment processing is in progress.
In the second embodiment, the processor 101 may display an inquiry image on the purchase registration screen 100 while executing the processes of ACT41, ACT42, ACT53 and ACT54. The inquiry image includes, for example, a message for notifying the customer that an inquiry about a point card with electronic money is in progress. Further, the processor 101 may display a payment processing execution image on the purchase registration screen 100 while executing the processing of ACT55 to ACT57. The payment processing execution image includes, for example, a message for notifying the customer that payment processing is in progress.
Note that the processor 101 may display an inquiry screen or a payment processing execution screen as one screen.

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 of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Communication network 10... Self-POS terminal 20... Store server 30... Point server 40... Electronic money server 50... Main body 51... Touch panel 52... Reading window 53... Card insertion slot 54... Receipt issue Mouth 55 Coin insertion opening 56 Coin dispensing opening 57 Banknote insertion opening 58 Banknote dispensing opening 60 Bagging table 61 Housing 62 Bag holder 63 Holding arm 70 Basket Table 71 Communication cable 72 Reader/writer 73 Stand 74 Display pole 75 Light-emitting unit 101 Processor 102 Main memory 103 Auxiliary storage device 104 Clock 105 Communication interface , 106 Automatic change dispenser 107 Scanner 108 Printer 109 Card reader 110 System transmission path 301 Point database 401 Electronic money database 1021 First storage area 1022 Second storage area , 1023... Third storage area 1024... Fourth storage area 1025... Fifth storage area 1026... Sixth storage area S... Information processing system 1011, 1017... Acquisition means 1012... Acceptance means 1013, 1018 ... judgment means, 1014, 1019 ... settlement means, 1015 ... provision means, 1016, 1020 ... notification means.

Claims (5)

Acquisition means for acquiring identification information of a settler and settlement information used for settlement of transactions with the settler;
a receiving means for receiving an instruction to settle a transaction;
Determination for determining whether or not the settlement person is a member of a service based on the settlement of the transaction based on the identification information of the settlement person acquired by the acquisition means after the acceptance means receives the instruction to settle the transaction. means and
settlement means for settlement of the transaction with the settlement party using the settlement information acquired by the acquisition means after the acceptance means receives the instruction for settlement of the transaction;
providing means for providing a service based on the settlement of the transaction to the settlement person determined to be the member by the determination means;
A payment device comprising 2. A notification means for notifying that the acquisition means has not acquired the identification information of the settler and the information for settlement when the acceptance means has received the instruction to settle the transaction. Payment device as described. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the notifying means does not notify that the acquiring means has acquired the identification information of the settler and the settlement information when the accepting means receives the instruction to settle the transaction. payment device. Acquisition means for acquiring identification information of a medium used for payment;
a receiving means for receiving an instruction to settle a transaction;
After receiving the transaction settlement instruction by the acceptance means, it is determined whether or not the settlement person who owns the medium is a member of the service based on the transaction settlement, using the identification information of the medium acquired by the acquisition means. a determination means for determining;
settlement means for settling the transaction with the settlement person using the identification information of the medium acquired by the acquisition means after the acceptance means receives the instruction to settle the transaction;
providing means for providing a service based on the settlement of the transaction to the settlement person determined to be the member by the determination means;
A payment device comprising the computer of the payment device,
Acquisition means for acquiring identification information of a settler and settlement information used for settlement of transactions with the settler;
Receiving means for receiving instructions for settlement of transactions;
Determination for determining whether or not the settlement person is a member of a service based on the settlement of the transaction based on the identification information of the settlement person acquired by the acquisition means after the acceptance means receives the instruction to settle the transaction. means,
settlement means for settlement of a transaction with the settlement party using the settlement information acquired by the acquisition means after the receipt means receives an instruction to settle the transaction; and
providing means for providing a service based on the settlement of the transaction to the settlement person determined to be the member by the determination means;
A program to function as

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