Transaction processing system, transaction processing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a transaction processing system, a transaction processing apparatus, and a storage medium. Even if there is no storage medium having a card or the like or an information terminal having a smartphone or the like, membership service can be accepted and non-cash settlement can be performed. The transaction processing system comprises a storage device, a reading device and a transaction processing device. And a storage device that associates and stores the member identification information of the member and the information of the settlement medium held by the member with the biological information of the member. And the reading device is used for reading the biological information of the user. And a transaction processing device that acquires information stored in the storage device in association with the biological information read by the reading device, and, when the member identification information is acquired, processes a transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information. When the transaction processing device acquires the information of the settlement medium, the transaction processing device settles the transaction with the user based on the acquired information of the settlement medium.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from Japanese patent application No. JP2024-049781, filed on Mar. 26, 2024, and cites the contents of the aforementioned application, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing system, a transaction processing device used in the system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Users who wish to receive membership services such as points, member discounts, or discounts when conducting transactions with a store must register as a member. For example, the user may read their membership card with a card reader on a transaction processing device. Alternatively, the user may read a membership barcode displayed on a smartphone with a scanner on the transaction processing device. By completing any of these procedures, the user can receive membership services.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, non-cash payment methods such as credit cards, electronic currency, and barcode settlement have become mainstream for settling transactions. To pay for goods using a non-cash method, a user uses a card reader on a transaction processing device to read a card designated for non-cash settlement. Alternatively, the user uses a scanner on the transaction processing device to read a barcode for non-cash settlement displayed on a smartphone. By performing either operation, the user authenticates their identity and can make a non-cash payment for the transaction.

[0005] However, during a transaction, users who wish to receive membership services and make cashless payments are required to complete membership registration and identity verification. These procedures require various cards or smartphones with apps installed. Therefore, users who do not have these cards or smartphones cannot receive membership services or make cashless payments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a transaction processing system and a transaction processing device for the system, which can receive membership services and perform non-cash settlement even without a storage medium such as a card or an information terminal such as a smartphone.

[0007] To address the above-mentioned issues, a transaction processing system according to an embodiment includes a storage device, a reader device, and a transaction processing device. The storage device stores a member's identification information and information about the member's settlement media in association with the member's biometric information. The reader device reads the user's biometric information. The transaction processing device retrieves the information stored in the storage device in association with the biometric information read by the reader device. Upon receiving the member identification information, the transaction processing device processes a transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information. Upon receiving the settlement media information, the transaction processing device settles the transaction with the user using the received settlement media information.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned transaction processing system, since the customer's biometric information is used for identity verification, settlement is possible even without a storage medium such as a card or an information terminal such as a smartphone.

[0009] In the above-mentioned transaction processing system, the storage device also associates and stores the member's age information with the member's biometric information. The transaction processing device also includes: an associated information acquisition unit, which acquires the member identification information, biometric information and age information corresponding to the biometric information read by the reading device from the storage device when shopping starts, and stores it in the member information memory; a biometric information acquisition unit for age confirmation, which uses the reading device again to read the biometric information when the product to be purchased by the user is an age-restricted product; and a biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation, which compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information stored in the member information memory, wherein, based on the comparison result, when the acquired biometric information and the biometric information stored in the member information memory match, it is determined whether the age information stored in the member information memory meets the age restriction condition. If the condition is met, the product registration process is executed. If the condition is not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

[0010] According to the above-mentioned transaction processing system, when registering a commodity with an age restriction, there is no need to call a store clerk each time, so the operation of confirming age becomes easy.

[0011] In the above-mentioned transaction processing system, the transaction processing device also includes: an additional biometric information sending unit, which sends the member identification information and the obtained biometric information to the storage device based on the comparison result based on the biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation, when the obtained biometric information does not match the biometric information stored in the member information storage device, wherein the age information of the user of the obtained biometric information is obtained, and it is judged whether the obtained age meets the conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed, and if the conditions are not met, the notification process of calling the store clerk is performed. The storage device also includes: a biometric information adding unit, which corresponds to the member identification information sent by the additional biometric information sending unit, and stores the received biometric information as additional biometric information that can be distinguished from the already stored biometric information.

[0012] According to the transaction processing system, even if a customer who has pre-registered biometric information hands over the product registration operation to another customer who has not pre-registered biometric information after starting shopping, products can still be sold to customers who meet age restrictions.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a transaction processing device, comprising: a communication unit that communicates with a storage device, wherein the storage device associates and stores a member's member identification information and information on a settlement medium held by the member with the member's biometric information; an associated information acquisition unit that communicates with the storage device via the communication unit based on a situation in which the user's biometric information is read by a reading device that reads the biometric information, and acquires information associated with and stored in the biometric information; a member processing unit that, when the associated information acquisition unit acquires the member identification information, processes a transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information; and a settlement processing unit that, when the associated information acquisition unit acquires information on the settlement medium, settles the transaction with the user using the acquired information on the settlement medium.

[0014] According to the above-mentioned transaction processing device, since the customer's biometric information is used for identity verification, settlement is possible even without a storage medium such as a card or an information terminal such as a smartphone.

[0015] The above-mentioned transaction processing device also includes: a state storage unit, which stores a value representing a first state when the member identification information and the information of the settlement medium are obtained by the associated information acquisition unit, stores a value representing a second state when only the member identification information is obtained, and stores a value representing a third state when neither the member identification information nor the information of the settlement medium is obtained, wherein the settlement processing unit and the member processing unit perform different processing according to the values ​​stored in the state storage unit.

[0016] According to the transaction processing device described above, the settlement processing unit and the membership processing unit can perform different processes based on the acquired information.

[0017] The above-mentioned transaction processing device also includes: an acceptance unit that accepts at least credit card payment as a payment method for settling transactions with the user, wherein the settlement processing unit, when credit card payment is selected in the acceptance unit, waits for the user to input the information and password of the second credit card to be used by the user if the associated information acquisition unit does not obtain the information of the credit card as the information of the settlement medium, and settles the transaction with the user with the information of the second credit card based on the input situation, and settles the transaction with the user with the information of the second credit card if the associated information acquisition unit obtains the information of the credit card as the information of the settlement medium, without entering the password.

[0018] According to the transaction processing device described above, the settlement processing unit can perform different processes depending on whether the information card information is obtained or not.

[0019] The above-mentioned transaction processing device also includes: an acceptance unit that at least accepts point payment as a payment method for settling transactions with the user, wherein the member processing unit, when point payment is selected in the acceptance unit, waits for the input of member identification information when the member identification is not obtained by the associated information acquisition unit, and processes the points of the member identified by the member identification information as the payment amount of the transaction based on the input situation; when the member identification information is obtained by the associated information acquisition unit, the points of the member identified by the obtained member identification information are processed as the payment amount of the transaction without entering the member identification information.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned transaction processing device, different processing of point payment can be performed depending on whether the member identification information is obtained or not.

[0021] In the above-mentioned transaction processing device, the storage device also stores the member's age information in association with the member's biometric information. When shopping starts, the associated information acquisition unit acquires the member identification information, biometric information and age information corresponding to the biometric information read by the reading device from the storage device via the communication unit, and stores it in the member information storage device. The transaction processing device further includes: a biometric information acquisition unit for age confirmation, which reads the biometric information again by the reading device when the product to be purchased by the user is an age-restricted product; and a biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation, which compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information stored in the member information storage device. According to the comparison result, if the acquired biometric information matches the biometric information stored in the member information storage device, it is determined whether the age information stored in the member information storage device meets the age restriction conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed. If the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

[0022] According to the above-mentioned transaction processing device, since it is not necessary to call a store clerk every time a commodity with an age restriction is registered, the operation of confirming age is facilitated.

[0023] In the above-mentioned transaction processing device, the transaction processing device also includes: an additional biometric information sending unit, which, based on the comparison result based on the biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation, sends the member identification information and the obtained biometric information to the storage device and stores it as additional biometric information when the obtained biometric information does not match the biometric information stored in the member information storage device, wherein the age information of the user of the obtained biometric information is obtained, and it is determined whether the obtained age meets the conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed, and if the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

[0024] According to the transaction processing device, even if a customer who has pre-registered biometric information starts a purchase and then hands over the product registration operation to another customer who has not pre-registered biometric information, products can be sold to customers who meet age restrictions.

[0025] A storage medium according to another aspect of the present invention stores a program for causing a computer of a transaction processing device including a communication unit that communicates with a storage device that stores a member's member identification information and information of a settlement medium held by the member in association with the member's biometric information to function as the following units: an acquisition unit that reads the user's biometric information by a reading device that reads the biometric information and communicates with the storage device via the communication unit to acquire the information stored in association with the biometric information; a member processing unit that, when the member identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, processes the transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information; and a settlement processing unit that, when the information of the settlement medium is acquired by the acquisition unit, settles the transaction with the user using the acquired information of the settlement medium.

[0026] The above-described storage medium can provide a computer with a function that uses the customer's biometric information to verify identity, thereby enabling payment even without a storage medium such as a card or an information terminal such as a smartphone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the general structure of a transaction processing system in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the main data structure of a customer record.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of a self-service POS terminal.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of a self-service POS terminal.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing performed by a processor of a self-service POS terminal.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing performed by a processor of a self-service POS terminal.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the points settlement process executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the credit card settlement process executed by the processor of the self-service POS terminal.

[0035] Figure 9 This is an example of the start screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0036] Figure 10 This is an example of a biometric authentication screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0037] Figure 11 This is an example of a registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0038] Figure 12 This is an example of a payment selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0039] Figure 13 This is an example of a point payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0040] Figure 14 This is an example of a card selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0041] Figure 15 This is an example of a card selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a self-service POS terminal.

[0042] Description of Reference Numerals 1 Transaction Processing System 10 Self-Service POS Terminal 20 Customer Management Server 21 Customer information database 30 Communication network 40 Biometric authentication sensor 50 Cashless Payment Terminal 121 Biometric Information Acquisition Unit 122 Related Information Acquisition Unit 123 Member information storage unit 124 Payment medium information storage unit 125 Status storage unit 126 Acceptance Unit 127 Membership Processing Unit 128 Settlement Processing Unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Next, an embodiment of a transaction processing system that enables members to receive membership services and perform cashless settlement even without having a storage medium such as a card or an information terminal such as a smartphone will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0044] [Description of the transaction processing system] Figure 1 This diagram schematically illustrates the general configuration of a transaction processing system 1 according to one embodiment. The transaction processing system 1 includes multiple self-service POS terminals 10 and a customer management server 20. The transaction processing system 1 connects the self-service POS terminals 10 and the customer management server 20 via a communication network 30. Communication network 30 is a wide area network such as the Internet or an intranet. A mobile communication network, a public communication network, or the like can be used as part of communication network 30.

[0045] The self-service POS terminal 10 is installed at the cashier counter (checkout area) of a retail store that provides membership services such as awarding points, member discounts, or discounts. The self-service POS terminal 10 is a self-service transaction processing device that processes commercial transactions with customers by allowing them to register and settle accounts for the products they collect for purchase at the store. Figure 1 In the embodiment, multiple self-service POS terminals 10 are not limited to being installed at the cash register of a single store. For example, self-service POS terminals 10 installed at the cash registers of multiple stores (such as chain stores or tenants of shopping malls) providing a common membership service can be connected to the communication network 30.

[0046] The self-service POS terminal 10 is connected to a biometric authentication sensor 40. The biometric authentication sensor 40 is a sensor for detecting biometric information used in authentication methods that utilize biological characteristics. The biometric authentication sensor 40 is an example of a device that reads a user's biometric information. Biometric information includes fingerprint information for fingerprint authentication, palm print information for palm print authentication, iris information for iris authentication, and facial information for facial authentication. In this embodiment, the biometric information is fingerprint information. That is, the biometric authentication sensor 40 is a fingerprint sensor. The fingerprint sensor can be either a capacitive fingerprint sensor or an optical fingerprint sensor.

[0047] The customer management server 20 is a server computer that manages information related to customers who have become members of a store or shopping mall that implements membership services. The customer management server 20 has a customer information database 21. The customer information database 21 is a customer record 211 created for each customer (see Figure 2 ) collection.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of customer record 211. As shown in the figure, customer record 211 includes member ID, biometric information, member level, accumulated points, number of registered settlement media, and settlement medium information corresponding to that number. In addition, age information may be included for age-restricted products. Including age information simplifies the age verification process during product registration. Details will be described later. Member information includes member ID, biometric information, member level, and accumulated points. Furthermore, age information may be included. Settlement medium information is information about the settlement medium.

[0049] A member ID is a unique code assigned to each customer who becomes a member. A customer is assigned a unique member ID upon becoming a member. A member ID cannot be duplicated with another customer. A member is issued a membership card containing their member ID. Alternatively, a barcode or QR code displaying their member ID can be displayed on their smartphone by activating the membership application on their smartphone.

[0050] Biometric information is information used to perform biometric authentication on customers identified by their member IDs. In this embodiment, the biometric information is fingerprint information. Customers who become members can register their own biometric information in the customer management server 20 at any time.

[0051] Membership tiers are a system that categorizes customers into different levels and provides them with preferential services. Tier conditions are determined by factors such as number of store visits, sales amount, and membership period, with higher tiers providing greater benefits. For example, the multiplier for point calculation and the discount rate for member discounts vary depending on the tier.

[0052] Accumulated points are earned by accumulating points awarded when making commercial transactions at a store. For example, customers can exchange one point for one yen and use the accumulated points to pay for commercial transactions.

[0053] The number of settlement media registrations is the number of settlement media pre-registered by the customer. Settlement media is a medium that stores information related to non-cash settlements, such as credit cards and electronic money. In this embodiment, the settlement medium that can be registered in the customer management server 20 is a credit card. Therefore, the settlement medium information is credit card information. For example, a credit card number, identification information of the credit card issuing company, etc. are equivalent to the settlement medium information. The settlement medium information can include the expiration date of the credit card, etc. Customers who have become members can register the information of more than one credit card in the customer management server 20. Customers are not required to register credit card information. The number of settlement medium registrations in the customer record 211 of a customer who has not registered credit card information is "0".

[0054] Age information is used as a reference when registering and processing sales data for age-restricted products. Age information is automatically updated every year starting from the year of registration.

[0055] There are no particular restrictions on the method for registering biometric information and payment medium information. For example, after entering the member ID on a member registration terminal, a fingerprint sensor can be used to read the fingerprint of the finger used for fingerprint authentication. This operation registers the fingerprint information as biometric information in customer record 211, which also includes the member ID. Meanwhile, credit card information, which serves as payment medium information, can be registered through the website of a management company that operates a customer management server, for example.

[0056] In this way, the customer management server 20 stores the member's fingerprint information as biometric information, the member's member ID as member identification information, and the credit card information as the member's payment medium in the customer information database 21. Age information may also be stored. Here, the customer management server 20 functions as a storage device that stores the member's member identification information and information about the member's payment medium in association with the member's biometric information. The storage device may also store age information.

[0057] The customer management server 20 having such a customer information database 21 may be a server that provides customer management services in an on-premise environment or a server that provides customer management services in a cloud computing environment.

[0058] [Hardware Structure Description of Transaction Processing Device (Self-Service POS Terminal)] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the main circuit structure of the self-service POS terminal 10. The self-service POS terminal 10 includes a processor 101, main memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, clock 104, communication interface 105, touch panel 106, scanner 107, printer 108, card reader 109, first device interface 110, second device interface 111, and system transmission line 112. System transmission line 112 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines. System transmission line 112 connects the processor 101 and other components directly or via signal input / output circuits, transmitting data signals between them.

[0059] The self-service POS terminal 10 is configured as a computer, with the processor 101, main memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, clock 104, and communication interface 105 connected via a system transmission line 112. Furthermore, various devices within the self-service POS terminal 10, such as the touch panel 106, scanner 107, printer 108, and card reader 109, are connected to a first device interface 110 and a second device interface 111 via the transmission line 112.

[0060] The processor 101 corresponds to the core of the computer and controls each component according to an operating system or application program to implement various functions of the self-service POS terminal 10. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0061] The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the aforementioned computer. It includes a nonvolatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile storage area. The main memory 102 can store data required for the processor 101 to perform processing to control various components in either the nonvolatile or volatile storage area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile storage area as a work area that can be rewritten as needed by the processor 101. An example of the nonvolatile storage area is ROM (Read Only Memory). An example of the volatile storage area is RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0062] The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the aforementioned computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used as the auxiliary storage device 103. The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when executing various processes, as well as data created by the processor 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 can also store the aforementioned application programs.

[0063] The clock 104 counts date and time. The processor 101 processes the date and time counted by the clock 104 as the current date and time.

[0064] The communication interface 105 is an interface for performing data communications with the customer management server 20 or the like connected via the communication network 30. Specifically, the communication interface 105 functions as a communication unit for communicating with a storage device that stores the member's member identification information and information on the member's payment media in association with the member's biometric information.

[0065] Touch panel 106 serves as both a display device and an input device for the operator. The operator is a customer checking out a business transaction. A store clerk may also be an operator. The display device is a panel display such as a liquid crystal display. The input device is a touch sensor located on the screen of the panel display.

[0066] The scanner 107 is an input device that scans and reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes and QR codes. Many products are labeled with a barcode or QR code that uniquely represents the product. The self-service POS terminal 10 identifies the product based on the product code obtained by analyzing the barcode or QR code read by the scanner 107 and registers the sales data for that product. The scanner 107 can also read barcodes or QR codes used for payment.

[0067] The printer 108 is a so-called receipt printer that prints on a receipt sheet and cuts it to issue a receipt. The printer 108 issues a shopping receipt that records, for example, the details of a commercial transaction.

[0068] The card reader 109 is an input device for reading data stored in a card medium such as a membership card. If the card medium is an IC card, the card reader 109 is an IC card reader. If the card medium is a magnetic card, the card reader 109 is a magnetic card reader.

[0069] The first device interface 110 is an interface for communicating data with a non-cash payment terminal 50, a terminal used for non-cash payments such as credit card payments and electronic money payments. The non-cash payment terminal 50 reads card data from credit cards, electronic money cards, and other such cards, communicates with credit card servers and electronic money servers, and processes non-cash payments using credit cards or electronic money. The non-cash payment terminal 50 includes a PIN pad for entering a credit card's PIN number.

[0070] The second device interface 111 is an interface for performing data communication with the aforementioned biometric authentication sensor 40 . The second device interface 111 acquires information of a fingerprint read by the biometric authentication sensor 40 .

[0071] [Functional Structure Description of Transaction Processing Device (Self-Service POS Terminal)] Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the self-service POS terminal 10. The self-service POS terminal 10 includes functions as a biometric information acquisition unit 121, a related information acquisition unit 122, a member information storage unit 123, a payment medium information storage unit 124, a status storage unit 125, a reception unit 126, a member processing unit 127, and a payment processing unit 128.

[0072] The biometric information acquisition unit 121 acquires the user's biometric information, namely, fingerprint information, read by the biometric authentication sensor 40, functioning as a reader. The related information acquisition unit 122 acquires, from the customer management server 20, the membership information and payment medium information stored in the customer information database 21, associated with the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquisition unit 121. The member information storage unit 123 stores the membership information acquired by the related information acquisition unit 122, namely, the member ID, member level, accumulated points, etc. It may also store biometric information and age information. The payment medium information storage unit 124 stores the payment medium information acquired by the related information acquisition unit 122, namely, information on one or more credit cards. The biometric information acquisition unit 121 can be referred to as a biometric information acquisition unit. The related information acquisition unit 122 can be referred to as a related information acquisition unit. If the customer server 20 stores both membership information and payment medium information, the related information acquisition unit 122 acquires both the membership information and the payment medium information. If the membership information is stored but the payment medium information is not, the member information is acquired. It is possible to arbitrarily determine which of the member ID, biometric information, member level, accumulated points, and age information included in the member information to be acquired.

[0073] When the usage-related information acquisition unit 122 acquires a member ID (member identification information) and payment medium information, the state storage unit 125 stores a value indicating the first state. When the usage-related information acquisition unit 122 acquires only the member identification information, the state storage unit 125 stores a value indicating the second state. When the usage-related information acquisition unit 122 acquires neither the member identification information nor the payment medium information, the state storage unit 125 stores a value indicating the third state. The state storage unit 125 can also be referred to as a state storage unit.

[0074] Accepting unit 126 accepts input for selecting a payment method for settling transactions with users. Payment methods include at least credit card payment and point payment. When point payment is selected as the payment method, membership processing unit 127 functions. When credit card is selected as the payment method, settlement processing unit 128 functions. Accepting unit 126 can also be referred to as accepting means.

[0075] When the related information acquisition unit 122 acquires member identification information, the member processing unit 127 processes the transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information. Specifically, the member processing unit 127 performs different processing depending on the value stored in the status storage unit 125. In other words, when the related information acquisition unit 122 has not acquired member identification information, that is, when the status storage unit 125 stores the third value, the member processing unit 127 waits for the input of member identification information. Then, in response to the input of member identification information, the member processing unit 127 processes the accumulated points of the member identified by the member identification information as the payment amount of the transaction. On the other hand, when the related information acquisition unit 122 acquires member identification information, that is, when the status storage unit 125 stores the first value or the second value, the member processing unit 127 processes the accumulated points of the member identified by the acquired member identification information as the payment amount of the transaction without inputting member identification information. The member processing unit 127 can also be referred to as the member processing unit.

[0076] When the related information acquisition unit 122 acquires payment medium information, the payment processing unit 128 uses this payment medium information to settle the transaction with the user. Specifically, the payment processing unit 128 performs different processing depending on the value stored in the status storage unit 125. Specifically, when the related information acquisition unit 122 does not acquire payment medium information, that is, when the usage status storage unit 125 stores the first or second value, the payment processing unit 128 waits for the customer to enter the second credit card information and password to be used. Then, in response to the second credit card information and password entered via the cashless payment terminal 50, the payment processing unit 128 uses the second credit card information to settle the transaction with the user. On the other hand, when the related information acquisition unit 122 acquires payment medium information, that is, when the status storage unit 125 stores the third value, the payment processing unit 128 settles the transaction with the user using the credit card information as the payment medium information, without requiring a password. The payment processing unit 128 can also be referred to as a payment processing unit.

[0077] The functions of the aforementioned biometric information acquisition unit 121, related information acquisition unit 122, member information storage unit 123, settlement medium information storage unit 124, status storage unit 125, acceptance unit 126, member processing unit 127, and settlement processing unit 128 are implemented through information processing executed by the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 according to prescribed application software. Hereinafter, this program will be referred to as the transaction processing program. The transaction processing program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. There is no particular limitation on the method for installing the transaction processing program into the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The transaction processing program can be stored in a removable storage medium or distributed via communication over a network and installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The storage medium can be of any format, as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0078] [Operation Description of Transaction Processing Device (Self-Service POS Terminal)] Figures 5 to 8 1 is a flowchart showing the main steps of information processing performed by the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 according to the transaction processing program. Figures 9 to 15 This is an example of the main screen displayed on the touch panel 106 of the self-service POS terminal 10 during this information processing. The following figures illustrate the operation of the embodiment of the self-service POS terminal 10. The information processing steps described below are examples. These steps can be modified as appropriate, as long as the same functional effects are achieved. Furthermore, the various screens are examples, and the displayed text, images, etc. can be modified as appropriate.

[0079] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 in the idle state Figure 5 The information processing starts with the steps shown in the flowchart. First, as ACT 1, the processor 101 sets the state stored in the state memory to the default value "0". The state memory is part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 102. The processor 101 that sets the state to "0" proceeds to ACT 2. As ACT 2, the processor 101 sets the screen of the touch panel 106 to the start screen SCa (see Figure 9 ).

[0080] Figure 9This is an example display of the start screen SCa. As shown, the start screen SCa features a biometric authentication button BTa and a shopping start button BTb, along with an operation guide for customers. The biometric authentication button BTa and the shopping start button BTb are software keys. According to the operation guide, the biometric authentication button BTa is an operation control that customers who have registered their biometric information, i.e., fingerprint information, with the customer management server 20 can input (touch) when starting a purchase. The shopping start button BTb is an operation control that customers who have not registered their biometric information with the customer management server 20 can input (touch) when starting a purchase.

[0081] After confirming the start screen SCa, the customer touches the biometric authentication button BTa or the shopping start button BTb. Specifically, customers whose fingerprint information is registered with the customer management server 20 touch the biometric authentication button BTa. Other customers touch the shopping start button BTb. Furthermore, customers whose fingerprint information is registered with the customer management server 20 are not prohibited from touching the shopping start button BTb.

[0082] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the start screen SCa, waits for the biometric authentication button BTa to be input as ACT 3 or the shopping start button BTb to be input as ACT 4. When the shopping start button BTb is input while waiting for ACT 3 or ACT 4, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 14. The processing of ACT 14 and subsequent steps will be described later.

[0083] When the biometric authentication button BTa is input in the standby state of ACT3 and ACT4, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT5. As ACT5, the processor 101 switches the screen on the touch panel 106 to the biometric authentication screen SCb (refer to Figure 10 ).

[0084] Figure 10 This is an example of a biometric authentication screen SCb. As shown, the biometric authentication screen SCb guides the customer through the biometric authentication sensor 40 to read their biometric fingerprint. A return button BTc is located on the biometric authentication screen SCb. The return button BTc is an operating control for returning to the previous screen, the start screen SCa.

[0085] After confirming the biometric authentication screen SCb, the customer places the finger with pre-registered fingerprint information on the biometric authentication sensor 40, and the fingerprint of the finger is read. In addition, even if the fingerprint information is not registered in the customer management server 20, the customer who touches the shopping start button BTb can simply touch the return button BTc.

[0086] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the biometric authentication screen SCb, waits for biometric information to be acquired as ACT 6. Furthermore, if the return button BTc is pressed during this standby state, the processor 101 returns to the processing of ACT 2. Specifically, the processor 101 returns the screen of the touch panel 106 to the start screen SCa.

[0087] In the standby state of ACT 6, when the processor 101 obtains biometric information, i.e., fingerprint information, read by the biometric authentication sensor 40 via the second device interface 111, the process proceeds to ACT 7. As ACT 7, the processor 101 controls the communication interface 105 to transmit a query command to the customer management server 20. This control causes the query command to be transmitted to the customer management server 20 via the communication network 30. The query command includes the biometric information obtained in ACT 6.

[0088] Upon receiving the query command, the customer management server 20 searches the customer information database 21. The customer management server 20 then detects a customer record 211 containing biometric information, namely, fingerprint information, that matches the biometric information included in the query command. The additional biometric information, described later, is not used to check for a match with the biometric information included in the query command. Upon detecting the corresponding customer record 211, the customer management server 20 sends a normal response command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the query command. The normal response command includes the member information included in the customer record 211, namely, the member ID, member level, and accumulated points, as well as the number of registered settlement media and the corresponding settlement media information. Member information may also include fingerprint information and age information as biometric information. If a customer record 211 with matching biometric information cannot be found in the customer information database 21, the customer management server 20 sends an error response command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the query command. Assume that even if there is additional biometric information that matches the biometric information included in the inquiry command, an error response command is transmitted because the additional biometric information is not a target of inspection.

[0089] Having sent the inquiry command, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 waits for a response command as ACT 8. Upon receiving an error response command from the customer management server 20, the processor 101 notifies the customer of a biometric authentication error. If the biometric authentication error is resolved, the processor 101 returns to ACT 2. Specifically, the screen of the touch panel 106 returns to the start screen SCa. The customer, having been notified of the biometric authentication error, then touches the biometric authentication button BTa again and positions their finger against the biometric authentication sensor 40, or touches the shopping start button BTb.

[0090] When the processor 101 receives the normal response command from the customer management server 20 in ACT 8 , the process proceeds to ACT 9 . In ACT 9 , the processor 101 stores the member information included in the normal response command in the member information memory. The member information memory is part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 102 .

[0091] Processor 101, which stores member information, proceeds to ACT 10. As ACT 10, processor 101 confirms whether the normal response command includes settlement media information. If the number of settlement media information registrations included in the normal response command is "0," the normal response command does not include settlement media information. Processor 101 proceeds to ACT 11. As ACT 11, processor 101 changes the status of the status memory to "1." Thereafter, processor 101 proceeds to ACT 14.

[0092] In ACT 10, if the number of settlement media information registrations is "1" or greater, the settlement media information is included in the normal response command. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT 12. As ACT 12, the processor 101 stores the settlement media information in the settlement media information memory. The settlement media information memory is part of the volatile storage area in the main memory 102. With the settlement media information stored, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 13. As ACT 13, the processor 101 changes the status of the status memory to "2." The processor 101 then proceeds to ACT 14.

[0093] In this manner, when the biometric authentication button BTa on the start screen SCa is pressed ("YES" in ACT 3), the processor 101 obtains biometric information from the biometric authentication sensor 40 (ACT 5, ACT 6). The processor 101 then transmits a query command including the biometric information to the customer management server 20 and awaits a response command (ACT 7, ACT 8). Upon receiving the response command, the processor 101 stores the member information included in the response command in the member information memory (ACT 9). Furthermore, if the response command includes payment identification information, the processor 101 stores the payment identification information in the payment identification information memory and sets the state of the status memory to "2" ("YES" in ACT 10, ACT 12, ACT 13). If the response command does not include payment identification information, the processor 101 sets the state of the status memory to "1" ("NO" in ACT 10, ACT 11). Thereafter, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 14. On the other hand, if the shopping start button BTb on the start screen SCa is pressed, the processor 101 maintains the state at "0" and proceeds to ACT 14.

[0094] Here, the processor 101 functions as the biometric information acquisition unit 121 by cooperating with the second device interface 111 and executing ACTs 5 and 6. The processor 101 functions as the related information acquisition unit 122 by cooperating with the communication interface 105 and executing ACTs 7 and 8. The processor 101 functions as the member information storage unit 123 by cooperating with the member information memory and executing ACT 9. The processor 101 functions as the payment medium information storage unit 124 by cooperating with the payment medium information memory and executing ACT 12. The processor 101 functions as the state storage unit 125 by cooperating with the state memory and executing ACTs 2, 11, and 13. Specifically, the state value "2" indicates a first state in which the related information acquisition unit 122 has acquired both the member identification information and the payment medium information. The state value "1" indicates a second state in which the related information acquisition unit 122 has acquired only the member identification information. The state value "0" indicates a third state in which neither the member identification information nor the payment medium information has been acquired.

[0095] The processor 101 proceeds to ACT 14 and sets the screen of the touch panel 106 to the login screen SCc (see Figure 11 ).

[0096] Figure 11 This is an example of a registration screen SCc. As shown, the registration screen SCc includes a multi-line detail area ARa and a total amount area ARb. Furthermore, the registration screen SCc includes a button group BTd for "Vegetables," "Fruits," "Meat / Fish," and "Other," a staff call button BTe, and a checkout button BTf. The detail area ARa displays a list of the product names and prices of the registered items. The total amount area ARb displays the total amount of the registered items. The button group BTd is an operation control for displaying a list of items without barcodes on the touch panel 106. For example, touching the "Vegetables" button displays a list of items without barcodes categorized as vegetables on the touch panel 106. To call a store employee, the customer presses the staff call button BTe. To complete registration of purchased items and proceed to checkout, the customer presses the checkout button BTf. The checkout button BTf is an operation control for instructing checkout.

[0097] The registration screen SCc displays the accumulated points (1,234P in this embodiment) in a portion thereof. The accumulated points are included in the member information stored in the member information memory. That is, Figure 11 The registration screen SCc shown is a registration screen when the status value is "1" or "2." In the registration screen SCc when the status value is "0," the accumulated points are not displayed.

[0098] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 on which the registration screen SCc is displayed proceeds to Figure 6 ACT 21. As ACT 21, processor 101 executes product registration processing. This processing, in response to input of a product code for a sold product, registers the sales data for the product identified by the product code in the transaction memory. The product code is entered by scanning the barcode attached to the sold product using scanner 107. Alternatively, the product code can be entered by selecting a product without a barcode from the list of products displayed on touch panel 106. The product registration processing displays the product name, price, and other information of the sold product in the detail area ARa of the registration screen SCc. Furthermore, the total amount in the total amount area ARb is updated. Processor 101 repeatedly executes product registration processing until the checkout button BTf is pressed. If the product identified by the product code is an age-restricted item (e.g., alcohol or tobacco), processor 101 performs age information verification processing. Processor 101 checks whether member information is stored in the member information memory. Member information includes member ID, biometric information, member level, accumulated points, and age information. If not, a notification process is performed to call a store clerk. If membership information is stored, a guidance display is displayed to facilitate biometric information (fingerprint) reading. During a transaction, a customer who has had their fingerprint read by the biometric sensor 40 at the self-service POS terminal 10 at the start of a purchase may not necessarily continue to operate the self-service POS terminal 10. For example, during a transaction, an older customer may have their fingerprint read at the start of a purchase, and then the product registration process may be handed over to a younger customer. To prevent the sale of age-restricted products to younger customers, upon detecting the product code of an age-restricted product, the biometric authentication sensor 40 reads their biometric information again (age verification biometric information acquisition unit). Once the fingerprint information is acquired, it is compared with the fingerprint information stored in the membership information memory (age verification biometric information confirmation unit). If a match is found, it indicates that the customer who initiated the purchase is continuing to register the product, so age verification is performed. A determination is made as to whether the age information stored in the membership information memory meets the age restriction conditions. If so, product registration is performed. If not, a notification process is performed by calling a store employee.

[0099] On the other hand, if the acquired fingerprint information does not match the fingerprint information stored in the member information storage, the customer registering the product is different from the customer who initiated the purchase. The self-service POS terminal 10 collaborates with the customer management server 20 to perform processing to additionally register the acquired fingerprint information (biometric information) in the customer management server 20 (the age verification biometric information adding unit). Specifically, the processor 101 transmits the acquired fingerprint information and the member ID from the member information storage, along with a biometric information addition command, to the customer management server 20 (the additional biometric information sending unit). The customer management server 20 uses the received member ID to search the customer information database 21 and stores the received fingerprint information in association with the corresponding member ID (the biometric information adding unit). The additional fingerprint information (additional biometric information) is stored as additional biometric information so that it can be distinguished from previously stored fingerprint information. The additional biometric information is not subject to detection in the biometric authentication query at the beginning of the purchase. The additional biometric information is stored for use in detecting fraudulent activity. This completes the processing of the age verification biometric information adding unit. After performing additional registration, processor 101 performs age verification for the customer who added biometric information. A display prompts the customer to enter their age information. If the customer enters their age by operating touch panel 106, a determination is made as to whether the entered age meets the requirements. If the entered (obtained) age meets the requirements, product registration is performed. If it does not, a notification process is performed, calling a store employee. This prevents the sale of age-restricted products to customers who do not meet the age restrictions. Furthermore, fingerprint information (additional information) of customers who misrepresent their age to obtain unauthorized products is stored in customer management server 20. This allows the customer to be later identified as the source of the illegally obtained products, preventing customers from illegally obtaining products by misrepresenting their age. Even if a customer who performs product registration on behalf of another customer does not have their biometric information registered in advance, they can still purchase age-restricted products. Even if there is fraudulent age misrepresentation, the high individual identification performance of biometric information makes it possible to identify the unauthorized customer.

[0100] As ACT 22, the processor 101 waits for the checkout button BTf to be input. When the checkout button BTf is input, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 23. As ACT 23, the processor 101 changes the screen of the touch panel 106 to the payment selection screen SCd (see Figure 12 ).

[0101] Figure 12 This is an example of the payment selection screen SCd. Figure 12As shown, the payment selection screen SCd includes a button group BTg for "Cash," "Credit," "Code Settlement," "Points Payment," "Transportation System IC," and "Electronic Money," a staff call button BTe, and a return button BTc. The payment selection screen SCd also includes a total amount area ARb. Furthermore, the payment selection screen SCd displays accumulated points.

[0102] In addition, in the payment selection screen SCd, a portion thereof displays the accumulated points (1,234P). Figure 12 The payment selection screen SCd shown is a payment selection screen when the status value is "1" or "2." In the payment selection screen SCd when the status value is "0," no accumulated points are displayed.

[0103] The button group is an operation control for selecting a payment method. Specifically, "Cash" is an operation control for selecting cash payment. "Credit" is an operation control for selecting credit card payment. "Code Settlement" is an operation control for selecting code settlement payment. "Points Payment" is an operation control for selecting payment based on accumulated points. "Transportation System IC" is an operation control for selecting payment using electronic currency using the Transportation System IC. "Electronic Currency" is an operation control for selecting payment using electronic currency other than the Transportation System ID.

[0104] As ACT 24, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, displaying the payment selection screen SCd, waits for a payment method to be selected. Then, when a payment method is selected, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 25. As ACT 25, the processor 101 executes settlement processing based on the payment method. Specifically, if the "Cash" button is selected, cash settlement processing is executed. If the "Credit" button is selected, credit settlement processing is executed. If the "Code Settlement" button is selected, code settlement processing is executed. If the "Points Payment" button is selected, points settlement processing is executed. If the "Transportation System ID" button or the "Electronic Currency" button is selected, electronic currency settlement processing is executed.

[0105] The points settlement process and credit settlement process will be described later. As for other cash settlement processes, code settlement processes, and electronic money settlement processes, they are the same as the existing settlement processes, so their description is omitted here.

[0106] After completing the settlement process, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 26. As ACT 26, the processor 101 retrieves the status value. If the status value is "1" or "2," the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 27. As ACT 27, the processor 101 executes the point granting process. If the status value is "0," the processor 101 skips ACT 27. In other words, the processor 101 does not execute the point granting process.

[0107] The point awarding process determines the number of points to be awarded to a customer and sends a point awarding command including that number of points to the customer management server 20. For example, when implementing a point service that awards one point for each store visit, a point awarding command including one point is sent to the customer management server 20. For example, when implementing a point service that awards one point for every 100 yen spent on sales, the integer quotient obtained by dividing the sales amount by 100 yen is included in the point awarding command as the point and sent to the customer management server 20. Furthermore, when the multiplier of points to be awarded is changed based on membership level, the points included in the point awarding command are updated with the multiplier corresponding to the membership level stored in the membership information storage device, and the point awarding command is then sent to the customer management server 20.

[0108] The point granting command includes the member ID stored in the member information memory. The customer management server 20 that receives the point granting command adds the points included in the command to the accumulated points of the customer record 211 specified by the member ID included in the same command.

[0109] After executing or skipping the points granting process, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 28. As ACT 28, the processor 101 sets the screen of the touch panel 106 to the settlement completion screen. The settlement completion screen is a screen for notifying the customer that the settlement is completed. The processor 101 ends the process with the settlement completion screen displayed. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The self-service POS terminal 10 returns to the idle state.

[0110] [Explanation of Points Settlement Processing] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the points settlement process. When the points settlement process begins, processor 101 retrieves the status of the state memory as ACT 41. If the status is "1" or "2," meaning that member information has been acquired through biometric authentication, processor 101 skips ACTs 42 through 46, described below.

[0111] If the status is "0," meaning no member information has been obtained, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 42. In ACT 42, the processor 101 causes the touch panel 106 to display a member ID reading screen. The member ID reading screen prompts the customer to read their member card using the card reader 109. After confirming the member ID reading screen, the customer causes the card reader 109 to read their member card.

[0112] As Act 43, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, displaying the member ID reading screen, waits for the member card to be read. When the card reader 109 reads the member card, the processor 101 proceeds to Act 44. As Act 44, the processor 101 controls the communication interface 105 to transmit an inquiry command to the customer management server 20. This control transmits the inquiry command to the customer management server 20 via the communication network 30. The inquiry command includes the member ID of the member card obtained in Act 43.

[0113] Upon receiving the inquiry command, the customer management server 20 searches the customer information database 21. The customer management server 20 then detects a customer record 211 registered with a member ID that matches the member ID included in the inquiry command. Having detected the corresponding customer record 211, the customer management server 20 transmits a normal response command to the self-service POS terminal 10, which sent the inquiry command. The normal response command includes the member information contained in the customer record 211, namely, the member ID, member level, and accumulated points data. Alternatively, if the customer management server 20 cannot detect a customer record 211 with a matching member ID in the customer information database 21, it transmits an error response command to the self-service POS terminal 10, which sent the inquiry command.

[0114] In ACT 45, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, having sent the inquiry command, waits for a response command. Upon receiving an error response command from the customer management server 20, the processor 101 notifies the customer of the member authentication error. If the member authentication error is resolved, the processor 101 returns to ACT 23. Specifically, the touch panel 106 returns to the payment selection screen SCd. Therefore, the customer, notified of the incorrect member ID, can select another payment method.

[0115] When the processor 101 receives the normal response command from the customer management server 20 in ACT 45, the process proceeds to ACT 46. In ACT 46, the processor 101 stores the member information included in the normal response command in the member information memory.

[0116] The processor 101 that executes the processing of ACT 42 to ACT 46 because the status is "0" or skips the processing of ACT 42 to ACT 46 because the status is "1" or "2" proceeds to ACT 47. As ACT 47, the processor 101 changes the screen of the touch panel 106 to the point payment screen SCe (see Figure 13 ).

[0117] Figure 13This is an example of a points payment screen SCe. As shown, in addition to a return button BTc and a staff call button BTe, the points payment screen SCe also features numeric buttons BTi, a correction button BTj, and a payment button BTk. Furthermore, the points payment screen SCe displays the transaction total and available points (i.e., accumulated points acquired as member information). The points payment screen SCe also includes an area for displaying used points ARc.

[0118] The numeric key buttons BTi are operation controls for inputting usage points. The correction button BTj is an operation control for instructing to correct the input usage points. The payment button BTk is an operation control for instructing to use payment based on usage points. When the available points are sufficient to pay the total amount, the points required to pay the total amount are displayed as usage points in the usage points display area ARc. The available points can be used to pay the total amount, and if the points are insufficient, the available points are displayed as usage points. In addition, Figure 13 3 shows an example of a point payment screen SCe in which 1 point is converted into 1 yen for payment.

[0119] A customer who wishes to use points directly touches the payment button BTk. A customer who wishes to change the use of points operates the numeric keys BTi to input the points they wish to use, and then touches the payment button BTk.

[0120] The processor 101, displaying the points payment screen SCe, proceeds to ACT 48. As ACT 48, the processor 101 waits for an instruction to pay using points. When the payment button BTk is input, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 49. As ACT 49, the processor 101 sets the screen of the touch panel 106 to the confirmation screen. The confirmation screen is a screen for confirming to the customer whether the points can be used. The confirmation screen is configured with an execute button indicating that the points can be used and a return button indicating that the points can be changed. The customer who wants to use the points touches the execute button. The customer who wants to change the points touches the return button.

[0121] With the confirmation screen displayed, processor 101 proceeds to ACT 50. As ACT 50, processor 101 waits for the execution button to be pressed. If the return button is touched during this standby state, processor 101 returns to ACT 47. Specifically, processor 101 returns the screen of touch panel 106 to the points payment screen SCe. The customer changes the points usage.

[0122] If the "Execute" button is touched in ACT 50, processor 101 proceeds to ACT 51. In ACT 51, processor 101 controls communication interface 105 to transmit a points settlement request command. This control transmits the points settlement request command to customer management server 20 via communication network 30. The points settlement request command includes the member ID stored in the member information memory and the usage points acquired in ACT 48.

[0123] Upon receiving the points settlement request, the customer management server 20 searches the customer information database 21. It then updates the accumulated points in the customer record 211 assigned a member ID that matches the member ID included in the settlement request to the points obtained by subtracting the usage points included in the points settlement request. The customer management server 20 then transmits a settlement completion command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the settlement request.

[0124] As ACT 52, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that has sent the points settlement request command waits for the settlement completion command. When the processor 101 receives the settlement completion command via the communication interface 105, the points settlement process ends. The processor 101 proceeds to Figure 6 ACT26 processing.

[0125] Here, processor 101 implements the functions of member processing unit 127 by executing ACTs 41 to 51. Specifically, if the third value is stored in state storage unit 125, that is, if the state "0" is stored in the state memory ("Yes" in ACT 41), processor 101 waits for input of member identification information (ACT 42). Then, based on the input of member identification information, processor 101 processes the accumulated points of the member identified by the member identification information as the payment amount for the transaction (ACTs 43 to 51).

[0126] On the other hand, if the first value or the second value is stored in the state storage unit 125, that is, if the state "1" or "2" is stored in the state storage unit ("No" in ACT 41), the processor 101 processes the accumulated points of the member identified by the member identification information obtained without inputting the member identification information as the payment amount of the transaction (ACTs 47 to 51). In other words, the processor 101 skips ACTs 42 to 46, thereby simplifying the customer's operation.

[0127] [Explanation of credit settlement processing] Figure 8This is a flowchart showing the main steps of the credit settlement process. When the processor 101 enters the credit settlement process, it retrieves the status of the status memory as ACT 71. If the status is "0" or "1," meaning that no settlement medium information has been acquired through biometric authentication, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 72. As ACT 72, the processor 101 changes the screen of the touch panel 106 to the card reading screen. The card reading screen guides the customer to read a credit card using the cashless settlement terminal 50. After confirming the card reading screen, the customer causes the cashless settlement terminal 50 to read their credit card.

[0128] As Act 73, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, displaying a card reading screen, waits for a credit card to be read. When the cashless payment terminal 50 reads the credit card, the processor 101 proceeds to Act 74. As Act 74, the processor 101 waits for a password to be entered. Then, when a password is entered via the PIN pad of the cashless payment terminal 50, the processor 101 controls the communication interface 105 to transmit a card settlement request command as Act 75. This control transmits the card settlement request command to the external credit server via the communication network 30. The card settlement request command includes the credit card information obtained in Act 73 and the password obtained in Act 74.

[0129] The credit server that receives the card settlement request command uses the password to perform identity authentication. Then, if it is confirmed that the credit card user is the person himself, the information server sends a settlement completion command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the card settlement request command.

[0130] As ACT 76, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that has sent the card settlement request command waits for a settlement completion command. When the processor 101 receives the settlement completion command via the communication interface 105, it ends the credit settlement process. The processor 101 proceeds to Figure 6 ACT26 processing.

[0131] On the other hand, in ACT 71, if the state stored in the state memory is "1" or "2", that is, if the settlement medium information has been obtained through biometric authentication, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 77. As ACT 77, the processor 101 changes the screen of the touch panel 106 to the card selection screen SCf (see Figure 14 ).

[0132] Figure 14This is an example display of the card selection screen SCf. As shown, the card selection screen SCf includes a "Use" button BTm and a "Not Use" button BTn, along with a prompt asking the customer whether to use a registered card. A registered card is a credit card that has been pre-registered with the customer management server 20 along with biometric information. Customers who wish to use a registered card touch the "Use" button BTm. Customers who do not wish to use a registered card touch the "Not Use" button BTm.

[0133] When the card selection screen SCf is displayed, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 proceeds to ACT 78. The processor 101 determines whether to use the registered card. If the "Do Not Use" button BTm is touched, that is, if the customer does not use the registered card, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 72 described above. The processor 101 then executes ACTs 72 to 76 in the same manner as described above.

[0134] On the other hand, when the "Use" button BTm is touched, that is, when the customer wants to use the registered card, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 79. As ACT 79, the processor 101 changes the screen of the touch panel 106 to the card determination screen SCg (see Figure 15 ).

[0135] Figure 15 This is an example of a display of the card determination screen SCg. As shown in the figure, a registered card is displayed on the card determination screen SCg. Figure 15 The card selection screen SCg in the figure is an example of a card selection screen SCg displayed for a customer who has registered two types of information cards. Specifically, the card selection screen SCg displays a first-type registered card CPa and a second-type registered card CPb. Incidentally, if a customer has only one type of credit card registered, that registered card is displayed. After confirming the card selection screen SCg, the customer touches the registered card they wish to use.

[0136] The processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that displays the card determination screen SCg proceeds to ACT 80. The processor 101 waits for the registered card to be used to be determined. When the registered card displayed on the card determination screen SCg is touched, the processor 101 determines that the registered card is determined to be the credit card to be used. The processor 101 proceeds to ACT 81. The processor 101 switches the screen of the touch panel 106 to the biometric authentication screen SCb (see Figure 10 ). The customer who has confirmed the biometric authentication screen SCb puts a finger whose fingerprint information has been registered in advance at the biometric authentication sensor 40 to read the fingerprint of the finger.

[0137] As Act 82, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10, which displays the biometric authentication screen SCb, waits for biometric information to be acquired. After acquiring the biometric information, i.e., fingerprint information, read by the biometric authentication sensor 40 via the second device interface 111, the processor 101 proceeds to Act 83. As Act 83, the processor 101 controls the communication interface 105 to transmit a query command to the customer management server 20. This control causes the query command to be transmitted to the customer management server 20 via the communication network 30. The query command includes the biometric information acquired in Act 82.

[0138] Upon receiving the inquiry command, the customer management server 20 searches the customer information database 21. The customer management server 20 then detects a customer record 211 in which biometric information, namely, fingerprint information, matching the biometric information included in the inquiry command is registered. Upon detecting the corresponding customer record 211, the customer management server 20 transmits a normal response command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the inquiry command. The normal response command includes the member information, namely, the member ID, included in the customer record 211.

[0139] Having sent the inquiry command, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 proceeds to ACT 84. As ACT 84, the processor 101 confirms whether the member ID included in the normal response command from the customer management server 20 matches the member ID stored in the member information memory. If the member IDs do not match, the processor 101 notifies the customer of a biometric authentication error. If the biometric authentication error is resolved, the processor 101 returns to ACT 23. Specifically, the screen of the touch panel 106 returns to the payment selection screen SCd. Therefore, the customer, notified of the biometric authentication error, can simply select another credit card or other payment method.

[0140] If the member IDs match in ACT 84, processor 101 proceeds to ACT 75 described above. Specifically, processor 101 controls communication interface 105 to transmit a card settlement request command. This control transmits the card settlement request command to the external credit server via communication network 30. The card settlement request command includes information regarding the credit card determined in ACT 80. It also includes information indicating that identity authentication has been completed using biometric information.

[0141] Since the identity authentication has been completed, the credit server that has received the card settlement request command sends a settlement completion command to the self-service POS terminal 10 that sent the card settlement request command.

[0142] As ACT 76, the processor 101 of the self-service POS terminal 10 that has sent the card settlement request command waits for the settlement completion command. When the processor 101 receives the settlement completion command through the communication interface 105, it ends the credit settlement process. The processor 101 proceeds to Figure 6 ACT26 processing.

[0143] Here, processor 101 functions as settlement processing unit 128 by executing ACTs 71 through 84. Specifically, if the first or second value is stored in state storage unit 125 (i.e., if the state storage unit 125 stores a "0" or "1" status ("No" in ACT 71)), processor 101 waits for the user to enter their second credit card information and password (ACTs 72 through 74). Then, based on the second credit card information and password being entered via cashless settlement terminal 50, processor 101 settles the transaction with the user using the second credit card information (ACT 75).

[0144] On the other hand, if the third value is stored in the state storage unit 125, that is, if the state "2" is stored ("YES" in ACT 71), the processor 101 settles the transaction with the user using the information of the information card as the payment medium information without entering a password (ACTs 77 to 84 and 75). In other words, the processor 101 skips ACTs 72 to 74, thereby simplifying the customer's operation of the cashless payment terminal 50.

[0145] [Effects of transaction processing system and transaction processing device] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, since the customer's biometric information is used for identity confirmation, the customer can receive membership services such as point payment even if he or she does not have a storage medium such as a membership card or credit card or an information terminal such as a smartphone. In addition, a credit card can be used for non-cash settlement.

[0146] Furthermore, since there is no need to use a card reader to read a storage medium such as a membership card or credit card, or to use a scanner to read a barcode displayed on an information terminal such as a smartphone, such complicated operations can be eliminated, thereby improving operability.

[0147] [Other embodiments] The cashless settlement processed by the settlement processing unit 128 is not limited to credit card settlement. For example, in the case of cashless settlement using internal electronic money, biometric information can be registered in the customer management server 20, and thus this embodiment can be applied.

[0148] The membership service handled by the membership processing unit 127 is not limited to point payment. For example, the membership service includes selling products at a member price or discounting the transaction subtotal at a predetermined discount rate.

[0149] Biometric information is not limited to fingerprint information, and any information on a part that can be used for biometric authentication, such as palm prints, irises, or faces, may be used.

[0150] exist Figure 8 In the case that there is only one registered card, the processing in ACT79 and ACT80 can be omitted. Figure 8 In other words, if the registered card is the same or the registered card to be used has been decided, a card settlement request command can be sent to the credit server without re-authenticating the biometric information.

[0151] The transaction processing device is not limited to the self-service POS terminal 10. For example, it may be a checkout machine of a transaction processing system with a separate register and checkout machine, or a face-to-face POS terminal where a clerk performs product registration and checkout operations.

[0152] In addition, although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments may be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the scope 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 transaction processing system, characterized in that: include: a storage device for associating and storing member identification information of a member and information of a settlement medium held by the member with biometric information of the member; A reading device for reading a user's biometric information; as well as A transaction processing device obtains information stored in the storage device in association with the biometric information read by the reading device, and when the member identification information is obtained, processes the transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information; and when the information of the settlement medium is obtained, settles the transaction with the user using the obtained information of the settlement medium.

2. The transaction processing system according to claim 1, wherein: The storage device also associates the member's age information with the member's biometric information and stores them. The transaction processing device further includes: a related information acquisition unit that acquires, when shopping starts, the member identification information, the biometric information, and the age information corresponding to the biometric information read by the reading device from the storage device and stores the information in the member information memory; a biometric information acquisition unit for age confirmation, which reads biometric information again using the reading device when the product to be purchased by the user is age-restricted; and The biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information stored in the member information memory, wherein Based on the comparison results, when the obtained biometric information matches the biometric information stored in the member information storage device, it is determined whether the age information stored in the member information storage device meets the age restriction conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed. If the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

3. The transaction processing system according to claim 2, wherein: The transaction processing device further includes: A biometric information transmitting unit is provided for transmitting the member identification information and the acquired biometric information to the storage device when the acquired biometric information does not match the biometric information stored in the member information storage device based on the comparison result of the biometric information confirming unit for age confirmation, wherein: The user's age information of the acquired biometric information is obtained, and it is determined whether the acquired age meets the conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is performed. If the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification. The storage device further includes: The biometric information adding unit stores the received biometric information as additional biometric information distinguishable from the already stored biometric information in response to the member identification information transmitted by the additional biometric information transmitting unit.

4. A transaction processing device, characterized in that: include: a communication unit that communicates with a storage device that associates and stores member identification information of a member and information on a settlement medium held by the member with biometric information of the member; a related information acquisition unit that communicates with the storage device via the communication unit in response to the biometric information of the user being read by the biometric information reader, and acquires information stored and associated with the biometric information; a member processing unit that, when the member identification information is acquired by the related information acquisition unit, processes the transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information; as well as The settlement processing unit settles the transaction with the user using the acquired settlement medium information when the related information acquisition unit acquires the settlement medium information.

5. The transaction processing device according to claim 4, further comprising: a state storage unit that stores a value indicating a first state when the member identification information and the settlement medium information are acquired by the related information acquisition unit, stores a value indicating a second state when only the member identification information is acquired, and stores a value indicating a third state when neither the member identification information nor the settlement medium information is acquired, wherein: The settlement processing unit and the membership processing unit perform different processes according to the value stored in the status storage unit.

6. The transaction processing device according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: an accepting unit that accepts at least a credit card payment as a payment method for settling a transaction with the user, wherein The settlement processing unit, when credit card payment is selected in the acceptance unit, waits for the user to input the information and password of the second credit card to be used by the user if the associated information acquisition unit has not obtained the information of the credit card as the information of the settlement medium, and settles the transaction with the user with the information of the second credit card based on the input. If the associated information acquisition unit has obtained the information of the credit card as the information of the settlement medium, the transaction with the user is settled with the obtained credit card information without entering the password.

7. The transaction processing device according to claim 6, wherein: Also includes: an accepting unit that accepts at least point payment as a payment method for settling a transaction with the user, wherein The member processing unit, when point payment is selected in the acceptance unit, waits for the input of member identification information if the member identification is not obtained by the associated information acquisition unit, and processes the points of the member identified by the member identification information as the payment amount of the transaction based on the input situation. If the member identification information is obtained by the associated information acquisition unit, the points of the member identified by the obtained member identification information are processed as the payment amount of the transaction without entering the member identification information.

8. The transaction processing device according to claim 4, wherein: The storage device also stores the member's age information in association with the member's biometric information. The related information acquisition unit acquires the member identification information, biometric information and age information corresponding to the biometric information read by the reading device from the storage device via the communication unit when shopping starts, and stores the information in the member information memory, wherein The transaction processing device further includes: a biometric information acquisition unit for age confirmation, which reads the biometric information again using the reading device when the product to be purchased by the user is age-restricted; and The biometric information confirmation unit for age confirmation compares the acquired biometric information with the biometric information stored in the member information memory, wherein Based on the comparison results, when the obtained biometric information matches the biometric information stored in the member information storage device, it is determined whether the age information stored in the member information storage device meets the age restriction conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed. If the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

9. The transaction processing device according to claim 8, wherein: The transaction processing device further includes: The additional biometric information transmitting unit transmits the member identification information and the obtained biometric information to the storage device and stores the obtained biometric information as additional biometric information based on the comparison result of the biometric information confirming unit for age confirmation, if the obtained biometric information does not match the biometric information stored in the member information storage unit, wherein The user's age information of the acquired biometric information is obtained, and it is determined whether the acquired age meets the conditions. If the conditions are met, the product registration process is executed. If the conditions are not met, the store clerk is called for notification.

10. A storage medium storing a program for causing a computer of a transaction processing device including a communication unit that communicates with a storage device that stores member identification information of a member and information on a settlement medium held by the member in association with the member's biometric information to function as the following units: an acquisition unit that acquires information stored in association with the biometric information by communicating with the storage device via the communication unit based on the biometric information of the user read by the biometric information reader; a member processing unit that, when the member identification information is acquired by the acquisition unit, processes the transaction with the user as a transaction with the member identified by the member identification information; as well as The settlement processing unit settles the transaction with the user using the acquired settlement medium information when the acquisition unit acquires the settlement medium information.

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