Settlement device and program thereof

Abstract

To enable a clerk to check information on a customer prior to settlement while allowing the customer himself / herself to perform operations related to the deposit necessary to settle a transaction.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes a display unit for clerks, a display unit for customers, acquisition means, settlement means, and control means. The acquisition means acquires information pertaining to a transaction with a customer that is input by a clerk's operation on an input device. The settlement means settles the transaction with the amount of money deposited by the operation of the customer. The control means displays information on the customer before settlement on the display for clerks based on the information acquired by the acquisition means. The control means also displays the amount of money deposited by the operation of the customer on the display for customers. The control means does not display the amount of money deposited by the operation of the customer on the display for clerks.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a two-person system as a product sales system for large retail stores such as supermarkets and home improvement centers. The two-person product sales system includes an input device operated by a store clerk called a checker, and a payment device operated by a store clerk called a cashier. The input device is a device for inputting information related to purchased products, such as barcodes attached to the products. The payment device is a device for processing sales data of purchased products based on information inputted through the input device and settling transactions with customers. In the two-person product sales system, since the input device and the payment device are separate, inputting information related to purchased products of a second customer can start in the input device while the payment device is processing the payment of the first customer. Therefore, customers can be judged efficiently.

[0003] Meanwhile, in recent years, from the viewpoint of reducing labor costs and taking measures against infectious diseases, there is a demand to have customers themselves perform operations related to deposits required for settlement of transactions. Even in a two-person product sales system, customers themselves perform operations related to deposits into the settlement device. This makes it unnecessary to have a cashier clerk, so labor costs can be reduced. In addition, since the clerk does not touch cash, cash cards, etc., it can also be used as a measure against infectious diseases. However, when the cashier clerk is not available, the checker clerk has to respond to inquiries from customers who are in the middle of settlement, and at that time, it is desired that the clerk be able to check information about the customer before settlement. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-028678 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem that an embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a payment device in a product sales system equipped with an input device and a payment device, which allows a store clerk to check information about a customer before payment while allowing the customer to perform the deposit-related operations necessary to settle a transaction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the payment device includes a clerk display unit, a customer display unit, an acquisition means, a payment means, and a control means. The acquisition means acquires information related to a transaction with a customer input by the clerk's operation on an input device. The payment means settles the transaction with the amount deposited by the customer's operation. The control means causes the clerk display unit to display information about the customer before payment based on the information acquired by the acquisition means. The control means also causes the customer display unit to display the amount deposited by the customer's operation. The control means does not cause the clerk display unit to display the amount deposited by the customer's operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product sales system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the settlement device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing main storage areas formed in the main memory of the payment device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor of the payment device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main steps of a first information processing executed by the processor of the settlement device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the second information processing executed by the processor of the settlement device. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the second information processing executed by the processor of the settlement device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a registration screen displayed on the display of the input device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of a sub-plan view displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of a first notification screen displayed on the display of the input device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of the second notification screen displayed on the display of the input device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of a total screen displayed on the first touch panel of the settlement device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of transition of information displayed in the second customer area of ​​the total screen shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the first touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an example of a store clerk operation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows an example of a payment assistance screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device when making a cash payment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of a payment confirmation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device when making a cash payment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the first touch panel of the settlement device. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 shows an example of a payment assistance screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device when paying by credit card. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 shows an example of a payment confirmation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device when paying by credit card. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows an example of a payment assistance screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device when paying with electronic money. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows an example of a payment confirmation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the settlement device when paying with electronic money. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the transition of screens displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel, respectively, when a customer makes a payment by himself / herself. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows the transition of screens displayed on the first touch panel and the second touch panel, respectively, when a store clerk selects a payment method on behalf of a customer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Below, we will use the drawings to explain an embodiment of a payment device in a product sales system equipped with an input device and a payment device, in which the customer can perform the deposit operations necessary to settle the transaction themselves while a store clerk can check information about the customer before payment.

[0009] [Product sales system configuration explanation] Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product sales system 1 according to one embodiment. The product sales system 1 includes an input device 2 and a payment device 3. The input device 2 and the payment device 3 are connected by a transmission cable 6 (see Fig. 2) such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable.

[0010] The input device 2 is attached to the checkout counter 4. The checkout counter 4 is arranged along the checkout lane PA along which customers, who are purchasers, walk in the direction of the illustrated arrow. The input device 2 is attached to the checkout counter 4 in the approximate center of the top surface. The upstream side of the checkout lane PA from the input device 2 is used as a space for placing purchased products before inputting the product code, and the downstream side is used as a space for placing purchased products after inputting the product code. The input device 2 is a device for inputting the product code and the like attached to the purchased product, and the settlement device 3 is a device for storing information on the purchased product whose product code and the like have been input by the input device 2 in the main memory 62. Storing the information on the purchased product in the main memory 62 in this manner is referred to as registration. The settlement device 3 settles the transaction based on the information on the purchased product registered in the main memory 62.

[0011] The input device 2 comprises, as input / output devices, a fixed scanner 21, a handy scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25. The input device 2 has the fixed scanner 21 disposed so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the checkout counter 4, and the handy scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25 disposed around the fixed scanner 21.

[0012] More specifically, the input device 2 has a stationary scanner 21 fixed to the top surface of the checkout counter 4. The stationary scanner 21 is vertical and fixed so that the barcode reading window is located on the surface opposite the checkout lane PA. The input device 2 has a handy scanner 22 engaged with one side of the stationary scanner 21. A touch panel 23 is attached to the top of the stationary scanner 21 so that its operation panel surface faces the same direction as the reading window of the stationary scanner 21. A keyboard 24 is attached to one side of the touch panel 23 so that its key surface faces the same direction as the operation panel surface of the touch panel 23. A display 25 is attached to one side of the stationary scanner 21 so that its display screen faces the checkout lane PA. The display 25 may be a touch panel.

[0013] With such an arrangement of input / output devices, a store clerk standing in the space SP on the opposite side of the checkout lane PA across the checkout counter 4 can operate the fixed scanner 21, the handy scanner 22, the touch panel 23, or the keyboard 24 to input information related to the purchased product by the customer, such as the product code, the purchase quantity, the discount amount, etc. At this time, the store clerk can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased product from the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased product from the information displayed on the display 25. In addition, when the customer presents a barcode of the electronic receipt ID displayed on a smartphone or the like, the store clerk reads the barcode with the handy scanner 22. By doing so, the data of the electronic receipt ID is input, and a receipt showing the details of the commercial transaction with the customer is issued in the form of an electronic receipt.

[0014] The payment device 3 includes a keyboard 31 and a first touch panel 32 as devices integrated with the device main body 30. The payment device 3 also includes a handy scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, a cashless payment terminal 37, etc. as devices externally attached to the device main body 30. The payment device 3 is placed on the top surface of a cash register counter 5, which is installed on the opposite side to the checkout lane PA near the downstream end of the checkout counter 4.

[0015] In detail, the payment device 3 has the device body 30 placed on the cash register counter 5 so that the key surface of the keyboard 31 and the operation panel surface of the first touch panel 32 face the space SP where the store clerk stands. A handy scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, and a cashless payment terminal 37 are arranged around the device body 30. The handy scanner 33 is arranged in a position where it can be operated by the store clerk standing in the space SP. The second touch panel 34 is arranged in a position where its display screen can be seen by a customer standing in the checkout lane PA. The printer 35 is arranged in a position where it is easy for a customer standing in the checkout lane PA to receive a receipt.

[0016] The automatic change machine 36 is a device that has the functions of counting the bills or coins inserted from the insertion port and calculating the amount inserted, sorting the inserted cash by denomination and storing it in a safe, and extracting bills or coins equivalent to the change amount from the safe and dispensing them to a dispensing port. The automatic change machine 36 is placed in a position where a customer standing at the checkout lane PA can easily insert currency and retrieve the dispensed change.

[0017] The cashless payment terminal 37 is a device specialized for processing cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, code payments, etc. The cashless payment terminal 37 is placed in a position that allows a customer standing at the checkout lane PA to easily operate it when making a cashless payment such as a credit card payment, electronic money payment, code payment, etc.

[0018] With such an arrangement of devices, the keyboard 31, first touch panel 32, and handy scanner 33 are operated by a store clerk. The second touch panel 34, printer 35, automatic change machine 36, and cashless payment terminal 37 are operated by a customer. That is, the first touch panel 32 functions as a store clerk display unit that displays information to the store clerk. The second touch panel 34 functions as a customer display unit that displays information to the customer.

[0019] In large retail stores such as supermarkets and home improvement centers, multiple product sales systems 1 having such a configuration are generally installed in parallel in a cash register that is separated from the sales floor where products are displayed. On the other hand, in small retail stores such as specialty stores, only one product sales system 1 may be installed in the store.

[0020] [Settlement device configuration explanation] 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment device 3. As shown in the figure, the payment device 3 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a communication interface 65, a scanner interface 66, a touch panel interface 67, a printer interface 68, a change machine interface 69, a payment terminal interface 70, and an input device interface 71 in the device body 30 as circuit components. The processor 61 is connected to the main memory 62, the auxiliary storage device 63, the clock 64, the communication interface 65, the scanner interface 66, the touch panel interface 67, the printer interface 68, the change machine interface 69, the payment terminal interface 70, and the input device interface 71 by a system transmission path 72. The system transmission path 72 is a transmission path including an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like.

[0021] The payment device 3 configures a computer by connecting the processor 61 and other units via a system transmission path 72. The payment device 3 connects the keyboard 31 and the first touch panel 32 to the computer via the system transmission path 72.

[0022] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 61 controls each part to realize various functions of the payment device 3 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 61 is a multi-core processor that includes multiple processor cores and can execute multiple processes in parallel.

[0023] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 62 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or an application program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data required for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 61. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the above-mentioned application programs.

[0025] The clock 64 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time kept by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0026] The communication interface 65 is an interface for performing data communication with a store server connected via a communication network. The store server is a computer that includes a product master that stores product data such as the product name and unit price of each product sold in the store, and collects and tallys up the sales data of products processed by the settlement device 3 to manage the sales, inventory, etc. of the entire store.

[0027] The scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change machine interface 69, and payment terminal interface 70 are all interfaces for performing data communication with devices externally attached to the apparatus main body 30. That is, the scanner interface 66 performs data communication with the handheld scanner 33. The touch panel interface 67 performs data communication with the second touch panel 34. The printer interface 68 performs data communication with the printer 35. The change machine interface 69 performs data communication with the automatic change machine 36. The payment terminal interface 70 performs data communication with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0028] The input device interface 71 is an interface for performing data communication with the input device 2 connected via the transmission cable 6. That is, the input device interface 71 performs data communication with the fixed scanner 21, the handy scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25, respectively.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory 62. The settlement device 3 uses a part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 62 as an area for a first transaction file 81, a second transaction file 82, a flag memory 83, and a status memory 84. The first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 are areas for storing sales data of purchased goods processed as one transaction. The sales data includes items such as the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased goods. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the purchase quantity. The first transaction file 81 stores sales data related to the purchased goods from the start to the end of inputting the product code, etc. of the purchased goods processed as one transaction. The second transaction file 82 stores sales data from the end of inputting the product code, etc. of the purchased goods until the transaction is settled. In detail, the first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 store information inputted through the fixed scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23 or keyboard 24 of the input device 2, such as information such as product code, purchase quantity, discount amount, etc. of the purchased goods purchased by the customer, or information inputted through the keyboard 31 or first touch panel 32 of the payment device 3, such as information such as product code, purchase quantity, discount amount, etc. of the purchased goods purchased by the customer.

[0030] The flag memory 83 is an area for storing a payment in progress flag F. The payment in progress flag F is 1-bit data for identifying whether or not a payment is in progress in the settlement device 3. In this embodiment, the payment in progress flag F indicating that a payment is in progress is set to "1", and the payment in progress flag F indicating that a payment is not in progress is set to "0".

[0031] The status memory 84 is an area for storing the payment status ST. The payment status ST indicates the payment mode. There are two payment modes: self mode and support mode. Self mode is a mode in which the customer performs the payment operation by himself. Support mode is a mode in which a store clerk intervenes in the payment operation. In this embodiment, the payment status ST indicating the self mode is set to "10", and the payment status ST indicating the support mode is set to "20". In addition, the payment status ST before starting the payment operation is set to "00".

[0032] [Functional description of payment device] 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 61 of the payment device 3. As shown in the figure, the processor 61 has the functions of an acquisition unit 91, a payment unit 92, and a control unit 93.

[0033] The acquisition means 91 is a function for acquiring information related to a transaction with a customer that is input by a store clerk operating the input device 2. The acquisition means 91 inputs, for example, a product code, a purchase quantity, a discount amount, etc., as information related to a product purchased by a customer.

[0034] The payment means 92 is a function that settles a transaction with the amount deposited by the customer's operation. For example, when cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the payment means 92 executes a cash payment process assuming that the amount to be paid by cash has been deposited. For example, when credit card data is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment means 92 executes a credit card payment process assuming that the amount to be paid by credit card has been deposited. For example, when electronic money is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment means 92 executes an electronic money payment process assuming that the amount to be paid by electronic money has been deposited. For example, when a barcode or two-dimensional code for code payment is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment means 92 executes a code payment process assuming that the balance specified by the barcode or two-dimensional code has been deposited as the amount to be paid. These payment processes, such as cash payment process, credit card payment process, electronic money payment process, and code payment process, are well-known processes, and therefore detailed explanations thereof will be omitted here.

[0035] The control means 93 has a function of displaying information about a customer before settlement on the first touch panel 32, which is a display unit for store clerks, based on the information acquired by the acquisition means 91. The control means 93 also has a function of displaying the amount deposited by the customer on the second touch panel 34, which is a display unit for store clerks, but not on the first touch panel 32. In detail, the control means 93 displays the amount required for settlement of the transaction with the customer on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 before the customer deposits money, and displays the deposited amount on the second touch panel 34 after the deposit is made. In addition, when the amount deposited by the customer is less than the amount required for settlement of the transaction, the control means 93 displays the difference as the remaining amount on the second touch panel 34, and when the amount deposited by the customer is equal to or more than the amount required for settlement of the transaction, the control means 93 displays the difference as the change amount on the second touch panel 34. When the control means 93 is to display the difference on the second touch panel 34, it enables the operation of the operator commanding the return to the state before the deposit, and when it is to display the change amount on the second touch panel 34, it disables the operation of the operator.

[0036] With this function, the processor 61 of the payment device 3 acts as follows. That is, when the processor 61 obtains information related to a transaction with a customer from the input device 2, it displays information about the customer before payment on the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store clerks, based on that information. When a customer deposits money, the processor 61 displays the deposited amount on the second touch panel 34. The processor 61 then settles the transaction with the deposited amount. The deposited amount is not displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, information about the deposited amount does not hide information about the customer before payment.

[0037] The functions of the acquisition means 91, settlement means 92 and control means 93 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 61 in accordance with a business program. Next, the main information processing procedures will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 5 to 7 and the screen examples of Figures 8 to 25. Note that the procedures described below are merely examples. As long as the same operational effect can be achieved, the procedures can be modified as appropriate. The screen examples are also merely examples. The contents of the output text, the arrangement of images, the type and layout of the software keys, etc. can be modified as appropriate.

[0038] Incidentally, the business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. There is no particular limitation on the method of installing the business program in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. An input program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or the business program can be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 62 or the auxiliary storage device 63. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by a device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0039] [Explanation of information processing on payment device] <First information processing> FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the first information processing executed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 according to the business program. After going around the sales floor and collecting the purchased items, the customer moves to the checkout area. The customer then places the purchased items on the checkout counter 4 of an available checkout lane PA. When the customer arrives at the checkout area, the store clerk standing in the space SP touches, for example, the start button on the touch panel 23. This operation is a command to start input in the input device 2. In other words, it is a command to start registration in the payment device 3. In response to this command, the processor 61 starts the first information processing of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. 5. The processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 and the display 25 of the input device 2 as the registration screen as ACT1.

[0040] FIG. 8 is an example of a registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into a current area AAa, a details area AAb, and a total area AAc. The current area AAa is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales price of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is an area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales price of the purchased products in one transaction in list format in sequential numerical order. The total area AAc is an area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales price of the purchased products in one transaction. The registration screen SAa includes a subtotal button BAa. The subtotal button BAa is a software key. The subtotal button BAa is an operator for commanding the output of a subtotal of the purchased products registered in the payment device 3 as one transaction.

[0041] Fig. 9 is an example of registration screen SBa displayed on display 25. Registration screen SBa divides the screen into multiple rows (seven rows in the example of Fig. 9), with the first row through the rows just before the last row being rows of detail area ABa, and the last row being rows of total area ABb. Each row of detail area ABa displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased product. In total area ABb, each row displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount.

[0042] After checking the registration screen SAa, the clerk inputs information about the purchased item placed on the checkout counter 4 into the input device 2. That is, the clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased item with the fixed scanner 21 or handheld scanner 22 of the input device 2. By scanning the barcode, the product code of the purchased item is input to the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71. If the purchased item does not have a barcode attached, the clerk causes the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to display a list of items without barcodes. The clerk then selects the purchased item from the list. Through this operation, the product code of the purchased item without a barcode is input to the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71.

[0043] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. With the touch panel 23 and the display 25 displaying the registration screens SAa and SBa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT2. The processor 61 waits for the information required for registering the purchased item to be input in ACT2. When the product code, which is information on the purchased item, is input from the input device 2 via the input device interface 71, the processor 61 determines that the information required for registering the purchased item has been input. The processor 61 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. The processor 61 executes product sales data processing in ACT3. This processing is a processing of reading the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the input product code from the product master, generating sales data of the purchased item including the product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., and writing it to the first transaction file 81, i.e., a registration processing.

[0044] After completing the product sales data processing, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT4. In ACT4, the processor 61 updates the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa.

[0045] Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 61 displays in the current area AAa the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81. At this time, if the sales data of the purchased product for which information was input immediately before is displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 61 displays in the details area AAb the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of that sales data. The processor 61 also displays in the total area AAc the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all the sales data stored in the first transaction file 81.

[0046] With regard to the registration screen SBa, the processor 61 displays on the first line of the detail area ABa the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81. At this time, if the sales data is displayed on the first line of the detail area ABa, the processor 61 shifts the data from the first line onwards to the second line onwards, and then displays on the first line the sales data written to the first transaction file 81. The processor 61 also displays in the total area ABb the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all the sales data stored in the first transaction file 81.

[0047] After updating registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa, processor 61 proceeds to ACT5. Processor 61 checks whether information about the next purchased item has been input into input device 2 in ACT5. If information about the next purchased item has not been input, processor 61 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been input in ACT6. If the subtotal button BAa has not been input, processor 61 returns to ACT5. In this way, processor 61 waits for information about the next purchased item to be input or for the subtotal button BAa to be input in ACT5 and ACT6.

[0048] When information on the product to be purchased is input in the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 61 returns to ACT3. The processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT3 and ACT4 in the same manner as described above.

[0049] Therefore, the sales data of each purchased item is stored in the first transaction file 81 by the store clerk operating the fixed scanner 21, the handy scanner 22 or the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input information on each purchased item placed on the checkout counter 4. In addition, the registration screen SAa and the registration screen SBa are updated. When the store clerk has finished inputting information on the purchased items into the input device 2, he or she touches the subtotal button BAa.

[0050] In the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the subtotal button BAa is input by a touch operation by the store clerk, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT7. In ACT7, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to the subtotal screen SAb (see FIG. 10).

[0051] FIG. 10 is an example of a subtotal screen SAb displayed on touch panel 23. The subtotal screen SAb includes a total area AAd in which the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of purchased items in one transaction are displayed. The subtotal screen SAb also includes a subtotal discount button BAb, a subtotal discount button BAc, a checkout button BAd, and a back button BAe. Each of the buttons BAb, BAc, BAd, and BAe is a software key. The subtotal discount button BAb is an operator for instructing a discount on the total amount. The subtotal discount button BAc is an operator for instructing a discount on the total amount. The checkout button BAd is an operator for instructing that input of information on purchased items has been completed. The back button BAe is an operator for instructing a return to input of information on purchased items.

[0052] The store clerk who has checked the small screen SAb checks whether or not any unentered purchased items remain on the checkout counter 4. If there are any unentered purchased items, the store clerk touches the back button BAe.

[0053] On the other hand, if there are no unentered purchased items, the clerk checks whether the transaction is subject to a subtotal discount or a subtotal discount. For example, if the customer presents a coupon for a subtotal discount, the transaction is subject to a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAb and inputs the discount amount using the numeric keypad of the keyboard 24. This operation causes the total amount to be discounted. This type of processing is called subtotal discount processing. Similarly, for example, if the customer presents a coupon for a subtotal discount, the transaction is subject to a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAc and inputs the discount rate using the numeric keypad of the keyboard 24. This operation causes the total amount to be discounted. This type of processing is called subtotal discount processing.

[0054] When the store clerk confirms that there are no unentered purchased items and that no subtotal discount or discount is required, he or she touches the checkout button BAd.

[0055] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. With the screen of touch panel 23 set to small screen SAb, processor 61 proceeds to ACT8. Processor 61 checks whether the back button BAe has been input as ACT8. If the back button BAe has not been input, processor 61 proceeds to ACT9. Processor 61 checks whether the checkout button BAd has been input as ACT9. If the checkout button BAd has not been input, processor 61 returns to ACT8. In this way, processor 61, which has displayed small screen SAb, waits for the back button BAd to be input or the checkout button BAd to be input as ACT8 and ACT9.

[0056] When the subtotal discount button BAb or the subtotal discount button BAc is pressed during the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, the processor 61 performs the subtotal discount process or the subtotal discount process described above. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9.

[0057] In the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, if the back button BAd is input by the store clerk's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT10. The processor 61 returns the screen of the touch panel 23 to the immediately preceding registration screen SAa in ACT10. The processor 61 then enters a standby state for ACT5 and ACT6. The store clerk then operates the fixed scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22 or the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input information about the purchased item that has not been input.

[0058] In the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, if the checkout button BAd is input by a touch operation by a store clerk, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT11. The processor 61 checks the payment in progress flag F in ACT11. When no payment operation has been performed at the payment device 3, the payment in progress flag F is reset to "0". If the payment in progress flag F is reset to "0", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. In ACT12, the processor 61 changes the screen of the display 25 to the first notification screen SBb (see FIG. 11).

[0059] 11 is an example of the first notification screen SBb displayed on the display 25. The first notification screen SBb displays the first text TXa together with information on the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa. The first text TXa is text instructing the customer to move to the payment machine since payment is possible. After checking the first text TXa, the customer moves to the payment machine, i.e., where the settlement device 3 is installed, and makes the payment.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the first notification screen SBb on the display 25, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, the processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81, that is, the sales data of the purchased item registered as one transaction, to the second transaction file 82. In addition, the processor 61 sets the payment in progress flag F in the flag memory 83 to "1" in ACT14. With this, the processor 61 ends the first information processing related to the transaction with the first customer.

[0061] Then, the processor 61 starts the first information processing for the transaction with the second customer. That is, the processor 61 executes the processing from ACT1 onwards in the same manner as described above. At this time, there may be a case where the payment in progress flag F, which was set to "1" in ACT14 of the first information processing for the first customer, has not been reset to "0" at the time of ACT11 of the first information processing for the second customer.

[0062] If the payment in progress flag F is set to "1" in ACT11, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 61 causes the screen of the display 25 to display the second notification screen SBc (see FIG. 12).

[0063] 12 is an example of the second notification screen SBc displayed on the display 25. The second notification screen SBc displays the second text TXb together with information on the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa. The second text TXb is text instructing the customer to wait because payment is not possible. The second customer who has confirmed the second text TXb will wait until payment is possible.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the second notification screen SBc on the display 25, the processor 61 returns to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 61 waits for the payment in progress flag F to be reset to "0". The payment in progress flag F is reset to "0" when the payment process is completed in the second information processing described later. When the payment in progress flag F is reset to "0", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. Then, the processor 61 executes the processes of ACT12 to ACT14 in the same manner as described above. That is, the processor 61 displays the first notification screen SBb on the display 25. This display causes the second customer to move to the side where the payment device 3 is installed and make the payment.

[0065] Processor 61 copies the data stored in first transaction file 81 to second transaction file 82. Processor 61 also sets payment in progress flag F to "1" and ends the first information processing for the second customer. Thereafter, processor 61 repeatedly executes the first information processing for the third, fourth, ... customers as described above.

[0066] Here, the processor 61 cooperates with the input device interface 71 to execute the processes of ACT2, ACT3, ACT5, ACT6, ACT8 and ACT9, thereby realizing the function of the acquisition means 91.

[0067] <Second information processing> 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the second information processing executed by the processor 61 of the settlement device 3 in accordance with the business program. The processor 61 executes the second information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0068] The processor 61 waits for the payment in progress flag F to be set to "1" as ACT21. In this standby state, an initial screen is displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. The contents of the initial screen are not particularly limited. For example, the initial screen displayed on the first touch panel 32 is a screen having the same layout as the total screen SCa described later. However, no information is displayed on the initial screen. The initial screen displayed on the second touch panel 34 is a screen on which text or an image such as "Welcome" is displayed. Alternatively, nothing may be displayed.

[0069] When the payment in progress flag F is set to "1" in ACT14 of the first information processing, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT21 to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "10". In ACT23, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the clerk display unit, to the total screen SCa (see FIG. 13), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the payment method selection screen SDa (see FIG. 15).

[0070] FIG. 13 is an example of a total screen SCa displayed on the first touch panel 32. The total screen SCa has a first customer area ACa and a second customer area ACb. The first customer area ACa is an area for displaying information about the first customer who is about to pay. The first customer area ACa displays the total points and total amount of the first customer. That is, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of the purchased items stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the first customer area ACa. In addition, a switching button BCa is displayed in the first customer area ACa. The switching button BCa is a software key. The switching button BCa is an operator for declaring that a store clerk will be involved in the payment operation.

[0071] The second customer area ACb is an area for displaying information about the second customer. An example of information displayed in the second customer area ACb is shown in Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of transition of information displayed in the second customer area ACb.

[0072] In the state where the input of information on the product to be purchased by the second customer has not yet started in the input device 2, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-1, "Waiting" is displayed. When the input of information on the product to be purchased by the second customer starts, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-2, "Registering" is displayed. When the input of information on the product to be purchased by the second customer is completed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-3, "Waiting for payment" is displayed. After that, when the payment for the first customer is completed and the payment for the second customer is started, the display returns to "Waiting" as shown in the second customer area ACb-1. It is not necessary for nothing to be displayed in the second customer area ACb-1.

[0073] In this way, the information displayed in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa is an area for displaying information about the first customer who will pay. Also, the information displayed in the second customer area ACb of the total screen SCa is an area for displaying information about the second customer who will pay after the first customer whose information is displayed in the first customer area ACa. In other words, the total screen SCa can be said to be a screen for displaying information about customers before payment.

[0074] 15 is an example of a payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34. The payment method selection screen SDa includes a payment method selection button group BDa. The payment method selection button group BDa includes a cash button, a credit button, an electronic money button, a code payment button, a prepaid button, and a points button. The cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and points button are all software keys.

[0075] The payment method selection screen SDa also includes a total area ADa. The total points and total amount of the customer who will make the payment are displayed in the total area ADa. That is, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of the purchased items stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the total area ADa.

[0076] After checking the payment method selection screen SDa, a customer touches the button for the desired payment method from the payment method selection button group BDa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay by cash touches the cash button. A customer who wishes to pay by credit card touches the credit button. A customer who wishes to pay by electronic money touches the electronic money button. A customer who wishes to pay by code payment touches the code payment button. A customer who wishes to pay by prepaid card touches the prepaid button. A customer who wishes to pay with accumulated points touches the points button.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. The processor 61, which has set the screen of the first touch panel 32 as the total screen SCa and the screen of the second touch panel 34 as the payment method selection screen SDa, proceeds to ACT24. The processor 61 checks whether or not one of the payment method selection buttons BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa has been pressed in ACT24. If no button of the payment method selection button group BDa has been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT25. The processor 61 checks whether or not the switching button BCa displayed on the total screen SCa has been pressed in ACT25. If the switching button BCa of the total screen SCa has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT24. In this way, the processor 61 waits for a button of the payment method selection button group BDa on the payment method selection screen SDa to be pressed or for the switching button BCa of the total screen SCa to be pressed in ACT24 and ACT25.

[0078] In the standby state of ACT24 and ACT25, when the customer touches a button in the payment method selection button group BDa, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT30 in Fig. 7. The process after ACT30 will be described later.

[0079] On the other hand, if the switching button BCa is input by the store clerk's touch operation in the standby state of ACT24 and ACT25, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT25 to ACT26. The processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "20" in ACT26. The processor 61 also sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the store clerk display unit, to the payment method selection screen SCb (see FIG. 16) in ACT27, and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the store clerk operation screen SDb (see FIG. 17).

[0080] 16 is an example of a payment method selection screen SCb displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment method selection screen SCb has a payment method selection button group BCb and a back button BCc arranged in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa. The second customer area ACb of the total screen SCa is also displayed in the payment method selection screen SCb in the same way.

[0081] The payment method selection button group BCb includes a gift certificate button in addition to the cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and point button described above. The gift certificate button is also a software key. When paying with a gift certificate, the intervention of a store clerk is required to confirm the validity of the gift certificate. For this reason, the payment method selection screen SDa of the second touch panel 34, which is operated by a customer, does not include a gift certificate button, but the payment method selection screen SCb of the first touch panel 32, which is operated by a store clerk, includes a gift certificate button. The back button BCc is a software key. The back button BCc is an operator for declaring a return to the previous screen, that is, the total screen SCa.

[0082] Fig. 17 is an example of the store clerk operation screen SDb displayed on the second touch panel 34. As shown in the figure, the store clerk operation screen SDb displays third text TXc for notifying the customer that the store clerk is operating. Note that an image indicating that the store clerk is operating may be displayed instead of the third text TXc. Alternatively, the third text TXc and the image may be displayed together. The point is that it is sufficient to be able to notify the customer that the store clerk is operating.

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Figure 6. The processor 61, which has set the screen of the first touch panel 32 to the payment method selection screen SCb and the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the store clerk operation screen SDb, proceeds to ACT28. The processor 61 checks whether or not one of the payment method selection buttons BCb displayed on the payment method selection screen SCb has been pressed in ACT28. If no button of the payment method selection button group BCb has been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT29. The processor 61 checks whether or not the back button BCc on the payment method selection screen SCb has been pressed in ACT29. If the back button BCc has not been pressed either, the processor 61 returns to ACT28. In this way, the processor 61 waits for a button of the payment method selection button group BCb to be pressed or for the back button BCc to be pressed in ACT28 and ACT29.

[0084] In the standby state of ACT28 and ACT29, when a button in the payment method selection button group BCb is touched by a store clerk, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT28 to ACT30 in Fig. 7. The process after ACT30 will be described later.

[0085] On the other hand, when the back button BCc is input by the store clerk's touch operation during the standby state of ACT28 and ACT29, the processor 61 returns from ACT29 to ACT22. That is, the processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "10". The processor 61 also sets the screen of the first touch panel 32 to the total screen SCa, and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment method selection screen SDa. The processor 61 then waits for a button of the payment method selection button group BDa on the payment method selection screen SDa to be input, or for the switch button BCa of the total screen SCa to be input.

[0086] As described above, when a customer touches a button in the payment method selection button group BDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 in ACT24, or a store clerk touches a button in the payment method selection button group BCb displayed on the first touch panel 32 in ACT28, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT30 in Fig. 7. In ACT30, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the store clerk display unit, to the total screen SCa (see Fig. 13), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the payment support screen SDc (see Fig. 18).

[0087] Fig. 18 is an example of the payment support screen SDc displayed on the second touch panel 34. Fig. 18 shows the payment support screen SDc when the payment method selection button group BDa or the cash button in the payment method selection button group BCb is pressed. The payment support screen SDc includes a change machine information area ADb. The payment support screen SDc also has a back button BDb arranged thereon.

[0088] The change machine information area ADb displays the total amount, the deposited amount (i.e., the amount of cash deposited into the automatic change machine 36), and the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the deposited amount from the total amount. The back button BDb is a software key. The back button BDb is an operator for interrupting payment using the selected payment method and returning to the state before the payment method was selected.

[0089] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. With the screen of the first touch panel 32 set to the total screen SCa and the screen of the second touch panel 34 set to the payment support screen SDc, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT31. The processor 61 checks whether or not a payment has been received in ACT31. If no payment has been received, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT32. The processor 61 checks whether or not the back button BDb has been pressed in ACT32. If the back button BDb has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT31. In this way, the processor 61 waits for a payment to be received or for the back button BDb to be pressed in ACT31 and ACT32.

[0090] A customer who selects cash payment as the payment method inserts cash into the automatic change machine 36. A customer who selects credit card payment has the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37 read the data of their credit card. A customer who selects electronic money payment has the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37 read the data on the electronic money medium. A customer who selects code payment has the scanner of the cashless payment terminal 37 read the barcode or two-dimensional data code for code payment. A customer who wishes to pay with a prepaid card has the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37 read the data of their prepaid card. A customer who wishes to pay with points has the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37 read the data of their point card. When such a customer payment operation is performed, the processor 61 determines in ACT31 that a deposit has been made.

[0091] When the processor 61 determines that a deposit has been made, it proceeds from ACT31 to ACT33. The processor 61 executes the payment process in ACT33. For example, if cash payment is selected, the processor 61 subtracts the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 from the total amount. If credit card payment is selected, the processor 61 authenticates the credit card. If electronic money payment is selected, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the electronic money. If code payment payment is selected, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the code payment. If prepaid card payment is selected, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the prepaid card. If points payment is selected, the processor 61 subtracts the total amount from the amount equivalent to accumulated points.

[0092] After executing the payment process, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT34. In ACT34, the processor 61 determines whether the payment is complete. For example, if the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 is insufficient for the total amount, the processor 61 determines that the payment is incomplete. Similarly, if the authentication of the credit card fails, or if the balance of electronic money, code payment, prepaid card, accumulated points, etc. is insufficient for the total amount, the processor 61 also determines that the payment is incomplete. If the payment is incomplete, the processor 61 returns to ACT31. In ACT31 and ACT32, the processor 61 waits for another deposit or for the back button BDb to be pressed.

[0093] When the payment is incomplete, that is, when the system is waiting for ACT31 and ACT32, the customer can change the payment method to another method. For example, if the customer selects cash payment but does not have enough cash on hand, the customer can change the payment method to a method other than cash. A customer who wishes to change to a different payment method touches the back button BDb.

[0094] When the back button BDb is input by a customer's touch operation in the standby state of ACT31 and ACT32, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT32 to ACT35. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BDb is input after cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 36 in ACT35. If the back button BDb is input after cash is inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT36. The processor 61 stores the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the so-called deposit amount, in the main memory 62 in ACT36. If the back button BDb is input without cash being inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 skips the processing of ACT36.

[0095] After executing or skipping the process in ACT 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 37. The processor 61 checks the status ST in ACT 37. At this point, the status ST is "10" or "20".

[0096] If the status ST is "10", the processor 61 returns to ACT23 in Fig. 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the clerk display unit, to the total screen SCa (see Fig. 13), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the payment method selection screen SDa (see Fig. 15). In this way, when the customer touches the back button BDb while the status ST is "10", the payment method selection screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 34. Therefore, the customer can simply touch the button of the desired payment method from the payment method selection button group BDa again.

[0097] On the other hand, if the status ST is "20", the processor 61 returns to ACT27 in Fig. 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the clerk display unit, to the payment method selection screen SCb (see Fig. 16), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to the clerk operation screen SDb (see Fig. 17). In this way, when the customer touches the back button BDb when the status ST is "20", the payment method selection screen SCb is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, the clerk can simply touch the button of the payment method desired by the customer from the payment method selection button group BCb again.

[0098] When the processor 61 recognizes that the payment has been completed in ACT34, it proceeds to ACT38. In ACT38, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the store clerk display unit, to a total screen SCa (see FIG. 13), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to a payment confirmation screen SDd (see FIG. 19).

[0099] FIG. 19 is an example of a payment confirmation screen SDd displayed on the second touch panel 34. FIG. 19 shows the payment confirmation screen SDd when the cash button in the payment method selection button group BDa or the payment method selection button group BCb is pressed. The payment confirmation screen SDd includes a change machine information area ADb. The change machine information area ADb displays the difference between the total amount minus the inserted amount as the remaining amount on the payment assistance screen SDc, but displays the difference between the total amount minus the inserted amount as the change amount on the payment confirmation screen SDd. The payment confirmation screen SDd also has a payment button BDc arranged thereon. The back button BDb arranged on the payment assistance screen SDc is not arranged on the payment assistance screen SDc. The payment button BDc is an operator for declaring that the payment has been completed. After the customer has finished paying, he or she touches the payment button BDc.

[0100] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. With the screen of the first touch panel 32 set to the total screen SCa and the screen of the second touch panel 34 set to the payment confirmation screen SDd, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT39. The processor 61 waits for the payment button BDc to be input in ACT39. When the payment button BDc is input by a customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT40. The processor 61 checks whether the deposit amount has been stored in ACT40. If the deposit amount has been stored in the processing of ACT36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT41. The processor 61 controls the automatic change machine 36 so that cash equivalent to the deposit amount is dispensed in ACT41. If the deposit amount has not been stored in the processing of ACT36, the processor 61 skips the processing of ACT41.

[0101] After executing or skipping the processing of ACT41, processor 61 proceeds to ACT42. Processor 61 checks whether or not there is change in ACT42. If cash payment is selected as the payment method and change is due because an amount of cash exceeding the total amount has been inserted into automatic change machine 36, processor 61 proceeds to ACT43. Processor 61 controls automatic change machine 36 so as to dispense cash equivalent to the change amount in ACT43. If no change is due, processor 61 skips the processing of ACT43.

[0102] After executing or skipping the process of ACT43, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT44. The processor 61 controls the output of a receipt in ACT44. That is, the processor 61 generates receipt data showing details of the transaction based on the sales data stored in the second transaction file 82. The processor 61 then outputs the receipt data to the printer 56. Thus, the printer 56 operates to print and issue a paper receipt. Note that if an electronic receipt ID has been input via the input device 2, the processor 61 transmits the receipt data together with the electronic receipt ID to the electronic receipt server. Thus, the customer can obtain a receipt in the form of an electronic receipt by operating his or her smartphone.

[0103] After outputting the receipt, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 45. In ACT 45, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the clerk display unit, to a payment completion screen SCc (see FIG. 20), and sets the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, to a payment completion screen SDe (see FIG. 21).

[0104] 20 is an example of a payment completion screen SCc displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment completion screen SCc displays a pop-up window PUa overlaid on the total screen SCa to notify the store clerk that the payment has been completed. When the store clerk sees this pop-up window PUa, he or she recognizes that the customer's payment has been completed at the payment device 3.

[0105] FIG. 21 is an example of the payment completion screen SDe displayed on the second touch panel 34. FIG. 21 shows the payment completion screen SDe when the payment method selection button group BDa or the cash button in the payment method selection button group BCb is pressed. The payment completion screen SDe displays a change machine information area ADb and a fourth text TXd that informs the customer that the receipt and change have not been forgotten. If the receipt is issued as an electronic receipt, the fourth text TXd changes to, for example, "Please take your change. Please check the receipt on the electronic receipt." After checking the contents displayed on the payment completion screen SDe, if a paper receipt is issued from the printer 35, the customer receives the paper receipt. If the automatic change machine 36 dispenses cash such as the deposited amount or change, the customer receives the cash.

[0106] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7. After setting the screen of the first touch panel 32 to the payment completion screen SCc and the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment completion screen SDe, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT46. The processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82 in ACT46. The processor 61 also resets the payment in progress flag F to "0" in ACT47. The processor 61 also sets the payment status ST to "00" in ACT48. The processor 61 then ends the second information processing. Thus, the payment of the first customer is processed in the settlement device 3. Then, when the payment in progress flag F is set to "1" again in ACT14 of FIG. 5, the processor 61 repeatedly executes the second information processing described above. Thus, the payment of the second customer is processed in the settlement device 3. Thereafter, the payments of the third, fourth, ... customers are processed in order in the settlement device 3 in the same manner.

[0107] 18 and 19 show the payment assistance screen SDc and the payment confirmation screen SDd when the cash button is pressed. That is, the payment assistance screen SDc is a screen that displays the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 together with the total amount and the remaining amount. The payment confirmation screen SDd is a screen that displays the amount inserted and the change amount after the payment of the price in cash is completed together with the total amount. The contents displayed on the payment assistance screen and the payment confirmation screen differ depending on the payment method.

[0108] 22 and 23 show examples of the payment assistance screen SDf and the payment confirmation screen SDg when the credit button is pressed. The payment assistance screen SDf displays the customer's operation method for having the cashless payment terminal 37 read the credit card data, along with a back button BDb. The payment confirmation screen SDg displays the customer's operation method after completing the credit card payment, along with a payment button BDc.

[0109] Figures 24 and 25 show an example of the payment assistance screen SDh and the payment confirmation screen SDi when the electronic money button is pressed. The payment assistance screen SDh and the payment confirmation screen SDi include an electronic money information area ADc. The electronic money information area ADc is an area that displays the total amount, the electronic money balance, and the post-payment balance. Since the electronic money data has not been read on the payment assistance screen SDh, the electronic money balance is "0" and the post-payment balance is the total amount. On the payment confirmation screen SDi, the electronic money balance is the balance before payment and the post-payment balance is the balance after the price has been paid. Note that, like the other screens, a button BCb to return to the payment assistance screen SDh is displayed, and a payment button BDc is displayed on the payment confirmation screen SDi.

[0110] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function of the payment means 92 by executing the processes of ACT31, ACT33, ACT34, ACT39 to ACT44. The processor 61 also realizes the function of the control means 93 by executing the processes of ACT23, ACT30 and ACT38.

[0111] [Explanation of the effect of the payment device] 26 shows the transition of screens displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 when a customer pays the bill by himself / herself. The transition of screens shown in FIG. 26 is executed by the processor 61 controlling the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. First, when the payment in progress flag F is "0", that is, when no payment process is being performed in the payment device 3, the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 each display an initial screen.

[0112] When the cashier button BAd on the sub-screen SAb displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 is pressed by a store clerk, the payment in progress flag F is set to "1". At this time, the screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions from the initial screen to the total screen SCa. The screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the initial screen to the payment method selection screen SDa. The customer then moves close to the settlement device 3 and searches for the button of the desired payment method among the payment method selection buttons BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa. The customer then touches that button.

[0113] When a button in the payment method selection button group BDa is pressed, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh). The screen of the first touch panel 32 does not transition from the total screen SCa. After checking the payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh), the customer follows the content displayed on that screen SDc (SDf, SDh) and performs the payment operation using the selected payment method. For example, if cash payment is selected, the customer inserts cash into the automatic change machine 36.

[0114] As a result, when the payment is completed, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh) to the payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi). The screen of the first touch panel 32 does not transition from the total screen SCa. After checking the payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi), the customer touches the payment button BDc on that screen SDd (SDg, SDi). Meanwhile, since the screen of the first touch panel 32 does not change from the total screen SCa, the store clerk can recognize that the customer is still paying. If there is a next customer, the store clerk performs an operation to input information of the product that the next customer will purchase into the input device 2.

[0115] When the payment button BDc is pressed, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi) to the payment completion screen SDe. The screen of the first touch panel 32 also transitions from the total screen SCa to the payment completion screen SCc. When the store clerk checks the payment completion screen SCc, he or she can recognize that the customer has finished paying.

[0116] 27 is a diagram for explaining the screen transition between the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 when a store clerk selects a payment method on behalf of a customer. The screen transition shown in FIG. 27 is also executed by the processor 61 controlling the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. The screen of the first touch panel 32 transitions from the initial screen to the total screen SCa, and the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the initial screen to the payment method selection screen SDa, which is the same as in FIG.

[0117] Here, for example, if the customer is having difficulty operating the payment method selection screen SDa, the store clerk touches the switching button BCa on the total screen SCa. Then, the screen on the first touch panel 32 transitions from the total screen SCa to the payment method selection screen SCb. Also, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the store clerk operation screen SDb. The store clerk confirms with the customer the payment method. Then, the store clerk touches the button of the payment method specified by the customer from the payment method selection button group BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa.

[0118] When the store clerk touches the payment method button, the screen on the first touch panel 32 transitions from the payment method selection screen SCb to the total screen SCa. The screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the store clerk operation screen SDb to the payment assistance screen SDc. The customer then pays the price using the desired payment method in accordance with the content displayed on the payment assistance screen SDc. After that, the screens on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34 transition in the same manner as in FIG. 26.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 26, when a first customer before settlement operates the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 to select the payment method he or she desires and pays the price, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to a payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh), and then to a payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi). Therefore, the customer need only perform the deposit operation according to the information on the screen displayed on the second touch panel 34. It is thus possible to provide a settlement device that allows the customer to perform the deposit-related operations required for settlement of a transaction by himself or herself.

[0120] Moreover, while the screen of the second touch panel 34 is transitioning from the payment method selection screen SDa to the payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh) and further to the payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi), the screen of the first touch panel 32 remains the total screen SCa. The total screen SCa is a screen that displays information about the first customer and the second customer before payment. Therefore, for example, even when the store clerk in charge of the checker answers an inquiry from the first customer who is in the middle of payment, the store clerk has the advantage that he or she can easily check information about the customer before payment by looking at the total screen SCa.

[0121] Also, as shown in Fig. 27, even when a store clerk operates the payment method selection screen SCb displayed on the first touch panel 32 to select a desired payment method for a customer, while the customer is paying with the selected payment method, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions to a payment assistance screen SDc (SDf, SDh) and then to a payment confirmation screen SDd (SDg, SDi). During this time, the total screen SCa is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, it is possible to provide a payment device that allows the customer to perform operations related to deposits required for settlement of a transaction by themselves, except for the operation of selecting a payment method, and also allows the store clerk to easily check information about the customer before settlement.

[0122] [Other embodiments] The information displayed in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa is not limited to the total points and total amount of the first customer. For example, the information displayed in the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc of the registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2 may be displayed. By doing so, the store clerk can easily check detailed information about the first customer before payment. Furthermore, the information displayed in the second customer area ACb is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 14. For example, when registration is in progress, the registered points and total amount up to the present time are displayed, and when waiting for payment, the total points and total amount are displayed. By doing so, the store clerk can also check detailed information about the second customer before payment.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the switching button BCa is arranged on the total screen SCa, but the switching button BCa may not be arranged. In other words, the selection operation of the payment method may be limited to the customer. Even in this case, it goes without saying that the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0124] The payment device 3 shown in FIG. 1 generates and registers sales data of purchased goods based on information of purchased goods, such as product codes, inputted by the input device 2. Other payment devices include a keyboard 31 operated by a store clerk, a first touch panel 32, or a handy scanner 33 as input devices. Information of purchased goods, such as product codes, is received via these input devices, and sales data of purchased goods is generated and registered based on the information. Meanwhile, the customer himself operates the second touch panel 34, printer 35, automatic change machine 36, or cashless payment terminal 37 to deposit the amount required for the transaction, as in the above embodiment. In other words, the payment device may be called a face-to-face POS terminal or the like.

[0125] Although several other embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1...Product sales system, 2...Input device, 3...Payment device, 4...Checkout counter, 5...Cash register counter, 6...Transmission cable, 21...Fixed scanner, 22...Handheld scanner, 23...Touch panel, 24...Keyboard, 25...Display, 31...Keyboard, 32...First touch panel, 33...Handheld scanner, 34...Second touch panel, 35...Printer, 36...Automatic change dispenser, 37...Cashless payment terminal, 61...Processor, 62...Main memory, 63...Auxiliary storage device, 64...Clock, 65...Communication interface, 66...Scanner interface, 67...Touch panel interface interface, 68...printer interface, 69...change machine interface, 70...payment terminal interface, 71...input device interface, 72...system transmission path, 81...first transaction file, 82...second transaction file, 83...flag memory, 84...status memory, 91...acquisition means, 92...payment means, 93...control means, SCa...total screen, SCb...payment method selection screen, SCc...payment completion screen, SDa...payment method selection screen, SDb...clerk operation screen, SDc, SDf, SDh...payment assistance screen, SDd, SDg, SDi...payment confirmation screen, SDe...payment completion screen.

Claims

1. a display unit for store clerk that displays information to the store clerk; A customer display unit that displays information to customers; an acquisition means for acquiring information related to a transaction with a customer inputted by the store clerk through an input device; a payment means for settling a transaction with the amount deposited by the customer's operation; a control means for displaying information about the customer before payment on the store clerk display unit based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and for displaying an amount deposited by an operation of the customer on the customer display unit but not on the store clerk display unit; A payment device comprising:

2. 2. The payment device according to claim 1, wherein the control means causes the clerk display unit and the customer display unit to display the amount required to settle a transaction with the customer before the customer makes a deposit, and causes the customer display unit to display the amount deposited after the deposit is made.

3. The payment device according to claim 1, wherein the control means displays the difference as a remaining balance on the customer display unit when the amount deposited by the customer's operation is less than the amount required to settle the transaction, and displays the difference as a change amount on the customer display unit when the amount deposited by the customer's operation is equal to or greater than the amount required to settle the transaction.

4. The payment device of claim 3, wherein the control means enables operation of an operator that instructs the user to return to the state before the deposit when the difference is displayed on the customer display unit, and disables operation of the operator when the change amount is displayed on the customer display unit.

5. 5. The settlement device according to claim 4, wherein the operator is a soft key displayed on the customer display unit.

6. A computer of a settlement device including a clerk display unit that displays information to a clerk and a customer display unit that displays information to a customer, an acquisition means for acquiring information related to a transaction with a customer inputted by the clerk through an input device; a payment means for settling the transaction with the amount deposited by the customer's operation; and a control means for displaying information about the customer before payment on the store clerk display unit based on the information acquired by the acquisition means, and for displaying the amount deposited by the operation of the customer on the customer display unit but not on the store clerk display unit; A program to function as a

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