Payment device and its program

Abstract

To prevent a fraudulent act of disguising the cash paid out from an automatic change dispenser as it were a change that is paid out and leaving without settling the transaction.SOLUTION: Selection acceptance means accepts designation for selection of a price payment method from among multiple types of price payment methods including cash. Settlement means settles a transaction in response to the completion of price payment by the method of price payment accepted by the selection acceptance means. Interruption acceptance means accepts designation for interruption of price payment by the method of price payment accepted by the selection acceptance means. Control means controls a change dispenser so that the cash put into the change dispenser is not refunded at the time a designation for interruption of payment is accepted by the interruption acceptance means, and refunding is carried out when a price is paid by the method of price payment selected after the designation for interruption of payment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device and its program.

Background Art

[0002] <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a payment device that can prevent fraudulent acts in which a customer leaves a transaction without settling it by making it appear as if cash has been dispensed from an automatic change dispenser. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one embodiment, the payment device comprises communication means, selection receiving means, payment means, interruption receiving means, and control means. The communication means communicates with the change dispenser. The selection receiving means receives an instruction to select one of several payment methods, including cash. The payment means settles the transaction when payment is completed using the payment method received by the selection receiving means. The interruption receiving means receives an instruction to interrupt payment using the payment method received by the selection receiving means. The control means does not refund the cash inserted into the change dispenser at the time the interruption receiving means receives the payment interruption instruction, but controls the change dispenser to refund the cash when payment is made using the selected payment method after the payment interruption instruction. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a product sales system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main storage areas formed in the main memory of the payment device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the payment device's processor. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the second information processing performed by the payment device's processor. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of the input device. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a registration screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a subplan view displayed on the touch panel of an input device. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of the first notification screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of a second notification screen displayed on the input device's display. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the total screen displayed on the first touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transition of information displayed in the second customer area of ​​the total screen shown in Figure 13. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on the first touch panel of a payment device. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of a screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device while the store clerk is operating it. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows an example of a payment support screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows an example of a payment confirmation screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the first touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows an example of a payment completion screen displayed on the second touch panel of the payment device. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of a processor of the settlement device in the second embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a main part procedure of a second information process executed by a processor of the settlement device in the second embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an example of a refund confirmation screen displayed on a second touch panel of the settlement device in the second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of a processor of the settlement device in the third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a main part procedure of a second information process executed by a processor of the settlement device in the third embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a main part procedure of a second information process executed by a processor of the settlement device in the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an example of a refund confirmation screen displayed on a second touch panel of the settlement device in the third embodiment. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a settlement device that can prevent in advance an illegal act of leaving without settling a transaction by making it appear as if the cash paid out by the automatic change dispenser was paid out as change will be described with reference to the drawings. [First Embodiment] First, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 21.

[0009] [Configuration Explanation of Product Sales System] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a product sales system 1 according to an embodiment. The product sales system 1 includes an input device 2 and a settlement device 3. The input device 2 and the settlement 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 positioned along the checkout lane PA, where the customer walks in the direction of the arrow in the diagram. The input device 2 is attached to the center of the top surface of the checkout counter 4. The area upstream of the input device 2 in the checkout lane PA is designated as a space for placing purchased items before entering the product code, and the area downstream is designated as a space for placing purchased items after entering the product code. The input device 2 is a device for entering the product code and other information attached to the purchased items, and the payment device 3 is a device for storing the information of the purchased items, into which the product code and other information have been entered by the input device 2, in the main memory 62. This process of storing the information of purchased items in the main memory 62 is called registration. The payment device 3 settles the transaction based on the information of purchased items registered in the main memory 62.

[0011] Input device 2 includes a stationary scanner 21, a handheld scanner 22, a touch panel 23, a keyboard 24, and a display 25 as input / output devices. Input device 2 positions the stationary scanner 21 so as to protrude upward from the top surface of the checkout counter 4, and arranges the handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, keyboard 24, and display 25 around the stationary scanner 21.

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

[0013] With this arrangement of input / output devices, a store employee standing in space SP on the opposite side of the checkout lane PA from the checkout counter 4 can operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 to input information about the items purchased by the customer, such as product code, quantity purchased, and discount amount. At this time, the employee can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items using the information displayed on the touch panel 23. The customer can confirm the product name, unit price, etc. of the purchased items using the information displayed on the display 25. Furthermore, if the customer presents the barcode of the electronic receipt ID displayed on a smartphone or the like, the employee reads the barcode with the handheld scanner 22. As a result, the data of the electronic receipt ID is entered, and a receipt showing the details of the transaction with that 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 a device integrated with the main unit 30. The payment device 3 also includes a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, a cashless payment terminal 37, etc., as external devices attached to the main unit 30. The payment device 3 is mounted on the top surface of the cash register counter 5, which is located on the opposite side of the checkout lane PA near the downstream end of the checkout counter 4.

[0015] More specifically, the payment device 3 is positioned on the cash register counter 5 such 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. Around the main unit 30 of the device are a handheld scanner 33, a second touch panel 34, a printer 35, an automatic change dispenser 36, and a cashless payment terminal 37. The handheld scanner 33 is positioned so that it can be operated by a store clerk standing in space SP. The second touch panel 34 is positioned so that its display screen can be seen by customers standing in the checkout lane PA. The printer 35 is positioned so that customers standing in the checkout lane PA can easily receive their receipts.

[0016] The automatic change dispenser 36 is a device that has the functions of counting banknotes or coins inserted from the input slot to calculate the amount inserted, sorting the inserted cash by denomination and storing it in a safe, and drawing banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount from the safe and dispensing them to the dispensing slot. The automatic change dispenser 36 is positioned in a location where customers standing in the checkout lane PA can easily insert money and take out the dispensed change.

[0017] The cashless payment terminal 37 is a device specifically designed to process cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and QR code payments. The cashless payment terminal 37 is positioned in a location that is easy for customers standing in the checkout lane PA to operate when making cashless payments such as credit card payments, electronic money payments, and QR code payments.

[0018] With this device arrangement, the keyboard 31, the first touch panel 32, and the handheld scanner 33 are operated by store employees. The second touch panel 34, the printer 35, the automatic change dispenser 36, and the cashless payment terminal 37 are operated by customers. In other words, the first touch panel 32 functions as a display unit for store employees that can be operated by store employees. The second touch panel 34 functions as a display unit for customers that can be operated by customers.

[0019] In large retail stores such as supermarkets and home improvement stores, it is common to install multiple units of this product sales system 1 in parallel at the checkout counter (cash register), which is separate from the sales area where the products are displayed. On the other hand, in smaller retail stores such as specialty shops, only one product sales system 1 may be installed within the store.

[0020] [Description of Payment Device Configuration] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment device 3. As shown in the figure, the payment device 3 is equipped with the following circuit components in the device body 30: a processor 61, main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71. The processor 61 is connected to the main memory 62, auxiliary storage device 63, clock 64, communication interface 65, scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, payment terminal interface 70, and input device interface 71 by a system transmission path 72. The system transmission path 72 is a transmission path that includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc.

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

[0022] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 61 controls each part in order to realize various functions as a payment device 3 according to the operating system or 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 is capable of executing multiple processes in parallel.

[0023] Main memory 62 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. In the non-volatile memory area of ​​main memory 62, the operating system or application programs are stored. Main memory 62 may also store data necessary for the processor 61 to perform processing to control each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. Main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as appropriate by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0024] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. 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 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may also store the application program described above.

[0025] Clock 64 measures the date and time. Processor 61 processes the date and time measured by clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0026] The communication interface 65 is an interface for data communication with the store server connected via a communication network. The store server is a computer that has 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 aggregates sales data of products processed by the payment device 3 to manage the overall sales, inventory, etc. of the store.

[0027] The scanner interface 66, touch panel interface 67, printer interface 68, change dispenser interface 69, and payment terminal interface 70 are all interfaces for data communication with devices externally attached to the main unit 30. Specifically, the scanner interface 66 communicates data with the handheld scanner 33. The touch panel interface 67 communicates data with the second touch panel 34. The printer interface 68 communicates data with the printer 35. The change dispenser interface 69 communicates data with the automatic change dispenser 36. The payment terminal interface 70 communicates data with the cashless payment terminal 37.

[0028] The input device interface 71 is an interface for data communication with the input device 2 connected by the transmission cable 6. Specifically, the input device interface 71 communicates data with the stationary scanner 21, the handheld scanner 22, the touch panel 23, the keyboard 24, and the display 25, respectively.

[0029] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the main memory areas formed in the main memory 62. The settlement device 3 uses a portion of the volatile memory area in the main memory 62 as the areas for the first transaction file 81, the second transaction file 82, the flag memory 83, the status memory 84, and the deposit memory 85. The first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 are both areas for storing sales data of purchased goods processed as a single 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 purchased goods from the time input of product codes, etc., of the purchased goods processed as a single transaction is started until it is finished. The second transaction file 82 stores sales data from the time input of product codes, etc., of the purchased goods is finished until the transaction is settled. More specifically, the first transaction file 81 and the second transaction file 82 store information entered by the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, touch panel 23, or keyboard 24 of the input device 2, such as product codes, purchase quantities, and discount amounts related to the products purchased by the customer, or information entered by the keyboard 31 or first touch panel 32 of the payment device 3, such as product codes, purchase quantities, and discount amounts related to the products purchased by the customer.

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

[0031] Status memory 84 is an area for storing payment status ST. Payment status ST represents the payment mode. There are two payment modes: self-service mode and support mode. Self-service mode is a mode in which the customer performs the payment operation themselves. Support mode is a mode in which a store employee intervenes in the payment operation. In this embodiment, payment status ST representing self-service mode is set to "10", and payment status ST representing support mode is set to "20". Also, payment status ST before entering the payment operation is set to "00".

[0032] The deposit memory 85 is an area for storing the amount of money deposited, which is calculated by counting the banknotes or coins inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 by denomination.

[0033] [Description of payment device functions] Figure 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 a selection acceptance means 91, a payment means 92, an interruption acceptance means 93, and a control means 94.

[0034] The selection receiving means 91 is a function that receives instructions to select one of several payment methods, including cash. The selection receiving means 91 receives instructions to select one of the payment methods through customer operation on the second touch panel 34, which is a customer display unit. The selection receiving means 91 may also receive instructions to select one of the payment methods through employee operation on the first touch panel 32, which is an employee display unit.

[0035] The payment method 92 is a function that settles a transaction when payment is completed using the payment method accepted by the selection acceptance method 91. For example, when cash equivalent to or greater than the payment amount is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36, the payment method 92 executes a cash payment process. For example, when valid credit card data is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 92 executes a credit card payment process. For example, when electronic money with a balance exceeding the payment amount is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 92 executes an electronic money payment process. For example, when a barcode or two-dimensional code for code payment linked to a balance exceeding the payment amount is read by the cashless payment terminal 37, the payment method 92 executes a code payment process. These payment processes, such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment, are well-known processes, so a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0036] The interruption reception means 93 is a function that receives payment interruption instructions based on the payment method received by the selection reception means 91. The interruption reception means 93 receives payment interruption instructions based on customer operation on the second touch panel 34, which is a customer display unit.

[0037] The control means 94 has the function of controlling the automatic change dispenser 36 via the change dispenser interface 69, which is a communication means, as follows: The control means 94 does not refund the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 when it receives a payment interruption instruction from the interruption reception means 93, but controls the automatic change dispenser 36 to refund the cash once the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction.

[0038] With this function, the processor 61 of the payment device 3 operates as follows: When payment is completed using the payment method accepted by the selection acceptance means 91, the processor 61 settles the transaction using the payment means 92. On the other hand, if the interruption acceptance means 93 receives a payment interruption instruction before payment is completed, the processor 61 does not refund the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 at that time. When payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction, the processor 61 refunds the cash. Thus, cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 before the payment interruption instruction is refunded only after payment has been made using another payment method. Cash is not refunded from the automatic change dispenser 36 in response to a payment interruption instruction.

[0039] The functions of the selection acceptance means 91, payment means 92, interruption acceptance means 93, and control means 94 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 61 according to the business program. Next, the main information processing procedures will be explained using the flowcharts in Figures 5 to 7 and the screen examples in Figures 8 to 21. Note that the procedures described below are just examples. The procedures can be changed as appropriate if similar effects can be achieved. The screen examples are also just examples. The content of the output text, the arrangement of images, the types and layouts of software keys, etc., can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] Incidentally, a business program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63. The method of installing a business program in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63 is not particularly limited. It can be installed in the main memory 62 or auxiliary storage device 63 by recording an input program on a removable recording medium or by distributing the business program via communication over a network. The recording medium can take any form as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0041] [Explanation of information processing for payment devices] <First Information Processing> Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the essential steps of the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 according to the business program. A customer who has collected their purchased items from around the sales floor moves to the checkout area. The customer then places their purchased items on the checkout counter 4 in an empty checkout lane PA. When the customer arrives at the checkout area, the store clerk standing in 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. Upon receiving this command, the processor 61 starts the first information processing procedure shown in the flowchart of Figure 5. The processor 61 uses the touch panel 23 and the display 25 screens of the input device 2 as the registration screen as ACT1.

[0042] Figure 8 shows an example of the registration screen SAa displayed on the touch panel 23. The registration screen SAa is divided into the current area AAa, the details area AAb, and the total area AAc. The current area AAa is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the most recently purchased product. The details area AAb is the area for displaying the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of the purchased products in a transaction in a list format, in sequential order. The total area AAc is the area for displaying the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased products in a 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 the subtotal of purchased products registered as a transaction in the settlement device 3.

[0043] Figure 9 shows an example of the registration screen SBa displayed on display 25. The registration screen SBa divides the screen into multiple rows (seven rows in the example in Figure 9), with the rows from the first row to the second to last row being the detail area ABa rows, and the last row being the total area ABb row. In the detail area ABa rows, the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the purchased items are displayed one row at a time. In the total area ABb, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount are displayed on a single row.

[0044] After confirming the registration screen SAa, the store clerk enters the information of the purchased items placed on the checkout counter 4 into the input device 2. Specifically, the clerk scans the barcode attached to the purchased item using 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 entered into the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71. If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the clerk displays a list of barcode-less items on the touch panel 23 of the input device 2. The clerk then selects the purchased item from that list. Through this operation, the product code of the barcode-less purchased item is entered into the payment device 3 via the input device interface 71.

[0045] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. Processor 61, with the touch panel 23 and display 25 screens set to registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa, proceeds to ACT2. Processor 61 waits for the information necessary for registering purchased products to be entered as ACT2. When the product code, which is information about purchased products, is entered from the input device 2 via the input device interface 71, processor 61 determines that the information necessary for registering purchased products has been entered. Processor 61 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3. Processor 61 executes product sales data processing as ACT3. This process reads the product name, unit price, etc. of the product identified by the entered product code from the product master, generates sales data for purchased products including product code, product name, unit price, purchase quantity, sales amount, etc., and writes it to the first transaction file 81, i.e., registers the product.

[0046] After completing the processing of product sales data, processor 61 proceeds to ACT4. Processor 61 updates registration screen SAa and registration screen SBa as ACT4.

[0047] Regarding the registration screen SAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 in the current area AAa. At this time, if the sales data of the previously entered purchase product is displayed in the current area AAa, the processor 61 displays the product name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount amount, and sales amount of that sales data in the details area AAb. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the first transaction file 81 in the total area AAc.

[0048] Regarding the registration screen SBa, the processor 61 displays the product name, unit price, purchase quantity, and sales amount of the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 on the first line of the detail area ABa. If sales data is already displayed on the first line of the detail area ABa, the processor 61 shifts the data from the first line onward to the second line onward, and then displays the sales data written to the first transaction file 81 on the first line. The processor 61 also displays the total purchase quantity and sales amount of all sales data stored in the first transaction file 81 in the total area ABb.

[0049] After updating registration screens SAa and SBa, processor 61 proceeds to ACT5. Processor 61 checks whether the information for the next purchased item has been entered into input device 2 as ACT5. If the information for the next purchased item has not been entered, processor 61 checks whether the subtotal button BAa has been pressed as ACT6. If the subtotal button BAa has not been pressed, processor 61 returns to ACT5. In this way, processor 61 waits for the information for the next purchased item to be entered or for the subtotal button BAa to be pressed as ACT5 and ACT6.

[0050] When information about the purchased items is entered while the system is in the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, the processor 61 returns to ACT3. The processor 61 then executes the processing of ACT3 and ACT4 in the same manner as described above.

[0051] Therefore, by operating the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input information on each purchased item placed on the checkout counter 4, the sales data for each purchased item is stored in the first transaction file 81. In addition, registration screens SAa and SBa are updated. After the store clerk has finished inputting information related to the purchased items to the input device 2, they touch the subtotal button BAa.

[0052] In the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the subtotal button BAa is input by the store clerk's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT7. For ACT7, the processor 61 sets the screen of the touch panel 23 on the input device 2 as the subtotal plane SAb (see Figure 10).

[0053] Figure 10 shows an example of the subplanning screen SAb displayed on the touch panel 23. The subplanning screen SAb includes a total area AAd that displays the total purchase quantity and total sales amount of the purchased items in a single transaction. The subplanning 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 used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The subtotal discount button BAc is an operator used to instruct a discount on the total amount. The checkout button BAd is an operator used to instruct that the input of purchased item information has been completed. The back button BAe is an operator used to instruct the user to return to the input of purchased item information.

[0054] After reviewing the sub-planning page SAb, the clerk checks whether any unentered purchase items remain at checkout counter 4. If there are any unentered purchase items, the clerk touches the back button BAe.

[0055] On the other hand, if there are no unentered purchase items, the clerk checks whether the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount or subtotal reduction. For example, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAb and enters the discount amount using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called a subtotal discount process. Similarly, if the customer presents a subtotal discount coupon, the transaction is eligible for a subtotal discount. The clerk presses the subtotal discount button BAc and enters the discount rate using the numeric keypad on keyboard 24. This operation reduces the total amount. This process is called a subtotal discount process.

[0056] Once the clerk confirms that there are no unentered purchase items and that no subtotal discount or reduction is needed, they touch the checkout button Bad.

[0057] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. When the touch panel 23 screen is set to subplanning plane SAb, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT8. The processor 61 checks whether the back button BAe has been pressed as ACT8. If the back button BAe has not been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT9. The processor 61 checks whether the accounting button Bad has been pressed as ACT9. If the accounting button Bad has not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT8. In this way, the processor 61, displaying subplanning plane SAb, waits for either the back button Bad or the accounting button Bad to be pressed as ACT8 or ACT9.

[0058] Furthermore, if the subtotal discount button BAb or the subtotal discount button BAc is pressed while ACT8 and ACT9 are in standby mode, the processor 61 performs the subtotal discount processing or subtotal discount processing described above. After that, the processor 61 returns to the standby mode for ACT8 and ACT9.

[0059] If the back button BAd is pressed by the store clerk via touch operation while in the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 61 returns the touch panel 23 screen to the previous registration screen SAa. Then the processor 61 enters the standby state for ACT5 and ACT6. At this point, the store clerk can operate the stationary scanner 21, handheld scanner 22, or touch panel 23 of the input device 2 to input any missing information about the purchased items.

[0060] If the payment button BAd is pressed by the store clerk's touch operation while in the standby state of ACT8 and ACT9, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT9 to ACT11. As ACT11, the processor 61 checks the payment in progress flag F. If 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. As ACT12, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 to the first notification screen SBb (see Figure 11).

[0061] Figure 11 shows an example of the first notification screen SBb displayed on the display 25. The first notification screen SBb displays the information of the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa, along with the first text TXa. The first text TXa is text that instructs the customer to move to the payment machine because payment is possible. After seeing the first text TXa, the customer moves to the payment machine, i.e., the location where the settlement device 3 is installed, and makes the payment.

[0062] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the first notification screen SBb on the display 25, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 13. As ACT 13, the processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81, that is, the sales data of the purchased goods registered as a transaction, to the second transaction file 82. Also, as ACT 14, the processor 61 sets the payment in progress flag F in the flag memory 83 to "1". With this, the processor 61 completes the first information processing related to the transaction with the first customer.

[0063] The processor 61 then proceeds to begin the first information processing related to the transaction with the second customer. That is, the processor 61 executes the processing from ACT1 onward in the same manner as described above. At this time, the payment in progress flag F, which was set to "1" in ACT14 of the first information processing for the first customer, may not have been reset to "0" by ACT11 of the first information processing for the second customer.

[0064] In ACT11, if the payment flag F is set to "1", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT15. In ACT15, the processor 61 sets the screen of the display 25 as the second notification screen SBc (see Figure 12).

[0065] Figure 12 shows an example of the second notification screen SBc displayed on the display 25. The second notification screen SBc displays the second text TXb along with the information of the total area ABb on the registration screen SBa. The second text TXb is a message instructing the customer to wait because payment is not possible. The second customer who sees the second text TXb will wait until payment becomes possible.

[0066] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 5. After displaying the second notification screen SBc on display 25, processor 61 returns to ACT11. Processor 61 waits for the payment flag F to be reset to "0" as ACT11. The payment flag F is reset to "0" in the second information processing described later when the settlement process is completed. Once the payment flag F is reset to "0", processor 61 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. Processor 61 then executes the processes of ACT12 through ACT14 in the same manner as described above. That is, processor 61 displays the first notification screen SBb on display 25. This display prompts the second customer to move to the area where the payment device 3 is installed and make the payment.

[0067] Processor 61 copies the data stored in the first transaction file 81 to the second transaction file 82. Processor 61 also sets the payment flag F to "1" and finishes the first information processing for the second customer. Thereafter, processor 61 continues to perform the first information processing for the third, fourth, and subsequent customers in the same manner as described above.

[0068] <Second Information Processing> Figures 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 in accordance with the business program. The processor 61 performs the second information processing in parallel with the first information processing described above.

[0069] The processor 61 waits for the payment flag F to be set to "1" as ACT21. In this waiting state, the initial screen is displayed on the first touch panel 32 and the second touch panel 34. The content of the initial screen is not particularly limited. For example, the initial screen displayed on the first touch panel 32 is a screen with 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 that displays text or an image such as "Welcome". Alternatively, nothing may be displayed.

[0070] In ACT14 of the first information processing, when the payment flag F is set to "1", the processor 61 proceeds from ACT21 to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "10". Also, in ACT23, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store staff, to the total screen SCa (see Figure 13), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, to the payment method selection screen SDa (see Figure 15).

[0071] Figure 13 shows an example of the 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 for the first customer. That is, the total purchase quantity and total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of purchased goods stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the first customer area ACa. A toggle button BCa is also displayed in the first customer area ACa. The toggle button BCa is a software key. The toggle button BCa is an operator used to declare that a store employee will intervene in the payment operation.

[0072] The second guest area ACb is an area for displaying information about the second guest. An example of the information displayed in the second guest area ACb is shown in Figure 14. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the transition of information displayed in the second guest area ACb.

[0073] When the input device 2 has not yet started entering the information for the second customer's purchase, "Waiting" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-1. When the input of information for the second customer's purchase begins, "Registering" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-2. When the input of information for the second customer's purchase is completed, "Waiting for Payment" is displayed, for example, as shown in the second customer area ACb-3. After the first customer's payment is completed and the system moves on to the second customer's payment, it returns to "Waiting," as shown in the second customer area ACb-1. Note that nothing may be displayed in the second customer area ACb-1.

[0074] Figure 15 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34. The payment method selection screen SDa includes a group of payment method selection buttons BDa. The group of payment method selection buttons 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] Furthermore, the payment method selection screen SDa includes the total area ADa. The total area ADa displays the total number of items and the total amount for the customer who is about to make a payment. In other words, the total purchase quantity and the total sales amount calculated based on the sales data of purchased items stored in the second transaction file 82 are displayed in the total area ADa.

[0076] After viewing the payment method selection screen SDa, customers touch the button corresponding to their desired payment method from the payment method selection button group BDa. For example, a customer who wishes to pay with cash touches the cash button. A customer who wishes to pay with a credit card touches the credit button. A customer who wishes to pay with electronic money touches the electronic money button. A customer who wishes to pay with QR code payment touches the QR code payment button. A customer who wishes to pay with a 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. If the first touch panel 32 screen is designated as the total screen SCa and the second touch panel 34 screen is designated as the payment method selection screen SDa, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT24. As ACT24, the processor 61 checks whether one of the payment method selection buttons BDa displayed on the payment method selection screen SDa has been pressed. If no button from the payment method selection button group BDa has been pressed, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT25. As ACT25, the processor 61 checks whether the toggle button BCa displayed on the total screen SCa has been pressed. If the toggle button BCa on the total screen SCa has also not been pressed, the processor 61 returns to ACT24. In this way, the processor 61 waits for either a button from the payment method selection button group BDa on the payment method selection screen SDa or a toggle button BCa on the total screen SCa to be pressed, as ACT24 and ACT25.

[0078] In the standby state of ACT24 and ACT25, when a button in the payment method selection button group BDa is pressed by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT24 to ACT30 in Figure 7. The processing from ACT30 onward will be described later.

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

[0080] Figure 16 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SCb displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment method selection screen SCb is created by placing the payment method selection button group BCb and the back button BCc in the first customer area ACa of the total screen SCa. The second customer area ACb of the total screen SCa is displayed similarly in the payment method selection screen SCb.

[0081] The payment method selection button group BCb includes the aforementioned cash button, credit button, electronic money button, code payment button, prepaid button, and points button, as well as a gift certificate button. The gift certificate button is also a software key. When paying with a gift certificate, the intervention of a store employee is required to verify 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 the 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 employee, does include a gift certificate button. The back button BCc is a software key. The back button BCc is an operator used to declare that the user is returning to the previous screen, i.e., the total screen SCa.

[0082] Figure 17 shows an example of the staff operation screen SDb displayed on the second touch panel 34. As shown in the figure, the staff operation screen SDb displays a third text TXc to notify the customer that a staff member is operating the device. Alternatively, an image indicating that a staff member is operating the device may be displayed instead of the third text TXc. Or, both the third text TXc and an image may be displayed. The main point is to notify the customer that a staff member is operating the device.

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

[0084] In the standby state of ACT28 and ACT29, when a button in the payment method selection button group BCb is pressed by a store employee via touch operation, processor 61 proceeds from ACT28 to ACT30 in Figure 7. The processing from ACT30 onward will be described later.

[0085] In contrast, when the back button BCc is pressed by the store clerk's touch operation while ACT28 and ACT29 are in standby state, 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 the screen of the second touch panel 34 to the payment method selection screen SDa. The processor 61 then waits for either a button in the payment method selection button group BDa on the payment method selection screen SDa to be pressed, or the switch button BCa on the total screen SCa to be pressed.

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

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

[0088] The change dispenser information area ADb displays the total amount, the amount inserted (i.e., the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36), and the remaining amount after subtracting the inserted amount from the total amount. The back button BDb is a software key. The back button BDb is an operator used to interrupt payment using the selected payment method and return to the state before the payment method was selected.

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

[0090] Customers who choose cash payment as their payment method insert cash into the automatic change dispenser 36. Customers who choose credit card payment have their credit card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who choose electronic money payment have their electronic money data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who choose code payment have their code payment barcode or two-dimensional data code read by the scanner of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who wish to pay with a prepaid card have their prepaid card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. Customers who wish to pay with points have their point card data read by the reader of the cashless payment terminal 37. When a customer makes such a payment operation, the processor 61 determines in ACT 31 that a payment has been received.

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

[0092] Processor 61, having executed the payment processing, proceeds to ACT34. Processor 61 determines whether the payment is complete or not as ACT34. For example, if the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36 is insufficient to cover the total amount, processor 61 determines that the payment is incomplete. Similarly, if credit card authentication fails, or if the balance of electronic money, code payment, prepaid card, accumulated points, etc., is insufficient to cover the total amount, processor 61 also determines that the payment is incomplete. If the payment is incomplete, processor 61 returns to ACT31. Processor 61 then waits for further deposits as ACT31 and ACT32, or for the back button BDb to be pressed.

[0093] When payment is incomplete, i.e., in the waiting state of ACT31 and ACT32, the customer can change the payment method. For example, if the customer selected cash payment but does not have enough cash on hand, they can change to a payment method other than cash. A customer who wishes to change to a different payment method touches the back button BDb.

[0094] In the waiting state of ACT31 and ACT32, if the back button BDb is pressed by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT32 to ACT35. As ACT35, the processor 61 checks whether the back button BDb was pressed after cash was inserted into the automatic change machine 36. If the back button BDb was pressed after cash was inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT36. As ACT36, the processor 61 stores the amount of cash inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the so-called deposit amount, in the deposit memory 85. If the back button BDb is pressed without cash being inserted into the automatic change machine 36, the processor 61 skips the processing of ACT36.

[0095] If the process in ACT36 is executed or skipped, processor 61 proceeds to ACT37. Processor 61 checks the status ST as ACT37. At this point, the status ST is either "10" or "20".

[0096] If the status ST is "10", the processor 61 returns to ACT23 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store staff, to the total screen SCa (see Figure 13), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the payment method selection screen SDa (see Figure 15). Thus, when the status ST is "10" and the customer touches the return button BDb, the payment method selection screen SDa is displayed on the second touch panel 34. Therefore, the customer just needs to touch the button for their desired payment method from the group of payment method selection buttons BDa again.

[0097] In contrast, if the status ST is "20", the processor 61 returns to ACT27 in Figure 6. That is, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the payment method selection screen SCb (see Figure 16), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the store clerk operation screen SDb (see Figure 17). Thus, when the status ST is "20" and the customer touches the return button BDb, the payment method selection screen SCb is displayed on the first touch panel 32. Therefore, the store clerk just needs to touch the button for the payment method the customer wants from the payment method selection button group BCb again.

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

[0099] Figure 19 shows an example of the payment confirmation screen SDd displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 19 shows the payment confirmation screen SDd when the cash button in either the payment method selection button group BDa or the payment method selection button group BCb is selected. The payment confirmation screen SDd includes the change machine information area ADb. In the payment support screen SDc, the change machine information area ADb displays the difference between the total amount and the amount inserted as the remaining amount, but in the payment confirmation screen SDd, it displays the difference between the amount inserted and the total amount as the change amount. The payment confirmation screen SDd also has a payment button BDc. The back button BDb, which was located on the payment support screen SDc, is not located on the payment support screen SDc. The payment button BDc is an operator used to indicate that payment has been completed. A customer who has finished paying touches the payment button BDc.

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

[0101] If the process of ACT41 is executed or skipped, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT42. The processor 61 checks whether there is change as ACT42. If cash payment is selected as the payment method and change is generated because an amount of cash exceeding the total amount has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT43. The processor 61 controls the automatic change dispenser 36 as ACT43 so that cash equivalent to the change amount is dispensed. If no change is generated, the processor 61 skips the process of ACT43.

[0102] If the process in ACT43 is executed or skipped, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT44. The processor 61 controls the output of the receipt as ACT44. That is, the processor 61 generates receipt data showing the details of the commercial transaction based on the sales data etc. stored in the second transaction file 82. The processor 61 then outputs this receipt data to the printer 56. Thus, the printer 56 operates and a paper receipt is printed and issued. If an electronic receipt ID has been entered in the input device 2, the processor 61 sends the receipt data along 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 their smartphone.

[0103] After printing the receipt, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT45. In ACT45, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for the store clerk, to the payment completion screen SCc (see Figure 20), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for the customer, to the payment completion screen SDe (see Figure 21).

[0104] Figure 20 shows an example of the payment completion screen SCc displayed on the first touch panel 32. The payment completion screen SCc overlays a pop-up window PUa on the total screen SCa to notify the store clerk that the payment has been completed. The store clerk recognizes that the customer's payment has been completed at the payment device 3 when this pop-up window PUa is displayed.

[0105] Figure 21 shows an example of the payment completion screen SDe displayed on the second touch panel 34. Figure 21 shows the payment completion screen SDe when the cash button is selected from the payment method selection button group BDa or payment method selection button group BCb. The payment completion screen SDe displays a fourth text TXd along with the change machine information area ADb, informing the customer that they have not forgotten their receipt and change. If the receipt is issued as an electronic receipt, the fourth text TXd changes to, for example, "Please take your change. Please check your electronic receipt." After the customer has confirmed the contents displayed on the payment completion screen SDe, they take the paper receipt if one is issued from the printer 35. They also take the cash if the amount deposited or the change is dispensed from the automatic change machine 36.

[0106] Let's return to the explanation of Figure 7. When the processor 61 sets 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, it proceeds to ACT46. As ACT46, the processor 61 clears the second transaction file 82. Also as ACT47, the processor 61 resets the payment in progress flag F to "0". Furthermore, as ACT48, the processor 61 sets the payment status ST to "00". With this, the processor 61 finishes the second information processing. Thus, the payment of the first customer is processed at the settlement device 3. Then, when the payment in progress flag F is set to "1" again at ACT14 in Figure 5, the processor 61 repeatedly executes the second information processing described above. Thus, the payment of the second customer is processed at the settlement device 3. Thereafter, the payments of the third, fourth, and subsequent customers are processed sequentially at the settlement device 3 in the same manner.

[0107] Here, the processor 61 realizes the function of selection acceptance means 91 through processing of ACT23 and ACT24, or ACT27 and ACT28. The processor 61 realizes the function of settlement means 92 through processing of ACT33 to ACT45. The processor 61 realizes the function of interruption acceptance means 93 through processing of ACT32. The processor 61 realizes the function of control means 94 through processing of ACT35, ACT36, ACT40 and ACT41.

[0108] [Explanation of the operation and effects of payment devices] For example, if a customer making a purchase of goods for a settlement amount of 1,230 yen operates the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 and selects cash as the payment method, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the cash payment support screen SDc. At this point, if the customer inserts a 100 yen coin into the automatic change machine 36 and then touches the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc, the screen of the second touch panel 34 returns from the payment support screen SDc to the payment method selection screen SDa. At this time, the 100 yen coin inserted by the customer is not refunded by the automatic change machine 36. 100 yen is stored as the deposit amount in the deposit memory 85.

[0109] Incidentally, when the screen of the second touch panel 34 returns from the payment support screen SDc to the payment method selection screen SDa, a 100 yen coin is dispensed from the automatic change dispenser 36, and the customer collects that 100 yen coin. This action by the customer is the same as the action taken when change is dispensed from the automatic change dispenser 36. Therefore, even if a customer commits fraud by making it appear as if they have received change from the automatic change dispenser 36 and leaving without settling the transaction, the store clerk may not notice because they were operating the input device 2. In this embodiment, since no cash is dispensed from the automatic change dispenser 36 when the screen of the second touch panel 34 returns from the payment support screen SDc to the payment method selection screen SDa, the above-mentioned fraudulent act can be prevented.

[0110] Now, the customer who touches the back button BDb operates the payment method selection screen SDa and selects a payment method other than cash, such as electronic money. The customer then has the cashless payment terminal 37's reader read the data on the electronic money medium. At this time, if the electronic money balance is 1,230 yen or more, the electronic money payment process is executed. As a result, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen for electronic money payments to the payment confirmation screen for electronic money payments, so the customer touches the payment button BDc. Thus, the transaction with the customer is settled using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction by operating the back button BDb. At this time, in response to the input of the payment button BDc, cash equivalent to the deposit amount of 100 yen stored in the deposit memory 85 is dispensed from the automatic change dispenser 36. Therefore, the customer can recover the cash that was put into the automatic change dispenser 36 before the payment interruption instruction.

[0111] Incidentally, the back button BDb displayed on the payment support screen SDc disappears once payment is complete and the second touch panel 34 transitions to the payment confirmation screen SDd. In other words, the back button BDb becomes inactive. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent fraudulent activity where a customer operates the back button BDb after completing payment to have the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 refunded, making it appear as if change has been dispensed, and then leaves without settling the transaction.

[0112] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 22 to 24. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the product sales system 1 and the configuration of the payment device 3 are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will use Figures 1 and 2 as they are and omit the explanation here.

[0113] [Description of payment device functions] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 61 of the payment device 3 in the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the processor 61 has the function of a guidance means 95 in addition to the selection acceptance means 91, payment means 92, interruption acceptance means 93, and control means 94 described in the first embodiment.

[0114] The guidance means 95, upon receiving a payment interruption instruction from the interruption reception means 93, is a function for informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. The guidance means 95 informs the customer by displaying on the second touch panel 34, which is a customer display unit, that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until payment is made using another payment method. If the payment device 3 has a voice output function, for example, the guidance means 95 may also inform the customer by outputting a voice message that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until payment is made using another payment method.

[0115] Furthermore, the function of the guidance means 95 is also realized by information processing performed by the processor 61 in accordance with the business program.

[0116] [Explanation of information processing for payment devices] In the second embodiment, the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the second information processing is also the same as in the first embodiment until a payment method is selected by an operation on the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34, which is the customer display unit, or the payment method selection screen SCb displayed on the first touch panel 32, which is the employee display unit.Therefore, we will use Figures 5 and 6 as they are and omit further explanation here.

[0117] Figure 23 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 after a payment method is selected by an operation on the payment method selection screen SDa or the payment method selection screen SCb in the second embodiment. Steps of information processing that are common to the second information processing in the first embodiment shown in Figure 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0118] As is clear from comparing Figure 7 and Figure 23, the difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment lies in what happens after the processing of ACT36. That is, after cash is inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 and the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc is pressed, the processor 61 stores the deposited amount in the deposit memory 85 as ACT36, and then proceeds to ACT51. As ACT51, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store staff, to the total screen SCa (see Figure 13), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, to the refund confirmation screen SDf (see Figure 24).

[0119] Figure 24 shows an example of a refund confirmation screen SDf displayed on the second touch panel 34. The refund confirmation screen SDf displays a pop-up window PUb overlaid on the payment support screen SDc. The pop-up window PUb displays text informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. A confirmation button BDd is placed in the pop-up window PUb. The confirmation button BDd is a software key. After the customer has seen the text in the pop-up window PUb, they touch the confirmation button BDd.

[0120] After displaying the refund confirmation screen SDf on the second touch panel 34, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 52. The processor 61 waits for the confirmation button BDd to be input as ACT 52. When the confirmation button BDd is input by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT 52 to ACT 37. Thereafter, the processor 61 performs the information processing from ACT 37 onward in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0121] Here, the processor 61 realizes its function as a guide means 95 through the processing of ACT 51.

[0122] [Explanation of the operation and effects of payment devices] For example, if a customer making a purchase with a payment amount of 1,230 yen operates the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 and selects cash as the payment method, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the payment support screen SDc. At this point, if the customer inserts a 100 yen coin into the automatic change dispenser 36 and then touches the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen SDc to the refund confirmation screen SDf. In this case, the 100 yen coin inserted by the customer is not refunded by the automatic change dispenser 36. 100 yen is stored as the deposit amount in the deposit memory 85.

[0123] When the customer touches the confirmation button BDd on the refund confirmation screen SDf, the screen of the second touch panel 34 returns from the refund confirmation screen SDf to the payment method selection screen SDa. Even at this time, the 100 yen coin inserted by the customer is not refunded from the automatic change machine 36. The 100 yen coin is refunded from the automatic change machine 36 only after a payment method other than cash is selected and the payment has been made using that method. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts in which customers leave without settling the transaction by making it appear as if cash has been dispensed from the automatic change machine 36.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the customer touches the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen SDc to the refund confirmation screen SDf. The refund confirmation screen SDf displays text informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. Therefore, the customer can be assured that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded at the time they touch the back button BDb, and can confidently change their payment method from cash to another payment method.

[0125] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 25 to 28. In the third embodiment, the configuration of the product sales system 1 and the configuration of the payment device 3 are the same as in the first embodiment, so we will use Figures 1 and 2 as they are and omit the explanation here.

[0126] [Description of payment device functions] Figure 25 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the processor 61 of the payment device 3 in the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, in addition to the selection receiving means 91, payment means 92, and interruption receiving means 93 described in the first embodiment, the processor 61 also has the functions of a control means 96 and a guidance means 97.

[0127] The control means 96 has the function of controlling the automatic change dispenser 36 via the change dispenser interface 69, which is a communication means, as follows: The control means 96 does not refund the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 when it receives a payment interruption instruction from the interruption reception means 93, but controls the automatic change dispenser 36 to refund the cash when a payment method other than cash is selected after the payment interruption instruction.

[0128] The guidance means 97, upon receiving a payment interruption instruction from the interruption reception means 93, has the function of informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected. The guidance means 97 informs the customer by displaying on the second touch panel 34, which is a customer display unit, that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected. If the payment device 3 has a voice output function, for example, the guidance means 97 may also inform the customer by outputting a voice message that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected.

[0129] Furthermore, the functions of the control means 96 and the guidance means 97 are also realized by information processing performed by the processor 61 in accordance with the business program.

[0130] [Explanation of information processing for payment devices] In the third embodiment, the first information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 is the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, we will use Figure 5 as is and omit further explanation here.

[0131] Figures 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the main steps of the second information processing performed by the processor 61 of the payment device 3 according to the business program in the third embodiment. Steps of information processing that are common to the second information processing in the first embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0132] As is clear from comparing Figure 6 and Figure 7, one of the differences between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is the processing after a payment method is selected in ACT24 or ACT28. That is, once a payment method is selected in ACT24 or ACT28, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT61. The processor 61 checks whether cash has been selected as the payment method in ACT61. There are In this case, processor 61 proceeds from ACT61 to ACT30 in Figure 27.

[0133] Cash as a payment method other than If selected, the processor proceeds from ACT61 to ACT62. Processor 61 checks whether the deposit amount is stored in the deposit memory 85 as ACT62. If the deposit amount is not stored, processor 61 proceeds from ACT62 to ACT30 in Figure 27.

[0134] If the deposit amount is stored in the deposit memory 85, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT 62 to ACT 63. In ACT 63, the processor 61 controls the automatic change dispenser 36 so that cash equivalent to the deposit amount is dispensed. After that, the processor 61 proceeds to ACT 30 in Figure 27.

[0135] Thus, the processor 61, having proceeded to ACT30, executes processing substantially the same as the processing from ACT30 onward in the second information processing in the second embodiment. That is, when the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc is pressed after cash has been inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36, the processor 61 stores the deposited amount in the deposit memory 85 as ACT36, and then proceeds to ACT64. As ACT64, the processor 61 sets the screen of the first touch panel 32, which is the display unit for store staff, to the total screen SCa (see Figure 13), and the screen of the second touch panel 34, which is the display unit for customers, to the refund confirmation screen SDg (see Figure 28).

[0136] Figure 28 shows an example of the refund confirmation screen SDg displayed on the second touch panel 34. The refund confirmation screen SDg displays a pop-up window PUc overlaid on the payment support screen SDc. The pop-up window PUc displays text informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected after the payment interruption instruction. A confirmation button BDd is placed in the pop-up window PUc. The confirmation button BDd is a software key. After the customer has seen the text in the pop-up window PUc, they touch the confirmation button BDd.

[0137] After the processor 61 displays the refund confirmation screen SDf on the second touch panel 34, it proceeds to ACT 65. The processor 61 waits for the confirmation button BDd to be input as ACT 65. When the confirmation button BDd is input by the customer's touch operation, the processor 61 proceeds from ACT 65 to ACT 37. Thereafter, the processor 61 performs information processing from ACT 37 onward in substantially the same manner as in the first or second embodiment.

[0138] However, in the first or second embodiment, when the payment button BDc is pressed by the customer's touch operation in ACT39, the processor 61 executes the processes of ACT40 and ACT41. In the third embodiment, the processor 61 skips the processes of ACT40 and ACT41. The processor 61 proceeds from ACT39 to ACT42. Thereafter, the processor 61 executes the processes from ACT42 onward in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment.

[0139] Here, the processor 61 realizes its function as a control means 96 through the processing of ACT35, ACT36, and ACT61 to ACT63. The processor 61 realizes its function as a guidance means 97 through the processing of ACT64.

[0140] [Explanation of the operation and effects of payment devices] For example, if a customer making a purchase of goods for a settlement amount of 1,230 yen operates the payment method selection screen SDa displayed on the second touch panel 34 and selects cash as the payment method, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment method selection screen SDa to the payment support screen SDc. At this point, if the customer inserts a 100 yen coin into the automatic change dispenser 36 and then touches the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc, the screen on the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen SDc to the refund confirmation screen SDg. At this time, the 100 yen coin inserted by the customer is not refunded by the automatic change dispenser 36. 100 yen is stored as the deposit amount in the deposit memory 85.

[0141] When the customer touches the confirmation button BDd on the refund confirmation screen SDg, the screen of the second touch panel 34 returns from the refund confirmation screen SDf to the payment method selection screen SDa. Even at this time, the 100 yen coin inserted by the customer is not refunded from the automatic change machine 36. The 100 yen coin is refunded from the automatic change machine 36 only after a payment method other than cash is selected. Therefore, in the third embodiment as well, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts in which customers leave without settling the transaction by making it appear as if they have received change from the cash dispensed by the automatic change machine 36.

[0142] Furthermore, in the third embodiment as well, when the customer touches the back button BDb on the payment support screen SDc, the screen of the second touch panel 34 transitions from the payment support screen SDc to the refund confirmation screen SDg. The refund confirmation screen SDg displays text informing the customer that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded until another payment method other than cash is selected after the payment interruption instruction. Therefore, the customer can be assured that the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36 will not be refunded when they touch the back button BDb, and can confidently change their payment method from cash to another payment method.

[0143] [Other embodiments] In the first to third embodiments, after the interruption receiving means 93 receives a payment interruption instruction, if the selection receiving means 91 receives an instruction from a store clerk to select one of the payment methods through an operation on the first touch panel 32, which is a display unit for store clerks, the control means 94 or control means 96 may immediately refund the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36. When a store clerk selects a payment method, the clerk is face-to-face with the customer in the process of payment. Therefore, it is difficult for the customer to commit fraud by leaving without settling the transaction. Consequently, there is no problem with the control means 96 immediately refunding the cash inserted into the automatic change dispenser 36.

[0144] In the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the effect of preventing fraudulent activity can be achieved even if the processes of ACT64 and ACT65 in Figure 27 are omitted.

[0145] The payment device is not limited to the payment device 3 shown in Figure 1. Each embodiment can also be applied to payment devices that allow customers to deposit the necessary funds for transaction settlement themselves, such as fully self-service payment devices where customers handle everything from inputting information about purchased items to making the payment themselves.

[0146] Furthermore, the payment device 3 shown in Figure 1 generates and registers sales data for purchased products based on information about purchased products, such as product codes, entered by the input device 2. Other payment devices include a keyboard 31 operated by a store employee, a first touch panel 32, or a handheld scanner 33 as input devices. These input devices receive information about purchased products, such as product codes, and generate and register sales data for purchased products based on that information. On the other hand, the payment of the amount necessary for settling the transaction is made by the customer themselves operating the second touch panel 34, printer 35, automatic change dispenser 36, or cashless payment terminal 37, similar to the first to third embodiments. In other words, it may be a payment device referred to as a face-to-face POS terminal, etc.

[0147] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A settlement device comprising: communication means for communicating with a change dispenser; selection receiving means for receiving instructions to select one of several payment methods, including cash; settlement means for settling a transaction when payment is completed using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; interruption receiving means for receiving instructions to interrupt payment using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; and control means for controlling the change dispenser so that it does not refund the cash inserted into the change dispenser at the time the interruption receiving means receives an instruction to interrupt payment, but refunds the cash when payment is made using the selected payment method after the instruction to interrupt payment. [2] The payment device as described in Appendix [1], further comprising: a guidance means that, upon receiving a payment interruption instruction via the interruption receiving means, provides information that the cash inserted into the change dispenser will not be refunded until the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. [3] A settlement device comprising: communication means for communicating with a change dispenser; selection receiving means for receiving instructions to select one of several payment methods, including cash; settlement means for settling a transaction when payment is completed using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; interruption receiving means for receiving instructions to interrupt payment using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; and control means for controlling the change dispenser so that it does not refund the cash inserted into the change dispenser when it receives an interruption instruction from the interruption receiving means, but refunds the cash when a payment method other than cash is selected after the interruption instruction. [4] The payment device as described in Appendix [3], further comprising a guidance means that, upon receiving a payment interruption instruction via the interruption reception means, informs the user that the cash inserted into the change dispenser will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected. [5] The interruption acceptance means is valid until payment is completed using the payment method accepted by the selection acceptance means, and becomes invalid once payment is completed, the payment device according to any one of the appendices [1] to [4]. [6] A program for causing a computer in a payment device equipped with communication means for communicating with a change dispenser to function as: a selection receiving means for receiving instructions to select one of several payment methods, including cash; a payment means for settling a transaction when payment is completed using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; an interruption receiving means for receiving instructions to interrupt payment using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; and a control means for controlling the change dispenser so that it does not refund the cash inserted into the change dispenser at the time the interruption receiving means receives an instruction to interrupt payment, but refunds the cash when payment is made using the selected payment method after the instruction to interrupt payment. [7] A program to cause the computer of a payment device equipped with communication means for communicating with a change dispenser to function as: a selection receiving means that receives an instruction to select one of several payment methods, including cash; a payment means that settles a transaction when payment is completed using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; an interruption receiving means that receives an instruction to interrupt payment using the payment method received by the selection receiving means; and a control means that controls the change dispenser so as not to refund the cash inserted into the change dispenser when an interruption instruction is received by the interruption receiving means, and to refund the cash when a payment method other than cash is selected after the interruption instruction. . [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 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, 68…Printer input 69...Cash dispenser 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, 85...Deposit memory, 91...Selection acceptance means, 92...Payment means, 93...Interruption acceptance means, 94,96...Control means, 95,97...Guidance means, SCa...Total screen, SCb...Payment method selection screen, SCc...Payment completion screen, SDa...Payment method selection screen, SDb...Clerk operation screen, SDc...Payment support screen, SDd...Payment confirmation screen, SDe...Payment completion screen, SDf,SDg...Refund confirmation screen.

Claims

1. A means of communication with the change dispenser, A selection acceptance mechanism that accepts instructions to choose one of several payment methods, including cash, A settlement means that settles a transaction upon completion of payment using the payment method accepted by the aforementioned selection acceptance means, An interruption reception means that receives an instruction to interrupt payment of the payment method received by the aforementioned selection reception means, A control means controls the change dispenser such that when a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption receiving means, the change dispenser does not refund the cash inserted into the dispenser, but when the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction, the change dispenser is refunded. When the interruption receiving means receives a payment interruption instruction, the guidance means provides information that the cash inserted into the change machine will not be refunded until the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. A payment device equipped with the following features.

2. A means of communication with the change dispenser, A selection acceptance mechanism that accepts instructions to choose one of several payment methods, including cash, A settlement means that settles a transaction upon completion of payment using the payment method accepted by the aforementioned selection acceptance means, An interruption reception means that receives an instruction to interrupt payment of the payment method received by the aforementioned selection reception means, A control means controls the change machine so that when a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption receiving means, the change machine does not refund the cash inserted into the machine, but when a payment method other than cash is selected after the payment interruption instruction, the change machine refunds the cash. When a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption acceptance means, a guidance means provides information that the cash inserted into the change machine will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected. A payment device equipped with the following features.

3. The payment device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interruption acceptance means remains valid until payment is completed using the payment method accepted by the selection acceptance means, and becomes invalid once payment is completed.

4. A computer in a payment device equipped with a communication means for communicating with a change dispenser, A selection acceptance device that accepts instructions to choose one of several payment methods, including cash. A payment means that settles a transaction upon completion of payment using the payment method accepted by the aforementioned selection acceptance means. An interruption reception means that receives an instruction to interrupt payment of the payment method received by the aforementioned selection reception means, A control means that controls the change dispenser so that when a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption receiving means, the change dispenser does not refund the cash inserted into the dispenser, but refunds the cash when the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction, and When the interruption receiving means receives a payment interruption instruction, the guidance means provides information that the cash inserted into the change machine will not be refunded until the payment is made using the payment method selected after the payment interruption instruction. A program designed to function as such.

5. A computer in a payment device equipped with a communication means for communicating with a change dispenser, A selection acceptance device that accepts instructions to choose one of several payment methods, including cash. A payment means that settles a transaction upon completion of payment using the payment method accepted by the aforementioned selection acceptance means. An interruption reception means that receives an instruction to interrupt payment of the payment method received by the aforementioned selection reception means, A control means that controls the change dispenser so as not to refund the cash inserted when a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption receiving means, and to refund the cash when a payment method other than cash is selected after the payment interruption instruction, and When a payment interruption instruction is received by the interruption acceptance means, a guidance means provides information that the cash inserted into the change machine will not be refunded until a payment method other than cash is selected. A program designed to function as such.

Images