JP7244475B2 - Settlement device and method - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to checkout devices and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art In accounting systems in stores, etc., there is known a configuration in which a registration device is provided separately from a settlement device for customers to settle their accounts. For example, a POS (Point Of Sales) system described in Patent Literature 1 includes a plurality of settlement devices for customers to settle their own accounts, in addition to a registration device in which salesclerks register products.

Japanese Patent No. 5850100

For example, when change is left behind in a settlement device, neither the customer who should receive the change nor the store clerk may notice the change. As in the POS system described in Patent Literature 1, when settlement of merchandise does not require the intervention of a store clerk, it is unlikely that the store clerk will notice that he has forgotten to take change. The same applies to cards and receipts other than change.

One exemplary object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique for supporting countermeasures against forgetting to take change or the like after payment in a system that includes a registration device and a settlement device.

A settlement device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a settlement device that performs settlement processing based on a customer's operation, and includes card detection means for detecting a card, and detection of the card when the card is no longer detected by the card detection means. a card processing means for executing settlement processing by means of a card processing means; a transmission means for transmitting whether or not the own device can be used to a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk; have Then, when the payment processing by the card is executed, the transmitting means transmits to the registration device that the own device can be used.

A settlement device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes cash processing means for executing settlement processing in cash, change detection means for detecting change, and a registration device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk. and transmitting means for transmitting whether or not the own device is available. If the change detection means does not detect the change when the payment processing with cash is executed, the transmission means transmits to the registration device that the device can be used.

A method according to one aspect of the present disclosure performs settlement processing using a card based on a customer's operation when a computer for a settlement device that performs settlement processing based on a customer's operation fails to detect the card by the card detection means. , and transmits whether or not the own device is available to the registration device for registering the product to be purchased by the customer based on the operation of the store clerk. Then, in the transmitting process, the computer for the settlement apparatus transmits to the registration apparatus that the self apparatus can be used when the settlement process using the card is executed.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure executes payment processing with cash on a computer for payment processing that performs payment processing based on a customer's operation, detects change, and selects a customer's purchase target based on a store clerk's operation. The registration device for registering the product is made to execute a process of transmitting whether or not the own device can be used. In the transmitting process, when the change is not detected when the settlement process with cash is executed, a message to the effect that the own device can be used is transmitted to the registration device.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present disclosure, in a system that includes a registration device and a settlement device, it is possible to support countermeasures against forgetting to take change or the like after settlement.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an accounting system. FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing an example of an accounting method. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the accounting system. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration device. FIG. 6A is a diagram showing an example of a registration receipt. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing another example of a registration receipt. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main functional configuration of the settlement device. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the main functional configuration of the registration device. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of transmission processing. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing a first display example of the selection screen. FIG. 10B is a diagram showing a second display example of the selection screen. FIG. 10C is a diagram showing a third display example of the selection screen. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of settlement processing. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of card payment processing. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating another example of transmission processing. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing still another example of the configuration of the accounting system. FIG. 17A is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the registration device. FIG. 17B is a block diagram showing still another example of the configuration of the registration device. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a computer device;

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accounting system 100 according to one embodiment. The accounting system 100 includes one or more settlement devices 110 and one or more registration devices 120 . The number of settlement devices 110 and registration devices 120 is not limited to a specific number. The settlement device 110 and the registration device 120 are configured to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly.

The accounting system 100 is an information processing system for paying the price (price) of a product. Goods, as used herein, can include both tangible goods and intangible services. The accounting system 100 is installed in a store (retail store, etc.) that handles such products.

In addition, in the accounting system 100, the price of goods is paid in at least one of money and its equivalent. Equivalents of money here are, for example, cash vouchers, gift vouchers, electronic money, credit cards, debit cards, and the like. Goods are paid for using one or more of such monetary value payment instruments.

The settlement device 110 is a device for performing settlement processing based on a customer's operation. The settlement device 110 includes at least a detection unit 111 . On the other hand, the registration device 120 is a device for registering a product to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk. Registration device 120 includes at least determination unit 121 . Note that the settlement device 110 and the registration device 120 may further include other components.

Settlement here means paying the price of the product. However, the customer may pay part of the price of the product at the registration device 120 . In this case, the customer pays the balance after deducting the already paid amount from the price of the product at the settlement device 110 . For example, the customer pays part of the price of the product with cash notes (which the settlement device 110 cannot accept) and pays the remaining amount with money (which the settlement device 110 can accept). can be done. Settlement processing according to the present disclosure includes at least settlement processing for accepting payment for products by customers, and may further include other processing (screen display, receipt issuance, etc.) incidental to this settlement processing.

The detection unit 111 detects change to be refunded at the settlement device 110 . The change is money equivalent to the difference when the price of the product exceeds the amount actually paid by the customer. The detection unit 111 detects change at a predetermined position for holding change, such as a change slot. In other words, the detection unit 111 can be said to detect that change remains at such a predetermined position (that is, the presence or absence of change at the predetermined position).

A method of detecting change by the detection unit 111 is not particularly limited. For example, the detection unit 111 can detect change using a weight sensor or an infrared sensor. Alternatively, when the change opening is provided with a lid or door, the detection unit 111 detects that the change has been taken out by detecting the opening and closing of the lid or door instead of detecting the change itself. may Furthermore, the detection unit 111 may detect change by combining a plurality of detection methods.

The determination unit 121 determines the available settlement devices 110 . The determination unit 121 can exclude some of the settlement devices 110 included in the accounting system 100 from being used. The number of settlement devices 110 that can be used here is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

More specifically, the determination unit 121 determines the available settlement device 110 based on the detection result of the detection unit 111 . If there is a settlement device 110 for which change has been detected, the determination unit 121 excludes that settlement device 110 from the usage target. That is, the determination unit 121 disables the settlement device 110 for which change has been detected to be used for settlement. In other words, it can be said that the detection unit 121 treats the settlement device 110 in which change is not detected as a usable settlement device.

If only one settlement device 110 is included in the accounting system 100, the determining unit 121 determines whether or not the settlement device 110 can be used. In this case, the determination unit 121 does not determine that the settlement device 110 can be used until the settlement device 110 no longer detects change. In this case, the customer cannot settle the account using the settlement device 110 until the store clerk or another customer (who has already completed the settlement) takes out the change.

FIG. 2 is a sequence chart showing the accounting method of this embodiment. In step 210 , the settlement device 110 detects change by the detection unit 111 and transmits information indicating the detection result to the registration device 120 . This information indicates, for example, "1" when change has been detected by the detection unit 111, and indicates "0" when no change has been detected by the detection unit 111. The presence or absence is identifiable information. In addition, when a plurality of settlement devices 110 are included in the accounting system 100 , the process of step 210 is executed by each settlement device 110 .

The registration device 120 that has acquired the information indicating the change detection result determines in step 220 the settlement devices 110 that can be used for settlement. Specifically, determination unit 121 determines the availability of settlement device 110 based on the information transmitted in step 210 . Then, the determination unit 121 excludes the settlement device 110 determined to be unusable from the usage targets.

As described above, the accounting system 100 according to the present embodiment has a configuration that determines the usable settlement device 110 based on the change detection result in the settlement device 110 . This configuration makes it possible to exclude from use the settlement devices 110 for which change has been detected, that is, for which change remains. Therefore, according to the checkout system 100, it is possible to support countermeasures against forgetting to take the change by the clerk.

A store clerk using the checkout system 100 can, for example, not guide a customer who is about to pay to the checkout device 110 where change remains. Alternatively, the store clerk can grasp that change has not been taken out from the specific settlement device 110 by not being able to use it, and can take measures such as taking out change and temporarily storing it. Therefore, stores using the accounting system 100 can reduce the risk of change being fraudulently obtained by a person other than the customer who should receive the change, compared to when the system is not used.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an accounting system 300 according to another embodiment. The accounting system 300 includes settlement devices 310 a , 310 b , 310 c and a registration device 320 . Clearing devices 310a, 310b, 310c and registration device 320 can communicate over a wired or wireless network. The accounting system 300 is used by store clerks and customers in stores.

The settlement devices 310a, 310b, and 310c each have a common configuration. In the following, the settlement devices 310a, 310b, and 310c are collectively referred to as "the settlement devices 310" when there is no need to distinguish between them. For convenience of explanation, the settlement device 310a is hereinafter also referred to as the "first register", the settlement device 310b as the "second register", and the settlement device 310c as the "third register". These are the names (common names) for store clerks and customers.

The number of settlement devices 310 and registration devices 320 included in accounting system 300 is not necessarily limited to the number illustrated in FIG. The accounting system 300 may include two or more settlement devices 310 , and may include two or more registration devices 320 .

In this embodiment, the accounting system 300 corresponds to an example of the accounting system 100 of the first embodiment. The settlement device 310 corresponds to an example of the settlement device 110 of the first embodiment. The registration device 320 corresponds to an example of the registration device 120 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device 310. As shown in FIG. The settlement device 310 includes a control unit 410, a communication unit 420, a display unit 430, an input unit 440, a scanning unit 450, a receipt issuing unit 460, a cash processing unit 470, a card processing unit 480, and a sensor unit. 490 and . Note that the settlement device 310 may further include other components (for example, a sign pole or the like described in Patent Document 1).

The control unit 410 controls the operation of each unit of the settlement device 310 . Control unit 410 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory. The control unit 410 can control the operation of each unit of the settlement device 310 by executing a program.

The communication unit 420 exchanges data with the registration device 320 . The communication unit 420 includes, for example, a communication module that enables data transmission/reception according to a predetermined communication method. However, communication by communication unit 420 is not limited to a specific method.

Display unit 430 displays information. The display unit 430 includes, for example, a display panel using a display element such as liquid crystal and a driving circuit thereof. The information displayed on the display unit 430 is mainly information for the purpose of notifying the customer. However, the display unit 430 may display information to be notified to the store clerk as necessary, and may have a plurality of screens. Also, the display unit 430 is assumed to be a touch screen display in this embodiment.

The input unit 440 receives input from a user (mainly a customer). In the present embodiment, the input unit 440 receives touch operations on the display unit 430 in addition to key operations on a keyboard, keypad, or the like. However, the input unit 440 may be configured to accept only one of the key operation and the touch operation.

The scanning unit 450 optically reads code information. Scanning unit 450 includes, for example, a barcode reader. The scanning unit 450 reads code information printed on a receipt issued by the registration device 320 . Note that the code information is, for example, a bar code or a two-dimensional code (also referred to as a two-dimensional bar code).

The receipt issuing unit 460 issues a receipt. Receipt issuing unit 460 includes, for example, a thermal printer that prints characters or the like on paper using heat. The receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 460 is a receipt issued after the customer settles the account, and is a so-called receipt.

The cash processing unit 470 processes settlements in cash (that is, money). The cash processing unit 470 accepts deposits and dispenses change as necessary. More specifically, the cash processing unit 470 has a deposit port 471 and a withdrawal port 472 . The deposit port 471 accepts banknotes and coins. The withdrawal port 472 dispenses at least one of banknotes and coins corresponding to change. Note that the withdrawal port 472 may also be configured to be used as the deposit port 471 .

The card processing unit 480 processes settlement by credit card. More specifically, the card processor 480 has a card reader 481 . The card reader 481 reads information from the customer's credit card inserted into the slot. The card reader 481 may have a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a credit card. Note that the card processing unit 480 is configured to process electronic money settlement using a contactless storage medium such as FeliCa (registered trademark) instead of (or in addition to) a credit card. good too.

The sensor unit 490 detects change present in the withdrawal port 472 . The sensor unit 490 is, for example, a sensor capable of distinguishing between a state in which a foreign object exists in the withdrawal port 472 and a state in which it does not. The sensor unit 490 supplies data (hereinafter also referred to as “detection data”) corresponding to the change detection result to the control unit 410 . Here, the detection data is a flag that indicates "1" when change is detected, and indicates "0" when change is not detected. The sensor unit 490 corresponds to an example of the detection unit 111 of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the registration device 320. As shown in FIG. Registration device 320 includes control unit 510 , communication unit 520 , display unit 530 , input unit 540 , scanning unit 550 , and receipt issuing unit 560 . Note that the registration device 320 may further include other components, similar to the settlement device 310 .

Control unit 510 controls the operation of each unit of registration device 320 . Control unit 510 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU and a memory. Control unit 510 can control the operation of each unit of registration device 320 by executing a program. The control unit 510 corresponds to an example of the determination unit 121 and the selection unit 122 of the first embodiment.

The communication unit 520 exchanges data with the settlement device 310 . The communication unit 420 includes, for example, a communication module that enables data transmission/reception in a common communication method with the communication unit 420 of the settlement device 310 . Communication by the communication unit 520 is not limited to a specific method, like communication by the communication unit 420 .

Display unit 530 displays information. The display unit 530 includes, for example, a display panel using a display element such as liquid crystal and a drive circuit for the display panel. The information displayed on the display unit 530 is mainly information intended to notify the salesclerk. However, the display unit 530 may display information to be notified to the customer, and may have a display for the store clerk and a display for the customer. Also, the display unit 530 is assumed to be a touch screen display in this embodiment.

Input unit 540 receives input from a user (mainly a store clerk). In this embodiment, the input unit 540 receives touch operations on the display unit 530 in addition to key operations on a keyboard, keypad, or the like. However, the input unit 540 may be configured to accept only one of the key operation and the touch operation.

The scanning unit 550 optically reads code information. Scan unit 550 includes, for example, a barcode reader. The scanning unit 550 reads barcodes attached to products. This barcode is, for example, a barcode conforming to any of Universal Product Code, JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, and EAN (European Article Number) code.

Receipt issuing unit 560 issues a receipt. Receipt issuing unit 560 includes, for example, a thermal printer that prints characters or the like on paper using heat. The receipt issued by the receipt issuing unit 560 includes information on the settlement device 310 used by the customer for settlement.

The configuration of the accounting system 300 is as described above. When a customer purchases a product at a store, the customer needs to bring the product to a store clerk who operates the registration device 320 and accept registration of the product. The store clerk uses the registration device 320 to register the product for which payment is to be made.

The registration device 320 generates registration data according to the operation of the store clerk. The registration data includes information necessary for settlement using the settlement device 310 by the customer. The registration data of the present embodiment includes at least the amount to be paid by the customer to the settlement device 310 (hereinafter also referred to as "settlement amount"). The registration data may include, in addition to the settlement amount, general information that can be written on a receipt, such as product name, unit price of product, and number of products.

The settlement amount here is typically the total price of the merchandise purchased by the customer. However, in this embodiment, the customer can pay part of the price of the product in advance at the registration device 320 . For example, the customer may pay a portion of the price of the goods in advance with a payment means other than cash or credit card, and pay the balance at checkout device 310 (ie, with cash or credit card). The settlement amount in such a case is the balance after deducting the advance payment amount from the total price of the goods.

The registration device 320 transmits the registration data to any of the settlement devices 310 when the product registration is completed. Further, the registration device 320 issues a receipt when the product registration is completed. This receipt certifies that the product to be settled has been registered. Hereinafter, this receipt will be referred to as a “registered receipt” to distinguish it from the receipt issued by the settlement device 310 .

6A and 6B are diagrams showing an example of a registration receipt. The registration receipt 610 shown in FIG. 6A contains code information 611 . The code information 611 is information that can be read by the settlement device 310 . On the other hand, the registration receipt 620 shown in FIG. 6B includes a message 621 prompting the customer who received the registration receipt 620 to go to the checkout device 310a. Registration receipt 620 differs from registration receipt 610 in that it does not include information read by settlement device 310 .

The customer settles the account at the settlement device 310 to which the registration data relating to his/her product has been transmitted. The settlement device 310 to which the registration data has been transmitted can be identified by the information printed on the registration receipt. Alternatively, the clerk may verbally guide the checkout device 310 to which the registration data has been sent, for example, "Please proceed to the first cash register." In such a case, registration device 320 may not have the function of issuing a registration receipt.

In other words, the registration device 320 may not have the receipt issuing unit 560 depending on how the store clerk guides the customer. Also, if the registration device 320 does not have the receipt issuing unit 560 , the settlement device 310 does not have to have the scanning unit 450 .

After receiving the registration data from the registration device 320, the settlement device 310 executes settlement processing according to the customer's operation (predetermined touch operation, scanning of the registration receipt, etc.). The settlement process of the present embodiment refers to a series of processes that occur along with the settlement. Specifically, the settlement device 310 accepts deposits equal to or greater than the settlement amount described in the registration data, and dispenses change as necessary. In addition, the settlement device 310 issues a receipt when settlement is completed. These processes correspond to part of the settlement process of the present embodiment.

In addition, the settlement device 310 transmits state data representing the state of its own device to the registration device 320 . The status data is, for example, data for notifying the registration device 320 of a status such as "payment in progress", "payment completed", "suspension", or "abnormal occurrence". Here, "under settlement" refers to a state in which settlement processing relating to one of the customers is being executed. Further, "settled" refers to a state in which the latest settling process has ended and the next settling process can be executed. In addition, "during rest" refers to a state in which the settlement device 310 is not in operation, such as when the power is off. Further, "abnormal occurrence" means a state in which the settlement device 310 cannot continue the settlement processing due to a customer calling a store clerk or a malfunction of the settlement device 310, for example. The settlement device 310 transmits state data to the registration device 320 at predetermined time intervals (every 10 seconds, every minute, etc.) or each time the state of the device is updated.

The status data of "under settlement" may be further subdivided according to the progress of the settlement process, such as "before settlement", "under settlement", and "under receipt issuance". In addition, when a plurality of customers are waiting for payment for one settlement device 310, the status data of "under settlement" may further include data indicating the number of customers waiting for settlement. In addition, the “settled” state data further includes detection data indicating the detection result of the change by the sensor unit 490 .

When transmitting the registration data, the registration device 320 selects one of the transmission destinations based on the operation of the store clerk. At this time, the registration device 320 accepts the selection of one of the available settlement devices 310 . One of the features of the registration device 320 is that the settlement device 310 whose status data is “settled” and whose detection data indicates “1” is excluded from the available settlement devices 310 .

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the main functional configuration of control unit 410 included in settlement device 310. As shown in FIG. Control unit 410 includes transmission control unit 710 and settlement processing unit 720 . Functions corresponding to the transmission control unit 710 and the settlement processing unit 720 are realized by the control unit 410 executing a program, for example.

The transmission control unit 710 controls transmission of status data. The transmission control unit 710 detects the state of the settlement device 310 and supplies state data to the communication unit 420 at appropriate timing. The communication unit 420 transmits the state data acquired from the control unit 410 to the registration device 320 .

The settlement processing unit 720 executes settlement processing. The settlement processing unit 720 receives the registration data transmitted by the registration device 320, and upon receiving the customer's operation, executes settlement processing based on the registration data. The settlement processing unit 720 cooperates with the cash processing unit 470 and the card processing unit 480 to execute settlement processing.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the main functional configuration of control unit 510 included in registration device 320. As shown in FIG. Control unit 510 includes a determination unit 810 , a selection unit 820 and a transmission control unit 830 . Functions corresponding to the determination unit 810, the selection unit 820, and the transmission control unit 830 are realized, for example, by the control unit 510 executing a program.

The determination unit 810 determines the settlement device 310 that can be used for settlement. The determination unit 810 determines the settlement device 310 that can be used for settlement based on the state data (and detection data included in the state data) transmitted by the settlement device 310 . The determination unit 810 corresponds to an example of the determination unit 121 of the first embodiment.

The selection unit 820 selects the settlement device 310 used for settlement. The selection unit 820 selects the settlement device 310 actually used for settlement from the settlement devices 310 determined by the determination unit 810 . If there are multiple settlement devices 310 that can be used, that is, settlement devices 310 determined by the determination unit 810 , the selection unit 820 selects one of the multiple settlement devices 310 . In this embodiment, the selection unit 820 selects the settlement device 310 based on the operation of the store clerk. The settlement device 110 selected by the selection unit 122 is in a state of accepting settlement by the customer.

The transmission control unit 830 controls transmission of registration data. The transmission control unit 830 supplies the communication unit 520 with registration data to be transmitted to the settlement device 310 selected by the selection unit 820 . Communication unit 520 transmits the registration data acquired from control unit 510 to settlement device 310 .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing registration data transmission processing executed by the registration device 320 . At step 910 , the control unit 510 acquires the status data transmitted from the settlement device 310 . Control unit 510 acquires from communication unit 520 the state data received by communication unit 520 .

At step 920, the control unit 510 determines whether status data has been acquired from all of the settlement devices 310 (the settlement devices 310a, 310b, and 310c). If there is a settlement device 310 for which state data has not been acquired (step 920: NO), the control unit 510 repeats the processing of steps 910 and 920 until state data is acquired from all settlement devices 310. FIG. When the control unit 510 acquires the state data from all the settlement devices 310 (step 920: YES), the processing of step 930 is executed.

At step 930, the control unit 510 determines the settlement devices 310 that can be used for settlement. The control unit 510 determines the settlement device 310 that can be used for settlement based on the state data. Specifically, control unit 510 excludes settlement device 310 that is not in a usable state from being used. For example, in the case of the above example, the control unit 510 determines that the settlement device 310 whose status data indicates "dormant" or "abnormal" is not available.

Further, the control unit 510 excludes the settlement device 310 whose status data indicates "settled" and whose detection data indicates "1" from the usage targets. On the other hand, the control unit 510 does not have to exclude the settlement device 310 whose status data indicates "settled" and whose detection data indicates "0" from the usage targets. That is, even if the settlement device 310 is in a state where the next settlement process can be executed, the control unit 510 excludes the settlement device 310 from the usage target if change is detected.

At step 940, the control unit 510 controls the display unit 430 to display the settlement devices 310 that can be used for settlement. More specifically, control unit 510 causes display unit 430 to display a selection screen for accepting selection of one of settlement devices 310 that can be used for settlement.

10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing display examples of the selection screen displayed by the display unit 430. FIG. Selection screen 1010 shown in FIG. 10A is displayed when any of checkout devices 310a, 310b, and 310c are available for checkout. Here, buttons 1011, 1012 and 1013 are images representing buttons for selecting one of the settlement devices 310a, 310b and 310c. By touching any of buttons 1011, 1012 and 1013, the store clerk can select the settlement device 310 to be used for settlement.

On the other hand, selection screen 1020 shown in FIG. 10B is displayed when settlement devices 310a and 310b are available for settlement and settlement device 310c is not available for settlement. Here, buttons 1021 and 1022 are displayed in the same manner as the buttons 1011 and 1012 on the selection screen 1010, and have the same functions as these buttons.

On the other hand, the button 1023 is displayed in a display mode different from that of the buttons 1021 and 1022 . Button 1023 represents that checkout device 310c is not available for checkout. Also, the button 1023 is configured not to accept selection by the user. Even if the clerk touches the button 1023, he cannot select the settlement device 310c.

A selection screen 1030 shown in FIG. 10C is another display example in the same case as the selection screen 1020 . Selection screen 1030 includes buttons 1031 and 1032 corresponding to buttons 1021 and 1022 , but does not include a button corresponding to button 1023 . That is, selection screen 1030 differs from selection screen 1020 in that only buttons corresponding to settlement devices 310 that can be used for settlement are displayed.

Note that the buttons displayed on the selection screen may be displayed in a display mode according to the state data. For example, control unit 510 may change the color of the button depending on whether the status data is "paying" or "paid". Alternatively, control unit 510 may display the number of people waiting in the button when the status data is "paying".

The store clerk selects the settlement device 310 to guide the customer while referring to the information displayed on the selection screen. The store clerk can select the settlement device 310 while considering other factors such as the distance from the registration device 320 to each settlement device 310 in addition to the information displayed on the selection screen.

Note that the control unit 510 may re-execute the processing of steps 930 and 940 when the state of the settlement device 310 changes in the middle, in other words, when the state data changes. For example, when the control unit 510 receives detection data from the settlement device 310, which has been excluded from use because change has been detected, the detection data indicates that the device no longer detects change. At that time, it is possible to change the device to an available checkout device. When the number of available settlement devices 310 increases (or decreases), the control section 510 may update the selection screen.

At step 950, control unit 510 determines whether any button (that is, checkout device 310) has been selected by the clerk on the selection screen thus displayed. If no button is selected (step 950: NO), control unit 510 repeats this determination. When any of the selectable buttons is selected (step 950: YES), control unit 510 executes the process of step 960. FIG.

In step 960, control unit 510 transmits registration data via communication unit 520 in accordance with the operation (that is, selection) by the store clerk. Specifically, control unit 510 transmits registration data to settlement device 310 corresponding to the button selected by the store clerk. The settlement device 310 becomes ready for settlement processing by receiving the registration data.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the settlement process executed by the settlement device 310. As shown in FIG. At step 1110 , control unit 410 acquires the registration data transmitted by registration device 320 via communication unit 420 . At step 1120, control unit 410 determines whether there is an input by the customer. For example, the control unit 410 determines whether the code information (see FIG. 6A) is read by the scanning unit 450 . Alternatively, control unit 410 may determine whether a predetermined operation has been accepted in input unit 440 .

At step 1130, control unit 410 accepts payment by the customer. Prior to this payment, the control unit 410 may determine whether the payment is cash or credit card. For example, the control unit 410 causes the display unit 430 to display a selection screen for selecting either cash or credit card as the means of payment, and accepts input from the customer.

At step 1140, control unit 410 determines whether the payment is made by cash or by credit card. Thereafter, the control unit 410 executes settlement processing according to the payment method selected by the user. If the means of payment is cash (step 1140: YES), control section 410 executes the processing from step 1150 onwards. On the other hand, if the payment means is a credit card (step 1140: NO), control unit 410 executes card settlement processing in step 1180. FIG.

At step 1150, cash processing unit 470 determines whether change is necessary. Specifically, cash processing unit 470 determines whether or not change is necessary by comparing the settlement amount specified by the registration data with the amount deposited in step 1130 . The cash processing unit 470 determines that change is required when the amount of money received is greater than the amount of settlement.

If change is required (step 1150: YES), cash processing unit 470 dispenses change corresponding to the difference between the deposited amount and the settlement amount in step 1160. FIG. On the other hand, if no change is required (step 1150: NO), the cash processing unit 470 skips the process of step 1160. At step 1170, the receipt issuing unit 460 issues a receipt corresponding to the payment means.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the card payment processing in step 1180. As shown in FIG. At step 1210, control unit 410 causes display unit 430 to display a screen prompting the customer to insert a credit card (hereinafter also referred to as "insertion screen"). After the credit card is inserted, control unit 410 switches the screen displayed on display unit 430 from the insertion screen to the confirmation screen in step 1220 . The confirmation screen is a screen for confirming the details of the payment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. The confirmation screen 1300 displays the settlement amount by credit card, the payment method (lump sum payment, installment payment, etc.), and the like. Confirmation screen 1300 also includes confirm button 1310 and cancel button 1320 . The customer touches the confirm button 1310 when agreeing to the settlement of the contents displayed on the confirmation screen 1300 . Also, the customer touches the cancel button 1320 when not agreeing to settlement by credit card.

At step 1230, control unit 410 determines whether to execute payment by credit card. For example, control unit 410 determines whether confirmation button 1310 on confirmation screen 1300 has been selected. In this case, control unit 410 repeats the determination of step 1230 until confirmation button 1310 is selected. When the confirmation button 1310 is selected (step 1230: YES), the card processing section 480 executes the determination of step 1240. FIG.

At step 1240 , card processing unit 480 determines whether a credit card remains in card reader 481 . For example, the card reader 481 uses a sensor provided around the insertion slot to determine whether the credit card remains inserted in the insertion slot. If the credit card remains (step 1240: YES), in step 1250, card processing section 480 causes display section 430 to display a notification screen notifying that the credit card has been forgotten.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen. The notification screen 1400 includes a message 1410 prompting the removal of the credit card. The card processing unit 480 causes the display unit 430 to continue displaying the notification screen 1400 until the credit card is removed from the card reader 481 . By displaying the notification screen 1400 until the credit card is taken out, it is possible to reduce the risk of the customer forgetting to take out the credit card. Card processing unit 480 may display notification screen 1400 also when cancel button 1320 on confirmation screen 1300 is selected.

When the credit card is taken out (step 1240: NO), card processing section 480 executes payment processing in step 1260. FIG. The settlement process is a process of authenticating a credit card and completing a transaction after authentication. The card processing unit 480 can execute settlement processing using a general method for credit card settlement.

In this example, the registration device 320 may exclude the settlement device 310 from being used until the card settlement process is completed. In this way, it is possible to prevent the use of the settlement device 310 from which the credit card has not been taken out until the credit card is taken out.

Note that the card settlement process is not limited to the example of FIG. 12 . Clearinghouse 310 may perform card payment processing in a more conventional manner that is well known. Further, the settlement device 310 may be configured not to accept payment by credit card, but to accept payment by cash only.

As described above, the accounting system 300 according to the present embodiment determines the available settlement devices 310 based on the detection result of the change in the settlement device 310, and selects the settlement device 310 to be used for settlement according to the operation of the store clerk. It has a configuration that With this configuration, the accounting system 300 can achieve the same effects as the accounting system 100 of the first embodiment.

In addition, according to the accounting system 300, the clerk can guide the customer to the settlement device 310 that seems more appropriate when there are a plurality of settlement devices 310 that can be used. For example, the store clerk can guide the customer to the settlement device 310 with fewer people waiting or to the settlement device 310 closer to the registration device 320 .

[Modification]
The present disclosure is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above. The present disclosure includes, for example, variations described below. In addition, the present disclosure may include forms in which the matters described in this specification are appropriately combined or substituted as necessary. For example, matters described using a particular embodiment may also be applied to other embodiments to the extent that there is no contradiction. Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to these, and may include embodiments to which modifications or applications that can be grasped by those skilled in the art are applied.

(Modification 1)
The registration device 320 can also select the settlement device 310 to be used for settlement without depending on the operation of the store clerk. For example, the registration device 320 may select the settlement device 310 to be used for settlement based on a predetermined rule.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing another example of the registration data transmission process. In this flowchart, the processing up to step 930 is in common with the transmission processing illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the description of the processing up to step 930 is omitted here.

At step 1510 , if there are a plurality of settlement devices 310 determined at step 930 , the control unit 510 selects one settlement device 310 that satisfies a predetermined condition from among the plurality of settlement devices 310 . For example, the control unit 510 selects the settlement device 310 with the smallest number of people waiting. Alternatively, if the number of people waiting in a plurality of settlement devices 310 is the same (one or more people), the control unit 510 selects the settlement device 310 in which settlement processing is most advanced. For example, when the state data of the settlement device 310a is "before payment" and the state data of the settlement device 310b is "issuing a receipt", the control unit 510 selects the settlement device 310b as the target of use.

At step 1520 , control unit 510 transmits registration data via communication unit 520 to settlement device 310 selected at step 1510 . A specific process for transmitting the registration data is similar to step 960 .

By operating in this manner, the registration device 320 can automatically select the settlement device 310 to be used for settlement without requiring an operation for selecting the settlement device 310 by the store clerk.

(Modification 2)
The registration device 320 can also supply the registration data to the settlement device 310 without communication. For example, the registration device 320 may issue a registration receipt printed with code information embedded with registration data (see FIG. 6A). In this case, the settlement device 310 can recognize the registration data by reading the code information.

(Modification 3)
The system according to the present disclosure can also be diverted to countermeasures against loss of objects other than change. For example, the system according to the present disclosure can reduce the risk of unauthorized acquisition by a third party by detecting receipts and products after payment. Systems according to the present disclosure may also be configured to detect cards instead of (or in addition to) change, as exemplified below.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of accounting system 1600 according to the present disclosure. Accounting system 1600 is an information processing system for reducing the risk of a third party fraudulently acquiring a card that has been forgotten by a customer. The card here is, for example, a credit card, but it may be a prepaid card, point card, member's card, or any other card used at the time of payment. That is, the card referred to here does not matter whether it is a payment means or not.

Accounting system 1600 includes a settlement device 1610 and a registration device 1620 . The settlement device 1610 includes at least a detection unit 1611 and a settlement processing unit 1612 . Registration device 1620 includes at least determination unit 1621 . Note that the number of each of the settlement devices 1610 and the registration devices 1620 may be plural.

A detection unit 1611 detects a card. The detection unit 1611 has a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a card, for example, like the card reader 481 of the second embodiment. For example, the detection unit 1611 detects a card inserted into the slot. In other words, detection unit 1611 detects that the card remains inserted in the slot.

The settlement processing unit 1612 executes settlement processing. The settlement processing unit 1612 may settle the price of the product with the card detected by the detection unit 1611, or may settle with other payment means such as cash. The settlement processing executed by the settlement processing unit 1612 may or may not be the same as the settlement processing described in the second embodiment.

The settlement processing unit 1612 executes settlement processing when the card is no longer detected by the detection unit 1611 . Alternatively, the settlement processing unit 1612 executes at least part of the processing included in the settlement processing after the card is no longer detected by the detection unit 1611 . That is, the settlement processing executed by the settlement processing unit 1612 is not completed until the card is no longer detected by the detection unit 1611 . The settlement processing unit 1612 may, for example, perform control not to execute settlement processing until the card is removed, like the card settlement processing (see FIG. 12) in the second embodiment.

The determining unit 1621 determines the available settlement devices 1610 . The determination unit 1621 assumes that the settlement device 1610 for which settlement processing has been completed by the settlement processing unit 1612 is available. The determining unit 1621 may determine whether or not the settlement process has been completed in the settlement device 1610, for example, by using data similar to the state data of the second embodiment.

(Modification 4)
The system according to the present disclosure may include configurations other than the registration device and the settlement device. For example, a system according to the present disclosure may include a configuration corresponding to a store computer in a POS system. In this case, the store computer may have some or all of the components of the registration device 120 or the registration device 320 described above.

(Modification 5)
17A and 17B are block diagrams showing other configuration examples of the registration device according to the present disclosure. Registration device 1710 shown in FIG. 17A includes determination unit 1711 and selection unit 1712 . A registration device 1720 shown in FIG. 17B includes an acquisition unit 1721 and a determination unit 1722 . The registration device 120 described in the first embodiment or the registration device 320 described in the second embodiment can be replaced with the registration device 1710 or 1720 . Also, the registration device according to the present disclosure may have a configuration in which the registration devices 1710 and 1720 are combined.

The determination unit 1711 determines available settlement devices. For example, the determining unit 1711 determines that a settlement device from which no change has been detected can be used, and excludes a settlement device from which change has been detected from being subject to use. The selection unit 1712 selects one of the settlement devices determined by the determination unit 1711 . The selection unit 1712 may select one of the settlement devices based on a predetermined rule, or may receive an operation by a store clerk and select one of the settlement devices based on the operation.

Acquisition unit 1721 acquires information indicating the detection result of change in the settlement device. This information is, for example, detection data in the second embodiment. The determination unit 1722 determines an available settlement device based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 1721 . Specifically, the determination unit 1722 assumes that a settlement device in which no change has been detected is available.

(Modification 6)
Specific hardware configurations of the registration device, settlement device, and system according to the present disclosure include various variations and are not limited to specific configurations. For example, the registration device according to the present disclosure may be implemented using software, or may be configured to share various processes using a plurality of pieces of hardware.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer device 1800 that implements the registration device or settlement device according to the present disclosure. The computer device 1800 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1802, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1803, a storage device 1804, a drive device 1805, a communication interface 1806, and an input/output interface. 1807. A registration device or settlement device according to the present disclosure may be realized by the configuration (or part thereof) shown in FIG.

CPU 1801 executes program 1808 using RAM 1803 . Program 1808 may be stored in ROM 1802 . Also, the program 1808 may be recorded in a recording medium 1809 such as a memory card and read by the drive device 1805, or may be transmitted via the network 1810 from an external device. Communication interface 1806 exchanges data with external devices via network 1810 . The input/output interface 1807 exchanges data with peripheral devices (input device, display device, etc.). Drive device 1805, communication interface 1806 and input/output interface 1807 can function as components for acquiring or outputting data.

Note that the components of the registration device or settlement device according to the present disclosure may be configured by a single circuit (processor or the like), or may be configured by a combination of multiple circuits. Circuitry as used herein may be either special purpose or general purpose. For example, the registration device or settlement device according to the present disclosure may be partially implemented by a dedicated processor and other portions may be implemented by a general-purpose processor.

Configurations described as a single device in the above-described embodiments may be distributed among multiple devices. For example, the registration device 120 or the registration device 320 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of computer devices using cloud computing technology or the like.

[Appendix]
Some or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure may be described as in the following appendices, but are not limited thereto.
(Appendix 1)
A registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and a settlement device for performing settlement processing based on the operation by the customer,
The settlement device has a detection means for detecting change,
A system in which the registration device has determination means for determining that a settlement device for which no change has been detected by the detection means is a usable settlement device.
(Appendix 2)
After excluding the settlement device whose change has been detected by the detection means from the available settlement devices, the determination means determines whether the settlement device can be used when the detection means no longer detects change. The system of Appendix 1.
(Appendix 3)
The system according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein the registration device further includes selection means for selecting one of the settlement devices determined by the determination means according to a user's operation.
(Appendix 4)
The system according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein the registration device further comprises selection means for selecting one of the settlement devices determined by the determination means based on a predetermined rule.
(Appendix 5)
a plurality of checkout devices each having a detection means for detecting change;
and a registration device having selection means for selecting, from among the plurality of settlement devices, a settlement device whose change has not been detected by the detection means as a utilization target.
(Appendix 6)
The system according to any one of appendices 3 to 5, wherein the registration device further includes transmission control means for controlling transmission of information used in the settlement process to the settlement device selected by the selection means.
(Appendix 7)
Acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the detection result of change in the settlement device;
and determining means for determining usable settlement devices based on the information acquired by said acquisition means, and determining means for making available settlement devices for which no change has been detected.
(Appendix 8)
After excluding the settlement device whose change has been detected by the detection means from the available settlement devices, the determination means determines whether the settlement device can be used when the detection means no longer detects change. The registration device according to appendix 7.
(Appendix 9)
Detecting change at the settlement device,
A method of making a settlement device for which change has not been detected available for use.
(Appendix 10)
10. The method according to appendix 9, wherein after excluding the checkout device for which change has been detected from the available checkout devices, the checkout device becomes the available checkout device when change is no longer detected.
(Appendix 11)
to the computer,
a first process of acquiring information indicating a detection result of change in the settlement device;
A program for executing a second process of making the settlement device from which the change has not been detected available based on the acquired information.
(Appendix 12)
In the second processing, after excluding the settlement device in which the change has been detected from the available settlement devices, when the change is no longer detected, the settlement device is made a usable settlement device. The program of Supplementary Note 11.
(Appendix 13)
A registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk, and a settlement device for performing settlement processing based on the operation by the customer,
The settlement device is
detection means for detecting the card;
settlement processing means for executing at least part of the settlement processing when the card is no longer detected by the detection means;
The registration device
A system comprising determining means for determining, when the settlement processing is completed by the settlement processing means, the settlement device for which the settlement processing has been completed as a usable settlement device.

100, 300, 1600 accounting system 110, 310, 310a, 310b, 310c, 1610 settlement device 111 detection unit 120, 320, 1620, 1710, 1720 registration device 121, 810, 1621, 1711, 1722 determination unit 122, 820, 1712 selection part

Claims (2)

A settlement device that performs settlement processing based on a customer's operation,
a card detection means for detecting a card;
card processing means for authenticating the card and executing settlement processing when the card is no longer detected by the card detection means;
a transmitting means for transmitting whether or not the device is available to a registration device for registering products to be purchased by a customer based on an operation by a store clerk;
has
When the payment processing by the card is executed, the transmitting means transmits to the registration device that the device can be used.
settlement device. The computer for the settlement device that performs settlement processing based on the customer's operation,
When the card is no longer detected by the card detection means, the card is authenticated and payment processing is executed based on the customer's operation,
Transmitting whether or not the own device can be used to a registration device that registers the product to be purchased by the customer based on the operation of the store clerk;
In the process of performing processing and transmitting,
When the payment processing by the card is executed, transmitting to the registration device that the device can be used;
Method.

Images