JP2023076505A - Checkout system, settlement device, and control program for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable a member who has registered a purchased commodity by a commodity registration device as a nonmember to receive a member service by a settlement device.SOLUTION: A settlement device displays, when the settlement information is not processed as a commercial transaction using a member card, a screen on a display device in which existence of the member card is asked to the target customer of the commercial transaction and presence/absence thereof is received. The settlement device displays, when the settlement information is processed as a commercial transaction using the member card or when presence/absence of the member card is inputted, a screen on the display device in which a selection input selected from a plurality of settlement methods is received. And the settlement device performs the settlement processing by use of the settlement method of the received selection input with respect to the received settlement information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a semi-self-type checkout system, a payment device used in this system, and a control program for this payment device.

A semi-self-type system is known as a checkout system for mass retailers such as supermarkets. In this system, different product registration devices and payment devices perform registration and settlement of purchased products. The product registration device is operated by the employee, and the settlement device is operated by the shopper. In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from a product registration device to an idle payment device.

By the way, there is a membership service as one of sales promotion methods in stores. Membership services include a service that gives privilege points to members for the amount of purchases, a service that sells products to members at member prices that are lower than normal prices, and the like. In order for the member to enjoy such member services, it is necessary to read the data of the member card into the system before the payment information is transferred to the payment device. For this reason, a member who finished registering purchased products as a non-member because he did not present his membership card to the employee who operated the product registration device was found to have had his membership card with him when making payments with the payment device. Even if you notice it, you cannot receive membership services.

JP 2006-344123 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a semi-self-type checkout system in which even a member who has finished registering purchased products as a non-member on the product registration device can receive member services on the payment device. to do.

In one embodiment, the payment device constitutes a checkout system together with a product registration device connected via a network. This settlement apparatus includes receiving means, determination means, confirmation display means, selection display means, and processing means. The receiving means receives, via the network, settlement information for settlement of commercial transactions for the purchased commodity registered by the commodity registration device. The determination means determines whether or not the received payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using a membership card in the product registration device. When the settlement information is information that is not processed as a commercial transaction using a membership card, the confirmation display means displays on the display device a screen for inquiring of the customer for the commercial transaction about the existence of the membership card and accepting the input of the existence of the membership card. The selection display means selects one of a plurality of payment methods when the payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using a membership card, or in response to receiving an input as to the presence or absence of a membership card. A screen for accepting a selection input as to whether to adopt is displayed on the display device. The processing means performs settlement processing according to the settlement method for which the selection input has been accepted for the received settlement information.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device and payment device of the checkout system shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing main data tables respectively formed in RAMs of the product registration device and the settlement device shown in FIG. 2; 4 is a flowchart showing main steps of control processing executed by a CPU of the product registration device according to a control program; 4 is a flowchart showing main steps of control processing executed by a CPU of the product registration device according to a control program; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a card inquiry screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device; 4 is a flow chart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus according to the control program; 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the payment device;

An embodiment of a semi-self-type checkout system in which even a member who has finished registering purchased products as a non-member on the product registration device can receive membership services on the payment device will be described below with reference to the drawings. .

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12 . FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 . The number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 is also arbitrary. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store who plays a role called a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by the shopper 22 who purchases the merchandise sold at the store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passageway 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 product registration device 11 has functions of registration processing of purchased products, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12 . The registration process is a process of registering the product brought by the shopper who entered the aisle as a purchased product. Settlement processing is processing for settling commercial transactions for purchased products. Payment information is information necessary for payment processing.

When payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs payment processing based on the payment information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13, which is a network. The network can also use another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN instead of the LAN 13 . Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , a card reader/writer 11i, a communication unit 11j and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the product 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 and application programs. The ROM 11b may also 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. Furthermore, the RAM 11c is 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 control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product 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 this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money. The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains 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 multiple types. That is, scanner 11f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 11g 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, images, and the like on receipt paper. A thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like, for example, 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 may include membership cards called membership cards, point cards, etc., in addition to settlement cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. A membership card records at least information for identifying the member who owns the card. The card reader/writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

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 another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader/writer 11i and 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 product registration device 11 .

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory 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 CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. Based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c, the CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12. FIG.

The ROM 12b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

The auxiliary memory unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a in performing various processes or data generated by the processes performed by the CPU 12a. An EEPROM, HDD, or SSD, for example, can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the payment device 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.

The automatic change dispenser 12e receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change dispenser 12e ejects coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with multiple types. That is, scanner 12f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The screen of the display device is an arbitrary 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 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

The card reader/writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include membership cards called membership cards, point cards, etc., in addition to settlement cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. A membership card records at least information for identifying the member who owns the card. The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

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

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change dispenser 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader/writer 12i and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing self-service POS terminal can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 configured as described above stores the data tables 31, 32, 33 and 34 shown in FIG. , respectively.

The data table 31 is an area for storing member flags, member numbers, and accumulated points as member information. The member flag defaults to "0" and is set to "1" when a transaction is made by a member. A member number is a unique number assigned to each member to individually identify each member. The membership number is written on the membership card owned by each member. The membership number read from the membership card by the card readers/writers 11 i and 12 i is stored in the data table 31 .

Accumulated points are the cumulative value of privilege points given to the member identified by the membership number. The checkout system 10 is connected to a database server via a LAN 13 (not shown). This database server has a member database for accumulating privilege points for each member number. When the card reader/writer 11i, 12i reads the member number from the member card, the CPU 11a, 12a of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 inquires of the database server about accumulated points using the member number. Upon receiving this inquiry, the database server accesses the member database, reads out the cumulative value of privilege points (cumulative points) associated with the member number from the member database, and reads the cumulative value (cumulative points) of privilege points associated with the member number from the member database. to notify. The CPUs 11a and 12a of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 store the cumulative points notified from the database server in the data table 31. FIG.

Such a data table 31 is called a member table. Hereinafter, the member table 31a for the product registration device 11 and the member table 31b for the settlement device 12 are used.

The data table 32 is an area for storing a plurality of records including each data of product code, product name, standard unit price, member 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 bar code, for example. The product name, standard unit price, and member unit price are the name of the product specified by the product code of the same record and the price per item. The standard unit price is the price at which the product is sold to non-members, and the member unit price is the price at which the product is sold to members. Membership prices are usually cheaper than standard prices. The quantity and price are the sales data of the product specified by the product code of the same record, that is, the number of products sold and the sales price for that quantity.

The database server described above has a product database for setting product information such as the product name, normal unit price, member unit price, etc. in association with the product code of each product. When the product code is acquired in the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a inquire the database server about the product information using the product code. The database server that has received this inquiry accesses the product database, reads product information associated with the product code from the product database, and notifies product registration device 11 or settlement device 12 via LAN 13 . The CPUs 11 a and 12 a of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 store the product information notified from the database server in the data table 32 .

Such a data table 32 is called a registered product table. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by a registered product table 32a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a registered product table 32b.

The data table 33 is an area for storing the total number of items and the total amount of money. The total number is the total number of records stored in the registered product table 32 . The total amount is the total amount of each record stored in the registered product table 32 .

Such a data table 33 is called a total table. Hereinafter, the item registration device 11 is represented by a total table 33a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a total table 33b.

The data table 34 is an area for storing payment amounts in association with payment types. The payment type is information for identifying the method of payment when the commercial transaction for the purchased product is settled. Payment methods include cash payment, credit payment, and electronic money payment. Also, as a payment method only for members, so-called point payment, in which accumulated points are converted into monetary value and paid, is possible. The payment type is information for identifying the above-described cash payment, credit payment, cash payment such as gift certificate, electronic money payment, point payment, and the like. The payment amount is the amount paid by the payment method specified by the associated payment type.

Such a data table 34 is called a payment table. Hereinafter, the payment table 34a for the product registration device 11 and the payment table 34b for the settlement device 12 are used.

4 and 5 are flowcharts showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 6 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 by the control process. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 11 and 12 are schematic diagrams showing examples of various screens displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 by the control process. 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.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the product registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts the processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the data tables 31a to 34a (Act 1). Next, the CPU 11a causes the card inquiry screen SC1 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g, and accepts input of the membership card (Act 2: card accepting means).

The card inquiry screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2 and buttons B1 and B2, as shown in FIG. A display area R1 displays a message inquiring about the presence or absence of a membership card. The display area R2 displays images of usable membership cards. The button B1 is for the employee 21 to specify that the transaction is with the shopper 22 holding the membership card displayed in the display area R2. The button B1 is for specifying that the transaction is with the shopper 22 who does not have a membership card displayed in the display area R2.

In this embodiment, the membership service that allows the purchase of products at a member price is applied only to members who have a membership card. Therefore, even if you are a member, if you forget your membership card, you will not be able to receive the membership service, and you will have to purchase the product at the normal unit price.

After confirming the card inquiry screen SC1, the employee 21 inquires of the shopper 22 who requested registration of the purchased product whether or not he/she has a membership card. When the shopper 22 presents the membership code, the employee 21 touches the button B1 and causes the card reader/writer 11i to read the data of the membership card. On the other hand, if the shopper 22 does not present the membership code, the employee 21 touches the button B2.

After displaying the card inquiry screen SC1, the CPU 11a waits for either button B1 or B2 to be touched (Act 3). When detecting that the button B1 has been touched, the CPU 11a determines that it is a commercial transaction by a member (YES in Act3). In this case, the CPU 11a sets the member flag of the member table 31a to "1" (Act 4). The CPU 11a also registers the member number and accumulated points in the member table 31a (Act 5). The membership number is information read from the membership card by the card reader/writer 11i. Accumulated points are information stored in the member database in association with the member number. In addition, the processing procedure of Act4 and Act5 is not limited to the embodiment. Front and rear may be reversed.

When detecting that the button B2 instead of the button B1 has been touched, the CPU 11a determines that it is a commercial transaction by a non-member (NO in Act3). In this case, the CPU 11a does not execute Act4 and Act5.

When the processing of Act 4 and Act 5 is completed, or when it is determined that the transaction is by a non-member, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC2 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 6).

The registration screen SC2 displays the contents of the registered product table 32a and the total table 33a, and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4. The display area R3 displays the product name, quantity and unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, as well as the total quantity and total price of the purchased product after the registration of the product. The display area R4 displays a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed on the registration screen SC2.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a sets various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the registration screen SC2 area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. indicate.

After confirming that the card inquiry screen SC1 has been switched to the registration screen SC2, the employee 21 operates the scanner 11f and product buttons, for example, and sequentially inputs the product codes of the products that the shopper 22 purchases. When the product codes of all purchased products have been entered, the employee 21 touches the subtotal button.

After displaying the registration screen SC2, the CPU 11a waits for the product code of the product to be registered for purchase (Act 7). When the product code input via the scanner 11f or the product button is acquired (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a acquires the product name, normal unit price, member unit price, etc., which are associated with the product code and set in the product database. Product information is detected (Act8). Also, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the member flag of the member table 31a is set to "1" (Act 9).

If the member flag is not set to "1" (NO in Act9), the CPU 11a selects the normal unit price from the product information (Act10). If the member flag is set to "1" (YES in Act9), the CPU 11a selects the member unit price from the product information (Act11).

When the normal unit price or the member unit price is selected, the CPU 11a multiplies the normal unit price or the member unit price by the number of sales to calculate the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers the product sales data including the product code, product name, normal unit price, member unit price, sales quantity and sales amount as one record in the registered product table 32a (Act 12: registration means). In addition, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales amount to the total table 33a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC2 so as to comply with the contents of the registered product table 32a and the total table 33a (Act 13).

After updating the registration screen SC2, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 14). If the product code has not been acquired (NO in Act 14), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 15). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 15), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act 14). Therefore, in Act14 and Act15, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired or for the subtotal button to be touched. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of other events such as other operations being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence events.

In the standby state of Act14 and Act15, when the product code is acquired (YES in Act14), the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act8. Then, the CPU 11a repeats subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act14 and Act15 (YES in Act15), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act16 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of the member table 31a, registered product table 32a, and total table 33a at this time (Act 16: generating means). Then, the CPU 11a causes the transfer destination selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 17).

The payment information includes a list of registered product names, normal unit prices, member unit prices, sales quantity and sales price, total quantity and total price of purchased products, member flags, member numbers and accumulated points. Therefore, in the case of a transaction by a member, the payment information includes a member flag in the state "1" indicating that the input of the member card has been accepted. The payment information also includes the membership number and accumulated points obtained by accepting the input of the membership card. On the other hand, if the transaction was made by a non-member, the payment information includes a membership flag in the state "0" indicating that the input of the membership card has not been accepted.

An example of the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The forwarding destination selection screen SC3 includes display areas R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 and buttons B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10.

The display area R5 displays the total number and total amount of money in the total table 33a. Display area R6 displays various messages. Buttons B3 and B4 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount should be applied to the total amount. The button B5 is for the employee 21 to specify that cash vouchers such as gift certificates are to be used as the method of payment for the purchased product. The button B6 is for the employee 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC2.

The display areas R7 to R10 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12, respectively. Buttons B7 to B10 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. FIG. The settlement device 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed. In the display areas R7 to R10 associated with the settlement device 12 in such a state, "transfer not possible" is displayed. Conversely, in the display areas R7 to R10 associated with the settlement device 12 accepting the transfer of settlement information, "transferable" is displayed. It should be noted that the buttons B7 to B10 may be displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 is accepting transfer of payment information. Alternatively, the buttons B7 to B10 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 has not accepted transfer of payment information.

When the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 18). If the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 18), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not payment by cash voucher is designated (Act 19). If payment by cash voucher is not specified (NO in Act 19), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred has been specified (Act 20). If the payment device 12 is not specified (NO in Act 20), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act 18). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for acquisition of a product code, designation of payment by cash voucher, or designation of the settlement device 12 in Acts 18 to 20. FIG. In this standby state, the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event. For example, when one of the buttons B3 and B4 is touched by the employee 21, the CPU 11a changes the total amount included in the payment information in accordance with subsequent instructions from the employee 21. FIG.

When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act18 to Act20 (YES in Act18), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC2 (Act21). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act8 in FIG. 4, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the button B5 is touched by the employee 21 in the standby state of Act18 to Act20, the CPU 11a considers that payment by cash voucher is specified (YES in Act19). The CPU 11a causes the cash note information input screen to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 22). The cash voucher information input screen is a screen for prompting the employee 21 to input the face value and the number of cash vouchers to be used for payment. After confirming the cash voucher information input screen, the employee 21 follows the screen and operates, for example, the touch panel 11g to input the denomination and number of cash vouchers to be paid by the shopper 22 .

When the cash voucher information input screen is displayed, the CPU 11a waits for the cash voucher information to be input (Act 23). When the denomination and the number of cash vouchers are input as the cash voucher information (YES in Act 23), the CPU 11a calculates the payment amount for the cash vouchers based on the denomination and the number of vouchers. Then, the CPU 11a registers this payment amount in the payment table 34a in association with the payment type indicating cash voucher payment (Act 24). The CPU 11a also edits the payment information so as to include the cash voucher payment information registered in the payment table 34a (Act 25).

Next, the CPU 11a displays a message for notifying the employee 21 of designating the payment device 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred on a part of the transfer destination selection screen SC3, for example, the display area R6 (Act 26). Then, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to be specified (Act 27).

When the employee 21 touches any of the buttons B7 to B10 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 in the standby state of Act18 to Act20 or in the standby state of Act27, the CPU 11a assumes that the payment device 12 has been specified. When the payment device 12 is designated (YES in Act 20 or Act 27), the CPU 11a transmits payment information to the designated payment device 12 (Act 28: transmitting means). Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. Thereby, the payment information is transmitted to the payment device 12 via the LAN 13 .

After transmitting the payment information, the CPU 11a displays the notification screen SC4 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act29). An example of the notification screen SC4 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC4 includes display areas R11 and R12 and a button B11.

The display area R11 displays an image for making the employee 21 recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. It should be noted that semi-self-payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed by the payment device 12 according to an operation by the shopper 22 . The display area R12 displays the total number of items and the total amount of money included in the payment information, as well as to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred. The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4. When the button B11 is touched, the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act1 in FIG. 4, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

Note that when the buttons B7 to B10 associated with the settlement device 12 that has not accepted the transfer of settlement information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act20 or Act27. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. Therefore, if all of the settlement devices 12 are in an inoperative state or in an operating state that does not accept transfer of settlement information, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the settlement device 12 .

After confirming the notification screen SC4, the employee 21 notifies the shopper 22 that the payment should be made with the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R12. The shopper 22 who received this notice moves to the specified settlement device 12 and performs an operation for settlement.

Therefore, next, the operation of the settlement device 12 will be described.
When the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 31). The standby screen indicates that the settlement process is not in progress, and any information may be displayed. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g to the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act 32).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits payment information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act28 in FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 which is the destination (receiving means).

When the payment information is received (YES in Act 32), the CPU 12a develops the payment information into the member table 31b, registered product table 32b, total table 33b, and payment table 34b (Act 33).

That is, when the member flag included in the payment information is "0", the CPU 12a stores the member flag in the member table 31b. When the member flag included in the payment information is "1", the CPU 12a stores the member number and accumulated points included in the payment information together with the member flag in the member table 31b.

The CPU 12a stores a list of registered product names, normal unit prices, member unit prices, sales quantities, and sales amounts of registered products included in the payment information in the registered product table 32b. In addition, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the total table 33b. Further, when the payment information includes cash voucher payment information, the CPU 12a stores the payment type and payment amount that constitute the cash voucher payment information in the payment table 34b.

Next, the CPU 12a checks the member flag stored in the member table 31b. That is, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the received payment information is information processed as a member's commercial transaction with the membership card presented by the product registration device 11 (Act 34: determination means). When the member flag is "1", the received payment information is information processed as a member's commercial transaction. In this case (YES in Act34), the CPU 12a displays the first settlement screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act40: selection display means). Details of the first payment screen SC5 will be described later.

On the other hand, when the member flag is "0", the received payment information is information processed as non-member commercial transactions. In this case (NO in Act 34), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not cash payment information is stored in the payment table 34b (Act 35). If the cash voucher payment information is not stored in the payment table 34b, the product registration device 11 has not made a payment. In this case (NO in Act 35), the CPU 12a causes the card inquiry screen SC1 to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g, and accepts the input of the membership card (Act 36: confirmation display means). The card inquiry screen SC1 is the same as the card inquiry screen SC1 displayed in the process of Act2 in the product registration device 11. FIG. Therefore, the description here is omitted.

After confirming the card inquiry screen SC1, the shopper 22 confirms again whether or not he/she has a membership card. Then, if the shopper 22 does not have a membership card, the shopper 22 touches the button B2. On the other hand, if the member card that was not found when registering the purchased product is found, the shopper 22 touches the button B1 and causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the member card.

After displaying the card inquiry screen SC1, the CPU 12a waits for either button B1 or B2 to be touched (Act 37). When it is detected that the button B2 has been touched (NO in Act 37), the CPU 12a causes the second payment screen SC6 (see FIG. 12) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 41: selection display means). Details of the second payment screen SC6 will be described later.

On the other hand, when detecting that the button B1 has been touched (YES in Act 37), the CPU 12a rewrites the member flag of the member table 31b to "1". The CPU 12a also registers the member number and accumulated points in the member table 31b (Act 38). The membership number is information read from the membership card by the card reader/writer 12i. Accumulated points are information stored in the member database in association with the member number.

Next, the CPU 12a rewrites the amount data for each record stored in the registered commodity table 32b into a value obtained by multiplying the membership price of the record by the number of items. Also, the data of the total amount of money in the total table 33b is rewritten to the total value of the amounts of all the records stored in the registered product table 32b (Act 39: updating means). Thereafter, the CPU 12a causes the first payment screen SC5 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 40: selection display means).

An example of the first payment screen SC5 is shown in FIG. 11, and an example of the second payment screen SC6 is shown in FIG. The first payment screen SC5 includes display areas R21, R22, R23 and a button B21. The second payment screen SC6 includes display areas R31 and R32 and a button B31.

The display area R21 and the display area R31 both display payment method selection buttons B41, B42, and B43. Both the display area R22 and the display area R32 display the total number and the total amount of money in the total table 33b. The display area R23 displays accumulated points of the member table 31b. Both the button B21 and the button B31 are for the shopper 22 to specify to call the employee 21 .

When the button B21 or button B31 is touched, a call signal is transmitted from the settlement device 12 via the LAN 13 to the product registration device 11 which is the source of the settlement information. In the product registration device 11 that has received this call signal, a call recommendation screen is displayed on, for example, the touch panel 11g. The call recommendation screen displays information indicating the settlement device 12 that has sent the call signal. Therefore, the employee 21 can easily know that the call has been received from the shopper operating the corresponding payment device 12 .

The selection button B41 is touched by the shopper 22 who selects cash payment. The selection button B42 is touched by the shopper 22 who selects credit payment. The selection button B43 is touched by the shopper 22 who selects point payment. However, on the second payment screen SC6, the selection button B43 is displayed in grayscale, and the shopper 22 cannot touch it. That is, the first payment screen SC5 is a screen for the shopper 22 to select any payment method from among cash payment, credit payment and point payment. The second payment screen SC6 is a screen for the shopper 22 to select either cash payment or credit payment. Although the selection button B43 is displayed, point payment cannot be selected.

After confirming the first payment screen SC5 or the second payment screen SC6, the shopper 22 selects one of the payment methods displayed in the display area R21 or the display area R31, and presses the corresponding selection button. Touch B41, B42 or B43. Then, the payment operation by the selected payment method is performed on the payment device 12. - 特許庁

The CPU 12a that displays the first payment screen SC5 or the second payment screen SC6 waits for the selection button B41, B42 or B43 to be touched (Act42). When the selection button B41, B42 or B43 is touched (YES in Act42), the CPU 12a considers that the payment method corresponding to the touched selection button B41, B42 or B43 has been selected. The CPU 12a executes the payment processing by the selected payment method (Act 43: processing means). That is, when the selection button B41 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for cash payment. When the selection button B42 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for credit payment. When the selection button B43 is touched, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing for point payment using accumulated points in the member table 31b.

Since these settlement processes are all well-known processes, detailed description thereof will be omitted. Incidentally, in the case of a member transaction in which the member flag is set to "1", service points are calculated according to the total amount of money, for example, in this settlement processing. This service point is transmitted to the database server together with the member number of the member table 31b, and accumulated for each member in the member database.

After completing the settlement process, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 44). After issuing the receipt, the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act 31 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

As described above, in the checkout system 10, when the payment information of the commercial transaction by the non-member is transferred from the product registration device 11 to the settlement device 12, the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 displays the card inquiry screen SC1. Therefore, even the shopper 22 who has completed registration of the purchased product as a non-member in the product registration device 11 because the member code was not found will reconfirm the presence or absence of the membership card before making the payment with the payment device 12.例文帳に追加. When the member card is found, the shopper 22 touches the button B1 on the card inquiry screen SC1 and causes the card reader/writer 12i to read the data of the member card. Then, in the settlement device 12, the unit price of each purchased product is changed from the normal unit price to the member unit price, and the purchase amount is recalculated. That is, the payment information for commercial transactions by non-members is changed to the payment information for commercial transactions by members. Therefore, even the shopper 22 who has completed the registration of purchased products as a non-member in the product registration device can receive the member service of purchasing at the member price and the member service of giving points at the settlement device 12. - 特許庁

Further, in the checkout system 10, when the settlement device 12 receives the settlement information of the member's commercial transaction, the touch panel 12g of the settlement device 12 displays the first settlement screen SC5. Further, even when the settlement device 12 receives the settlement information of the commercial transaction by the non-member, the first settlement screen SC5 is displayed when an operation indicating that there is a member card is performed on the card inquiry screen SC1. . On the other hand, when an operation indicating that there is no membership card is performed on the card inquiry screen SC1, a second payment screen SC6 is displayed. The second payment screen SC6 is also displayed when non-member payment information including cash coupon payment information is received.

Point payment can be selected as a payment method on the first payment screen SC5, but cannot be selected on the second payment screen SC6. The first settlement screen SC5 is displayed when a commercial transaction by the member is established. Points can be paid for commercial transactions by members. Therefore, the shopper 22 who is a member can select point payment as a payment method. In other words, the non-member shopper 22 will not erroneously select point payment.

On the other hand, on the second payment screen SC6, a button B43 for selecting point payment is displayed in a non-selectable grayscale mode. Therefore, it is possible to strongly appeal to non-member shoppers that if they become a member, they can pay with points.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, there are three types of payment methods that can be selected on the payment screen: cash payment, credit payment, and point payment. However, other payment methods, such as electronic money payment, may be added to provide four or more types. Alternatively, two types of payment, cash payment and point payment, may be used except for credit payment. In addition, in the case of membership service operations in which points are not applied to payment, for example, only the second payment screen SC6 may be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the card inquiry screen SC1 displayed on the product registration device 11 and the card inquiry screen SC1 displayed on the settlement device 12 are assumed to be the same screen. However, they do not necessarily have to be the same screen. In short, any form may be used as long as it is possible to inquire of the shopper 22 whether or not he or she has a membership card and specify the result.

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.

10 Checkout system 11 Product registration device 11a CPU 11b ROM 11c RAM 11d Auxiliary storage unit 11e Drawer opening unit 11f Scanner 11g Touch panel 11h Printer 11i Card reader/writer 11j Communication unit 11k Transmission system 12 Payment device 12a CPU 12b ROM 12c RAM 12d Auxiliary storage unit 12e Automatic change dispenser 12f Scanner 12g Touch panel , 12h... Printer, 12i... Card reader/writer, 12j... Communication unit, 12k... Transmission system, 31 (31a, 31b)... Member table, 32 (32a, 32b)... Registered product table, 33 (33a, 33b)... Total Tables, 34 (34a, 34b) - payment table.

Claims (6)

A payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with a product registration device connected via a network,
receiving means for receiving, via the network, settlement information for settlement of commercial transactions for the purchased commodity registered in the commodity registration device;
determining means for determining whether or not the payment information received by the receiving means is information processed as a commercial transaction using a membership card in the product registration device;
Confirmation display means for displaying on a display device a screen for inquiring of the customer for the commercial transaction whether the customer has the membership card and accepting an input of the presence of the membership card when the payment information is not processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card. and,
When the payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card, or in response to receiving an input as to whether or not the membership card is present, one of a plurality of payment methods is adopted. selection display means for causing the display device to display a screen for accepting selection input;
a processing means for performing payment processing according to the payment method for which the selection input has been received on the payment information received by the receiving means;
A settlement device characterized by comprising: When the payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card, or when an input indicating the existence of the membership card is received, the selection display means selects a plurality of payment methods including payment methods using the membership card. A first screen is displayed on the display device to accept a selection input of which method to adopt from among the methods, and when the input of the existence of the membership card is accepted, a plurality of payment methods not including the payment method by the membership card are accepted. 2. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display device displays a second screen for receiving a selection input as to which of the settlement methods to adopt. 3. The settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second screen is a screen that displays the payment method using the membership card in a non-selectable manner. updating means for updating the payment information received by the receiving means to information processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card when an input indicating that the membership card is present is received;
4. The settlement apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing means performs settlement processing according to the settlement method for which the selection input has been accepted, on the settlement information updated by the updating means. In a checkout system in which at least one product registration device and at least one payment device are connected via a network,
The product registration device
card acceptance means for accepting input of a membership card;
a registration means for acquiring a product code specifying a purchased product and registering sales data of the purchased product;
Based on the sales data of the purchased product registered by the registration means during the registration period until the end of registration is instructed, whether the input of the membership card is accepted for the payment information for settling the commercial transaction of the purchased product. generating means for generating together with information identifying whether or not
transmission means for transmitting the payment information to the payment device via the network;
and
The payment device
receiving means for receiving, via the network, settlement information for settlement of commercial transactions for the purchased commodity registered in the commodity registration device;
Information identifying whether or not the payment information received by the receiving means is information processed as a commercial transaction using a membership card in the product registration device, and whether or not the input of the membership card has been accepted. a determination means for determining based on
Confirmation display means for displaying on a display device a screen for inquiring of the customer for the commercial transaction whether the customer has the membership card and accepting an input of the presence of the membership card when the payment information is not processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card. and,
When the payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card, or in response to receiving an input as to whether or not the membership card is present, one of a plurality of payment methods is adopted. selection display means for causing the display device to display a screen for accepting selection input;
a processing means for performing payment processing according to the payment method for which the selection input has been received on the payment information received by the receiving means;
A checkout system characterized by comprising: a computer of a payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with a product registration device and receives payment information for settling commercial transactions of purchased products registered in the product registration device; a determination means for determining whether or not the information is processed as a commercial transaction using a card;
Confirmation display means for displaying on a display device a screen for inquiring of the customer for the commercial transaction whether the customer has the membership card and accepting an input of the presence of the membership card when the payment information is not processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card. and,
When the payment information is information processed as a commercial transaction using the membership card, or in response to receiving an input as to whether or not the membership card is present, one of a plurality of payment methods is adopted. selection display means for causing the display device to display a screen for accepting selection input;
a processing means for performing payment processing on the payment information according to the payment method for which the selection input has been received;
control program to function as

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