JP6266564B2 - Payment apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a settlement apparatus and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, settlement apparatuses have been used in the field of article sales such as stores.

  As a settlement apparatus, there is an apparatus having two operation modes, a linked mode and a non-linked mode. In the interlock mode, this type of settlement apparatus receives settlement information generated as a result of sales registration from a registration apparatus such as a POS (point of sales) terminal and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information. In the non-linked mode, the settlement apparatus performs a settlement process based on the settlement information input by an operation with an operation device provided in the settlement apparatus.

  Such a settlement apparatus starts operation in the interlock mode when receiving predetermined information from the registration apparatus in the standby state. Further, the settlement apparatus starts operation in the non-linked mode when a predetermined operation is input from the operation device in the standby state.

  This type of settlement apparatus is typically operated by the same operator who operates the registration apparatus in the interlock mode. Even if the operator tries to settle in the interlock mode, the operation in the non-interlock mode may be started due to an operator's operation mistake. The operation mistake is, for example, a case where the operator starts an operation on the payment apparatus before a correct operation for transmitting payment information is performed in the registration apparatus. Or the above-mentioned operation mistake is, for example, the case where the operator has correctly operated the registration apparatus, but has started an operation on the settlement apparatus before the settlement apparatus is started in the interlock mode.

  In such a case, the operator misunderstands that the payment processing is being performed in the interlock mode, and there is a possibility that correct payment will not be performed.

  On the other hand, it is also conceivable that an operator who has recognized that the mode has become the non-linked mode proceeds with the settlement in the non-linked mode as it is and cancels the registration process in the registration device. When the registration device performs a process for aggregating sales data, the canceled transaction information as described above is not reflected in the sales data, and there is a discrepancy between the sales data and the actual transaction content. Become.

  Under such circumstances, it has been desired to make the operator aware that the settlement apparatus has started the operation in the interlock mode.

JP 2012-215981 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a settlement apparatus and a program that allow an operator to be aware that the settlement apparatus has started an operation in the interlock mode.

  The settlement apparatus of the embodiment includes an input unit, a linked settlement unit, a non-linked settlement unit, a display unit, and a settlement control unit. The input means inputs an operation by the operator. The linked settlement means performs a settlement process based on the settlement information transmitted from the registration device that performs the registration process for the transaction to be settled. The non-linked payment means performs a payment process based on the payment information designated by the operation input by the input means. The display means is aware of the operator that the payment processing by the linked payment means is started in response to the transmission of predetermined information from the registration device for the start of payment processing by the linked payment means. A reminder icon including a character, a figure, a symbol, or a combination thereof is displayed. The payment control means starts the payment by the linked payment means in response to a predetermined confirmation operation being input by the input means when the alert icon is displayed by the display means. In a standby state where neither the linked payment means nor the unlinked payment means is performing a payment process, the payment by the unlinked payment means is started in response to a predetermined operation being input by the input means. Thus, the linked payment means and the non-linked payment means are controlled.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance and utilization condition of the payment apparatus which concern on embodiment. The block diagram of the payment apparatus and registration apparatus which are shown by FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by CPU provided in the registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by CPU provided in the payment apparatus in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the alerting image which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the alerting image as a modification. The figure which shows an example of the alerting image as a modification.

  Hereinafter, a settlement apparatus according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance and a usage state of a payment apparatus 10 according to the embodiment.

The payment terminal 10 may be connected to the reading terminal 20 and the pin pad terminal 30. The payment apparatus 10 is connected to the registration apparatus 40.
The payment apparatus 10 can perform payment in the non-interlocking mode without being interlocked with the registration apparatus 40, or can perform payment in the interlocking mode in conjunction with the connected registration apparatus 40. In the interlock mode, the payment apparatus 10 executes a payment process based on payment information sent from the registration apparatus 40 to the payment apparatus 10.

  For settlement by the settlement apparatus 10, a known settlement method similar to that used in other existing settlement apparatuses can be used. The settlement method is, for example, credit settlement, debit settlement, prepaid settlement, electronic money settlement, or point settlement. Card media are widely used for the above-mentioned various settlements. As the card medium, a magnetic card (magnetic stripe card), a contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, a non-contact IC card, or the like is applied. Each of these cards records data using a magnetic stripe, a contact IC chip or a non-contact IC chip. In addition, an electronic device (for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or the like) equipped with a non-contact type IC chip may be used for the above various payments.

  The payment apparatus 10 includes a main body 11, a touch panel 12, a card reading device 13, and a receipt discharge port 14. The main body 11 includes many of various elements to be described later for configuring the settlement apparatus 10. The touch panel 12 is provided on the upper part of the main body 11. The card reader 13 is provided on the side surface of the touch panel 12. The receipt discharge port 14 is formed on the side close to the operator (such as a store clerk) of the touch panel 12. The receipt discharge port 14 is used for discharging a settlement slip printed by a printing machine arranged inside the main body 11 to the outside of the main body 11.

The reading terminal 20 is provided to read information stored in the non-contact type IC chip. The reading terminal 20 includes a reading unit 21 and a display device 22.
The reading unit 21 reads information stored in the non-contact type IC chip in a non-contact manner by wireless communication. The reading unit 21 rewrites information stored in the non-contact type IC chip.
The display device 22 displays various information. The various types of information displayed on the display device 22 include, for example, a settlement amount, a sentence that prompts a medium with a non-contact type IC chip to be brought closer to the reading unit 21, or a sentence that notifies the completion of settlement.

The pin pad terminal 30 reads information from the contact type IC card. The pin pad terminal 30 includes a card insertion slot 31, a pin pad 32 and a display device 33.
By inserting the contact type IC card from the card insertion slot 31, the electrode provided in the pin pad terminal 30 and the electrode of the contact type IC chip mounted on the contact type IC card can be brought into contact with each other. The pin pad terminal 30 reads information recorded on the contact type IC chip through the contact between the electrodes.
The pin pad 32 includes a numeric keypad, a confirmation button, a correction button, a button to which various functions are assigned, and the like. The pin pad 32 is used to input a personal identification number by an operation by a shopper.
The display device 33 displays a settlement amount, a sentence that prompts the user to insert the contact type IC card into the card slot 31, or a sentence for notification that the settlement is completed.

  The registration device 40 performs registration processing for a product that is a target of a commercial transaction. The registration device 40 has a function of performing a payment process for payment of a price for a registered product. The registration device 40 also has a function of sending payment information to the payment device 10 in order to cause the payment device 10 to perform payment processing.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the settlement apparatus 10 and the registration apparatus 40. In FIG. 2, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

  The main body 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 111, a main storage device 112, an auxiliary storage device 113, a communication device 114, a printing machine 115, a graphic controller 116, a speaker 117, and communication connectors 1141 to 1144.

  The CPU 111 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the settlement apparatus 10. The CPU 111 controls each unit of the payment apparatus 10 to realize various functions as the payment apparatus 10 according to programs such as a basic input / output system (BIOS), an operating system, and application software. Further, the CPU 111 may control the reading terminal 20 and the pin pad terminal 30 via the communication device 114.

  The main storage device 112 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main storage device 112 includes a ROM (read only memory) and a RAM (random access memory). For example, the main storage device 112 operates as follows.

  The ROM stores programs such as the BIOS, operating system, or application software. The ROM may store data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute processing for controlling each unit of the payment apparatus 10. The RAM stores data necessary for the CPU 111 to execute processing. The RAM is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 111.

  The auxiliary storage device 113 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 113 is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 113 stores data used when the CPU 111 performs various processes, data generated by the process in the CPU 111, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 113 may store a program such as the above operating system or application. Sales data and the like may also be stored in the auxiliary storage device 113.

  The application program stored in the main storage device 112 or the auxiliary storage device 113 includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the settlement apparatus 10 is transferred to a user in a state where the control program is stored in the main storage device 112 or the auxiliary storage device 113. However, the settlement apparatus 10 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the main storage device 112 or the auxiliary storage device 113. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written into the main storage device 112 or the auxiliary storage device 113 under the operation of the user or a service person. The transfer of the control program at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

  Communication connectors 1141 to 1144 are connected to the communication device 114. The communication device 114 performs communication with devices connected to the communication connectors 1141 to 1144. The registration device 40, the reading terminal 20, and the pin pad terminal 30 are connected to the communication connectors 1141 to 1143. A network 50 is connected to the communication connector 1144.

  The network 50 is, for example, the Internet, a telephone line network, a mobile phone line network such as 3G or LTE (long term evolution), a dedicated line, another network, or a combination thereof. The settlement apparatus 10 communicates with the server 60 via the network 50 for authentication and the like.

The communication connectors 1141 to 1143 are, for example, terminals for connecting cables conforming to RS-232C, USB (universal serial bus), SCSI (small computer system interface), IEEE 1394, Ethernet (registered trademark), or other interface standards. It is.
The settlement apparatus 10 may wirelessly communicate with the registration apparatus 40, the reading terminal 20, or the pin pad terminal 30 without using the communication connectors 1141 to 1143. For example, a wireless local area network (LAN) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be used for the wireless communication.
The communication connector 1144 is, for example, a terminal for connecting an Ethernet cable or a telephone line.
The settlement apparatus 10 may wirelessly communicate with the network 50 without using the communication connector 1144. For example, a wireless LAN or a cellular phone line can be used for the wireless communication.

  The number of communication connectors is not limited to four. For example, five or more communication connectors may be provided to connect various types of cables or to connect other devices. If wireless communication is used to connect the settlement apparatus 10 to the reading terminal 20, the pin pad terminal 30, the registration apparatus 40, and a part of the network 50, some of the communication connectors 1141 to 1144 may be omitted. .

The printing machine 115 prints a settlement slip or the like. As the printing machine 115, various types of printers such as a thermal printer, an ink jet printer, or a laser printer can be used.
The graphic controller 116 performs processing of an image displayed on the display device 122 and control of the display device 122 under a command from the CPU 111.
The speaker 117 emits a sound corresponding to the sound signal sent from the CPU 111.

The touch panel 12 includes a touch detection member 121 and a display device 122. The touch detection member 121 is arranged in a state of being stacked on the display surface of the display device 122. When the operator touches the display surface of the display device 122 with a finger or the like, the touch detection member 121 detects the touch operation target position and outputs it as coordinate position information. Thus, the touch detection member 121 is an example of an input unit that inputs an operation by the operator.
As a position detection method of the touch detection member 121, various methods such as a film resistance method, a capacitance method, an electromagnetic induction method, an optical method, and an elastic wave method can be used.
As the display device 122, a liquid crystal display is typically used. Note that the display device 122 includes a backlight.

  The card reader 13 reads a magnetic card. FIG. 1 shows a card reader 13 of a type that reads information recorded in a magnetic stripe by passing the magnetic stripe card through the card reader 13 so as to slide.

  The registration device 40 may be the same as an existing POS terminal.

  That is, the registration apparatus 40 includes a main body 41, display devices 42 and 43, and an input device 44. The main body 41 further includes a CPU 401, a main storage device 402, an auxiliary storage device 403, a communication device 404, a communication connector 4041, and a printing machine 405.

The display device 42 displays various types of information for the operator of the registration device 40 to confirm.
The display device 43 displays various information for allowing the shopper to confirm. The various information includes, for example, a product name, a product amount, a subtotal amount of transaction, a total amount of transaction, and the like.

  The input device 44 inputs various types of information according to operations by the operator. As the input device 44, a keyboard, a keypad, or a button can be used. Further, as the input device 44, a touch detection member disposed on the display surface of the display device 42 can be used. That is, a display device and a touch detection member of a touch panel may be used as the display device 42 and the input device 44.

  The CPU 401 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the registration device 40. The CPU 401 controls each unit of the registration apparatus 40 to realize various functions as the registration apparatus 40 according to programs such as BIOS, operating system, and application software.

The main storage device 402 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main storage device 402 includes a ROM and a RAM. For example, the main storage device 402 operates as follows.
The ROM stores programs such as the BIOS, operating system, or application software. The ROM may store data necessary for the CPU 401 to execute processing for controlling each unit of the registration device 40. The RAM stores data necessary for the CPU 401 to execute processing. The RAM is also used as a work area where information is appropriately rewritten by the CPU 401.

  The auxiliary storage device 403 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 403 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 403 stores data used when the CPU 401 performs various types of processing or data generated by the processing in the CPU 401. The auxiliary storage device 403 may store a program such as the above operating system or application. Sales data and the like may also be stored in the auxiliary storage device 403.

  The application program stored in the main storage device 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the registration apparatus 40 is transferred to a user in a state where the control program is stored in the main storage device 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. However, the registration apparatus 40 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the main storage device 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written into the main storage device 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403 under the operation of the user or a service person. The transfer of the control program at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

A communication connector 4041 is connected to the communication device 404. The communication device 404 communicates with a device connected to the communication connector 4041. The communication apparatus 4041 is connected to the settlement apparatus 10 or the like.
The communication connector 4041 is, for example, a terminal for connecting a cable conforming to RS-232C, USB, SCSI, IEEE 1394, Ethernet, or other interface standards.

  The printing machine 405 prints a receipt, a receipt, a sales slip, a usage statement, various records, a summary list, or the like on a receipt sheet.

  The registration device is not limited to a POS terminal, and an electronic cash register (ECR) may be used.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the settlement apparatus 10 will be described. Here, the operation of the registration device 40 will also be described in order to explain the operation of the settlement device 10. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 401. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 111.

  When the registration device 40 is activated in a mode for registering a product to be subjected to a commercial transaction, the CPU 401 starts the control process shown in FIG. 3 according to a control program stored in the main storage device 402 or the auxiliary storage device 403. To do.

  First, the CPU 401 confirms whether or not an operation for registering a product that is a target of a commercial transaction is started (Act 1). If the corresponding operation is not performed (No in Act1), the CPU 401 repeats Act1. Thus, in Act 1, the CPU 401 waits for an operation for product registration to start. Then, when an operation for registering a product is started, for example, when a button provided on the input device and assigned with the product is touched (Yes in Act 1), the CPU 401 starts the registration process (Act 2). To do. The registration process is a well-known process such as creating a list of commodities subject to commercial transactions in accordance with an operation by the operator. If a predetermined operation such as a touch of a subtotal button provided on the input device 44 is performed, the CPU 401 ends the registration process.

  Then, the CPU 401 confirms whether or not a settlement operation has been performed (Act 3). The settlement operation is an operation that is predetermined for an operator to instruct the settlement apparatus 40 to perform a settlement process. For example, when the shopper wishes to make a payment using cash or a paper gift certificate or gift card (hereinafter referred to as “cash etc.”), the operator performs a payment operation. If this settlement operation is not performed (No in Act 3), the CPU 401 checks whether or not a transmission operation is performed (Act 4). The transmission operation is an operation predetermined as an instruction for the operator to instruct that payment information should be transmitted to the payment apparatus 10 in order to perform payment using the payment apparatus 10. If this transmission operation is not performed (No in Act 4), the CPU 401 returns to Act 3. Thus, in Act3 and Act4, the CPU 401 waits for a settlement operation or a transmission operation to be performed.

  The operator performs a settlement operation or a transmission operation as desired by the shopper. When the settlement operation is performed (Yes in Act 3), the CPU 401 executes a settlement process (Act 5). The settlement process here is a process for performing various processes for settlement only by the registration apparatus 40 without using the settlement apparatus 10. In this settlement process, the CPU 401 performs a known process until a receipt is issued by the printing machine 405. After completing the settlement process, the CPU 401 returns to the standby state for Act1.

  When the transmission operation is performed (Yes in Act 4), the CPU 401 inquires of the settlement apparatus 10 whether the settlement process can be accepted (Act 6). Specifically, the CPU 401 issues a command to the communication device 404 to transmit a predetermined inquiry command for the inquiry to the payment apparatus 10. In response to this command, the communication device 404 transmits the inquiry command to the settlement apparatus 10.

  When the settlement apparatus 10 is activated, the CPU 111 starts the control process shown in FIG. 4 according to the control program stored in the main storage device 112 or the auxiliary storage device 113.

  First, the CPU 111 sets the display screen of the display device 122 as a standby screen (Act 21). Specifically, the CPU 111 instructs the graphic controller 116 to that effect. In response to this command, the graphic controller 116 generates an image corresponding to the standby screen, and drives the display device 122 to display this image. The standby screen includes a plurality of buttons for the operator to specify a settlement method.

  In this state, the CPU 111 confirms whether or not a non-operation state has been established (Act 22), whether or not the above inquiry has been made (Act 23), and whether or not a settlement operation has been performed (Act 24). As long as each is determined as No, it is repeated.

  A state in which an operation on the touch panel 12 is not performed for a predetermined time is defined as a no-operation state. Therefore, if the state in which the touch operation is not detected by the touch detection member 121 continues for a predetermined time, the CPU 111 determines that there is no operation (Act 22 Yes). In this case, the CPU 111 turns off the backlight of the display device 122 (Act 25).

  Then, the CPU 111 repeats confirmation of whether or not a touch operation on the touch panel 12 has been performed (Act 26) and confirmation of whether or not the above inquiry has been made (Act 27) as long as each is determined No.

  When the touch operation is detected by the touch detection member 121 (Yes in Act 26), the CPU 111 returns to Act 21, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above. In Act 21, when the screen of the display device 122 is set as the standby screen, the CPU 111 turns on the backlight of the display device 122.

  As described above, the inquiry command transmitted from the communication device 404 is received by the communication device 114 and notified to the CPU 111. When an inquiry is made when the CPU 111 is in the standby state for Act 26 and Act 27 (Yes in Act 27), the CPU 111 turns on the backlight of the display device 122 (Act 28). After this, the CPU 111 proceeds to Act 29. If an inquiry is made when the CPU 111 is in the standby state of Act 22 to Act 24 (Yes in Act 23), the CPU 111 proceeds directly to Act 29.

  When the CPU 111 is in the standby state of Act22 to Act24 or in the standby state of Act26 and Act27, the settlement apparatus 10 is not performing a settlement process and starts a settlement process in response to a request from the registration apparatus 40 it can. Therefore, the CPU 111 makes a permission response to the inquiry (Act 29). Specifically, the CPU 111 issues a command to the communication device 114 to transmit a predetermined permission response command for the permission response to the registration device 40. In response to this command, the communication device 114 transmits the permission response command to the registration device 40.

  Subsequently, the CPU 111 sets the screen of the display device 122 as an alert screen (Act 30). Specifically, the CPU 111 instructs the graphic controller 116 to that effect. In response to this command, the graphic controller 116 generates an image corresponding to the attention calling screen, and drives the display device 122 to display this image. Thus, when the CPU 111 executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 111 as the central part functions as a display control means. A function as a display means is realized by the cooperation of this function and the functions of the graphic controller 116 and the display device 122.

  At this time, the CPU 111 controls the speaker 117 so as to emit a predetermined alert sound at the same time as the image corresponding to the alert screen is displayed on the display device 122, or immediately before or after that. Specifically, the CPU 111 supplies a sound signal representing a warning sound to the speaker 117. As the alert sound, a beep sound, a buzzer sound, a melody, a song, a recorded voice, a synthesized voice, or the like can be used. Thus, when the CPU 111 executes the control process based on the control program, the function as the sound generation means is realized by the cooperation of the control by the computer having the CPU 111 as the central part and the function of the speaker 117.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the attention calling screen 200.
The attention calling screen 200 includes a warning image 210. The alert image 210 further includes an alert icon 211a and an alert statement 212. The alert icon 211a is a symbol for making the operator aware that the settlement process in the interlock mode is started. The alert icon 211a shown in FIG. 5 shows a case where the registration device 40 is a POS terminal, and is formed by combining a graphic showing the appearance of the POS terminal in abstract and the letters “POS”. The alert statement 212 is a sentence or a sentence for making the operator aware that the settlement process in the interlock mode is started. The alert statement 212 is displayed, for example, “YY / MM / DD HH: MM: SS There is a POS-linked transaction. Press the POS icon to start the transaction”. Here, YY, MM, DD, HH, MM, and SS represent numerical values representing the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second regarding the date and time when the inquiry was made. Further, the “POS icon” is a word in which the alert icon 211a is rephrased so as to be easily understood.
The alerting screen 200 further includes a toolbar 230 on which a title 220 indicating the content of the current display screen, various information indicating the current state of the settlement apparatus 10 and the like, buttons assigned with various functions, and the like are displayed.

  Each time the graphic controller 116 generates an image corresponding to the alerting screen 200, the graphic controller 116 changes the arrangement position of the alerting icon 211a in the image. As an example, the graphic controller 116 selects one of several predetermined arrangement positions in a predetermined order or at random and sets it as the arrangement position of the alert icon 211a. Alternatively, the graphic controller 116 may randomly select arbitrary coordinates in the image and position the reference point determined in the alert icon 211a at the coordinates. However, the graphic controller 116 may always arrange the alert icon 211a at a certain position. However, it is preferable that the arrangement position of the alert icon 211 is a position that does not overlap the alert sentence 212. This is because if the alert icon 211 and the alert statement 212 overlap, the alert statement 212 becomes difficult to read.

  In a state where the alert icon 211a is displayed, the CPU 111 confirms whether or not a confirmation operation has been performed (Act 31). If the confirmation operation is not performed (No in Act 31), the CPU 111 repeats Act 31.

  When performing the payment in the interlock mode, the operator confirms that the screen of the display device 122 becomes the alert screen 200 after performing the transmission operation with the input device 44 of the registration device 40. Then, the operator performs a confirmation operation. Here, the confirmation operation is a touch operation on the alert icon 211a. Therefore, when the touch operation on the position where the alert icon 211a is arranged is detected by the touch detection member 121 (Yes in Act 31), the CPU 111 returns the display screen of the display device 122 to the standby screen (Act 32). Then, the CPU 111 starts a settlement process in the interlock mode (Act 33).

  In the registration device 40, after making an inquiry (Act 6) as to whether or not the payment process can be accepted, the CPU 401 confirms whether or not the response to the inquiry is a permission response (Act 7). When the communication device 404 receives the permission response command transmitted from the communication device 114 as described above (Yes in Act 7), the CPU 401 transmits settlement information to the settlement apparatus 10 (Act 8). Specifically, the CPU 401 generates payment information including information necessary for the payment processing such as the total price of all the commodities shown in the list created by the registration processing in Act2. Then, the CPU 401 issues a command to the communication device 404 to transmit this payment information to the payment apparatus 10. Upon receiving this command, the communication device 404 transmits the payment information to the payment apparatus 10.

  The payment information is received by the communication device 114 and stored in the main storage device 112. In the settlement process in Act 33, the CPU 111 sets the settlement amount indicated in the settlement information stored in the main storage device 112 as the subject of settlement. Further, the CPU 111 determines a settlement method to be applied in the settlement process in Act 33 in accordance with, for example, a touch operation on any of a plurality of buttons provided for the operator to specify a settlement method in the standby screen. Note that the specific processing procedure of the CPU 111 in the payment process may be the same as that in an existing same type of payment apparatus, and a description thereof will be omitted. Thus, when the CPU 111 executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 1111 as the central part functions as a linked settlement means.

If the payment is normally completed, the CPU 111 issues a completion notification to the registration device 40 and ends the payment process in Act 33. Specifically, the CPU 111 generates completion notification information including a command indicating that payment has been completed, information indicating the payment method used, and the like. Then, the CPU 111 issues a command to the communication device 114 to transmit the completion notification information to the registration device 40. In response to this instruction, the communication device 114 transmits the completion notification information to the registration device 40.
Thereafter, the CPU 111 returns to Act 21 and executes the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  In the registration device 40, the CPU 401 confirms whether or not a completion notification is made from the payment device 10 after transmitting the payment information at Act 8 in FIG. 3 (Act 9). If the completion notification is not made (No in Act 9), the CPU 401 repeats Act 9. Thus, in Act 9, the CPU 401 waits for notification of completion.

  As described above, the payment information transmitted from the payment apparatus 10 is received by the communication device 404 and stored in the main storage device 402. In response to this, the CPU 401 determines that the completion notification has been made (Yes in Act 9), and issues a command to the printing press 405 to issue a receipt relating to the current commercial transaction. In response to this command, the printing press 405 issues a receipt representing the details of the commercial transaction, the settlement amount, and the settlement method used (Act 10). Then, the CPU 401 returns to the standby state of Act1.

  By the way, the settlement operation in the settlement apparatus 10 is, for example, a touch operation on one of buttons for designating a settlement method in the standby screen. When such an operation is detected by the touch detection member 121 when the CPU 111 is in the standby state of Act22 to Act24 in FIG. 4 (Yes in Act24), the CPU 111 starts a settlement process in the non-linked mode ( Act 34). In the payment processing here, the CPU 111 sets the payment amount input by the touch operation on the touch panel 12 as a payment target. In addition, the CPU 111 determines the payment method applied in the payment processing here according to, for example, a touch operation on any of a plurality of buttons provided for the operator to specify the payment method on the standby screen. . Note that the specific processing procedure of the CPU 111 in the payment process may be the same as that in an existing same type of payment apparatus, and a description thereof will be omitted. Thus, when the CPU 111 executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 111 as a central part functions as an unlinked payment means.

  By the way, when the CPU 111 is in the standby state of Act22 to Act24, the settlement apparatus 10 is not performing any settlement processing, that is, in a standby state. Then, the CPU 111 starts the non-linked payment process in response to the input of a predetermined operation in the standby state. Further, the CPU 111 starts the above-described linked payment process in response to the transmission of predetermined information from the registration device 40 in the standby state. Thus, when the CPU 111 executes the control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 111 as a central part functions as a settlement control means.

  Although not shown, the CPU 111 makes a rejection response when an inquiry command is received during the settlement process in Act 34 in the non-interlocking mode. Specifically, the CPU 111 issues a command to the communication device 114 to transmit a predetermined permission response command for the rejection response to the registration device 40. In response to this command, the communication device 114 transmits the rejection response command to the registration device 40.

  In the registration apparatus 40, when the communication device 404 receives the rejection response command transmitted from the communication device 114 as described above (No in Act 7), the CPU 401 performs error processing (Act 11). The error process notifies the operator that the payment process in the synchronous mode according to the request from the registration apparatus 40 cannot be started because the payment apparatus is executing the payment process in the asynchronous mode. And so on. When the error processing is completed, the CPU 401 returns to the standby state for Act3 and Act4.

Thus, according to the settlement apparatus 10, when a settlement process request is made from the registration apparatus 40, the alert icon 211 a is first displayed on the touch panel 12. For this reason, the operator who is going to make a payment in the linked mode confirms that the payment process in the linked mode is started by confirming the display of the alert icon 211a that the transmission operation has been performed correctly. it can. In other words, when the registration apparatus 40 does not perform the transmission operation correctly, it can be recognized that the alert icon 211a is not displayed. In this way, since it is possible to make the operator confirm whether or not the settlement process in the interlock mode is started, the non-interlock mode is determined by operating the touch panel 12 when it is mistakenly recognized that the settlement process in the interlock mode is started. It is possible to prevent the settlement process from being started.
Since the display of the alert icon 211a is continued until the confirmation operation is performed, it is possible to prevent the operator from missing the alert icon 211a displayed.

  Moreover, according to the settlement apparatus 10, since the confirmation operation is a touch operation on the alert icon 211a, the operator can accurately recognize that the alert icon 211a is displayed.

  Moreover, according to the payment apparatus 10, since the alert statement 212 is also displayed with the alert icon 211a, even if the operator is unfamiliar with the operation of the settlement apparatus 10, the settlement process in the interlock mode is started. Can be confirmed.

  Moreover, according to the payment apparatus 10, the arrangement position of the alert icon 211a in the alert screen 200 changes whenever the alert screen is newly displayed. Therefore, the operator's attention can be drawn and the oversight of the alert icon 211a due to the operator's familiarity can be prevented.

  Further, according to the settlement apparatus 10, at the same time when the alert icon 211a is displayed, an alert sound is emitted immediately before the alert icon is displayed or immediately after the alert icon 211a is displayed. Thereby, it can be made to make an operator recognize more reliably that the alert icon 211a was displayed.

This embodiment can be modified as follows.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a reminder screen 300 as a modified example. In FIG. 6, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The attention calling screen 300 represents the attention calling image 310 instead of the attention calling image 210. The alert image 310 includes an alert icon 211b instead of the alert icon 211a in the alert image 210.
In the alert icon 211b, it is assumed that the operator is directly aware that the linked payment processing is started by the characters “linked mode”.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a reminder screen 400 as a modified example. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
The attention calling screen 400 represents the attention calling image 410 instead of the attention calling image 310. The alert image 410 includes an alert icon 211c instead of the alert icon 211a in the alert image 410.
The alert icon 211c does not include a device or a character or an image reminiscent of being interlocked. However, since the alert icon is displayed only when the linked payment process is started, the operator can be made aware that the linked payment process has been started.

  The arrangement position of the alert icon 211a in the alert screen 200 may be fixed.

  In the registration device 40, the CPU 401 may transmit the payment information to the payment device 10 without an inquiry. Alternatively, the CPU 401 in the registration apparatus 40 may transmit the payment information without waiting for a response from the payment apparatus 10 after transmitting a transmission start command declaring the transmission start of the payment information. In these cases, in the payment apparatus 10, the CPU 111 may start displaying the alert icon in response to the payment information being transmitted or in response to the transmission start command being transmitted. In other words, the CPU 111 may start displaying the alert icon in response to the transmission of predetermined information transmitted from the registration device 40 for the start of the payment process in the linked payment mode.

It is also possible to realize the settlement apparatus as having at least one function of the reading terminal 20 and the pin pad terminal 30 in addition to the function of the settlement apparatus 10.
At least one of the reading terminal 20 and the pin pad terminal 30 may not be connected to the settlement apparatus 10.

Instead of the touch panel 12, a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an input device such as a keypad may be provided. In this case, the CPU 111 inputs an operation on the input device instead of the touch operation.
The display device 122 may be a display device other than a liquid crystal display such as an organic EL (electric-luminescence) display, a cathode ray tube display, or electronic paper.
The payment apparatus 10 does not have to have a function of turning off the backlight of the display device 122 in a no-operation state. The payment apparatus 10 may have a function of turning off the display device 122 in a no-operation state or putting the payment apparatus 10 in a sleep state instead of or in addition to the function of turning off the backlight. good.

The settlement apparatus 10 may have a settlement function using cash or the like.
Instead of the alert image 210, an alert image that does not include the alert statement 212 may be used. That is, the alert image may include an alert icon.
Instead of the alert icons 211a to 211c, another alert icon including any character, figure, symbol, or a combination thereof for making the operator aware that linked payment processing is started may be used. it can.

The CPU 111 may change the display form of the alert image during the period of waiting for the confirmation operation in Act 31 of FIG. For example, the CPU 111 may change the display form of the alert icon by moving, rotating, blinking, or a combination thereof. Further, the CPU 111 may change the display form of the alert icon by changing it by a part or all of the alert icon, enlargement, reduction, other deformation, or a combination thereof. Further, the CPU 111 may change the display form of the alert icon by changing the hue, saturation, brightness, or transparency of the alert icon or a plurality of them.
Further, the CPU 111 may change the display form of the alert text by a method similar to the change of the display form of the alert icon as described above, for example.

  Vibrations by a vibrator or light emission or blinking by a light emitting member such as an LED may be performed simultaneously with the display of the alert image, immediately before the alert image is displayed, or immediately after the alert image is displayed. The CPU 111 may determine which of a plurality of predetermined alert images is to be displayed based on a setting corresponding to an operation by the operator.

The CPU 111 may select based on a setting according to an operation by the operator from among a plurality of predetermined operations, and set it as a confirmation operation.
The CPU 111 may determine whether to display the alert image 210 based on settings according to the operation by the operator.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are 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 changes 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 invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Payment apparatus, 11 ... Main body, 12 ... Touch panel, 13 ... Card reader, 20 ... Reading terminal, 30 ... Pin pad terminal, 40 ... Registration apparatus, 111 ... CPU, 112 ... Main storage device, 113 ... Auxiliary storage device, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 114 ... Communication device, 116 ... Graphic controller, 121 ... Touch detection member, 122 ... Display apparatus, 200 ... Warning screen, 210 ... Warning image, 211a, 211b, 211c ... Warning icon.

Claims (6)

An input means for inputting an operation by the operator;
Linked payment means for performing payment processing based on payment information transmitted from a registration device that performs registration processing for transactions to be settled;
Non-linked payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information designated by the operation input by the input means;
In order to make the operator aware that payment processing by the linked payment means is started in response to transmission of predetermined information from the registration device to start payment processing by the linked payment means. Display means for displaying a reminder icon including any of the following characters, figures, symbols or combinations thereof:
When the warning icon is displayed by the display means, the linked payment means starts payment by the linked payment means in response to a predetermined confirmation operation being input by the input means, and the linked payment In a standby state where neither the means nor the non-linked payment means is performing payment processing, the payment by the non-linked payment means is started in response to a predetermined operation being input by the input means. Payment control means for controlling the linked payment means and the non-linked payment means;
A settlement apparatus. The display means includes a display device,
The input means includes a touch detection member that detects a touch operation on the screen of the display device,
The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the settlement control unit determines that the confirmation operation is input when a touch operation on the alert icon is detected by the touch detection member. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit cancels the display of the alert icon in response to the confirmation operation being input by the input unit.   The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the alert icon at a random position in a display area.   5. The sound generator according to claim 1, further comprising sounding means for emitting a warning sound immediately before the warning icon is displayed or immediately after the warning icon is displayed simultaneously with the display of the warning icon. The settlement apparatus according to any one of the above. A computer that controls a settlement apparatus including a display device and an input device for inputting an operation by an operator;
Linked payment means for performing payment processing based on payment information transmitted from a registration device that performs registration processing for transactions to be settled;
Unlinked payment means for performing a payment process based on the payment information designated by the operation input by the input device;
In order to make the operator aware that payment processing by the linked payment means is started in response to transmission of predetermined information from the registration device to start payment processing by the linked payment means. Display control means for controlling the display device to display a reminder icon including a character, a figure, a symbol, or a combination thereof;
When the warning icon is displayed on the display device, the linked payment means starts payment by the linked payment means in response to a predetermined confirmation operation being input by the input device. In a standby state where neither the means nor the non-linked payment means is performing payment processing, the payment by the non-linked payment means is started in response to a predetermined operation being input by the input means. , Payment control means for controlling the linked payment means and the non-linked payment means,
Program to function as.