JP7239646B2 - Payment device and program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a settlement device and a program.

Purchase registration and payment processing in supermarkets, etc., are performed by different product registration devices and payment devices, respectively, and the product registration devices are operated by employees, and the payment devices are operated by shoppers. Semi-self checkout systems are known.

In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from a product registration device to an idle payment device. Therefore, when a plurality of settlement devices are provided for one product registration device, it is necessary for the employee to inform the shopper which settlement device has transferred the settlement information.

JP 2006-344123 A

When a plurality of payment devices are provided for one product registration device, the employee must specify the payment device to which the payment information is to be transferred. In addition, the shopper had to identify the payment device provided by the employee from among a plurality of payment devices, and perform payment processing at the payment device specified by the employee.

For this reason, the employee was burdened with the task of designating the settlement device. In addition, even if a plurality of payment devices were available for shoppers, the degree of freedom was low because they could only process payments with the payment device specified by the employee.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a settlement device and a program that can reduce the burden on employees and increase the degree of freedom for shoppers to select a settlement device for settlement processing. .

A settlement device according to an embodiment is a settlement device that is connected to a product registration device that generates settlement information for settlement of a product via a network, and the product registration device acquires unique identification data of a shopper. first payment means for making payment based on the first payment information transmitted by the product registration device ; first input means for accepting input of unique identification data of a shopper; and said identification data. an inquiry means for making an inquiry based on the identification data to the product registration device when the input of is received; and a second payment means for performing payment based on the second payment information when payment information is received.

1 is a perspective view of a checkout system according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a product registration device and a settlement device in this embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of control processing of the CPU in the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of control processing of the CPU in the embodiment; The figure which shows the registration screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the alerting|reporting screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the payment information table in this embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of control processing of the CPU in the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of control processing of the CPU in the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of control processing of the CPU in the embodiment;

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and multiple settlement devices 12 . FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 . The number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 is also arbitrary.

The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed at a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

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

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 31 form passages for shoppers 22 by arranging the tabletops so that their longitudinal directions are substantially parallel to each other.

The merchandise registration device 11 has functions such as registration of merchandise brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as purchased merchandise, generation of payment information for payment of the purchased merchandise, and settlement processing based on the payment information. The product registration device 11 further has a function of notifying the settlement device 12 of settlement information.

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and settlement device 12 in this embodiment.

Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 . Another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13 . Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a management server.

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

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.

The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the above computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various operations as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the above computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 is transferred without the control program being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and is 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 this control program may be written in the separately transferred auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, scanner 11f may include a fixed or handheld two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies products from product images using image recognition technology.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has a display screen of any screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues receipts by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

The card reader/writer 11i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards (membership cards). The card reader/writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 11j performs communication via LAN13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader/writer 11i and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and various units can be used.

As the hardware of the product registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory unit 12d, an automatic change dispenser 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader/writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

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

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

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

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

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in ROM 12b or auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 is transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

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

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

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The screen of the display device is an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged over the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the operator's touch position on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues receipts by printing various character strings and images on receipt paper.

The card reader/writer 12i reads data recorded on the card and writes data to the card. Cards can include not only payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, but also various cards that record information related to payment processing, such as membership cards and point cards (membership cards). The card reader/writer 12i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, and may include multiple types of devices.

The communication unit 12j performs communication via LAN13.

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

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

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as above will be described. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

The checkout system 10 in this embodiment is capable of settlement processing using the following first to third settlement methods.
The first settlement method is a method in which the shopper 22 who presents the member card to the employee 21 makes a semi-self settlement (accounting). Semi-self payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed in the payment device 12 by the operation of the shopper 22 . Semi-self by the first settlement method is hereinafter referred to as member semi-self. In the first payment method, the shopper 22 uses the membership card to cause the payment device 12 to read the membership code, so that the payment device 12 can be arbitrarily selected for payment processing. Therefore, the shopper 22 can arbitrarily select the settlement device 12 for settlement processing.

The second settlement method is a semi-self settlement method by the shopper 22 who does not present the member card to the employee 21 . Hereinafter, the semi-self by the second settlement method is usually referred to as semi-self. Since the second payment method is used by the shopper 22 who does not have a membership card, the shopper 22 cannot select the payment device 12 for payment processing. Therefore, in the second payment method, the employee 21 operates the product registration device 11 so that the shopper 22 selects the payment device 12 for payment processing.

The third payment method is a method in which the employee 21 performs payment processing on the product registration device 11 because there are no usable payment devices 12 (for example, all the payment devices 12 are used by other shoppers 22). is.

When the product registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts control processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

3 and 4 are flow charts of the control processing of the CPU 11a in this embodiment.

In Act A1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c.

In Act A2, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen on a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. The registration screen displays the contents of the registered product table, etc., and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example in this embodiment.

Registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2.

Area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity and unit price of the product most recently registered for purchase, as well as the total quantity and total price of purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and prices of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed on the registration screen SC1.

The registration screen SC1 shows a state in which various types of information regarding the product for which purchase registration has been made are displayed. represents only

In addition, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product, a subtotal button, etc. in areas other than the registration screen area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. are omitted.

First, when the shopper 22 makes a member semi-self-payment at the payment device 12, the member card issued by the membership registration is presented to the employee 21 in advance.

Identification data unique to a shopper (member) (hereinafter referred to as a member code) is recorded on the membership card. The employee 21 causes the membership card presented by the shopper 22 to be read by the card reader/writer 11i. The card reader/writer 11i outputs the membership code read from the membership card to the CPU 11a.

When the CPU 11a acquires the membership code in Act A3, the membership code is recorded in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d in Act A4. When the member code is obtained, in Act A5, the CPU 11a turns on the member semi-self mode. Note that the member semi-self mode is an operation mode in which the settlement device 12 executes settlement processing for a product whose purchase is registered in the commodity registration device 11 by the operation of the employee 21 (first settlement method ).

The commodity registration device 11, for example, deducts a certain amount from the price of the commodity registered as a purchase, or gives a certain discount to the shopper 22 who presents the membership card in order to settle the account by membership semi-self. can be Furthermore, the product registration device 11 may add points (which can be discounted at the time of product purchase) managed in association with the membership code. In other words, when the member card is presented for member semi-self payment, the shopper 22 can be encouraged to actively use member semi-self payment by providing the shopper 22 with a special service. can.

It should be noted that the membership code can be read at any time not only before the start of purchase registration, but also before the closing operation (Act A15), which will be described later, is performed.

In Act A6 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g has been touched. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act A7.

In Act A7, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act A6.

Thus, in Act A6 and Act A7, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched or the product code to be obtained. It should be noted that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed during the standby here, and shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

The CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. When the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act A7, and proceeds to Act A8.

In Act A8, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table to include the acquired product code. Further, in response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the updated registered product table. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of ActA6 and ActA7. As a result of the CPU 11a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a production unit.

If the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act A6, and proceeds to Act A9 in FIG.

In Act A9, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products, the total number of purchased products, and the total price. As a result of the CPU 11a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as its central part functions as a generator.

In Act A10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the member semi-self mode is on. If the member semi-self mode is turned off and thus the determination is NO, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act A11.

In Act A11, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a first selection screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the first selection screen SC2 as an example in this embodiment.
The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

The CPU 11a displays the total number of items and the total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a displays in the display areas AR2 to AR5 whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12, respectively. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed, and the CPU 11a displays "Transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. The first selection screen SC2 shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the settlement device 12 named "device A" is executing settlement processing.

Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount should be applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify to move to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product. Buttons B4 to B7 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to any one of the four payment devices 12. FIG. The button B8 is for the employee 21 to designate returning to a state where a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the registration screen.

If YES is determined in Act A10 because the member semi-self mode is ON, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act A12.

In Act A12, the CPU 11a displays a second selection screen on a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC3 as an example in this embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The second selection screen SC3 includes a display area AR1 and buttons B1, B2, B8 and B9.

The second selection screen SC3 is a screen obtained by removing the button B3 from the first selection screen SC3. As a result, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen in which the employee 21 cannot input a designation to move to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product.

When the member semi-self mode is on (first payment processing), the shopper 22 selects the payment device 12 to be used for payment processing. Therefore, it is not necessary for the employee 21 to select the payment device 12 to be used for payment processing. Therefore, in the second selection screen SC3, the display areas AR2 to AR5 and the buttons B4 to B7 are omitted from the first selection screen SC3. In the second selection screen SC3, instead of the display areas AR2 to AR5 and the buttons B4 to B7, there is a button B9 for instructing transfer of payment information and a message to the employee 21, "Scan membership card with payment device." Is displayed. That is, the second selection screen SC3 is simpler and easier to understand than the first selection screen SC2. The employee 21 can confirm the content of the message and ask the shopper 22 to use the membership card to make a payment at an empty payment device 12. - 特許庁

In Act A11 or Act A12, the CPU 11a sets the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second selection screen, and then proceeds to Act A13.

In Act A13, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act A14.

In Act A14, the CPU 11a sends payment information to the payment device 12 by operating buttons B4 to B7 (in the case of normal semi-self) on the first selection screen SC2 or button B9 (in the case of member semi-self) on the second selection screen SC3. is specified. If the CPU 11a determines NO because transfer to the settlement device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act A15.

In Act A15, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the tightening operation is not performed, the CPU 11a returns to Act A13.

Thus, in Act A13 to Act A15, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be acquired, the transfer of payment information to the payment device 12 to be designated, or the closing operation to be performed. However, the tightening operation is, for example, the touch of the button B3. Therefore, when the second selection screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the button B3 does not exist and the closing operation is not performed. Therefore, when the member semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a always determines NO in Act A15. That is, in the standby state of Act A13 to Act A15, the CPU 11a determines whether the product code is acquired, the transfer of payment information to the payment device 12 is specified (second payment method), or the closing operation (third payment method) is performed. will await.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also waits for buttons B1 and B2 to be touched in this standby state. For example, when one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a adjusts the total amount included in the settlement information according to the instruction by the employee 21 thereafter. to change.

When the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act A13, and proceeds to Act A16.

In Act A16, the CPU 11a displays the registration screen on a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g, proceeds to the processing of Act A8 in FIG. 3, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act A13 to Act A15, for example, any one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first selection screen SC2 is touched by the employee 21, and the transfer of the payment information to the payment device 12 is specified. If so, proceed to Act A18. The employee 21 confirms an empty payment device 12 that is not used by other shoppers 22 and touches any of the buttons B4 to B7 corresponding to the payment device 12 in question.

In Act A18, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act A9 to the payment device 12 designated by the employee 21 by operating the button.

Further, in Act A18, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen on a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act A1 in FIG. 3 and performs subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC4 as an example in this embodiment.
The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11.

The CPU 11a displays an image in the display area AR11 to make the employee 21 recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. In addition, the CPU 11a displays in the display area AR12 a message for the employee 21 to confirm the total number of items and the total amount indicated in the payment information and the payment apparatus 12 to which the payment information is to be transferred, for example, "Payment apparatus B forwarded to” is displayed.

The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

When the button B11 is touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act A1 in FIG. 3 and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act A15 and proceeds to Act A20 if, for example, the button B3 is touched by the employee 21 during the standby state of Act A13 to Act A15. For example, if all the payment devices 12 are being used by other shoppers 22, the product registration device 11 executes payment processing (third payment method) so as not to keep the shoppers 22 waiting.

In Act A20, the CPU 11a executes settlement processing. The settlement processing here is processing for settlement of the total amount indicated in the settlement information generated in Act A9 while the employee 21 interacts with the shopper 22. FIG. For the settlement process here, for example, the process performed by an existing interactive POS terminal can be applied as it is.

In Act A21, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h and issues a receipt showing the information indicated in the payment information generated in Act A9 and the result of the above payment processing. After that, the CPU 11a returns to the processing of Act A1 in FIG. 3, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

In Act A14, when the member semi-self mode is on (first payment method), the CPU 11a designates transfer of payment information to the payment device 12 when the button B9 on the second selection screen SC3 is touched by the employee 21. is done, proceed to Act A17. As long as at least one payment device 12 is in operation, the CPU 11a accepts transfer of payment information regardless of the operating state of the other payment devices 12 (stopped, waiting, or accounting).

In Act A17, the CPU 11a associates the payment information generated in Act A9 with the pre-recorded membership code, and records it in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d as a payment information table. That is, the CPU 11a does not transfer the payment information to the payment device 12 immediately even if the employee 21 instructs to transfer the payment information.

In Act A19, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen on a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act A1 in FIG. 3 and performs subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the member semi-self mode is on, the employee 21 does not select the settlement device 12 to which the settlement information is to be sent. 21 is omitted.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a payment information table in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, member codes and payment information are recorded in association with each other in the payment information table. Payment information for which payment processing has not been completed in the payment apparatus 12 is recorded in order in the payment information table. When the CPU 11a transfers payment information to the payment apparatus 12 that made the inquiry in response to an inquiry from any payment apparatus 12 in a process described later, the CPU 11a transfers the transferred payment information (membership code) to the payment information. Delete from table.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts control processing according to the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of control processing of the CPU 12a in this embodiment.
In Act B1, the CPU 12a displays a standby screen on the touch panel 12g. The standby screen indicates that the settlement process is not in progress, and any information may be displayed. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver.

The shopper 22 presents the member card to the employee 21 in order to perform payment processing using the first payment method. 12, to a waiting settlement device 12 (not used by other shoppers 22). In the first payment method, the employee 21 does not designate a payment device 12 for payment processing, so the shopper 22 can arbitrarily select a payment device 12 for payment processing, such as a nearby payment device 12. can.

The shopper 22 causes the card reader/writer 12i of the settlement device 12 to read the membership card whose membership code has been read by the product registration device 11 . The card reader/writer 12i outputs the membership code read from the membership card to the CPU 12a.

In Act B2, when the CPU 12a acquires the member code, in Act B4, the communication unit 12j transmits a request for inquiring all the product registration devices 11 about the settlement information corresponding to the member code.

Here, processing for responding to an inquiry from the settlement device 12 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flow chart of control processing of the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 in this embodiment. Note that the control processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed in parallel with the control processing of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Therefore, the employee 21 can operate purchase registration on the product registration device 11 without being conscious of inquiries from the settlement device 12 .

In Act C1, when the CPU 11a receives the inquiry request from the settlement device 12, in Act C2, the CPU 11a searches whether the membership code notified from the settlement device 12 is recorded in the settlement information table.

When the member code is not retrieved from the payment information table, the CPU 11a determines that the payment information corresponding to the member code is not recorded. The CPU 11a determines NO in Act C3 and terminates the processing for the inquiry from the settlement device 12. FIG.

On the other hand, when the member code is retrieved from the payment information table, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act C3 and reads the payment information corresponding to the member code from the payment information table.

In Act C4, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information read from the payment information table to the payment device 12 that made the inquiry. Also, the CPU 11a deletes the payment information and the member code transferred to the payment device 12 from the payment information table. Note that the payment information and the member code may be deleted after the payment device 12 notifies that the payment processing for the payment information has been completed normally.

On the other hand, in Act B5, the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 confirms whether payment information has been received from any product registration device 11 or not. If the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines NO, and repeats Act B5. Thus, in Act B5, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

When the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement device 12 receives the settlement information from the product registration device 11, it stores it in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response to this, the CPU 12a determines YES in Act B5, and proceeds to Act B6.

In Act B6, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.

When the shopper 22 registers the purchase (generates payment information) without presenting the membership card to the employee 21, the payment information is transmitted from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12. (Usually semi-self second payment method).

When the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement device 12 receives the settlement information from the product registration device 11, it stores it in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response, the CPU 12a determines in Act B3 that payment information has been received, and proceeds to Act B6.

The settlement screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement based on the received settlement information. The payment screen, for example, represents at least the total amount indicated in the payment information. The payment screen may also include the total number of items and a list of purchased items. Also, if multiple payment methods are allowed, the payment screen includes a button or the like for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

In Act B7, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the shopper 22 has performed an operation for payment. If the CPU 12a determines NO because the corresponding operation has not been performed, the CPU 12a repeats the processing of Act B7. Thus, in Act B7, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement.

If the operation for settlement is performed in this way and this is detected by the touch panel 12g, the CPU 12a determines YES in Act B7 and proceeds to Act B8.

In Act B8, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing. The settlement processing here is processing for settlement of the total amount indicated in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d according to the operation by the shopper 22. FIG. For the settlement processing here, for example, the processing performed by existing self-service POS terminals can be applied as it is. As a result of the CPU 12a executing the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as its central part functions as a second settlement section.

In Act B9, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt showing the information indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the results of the above payment processing. After that, the CPU 12a returns to Act B1 and performs the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

As described above, the checkout system 10 eliminates the need for the employee 21 to select a transfer destination of payment information from a plurality of payment devices 12 when a member semi-self-pays at the payment device 12 . That is, since the employee 21 only needs to instruct the transfer of payment information to the payment device 12, there is no work burden such as checking and selecting an available payment device 12. FIG. Moreover, the shopper 22 is not instructed by the employee 21 which payment device 12 is to be used for payment processing. In addition, the shopper 22 can select an available settlement device 12 and carry out settlement processing. Therefore, it is possible to improve the degree of freedom of the shopper 22 .

In the above description, when the member semi-self mode is on and the employee 21 instructs the transfer of payment information (first payment method), the product registration device 11 responds to an inquiry from the payment device 12. Although payment information is transferred, it may be transferred by the processing described below.

That is, in Act A14 of FIG. 4, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 sends the member code and Transfer the payment information in correspondence.

In this case, the settlement device 12 executes the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG.
In Act D1, the CPU 12a displays a standby screen on the touch panel 12g. The CPU 12a waits for payment information transmitted from the product registration device 11 in Act D2, and waits for payment completion notification transmitted from another payment device 12 in Act D4.

Upon receiving the reception information in Act D2, the CPU 12a records the payment information and the membership code as a payment information table in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in Act D3.
The payment device 12 receives the member code and payment information transferred from the product registration device 11 and records them in the payment information table regardless of the operating state. That is, the payment device 12 receives and records the member code and payment information transferred from the product registration device 11 even while the shopper 22 is in the process of payment. As a result, the idle time can be shortened as compared with the case where the payment information is transferred from the product registration device 11 after the payment processing in the payment device 12 is completed (after entering the standby state).

The shopper 22 moves to a waiting (not used by other shoppers 22) payment device 12 among the plurality of payment devices 12. - 特許庁

The shopper 22 causes the card reader/writer 12i of the settlement device 12 to read the membership card whose membership code has been read by the product registration device 11 . The card reader/writer 12i outputs the membership code read from the membership card to the CPU 12a.

In Act D6, when the CPU 12a acquires the membership code, in Act D7, the screen of the touch panel 12g is changed to a settlement screen. Since the processing of Acts D7 to D10 is executed in the same manner as Acts B6 to B9 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

When the settlement process is completed in Acts D7 to D10, the CPU 12a transmits a settlement end notification to the other settlement device 12 in Act D11. That is, the CPU 12a notifies the completed member code of the settlement process and the completion of the settlement process for the settlement information corresponding to this member code.

In addition, the CPU 12a deletes the member code associated with the payment information for which payment processing has been completed from the payment information table.

On the other hand, in Act D4, when a settlement completion notice is received from another settlement device 12, in Act D5, the notified member code and the settlement information corresponding to this member code are deleted from the settlement information table.

In the above description, the payment information is transmitted directly from the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12, but the payment information is transmitted between the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via the management server. It is good also as a structure which gives and receives. In this case, if the first payment method is used, the product registration device 11 associates the payment information with the member code, transmits them to the management server, and stores them in the management server in Act A17.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 acquires the member code in Act B2, instead of inquiring all the product registration devices 11 as in Act B4 shown in FIG. inquire. When the payment information is received from the management server in Act B5, the payment device 12 displays a payment screen and prompts the shopper 22 to perform an operation for payment.

In this way, by transmitting payment information via the management server, the payment device 12 does not need to inquire of all the product registration devices 11, and all the product registration devices 11 can process inquiries from the payment device 12. Since there is no need to perform the processing, the processing burden on each of the settlement devices 12 and 12 can be reduced.

In this way, by using the first payment method, it is possible to reduce the work load of the employee 21 and improve the freedom of the shopper 22 to select the payment device 12 for payment processing in the same manner as described above. .

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as both a specification to perform the payment processing with the payment device 12 and a specification to end the registration. The acceptance period is defined as the period from when the subtotal button is touched until any of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any one of the buttons B4 to B7 as a specification that the payment processing is to be performed by the payment device 12, and accepts a touch on a separately prepared end button as a specification to end the registration. can be When the end button is touched after any one of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the payment device 12 associated with the touched button.

Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts the touch of a semi-self button separately prepared for specifying that the settlement process is to be performed by the settlement apparatus 12 as the designation that the settlement process is to be performed by the settlement apparatus 12, and presses one of the buttons B4 to B7. A touch on may be accepted as designation of the end of registration. When one of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched after the semi-self button is touched, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the payment device 12 associated with the touched button. In this case, the acceptance period for accepting the designation of the payment processing to be performed by the payment device 12 shall be the period from the start of the purchase registration until the designation of the end of the registration is made, or a part of that period. can be done.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.

10 Checkout system 11 Product registration device 11a CPU 11b ROM 11c RAM 11d Auxiliary storage unit 11e Drawer opening unit 11f Scanner 11g Touch panel 11h Printer 11i Card reader/writer 11j Communication unit 11k Transmission system 12 Payment device 12a CPU 12b ROM 12c RAM 12d Auxiliary storage unit 12e Automatic change dispenser 12f Scanner 12g Touch panel , 12h... Printer, 12i... Card reader/writer, 12j... Communication unit, 12k... Transmission system.

Claims (3)

A payment device connected by a network to a product registration device that generates payment information for product payment,
a first payment means for making a payment based on the first payment information transmitted by the product registration device when the shopper's unique identification data is not acquired by the product registration device;
a first input means for accepting input of shopper's unique identification data;
inquiry means for making an inquiry based on the identification data to the product registration device when the input of the identification data is received;
a second settlement means for performing settlement based on the second settlement information when second settlement information corresponding to the identification data is received from the product registration device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry means;
Payment device with Connected to multiple product registration devices,
The inquiry means inquires of the plurality of product registration devices,
2. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said second settlement means performs settlement based on said second settlement information received from one of said plurality of product registration apparatuses. A computer of a payment device connected by a network to a product registration device that generates payment information for product payment,
a first payment means for making a payment based on the first payment information transmitted by the product registration device when the shopper's unique identification data is not acquired by the product registration device;
a first input means for accepting input of shopper's unique identification data;
inquiry means for making an inquiry based on the identification data to the product registration device when the input of the identification data is received;
Functioning as a second settlement means for performing settlement based on the second settlement information when second settlement information corresponding to the identification data is received from the product registration device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry means program to make

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