JP7389186B2 - Payment processing device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment processing device and its control program.

POS systems with pre-sorting systems are known.

For example, the flow of payment processing using the pre-sorting system is as follows.

(1) The pre-sorting clerk uses a handy terminal to read the PLU (price look up) code of each product purchased by a customer who is waiting for payment.

(2) A pre-registration ticket containing two-dimensional barcodes representing all the PLU codes read by the handy terminal is printed, and the pre-registration clerk hands this pre-registration ticket to the customer.

(3) When the customer, whose turn it is to pay, hands the pre-registered ticket to the cashier, the cashier has the POS terminal read the two-dimensional barcode printed on the pre-registered ticket.

(4) The POS terminal registers all products corresponding to all the PLU codes represented by the two-dimensional barcode as objects for payment.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-53842

If the same pre-registration ticket is read multiple times at the POS terminal, registration for the same purchased product will be repeated.

Under these circumstances, it has been desired to prevent unnecessary registration of purchased products while taking advantage of the advantages of the pre-sorting system.

The payment processing device of the embodiment includes processing means, audio output means, reading means, confirmation means , processing control means, and notification control means. The processing means performs payment processing related to product sales. The audio output means outputs an audio message to notify that the payment process has been completed. The reading means includes product identification information for identifying the product purchased by the customer, and reads pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium. The confirmation means determines, based on the identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means, whether the processing means has already performed payment processing for the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information. Check. The processing control means causes the processing means to perform payment processing for the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means, in response to confirmation that the payment processing has not been completed by the confirmation means. allow to do. The notification control means controls the voice output means to output a voice message in response to confirmation by the confirmation means that the payment process has been completed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system according to one embodiment. The figure which shows typically the example of a structure of a product list area. A diagram schematically showing an example of a PLU file. The figure which shows typically the example of a structure of a transaction information file. Flowchart of the handheld terminal's CPU. A diagram showing an example of a pre-registration ticket. Flowchart of the CPU of the POS terminal. 7 is a flowchart of the CPU of the POS terminal in batch addition processing and a flowchart of the CPU of the server in processing accompanying the batch addition processing. 2 is a flowchart of the CPU of the POS terminal in payment processing and a flowchart of the CPU of the server in processing accompanying the payment processing.

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a POS (point-of-sale) system will be described as an example of a product sales data processing system.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system 100 according to this embodiment.

POS system 100 includes a handy terminal 1, a portable printer 2, a POS terminal 3, a server 4, a wireless access point (wireless AP) 5, and a communication network 6. Note that a plurality of handy terminals 1, portable printers 2, POS terminals 3, servers 4, and wireless access points 5 may be included.

Handy terminal 1 and portable printer 2 can access communication network 6 via a wireless access point. POS terminal 3 and server 4 can access communication network 6 . The handy terminal 1, portable printer 2, POS terminal 3, and server 4 can communicate with each other via the communication network 6. Typically, a LAN (local area network), the Internet, or the like is used as the communication network.

The handy terminal 1 and the portable printer 2 are carried and used by a store clerk in charge of sorting items. The handy terminal 1 is used by a customer waiting in line at a cash register corner of a store to obtain a PLU code of a product to be purchased. The portable printer 2 is used to print a pre-registration ticket containing a two-dimensional code representing all the PLU codes obtained by the handy terminal 1. The POS terminal 3 is installed at the cash register corner of the store, and is operated by the store clerk in charge of the cash register. The POS terminal 3 performs various data processing for payment and management related to product sales. That is, the POS terminal 3 is an example of a data processing device. The server 4 is a so-called store server or head office server. The store server is a server device provided in the same store where the POS terminal 3 is installed. The headquarters server is a server device provided at a headquarters that oversees a plurality of stores including the same store where the POS terminal 3 is installed. The server 4 aggregates product sales data generated by the POS terminal 3 and manages data used by each POS terminal device.

The handy terminal 1 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 1a, a ROM (read-only memory) 1b, a RAM (random-access memory) 1c, a barcode scanner 1d, an input device 1e, a display device 1f, a wireless communication unit 1g, and a bus. Including 1h. The CPU 1a, ROM 1b, RAM 1c, barcode scanner 1d, input device 1e, display device 1f, and wireless communication section 1g are all connected to the bus 1h.

The CPU 1a controls each part to realize various operations of the handy terminal 1 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 1b and RAM 1c.

ROM1b stores the above operating system. The ROM 1b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 1b may also store data that the CPU 1a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 1c stores data that the CPU 1a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 1c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 1a is stored when performing various processes. For example, a part of the RAM 1c is used as a product table. The RAM 1c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

The barcode scanner 1d optically reads a barcode and outputs the data represented by this barcode. The barcode scanner 1d is used to read barcodes printed on products purchased by customers. In this case, the data output by the barcode scanner 1d includes the PLU code. The PLU code is one piece of product identification information that identifies a product. In other words, the barcode scanner functions as an acquisition means.

The input device 1e includes a plurality of keys and outputs a command according to a pressed key. As the input device 1e, in addition to a device having a general structure using a key switch, a device using a touch sensor is also applicable. The input device 1e is used, for example, to input the quantity of a product or input user instructions regarding the operation of the handy terminal 1.

The display device 1f can display any image under the control of the CPU 1a. As the display device 1f, various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device can be applied. The display device 1f is used, for example, to notify the user of the operating status of the handy terminal 1.

The wireless communication unit 1g accesses the communication network 6 via the wireless access point 5. The wireless communication unit 1g performs wireless communication with the wireless access point 5. As the wireless communication unit 1g, for example, an existing wireless LAN communication device can be applied.

The portable printer 2 includes a CPU 2a, a ROM 2b, a RAM 2c, a printing device 2d, an input device 2e, a display device 2f, a wireless communication section 2g, and a bus 2h. The CPU 2a, ROM 2b, RAM 2c, printing device 2d, input device 2e, display device 2f, and wireless communication section 2g are all connected to the bus 2h.

The CPU 2a controls each part to realize various operations of the portable printer 2 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 2b and RAM 2c.

ROM2b stores the above operating system. The ROM 2b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 2b may also store data that the CPU 2a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 2c stores data that the CPU 2a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 2c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 2a is stored when performing various processes. The RAM 2c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

The printing device 2d prints an arbitrary image on paper. A thermal printer is typically applicable as the printing device 2d, but other types of well-known devices are also applicable. The printing device 2d is used to issue a pre-registration ticket, which will be described later. In other words, the printing device 2d functions as a recording means.

The input device 2e includes a plurality of keys and outputs a command according to the pressed key. As the input device 2e, in addition to a device having a general structure using a key switch, a device using a touch sensor is also applicable. The input device 2e is used, for example, to input user instructions regarding the operation of the portable printer 2.

The display device 2f can display any image under the control of the CPU 2a. As the display device 2f, various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device can be applied. The display device 2f is used, for example, to notify the user of the operating status of the portable printer 2.

The wireless communication unit 2g accesses the communication network 6 via the wireless access point 5. The wireless communication unit 2g performs wireless communication with the wireless access point 5. As the wireless communication unit 2g, for example, an existing wireless LAN communication device can be applied.

The POS terminal 3 includes a CPU 3a, a ROM 3b, a RAM 3c, an auxiliary storage section 3d, a clock section 3e, a receipt printer 3f, a barcode scanner 3g, a two-dimensional code scanner 3h, an input device 3i, an operation display 3j, and a customer display 3k. , a communication interface (communication I/F) 3m, and a bus 3n. The CPU 3a, ROM 3b, RAM 3c, auxiliary storage section 3d, clock section 3e, receipt printer 3f, barcode scanner 3g, two-dimensional code scanner 3h, input device 3i, operation display 3j, customer surface display 3k, and communication interface 3m are , are all connected to the bus 3n.

The CPU 3a controls each part to realize various operations as the POS terminal 3 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 3b and RAM 3c.

The ROM 3b stores the above operating system. The ROM 3b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 3b may also store data that the CPU 3a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 3c stores data that the CPU 3a refers to when performing various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 3c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 3a is stored when performing various processes. A part of the storage area of the RAM 3c is used as a product list area. The RAM 3c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the structure of the product list area.

As shown in FIG. 2, the product list area is provided with a plurality of data fields for storing information such as PLU code, department, product name, price, and quantity in association with each other. Thus, the product list area can store at least information such as department, product name, price, and quantity in correspondence with the PLU code.

The auxiliary storage unit 3d is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid state drive), and stores data used by the CPU 3a to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the CPU 3a. The data stored in the auxiliary storage section 3d includes a PLU file. The PLU file describes information about products (goods or services) sold or provided at the store where the POS terminal 3 is used. The auxiliary storage unit 3d may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a PLU file.

The PLU file shown in FIG. 3 includes at least department, product name, and price information corresponding to the PLU code. The PLU code is a code given to each product so that it can be uniquely identified. The department is the name or code of the department to which the product identified by the associated PLU code belongs. The product name is the name of the product identified by the associated PLU code. The price is the price of the product identified by the associated PLU code. PLU files may also contain other arbitrary information.

The clock unit 3e regularly performs a timekeeping operation and generates date and time information representing the date and time.

The receipt printer 3f is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and prints a receipt.

The barcode scanner 3g optically reads barcodes printed on products. The barcode scanner 3g outputs data represented by the read barcode. The barcode scanner 3g may include either a fixed type or a handheld type, or both.

The two-dimensional code scanner 3h optically reads the two-dimensional code included in the pre-registered ticket. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h outputs data represented by the read two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h may include either a fixed type or a handy type, or both.

The input device 3i includes a large number of keys such as a numerical input key, a product specification key (PLU key), and a function key, and switches that detect the depression of each of these keys. In response to a key being pressed, the input device 3i outputs a command corresponding to the key. As the input device 3i, a touch sensor overlaid on the display surface of the operation display 3j can also be used.

Various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device can be applied to the operation display 3j. The operation display 3j can display any image under the control of the CPU 3a. The operation display 3j is used to display images representing various types of information to be presented to the operator.

Various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device or a fluorescent display device can be applied to the customer surface display 3k. The customer display 3k can display any image under the control of the CPU 3a. The customer display 3k is used to display images representing various types of information to be presented to customers.

The communication interface 3m performs well-known processing for communication via the communication network 6.

The server 4 includes a CPU 4a, a ROM 4b, a RAM 4c, an auxiliary storage section 4d, a communication interface 4e, and a bus 4f. In the server 4, a CPU 4a, a ROM 4b, a RAM 4c, an auxiliary storage section 4d, and a communication interface 4e are all connected to a bus 4f.

The CPU 4a controls each part to realize various operations as the server 4 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 4b and RAM 4c.

ROM4b stores the above operating system. The ROM 4b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 4b may also store data that the CPU 4a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 4c stores data that the CPU 4a refers to when performing various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 4c is used as a so-called work area in which data temporarily used by the CPU 4a is stored when performing various processes. The RAM 4c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

The auxiliary storage unit 4d is, for example, a hard disk drive or an SSD (solid state drive), and stores data used by the CPU 4a to perform various processes and data generated by processing by the CPU 4a. The data stored in the auxiliary storage section 4d includes a PLU file and a transaction information file. The auxiliary storage unit 4d may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

The PLU file describes information about products (goods or services) sold or provided at the store where the POS terminal 3 is used.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a transaction information file.

The transaction information file shown in FIG. 4 describes an index and transaction information in association with each other.

The index may include a terminal code, a transaction sequence number, and a transaction sequence number. The terminal code is a code assigned to the handy terminal 1. When a plurality of handy terminals 1 are used, individual terminal codes are assigned to them. The transaction serial number is a serial number determined by the handy terminal 1 each time a pre-registered ticket is issued. The transaction serial number is a serial number determined by the POS terminal 3 every time payment processing for one customer is performed.

The transaction information may include transaction product information and a total amount. The transaction product information includes a PLU code for one or more products that are subject to payment processing for one customer. The total amount is the total amount related to payment processing for one customer.

The communication interface 4e performs well-known processing for communication via the communication network 6.

Next, the operation of the POS system 100 configured as above will be explained.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the CPU 1a.

When the clerk in charge of pre-sorting intends to issue a pre-registered ticket to a customer waiting in line at the checkout corner of the store, the clerk in charge of pre-sorting performs an operation using the input device 1e to instruct the start of processing for this purpose. When a command related to this operation is output from the input device 1e, the CPU 1a starts the process shown in FIG. 5.

In step Sa1, the CPU 1a clears the product table in the RAM 1c.

In steps Sa2 to Sa4, the CPU 1a waits for any one of barcode scanning, quantity designation, and issue instruction to be made.

The pre-sorting clerk holds the barcode printed on the product purchased by the customer over the barcode scanner 1d. Then, the barcode scanner 1d reads the barcode and outputs the PLU code represented by the barcode. Therefore, if the barcode scanning is performed in this manner, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa2 to step Sa5.

In step Sa5, the CPU 1a updates the product table to include the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d. Specifically, for example, if the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d is not included in the product table, the PLU code is added to the product table, and "1" is added as quantity information in association with the PLU code. ” is added. If the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d is already included in the product table, the quantity information associated with that PLU code is incremented by one. Thereafter, the CPU 1a returns to the standby state of steps Sa2 to Sa4.

On the other hand, if the clerk in charge of pre-sorting wants to change the quantity of the product whose barcode was scanned immediately before, he operates the input device 1e to specify the quantity. In response to the operation for specifying such a quantity, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa3 to step Sa6.

In step Sa6, the CPU 1a increases the quantity associated with the PLU code most recently obtained by barcode scanning by one less than the specified quantity. Thereafter, the CPU 1a returns to the standby state of steps Sa2 to Sa4.

The pre-sorting store clerk repeatedly scans barcodes and specifies quantities as needed to sequentially register the products the customer is purchasing. After completing the registration of all the products that can be registered, the clerk in charge of pre-sorting operates the input device 1e to instruct the issuance of a pre-registered ticket. When a command related to this operation is output from the input device 1e, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa4 to step Sa7.

In step Sa7, the CPU 1a determines a transaction serial number. The transaction serial number is, for example, a four-digit numerical value, and the CPU 1a determines a transaction serial number that increases by one each time step Sa7 is executed. As a result, the transaction serial number becomes identification information that does not substantially overlap.

In step Sa8, the CPU 1a creates image information representing the pre-registered ticket.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-registration ticket.

The CPU 1a includes the two-dimensional code 61 in the pre-registered ticket. The two-dimensional code 61 is created to represent each of the terminal code of the handy terminal 1, the transaction serial number determined in step Sa7, the PLU code included in the product table, and the quantity information associated with the PLU code. do. Thus, the two-dimensional code is an example of pre-registration information. If a plurality of handy terminals 1 exist, the same transaction serial number may be determined on the plurality of handy terminals 1 at the same time. However, by combining the terminal code and transaction serial number, it can be used as identification information for identifying the pre-registered ticket. The identification information that identifies the pre-registered ticket is also the identification information that identifies the two-dimensional code.

In step Sa9, the CPU 1a transmits the above image information from the wireless communication section 1g to the portable printer 2.

When the image information transmitted from the handy terminal 1 as described above is transmitted to the portable printer 2, the wireless communication section 2g receives it. Then, the CPU 2a controls the printing device 2d to print the image represented by the image information. Under this control, the printing device 2d prints an image on paper, thereby issuing a pre-registration ticket as shown in FIG.

In this way, the CPU 1a has a function as a recording control means.

The clerk in charge of pre-sorting hands the pre-registration ticket issued by the portable printer 2 to the customer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the CPU 3a. Note that by executing the process shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 3a functions as a processing means.

When the POS terminal 3 is activated or after the process shown in FIG. 7 is finished, the CPU 3a starts the process shown in FIG.

In step Sb1, the CPU 3a clears the product list area and turns off the batch flag. Note that the collective flag can be realized as 1-bit data stored in the RAM 3c , for example.

In step Sb2 and step Sb3, the CPU 3a waits for a PLU input or a two-dimensional code to be scanned.

Now, the cashier clerk can input the PLU code by holding the barcode printed on the product purchased by the customer or by pressing the PLU key on the input device 3i. Once the PLU code has been input in this manner, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb2 to step Sb4.

In step Sb4, the CPU 3a acquires information associated with the input PLU code from the PLU file. Specifically, the CPU 3a obtains, for example, the department, product name, and price from the PLU file. Then, the CPU 3a updates the product list area of the RAM 3c to include information on the PLU code, department, product name, and price. Specifically, for example, if the acquired PLU code is not included in the product list area, the PLU code, department, product name, and price information are added to the product list area, and the information associated with that PLU code is added. Let the quantity be "1". If the acquired PLU code is already included in the product list area, the quantity associated with that PLU code is increased by one. Thereafter, the CPU 3a advances to a standby state in steps Sa5 to Sa8.

In the standby state of steps Sa5 to Sa8, the CPU 3a waits for a new PLU to be input, a quantity to be specified, a two-dimensional code to be scanned, or a payment instruction to be made.

If the PLU is input in the same manner as above, the CPU 3a performs the process of step Sab4 again, and then returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8.

When the cashier clerk wishes to change the quantity of the product for which the PLU code has been input just before, the cashier operates the input device 3i to specify the quantity. In response to the operation for specifying such a quantity, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb6 to step Sb9.

In step Sb9, the CPU 3a increases the quantity associated with the most recently acquired PLU by one less than the specified quantity. After this, the CPU 3a returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8.

Now, the customer who has been handed the pre-registration ticket by the clerk in charge of pre-sorting hands the pre-registration ticket to the clerk in charge of the cash register. Then, the cashier who receives the pre-registration ticket holds the two-dimensional code of the pre-registration ticket over the two-dimensional code scanner 3h. Then, the two-dimensional code scanner 3h reads the two-dimensional code and outputs various data (hereinafter referred to as read data) represented by the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h thus functions as a reading means. The read data is stored in the RAM 3c by the two-dimensional code scanner 3h or by the CPU 3a. Once the two-dimensional code has been scanned in this manner, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb3 or step Sb7 to step Sb10.

In step Sb10, the CPU 3a executes batch addition processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the CPU 3a in the batch addition process and a flowchart of the CPU 4a in the process accompanying the batch addition process.

In step Sc1, the CPU 3a extracts the terminal code and transaction serial number from the read data stored in the RAM 3c, creates confirmation request information including the terminal code and transaction serial number, and transmits it to the server 4 from the communication interface 3m.

Once the confirmation request information is transmitted to the server 4 via the communication network 6, this confirmation request information is received by the communication interface 4e. The confirmation request information is then stored in the RAM 4c by the communication interface 4e or by the CPU 4a. In response to this, the CPU 4a starts the process shown on the right side of FIG.

In step Sd1, the CPU 4a extracts the terminal code and transaction serial number from the confirmation request information stored in the RAM 3c, and checks whether the transaction information file includes a data record that includes both the terminal code and the transaction serial number in the index. By doing so, it is confirmed whether the pre-registered ticket used this time is unused. Thus, the CPU 4a functions as a determining means.

If the transaction information file does not include a data record that includes both the corresponding terminal code and transaction serial number in its index, the CPU 4a determines that the transaction information file is unused, and proceeds from step Sd1 to step Sd2.

In step Sd2, the CPU 4a transmits response information including usability information to the POS terminal 3 from the communication interface 4e.

If the transaction information file includes a data record that includes both the corresponding terminal code and transaction serial number in its index, the CPU 4a determines that the transaction information file has been used, and proceeds from step Sd1 to step Sd3.

In step Sd3, the CPU 4a transmits response information including unusable information to the POS terminal 3 from the communication interface 4e.

Once the response information is transmitted to the POS terminal 3 via the communication network 6, this response information is received by the communication interface 3m. The response information is then stored in the RAM 3c by the communication interface 3m or by the CPU 3a.

In step Sc2, the CPU 3a checks whether the pre-registered ticket used this time is unused by checking whether the response information includes usable information or unusable information.

If the response information includes usability information, the CPU 3a determines that the CPU 3a is unused, and proceeds from step Sc2 to step Sc3.

In step Sc3, the CPU 3a acquires information associated with each PLU code included in the read data from the PLU file. Then, the CPU 3a updates the product list area of the RAM 3c to include all of the acquired information such as the PLU code, department, product name, and price. Specifically, for example, if a PLU code is not included in the product list area, the PLU code, department, product name, and price information are added to the product list area, and the quantity associated with that PLU code is added. Let be the numerical value indicated by the quantity information included in the read data in association with the PLU code. If the acquired PLU code is already included in the product list area, the quantity associated with the PLU code is increased by the numerical value indicated by the quantity information included in the read data in association with the PLU code. Thus, the CPU 3a functions as a processing control means.

In step Sc4, the CPU 3a turns on the batch flag. After this, the CPU 3a ends the batch addition process.

On the other hand, if the response information includes unusable information, the CPU 3a determines that the CPU 3a has been used, and proceeds from step Sc2 to step Sc5.

In step Sc5, the CPU 3a performs error processing. This error handling is done at least by the cashier or the cashier that the pre-registration ticket you are trying to use is already used and cannot be used, that is, the registration process based on the information recorded in the pre-registration ticket has already been performed. Includes notification processing for notifying customers. This notification process is, for example, a process of displaying an image representing the notification message on at least one of the operation display 3j and the customer display 3k. Thus, at least one of the operation display 3j and the customer display 3k functions as a notification means. Further, the CPU 3a functions as a notification control means. The notification process may be a process of emitting an alarm sound from a ringing device (not shown) or outputting an audio message for the notification using an audio output device (not shown). Alternatively, the notification process may be a process of causing a light emitting device (not shown) to emit light. In addition to the notification process, the error process may include other processes such as updating error history information. To update the error history information, for example, add a data record that includes the terminal code and transaction serial number included in the current read data, identification information of the POS terminal 3, identification information of the cashier clerk, date and time information, etc. . This makes it possible to analyze the situation in which used pre-registered tickets are repeatedly scanned based on error history information after the fact.

After completing the error processing, the CPU 3a ends the batch addition processing.

When the batch addition process is finished, the CPU 3a returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8 shown in FIG.

As described above, if the two-dimensional code included in an unused pre-registered ticket is read by the two-dimensional code scanner 3h, the CPU 3a will check all the products registered at the time of issuance of the pre-registered ticket. are also registered in bulk as purchased products. This eliminates the need for the cashier to input individual PLUs for products whose barcodes have already been scanned by the pre-sorting clerk.

Once a customer has finished registering all the products they are purchasing, the cashier instructs payment through a predetermined operation such as pressing the subtotal key, which is one of the function keys provided on the input device 3i. . If such a payment instruction is given, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb8 to step Sb11.

In step Sb11, the CPU 3a executes payment processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the CPU 3a in payment processing and a flowchart of the CPU 4a in processing accompanying the payment processing.

In step Se1, the CPU 3a calculates the total price of the products registered in the product list area, and controls the operation display 3j and the customer display 3k to display the total price.

In step Se2, the CPU 3a waits for the collection of money to be completed.

The clerk in charge of the cash register collects money corresponding to the displayed total amount. This money collection may be performed by credit card payment or electronic money payment. When performing credit card payment or electronic money payment, the CPU 3a may perform the processing for that purpose. Once the money has been collected, the clerk in charge of the cash register performs a predetermined operation such as pressing a predetermined key on the input device. Upon receiving this operation, the CPU 3a determines that the money collection has been completed, and proceeds from step Se2 to step Se3.

In step Se3, the CPU 3a controls the receipt printer 3f to issue a receipt showing the list of products registered in the product list area, the total amount calculated in step Se1, and the like.

In step Se4, the CPU 3a checks whether the batch flag is turned on. Then, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Se4 to step Se5 if the batch flag is on, and proceeds from step Se4 to step Se6 if it is off.

In step Se5 or step Se6, the CPU 3a creates a transaction for notifying the server 4 of information regarding the current transaction. The CPU 3a includes the transaction serial number, transaction product information, and total amount in the transaction. The transaction serial number is assigned by the CPU 3a or CPU 4a so that the current transaction can be identified. The transaction product information includes the PLU code of the product purchased by the customer. The total amount is calculated in step Se1. The CPU 3a may include other information such as identification information of the POS terminal 3, identification information of the cashier, or date and time information in the transaction. Furthermore, the CPU 3a includes the terminal code and transaction serial number included in the read data in the transaction in step Se5, but does not include the terminal code and transaction serial number in the transaction in step Se6 because the read data is not obtained. The CPU 3a proceeds from step Se5 or step Se6 to step Se7.

In step Se7, the CPU 3a transmits the transaction created in step Se5 or step Se6 to the server 4 from the communication interface 3m.

Once a transaction has been transmitted to the server 4 via the communication network 6, this transaction is received by the communication interface 4e. The transaction is then stored in the RAM 4c by the communication interface 4e or by the CPU 4a. In response to this, the CPU 4a starts the process shown on the right side of FIG.

In step Sf1, the CPU 4a checks whether the transaction includes a terminal code. Then, the CPU 4a proceeds from step Sf1 to step Sf2 if the terminal code is included in the transaction, and proceeds from step Sf1 to step Sf3 if it is not included.

In step Sf2 or step Sf3, the CPU 4a adds the data record created based on the transaction to the transaction information file. Specifically, the CPU 4a creates a data record that includes the transaction serial number included in the transaction in an index and also includes transaction product information and the total amount as transaction information. In step Sf2, the CPU 4a also includes the terminal code and transaction serial number included in the transaction in the index, but in step Sf3, the CPU 4a sets both the terminal code and the transaction serial number in the index to null values.

As a result of the above-described processing, the transaction information file includes data records related to each transaction executed at the POS terminal 3, but data records related to transactions for which bulk registration using pre-registered tickets is performed include the corresponding data records. It further includes the terminal code of the handy terminal 1 used to issue the pre-registration ticket and the transaction serial number related to the issuance of the pre-registration ticket. In other words, the transaction information file describes the terminal code and transaction serial number regarding the pre-registered ticket that has already been used. Therefore, it is possible to check in step Sd1 whether or not the pre-registered ticket has been used.

As described above, according to the POS system 100, individual pre-registered tickets can be identified by the terminal code and transaction serial number, and by storing the terminal code and transaction serial number related to used pre-registered tickets, individual pre-registered tickets can be identified. It is possible to determine whether the pre-registered ticket has been used. When the two-dimensional code of a used pre-registration ticket is scanned, the purchased product is not registered based on the PLU code represented by the two-dimensional code, but a notification is made that the ticket has been used.

If the same pre-registration ticket is read multiple times, it is possible to prevent duplicate registration for the same purchased product. When such duplicate registrations occur, the cashier must perform operations to cancel the registration of each duplicated product individually, which is a very time-consuming task. According to this embodiment, such problems can be reliably avoided. Further, it is possible to prevent any kind of fraudulent behavior caused by repeatedly using one pre-registered ticket.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

The handy terminal 1 may include a printing device 2d, and the pre-registration ticket may be printed using this printing device 2d. In this case, the portable printer 2 becomes unnecessary.

The pre-registration ticket may be realized using a recording medium other than paper, such as a rewrite card, a magnetic card, or a memory card. Note that when using a rewrite card, it is conceivable to visually record the two-dimensional code as in the above embodiment. If a magnetic card or memory card is used, the information to be registered in the pre-registration ticket will be recorded magnetically or electronically. When using a magnetic card or a memory card, a device compatible with the recording method, such as a magnetic card reader or a memory card reader, is used as the reading means.

A part or all of the product sales data may be processed by the CPU 4a in the server 4.

The device that performs the notification operation may be provided outside the POS terminal 3.

A device that reads the information recorded on the pre-registered ticket may be provided outside the POS terminal 3.

The CPU 3a of the POS terminal 3 may determine whether or not the pre-registered ticket has been used. In this case, data for managing whether each pre-registered ticket has been used may be stored in the server 4 as in the above embodiment, or may be stored in the POS terminal 3. .

Each pre-registered ticket can be used by adding the identifying information of the pre-registered ticket to the database when the pre-registered ticket is issued, and by deleting the identifying information of the pre-registered ticket from the database when the pre-registered ticket is used. It is also possible to manage whether or not it has been completed. Alternatively, when a pre-registered ticket is issued, the identification information of the pre-registered ticket is associated with status information indicating whether or not the identification information has been used and added to the database, and when the pre-registered ticket is used, the pre-registered ticket is used. Whether or not each pre-registered ticket has been used may be managed by updating the status information associated with the identification information of the registered ticket.

The CPU 4a in the server 4 may control the registration of purchased products based on unused pre-registered tickets, but not the registration of purchased products based on used pre-registered tickets.

Control for notifying that the pre-registered ticket has been used may be performed by the CPU 4a in the server 4.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.
Below, the invention described in the original claims of the application in Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-152151 and the invention described in the original claims of the application in Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-190200 are added.
[1] Recording means for recording pre-registration information on a portable recording medium;
an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer;
A record for controlling the recording means to record the pre-registration information including product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information. control means;
processing means for processing product sales data;
Notification means for performing a notification operation to notify that processing has been completed;
reading means for reading the pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium;
Based on the identification information included in the pre-registered information read by the reading means, whether or not the sales data has already been processed using the product identification information included in the same pre-registered information. a determination means for determining whether
In response to determining that the processing has not been completed by the determining means, the processing means causes the sales data to be processed using the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means. a processing control means for controlling the
A product sales data processing system comprising: notification control means for controlling said notification means to perform said notification operation in response to said judgment means determining that said processing has been completed.
[2] Further comprising a database that describes the identification information so that the identification information included in the pre-registration information can be specified together with the product identification information used in processing the sales data,
The product according to [1], wherein the determination means makes the determination by comparing the identification information included in the pre-registered information read by the reading means with the identification information written in the database. Sales data processing system.
[3] The product sales data processing system includes a handy terminal and a data processing device,
The handy terminal includes the acquisition means and the recording control means,
The product sales data processing system according to [1], wherein the data processing device includes the processing means, the processing control means, and the notification control means.
[4] The product sales data processing system according to [2], wherein the data processing device further includes the notification means.
[5] The product sales data processing system includes a printing device equipped with a printing device that prints a visible pattern code on recording paper,
Product sales data processing according to any one of [1] to [3], in which the printing device functions as the recording means by printing the visible pattern code representing the pre-registration information on the recording paper. system.
[6] A handy terminal capable of communicating with a recording device equipped with a recording means for recording pre-registration information on a portable recording medium,
an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer;
A record for controlling the recording means to record the pre-registration information including product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information. A handy terminal comprising a control means.
[7] Recording means for recording pre-registration information on a portable recording medium;
an acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer;
A record for controlling the recording means to record the pre-registration information including product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information. control means;
A processing means for processing payments related to product sales;
Notification means for performing a notification operation to notify that payment processing has been completed based on the pre-registered information recorded on the recording medium;
reading means for reading the pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium for payment of the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information;
In response to the reading of the pre-registration information by the reading means, based on the identification information included in the read pre-registration information, the product identification information included in the same pre-registration information. determining means for determining whether the payment processing using the has already been performed;
The processing means may perform the payment processing using the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means in response to the determination that the payment processing has not been completed by the determination means. a processing control means that allows
A product sales data processing system comprising: notification control means for controlling the notification means to perform the notification operation in response to the determination that the payment processing has been completed by the determination means.
[8] Further comprising a database that describes the identification information so that the identification information included in the pre-registration information can be specified together with the product identification information used in processing the sales data,
The product according to [7], wherein the determination means makes the determination by comparing the identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means with the identification information written in the database. Sales data processing system.
[9] The product sales data processing system includes a handy terminal and a data processing device,
The handy terminal includes the acquisition means and the recording control means,
The product sales data processing system according to [7], wherein the data processing device includes the processing means, the processing control means, and the notification control means.
[10] The product sales data processing system according to [9], wherein the data processing device further includes the notification means.
[11] The product sales data processing system includes a printing device equipped with a printing device that prints a visible pattern code on recording paper,
Product sales data processing according to any one of [7] to [9], in which the printing device functions as the recording means by printing the visible pattern code representing the pre-registration information on the recording paper. system.

1... Handy terminal, 1a... CPU, 1b... ROM, 1c... RAM, 1d... barcode scanner, 1e... input device, 1f... display device, 1g... wireless communication section, 1h... bus, 2... portable printer, 2a... CPU, 2b...ROM, 2c...RAM, 2d...printing device, 2e...input device, 2f...display device, 2g...wireless communication section, 2h...bus, 3...POS terminal, 3a...CPU, 3b...ROM, 3c... RAM, 3d...Auxiliary storage unit, 3e...Clock unit, 3f...Receipt printer, 3g...Barcode scanner, 3h... Two-dimensional code scanner, 3i...Input device, 3j...Operation display, 3k...Customer surface display, 3m...Communication interface, 3n...Bus, 4...Server, 4a...CPU, 4b...ROM, 4c...RAM, 4d...Auxiliary storage unit, 4e...Communication interface, 4f...Bus, 5...Wireless access point, 6...Communication network , 100...POS system.

Claims (3)

A processing means for processing payments related to product sales;
an audio output means for outputting an audio message to notify that the payment has been processed;
a reading means for reading pre-registration information recorded on a recording medium, including product identification information for identifying the product purchased by the customer;
Based on the identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means, it is determined whether the processing means has already performed a payment process for the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information. Confirmation means to confirm,
In response to confirmation that the payment processing has not been completed by the confirmation means, the payment processing related to the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means is performed. a process control means that allows the means to perform the operations;
Notification control means for controlling the voice output means to output the voice message in response to confirmation that the payment process has been completed by the confirmation means;
A payment processing device equipped with The confirmation means is
A confirmation request containing the identification information included in the pre-registered information read by the reading means to a server that stores a transaction information file that describes the identification information related to the payment processing that has already been performed. Submit your information;
receiving from the server response information representing a comparison result between the identification information included in the confirmation request information and the identification information described in the transaction information file;
performing the confirmation based on the verification result represented by the response information;
The payment processing device according to claim 1. A voice output means for outputting a voice message to notify that the payment process has been completed, and a reading means for reading pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium, including product identification information for identifying the product purchased by the customer. A computer that controls a payment processing device comprising;
A processing means for processing payments related to product sales;
Based on the identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means, it is determined whether the processing means has already performed a payment process for the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information. Confirmation means to confirm,
In response to confirmation that the payment processing has not been completed by the confirmation means, the payment processing related to the product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means is performed. a process control means that allows the means to perform the operations;
Notification control means for controlling the voice output means to output the voice message in response to confirmation that the payment process has been completed by the confirmation means;
control program to function as