Settlement device, settlement program, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

A payment device, a payment program, and a computer-readable storage medium, which can perform payment as a commodity transaction, including not only a commodity that has been self-registered by an information terminal, but also a commodity that has been additionally registered by the payment device. The settlement device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a settlement unit. The first acquisition unit acquires product information on the basis of product-related data input via an input device. The second acquisition unit acquires, from the external system, information of the product stored on the basis of data relating to the product input via the information terminal. The settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the commodity acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device, a settlement program and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In stores where goods are displayed, there is a self-service registration system that allows customers to register the goods they want to buy by themselves using information terminals such as smartphones and tablet terminals, thereby eliminating the need for product registration operations at checkout. When customers using this system finish shopping at the store, they operate the information terminal to declare the checkout. Through this operation, since a checkout code consisting of a barcode or a QR code is displayed on the display device of the information terminal, the customer moves to the checkout location and reads the checkout code through a scanner set on the settlement device. In this way, since the data of the goods that have been self-registered by the information terminal is downloaded to the settlement device to calculate the price of the goods, the customer will pay the price of the goods.

[0003] In the existing self-registration system of this type, additional product registration cannot be performed in the settlement device that has downloaded the data of the products that have been self-registered by the information terminal. Therefore, for example, when the customer notices that there is a product that he forgot to buy after the checkout announcement, he performs the operation of canceling the checkout announcement on the information terminal to return the information terminal to the state before the checkout announcement. After that, the customer performs the operation of registering the additional products to be purchased in the information terminal and performs the operation of the checkout announcement again. In this way, when adding products after the checkout announcement, the operation of the information terminal is complicated and troublesome, the operability is poor, and it takes useless time.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-113548 Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a settlement device, which includes not only commodities that have been self-registered by an information terminal, but also commodities that have been additionally registered by the settlement device, and can be settled as a commodity transaction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the self-service registration system according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of an information terminal.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the main data structures stored in a shopping file.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a POS terminal.

[0012] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the main data structures stored in transaction files.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by a processor of an information terminal according to a self-service program.

[0014] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the shopping start notification command reception process executed by the terminal controller.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the start registration notification command reception process executed by the terminal controller.

[0016] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the transaction notification command reception process executed by the terminal controller.

[0017] Fig.10 This is a flowchart showing the first half of the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal according to the settlement program.

[0018] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing the second half of the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal according to the settlement program.

[0019] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the inquiry command reception process executed by the terminal controller.

[0020] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration details screen displayed on the display device of the POS terminal.

[0021] Fig.14 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the processor of the POS terminal in the second embodiment.

[0022] Fig.15 1 is a flowchart showing the first half of the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal according to the settlement program in the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the processor of the POS terminal in the third embodiment.

[0024] Fig.171 is a flowchart showing the first half of the main steps of information processing executed by the processor of the POS terminal according to the settlement program in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In one embodiment, the settlement device includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit and a settlement unit. The first acquisition unit acquires information about the commodity based on data related to the commodity input via an input device. The second acquisition unit acquires information about the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via an information terminal from an external system. The settlement unit performs settlement based on the information about the commodity acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

[0026] An embodiment of a self-service registration system including a settlement device that can settle not only commodities registered by an information terminal but also commodities additionally registered by the settlement device as one transaction will be described below using drawings.

[0027] [First embodiment]

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of the self-service registration system 100 of this embodiment. The self-service registration system 100 includes an information terminal 10 for self-service registration, a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal 20 that functions as a settlement device for self-service registration, a store server 30, and a terminal controller 40. The POS terminal 20, the store server 30, and the terminal controller 40 are connected to each other via a communication network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) for bidirectional communication.

[0029] A plurality of POS terminals 20 and a store server 30 are connected via a communication network 50 to form a well-known POS system. That is, the POS terminal 20 is an information processing terminal having a function of registering goods and a function of settling goods transactions. The store server 30 is a computer that provides services for centrally controlling the function of registering goods and the function of settling goods transactions of each POS terminal 20. For this service, the store server 30 has a product database 31. The product database 31 is a collection of product records made for each product. A product record is a product record in which product data such as a product code, a product name, and a price are set as one record. The product code is a unique code set for each product in order to identify each product separately. The product name and price are the sales name and unit price of the product identified by the corresponding product code. When the product code is input via the input device of the POS terminal 20, the store server 30 provides the POS terminal 20 with a product record containing the product code. The POS terminal 20 registers and processes the product sales data based on the product data in the product record. The store server 30 manages information such as sales volume and inventory at the time of product sales in real time based on the product sales data registered and processed by each POS terminal 20. Since the functions of such a POS system are well known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0030] The communication network 50 is also connected to an access point 60. The access point 60 is set in a store where goods are displayed. A plurality of access points 60 can be dispersedly set in the store. The information terminal 10 is a small communication terminal used by customers to register goods to be purchased. When a customer uses the information terminal 10 in the store, the information terminal 10 can communicate data with the terminal controller 40 connected to the communication network 50 via the access point 60.

[0031] The information terminal 10 may be a smart phone owned by the customer, or a portable terminal or tablet terminal lent to the customer by the store. In the case of a tablet terminal, it is conceivable that the terminal is mounted on a shopping cart and lent to the customer. In the case of a smart phone or a portable terminal, it is conceivable that the customer uses the terminal by holding it in his hand or placing it on the terminal placement portion of the shopping cart.

[0032] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of the information terminal 10. Figure 2As shown, the information terminal 10 includes a processor 11, an internal memory 12, an external memory 13, a touch panel 14, a camera 15, a wireless unit 16, and a system transmission line 17. The system transmission line 17 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The information terminal 10 connects the processor 11, the internal memory 12, the external memory 13, the touch panel 14, the camera 15, and the wireless unit 16 to the system transmission line 17. In the information terminal 10, a computer is composed of the processor 11, the internal memory 12 and the external memory 13, and the system transmission line 17 connecting them.

[0033] The processor 11 is equivalent to the central part of the above-mentioned computer. The processor 11 controls each part according to the operating system or application program (application software) to realize various functions as the information terminal 10. The processor 11 can be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application-specific integrated circuit (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (Complex Programmable Logic Device: CPLD), a field programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array: FPGA) and other processing circuits. The processor 11 is not limited to being configured as a single processing circuit, and a plurality of processing circuits can be combined to form the processor 11. It should be noted that the same is true for other processors in this embodiment.

[0034] The internal memory 12 can be a volatile memory (random access memory) or a non-volatile memory (read-only memory, non-volatile random access memory). The internal memory 12 stores information processing programs and data required for information processing. The processor 11 implements the specified function by reading and executing the program stored in the internal memory 12. It should be noted that it can also be configured so that instead of storing the program in the internal memory 12, the program is directly assembled into the processor 11. In this case, the processor 11 implements the specified function by reading and executing the program assembled inside. In addition, the specified function can be implemented not only by the processor 11 executing the program, but also by a combination of logic circuits. It should be noted that the same is true for other main memories in this embodiment.

[0035] The external memory 13 is equivalent to the auxiliary storage part of the above-mentioned computer. For example, an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc. can be the external memory 13. The external memory 13 stores data used when the processor 11 performs various processes, or data generated by the processing of the processor 11. The external memory 13 sometimes also stores the above-mentioned application program.

[0036] The touch panel 14 is a display device that can display display elements composed of characters, symbols, images, etc. The touch panel 14 is also an input device that detects a touch operation position on the display with a sensor and processes the display element as an input of the position.

[0037] The camera 15 is an imaging device built into the information terminal 10. The processor 11 has a function as a reading unit that reads a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code from an image captured by the camera 15. Many products are attached with a barcode that represents a product code using a predetermined barcode system. That is, the processor 11 can obtain the product code of the product facing the camera 15 by reading the barcode attached to the product from the image captured by the camera 15.

[0038] The wireless unit 16 is a communication device that performs data communication with the access point 60 according to the communication protocol of the wireless LAN.

[0039] The information terminal 10 of this configuration stores the terminal ID in the nonvolatile memory area of ​​the internal memory 12. The terminal ID is a unique identifier set for each information terminal 10 in order to individually identify the information terminal 10. The terminal ID may also be stored in the external memory 13.

[0040] In addition, the information terminal 10 stores a self-service program 131 in the external memory 13. The self-service registration program 131 is an application software for self-service registration of goods using the information terminal 10. In other words, by installing the self-service registration program 131 on a communication terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal, the communication terminal can be used as an information terminal 10 for self-service registration. The self-service registration program 131 can also be stored in the internal memory 12.

[0041] return Figure 1 Description.

[0042] The terminal controller 40 is a computer device for supporting the self-registration function of the information terminal 10. For this support, the terminal controller 40 creates a shopping file 41 for each information terminal 10. The terminal controller 40 also has a function of storing the data of the commodities self-registered by the information terminal 10 in the shopping file 41, and transferring the data of the shopping file 41 to the POS terminal 20 as a settlement device when a checkout declaration is made in the information terminal 10.

[0043] Figure 3 4 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the shopping file 41. Figure 3 As shown, the shopping file 41 stores data such as the terminal ID, registered product data, the total number of items, the total amount, the checkout code, and a deletion flag.

[0044] As described above, the terminal ID is an identifier of the information terminal 10. The registered product data is data generated for each product that is self-registered in the information terminal 10 identified by the terminal ID. The registered product data includes items such as product code, product name, price, number of pieces, and amount. The number of pieces is the number of registered pieces of the same product. The amount is the amount corresponding to the number of registered pieces. The shopping file 41 can store multiple registered product data. The total number of pieces is the number of pieces obtained by adding up the number of registered pieces of each registered product data. The total amount is the amount obtained by adding up the registered amounts of each registered product data.

[0045] The transaction code is a unique code generated when a transaction is made in the information terminal 10 identified by the terminal ID. A machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code representing the transaction code is displayed on the display device of the information terminal 10.

[0046] The deletion flag is a one-bit data for identifying whether the shopping file 41 is in the deleted state. The shopping file 41 becomes deleted when the payment for the commodity specified by the registered commodity data is paid and the settlement is completed. In this embodiment, the deletion flag of the deleted state is set to "1", and the deletion flag of the non-deleted state is set to "0".

[0047] Figure 4 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of the POS terminal 20. Figure 4 As shown, the POS terminal 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a clock 24, a communication interface 25, a change machine interface 26, a plurality of device interfaces 271 to 275, and a system transmission line 28. The system transmission line 28 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The POS terminal 20 is configured as a computer by connecting the processor 21 with the main memory 22, the auxiliary storage device 23, the clock 24, the communication interface 25, the change machine interface 26, and a plurality of device interfaces 271 to 275 through the system transmission line 28. Then, various devices such as a touch panel 71, a keyboard 72, a scanner 73, a printer 74, and a card reader 75 are respectively connected to each device interface 271 to 275 of the computer.

[0048] The processor 21 corresponds to the core part of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part according to the operating system or application program to realize various functions of the POS terminal 20. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0049] The main memory 22 is equivalent to the main storage part of the above-mentioned computer. The main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 22 can store data required for the processor 21 to perform processing for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses the volatile memory area as a work area for the processor 21 to rewrite data as appropriate. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0050] The auxiliary storage device 23 is equivalent to the auxiliary storage part of the above-mentioned computer. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 23. The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used when the processor 21 performs various processes, or data generated by the processing of the processor 21. The auxiliary storage device 23 can also store the above-mentioned application program.

[0051] The clock 24 keeps time of date and time. The processor 21 processes the date and time kept by the clock 24 as the current date and time.

[0052] The communication interface 25 is a circuit for performing data communication with an external device connected via the communication network 50. The external device is the store server 30 or the terminal controller 40. The external device may be a computer device other than the store server 30 and the terminal controller 40.

[0053] The change machine interface 26 is a circuit for data communication with an automatic change machine (not shown). For example, the change machine interface 26 receives input amount data from the automatic change machine, which is the total amount of banknotes or coins inserted into the automatic change machine. In addition, the change machine interface 26 sends the change data of the change amount calculated based on the input amount and the payment amount to the automatic change machine. In the automatic change machine that receives the change data, the banknotes or coins equivalent to the change amount are paid out.

[0054] The device interface 271 is a circuit for data communication with the touch panel 71. The touch panel 71 is a display device that can display display elements composed of characters, symbols, images, etc. on the display. In addition, the touch panel 71 is also an input device that detects the touch operation position on the display with a sensor and processes the display element as having input the position.

[0055] The device interface 272 is a circuit for data communication with the keyboard 72. The keyboard 72 is an input device configured with various keys required for the POS terminal 20, such as numeric keys, PLU (Price LookUp) key, subtotal key, total key, cancel key, clear key, etc., and processes key signals after input operations.

[0056] The device interface 273 is a circuit for data communication with the scanner 73. The scanner 73 is an optical input device that scans a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code with light to read it. The scanner 73 may be a camera input device that reads a machine-readable code from an image captured by a camera. The scanner 73 can read not only a machine-readable code attached to a product, but also a machine-readable code displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10.

[0057] The device interface 274 is a circuit for data communication with the printer 74. The printer 74 is a printing device that prints data related to commodity transactions on paper media and issues tickets, receipts, warranties, etc.

[0058] The device interface 275 is a circuit for data communication with the card reader 75. The card reader 75 is an input device that reads data from a card medium such as a credit card, an electronic money card, a point card, and processes the read card data. The card reader 75 can be a magnetic card reader corresponding to a magnetic card, or an IC card reader corresponding to an IC card. In addition, a magnetic card reader and an IC card reader can be used together. The IC card reader can be a contactless IC card reader or a contact IC card reader. In addition, the card reader can also be a card reader / writer with a data writing function.

[0059] The POS terminal 20 of such a configuration uses a part of the volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 22 as an area for the transaction file 81. The transaction file 81 is a data file for storing data related to a commodity transaction processed by the POS terminal 20.

[0060] Figure 5 81 is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure stored in the transaction file 81. Figure 5 As shown, the transaction file 81 stores data such as the transaction number, purchased product data, total number of items, total amount, discount amount, and settlement amount.

[0061] The transaction number is a serial number issued every time a commodity transaction is processed in the POS terminal 20. The purchased commodity data is record data created for each commodity bought and sold in the commodity transaction identified by the transaction number.

[0062] The purchased commodity data is composed of items such as commodity code, commodity name, price, number of pieces, amount, category flag, etc. The number of pieces is the number of purchased pieces of the commodity identified by the commodity code. The amount is the amount corresponding to the number of purchased pieces. The category flag is a one-bit data for identifying whether the purchased commodity data is the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20 or the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 by itself. In this embodiment, the category flag indicating the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20 is set to "0", and the category flag indicating the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 by itself is set to "1".

[0063] The transaction file 81 can store a plurality of purchased commodity data. Specifically, the transaction file 81 can store the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20 and the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 as one transaction amount of purchased commodity data. The storage of such data is equivalent to the case where the commodity transaction of the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20 is added to the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 by the information terminal 10. In addition, the transaction file 81 can also store only the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20, or only the purchased commodity data of the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 by the information terminal 10. The former is equivalent to the case where the transaction of the commodity registered by the POS terminal 20 is processed only, and the latter is equivalent to the case where the transaction of the commodity registered by the information terminal 10 is processed only.

[0064] The total number is the number of items obtained by adding up the number of items in each purchased product data. The total amount is the amount obtained by adding up the amounts in each purchased product data. The discount amount is the amount obtained by reducing the total amount. The settlement amount is the amount obtained by subtracting the discount amount from the total amount.

[0065] In order for the POS terminal 20 to operate as a settlement device of the self-checkout system, the processor 21 has functions as a first acquisition unit 211 , a second acquisition unit 212 , a settlement unit 213 , a receiving unit 214 , and a display unit 215 .

[0066] The first acquisition unit 211 has a function of acquiring product information based on data related to a product inputted via an input device such as the keyboard 72 or the scanner 73. That is, the product information acquired by the first acquisition unit 211 is purchased product data of the product registered by the POS terminal 20.

[0067] The second acquisition unit 212 has a function of acquiring product information stored based on product-related data inputted through the information terminal 10 from the external system, ie, the terminal controller 40. That is, the product information acquired by the second acquisition unit 212 is registered product data of products registered in the information terminal 10 by themselves.

[0068] The settlement unit 213 has a function of performing settlement based on the commodity information obtained by the first acquisition unit 211 and the second acquisition unit 212. Specifically, the settlement unit calculates the settlement amount of the commodity transaction based on the commodity information obtained by the first acquisition unit 211 and the second acquisition unit 212, accepts payment of the goods equivalent to the settlement amount, and settles the commodity transaction.

[0069] The receiving unit 214 has a function of receiving a transaction code, which is identification information for identifying information of a commodity acquired from an external system. In addition, the settlement unit 213 settles the commodity transaction based on the transaction code received by the receiving unit 214.

[0070] The display unit 215 has a function of displaying the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit 211 and the information of the product acquired by the second acquisition unit 212 in a identifiable manner. For example, when the display unit 215 displays the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit 211 and the information of the product acquired by the second acquisition unit 212 on one screen, a mark not included in the information of the product of the other party is added to the information of the product of one party so that the information of the product of the other party can be displayed in an identifiable manner. Alternatively, when the display unit 215 displays the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit 211 and the information of the product acquired by the second acquisition unit 212 on one screen, the information of the product of one party and the information of the product of the other party are displayed in a distinguishable manner on one screen so that the information of the product of the other party can be distinguished.

[0071] The functions of the first acquisition unit 211, the second acquisition unit 212, the settlement unit 213, the receiving unit 214, and the display unit 215 are realized by the information processing performed by the processor 21 according to the settlement program 231. The settlement program 231 is installed in the auxiliary storage device 23. The settlement program 231 may also be installed in the main memory 22. The method of installing the settlement program 231 in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 is not particularly limited. The settlement program 231 may be recorded in a removable storage medium, or the settlement program 231 may be distributed by communication via a network and installed in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23. The storage medium is not limited in form as long as it can store a program like an SD memory card, a USB memory, etc., and the device can read it.

[0072] In the self-service registration system 100 of this embodiment, the POS terminal 20 is set up in a checkout location separate from the store's sales floor. The store server 30 and the terminal controller 40 are set up in the backyard of the store. At least one of the store server 30 and the terminal controller 40 can be set up on the cloud of a system using cloud computing.

[0073] Customers who come to the store put the goods they want to buy in the store where the goods are displayed in the shopping cart. At this time, the customer uses the information terminal 10 to self-register the goods to be purchased. Figures 6 to 9 The operation of the self-registration system 100 when a customer performs self-registration will be described.

[0074] Figure 6 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 according to the self-service program 131. Figures 7 to 9 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the terminal controller 40 in response to information processing executed in the information terminal 10. It should be noted that the steps and contents of the information processing described below are examples. If the same results can be obtained, the steps and contents are not particularly limited.

[0075] When the self-registration program 131 is started, the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 starts Figure 6 The information processing of the steps shown in the flowchart. As ACT1, the processor 11 waits for receiving the instruction to start shopping. For example, on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 started by the self-registration program 131, a shopping start button is displayed as a display element. A customer who uses the information terminal 10 to perform self-registration of the goods to be purchased first touches the shopping start button.

[0076] When the processor 11 detects that the shopping start button is touched, it determines that the shopping start is instructed. The processor 11 proceeds from ACT 1 to ACT 2. As ACT 2, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 16 to output the shopping start notification command to the terminal controller 40. Through this control, the shopping start notification command is sent from the wireless unit 16. The shopping start notification command is received in the access point 60 and sent to the terminal controller 40 via the communication network 50. The terminal ID of the information terminal 10 is included in the shopping start notification command.

[0077] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the shopping start notification command reception process in the terminal controller 40. When the terminal controller 40 receives the shopping start notification command, it detects the terminal ID from the shopping start notification command as ACT 21. Then, as ACT 22, the terminal controller 40 creates a shopping file 41 including the terminal ID in the storage unit. In addition, as ACT 23, the terminal controller 40 sets the deletion flag of the shopping file 41 to a value "0" indicating a non-deleted state. Then, as ACT 24, the terminal controller 40 sends a permission response command to the information terminal 10 that sent the shopping start notification command. As described above, the terminal controller 40 ends the shopping start notification command reception process.

[0078] The permission response command includes the terminal ID included in the shopping start notification command. The permission response command is wirelessly transmitted via the access point 60 of the communication network 50. The permission response command is received by the information terminal 10 to which the terminal ID included in the command is set.

[0079] Back to Figure 6 Description.

[0080] As ACT 3, the information terminal 10 that has sent the shopping start notification command waits for receiving the permission response command. When the permission response command is received via the wireless unit 16, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT 3 to ACT 4. As ACT 4, the processor 11 uses the screen of the touch panel 14 as a registration screen. The registration screen is a screen having an area for displaying the product name, price, quantity, etc. of the products registered by the information terminal 10 in a list form.

[0081] The processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that displays the registration screen waits for receiving the input of the product code as ACT5 or the checkout instruction as ACT6. For example, when the barcode of the product is photographed by the camera 15 and the product code is detected from the barcode, the processor 11 recognizes that the product code is input. The processor 11 proceeds from ACT5 to ACT7. As ACT7, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 16 to output the product registration notification command to the terminal controller 40. Through this control, the product registration notification command is sent from the wireless unit 16. The product registration notification command is received in the access point 60 and sent to the terminal controller 40 via the communication network 50. The product registration notification command contains the terminal ID of the information terminal 10 and the input product code.

[0082] Figure 8 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the commodity registration notification command reception process in the terminal controller 40. When the terminal controller 40 receives the commodity registration notification command, it detects the terminal ID from the commodity registration notification command as ACT 31. Then, the terminal controller 40 sets the shopping file 41 storing the terminal ID to an open state as ACT 32.

[0083] As ACT 33, the terminal controller 40 detects the commodity code from the commodity registration notification command. Then, as ACT 34, the terminal controller 40 accesses the store server 30 via the communication network 50, and obtains commodity data such as commodity name and price from the commodity record containing the commodity code. As ACT 35, the terminal controller 40 that has obtained the commodity data creates registration commodity data with the commodity code, commodity name, price, number of pieces, amount, etc., and stores it in the shopping file 41 in the open state.

[0084] Then, the terminal controller 40 transmits a permission response command to the information terminal 10 that sent the commodity registration notification command as ACT 36. In addition, the terminal controller 40 closes the opened shopping file 41 as ACT 37. As described above, the terminal controller 40 ends the reception process of the commodity registration notification command.

[0085] The permission response command includes the terminal ID included in the commodity registration notification command. In addition, the permission response command also includes the commodity name, price, quantity, etc. of the registered commodity data. The permission response command is wirelessly transmitted via the access point 60 of the communication network 50. The permission response command is received in the information terminal 10 to which the terminal ID included in the command is set.

[0086] Back to Figure 6 Description.

[0087] As ACT 8, the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that has sent the commodity registration notification command waits for the acceptance of the permission response command. When the permission response command is received via the wireless unit 16, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT 8 to ACT 9. As ACT 9, the processor 11 updates the registration screen to display the commodity name, price, quantity, etc. included in the permission response command. After that, the processor 11 returns to the waiting state for acceptance of ACT 5 and ACT 6.

[0088] In the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the next commodity code is input, the processor 11 executes the processing of ACT7 to ACT9 in the same manner as described above. The terminal controller 40 executes the reception processing of the commodity registration notification command in the same manner as described above. As a result, the registered commodity data of the commodity to be purchased is stored in the shopping file 41 including the terminal ID of the information terminal 10.

[0089] Thus, for each commodity to be purchased, the customer performs self-registration by aiming the camera 15 of the information terminal 10 at the barcode of the commodity to read it. Then, the customer who has completed the self-registration touches the checkout button displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10.

[0090] In the waiting state of ACT5 and ACT6, when the checkout button is detected to be touched, the processor 11 recognizes that the checkout is instructed. The processor 11 proceeds from ACT6 to ACT10. As ACT10, the processor 11 controls the wireless unit 16 to output the checkout notification command to the terminal controller 40. Through this control, the checkout notification command is sent from the wireless unit 16. The checkout notification command is received at the access point 60 and sent to the terminal controller 40 via the communication network 50. The checkout notification command includes the terminal ID of the information terminal 10.

[0091] Fig. 94 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the transaction notification command reception process in the terminal controller 40. When the transaction notification command is received, the terminal controller 40 detects the terminal ID from the transaction notification command as ACT 41. Then, as ACT 42, the terminal controller 40 opens the shopping file 41 storing the terminal ID.

[0092] As ACT 43, the terminal controller 40 generates a checkout code. For example, the terminal controller 40 combines the terminal ID and the current date to create a unique checkout code. As ACT 44, the terminal controller 40 that has created the checkout code stores the checkout code in the shopping file 41 that is in an open state. In addition, as ACT 45, the terminal controller 40 sends a permission response command to the information terminal 10 that is the source of the checkout notification command. And, as ACT 46, the terminal controller 40 closes the shopping file 41 that is in an open state. As described above, the terminal controller 40 ends the reception process of the checkout notification command.

[0093] The permission response command includes the terminal ID included in the transaction notification command. The permission response command also includes the transaction code created in ACT 44. The permission response command is wirelessly transmitted via the access point 60 of the communication network 50. The permission response command is received by the information terminal 10 to which the terminal ID included in the command is set.

[0094] Back to Figure 6 Description.

[0095] As ACT 11, the processor 11 of the information terminal 10 that has sent the transaction notification command waits for receiving a permission response command. When the permission response command is received via the wireless unit 16, the processor 11 proceeds from ACT 11 to ACT 12. As ACT 12, the processor 11 obtains a transaction code from the permission response command and displays the transaction code on the touch panel 14 in the form of a machine-readable code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code.

[0096] After that, as ACT 13, the processor 11 waits for receiving the end notification command. The end notification command is sent from the terminal controller 40 when the settlement of the commodity specified by the registered commodity data stored in the shopping file 41 in which the terminal ID of the information terminal 10 is set is completed. When the processor 11 receives the end notification command via the wireless unit 16, it proceeds from ACT 13 to ACT 14. As ACT 14, the processor 11 deletes the machine-readable code indicating the checkout code displayed on the touch panel 14. As described above, the processor 11 ends the information processing according to the self-registration program.

[0097] After completing the self-registration at the store, the customer who has touched the checkout button moves to the checkout location where the POS terminal 20 is installed. The customer then makes a checkout request to the store clerk who is the operator of the POS terminal 20. At this time, if the customer wishes to purchase additional products that have not been self-registered, the customer makes an additional registration request to the store clerk. The clerk operates the POS terminal 20 and performs settlement as one commodity transaction, including not only the commodities that the customer self-registered but also the commodities that the customer wishes to register additionally. Figures 10 to 13 The operation of the self-checkout system 100 when a store clerk operates the POS terminal 20 to settle a commodity transaction with a customer will be described.

[0098] Fig.10 and Fig.11 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 according to the settlement program 231. Fig.12 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing executed by the terminal controller 40 in response to information processing executed by the POS terminal 20. Fig.13 2 is a schematic diagram showing a registration details screen displayed on the touch panel 71 of the POS terminal 20. It should be noted that the steps and contents of the information processing described below are examples. If the same result can be obtained, the steps and contents are not particularly limited. In addition, Fig.13 The registration details screen is also an example. The displayed information and its layout can be changed as appropriate.

[0099] As ACT 51, the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 waits for receiving a checkout start instruction. For example, a checkout start button is displayed as a display element on the touch panel 71. When the processor 21 detects that the checkout start button is touched, it determines that the checkout start is instructed. The processor 21 proceeds from ACT 51 to ACT 52. As ACT 52, the processor 21 issues a new transaction number. Then, as ACT 53, the processor 21 creates a transaction file 81 and stores the new transaction number in the transaction file 81.

[0100] As ACT 54, the processor 21 that has created the transaction document 81 waits for the scanner 73 to scan the machine-readable code. When scanning, the processor 21 confirms whether the checkout code is scanned as ACT 55 or the product code is scanned as ACT 56. When a machine-readable code other than the checkout code or the product code is scanned, the processor 21 executes other processing corresponding to the code.

[0101] As for other processing, since it is not the gist of this embodiment, the description is omitted. It should be noted that, in the state of waiting for scanning, the touch panel 71 can also be touched or the key operation of the keyboard 72 can be performed. At this time, the processor 21 also performs information processing corresponding to the operation input. Since this information processing is also the same as that of the existing POS terminal 20, the description here is omitted.

[0102] When the barcode attached to the product is scanned in ACT54, the processor 21 recognizes that the product code is scanned in ACT56. The processor 21 proceeds from ACT56 to ACT57. As ACT57, the processor 21 accesses the store server 30 via the communication network 50, and obtains product data such as the product name and price from the product record containing the product code. Then, as ACT58, the processor 21 creates purchase product data with the product code, product name, price, number of pieces, amount, etc. At this time, as ACT59, the processor 21 sets the category flag of the purchase product data to "0". Then, as ACT60, the processor 21 stores the purchase product data with the category flag set to "0" in the transaction file 81. Here, the processor 21 realizes the function of the first acquisition unit 211 by executing the processing of ACT57 to ACT60.

[0103] On the other hand, in the case where the machine-readable code displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 is scanned in ACT 54, the processor 21 recognizes that the checkout code is scanned in ACT 55. The processor 21 proceeds from ACT 55 to ACT 61. As ACT 61, the processor 21 controls the communication interface 25 to send an inquiry command of the shopping file 41. Through this control, the inquiry command of the shopping file 41 is sent via the communication interface 25. The inquiry command is sent to the terminal controller 40 via the communication network 50. The inquiry command includes the checkout code.

[0104] The terminal controller 40 that receives the inquiry command starts Fig.12 The terminal controller 40 detects the checkout code from the inquiry command as ACT 81. Then, the terminal controller 40 selects the shopping file 41 including the checkout code as ACT 82.

[0105] As ACT 83, the terminal controller 40 that has selected the shopping file 41 transmits the data of the shopping file 41 to the POS terminal 20 that is the source of the inquiry command. In addition, the terminal controller 40 wirelessly transmits an end notification command including the terminal ID stored in the shopping file 41 from the access point 60. Furthermore, as ACT 85, the terminal controller 40 rewrites the deletion flag of the shopping file 41 to a value "1" indicating the deletion state. As described above, the terminal controller 40 ends the reception process of the inquiry command from the POS terminal 20.

[0106] The information terminal 10 for which the terminal ID included in the end notification command is set is the information terminal 10 for which the machine-readable code representing the checkout code is read by the scanner 73 of the POS terminal 20. In the information terminal 10, as described above, the processor 11 executes Figure 6 That is, the processor 11 deletes the machine-readable code representing the checkout code in response to receiving the selection end notification command.

[0107] Back to Fig.10 Description.

[0108] As ACT62, the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 that has sent the inquiry command for the shopping file waits for the data reception of the shopping file 41. When the data of the shopping file 41 is received via the communication interface 25, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT62 to ACT63. As ACT63, the processor 21 extracts all the registered commodity data from the data of the shopping file 41. Then, as ACT64, the processor 21 adds a category mark to each of the extracted registered commodity data as purchased commodity data. At this time, as ACT65, the processor 21 sets the category mark to "1". Then, as ACT66, the processor 21 stores all the purchased commodity data with the category mark "1" in the transaction file 81. Here, the processor 21 realizes the function of the receiving unit 214 by executing the processes of ACT54 and ACT55. In addition, the processor 21 realizes the function of the second acquisition unit 212 by executing the processes of ACT61 to ACT66.

[0109] When the purchased commodity data with the category flag "0" is stored in the transaction file 81 in ACT 60, or the purchased commodity data with the category flag "1" is stored in the transaction file 81 in ACT 66, the processor 21 proceeds to ACT 67. In ACT 67, the processor 21 displays the registration detail screen SC (see FIG. 1 ) on the touch panel 71 based on the data stored in the transaction file 81. Fig.13 ).

[0110] Fig.13It is a display example of the registration details screen SC. The registration details screen SC is a situation where the purchase commodity data of five types of commodities, namely commodity A, commodity B, commodity C, commodity D and commodity E, are stored in the transaction file 81. Here, the purchase commodity data of commodity A is the purchase commodity data stored in the transaction file 81 by scanning the commodity code before the checkout code is scanned, that is, the purchase commodity data with the category mark "0". On the other hand, the purchase commodity data of commodities B, commodity C and commodity D is the purchase commodity data based on the registration commodity data of the shopping file 41 transferred from the terminal controller 40 according to the checkout code being scanned, that is, the purchase commodity data with the category mark "1". In addition, the purchase commodity data of commodity E is the purchase commodity data stored in the transaction file 81 by scanning the commodity code after the checkout code has been scanned, that is, the purchase commodity data with the category mark "0".

[0111] like Fig.13 As shown, in the registration details information of the commodity name, price, number of pieces and amount corresponding to the purchase commodity data with the category mark "1", for example, a star-shaped mark is displayed. On the other hand, in the registration details information of the commodity name, price, number of pieces and amount corresponding to the purchase commodity data with the category mark "0", no mark is displayed. In this way, in the registration details screen SC, the registration details information corresponding to the purchase commodity data with the category mark "1" and the registration details information corresponding to the purchase commodity data with the category mark "0" can be identified by the presence or absence of the mark. Here, the processor 21 realizes the function of serving as the display unit 215 by executing the processing of ACT67.

[0112] The processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 which has displayed the registration details screen SC proceeds to Fig.11 Processor 21 waits for further scanning by scanner 73 as ACT 71, or for input of a subtotal key of keyboard 72 as ACT 72. If scanning is performed, processor 21 returns from ACT 71 to Fig.10 That is, the processor 21 identifies whether the checkout code or the product code is scanned. When the product code is scanned, the processor 21 performs the processing of ACT57 to ACT60 and ACT67 in the same manner as described above. When the checkout code is scanned, the processor 21 performs the processing of ACT61 to ACT66 and ACT67 in the same manner as described above.

[0113] Therefore, when the barcode of a product is read by the scanner 73, the purchase product data related to the product is stored in the transaction file 81. Similarly, when the checkout code displayed on the touch panel 14 of another information terminal 10 is read by the scanner 73, the purchase product data based on the registered product data stored in the shopping file 41 specified by the checkout code is stored in the transaction file 81. Then, based on all the purchase product data stored in the transaction file 81, the registration details screen SC is updated. At this time, the category flag of the purchase product data related to the product whose barcode is read by the scanner 73 is "0". The category flag of the purchase product data based on the registered product data of the shopping file 41 whose checkout code is read by the scanner 73 is "1". Therefore, in the registration details screen SC, the purchase product data related to the product whose barcode is read by the scanner 73 and the purchase product data based on the registered product data of the shopping file 41 whose checkout code is read by the scanner 73 can be identifiably displayed.

[0114] In the waiting state of ACT71 and ACT72, when it is confirmed that the subtotal key has been input, the processor 21 enters ACT73. As ACT73, the processor 21 calculates the settlement amount. That is, the processor 21 adds up the amounts of all the purchased commodity data stored in the transaction file 81 to calculate the total amount. And, in the case where the discount amount is input after the subtotal key is input, the processor 21 subtracts the discount amount from the total amount to obtain the settlement amount. In the case where the discount amount is not input, the processor 21 directly uses the total amount of the transaction file 81 as the settlement amount.

[0115] As ACT74, the processor 21 that has calculated the settlement amount waits for a total key to be input and registered. Among the total keys, there are total keys for different payment methods, such as a total key for cash payment, a total key for credit card payment, and a total key for electronic money payment. When any of the total keys is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT74 to ACT75. As ACT75, the processor 21 performs a settlement process according to the payment method. For example, in the case where cash payment is selected, the processor 21 performs a cash payment process. That is, the processor 21 performs a settlement process for deducting the settlement amount from the prepaid amount and disbursing the balance from the automatic change machine as change. Since such a cash settlement process is a well-known process, a detailed description is omitted here. Similarly, the settlement process for credit card payment and the settlement process for electronic money payment are also well-known processes, so the description is omitted. Here, the processor 21 realizes the function of serving as a settlement unit 213 by executing the processes of ACT72 to ACT75.

[0116] After completing the settlement process, the processor 21 enters ACT 76. As ACT 76, the processor 21 creates the print data of the receipt based on the data stored in the transaction file 81, outputs it to the printer 74, and issues the receipt. It should be noted that the receipt may be issued as an electronic receipt instead of a paper receipt. In addition, in the receipt, the registration details corresponding to the purchase commodity data with a category mark of "1" and the registration details corresponding to the purchase commodity data with a category mark of "0" can also be identified by the presence or absence of a mark.

[0117] The processor 21 that has completed the issuance of the ticket proceeds to ACT 77. As ACT 77, the processor 21 saves the transaction file 81 in the auxiliary storage device 23. As described above, the processor 21 completes the information processing after the start of the checkout is instructed.

[0118] As described in detail above, when a customer who has self-registered the goods to be purchased using the information terminal 10 in the store applies for checkout, the clerk operating the POS terminal 20 scans the checkout code displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10 with the scanner 73. As a result, the purchased product data based on the registered product data in the shopping file 41 specified by the checkout code is stored in the transaction file 81. Here, when the customer requests to add a product that has not been self-registered, the clerk scans the product code of the product with the scanner 73. As a result, the purchased product data of the product specified by the product code is stored in the transaction file 81.

[0119] It should be noted that the timing of scanning the product code of the additional product may be before or after scanning the checkout code. In the case of registering two or more types of products, scanning may be performed before and after the purchase product data of the product specified in the product code. In any case, the purchase product data based on the registered product data in the shopping file 41 specified by the checkout code and the purchase product data of the product specified by the product code are stored in the transaction file 81.

[0120] Thereafter, when the clerk inputs the total key after the subtotal key, settlement processing is performed based on the data of the transaction file 81. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a POS terminal 20 that is capable of settling not only the commodities registered by the information terminal 10 by self-service but also the commodities additionally registered by the POS terminal 20 as one transaction.

[0121] However, the category flag of the purchased commodity data stored in the transaction file 81 is "0" in the case of commodities registered in the POS terminal 20, and is "1" in the case of commodities registered by self-service in the information terminal 10. Furthermore, when the commodity names, prices, etc. of the purchased commodity data are displayed on the registration details screen SC, a star mark is added to the purchased commodity data whose category flag is "1". Therefore, the store clerk or the customer can easily identify the commodities registered by self-service at the store and the commodities additionally registered at the checkout place based on the information on the registration details screen SC.

[0122] In addition, in this embodiment, the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 scans the checkout code displayed on the touch panel 14 of the information terminal 10. Fig.10 After the processing of ACT61 to ACT67 is completed, it also becomes Fig.11 Then, when the checkout code displayed on the touch panel 14 of the other information terminal 10 is scanned, the processor 21 executes again Fig.10 Therefore, according to the POS terminal 20, the commodities registered by themselves in two or more information terminals 10 can be settled together as one transaction. Such a function is effective, for example, when family members use the information terminals 10 to settle the commodities registered by themselves in a store together at the checkout place.

[0123] The POS terminal 20 can settle not only commodity transactions with customers who have registered themselves using the information terminal 10, but also commodity transactions with customers who have not registered themselves. Therefore, it is not necessary to set up a settlement device dedicated to customers who have registered themselves at the checkout location of the store. As a result, it is possible to reduce equipment costs.

[0124] [Second embodiment]

[0125] In the first embodiment, there is no limit on the number of information terminals 10 that can be used for the collective settlement of commodity transactions. In the second embodiment, a limit is set on the number of information terminals 10. Fig.14 and Fig.15 The second embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the following description will focus on the parts that are different from the first embodiment, and the description of the parts that are the same as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0126] Fig.14 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 in the second embodiment. Fig.14As shown in FIG. 1 , the processor 21 has a function as a restriction unit 216 in addition to the functions of the first acquisition unit 211, the second acquisition unit 212, the settlement unit 213, the receiving unit 214, and the display unit 215 described in the first embodiment. The restriction unit 216 is a function of limiting the number of identification information, that is, the checkout code, received by the receiving unit 214. The function of the restriction unit 216 is described in the information processing executed by the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 according to the settlement program 231.

[0127] Fig.15 2 is a flowchart showing the first half of the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 according to the settlement program 231 in the second embodiment. Fig.10 The same symbols are used for the same information processing in the description. Fig.11 The first embodiment described is the same and therefore illustration is omitted.

[0128] That is, in the second embodiment, after the processor 21 generates the transaction file in ACT 53, it resets the counter n to "0" as ACT 101. Then, the processor 21 waits for scanning in ACT 54. Here, when the commodity code is scanned, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 54 to ACT 56 and then to ACT 57. The processor 21 performs the processing of ACT 57 to ACT 60 and ACT 67 in the same steps as the first embodiment.

[0129] On the other hand, when the checkout code is scanned, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 54 to ACT 55, and then to ACT 102. As ACT 102, the processor 21 increases the counter n by "1". Then, as ACT 103, the processor 21 confirms whether the counter n exceeds the upper limit value N. The upper limit value N is the upper limit value of the number of information terminals 10 that can be used as a consolidated settlement for a commodity transaction. The upper limit value N is an arbitrary integer greater than "1". The upper limit value N can be arbitrarily set by, for example, a store that adopts the self-service registration system 100.

[0130] When the counter n does not exceed the upper limit value N, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 103 to ACT 61. Then, the processor 21 performs the processing of ACT 61 to ACT 66 and ACT 67 in the same steps as the first embodiment. In contrast, when the counter n exceeds the upper limit value N, the processor 21 does not perform the processing after ACT 61. The processor 21 returns from ACT 103 to ACT 54.

[0131] Here, the processor 21 implements the function of the restriction unit 216 that limits the number of checkout codes that can be input in a single product transaction to less than the upper limit value N by executing the processes of ACT 101 to ACT 103 .

[0132] Thus, according to the second embodiment having the restriction unit 216, it is possible to set a limit on the number of information terminals 10 that can be used for the collective settlement of one commodity transaction. For example, by setting the upper limit value N to "1", the number of information terminals 10 that can be used for the collective settlement of one commodity transaction can be limited to one. Similarly, by setting the upper limit value N to "2", the number of information terminals 10 that can be used for the collective settlement of one commodity transaction can be limited to two.

[0133] By setting a limit on the number of information terminals 10 in this way, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error in which data of commodities that other customers mistakenly self-registered are aggregated into data of a single commodity transaction.

[0134] [Third embodiment]

[0135] In the first embodiment, when a checkout code is scanned while the POS terminal 20 is registering goods by barcode input, the purchased goods data based on the registered goods data of the shopping file 41 specified by the checkout code is unconditionally stored in the transaction file 81. However, when it is unconditional, it is impossible to prevent the mistake of erroneously scanning other customers' checkout codes and aggregating them as one commodity transaction. In this regard, in the second embodiment, a limit is set on the number of information terminals 10, but it is impossible to prevent the mistake of including the purchased goods data of customers who use self-service registration in the purchased goods of customers who do not use self-service registration. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the operator can confirm whether the information of the goods identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit is obtained from the external system. By performing such a confirmation, the above-mentioned errors can be prevented before they occur. In the following, using Fig.16 and Fig.17 The third embodiment will be described. It should be noted that the following description will focus on the parts that are different from the first embodiment, and the description of the parts that are the same as the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0136] Fig.16 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main functions of the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 in the third embodiment. Fig.16As shown in FIG. 1 , the processor 21 has the functions of the first acquisition unit 211, the second acquisition unit 212, the settlement unit 213, the receiving unit 214, and the display unit 215 described in the first embodiment, and also has the function of the detection unit 217. The detection unit 217 has the function of detecting whether the identification information received by the receiving unit 214, that is, the information of the commodity identified by the checkout code, is obtained from the external system. The function of the detection unit 217 is described in the information processing performed by the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 according to the settlement program 231.

[0137] Fig.17 2 is a flowchart showing the first half of the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 21 of the POS terminal 20 according to the settlement program 231 in the third embodiment. Fig.10 The same symbols are used for the same information processing in the description. Fig.11 The first embodiment described is the same and therefore illustration is omitted.

[0138] That is, in the third embodiment, when the processor 21 scans the checkout code in ACT54, it proceeds from ACT55 to ACT111. As ACT111, the processor 21 confirms whether the purchase commodity data with the category code "0" is stored in the transaction file 81. In the case where the purchase commodity data with the category code "0" is not stored, the commodity registration based on the reading of the barcode is not performed before the scanning of the checkout code. The processor 21 proceeds from ACT111 to ACT61. Then, the processor 21 performs the processing of ACT61 to ACT66 and ACT67 in the same steps as the first embodiment.

[0139] On the other hand, when the purchased commodity data with the category code "0" is stored, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 111 to ACT 112. As ACT 112, the processor 111 displays a confirmation screen on the touch panel 71. The confirmation screen is a screen for the operator of the POS terminal 20, that is, the clerk, to confirm whether to obtain the data of the commodity that has been self-registered. The confirmation screen is provided with an OK button for allowing the acquisition of the data and an NG button for not allowing the acquisition of the data.

[0140] As ACT 113, the processor 21 waits for an OK button or an NG button to be input. When the OK button is input, the processor 21 proceeds from ACT 113 to ACT 61. Then, the processor 21 executes the processes of ACT 61 to ACT 66 and ACT 67 in the same steps as the first embodiment.

[0141] On the other hand, if the NG button is input, the processor 21 returns from ACT 113 to ACT 54. That is, the processor 21 ignores the scanning of the transaction code and waits for the next scanning.

[0142] Here, by executing the processes of ACT 111 to ACT 113 , the function as the detection unit 217 is realized.

[0143] Thus, according to the third embodiment having the detection unit 217, only when the clerk confirms whether to obtain the data of the shopping file 41 identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit 214 from the terminal controller 40 and instructs to obtain it, the data of the shopping file 41 is downloaded from the terminal controller 40 to the POS terminal 20. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error in which the data of the purchased goods of the customer who has not used the self-registration is included in the purchased goods of the customer who has used the self-registration.

[0144] Several embodiments have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0145] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiments, it is assumed that the operator of the POS terminal 20 is a store clerk. The operator may be the customer himself. That is, the POS terminal 20 may also be a self-service POS terminal.

[0146] For example, in the above embodiment, a barcode indicating a product code is added to each product. In this regard, it is not necessary to add a barcode to each product. For products without a barcode, for example, a known method of registering by selecting from a list of products without a barcode displayed on a touch panel can be applied. In addition, this embodiment can also be applied to a system in which an RFID tag is added to each product and the RFID tag is read by a tag reader to register the product.

[0147] In the above embodiment, in the registration detail screen SC, the registration detail information corresponding to the purchased commodity data with the category mark "1" and the registration detail information corresponding to the purchased commodity data with the category mark "0" can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the mark. In this regard, it is also possible to distinguish by the difference in the type of mark. Alternatively, it is also possible to distinguish by displaying the registration detail information corresponding to the purchased commodity data with the category mark "1" and the registration detail information corresponding to the purchased commodity data with the category mark "0".

[0148] The settlement device of the present embodiment described above is as follows. (1)

[0150] A settlement device having:

[0151] a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device;

[0152] a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; and

[0153] A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit. (2)

[0155] The settlement device according to (1), further comprising:

[0156] a receiving unit that receives identification information for identifying the product obtained from the external system,

[0157] The second acquisition unit acquires, from the external system, information on the commodity identified by the identification information received by the reception unit. (3)

[0159] The settlement device according to (2), further comprising:

[0160] The limiting unit limits the amount of the identification information accepted by the accepting unit. (4)

[0162] The settlement device according to (2) or (3), further comprising:

[0163] a detection unit for detecting whether to obtain an instruction for obtaining information of the commodity identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit from the external system,

[0164] The second acquisition unit acquires, from the external system, the information of the commodity identified by the identification information received by the reception unit, on the condition that the detection unit detects the instruction received from the external system. (5)

[0166] The settlement device according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising:

[0167] The display unit displays the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the information of the product acquired by the second acquisition unit in a identifiable manner. (6)

[0169] A settlement program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as the following parts:

[0170] a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device;

[0171] a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; and

[0172] A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit. (7)

[0174] A computer-readable storage medium storing a settlement program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as the following units:

[0175] a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device;

[0176] a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; and

[0177] A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

[0178] The program of this embodiment can be transferred in a state of being stored in an electronic device, or it can be transferred in a state of not being stored in an electronic device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network, or it can be transferred in a state of being stored in a storage medium. A storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. A storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any form as long as it is a medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc. that can store a program and can be read by a computer.

[0179] These new embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiments may be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope of the invention and are included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A settlement device, characterized in that: have: a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; as well as A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein: Also available: a receiving unit that receives identification information for identifying the information of the commodity obtained from the external system, The second acquisition unit acquires, from the external system, information on the commodity identified by the identification information received by the reception unit.

3. The settlement device according to claim 2, wherein: Also available: The limiting unit limits the amount of the identification information accepted by the accepting unit.

4. The settlement device according to claim 2, wherein: Also available: a detection unit for detecting whether to obtain an instruction for obtaining information of the commodity identified by the identification information received by the receiving unit from the external system, The second acquisition unit acquires, from the external system, information on the commodity identified by the identification information received by the acceptance unit, on the condition that the detection unit detects the instruction received from the external system.

5. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Also available: The display unit displays the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the information of the product acquired by the second acquisition unit so as to be distinguishable from each other.

6. A settlement program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as the following units: a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; as well as A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a settlement device to function as: a first acquisition unit for acquiring information on the commodity based on data related to the commodity inputted via the input device; a second acquisition unit that acquires, from an external system, information on the commodity stored based on data related to the commodity input via the information terminal; as well as A settlement unit performs settlement based on the information of the product acquired by the first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit.

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