JP4530509B2 - Checkout system for stores - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a store settlement system for processing a payment procedure at a store.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, at a store (for example, a convenience store), the price of the product is paid by cash or a credit card, and a receipt (paper) on which the price is printed is handed from the store as confirmation of payment.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, this method has the following problems.
[0004]
First, the purchaser must always carry cash or a credit card.
[0005]
Second, since a receipt made of paper is issued for each payment operation, a complicated process is required for the purchaser to manage the purchase history with the receipt.
[0006]
Third, it is difficult to manage each customer on the store side.
Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to simplify the payment procedure at the store and facilitate the purchase history at both the store and the purchaser. It is to provide a settlement system for a store that can be constructed.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A settlement system for a store according to the present invention is a settlement system for a store for settlement of payment at a store, and in the store, between a sales management means for calculating a user's total payment and a user's portable terminal A short-range wireless communication means for enabling wireless communication in the store, a search signal transmitting means for transmitting a search signal for searching for a mobile terminal held by the person to be paid at the start of checkout, and a search against the signal, the response indicating that the plans to purchase goods in a store, or a response indicating that the plans to make a payment via the short-range wireless communication means, when a user performs, mobile terminals responding Information request means for requesting information to the user, and user payment for authenticating the user's payment possibility based on information transmitted from the portable terminal via the short-range wireless communication means in response to the information request And testimony means, mobile terminal manages the mobile phone network that can communicate, for the user to perform the communication between the can is a mobile phone company to perform the settlement processing of payment total from financial institutions with a settlement account The information transmitted from the mobile terminal to the user payment authentication means includes information for specifying the mobile terminal, and the sales management means is configured such that the user payment authentication means has the possibility of user payment. Is sent to the portable terminal via the short-range wireless communication means, the receipt is issued to the user, and the information regarding the total payment is sent to the portable terminal. And information about the payment total can be stored in the memory of the mobile terminal .
[0010]
In particular, it further includes centralized management means including a database that accumulates information related to user purchases that are aggregated in the sales management means.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same symbols or symbols, and the description thereof is omitted.
[0012]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the outline of the configuration of the store settlement system according to the first embodiment.
[0013]
Assume that the user 100 purchases a product at the convenience store 200. The total amount of payment is calculated by a POS system (point of sales) 210 which is a sales management system installed in the register of the convenience store 200.
[0014]
The POS system 210 and the mobile phone 110 of the user 100 communicate using the short-range wireless communication system 220.
[0015]
Purchase data including the total amount is transmitted to the mobile phone 110 of the user 100 via the short-range wireless communication system 220.
[0016]
The purchase data received by the mobile phone 110 is displayed on the display 120 of the mobile phone 110. Here, the user 100 confirms the received purchase data (confirmation by the user 100).
[0017]
Payment of the total amount is made on the condition that the credit card company 302 uses the credit card of the user 100 on the condition of the confirmation operation of the user 100. As a result, the credit sales company 302 collects the total amount from the account of the user 100 of the bank 304.
[0018]
Information handled by the POS system 210 is collectively managed by the centralized management system 500. The centralized management system 500 has a database for managing purchase history for each customer.
[0019]
Other convenience stores 200 </ b> A and affiliate stores that can be connected to the central management system 500 can access the purchase history stored in the central management system 500.
[0020]
Here, as the short-range wireless communication system 220 as described above, for example, “Bluetooth” can be used. When “Bluetooth” is used, a link between the mobile phone 110 that is the user's terminal and the short-range wireless communication system 220 is generally established as follows by such a search signal.
[0021]
As a communication method between the short-range wireless communication system 220 as a master and the mobile phone 110 as a slave, a spread spectrum method of a frequency hopping method is used. First, the master transmits “search signal (Inquiry)”, which is a message including a key for connection, at intervals of 625 μs. Since the slave side always switches channels with the same hopping pattern, the transmission from the master side is hit in about 2 seconds, and synchronization is established. As a result, the master recognizes the slave, and the slave acquires a 3-bit active member address (Active member address) and enters the network (in the piconet).
[0022]
The master then sends a “Page” message to the slave, from which the slave operates in a hopping pattern determined by the master. Thereafter, an authentication process is performed, and once authentication is completed, a dedicated key for communication encryption is passed to the slave side, so that the subsequent processes are simplified. Subsequently, data transmission / reception is started.
[0023]
Of the above description, an important point in performing wireless communication between the short-range wireless communication system 220 and the mobile phone 110 is that, for example, wireless communication is limited to a short distance (for example, within a range of 10 m). is there. As a result, the communication within the register of the convenience store 200 is sufficient, and in addition to the communication being performed after being encrypted, the possibility of leakage of communication contents outside the convenience store 200 is low. The above is also advantageous. In addition, if the distance is short, the circuit scale required for the interface is small, and there is an advantage that it can be easily mounted on the mobile phone 110 in terms of power consumption and cost. Therefore, if it has such a characteristic, even if it is a system other than "Bluetooth", this invention can be used in a suitable aspect.
[0024]
[User confirmation procedure when purchasing products]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the confirmation procedure on the user side when the user 100 purchases a product in the first embodiment.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 2, short-range wireless communication system 220 in convenience store 200 transmits a search signal to search for mobile phone 110 in the convenience store (step S100).
[0026]
Next, the user 100 sends a response to the master short-range wireless communication system 220 that the convenience store 200 is to be used (the product is to be purchased or to be paid) via the mobile phone 110. Return (step S102).
[0027]
The master short-range wireless communication system 220 requests the slave mobile phone 110 to transmit information for specifying a user as a customer (step S104).
[0028]
The slave mobile phone 110 transmits the requested information to the master side (step S106).
[0029]
Here, as information for specifying a user, there are a member's membership number, name, postal code, address, telephone number, etc. in a convenience store.
[0030]
The total amount of products brought into the register in the convenience store 200 by the user 100 is calculated by the POS system 210 (step S108).
[0031]
Then, purchase data is transmitted to the mobile phone 110 of the user 100 via the short-range wireless communication system 220. The transmitted purchase data is displayed on the display of the mobile phone 110 (step S110).
[0032]
The purchase data includes information specifying a product, a product price, a total price, and a payee (that is, the convenience store 200).
[0033]
The user 100 confirms items of purchase data to be displayed (step S112). If all the items are agreed, the payment information is transmitted to the POS system 210 via the mobile phone 110, and if not agreed, a signal not agreeing is transmitted (step S114).
[0034]
The payment information transmitted by the user 100 includes information related to the user's settlement. Information relating to user payment includes the type of credit card (credit sales company, type of card), credit card number, credit card expiration date, and the like.
[0035]
Thereby, the user side agrees to the purchased product and the total amount, and the payment method is determined.
[0036]
Information for identifying the user, information on the account settlement of the user, and the like may be transmitted from the slave mobile phone 110 to the master side, or a combination of these may be transmitted.
[0037]
Information that does not need to be changed every time a product is purchased, for example, “information for specifying a user” is stored in advance in a memory in the mobile phone 110 or in a memory card that is attached to or detached from the mobile phone 110. Can be kept.
[0038]
For information that can be changed each time a product is purchased, for example, “information related to payment of a user's fee”, the user 100 previously stores a possible candidate in the memory in the mobile phone 110 or the mobile phone 110. It can be configured to be stored in a removable memory card or the like and selectable.
[0039]
If a signal not agreeing is transmitted, for example, the process returns to step S108.
[0040]
[Checkout procedure to pay the total amount]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a checkout procedure for paying the total amount in the first embodiment.
[0041]
Referring to FIG. 3, the POS system 210 of the convenience store 200 transmits the total amount, the credit card number, information for specifying the payee, etc. to the credit sales company 302 that handles the credit card (step S200).
[0042]
Based on the transmitted data, the credit sales company 302 that constitutes the payment institution 300 returns an answer to the inquiry as to whether the payment by the credit card is possible, the mobile phone 110 of the user 100 and the POS of the convenience store 200. It transmits with respect to the system 210 (step S202).
[0043]
The communication between the credit sales company 302 and the convenience store 200 is performed after a predetermined encryption is performed when a dedicated line is used or when a general line is used.
[0044]
The convenience store 200 transmits data indicating that the inquiry from the credit sales company 302 has been approved to the mobile phone 110, and uses a receipt issuing machine (not shown) provided in the POS system 210 to notify the user 100. A receipt is issued (step S204).
[0045]
In addition, when the credit sales company 302 refuses the payment with a credit card, the reason, for example, the error of a credit number etc. shall be transmitted to the user 100 and the convenience store 200 together. In response to this, for example, the convenience store 200 can make a re-inquiry to the user 100, such as whether to re-enter a credit card number or to pay by another credit card.
[0046]
On the other hand, the credit sales company 302 charges the total amount of the product and the telephone fee required for communication to the bank 304 with which the user 100 has an account on the settlement date of the credit card (step S206).
[0047]
The total amount and the telephone charge are deducted from the account of the user 100 of the bank 304 to the credit sales company 302 (step S208).
[0048]
The credit sales company 302 pays a telephone fee to a telephone company (not shown) from the amount withdrawn (step S210), and pays the total amount to the convenience store 200 (step S212). Further, the credit sales company 302 issues a usage statement to the user 100 (step S214).
[0049]
With the above-described configuration, the user 100 does not need to carry cash or a credit card, and if the user 100 has the mobile phone 110, payment of charges at the store is simplified.
[0050]
Further, by transmitting the total amount confirmed by the user 100 and the determined payment method to the credit sales company, the user 100 can pay with confidence.
[0051]
Further, the user can record data transmitted from the POS system 210 in a memory included in the portable terminal. Therefore, the user 100 can easily use the data.
[0052]
Further, when the user 100 purchases a product at the convenience store 200 (or other stores that can exchange data with the centralized management system 500), the purchase history of the product is accumulated in the centralized management system 500.
[0053]
Therefore, the convenience store 200 can not only make a product management plan based on the purchase history but also provide a service based on the purchase history for each user. For example, information about a specific product can be specified or transmitted to all users by using information specifying the user.
[0054]
Furthermore, the convenience store 200 has an advantage that even a user who does not have cash or a credit card can collect charges through a mobile phone company.
[0055]
[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the outline of the configuration of the store settlement system according to the second embodiment, and is a diagram to be compared with FIG. 1 in the first embodiment.
[0056]
In the first embodiment, the settlement of the product price or the like is performed via the credit sales company 302 that handles the credit card possessed by the user 100.
[0057]
In the second embodiment, instead of the credit sales company 302, the mobile phone company 306 collects the product price from the account in the bank 304 of the user 100 as a telephone fee. The other points are the same as the configuration according to the first embodiment.
[0058]
[Checkout procedure to pay the total amount]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a checkout procedure for paying the total amount in the second embodiment.
[0059]
Referring to FIG. 5, the POS system 210 of the convenience store 200 transmits a telephone number, a total amount, a credit card number, information specifying a payee, etc. to the telephone company 306 (step S300).
[0060]
Based on the transmitted data, the telephone company 306 that constitutes the payment institution 300 replies to the inquiry about whether or not payment by the credit card is possible, and the mobile phone 110 of the user 100 and the convenience store 200. To the POS system 210 (step S302).
[0061]
If there is no problem, the convenience store 200 transmits data indicating that the inquiry from the telephone company 306 is approved to the mobile phone 110, and a receipt issuing machine (not shown) provided in the POS system 210. Thus, a receipt is issued to the user 100 (step S304).
[0062]
The telephone company 306 charges the telephone fee to the bank 304 in which the user 100 has an account on the settlement date of the telephone fee (step S306). The telephone fee to be charged includes the total amount and the telephone fee required for communication.
[0063]
A telephone charge is deducted from the account of the user 100 of the bank 304 to the telephone company 306 (step S308).
[0064]
The telephone company 306 pays the total amount from the amount withdrawn to the convenience store 200 (step S310). Furthermore, the telephone company 306 issues a usage statement to the user 100 (step S312).
[0065]
With the above-described configuration, the user 100 does not need to carry cash or a credit card, and if the user 100 has the mobile phone 110, payment of charges at the store is simplified.
[0066]
Further, by transmitting the total amount confirmed by the user 100 and the determined payment method to the telephone company, the user 100 can pay with confidence.
[0067]
Further, the user can record data transmitted from the POS system 210 in a memory included in the portable terminal. Therefore, the user 100 can easily use the data.
[0068]
The convenience store 200 can not only make a management plan for products based on the purchase history but also provide services for each user based on the purchase history.
[0069]
Furthermore, the convenience store 200 has an advantage that even a user who does not have cash or a credit card can collect charges through a mobile phone company.
[0070]
In the above description, it is assumed that the user 100 pays when purchasing a product. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and is generally applicable to a case where the user pays to the store side, for example, reservation of a ticket or payment of a utility bill. is there.
[0071]
In the above description, the user 100 transmits and receives data via the mobile phone 110. However, any terminal other than the mobile phone may be used as long as it is a terminal that can communicate via the mobile phone network.
[0072]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
With the configuration described above, the user does not need to carry cash or a credit card, and can easily perform a payment procedure at a store if he / she has a portable terminal.
[0074]
By transmitting the total amount confirmed by the user and the determined payment method to the credit sales company or the telephone company, the user can pay with confidence.
[0075]
The user can record data transmitted from the POS system, which is a sales management system, in a memory included in the portable terminal. Therefore, the user can easily use the data.
[0076]
Since the central management system for accumulating user purchase histories is provided, the store can not only make a product management plan based on the purchase histories but also provide services for each user based on the purchase histories. For example, information about a specific product can be specified or transmitted to all users by using information specifying the user.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an outline of a configuration of a store settlement system according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a user side confirmation procedure when a user 100 purchases a product in the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a checkout procedure for paying the total amount in the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an outline of a configuration of a store settlement system according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a checkout procedure for paying the total amount in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 users, 110 mobile phones, 200 convenience stores, 210 sales management systems (POS systems) 220 short-range wireless communication systems, 300 clearing houses, 302 credit sales companies, 304 banks, 306 mobile phone companies.

Claims (2)

A checkout system for a store for checking out payment at a store,
In the store, sales management means for calculating the total payment of the user,
Near field communication means for enabling wireless communication in the store with the mobile terminal of the user,
Search signal transmitting means for transmitting a search signal for searching for a portable terminal held by the payment target person at the start of the checkout via the short-range wireless communication means;
The against the search signal, the response indicating that the plans to purchase goods in the store, or a response indicating that the plans to make a payment via the short-range wireless communication means, when the user performs, and the information requesting means for requesting information to the mobile terminal that the response,
User payment authentication means for authenticating the user's payment possibility based on information transmitted from the portable terminal via the short-range wireless communication means in response to the information request;
To manage a mobile phone network that the mobile terminal can communicate with, and to communicate with a mobile phone company that allows the user to perform a settlement process of the payment total from a financial institution having a settlement account An authentication communication means,
Information transmitted from the mobile terminal to the user payment authentication means includes information for specifying the mobile terminal,
The sales management means includes
When the user payment authentication unit authenticates the user's payment possibility, information indicating the authentication is transmitted to the portable terminal via the short-range wireless communication unit, and a receipt is issued to the user. Do
A store settlement system that transmits information related to the total payment to the mobile terminal via the short-range wireless communication means , and enables information related to the total payment to be stored in a memory of the mobile terminal . 2. The store settlement system according to claim 1, further comprising centralized management means including a database that accumulates information related to user purchases that is aggregated in the sales management means.

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