JP6290121B2 - Checkout system, settlement apparatus and control program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, a settlement apparatus incorporated in the system, and a control program thereof.

  As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a product data input processing device and a transaction settlement device are separated. The input processing apparatus waits for input of data related to product sales. When data is input, the input processing device generates payment information based on the data and transfers the payment information to the payment device. The settlement apparatus waits for input of payment data for settlement information. When the payment data is input by the operator, the payment apparatus processes the payment based on the payment information and the payment data. This type of checkout system in which the input processing device and the payment device are separated can be operated in a so-called semi-self manner in which the store clerk operates the input processing device and the shopper operates the payment device.

  By the way, the price for merchandise sales or service provision is generally not only cash payment but also non-cash payments such as credit and electronic money. For this reason, many settlement apparatuses have a settlement function for non-cash payments in addition to a settlement function for cash payments. Such a conventional payment apparatus having two or more types of payment functions requires an operation of selecting a payment method before payment. For this reason, when a checkout system of a type in which an input processing device and a payment device are separated is operated in a semi-self manner, it is a shopper who operates the payment device, and many shoppers are unfamiliar with the operation. There was a need for simplification.

JP 2010-086158 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system capable of simplifying an operation for payment in a settlement apparatus and a settlement apparatus used in this system.

In one embodiment, the checkout system includes an input processing device and a payment device. The input processing apparatus includes a generation unit, a storage unit, and a transmission unit. The generation unit waits for input of data relating to merchandise sales or service provision, and generates settlement information based on the input data. The storage means waits for any one of the plurality of payment methods to be designated, and stores information indicating the designated payment method in the storage unit. When the transfer means is instructed to transfer the payment information to the payment apparatus, the transmission means associates the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmits it to the payment apparatus. The settlement apparatus includes a receiving unit, a determining unit, a first processing unit, and a third processing unit . The receiving means receives the payment information transmitted from the input processing device. The determining means determines a payment method based on the information associated with the settlement information received by the receiving means. The first processing unit waits for payment by the payment method determined by the determining unit, and when it detects data related to payment required for settlement, it processes the settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving unit. When the third processing means is instructed to change the payment method determined by the determination means, it waits for payment by a plurality of payment methods, and detects data related to payment required for settlement by any one of the payment methods. Then, the settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving unit is processed.

The perspective view of the checkout system in one embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus which comprise a checkout system. The schematic diagram which shows the data memory area | region formed in RAM of a goods registration apparatus and a payment apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control processing which CPU of a goods registration apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a goods registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the alerting | reporting screen displayed on the touchscreen of a goods registration apparatus. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedures of the control process which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the 1st payment screen displayed on the touchscreen of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the 2nd payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system capable of simplifying an operation for payment in a settlement apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the product registration device (input processing device) and the payment device are separated, and the clerk operates the product registration device and the shopper operates the payment device. The system will be exemplified. In this embodiment, the settlement apparatus has a settlement function for cash payment and a settlement function for non-cash payment using a credit card or an electronic money card.

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

  In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, the store clerk 21 of the store that has a role called a checker is the operator. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases a product for sale at the above store is the operator. However, the settlement apparatus 12 does not hinder the operation by the store clerk 21.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel to each other, whereby a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes functions of a purchase merchandise registration process, payment information generation, and payment information notification to the payment apparatus 12. The registration process is a process of registering a product purchased by the shopper 22 as a purchased product. The payment information is information necessary for the payment process. The settlement information includes the number and amount of each purchased product registered by the registration process, and the total number and total amount of each purchased product.

  When the payment information is notified from the merchandise registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information. The settlement process is a process for settlement of a transaction related to sales of purchased products.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 that is a network. Instead of the LAN 13, another network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used as the network. Or it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the goods registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, two touch panels 11g1, 11g2, a printer 11h, two card reader / writers 11i1 and 11i2, 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 constitute a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to implement various functions as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

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

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately-registered product registration apparatus 11.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 11f may include a scanner that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a store clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. The touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 each include a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The clerk touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk 21 work space. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 such that the display screen faces the shopper 22 passage side.

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

  Of the two card reader / writers 11i1 and 11i2, one card reader / writer 11i1 is for a credit card which is one type of payment card, and the other card reader / writer 11i2 is also one type of a payment card. For electronic money cards.

  The card reader / writer 11i1 for a credit card has a function of reading data recorded on the credit card and a function of writing data to the credit card. The credit card is generally composed of a contact type IC card or a magnetic card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 11i1 is a reader / writer of a contact type IC card or a reader / writer of a magnetic card. In the case of a credit card, the function of writing data is not always necessary. Therefore, for a credit card, a card reader having only a function of reading data may be used.

  In this embodiment, the card reader / writer corresponding to the contact type IC card is a card reader / writer 11i1 for credit cards. The card reader / writer 11i1 has a card insertion slot, and reads data necessary for credit settlement from a credit card IC chip inserted into the card insertion slot.

  The card reader / writer 11i2 for an electronic money card has a function of reading data recorded on the electronic money card and a function of writing data to the electronic money card. An electronic money card is generally composed of a contactless IC card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 11i2 is a reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card. A reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card has an antenna portion. When an electronic money card is inserted into the antenna unit, the card reader / writer 11i2 reads electronic money balance data recorded on the IC chip of the electronic money card, or writes electronic money balance data to the IC chip. To do.

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

  The transmission system 11k includes data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panels 11g1, 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writers 11i1, 11i2, and communication unit 11j. To transmit. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

  As hardware of such a commodity registration apparatus 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, two card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2, 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 constitute a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to implement various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 12b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

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

  The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used when the CPU 12a performs various processes, or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is transferred after being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement apparatus 12 that is separately transferred.

  The automatic change machine 12e includes a coin and banknote slot, and receives coins and banknotes inserted from the slot. At the time of the receipt, the automatic change machine 12e identifies the coins and bills denominated, and counts the number of inserted coins by denomination. Furthermore, the automatic change machine 12e is provided with a coin and banknote payout port, and discharges coins and banknotes as change to the payout port.

  The scanner 12f reads product information and obtains a product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may correspond to only one of various well-known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy type two-dimensional code scanner. The scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

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

  Of the two card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2, one card reader / writer 12i1 is for a credit card, which is a kind of payment card, and the other card reader / writer 12i2 is also a kind of a payment card. For electronic money cards.

  The card reader / writer 12i1 for credit card has a function of reading data recorded on the credit card and a function of writing data to the credit card. The credit card is generally composed of a contact type IC card or a magnetic card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 12i1 is a contact IC card reader / writer or a magnetic card reader / writer. In the case of a credit card, the function of writing data is not always necessary. Therefore, the credit card may be a so-called card reader specialized in the function of reading data.

  In this embodiment, the card reader / writer corresponding to the contact type IC card is a card reader / writer 12i1 for credit cards. The card reader / writer 12i1 has a card insertion slot, and reads data necessary for credit settlement from a credit card IC chip inserted into the card insertion slot.

  The card reader / writer 12i2 for an electronic money card has a function of reading data recorded on the electronic money card and a function of writing data to the electronic money card. An electronic money card is generally composed of a contactless IC card. Therefore, the card reader / writer 12i2 is a reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card. A reader / writer of a non-contact type IC card has an antenna portion. When an electronic money card is inserted into the antenna unit, the card reader / writer 12i2 reads electronic money balance data recorded on the IC chip of the electronic money card, or writes electronic money balance data to the IC chip. To do.

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

  The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writers 12i and 12i2, 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 that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

  As described above, the checkout system 10 that separates the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 that are input processing devices uses the data memory areas 31, 32, and 33 shown in FIG. 3 in the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12. It forms in RAM11c and 12c, respectively.

  The data memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records each consisting of data of a product code, a product name, a unit price, a number, and a price. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. For example, a product code represented by a barcode is attached to each product. The product name and unit price are the name of the product and the price per point determined by the product code of the same record. The number and the amount of money are sales data of the product determined by the product code of the same record, that is, the sales number and the sales amount for the number.

  The checkout system 10 connects a database server via the LAN 13 (not shown). This database server has a product database for setting product information such as product name and unit price in association with the product code of each product. When a product code is input in the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a inquire product information from the database server using the product code. Upon receiving this inquiry, the database server accesses the product database and reads product information associated with the product code from the product database. Then, the database server notifies the merchandise information to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 via the LAN 13. The CPUs 11 a and 12 a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 or the settlement apparatus 12 generate records related to merchandise sales based on the merchandise information notified from the database server and store them in the data memory area 31.

  Such a data memory area 31 is called a transaction memory. Hereinafter, the merchandise registration device 11 is represented by a transaction memory 31a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a transaction memory 31b.

  The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total number is the sum of the numbers stored in each record stored in the transaction memory 31. The total amount is the total amount of each record stored in the transaction memory 31.

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

  The data memory area 33 is an area for storing selection flags F1, F2, and F3 set for each type of payment method. The selection flags F1, F2, and F3 stored in this area are reset to “0” when the corresponding payment method is not selected. The selection flag F1 is a flag in which cash payment is set as one type of payment method, and is set to “1” when cash payment is selected by information processing of the CPU 11a in the commodity registration apparatus 11 described later. The selection flag F2 is a flag in which credit payment is set as one kind of payment method, and is set to “1” when credit payment is selected by information processing of the commodity registration device 11 described later. The selection flag F3 is a flag in which electronic money payment is set as one kind of payment method, and is set to “1” when electronic money payment is selected by information processing of the CPU 11a in the commodity registration apparatus 11 described later. .

  Such a data area 33 is referred to as a selection flag memory. Hereinafter, the product registration device 11 is represented by a selection flag memory 33a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a selection flag memory 33b.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 according to the control program. 5 to 6 are schematic diagrams illustrating examples of screens displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the commodity registration device 11 by the control process. 7 to 11 are flowcharts showing main procedures of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 12 to 13 are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12 by the control process. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these drawings. 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.

First, the operation of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 will be described.
When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts control processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the CPU 11a clears the transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the selection flag memory 33a (Act1). By clearing the selection flag memory 33a, the selection flags F1, F2, and F3 are reset to “0”.

  Next, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen on a part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act2). The registration screen represents the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a, and allows the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. In addition, CPU11a displays various button images, such as a product button and a subtotal button, outside the area | region used as a registration screen among the screens of the touchscreen 11g1. The product button is operated when the clerk 21 designates a product. The subtotal button is operated when the store clerk instructs to output the subtotal amount.

  In the state where the registration screen is displayed, the clerk 21 sequentially inputs the product codes of the products purchased by the shopper 22 by operating the scanner 11f or the product buttons, for example. Then, after inputting the product codes of all the purchased products, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

  The CPU 11a displaying the registration screen waits for the input of the product code of the product to be purchased and registered (Act 3). When a product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a detects product information such as the product name and unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. . Further, the CPU 11a calculates a sales amount by multiplying the unit price by the number of sales. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a sales quantity, and a sales price in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales price to the total memory 32a (Act4). Thus, if the record concerning merchandise sales is registered in the transaction memory 31a, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5).

After updating the registration screen in Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a product code has been input (Act 6). When the product code is not input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button is touched (Act 7). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not a product code has been input (Act 6). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the merchandise code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched in the processes of Act6 and Act7.
The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  If a product code is input in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act4. That is, the CPU 11a detects product information set in the product database in association with the product code. Further, the CPU 11a calculates a sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a sales quantity, and a sales price in the transaction memory 31a. Further, the CPU 11a adds the sales quantity and the sales price to the total memory 32a (Act4). Further, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a (Act 5). Thereafter, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be input or a subtotal button to be touched (Act6, Act7).

If the subtotal button is touched in this standby state (YES in Act 7), the CPU 11a generates settlement information based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and the total memory 32a at this time (Act 8).
The computer including the CPU 11a waits for input of data relating to merchandise sales by the processing of Act3 to Act8, and constitutes generation means for generating settlement information based on the input data.

The CPU 11a displays a transfer destination selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 (Act10).
An example of the transfer destination selection screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The transfer destination selection screen SC1 includes display areas R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17 and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17, B18.

  The display area R11 displays the total number and total amount of the total memory 32a. The display area R12 displays buttons B11, B12, and B13 together with guidance for prompting specification of a payment method (for example, “Please specify a payment method”). The button B11 is for the store clerk 21 to specify cash payment, which is one type of payment method. The button B12 is for the store clerk 21 to specify credit payment, which is one type of payment method. The button B13 is for the store clerk 21 to specify electronic money payment, which is one type of payment method.

  The display area R13 displays various guidance or messages. The button B14 is for the clerk 21 to specify that a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 is returned to the registration screen SC1.

  The display areas R14 to R17 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. Buttons B15 to B18 are for the store clerk 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information during execution of payment processing. In the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state, “transfer impossible” is displayed. On the contrary, “transferable” is displayed in the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has accepted the settlement information transfer. The buttons B15 to B18 may be displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 accepts payment information transfer. Alternatively, when the associated payment apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of payment information, the buttons B15 to B18 may be hidden.

  When the transfer destination selection screen SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a checks whether or not a payment method is designated, that is, whether or not any of the buttons B11 to B13 is touched (Act10). When the payment method is not specified, that is, when none of the buttons B11 to B13 is touched (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a determines whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified. That is, it is confirmed whether any of the buttons B15 to B18 is touched (Act11). When payment device 12 is not specified, that is, when none of buttons B15 to B18 is touched (NO in Act11), CPU 11a checks again whether or not a payment method is specified (Act10). ). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for a payment method or a payment device to be specified in the processes of Act10 and Act11.

  The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  The clerk 21 confirming the transfer destination selection screen SC3 asks the shopper 22 about the payment method. When the shopper 22 wishes to pay cash, the clerk 21 touches the button B11. On the other hand, when the shopper 22 wishes to pay the credit, the clerk 21 touches the button B12. When the shopper 22 wishes to pay electronic money, the clerk 21 touches the button B13.

  When any of the buttons B11 to B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the payment method is designated. When the payment method is designated (YES in Act 10), the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F1, F2 or F3 corresponding to the designated payment method among the selection flags F1 to F3 stored in the selection flag memory 33a. Set to “1”. At this time, if the other selection flags F1 to F3 are set, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag flag F1, F2 or F3 to “0”. (Act12).

  For example, when the button B11 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F1 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F2 or F3 is set to “1”, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F2 or F3 to “0”. Similarly, when the button B12 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F2 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F1 or F3 is set to “1”, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F1 or F3 to “0”. When the button B13 is touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flag F3 to “1”. At this time, if another selection flag F1 or F2 is set to “1”, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F1 or F2 to “0”.

  The computer including the CPU 11a waits for any one of a plurality of payment methods to be designated by the processes of Act10 and Act12, and information indicating the designated payment method (selection flag F1) To F3) are stored in the storage unit (selection flag memory 33a).

  When the selection flags F1 to F3 are updated, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act10 and Act11. Thus, for example, if the shopper 22 offers credit change and the clerk 21 touches the button B12 and then the shopper 22 offers to change to cash payment, the clerk 21 may touch the button B11. By touching the button B11, the operation touching the button B12 immediately before it becomes invalid.

  If the shopper 22 touches the buttons B11 to B13 corresponding to the desired payment method or the shopper 22 does not offer a payment method, the store clerk 21 transfers transaction data based on the information in the display areas R14 to R17. The settlement apparatus 12 is determined. Then, the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement apparatus 12 determined as the transfer destination.

  When any of the buttons B15 to B18 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11, the CPU 11a considers that the settlement apparatus 12 has been designated. When payment device 12 is designated (YES in Act 11), CPU 11a adds information of selection flags F1 to F3 to the payment information generated in the processing of Act 8. Then, the CPU 11a outputs the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added to the payment device 12 designated by the buttons B15 to B18 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 (Act 13).

  Specifically, the CPU 11a uses the communication address set in the designated payment device 12 as a transmission destination address, and uses the communication address set for itself as the transmission source address, and payment in which information of selection flags F1 to F3 is added. The communication unit 11j is controlled to output information to the LAN 13. By this control, the settlement information with selection flags F1 to F3 in which the transmission destination address and the transmission source address are set is transmitted via the LAN 13. The settlement information with the selection flags F1 to F3 is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose transmission destination address matches the communication address. The payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 determines the product registration apparatus 11 that is the transmission source of the payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 by storing the transmission source address of the received information. it can.

  When the computer including the CPU 11a is instructed to end the input of data related to the sale of goods by the processing of Act11 and Act13, the settlement information and the information (selection flags F1 to F3) in the storage unit (selection flag memory 33a). Are configured to transmit to the settlement apparatus 12.

  When the settlement information is output, the CPU 11a displays the notification screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) on a part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act 14). An example of the notification screen SC2 is shown in FIG. Notification screen SC2 includes display areas R21 and R22. The notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g1 includes a button B21. The notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 does not include the button B21.

  The display area R21 displays an image for causing the clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to recognize that the payment is semi-self. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement form in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22. The display area R22 displays the total number and total amount included in the payment information, and displays which of the four payment apparatuses 12 has transferred the payment information including such contents. The display area R22 displays a message notifying that payment is made by the payment method designated by the buttons B11 to B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC1. The button B21 is for the clerk 21 to specify that the notification screen SC2 is closed.

  In response to the button B21 being touched, the CPU 11a finishes the information processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act1 again in the same manner as described above.

  When the buttons B15 to B18 associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has not accepted the settlement information transfer are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine YES in Act 11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. Therefore, if all of the payment devices 12 are in an operation stop state or are in an operation state in which transfer of payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the payment device 12.

  The clerk 21 confirming the notification screen SC2 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment by the displayed payment method at the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R22 among the payment devices 12. The shopper 22 moves to the designated settlement apparatus 12 and performs an operation for settlement. Note that the clerk 21 does not notify the shopper 22 but outputs the paper on which the number of the settlement device 12 displayed in the display area R22 is printed by the printer 12h of the product registration device 11, and this paper is used as the shopper. You may make it pass to 22.

Next, the operation of the settlement apparatus 12 will be described.
When the settlement apparatus 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act21). The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act22).

  As described above, the CPU 11a of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transmits the settlement information with the selection flags F1 to F3 from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act 13 in FIG. This settlement information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination.

  Here, the computer and the communication unit 11j including the CPU 12a constitute reception means for receiving the settlement information transmitted from the product registration apparatus 11.

  When the settlement information with the selection flags F1 to F3 is received (YES in Act 22), the CPU 12a develops the settlement information in the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b (Act 23). That is, the CPU 12a stores a record of the product name, unit price, sales quantity, and sales price included in the settlement information in the transaction memory 31b. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number and total amount of purchased products included in the settlement information in the total memory 32b. Further, the CPU 12a matches the selection flags F1 to F3 in the selection flag memory 33b with the values of the selection flags F1 to F3 added to the payment information (Act24). In addition, the procedure of the process of Act23 and the process of Act24 is not limited to said procedure. First, the selection flags F1 to F3 in the selection flag memory 33b are matched with the values of the selection flags F1 to F3 added to the payment information (Act24), and then the payment information is expanded in the transaction memory 31b and the total memory 32b. (Act 23).

  The CPU 12a displays the settlement screen SC3 (see FIG. 12 or 13) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g (Act 25). An example of the settlement screen SC3 is shown in FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a settlement screen (hereinafter referred to as a first settlement screen SC3-1) when a payment method is not specified by the product registration apparatus 11, and FIG. This is a settlement screen when designated (hereinafter referred to as a second settlement screen SC3-2).

  First settlement screen SC3-1 includes display areas R31 and R32 and button B31. The display area R31 displays operation guidance for each type of settlement method. The display area R32 displays the total number and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b as the number of transaction points and the transaction amount with the shopper 22. The button B31 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the clerk 21 is called.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes cash payment using an automatic change machine 12e, credit payment using a card reader / writer 12i1 for a credit card, and electronic money payment using a card reader / writer 12i2 for an electronic money card. Supports various payment methods. For cash payment, for example, an operation guidance “Cash payment, please insert cash” is displayed in the display area R31. For credit payment, for example, an operation guidance “Please insert a card for credit payment” is displayed in the display area R31. For electronic money payment, for example, an operation guidance “For electronic money payment, please bring the card closer” is displayed in the display area R31.

  Second settlement screen SC3-2 includes display areas R41 and R42 and buttons B41 and B42. The display area R41 displays operation guidance indicating a payment method. This guidance is, for example, “please insert cash” in the case of cash payment. In the case of credit payment, for example, “Please insert card”. In the case of electronic money payment, for example, “Please bring the card closer”. The second settlement screen SC3-2 shown in FIG. 13 corresponds to cash payment. The display area R41 also displays operation guidance for changing the payment method. For example, “If you want to change the payment method, please touch the change button” is displayed in the display area R41. The display area R42 displays the total number and total amount stored in the total memory 32b as the transaction points and transaction amount with the shopper 22. The button B41 is for the shopper 22 to specify that the clerk 21 is called. The button B42 is for the shopper 22 to specify a change in the payment method.

  In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, when the payment method is not designated, the selection flags F1 to F3 are all reset to “0”. On the other hand, when a payment method is designated, any one of the selection flags F1 to F3 corresponding to the payment method is set to “1”.

  When the selection flags F1 to F3 stored in the selection flag memory 33b are all reset to “0”, the CPU 12a displays the first settlement screen SC3-1 on the touch panel 12g. If any one of the selection flags F1 to F3 is set to “1”, the CPU 12a displays the second settlement screen SC3-2 on the touch panel 12g.

  The shopper 22 confirming the first settlement screen SC3-1 shown in FIG. 12 determines whether to pay with cash, pay with credit, or pay with electronic money. When paying in cash, the shopper 22 places more cash than the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying by credit, the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1. When paying with electronic money, the shopper 22 brings the electronic money card closer to the card reader / writer 12i2.

  The shopper 22 who has confirmed the second settlement screen SC3-2 shown in FIG. 13 places more cash than the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. Alternatively, when changing to a payment method other than cash, the shopper 22 touches the button B42.

  The CPU 12a that has displayed the first settlement screen SC3-1 or the second settlement screen SC-2 has a payment method in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 that is the settlement information transmission source based on the selection flags F1 to F3 in the selection flag memory 33b. It is confirmed whether or not it is designated (Act 26). As described above, when all the selection flags F1 to F3 are reset to “0”, the payment method is not designated. In this case (NO in Act 26), the CPU 12a activates a device necessary for payment to enter a standby state (Act 27).

  A device required for cash payment is an automatic change machine 12e. The CPU 12a activates the automatic change machine 12e and waits for coins or bills to be inserted into the insertion slot. A device necessary for credit payment is a card reader / writer 12i1. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i1 and waits for a credit card to be inserted into the card insertion slot. A device necessary for electronic money payment is a card reader / writer 12i2. The CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i2 and waits for an electronic money card to be deceived by the antenna unit.

  The CPU 12a, which has set the device required for payment in the standby state, checks whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act 28). If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 28), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the electronic money card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (Act 29). If the electronic money card data has not been read (NO in Act 29), the CPU 12a checks whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 30). When cash is not inserted (NO in Act 30), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 28. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for credit card data, electronic money card data, or cash to be inserted in the processes of Act28 to Act30.

  In the above description, when the device required for payment is in a standby state, first, it is confirmed whether or not the credit card data has been read, and then whether or not the electronic money card data has been read. Then, it was confirmed whether or not cash was inserted, but the order of confirmation is not particularly limited. First, it may be confirmed whether data of the electronic money card has been read, or whether cash has been inserted.

  When the credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 12i1 in the standby state of Act 28 to Act 30 (YES in Act 28), the CPU 12a, as shown in FIG. The standby state and the standby state for cash payment are canceled (Act 31). By this process, driving of the card reader / writer 12i2 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data on the electronic money card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to put cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the slot with a shutter or the like.

  If the standby state other than the credit payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes the settlement process by the credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act32). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the settlement process by credit payment is completed, the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a credit slip (Act 33). When the credit slip is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the process for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  When the data of the electronic money card is read by the card reader / writer 12i2 in the standby state of Act 28 to Act 30 (YES in Act 29), the CPU 12a, as shown in FIG. The standby state and the standby state for cash payment are canceled (Act 41). By this process, driving of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the automatic change machine 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the data of the credit card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to put cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the automatic change machine 12e does not accept cash by closing the slot with a shutter or the like.

  When the standby state other than the electronic money payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes the settlement process by the electronic money payment based on the electronic money card data read by the card reader / writer 12i2, that is, the balance data of the electronic money. (Act42). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the settlement process by electronic money payment is completed, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act 43). If the amount of electronic money balance data read from the electronic money card is equal to or greater than the amount of total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, when the amount of electronic money balance data is less than the amount of total amount data, the difference becomes the balance.

  When there is a balance (YES in Act 43), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the settlement screen SC3 (Act 44). Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates a device necessary for payment again to enter a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 again in the same manner as described above.

  If there is no balance (NO in Act 43), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 45). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the processing for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  When cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 12e in the standby state of Act 28 to Act 30 (YES in Act 30), as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 12a is in a standby state other than cash payment, that is, a credit payment standby state. The electronic money payment standby state is canceled (Act 51). By this processing, the driving of the card reader / writer 12i1 and the card reader / writer 12i2 is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the card reader / writer 12i1 discharges the credit card without reading the data of the credit card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the card reader / writer 12i2 does not read the data on the electronic money card.

  If the standby state other than the cash payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process by cash payment based on the amount data of the cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 52). This payment process is the same as the process already executed in the existing POS terminal or the self-POS terminal, and the description thereof is omitted here.

  When the settlement process by cash payment is completed, the CPU 12a checks whether or not there is a balance in the payment amount (Act 53). When the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 12e is equal to or greater than the amount of total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, if the amount of cash input is less than the amount of total amount data, the difference is the balance.

  When there is a balance (YES in Act 53), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the settlement screen SC3 (Act 54). Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates a device necessary for payment again to enter a payment standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 again in the same manner as described above.

  If there is no balance (NO in Act 53), the CPU 12a operates the printer 12h to issue a receipt (Act 55). When the receipt is issued, the CPU 12a finishes the processing for the payment information received at Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 21 again in the same manner as described above.

  In the process of Act 26, when any one of the selection flags F1, F2 or F3 is set to “1”, the payment method is designated in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 of the settlement information transmission source. In this case (NO in Act 26), as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the flag set to “1” is the selection flag F1 (Act 61). When the flag is not the selection flag F1 (NO in Act 61), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the flag set to “1” is the selection flag F2 (Act 62). If it is not the selection flag F2 (NO in Act 62), the flag set to “1” is the selection flag F3. That is, the payment method designated by the product registration device 11 is electronic money payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts a device required for electronic money payment into a standby state (Act 63). That is, the CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i2 and waits for an electronic money card to be deceived by the antenna unit.

  The CPU 12a checks whether or not the data of the electronic money card has been read by the card reader / writer 12i2 (Act 64). When the electronic money card data is not read (NO in Act 64), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the button B42 is touched (Act 65). When button B42 is not touched (NO in Act 65), CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 64. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the data of the electronic money card to be read or the button B42 to be touched in the processes of Act64 and Act65.

  When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act 64 and Act 65 (YES in Act 65), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all devices necessary for payment and puts them into a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

  If the card reader / writer 12i2 detects that the electronic money card data has been read in the standby state of Act 64 and Act 65 (YES in Act 64), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 42 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by electronic money payment based on the electronic money card data read by the card reader / writer 12i2, that is, the balance data of the electronic money. And CPU12a repeats the process after Act43 similarly to having mentioned above.

  When the flag set to “1” is the selection flag F1 (YES in Act 61), the payment method designated by the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is cash payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts a device required for cash payment into a standby state (Act 66). That is, the CPU 12a activates the automatic change machine 12e and waits for coins or bills to be inserted into the insertion slot.

  The CPU 12a checks whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (Act 67). When cash is not inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (NO in Act 67), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the button B42 is touched (Act 68). When button B42 is not touched (NO in Act 68), CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 67. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 12e or the button B42 to be touched in the processes of Act67 and Act68.

  When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act 67 and Act 68 (YES in Act 68), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all devices necessary for payment and puts them into a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

  In the standby state of Act 67 and Act 68, if it is detected that cash has been inserted into the automatic change machine 12e (YES in Act 67), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act 52 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process by cash payment based on the cash amount data input to the automatic change machine 12e. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 53 in the same manner as described above.

  When the flag set to “1” is the selection flag F2 (YES in Act 62), the payment method designated by the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is credit payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts a device required for credit payment in a standby state (Act 69). That is, the CPU 12a activates the card reader / writer 12i1 and waits for a credit card to be inserted into the card insertion slot.

  The CPU 12a checks whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (Act70). If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act 70), the CPU 12a checks whether or not the button B42 has been touched (Act 71). When button B42 is not touched (NO in Act 71), CPU 12a returns to the processing in Act 69. Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the credit card data to be read or the button B42 to be touched in the processes of Act70 and Act71.

  When it is detected that the button B42 is touched in the standby state of Act 70 and Act 71 (YES in Act 71), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all devices necessary for payment and puts them into a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 in the same manner as described above.

  In the standby state of Act 70 and Act 71, when it is detected that the credit card data is read by the card reader / writer 12i1 (YES in Act 70), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 32 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process by credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader / writer 12i1. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processes after Act33 in the same manner as described above.

  Here, the computer including the CPU 12a constitutes a determination unit that determines a payment method based on information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the settlement information received by the reception unit by the processes of Act26 and Act61 to Act62. To do.

  Further, the CPU 12a waits for payment by the payment method determined by the determination means by the processing of Act63 to Act71, and when detecting data related to payment necessary for payment, the CPU 12a processes the payment of the payment information received by the reception means. The processing means is configured.

  In addition, when the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the settlement information indicates that the payment method is not designated by the processing of Act26 to Act33, Act41 to Act45, and Act51 to Act55, the CPU 12a has a plurality of prices. When receiving payment by the payment method and detecting data related to payment required for payment by any one of the payment methods, a second processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means is configured.

  Further, when the change of the payment method determined by the determining means is instructed by the processing of Act 65, Act 68 or Act 71, and Act 27 to Act 33, Act 41 to Act 45, and Act 51 to Act 55, the CPU 12a makes payment by a plurality of payment methods. When the data related to the payment required for the settlement is detected by any one of the payment methods, the third processing means for processing the settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means is configured.

  In addition, when the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the settlement information indicates the designated payment method by the processing of Act 25, the CPU 12a notifies the guidance for notifying the payment method by the payment method, and the payment method When indicating that no is designated, a notification means for notifying a guidance for notifying a payment method for each of a plurality of payment methods is provided.

  In a store where the checkout system 10 that operates as described above is introduced, the store clerk 21 operates the product registration device 11 to perform registration processing of the product purchased by the shopper 22. By this registration process, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 generates settlement information including the price of the purchased merchandise. In addition, the transfer destination selection screen SC is displayed on the touch panel 11g1.

  Therefore, the clerk 21 asks the shopper about the payment method. Here, when the shopper 22 selects cash payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B11 on the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F1 is set to “1”, and the other selection flags F2 and F3 are reset to “0”.

  Next, the clerk 21 determines the settlement apparatus 12 that transfers the transaction data based on the information in the display areas R14 to R17 on the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement apparatus 12 determined as the transfer destination. Then, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is transferred to one payment device 12 selected by the store clerk 21.

  In the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the settlement information, a second settlement screen SC3-2 representing cash payment operation guidance is displayed. Further, since the selection flag F1 is set to “1”, the automatic change machine 12e is activated in the settlement apparatus 12.

  The shopper 22 moves to the front of the settlement apparatus 12 to which the settlement information has been transferred in accordance with an instruction from the store clerk 21 or information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the commodity registration apparatus 11. Then, the shopper 22 inserts cash into the automatic change machine 12e according to the guidance displayed on the settlement screen SC3-2. Thus, the settlement apparatus 12 executes settlement processing by cash payment.

  On the other hand, when the shopper 22 selects credit payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B12 on the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F2 is set to “1”, and the other selection flags F1 and F3 are reset to “0”.

  Thereafter, when the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement device 12 determined as the transfer destination, the settlement information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is one settlement device 12 selected by the clerk 21. Forwarded to

  In the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the settlement information, a second settlement screen SC3-2 representing operation guidance for credit payment is displayed. Since the selection flag F2 is set to “1”, the card reader / writer 12i1 is activated in the settlement apparatus 12.

  The shopper 22 moves to the front of the settlement apparatus 12 to which the settlement information has been transferred in accordance with an instruction from the store clerk 21 or information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the commodity registration apparatus 11. Then, the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1 according to the guidance displayed on the settlement screen SC3-2. Thus, the settlement apparatus 12 executes settlement processing by credit payment.

  Similarly, when the shopper 22 selects electronic money payment, the clerk 21 touches the button B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC. Then, the selection flag F3 is set to “1”, and the other selection flags F1 and F2 are reset to “0”.

  Thereafter, when the clerk 21 touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement device 12 determined as the transfer destination, the settlement information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is one settlement device 12 selected by the clerk 21. Forwarded to

  In the settlement apparatus 12 that has received the settlement information, a second settlement screen SC3-2 representing operation guidance for electronic money payment is displayed. Since the selection flag F3 is set to “1”, the card reader / writer 12i2 is activated in the settlement apparatus 12.

  The shopper 22 moves to the front of the settlement apparatus 12 to which the settlement information has been transferred in accordance with an instruction from the store clerk 21 or information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the commodity registration apparatus 11. Then, the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the antenna of the card reader / writer 12i2 according to the guidance displayed on the settlement screen SC3-2. Thus, in the payment apparatus 12, a payment process by electronic money payment is executed.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 operates the payment apparatus 12 to make payment, payment can be completed without selecting a payment method. Therefore, since the operation with respect to the payment in the payment apparatus 12 can be simplified, even the shopper 22 who is unfamiliar with the operation of the payment apparatus 12 can smoothly complete the payment.

  By the way, when the shopper 22 does not offer a payment method in response to the inquiry from the store clerk 21, the store clerk 21 presses the button B15 corresponding to the settlement apparatus 12 determined as the transfer destination without touching the buttons B11 to B13. Touch B18. Then, the payment information to which the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 is added is transferred to one payment device 12 selected by the store clerk 21. The information of the selection flags F1 to F3 at this time is all reset to “0”.

  Accordingly, in the payment apparatus 12 that has received the payment information, all the devices necessary for payment are activated and enter a standby state. That is, the automatic change machine 12e and the card reader / writers 12i1 and 12i2 are activated. Then, the settlement apparatus 12 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change machine 12e, a credit card inserted into the card reader / writer 12i1, or an electronic money card to be deceived by the card reader / writer 12i2.

  Here, when the shopper 22 puts cash into the automatic change machine 12e, the total amount of the inserted cash is calculated by the action of the automatic change machine 12e. When cash more than the price is inserted, a receipt is issued by the printer 12h, and the settlement is completed. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring cash payment.

  On the other hand, when the shopper 22 inserts a credit card into the card reader / writer 12i1, the credit card data is read by the action of the card reader / writer 12i1. When the credit card is authenticated, a credit slip is issued by the printer 12h and the settlement is completed. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring credit payment.

  Similarly, when the shopper 22 places an electronic money card on the card reader / writer 12i2, the balance data of the electronic money is read from the electronic money card by the action of the card reader / writer 12i2. Then, the price is reduced from the balance data, and a receipt is issued by the printer 12h to complete the settlement. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate a key or button for declaring electronic money payment.

  Further, for example, the shopper 22 who applied for cash payment notices that the cash is insufficient at the stage of putting cash into the automatic change machine 12e in the settlement apparatus 12, and the payment method is electronic money payment or credit payment. May be changed to In such a case, the shopper 22 touches the button B42 on the second settlement screen SC3-2. Then, in the settlement apparatus 12, all devices necessary for payment are activated and enter a standby state. Accordingly, the shopper 22 can change the payment method to electronic money payment or credit payment.

  Such an effect can be achieved even when the shopper 22 who applied for credit payment changes to electronic money payment or cash payment, and when the shopper 22 who applied for electronic money payment changes to credit payment or cash payment. It is the same.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the shopper 22 can complete the settlement without selecting the payment method even when the shopper 22 changes the payment method offered at the product registration stage at the settlement stage.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the said embodiment, the case where the salesclerk 21 who operates the goods registration apparatus 11 inputs the payment method which the shopper 22 desires was illustrated. As another embodiment, a form in which the shopper inputs the payment method desired by the shopper 22 to the commodity registration apparatus 11 is conceivable. For example, the buttons B11 to B13 displayed in the display area R12 of the transfer destination selection screen SC1 are displayed on the customer touch panel 11g2. Then, the CPU 11a accepts the input of the buttons B11 to B13 from when the product code is input in the process of Act3 in FIG. 4 until the settlement device 12 is specified in the process of Act11. If it is detected that the buttons B11 to B13 are touched, the CPU 11a sets the selection flags F1 to F3 corresponding to the touched buttons B11 to B13 to “1”. By doing so, the shopper 22 can input the payment method desired by the shopper 22 to the merchandise registration apparatus 11 himself / herself.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when button B42 of 2nd payment screen SC3-2 is touched (it is YES in Act65, Act68, or Act71), CPU12a illustrates the case where it transfers to the standby state of Act27 shown in FIG. did. As another embodiment, a mode for displaying a screen for selecting a payment method such as cash payment, credit payment, electronic money payment, etc., and activating a device of the selected payment method via this screen can be considered. When such a form is adopted, although an operation for selecting a payment method occurs for the shopper 22 who changes the payment method at the settlement stage, many shoppers 22 change the payment method at the settlement stage. Therefore, it is possible to achieve an effect of simplifying the operation for payment in the settlement apparatus 12.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment limited the payment method by non-cash to credit payment and electronic money payment, the payment method by non-cash is not limited to this. For example, payment corresponding to points using a point card, payment using a prepaid amount using a prepaid card, or the like may be used.

  Moreover, although the said embodiment illustrated the checkout system of the transaction which concerns on sale of goods, for example, in the checkout system of the transaction which relates to service provisions, such as usage fees, such as a parking lot and a sports facility, admission fees, such as an amusement park Can be applied similarly.

  Note that the transfer of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer apparatus may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer apparatus in accordance with an operation of a user or the like. The transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and can be read by the apparatus. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (operating system) in the apparatus.

In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples 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.
Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be appended.
[1] An input processing device and a payment device, the input processing device waiting for input of data related to merchandise sales or service provision, and generating means for generating payment information based on the input data; A storage means for waiting for any one payment method to be designated from among a plurality of payment methods, and storing information indicating the designated payment method in a storage unit, and data relating to the sale of goods or the provision of services A transmission means for associating the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmitting the information to the payment device when the input end is commanded, and the payment device is transmitted from the input processing device Receiving means for receiving payment information; determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means; and A first processing unit for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving unit when waiting for payment by a predetermined payment method and detecting data related to payment necessary for payment; Checkout system.
[2] When the information associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not designated, the payment apparatus waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and any one payment method The checkout system according to [1], further comprising: second processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when data relating to payment required for payment is detected.
[3] When the information associated with the payment information indicates the designated payment method, the payment apparatus notifies the payment method according to the payment method, and indicates that the payment method is not specified. In some cases, the checkout system according to the supplementary note [2], further comprising notification means for notifying a payment method for each of the plurality of payment methods.
[4] When the payment device is instructed to change the payment method determined by the determination means, the payment device waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and payment required for settlement by any one of the payment methods The check according to any one of supplementary notes [1] to [3], further comprising: third processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when data relating to the data is detected Out system.
[5] When the termination of the input of data related to product sales or service provision is commanded, the payment information generated based on the data related to product sales or service provision is designated from a plurality of payment methods. An input processing device that associates and transmits information indicating one of the payment methods and a payment device that constitutes a checkout system, the receiving means receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device, Determination means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the reception means, and waiting for payment by the payment method determined by the determination means, and data relating to payment required for payment And a first processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means. Settlement system.
[6] When the end of the input of data related to product sales or service provision is commanded, the payment information generated based on the data related to product sales or service provision is designated from a plurality of payment methods. The information related to the received payment information transmitted from the input processing device to the computer of the payment processing device constituting the checkout system and the input processing device that transmits information indicating any one of the payment methods in association with each other A function for determining the payment method based on the payment method, and waiting for the payment by the determined payment method, and processing the settlement of the settlement information received from the input processing device when detecting data related to the deposit required for settlement And a control program for realizing the functions.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Merchandise registration apparatus, 12 ... Settlement device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 12e ... automatic change machine, 11f, 12f ... scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g ... touch panel, 11h, 12h ... printer, 11i, 12i1, 12i2 ... card reader / writer, 11j, 12j ... communication unit, 13 ... LAN, 21 ... clerk, 22 ... Shopper, 31a, 31b ... Transaction memory, 32a, 32b ... Total memory, 33a, 33b ... Selection flag memory.

Claims (5)

An input processing device and a payment device,
The input processing device includes:
Generating means for waiting for input of data relating to product sales or service provision, and generating payment information based on the input data;
A storage unit that waits for any one of the payment methods to be designated from among a plurality of payment methods, and stores information indicating the designated payment method in a storage unit;
When the transfer of the payment information to the payment apparatus is instructed , a transmission unit that associates the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmits the information to the payment apparatus;
Comprising
The settlement device
Receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device;
Determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means;
A first processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when waiting for payment by the payment method determined by the determining means and detecting data relating to payment required for payment;
When the change of the payment method determined by the determination unit is instructed, waiting for the payment by the plurality of payment methods, and detecting the data related to the payment necessary for settlement by any one of the payment methods, the receiving Third processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the means;
A checkout system comprising: The settlement device
When the information associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not designated, data on payment required for payment by any one of the payment methods is awaited. , Second processing means for processing the settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means,
The checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising: The settlement device
When the information associated with the payment information indicates the designated payment method, the payment method according to the payment method is notified, and when the information indicates that the payment method is not designated, the plurality of payment methods Informing means for notifying the method of payment every time,
The checkout system according to claim 2, further comprising: When the transfer of the payment information to the payment system after the input of data relating to commodity sales or services provided is commanded, the payment information generated on the basis of the data relating to the product sold or the service providing, the plurality of payment An input processing device that associates and transmits information indicating any one payment method designated from among the methods, and a payment device that constitutes the checkout system,
Receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device;
Determining means for determining a payment method based on the information associated with the payment information received by the receiving means;
A first processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when waiting for payment by the payment method determined by the determining means and detecting data relating to payment required for payment;
When the change of the payment method determined by the determination unit is instructed, waiting for the payment by the plurality of payment methods, and detecting the data related to the payment necessary for settlement by any one of the payment methods, the receiving Third processing means for processing payment of the payment information received by the means;
A settlement apparatus characterized by comprising: When the transfer of the payment information to the payment system after the input of data relating to commodity sales or services provided is commanded, the payment information generated on the basis of the data relating to the product sold or the service providing, the plurality of payment An input processing device that associates and transmits information indicating any one of the payment methods designated from among the methods, and a computer of a payment device that constitutes the checkout system,
A function for determining a payment method based on the information transmitted from the input processing device and associated with the received payment information;
Waiting for payment by the determined payment method, and detecting data related to payment required for payment, a function of processing payment of the payment information received from the input processing device;
When the change of the determined payment method is instructed, waiting for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and detecting data related to payment necessary for payment by any one of the payment methods, the received payment The ability to process information payments;
Control program to realize.