JP7242916B2 - Checkout system, payment device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a payment device incorporated in this system, and a control program therefor.

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 device waits for input of data relating to product sales. When data is input, the input processing device generates payment information based on the data and transfers this payment information to the payment device. The settlement device waits for input of payment data for settlement information. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the payment device 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 settlement device are separated can be operated in a so-called semi-self system in which the input processing device is operated by the store clerk and the settlement device is operated by the shopper.

By the way, in general, the payment for the sale of goods or the provision of services can be made not only in cash but also in non-cash payments such as credit cards and electronic money. For this reason, many payment devices also have a payment function for non-cash payments in addition to a payment function for cash payments. Conventional payment devices having two or more types of payment functions require an operation to select a payment method before payment. For this reason, if a semi-self-service checkout system in which the input processing device and the payment device are separated is used, it is the shopper who operates the payment device, and many shoppers are unfamiliar with the operation. Simplification was required.

JP-A-2010-086158

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

In one embodiment, a checkout system includes an input processor and a payment device. The input processing device includes first reception means , second reception means , and transmission means. The first accepting means accepts selection of any one payment method from a plurality of payment methods. The second accepting means accepts an instruction to send payment information based on the input data relating to product sales or service provision. When the second reception means receives the instruction to transmit the payment information, the transmission means transmits the payment information and the selected price if the first reception means has accepted the selection of one of the payment methods. Information indicating the payment method is transmitted to the settlement device, and when the selection of the payment method is not accepted, the settlement information and information indicating that the payment method is not selected are transmitted to the settlement device. The payment device includes receiving means , first processing means , and second processing means . The receiving means receives payment information transmitted from the input processing device. When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating the selected payment method, the first processing means waits for the payment by the payment method indicated by the information, and stores the data related to the payment necessary for the payment . When detected, process payment for payment information. When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating that no payment method has been selected, the second processing means waits for payment by a plurality of payment methods, and settles payment by any one of the payment methods. Detects the necessary deposit data to process the settlement of payment information.

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

An embodiment of a checkout system capable of simplifying the operation for payment with a payment device will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the product registration device (input processing device) and the payment device are separated, and the product registration device is operated by the store clerk, and the payment device is operated by the shopper. The system is illustrated. In this embodiment, the settlement device has a settlement function for cash payments and a settlement function for non-cash payments using credit cards or electronic money cards.

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

The product registration device 11 is operated by the store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The settlement device 12 is operated by the shopper 22 who purchases the merchandise sold at the store. However, the settlement device 12 does not hinder the operation by the store clerk 21 .

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A passageway for shoppers 22 is formed by arranging a plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel.

The product registration device 11 has functions of registering purchased products, generating payment information, and notifying the payment information to the payment device 12 . The registration process is a process of registering the product purchased by the shopper 22 as a purchased product. Payment information is information necessary for payment processing. The payment 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 payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs payment processing based on the payment information. Settlement processing is processing for settling transactions related to sales of purchased products.

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

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, 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 form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each part to realize various functions of the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and RAM 11c.

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

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

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

The application programs stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d include control programs describing control processing to be described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred without the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, or the like and transferred. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and this control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the product registration device 11 separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of various known types, or may be compatible with 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.

Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for store employees and the other touch panel 11g2 is for customers. Each of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 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 clerk's touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the clerk's 21 work space side. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22.例文帳に追加

The printer 11h issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on 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 readers/writers 11i1 and 11i2, one card reader/writer 11i1 is for a credit card, which is a type of settlement card, and the other card reader/writer 11i2 is also for a type of settlement card. It is for electronic money cards.

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

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

The card reader/writer 11i2 for the 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. Electronic money cards are generally composed of contactless IC cards. Therefore, the card reader/writer 11i2 is a non-contact IC card reader/writer. A contactless IC card reader/writer has an antenna section. When an electronic money card is held up to this antenna section, the card reader/writer 11i2 reads the electronic money balance data recorded in the IC chip of the electronic money card and writes the electronic money balance data to the IC chip. do.

The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13. FIG.

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

For example, an existing POS terminal can be used as hardware for such a product registration device 11 .

The settlement device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary memory 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 form a computer.

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

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

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

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

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

The automatic change dispenser 12e has a coin and banknote slot, and accepts coins and banknotes inserted through the slot. At the time of collection, the automatic change dispenser 12e identifies the denominations of the inserted coins and banknotes, 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 this payout port.

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

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

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

Of the two card readers/writers 12i1 and 12i2, one card reader/writer 12i1 is for a credit card, which is a type of settlement card, and the other card reader/writer 12i2 is also a type of settlement card. It is for electronic money cards.

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

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

The card reader/writer 12i2 for the 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. Electronic money cards are generally composed of contactless IC cards. Therefore, the card reader/writer 12i2 is a contactless IC card reader/writer. A contactless IC card reader/writer has an antenna section. When an electronic money card is held over the antenna section, the card reader/writer 12i2 reads balance data of electronic money recorded in the IC chip of the electronic money card and writes balance data of electronic money to the IC chip. do.

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

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change dispenser 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 connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

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

As described above, in the checkout system 10 in which the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12, which are input processing devices, are separated, the data memory areas 31, 32 and 33 shown in FIG. They are formed in the RAMs 11c and 12c respectively.

The data memory area 31 is an area for storing a plurality of records each of which includes product code, product name, unit price, quantity, and price. A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by, for example, a bar code. The product name and unit price are the product name and price per item determined by the product code of the same record. The quantity and price are the sales data of the product determined by the product code of the same record, that is, the number of products sold and the sales price for that quantity.

The checkout system 10 is connected to a database server via a 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 entered in the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12, the CPUs 11a and 12a use the product code to inquire of the database server about product information. The database server that receives this inquiry accesses the product database and reads product information associated with the product code from the product database. The database server notifies the product information to the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 via the LAN 13 . The CPUs 11 a and 12 a of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 generate records related to product sales based on the product information notified from the database server, and store the records in the data memory area 31 .

Such a data memory area 31 is called transaction memory. Hereinafter, the transaction memory 31a for the product registration device 11 and the transaction memory 31b for the settlement device 12 will be used.

The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number of items and the total amount of money. The total number is the sum of the numbers stored in each record stored in 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 total memory. Hereinafter, the total memory 32a for the product registration device 11 and the total memory 32b for the settlement device 12 will be used.

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, 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 the information processing of the CPU 11a in the product registration device 11, which will be described later. The selection flag F2 is a flag in which credit payment is set as one type of payment method, and is set to "1" when credit payment is selected by information processing of the product registration device 11, which will be described later. The selection flag F3 is a flag in which electronic money payment is set as one type of payment method, and is set to "1" when electronic money payment is selected by the information processing of the CPU 11a in the product registration device 11, which will be described later. .

Such a data area 33 is called a selection flag memory. In the following description, the selection flag memory 33a represents the product registration device 11, and the selection flag memory 33b represents the settlement device 12.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main steps of control processing executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the product registration device 11 by the control process. 7 to 11 are flow charts showing main procedures of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 according to the control program. 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12 by the control processing. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to these figures. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

First, the operation of the product registration device 11 will be described.
When the product registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG.

First, the CPU 11a clears the transaction memory 31a, total memory 32a and selection flag memory 33a (Act 1). By clearing the selection flag memory 33a, each selection flag F1, F2, F3 is reset to "0".

Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen to be displayed on part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act2). The registration screen displays the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 and the shopper 22 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. Note that the CPU 11a displays various button images such as a product button and a subtotal button on the screen of the touch panel 11g1 outside the registration screen area. The merchandise button is operated when the store clerk 21 designates merchandise. The subtotal button is operated when the store clerk commands the output of the subtotal amount.

While the registration screen is displayed, the store clerk 21 sequentially inputs the product codes of the products that the shopper 22 purchases by, for example, operating the scanner 11f or product buttons. When the product codes of all purchased products have been entered, the store clerk 21 touches the subtotal button.

The CPU 11a that displays the registration screen waits for input of the product code of the product to be registered for purchase (Act 3). When the 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 associated with the product code and set in the product database. . The CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of sales to calculate the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity and sales amount in the transaction memory 31a. Also, the CPU 11a adds the number of sales and the sales amount to the total memory 32a (Act 4). After registering the record related to the product sales in the transaction memory 31a in this way, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen according to the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a (Act 5).

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

In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, when the product code is input (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a returns to the process of Act4. That is, the CPU 11a detects the product information set in the product database in association with the product code. The CPU 11a also calculates the sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a registers a record including the product code, product name, unit price, sales quantity and sales amount in the transaction memory 31a. Also, the CPU 11a adds the number of sales and the sales amount to the total memory 32a (Act 4). Furthermore, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to comply with the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a (Act 5). After that, the CPU 11a waits for the product code to be input or the subtotal button to be touched (Act 6, Act 7).

In this waiting state, if the subtotal button is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a generates settlement information based on the contents of the transaction memory 31a and total memory 32a at this time (Act8).
The computer including the CPU 11a here constitutes generating means for waiting for input of data relating to product sales and generating payment information based on the input data through the processing of Act3 to Act8.

The CPU 11a causes the transfer destination selection screen SC1 (see FIG. 5) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 (Act9).
An example of the forwarding destination selection screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The forwarding 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 money in the total memory 32a. The display area R12 displays buttons B11, B12, and B13 along with guidance prompting the user to specify the payment method (for example, "Please specify the payment method"). The button B11 is used by the store clerk 21 to designate 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.

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

Display areas R14 to R17 display whether or not transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12 is possible. The buttons B15 to B18 are used by the store clerk 21 to designate transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. FIG. The settlement device 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information while the settlement process is being executed. In the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the settlement device 12 in such a state, "transfer not possible" is displayed. Conversely, in the display areas R14 to R17 associated with the settlement device 12 that accepts the transfer of settlement information, "transferable" is displayed. It should be noted that the buttons B15 to B18 may be displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 is accepting transfer of payment information. Alternatively, the buttons B15 to B18 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 has not accepted transfer of payment information.

When the forwarding destination selection screen SC1 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a payment method has been designated, that is, whether or not any of the buttons B11 to B13 has been touched (Act10). If the payment method is not specified, that is, if none of the buttons B11 to B13 is touched (NO in Act10), the CPU 11a determines whether the settlement device 12 to which the settlement information is to be transferred has been specified. , that is, whether or not any one of the buttons B15 to B18 has been touched (Act11). If the payment device 12 is not specified, that is, if none of the buttons B15 to B18 are touched (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a confirms again whether or not the payment method is specified (Act 10). ). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for designation of a payment method or a settlement device in the processing of Act10 and Act11.

Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in this standby state, and shift to a process corresponding to the occurrence event.

After confirming the forwarding destination selection screen SC3, the store clerk 21 asks the shopper 22 about the payment method. When the shopper 22 wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk 21 touches the button B11. On the other hand, if the shopper 22 wishes to pay by credit card, the store clerk 21 touches the button B12. When the shopper 22 wishes to pay with electronic money, the store clerk 21 touches the button B13.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, when any one of the buttons B11 to B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched, the CPU 11a considers that the payment method has been designated. When the payment method is designated (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a selects 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 another selection flag F1 to F3 is set, the CPU 11a resets the selection flag F1, F2 or F3 to "0". (Act 12).

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 here waits for any one payment method to be designated from among a plurality of payment methods by the respective processes of Act 10 and Act 12, and outputs information indicating the designated payment method (selection flag F1 to F3) in the storage unit (selection flag memory 33a).

After updating the selection flags F1 to F3, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act10 and Act11. Therefore, for example, if the shopper 22 wishes to pay by credit card and the shop clerk 21 touches the button B12 and then requests a change to cash payment, the shop clerk 21 may touch the button B11. By touching the button B11, the previous operation of touching the button B12 is invalidated.

If the shopper 22 touches the buttons B11-B13 corresponding to the payment method desired by the shopper 22, or if the shopper 22 does not offer the payment method, the salesclerk 21 transfers the transaction data based on the information in the display areas R14-R17. A settlement device 12 is decided. The store clerk 21 then touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement device 12 determined as the transfer destination.

In the standby state of Act10 and Act11, when any one of the buttons B15 to B18 on the transfer destination selection screen SC3 is touched, the CPU 11a considers that the payment device 12 has been designated. When the payment device 12 is specified (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a adds the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 to the payment information generated in the process of Act8. 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 sets the communication address set in the specified settlement device 12 as the destination address, sets the communication address set in itself as the source address, and sets the information of the selection flags F1 to F3 as the settlement address. It controls the communication unit 11j to output information to the LAN13. By this control, payment information with selection flags F1 to F3, in which the destination address and the source address are set, is transmitted via the LAN 13. FIG. The payment information with the selection flags F1 to F3 is received by the payment device 12 whose transmission destination address matches the communication address. The settlement device 12 that has received the settlement information with the selection flags F1 to F3 stores the transmission source address of the received information, thereby determining the product registration device 11 that is the transmission source of the settlement information with the selection flags F1 to F3. can.

Here, when the computer including the CPU 11a is instructed to finish inputting the data related to product sales by the processing of Act 11 and Act 13, the payment information and the information (selection flags F1 to F3) of the storage section (selection flag memory 33a) is associated with and transmitted to the settlement device 12.

After outputting the payment information, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC2 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on part of the screens of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 (Act14). An example of the notification screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC2 includes display areas R21 and R22. Also, 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 making the store clerk 21 and the shopper 22 recognize that the payment is made by semi-self. It should be noted that semi-self-payment is a form of payment in which payment processing is executed by the payment device 12 according to an operation by the shopper 22 . The display area R22 displays the total number of pieces and the total amount of money included in the payment information, as well as to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred. The display area R22 also displays a message announcing that payment will be made using the payment method specified by the buttons B11 to B13 on the transfer destination selection screen SC1. The button B21 is for the store clerk 21 to specify closing of the notification screen SC2.

When the button B21 is touched, the CPU 11a ends 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.

Note that when the buttons B15 to B18 associated with the payment apparatus 12 that has not accepted transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine YES in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept transfer of payment information. Therefore, if all of the settlement devices 12 are in an inoperative state or in an operating state that does not accept transfer of settlement information, the CPU 11a does not wait for designation of the settlement device 12 .

After confirming the notification screen SC2, the store clerk 21 tells the shopper 22 to make a payment using the payment method displayed on the payment device 12 displayed in the display area R22. The shopper 22 moves to the designated payment device 12 and performs an operation for payment. Instead of notifying the shopper 22 by the store clerk 21, the printer 12h of the product registration device 11 outputs a paper on which the number of the settlement device 12 displayed in the display area R22 is printed, and this paper is sent to the shopper. 22.

Therefore, next, the operation of the settlement device 12 will be described.
When the settlement device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the control processing of the procedures shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 7-11. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 21). 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 settlement processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement as a screen saver. After setting the screen of the touch panel 12g to the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits to receive payment information (Act 22).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits payment information with selection flags F1 to F3 from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the process of Act13 in FIG. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 that is the destination.

Here, the computer including the CPU 12a and the communication unit 11j constitute receiving means for receiving payment information transmitted from the product registration device 11. FIG.

When the payment information with selection flags F1 to F3 is received (YES in Act 22), the CPU 12a develops the payment information in the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b (Act 23). That is, the CPU 12a stores the record of the product name, unit price, sales quantity and sales amount included in the payment information in the transaction memory 31b. Similarly, the CPU 12a stores the total number of purchased products and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the total memory 32b. The CPU 12a also 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 (Act 24). It should be noted that the procedures of the processing of Act23 and the processing of Act24 are not limited to the above procedures. 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 (Act 24), and then the payment information is developed in the transaction memory 31b and total memory 32b. (Act 23).

The CPU 12a displays the payment 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. 12 and 13. FIG. FIG. 12 shows a payment screen (hereinafter referred to as first payment screen SC3-1) when no payment method is specified on the product registration device 11. FIG. This is the settlement screen when specified (hereinafter referred to as a second settlement screen SC3-2).

The first payment screen SC3-1 includes display areas R31 and R32 and a button B31. The display area R31 displays operation guidance for each type of payment method. The display area R32 displays the total number of items and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b as the transaction number and transaction amount with the shopper 22. FIG. The button B31 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the store clerk 21 .

The settlement device 12 performs three types of payments: cash payment using an automatic change dispenser 12e, credit payment using a card reader/writer 12i1 for credit cards, and electronic money payment using a card reader/writer 12i2 for electronic money cards. It supports various payment methods. For cash payment, for example, an operation guidance such as "For cash payment, please insert cash" is displayed in the display area R31. For credit payment, for example, an operation guidance such as "If you are paying by credit card, please insert your card" is displayed in the display area R31. For electronic money payment, for example, an operation guidance such as "For electronic money payment, please bring your card closer" is displayed in the display area R31.

The second payment screen SC3-2 includes display areas R41 and R42 and buttons B41 and B42. The display area R41 displays operation guidance indicating payment methods. In the case of cash payment, this guidance is, for example, "Insert cash". In the case of credit payment, for example, "Please insert a card". In the case of electronic money payment, for example, "Please bring your card closer". The second payment 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, "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 of items and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b as the transaction number and transaction amount with the shopper 22. FIG. The button B41 is for the shopper 22 to specify to call the store clerk 21 . The button B42 is for the shopper 22 to specify a change in payment method.

When the payment method is not specified in the product registration device 11, the selection flags F1 to F3 are all reset to "0". On the other hand, when a payment method is specified, one of the selection flags F1 to F3 corresponding to that 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 payment screen SC3-2 on the touch panel 12g.

After confirming the first payment screen SC3-1 shown in FIG. 12, the shopper 22 decides whether to pay in cash, credit, or electronic money. When paying in cash, the shopper 22 inserts cash equal to or greater than the total amount into the automatic change machine 12e. When paying by credit, the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader/writer 12i1. When paying with electronic money, the shopper 22 brings the electronic money card close to the card reader/writer 12i2.

After confirming the second payment screen SC3-2 shown in FIG. 13, the shopper 22 inserts cash equal to or greater 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, which displays the first payment screen SC3-1 or the second payment screen SC-2, selects the payment method from the product registration device 11, which is the source of the payment information, based on the selection flags F1 to F3 in the selection flag memory 33b. Confirm whether or not it is specified (Act 26). As described above, when the selection flags F1 to F3 are all reset to "0", no payment method is designated. In this case (NO in Act 26), the CPU 12a activates the device necessary for payment and puts it in a standby state (Act 27).

A device necessary for cash payment is an automatic change machine 12e. The CPU 12a activates the automatic change dispenser 12e and waits for coins or banknotes to be inserted into the slot. A device required for credit payment is the card reader/writer 12i1. The CPU 12a activates the card reader/writer 12i1 and waits for the credit card to be inserted into the card slot. A device necessary for electronic money payment is the card reader/writer 12i2. The CPU 12a activates the card reader/writer 12i2 and waits for the electronic money card to be held over the antenna section.

The CPU 12a, which puts the device necessary for payment into a waiting state, confirms 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 confirms 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 confirms whether or not cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 30). If cash has not been inserted (NO in Act30), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act28. Therefore, in the processing of Act28 to Act30, the CPU 11a waits for the credit card data to be read, the electronic money card data to be read, or cash to be inserted.

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

When the credit card data is read by the card reader/writer 12i1 in the standby state of Act28 to Act30 (YES in Act28), the CPU 12a enters a standby state other than credit payment, that is, electronic money payment, as shown in FIG. The standby state and the cash payment standby state are released (Act 31). As a result of this process, the driving of the card reader/writer 12i2 and automatic change dispenser 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 holds up the electronic money card to the card reader/writer 12i2, the card reader/writer 12i2 does not read the data of the electronic money card. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e, the automatic change dispenser 12e will not accept the cash by closing the insertion port with a shutter or the like.

When the waiting state other than credit payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader/writer 12i1 (Act 32). This payment processing is the same as the processing already executed in the existing POS terminal or self-service POS terminal, so the explanation here is omitted.

When settlement processing 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 ends the processing for the payment information received in Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act21 in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act28 to Act30, when the data of the electronic money card is read by the card reader/writer 12i2 (YES in Act29), the CPU 12a enters a standby state other than electronic money payment, i.e., credit payment, as shown in FIG. and the waiting state for cash payment (Act 41). By this process, the driving of the card reader/writer 12i1 and automatic change dispenser 12e is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader/writer 12i1, the card reader/writer 12i1 ejects the credit card without reading the credit card data. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 tries to insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e, the automatic change dispenser 12e will not accept the cash by closing the insertion port with a shutter or the like.

When the standby state other than electronic money payment is released, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by electronic money payment based on the data of the electronic money card read by the card reader/writer 12i2, that is, the balance data of the electronic money. (Act 42). This payment processing is the same as the processing already executed in the existing POS terminal or self-service POS terminal, so the explanation here is omitted.

When the settlement processing 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 the electronic money balance data read from the electronic money card is equal to or greater than the amount of the total amount data stored in the total memory 32, there is no balance. However, if the amount of electronic money balance data is less than the amount of total amount data, the difference is the balance.

If there is a balance (YES in Act 43), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC3 (Act 44). After that, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 shown in FIG. In other words, the CPU 12a activates the device necessary for payment again and puts it in a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 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 ends the processing for the payment information received in Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act21 in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act28 to Act30, when cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (YES in Act30), the CPU 12a enters a standby state other than cash payment, that is, a credit payment standby state, as shown in FIG. The electronic money payment standby state is canceled (Act 51). By this processing, driving of the card reader/writer 12i1 and the card reader/writer 12i2 is stopped. Therefore, even if the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader/writer 12i1, the card reader/writer 12i1 ejects the credit card without reading the credit card data. Similarly, even if the shopper 22 holds up the electronic money card to the card reader/writer 12i2, the card reader/writer 12i2 does not read the data of the electronic money card.

When the waiting state other than cash payment is canceled, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by cash payment based on the amount data of the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (Act 52). This payment processing is the same as the processing already executed in the existing POS terminal or self-service POS terminal, so the explanation here is omitted.

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

If there is a balance (YES in Act 53), the CPU 12a displays the balance in the display area R32 of the payment screen SC3 (Act 54). After that, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act 27 shown in FIG. In other words, the CPU 12a activates the device necessary for payment again and puts it in a payment standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act 28 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 ends the processing for the payment information received in Act22. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act21 in the same manner as described above.

In the processing of Act26, if any one of the selection flags F1, F2 or F3 is set to "1", the payment method is designated by the product registration device 11 which is the source of the payment information. In this case (NO in Act 26), as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 12a checks whether the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F1 (Act 61). If it is not the selection flag F1 (NO in Act61), the CPU 12a checks whether the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F2 (Act62). If it is not the selection flag F2 (NO in Act62), 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 the 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 the electronic money card to be held up to the antenna section.

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

In the standby state of Act64 and Act65, upon detecting that the button B42 has been touched (YES in Act65), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act28 in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act64 and Act65, when it is detected that the data of the electronic money card has been read by the card reader/writer 12i2 (YES in Act64), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act42 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by electronic money payment based on the data of the electronic money card read by the card reader/writer 12i2, that is, the electronic money balance data. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 43 in the same manner as described above.

If the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F1 (YES in Act61), the payment method specified in the product registration device 11 is cash payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts the device required for cash payment into a standby state (Act 66). That is, the CPU 12a activates the automatic change dispenser 12e and waits for coins or banknotes to be inserted into the slot.

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

In the standby state of Act67 and Act68, upon detecting that the button B42 has been touched (YES in Act68), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act28 in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act67 and Act68, when it is detected that cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e (YES in Act67), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act52 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by cash payment based on the amount data of the cash put into the automatic change dispenser 12e. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 53 in the same manner as described above.

If the flag set to "1" is the selection flag F2 (YES in Act62), the payment method designated by the product registration device 11 is credit payment. In this case, the CPU 12a puts the device required for credit payment into a standby state (Act 69). That is, the CPU 12a activates the card reader/writer 12i1 and waits for the credit card to be inserted into the card slot.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the credit card data has been read by the card reader/writer 12i1 (Act 70). If the credit card data has not been read (NO in Act70), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the button B42 has been touched (Act71). If the button B42 is not touched (NO in Act71), the CPU 12a returns to the process of Act69. Therefore, in the processing of Act70 and Act71, the CPU 11a waits for the credit card data to be read or the button B42 to be touched.

In the standby state of Act70 and Act71, upon detecting that the button B42 has been touched (YES in Act71), the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act27 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a activates all the devices necessary for payment and puts them in a standby state. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the processing after Act28 in the same manner as described above.

In the standby state of Act70 and Act71, when it is detected that the card reader/writer 12i1 has read the credit card data (YES in Act70), the CPU 12a proceeds to the processing of Act32 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing by credit payment based on the credit card data read by the card reader/writer 12i1. Then, the CPU 12a repeats the processing after Act 33 in the same manner as described above.

Here, the computer including the CPU 12a constitutes determination means for determining the payment method based on the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the settlement information received by the receiving means through the processing of Act26 and Act61 to Act62. do.

In addition, the CPU 12a waits for payment by the payment method determined by the determination means through the processing of Act 63 to Act 71, and when detecting data related to payment required for payment, processes the payment of the payment information received by the reception means. constitute a processing means;

Further, the CPU 12a performs the processing of Act26 to Act33, Act41 to Act45, and Act51 to Act55 when the information (selection flags F1 to F3) associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not specified, and the plurality of charges are processed. It constitutes a second processing means for processing settlement of settlement information received by the receiving means, when receiving a deposit by a payment method and detecting data relating to the deposit necessary for settlement by any one of the payment methods.

Furthermore, when the CPU 12a is instructed to change the payment method determined by the determination means through the processing of Act65, Act68 or Act71, Act27-Act33, Act41-Act45 and Act51-Act55, the CPU 12a accepts payment by a plurality of payment methods. , and detecting data relating to payment necessary for payment by any one of the payment methods, constitutes a third processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means.

Further, when the information associated with the payment information (selection flags F1 to F3) indicates a designated payment method, the CPU 12a notifies the method of deposit by the payment method by the processing of Act 25. is not specified, the notification means is configured to provide guidance for notifying the payment method for each of the plurality of payment methods.

In a store where the checkout system 10 operating as described above has been introduced, the merchandise to be purchased by the shopper 22 is registered by the store clerk 21 by operating the merchandise registration device 11 . Through this registration process, the product registration device 11 generates payment information including the price of the purchased product. Also, a transfer destination selection screen SC is displayed on the touch panel 11g1.

The store clerk 21 then asks the shopper about the payment method. Here, when the shopper 22 selects cash payment, the store 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 store clerk 21 decides which settlement device 12 to transfer the transaction data to based on the information in the display areas R14 to R17 of the transfer destination selection screen SC. The store clerk 21 then touches the buttons B15 to B18 corresponding to the settlement device 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 .

The second payment screen SC3-2 showing operation guidance for cash payment is displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the payment information. Further, since the selection flag F1 is set to "1", the automatic change machine 12e in the settlement device 12 is activated.

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

On the other hand, when the shopper 22 selects credit payment, the store 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".

After that, when the store 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 transferred to the one settlement device 12 selected by the store clerk 21. transferred to

The second payment screen SC3-2 representing operation guidance for credit payment is displayed on the payment device 12 that has received the payment information. In addition, since the selection flag F2 is set to "1", the card reader/writer 12i1 in the settlement device 12 is activated.

The shopper 22 moves in front of the payment device 12 to which the payment information has been transferred, according to the instruction of the store clerk 21 or the information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11 . The shopper 22 then inserts the credit card into the card reader/writer 12i1 according to the guidance displayed on the settlement screen SC3-2. Thus, in the settlement device 12, settlement processing by credit payment is executed.

Similarly, when the shopper 22 selects electronic money payment, the store 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".

After that, when the store 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 transferred to the one settlement device 12 selected by the store clerk 21. transferred to

At the settlement device 12 that has received the settlement information, a second settlement screen SC3-2 representing operation guidance for electronic money payment is displayed. Also, since the selection flag F3 is set to "1", the card reader/writer 12i2 in the settlement device 12 is activated.

The shopper 22 moves in front of the payment device 12 to which the payment information has been transferred, according to the instruction of the store clerk 21 or the information on the notification screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 11g2 of the product registration device 11 . Then, the shopper 22 holds up the electronic money card to the antenna of the card reader/writer 12i2 according to the guidance displayed on the settlement screen SC3-2. Thus, the settlement device 12 executes settlement processing by electronic money payment.

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

By the way, if the shopper 22 does not offer a payment method in response to the inquiry from the store clerk 21, the store clerk 21 does not touch the buttons B11 to B13 and presses the button B15 corresponding to the payment device 12 that has been determined as the forwarding destination. ~ 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 are all reset to "0".

Therefore, in the settlement apparatus 12 that receives the settlement information, all the devices required for payment are activated and are in a standby state. That is, the automatic change machine 12e and the card readers/writers 12i1 and 12i2 are activated. The settlement device 12 waits for cash to be inserted into the automatic change dispenser 12e, credit card to be inserted into the card reader/writer 12i1, or electronic money card to be held up to the card reader/writer 12i2.

Here, when the shopper 22 inserts cash into the automatic change dispenser 12e, the total amount of the inserted cash is calculated by the action of the automatic change dispenser 12e. Then, when the amount of cash more than the price is put in, a receipt is issued by the printer 12h, and the settlement is completed. At this time, the shopper 22 does not need to operate any key or button to declare cash payment.

On the other hand, when the shopper 22 inserts the credit card into the card reader/writer 12i1, the credit card data is read by the operation of the card reader/writer 12i1. Then, 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 any key or button to declare credit payment.

Similarly, when the shopper 22 holds the electronic money card over 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 amount of the payment is subtracted 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 any key or button to declare electronic money payment.

In addition, for example, the shopper 22, who has requested cash payment, realizes that the cash is insufficient at the stage of inserting cash into the automatic change machine 12e at the payment device 12, and the payment method is electronic money payment or credit payment. may change to In such a case, the shopper 22 touches the button B42 on the second payment screen SC3-2. Then, in the settlement device 12, all the devices required for payment are activated and are in a standby state. Therefore, the shopper 22 can change the payment method to electronic money payment or credit payment.

Such an action is possible even when the shopper 22 who has offered credit payment changes to electronic money payment or cash payment, and when the shopper 22 who has offered electronic money payment changes to credit payment or cash payment. It is the same.

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

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the salesclerk 21 who operates the product registration device 11 inputs the payment method desired by the shopper 22 is exemplified. As another embodiment, the shopper himself/herself inputs the payment method desired by the shopper 22 to the product registration device 11 . 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 inputs from the buttons B11 to B13 from when the product code is input in the process of Act3 in FIG. 4 until the payment device 12 is specified in the process of Act11. Then, when detecting that the buttons B11 to B13 have been 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 product registration device 11 by himself/herself.

Further, in the above embodiment, when the button B42 of the second payment screen SC3-2 is touched (YES in Act65, Act68 or Act71), the CPU 12a shifts to the standby state of Act27 shown in FIG. 7 as an example. bottom. As another embodiment, it is conceivable to display a screen for selecting a payment method such as cash payment, credit payment, electronic money payment, etc., and activate the device of the selected payment method via this screen. When such a form is adopted, although the shopper 22 who changes the payment method at the stage of settlement has to select the payment method, many shoppers 22 change the payment method at the stage of settlement. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the operation for payment at the settlement device 12.

Also, in the above embodiment, the non-cash payment method is limited to credit payment and electronic money payment, but the non-cash payment method is not limited to this. For example, payment with points using a point card, payment with a prepaid amount using a prepaid card, etc. may be supported.

In addition, although the above-described embodiment has exemplified a checkout system for transactions related to the sale of goods, for example, a checkout system for transactions related to the provision of services such as parking lots, usage fees for sports facilities, admission fees for amusement parks, etc. can be applied in the same way.

Note that the transfer of the product registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 is generally carried out in a state in which programs such as control programs are 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 device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to the user's operation. Transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be of any form, such as CD-ROM, memory card, etc., as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. Also, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be realized by cooperating with an OS (Operating System) or the like inside the device.

Additionally, while several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.
[1] An input processing device and a payment device, wherein the input processing device waits for input of data relating to the sale of goods or the provision of services, and generating means for generating payment information based on the input data; Storage means for waiting for designation of any one payment method from a plurality of payment methods and storing information indicating the designated payment method in a storage unit; transmission means for associating the payment information with the information in the storage unit and transmitting the same to the payment apparatus when an instruction to end the input of the 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; A checkout system comprising: a first processing means for waiting and processing settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means when data relating to payment necessary for settlement is detected.
[2] When the information associated with the payment information indicates that the payment method is not specified, the payment device waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and selects any one payment method. The checkout system according to appendix [1], further comprising a second processing means for processing the payment of the payment information received by the receiving means when data related to payment necessary for payment is detected by the receiving means.
[3] When the information associated with the payment information indicates the specified payment method, the payment device notifies the payment method by the payment method, indicating that the payment method is not specified. The checkout system according to appendix [2], further comprising a notification means for notifying a deposit method for each of the plurality of payment methods.
[4] When a change in the payment method determined by the determination means is commanded, the settlement device waits for deposits by the plurality of payment methods, and deposits necessary for settlement by any one of the payment methods. The check according to any one of appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a third processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means when data related to out system.
[5] When the end of input of data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services is instructed, the payment information generated based on the data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services is specified from a plurality of payment methods. an input processing device for transmitting information indicating one of the payment methods in association with each other and a payment device constituting a checkout system, the 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 settlement information received by the receiving means; waiting for payment by the payment method determined by the determining means; and a first processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information received by the receiving means when detected.
[6] When the end of input of data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services is instructed, the settlement information generated based on the data related to the sale of goods or the provision of services is specified from a plurality of payment methods. said information associated with said received payment information, sent from said input processing device to a computer of said payment device constituting a checkout system and an input processing device that associates and sends information indicating any one of said payment methods; and waits for payment by the determined payment method, and when detecting data related to payment necessary for payment, processes payment for the payment information received from the input processing device. A control program for realizing functions.

10 Checkout system 11 Product registration device 12 Settlement device 11a, 12a CPU 11b, 12b ROM 11c, 12c RAM 11d, 12d Auxiliary storage unit 11e Drawer opening unit 12e Automatic change dispenser 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 (7)

comprising an input processing device and a payment device,
The input processing device is
a first receiving means for receiving selection of any one payment method from among a plurality of payment methods;
a second reception means for receiving an instruction to send payment information based on the input data relating to product sales or service provision;
When the second receiving means receives the instruction to transmit the payment information, and the first receiving means accepts the selection of one payment method, the payment information and the selection are accepted. and information indicating a payment method is transmitted to the payment device, and if the selection of the payment method is not accepted, the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method is not selected are sent to the payment device. a transmitting means for transmitting to the device;
and
The payment device
receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device;
When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating the selected payment method, it waits for payment by the payment method indicated by the information, and detects data related to payment necessary for payment. and a first processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information;
When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method has not been selected, it waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and settles the payment by any one of the payment methods. a second processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information when necessary data regarding deposit is detected;
A checkout system with The payment device
When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating the selected payment method, the receiving means waits for payment by the payment method identified by the information indicating the selected payment method. a first screen display means for displaying one screen on a display device;
When the receiving means receives the settlement information and the information indicating that the payment method is not selected, any one payment method is selected from the plurality of payment methods. a second screen display means for causing the display device to display a second screen waiting for the
The checkout system of Claim 1, further comprising : 3. The checkout system according to claim 2, wherein said first screen includes a change button for receiving a change instruction of said selected payment method . A first receiving means for receiving a selection of one payment method from among a plurality of payment methods, and a second receiving means for receiving an instruction to transmit payment information based on input data relating to sales of goods or provision of services. receiving means, wherein when the second receiving means receives the instruction to send the payment information, and the first receiving means accepts selection of one of the payment methods, the payment information and information indicating the payment method for which the selection has been accepted, and information indicating that the payment method has not been selected when the selection of the payment method has not been accepted. and an input processing device that transmits to the payment device and a payment device that constitutes a checkout system,
receiving means for receiving the payment information transmitted from the input processing device;
When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating the payment method for which the selection has been accepted, waiting for payment by the payment method indicated by the information, and detecting data related to payment necessary for payment. a first processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information;
When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method has not been selected, it waits for payment by the plurality of payment methods, and settles the payment by any one of the payment methods. a second processing means for processing settlement of the settlement information when necessary data regarding deposit is detected;
payment device. When the receiving means receives the payment information and the information indicating the selected payment method, the receiving means waits for payment by the payment method identified by the information indicating the selected payment method. a first screen display means for displaying one screen on a display device;
When the receiving means receives the settlement information and the information indicating that the payment method is not selected, any one payment method is selected from the plurality of payment methods. a second screen display means for causing the display device to display a second screen waiting for the
5. The payment device of claim 4, further comprising : 6. The settlement apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said first screen includes a change button for receiving a change instruction of said selected payment method. A first receiving means for receiving a selection of one payment method from among a plurality of payment methods, and a second receiving means for receiving an instruction to transmit payment information based on input data relating to sales of goods or provision of services. receiving means, wherein when the second receiving means receives the instruction to send the payment information, and the first receiving means accepts selection of one of the payment methods, the payment information and information indicating the payment method for which the selection has been accepted, and information indicating that the payment method has not been selected when the selection of the payment method has not been accepted. and to the computer of the payment device that constitutes the input processing device and the checkout system that transmits to the payment device,
When the payment information and the information indicating the selected payment method are received from the input processing device, it waits for payment by the payment method indicated by the information, and detects data related to payment necessary for payment. Then, a function to process the payment of the payment information,
When the payment information and the information indicating that the payment method has not been selected are received from the input processing device, payment by the plurality of payment methods is awaited, and payment is made by any one of the payment methods. A function to process settlement of the settlement information when detecting data related to deposit necessary for
A control program for realizing

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