Settlement device, settlement method, and program

Abstract

To provide a settlement device that can register articles in a variety of ways.SOLUTION: A settlement device according to the present disclosure includes: acceptance means for accepting the selection of one of a first process of acquiring settlement information of an article registered using a terminal device used by a customer, a second process of acquiring the settlement information of the article registered by a self-settlement device having a registration function that registers the article through operation of the customer and a third process for acquiring the settlement information of the article registered using a registration device that registers the article through operation of a clerk; and settlement means for executing the selected first, second, or third process and settles the payment using the acquired settlement information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 16

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a payment device or the like for a store. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in stores such as supermarkets, the registration of purchased items by reading barcodes attached to the items and the settlement of the payment are carried out in various forms. For example, there are cash registers where a store clerk reads the product barcode and the customer settles the payment on the spot. Meanwhile, there are recently types of cash registers where a store clerk reads the product barcode with a registration device and the customer settles the payment with a settlement device separate from the registration device, and these are called "semi-self-service cash registers." Patent Document 1 discloses a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal that can perform both product registration processing and payment processing with a single device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-211910 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Recently, systems that do not use a cash register for registration (called "cash register-less systems") have appeared, in which customers register products by reading product barcodes using their own mobile devices such as smartphones, and then pay at a payment device. If a separate payment device had to be prepared for each of the various ways in which products are registered, the facility costs for the store would be excessive.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a settlement device that can handle product registration in various ways. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The settlement device of the present disclosure comprises a reception means for accepting a selection of one of a first process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a terminal device used by a customer, a second process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a self-payment device having a registration function for registering products by customer operation, and a third process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a registration device for registering products by store clerk operation, and a settlement means for executing the selected first, second or third process and settling the price using the acquired settlement information.

[0007] The settlement method disclosed herein accepts a selection of one of a first process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a terminal device used by a customer, a second process of acquiring settlement information for products registered at a settlement device having a registration function for registering products through customer operation, and a third process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a registration device for registering products through store clerk operation, executes the selected first, second, or third process, and settles the price using the acquired settlement information.

[0008] The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium of the present disclosure records a reception means for accepting a selection of one of a first process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a terminal device used by a customer, a second process of acquiring settlement information for products registered at a settlement device having a registration function for registering products by customer operation, and a third process of acquiring settlement information for products registered using a registration device for registering products by store clerk operation, and a program for causing the settlement device to function as settlement means for executing the selected first, second, or third process and settling the price using the acquired settlement information. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, settlement can be handled even when product registration is performed in various ways. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows a configuration of an information processing system 1 according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS server 11. FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a customer terminal device 12. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registration device 13. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device 10. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing an overview of the processing of the settlement device. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for a payment mode. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a product registration process. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen for reading a product code. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a purchased product list. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement process. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a display screen for a settlement code. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration process and a settlement process. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration process and a settlement process. [Figure 16] 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a settlement device 10. FIG. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the settlement device 10. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS device 34. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a POS server 31. [Figure 20] 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a customer terminal device 32. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a settlement device, a method, a program, and a recording medium for recording a program according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) In the first embodiment, a settlement device that can be switched between three settlement modes, a cashier-less mode, a full self-service mode, and a semi-self-service mode, is described. The cashier-less mode is a mode in which the settlement device settles the price of products to be purchased that have been registered by a customer using a customer terminal device such as the customer's smartphone. The full self-service mode is a mode in which the settlement device settles the price of products to be purchased that have been registered by a customer using the settlement device. The semi-self-service mode is a mode in which the settlement device settles the price of products to be purchased that have been registered by a store clerk using a registration device. A store may have multiple settlement devices, each of which may operate in a different mode.

[0013] [composition] 1 shows the configuration of an information processing system 1 according to embodiment 1. The information processing system 1 includes a settlement device 10, a POS server 11, a customer terminal device 12, and a registration device 13. The settlement device 10, the POS server 11, the customer terminal device 12, and the registration device 13 may be connected to each other via a communication network 16, for example.

[0014] The settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12 and the registration device 13 each have a registration function for registering products purchased by a customer. However, the registration function of each device may not be used depending on the settlement mode of the settlement device 10. For example, when the settlement device 10 in the full self-service mode is used, the registration function of the settlement device 10 is used. For example, in the cashierless mode, the settlement function of the settlement device 10 is mainly used.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the settlement device 10 is mainly operated by the customer. The settlement device 10 acquires settlement information for registered products in any of the settlement modes, i.e., cashierless mode, full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode, and settles the price. The settlement information includes at least information related to the purchase price. Specifically, the settlement information may be the purchase price itself, or product information and quantity required to calculate the purchase price. The settlement information may include information included in each receipt, which will be described later. Although not shown, the number of settlement devices 10 is not particularly limited.

[0016] The POS server 11 is a server that manages various sales information such as product information including prices and inventory status of products sold in a store, and sales information of the store. The POS server 11 may collectively manage the sales information of a plurality of stores. Alternatively, a POS server 11 may exist for each store. And the POS server 11 may manage the sales information of one store.

[0017] Furthermore, the POS server 11 may perform processing in response to requests from the settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12, and the registration device 13. The POS server 11 may, for example, transmit information required for display control of the customer terminal device 12 to the customer terminal device 12. For example, the POS server 11 may transmit information of a screen that displays a list of products to be purchased registered by the settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12, or the registration device 13 together with selling prices to the settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12, or the registration device 13. The registered products to be purchased are hereinafter referred to as "purchased products." The list of products to be purchased is hereinafter referred to as "purchased product list." The POS server 11 may manage information on customers registered as members of the store. The various information held by the POS server 11 will be described later.

[0018] Here, an example is shown in which the POS server 11 is realized by one device. However, the implementation of the POS server 11 is not particularly limited. The POS server 11 may be realized by different devices for different functions or databases (DBs).

[0019] The customer terminal device 12 is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet used by a customer. The type of customer terminal device 12 is not particularly limited. The customer terminal device 12 may be rented out at a store. The customer terminal device 12 may be provided in a shopping basket or shopping cart. The customer terminal device 12 may not be used depending on the settlement mode of the settlement device 10. For example, when the settlement device 10 is in full self-service mode or semi-self-service mode, the customer terminal device 12 is not used. The number of customer terminal devices 12 is not particularly limited. The customer terminal device 12 is one embodiment of a terminal device used by a customer.

[0020] The registration device 13 is operated by a store clerk. The registration device 13 may not be used depending on the settlement mode of the settlement device 10. For example, when the settlement device 10 is in a full self-service mode or a cashierless mode, the registration device 13 is not used. The number of registration devices 13 is not particularly limited.

[0021] An example of the configuration of each device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG.

[0022] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the POS server 11. The POS server 11 has a settlement information generating unit 111, a list generating unit 112, a sales management unit 113, and a storage unit 114.

[0023] The memory unit 114 stores, for example, data used for processing by each unit of the POS server 11. Examples of the memory unit include a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a semiconductor memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), and a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 114 may be a combination of these. The memory unit 114 has a member DB 115, a store clerk DB 116, a product DB 117, a sales DB 118, and a purchased product list DB 119.

[0024] The list generating unit 112 generates a purchase product list in which, for each customer, information for identifying the customer, product information of products that the customer plans to purchase, and purchase quantities are associated with each other, and stores the list in the purchase product list DB 119 .

[0025] The purchased item list is uniquely identified by information identifying the customer. The information identifying the customer is, for example, a customer ID that uniquely identifies the customer. For example, when registration of a customer's items begins, the list generation unit 112 assigns a customer ID to the customer. If one transaction is considered to be the period from the start of registration to the end of settlement, a customer ID may be assigned for each transaction. The item information included in the purchased item list includes information that can uniquely identify the items.

[0026] The list creation unit 112 updates the purchased item list based on an update request from the settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12, or the registration device 13. Specifically, the list creation unit 112 adds or deletes items included in the purchased item list based on the item information included in the update request.

[0027] The settlement information generation unit 111 generates settlement information based on the purchased item list and transmits the generated settlement information to the settlement device 10. The settlement information may include, for example, a customer ID in order to uniquely identify which purchased item list the settlement information was generated based on. The settlement information generation unit 111 may generate the purchased item list in which item registration has been completed as the settlement information. The settlement information generation unit 111 may generate the settlement information after receiving a settlement request from the customer terminal device 12, the settlement device 10, or the registration device 13.

[0028] The sales management unit 113 updates the sales DB 118 according to the details of the settlement, for example.

[0029] Member DB 115 stores member information for each member (customer), for example. The member information is, for example, at least one of the following information: member ID (identifier), member's name, member's gender, member's age or age group, and member's notification destination. The member ID is, for example, an identifier that uniquely identifies a member. The type of member ID is not particularly limited. The member ID may be represented by a membership number. The notification destination is an email address, a telephone number, or the like. Furthermore, member DB 115 may further store information such as a password, past purchase history, and points for each member. Furthermore, member DB 115 may further store biometric information for each member. The biometric information is not particularly limited. For example, the biometric information may include facial feature information, facial image data, fingerprint data, iris data, and vein data.

[0030] Member DB 115 may not include some of the above-mentioned information about members. Also, member DB 115 may include information about members other than the above-mentioned information.

[0031] The clerk DB 116 stores clerk information, for example, for each clerk. The clerk information is, for example, at least one of a clerk ID and a clerk name. The clerk ID is, for example, an identifier that uniquely identifies a member. The clerk ID is not particularly limited. The clerk ID may be represented by a clerk number. The clerk DB 116 may further store information such as a password, work schedule, and biometric information for each clerk. The biometric information is as described above for the member DB 115.

[0032] The store clerk DB 116 may not include some of the above-mentioned information about the store clerks. Also, the store clerk DB 116 may include information about the store clerks other than the above-mentioned information.

[0033] The product DB 117 stores product information of products handled in a store or in an affiliated store including the store. Specifically, the product DB 117 stores product information, for example, by product. The product information is, for example, information such as a product ID, a product name, a product classification, a product price, a product feature, and a product inventory status. The product ID is, for example, a product code (hereinafter referred to as a product code). The product code is at least one of a JAN (Japanese Article Number) code, an EAN (European Article Number) code, and a UPC (Universal Product Code). The product ID may also be a product name. The product classification is not particularly limited. For example, the product classification may be broad categories such as food, stationery, and the like. The product classification may also be categories such as confectionery, meat, and vegetables. The product price is the price of the product. The product features are not particularly limited. The product features may be a best-before date, a use-by date, a manufacturer, and the like.

[0034] Furthermore, the product information may include information for identifying a product other than the product ID. For example, the product information may include image data of the product, information on features obtained from the image data of the product, and the like.

[0035] The product DB 117 may not include some of the above-mentioned information about products. Also, the product DB 117 may include information about products other than the above-mentioned information about products.

[0036] The purchased product list DB119 stores the latest purchased product list for which the settlement has not been completed for each customer. The purchased product list DB119 stores, for example, a purchased product list in which a customer ID, product information of products that the customer plans to purchase, and a purchase quantity are associated with each other. A member ID may be used as the customer ID. Alternatively, the purchased product list DB119 may store the customer ID and the member ID in association with each other. The purchased product list DB119 may be linked to the member DB115 by the member ID. The product information included in the purchased product list includes information that can uniquely identify a product, such as a product ID. Thus, the purchased product list DB119 is linked to the product DB117 by the product ID. Therefore, product price information is obtained from the product DB117 based on the product ID in the purchased product list. The purchased product list DB119 may store information on the price of a product including tax as product information based on the product price information acquired from the product DB117.

[0037] The purchase item list DB 119 may not include some of the above-mentioned information related to the purchase item list. Also, the purchase item list DB 119 may include information other than the above-mentioned information related to the purchase item list.

[0038] The sales DB 118 stores, for example, information on sales of each store. The sales DB 118 may manage, for example, information corresponding to each settlement for each store. The sales DB 118 stores, for example, a store ID, an ID of a device that has registered a product, an ID of a user of the device, an ID of the settlement device 10, a product ID of a purchased product, a purchase quantity, and a purchase date and time in association with each other. The store ID is an identifier that uniquely identifies a store. The ID of the device that has registered a product and is registered in the sales DB 118 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the settlement device 10, the customer terminal device 12, or the registration device 13, and is registered in the sales DB 118. The ID of the settlement device 10 is an identifier that uniquely identifies the settlement device 10 that has performed the settlement. The ID of a user (operator) registered in the sales DB 118 is a store clerk ID or a member ID of a user who uses the registration device 13 or the customer terminal device 12. The sales DB 118 may include information indicating the mode of the settlement device 10 that performed the settlement. The sales DB 118 may also include other information such as information included in each receipt, which will be described later.

[0039] The sales DB 118 may not include some of the above-mentioned information on sales. Also, the sales DB 118 may include information other than the above-mentioned information on sales.

[0040] The POS server 11 may not have some of the functional units. The POS server 11 may have functional units that are not shown. The functional units of the POS server 11 shown in FIG. 2 may be realized by a plurality of devices. For example, each functional unit may be realized by two devices, a device having the settlement information generation unit 111 and the list generation unit 112, and a device having the sales management unit 113. Alternatively, each functional unit may be realized by three devices, a device having the settlement information generation unit 111, a device having the list generation unit 112, and a device having the sales management unit 113. Alternatively, the settlement information generation unit 111 may be realized by a different device depending on whether the product registration process is performed by the customer terminal device 12, the settlement device 10, or the registration device 13.

[0041] For ease of explanation and understanding, an example in which the POS server 11 has various DBs is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the various DBs may be held by different devices. For example, a server that manages the sales DB 118, a server that manages the member DB 115, and a server that manages the purchased item list DB 119 may be different from each other. In such a case, the server that manages the sales DB 118 and the server that manages the member DB 115 function as database servers. The server that manages the purchased item list DB 119 functions as, for example, an application server. Each server passes information used for the process assigned to it via, for example, the communication network 16, etc.

[0042] The POS server 11 may also handle various types of information not shown. For example, the POS server 11 may obtain information regarding changes in selling prices, such as discount amounts, bundle discounts, set discounts, and discount rates, and use the information to carry out settlement processing. Alternatively, the POS server 11 may use the information to update the purchased product list. Note that a bundle discount is a discount given when multiple units of a specific product are purchased. A set discount is a discount for a specific combination of products.

[0043] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of customer terminal device 12. Customer terminal device 12 includes a registration unit 121 and an output unit 123. Output unit 123 includes a display unit 1230. A storage unit (not shown) of customer terminal device 12 stores a member ID and an identifier for identifying customer terminal device 12.

[0044] The registration unit 121 acquires the product ID of the product selected by the customer, transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11, and causes the POS server 11 to register the product as a product to be purchased.

[0045] The registration unit 121 obtains the product ID of the purchased product by, for example, reading a product code attached to the product via an imaging device (not shown). The imaging device is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a camera provided in the customer terminal device 12. The product code is, for example, the above-mentioned JAN code. The imaging device reads an encoded product code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The registration unit 121 may obtain the product ID by, for example, identifying the product from an image of the product captured by the imaging device using an image recognition function.

[0046] The registration unit 121 may also obtain the product ID by reading a previously captured image of the product or an image of a picture of the product via an imaging device. Note that these images may include the product code.

[0047] Furthermore, the registration unit 121 may obtain the product ID by reading a tag to which an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) ​​is attached via a reading device. When an RFID is used, the reading device is an RFID reader.

[0048] Furthermore, the registration unit 121 may acquire a product ID by accepting a selection of a product from the result of a product search. For example, the method of product search is not particularly limited. A product search may be performed by text. A product search may be performed by image. For example, the registration unit 121 may acquire a product ID by accepting a selection of a product to be purchased from an image of a displayed product.

[0049] The registration unit 121 may also acquire the product ID by accepting input of the JAN code number via an input device (not shown). The input device may be a touch panel display, a keyboard capable of inputting numbers and letters, or the like.

[0050] The customer terminal device 12 transmits the product ID acquired by the registration unit 121 to the POS server 11. At this time, the customer terminal device 12 also transmits a member ID or an identifier for identifying the customer terminal device 12 to the POS server 11. The customer terminal device 12 may receive the name and price of the product corresponding to the transmitted product ID from the POS server 11. The display unit 1230 displays the name and price of the product.

[0051] The output unit 123 outputs a settlement code that can be read by the settlement device 10. The settlement code includes information for identifying the settlement information generated in the POS server 11. The settlement code may be a customer ID, an identifier of the customer terminal device 12, or a member ID. The output method is not particularly limited. For example, the display unit 1230 may display a barcode or a two-dimensional code that encodes the settlement code.

[0052] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration device 13. The registration device 13 includes a registration unit 131 and an output unit 133. The output unit 133 includes a display unit 1330.

[0053] The registration unit 131 acquires the product ID of the product selected by the customer, transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11, and causes the POS server 11 to register the product as a product to be purchased. The registration unit 131 acquires the product ID of the purchased product, for example, by reading a product code attached to the product via a reading device (not shown). The reading device is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a scanner connected to the registration device 13. The registration unit 131 associated with the registration device 13 can be modified in various ways by connecting an imaging device or an input device to the registration device 13, similar to the registration unit 121 associated with the customer terminal device 12 described above.

[0054] The output unit 133 notifies, for example, the number of the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information was sent. The display unit 1330 displays, to the store clerk or customer, product information of the product for which the product ID was obtained and a list of purchased products.

[0055] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device 10. The settlement device 10 includes a registration unit 101, a reception unit 102, a settlement unit 103, and a display control unit 105. The settlement unit 103 includes a first acquisition unit 1041, a second acquisition unit 1042, and a third acquisition unit 1043. The first acquisition unit 1041 is an embodiment of a first acquisition means.

[0056] The registration unit 101 acquires the product ID of the product selected by the customer, transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11, and causes the POS server 11 to register the product as a product to be purchased. The registration unit 101 acquires the product ID of the purchased product, for example, by reading a product code attached to the product via a reading device (not shown). The reading device is not particularly limited, but is, for example, a scanner connected to the settlement device 10. The registration unit 101 of the settlement device 10 can be modified in various ways by connecting an imaging device or an input device to the settlement device 10, similar to the registration unit 121 of the customer terminal device 12 described above. The settlement device 10 transmits the product ID acquired by the registration unit 101 to the POS server 11.

[0057] The reception unit 102 accepts a selection of which of three payment modes, a cashierless mode, a full self-service mode, or a semi-self-service mode, is to be used for payment. The reception unit 102 accepts the selection based on input from a store clerk or a customer. The reception unit 102 may accept input of authentication information from the store clerk, and if authentication based on the input authentication information is successful, may accept the selection based on the store clerk's input. For example, the reception unit 102 may accept input of a store clerk ID, a store clerk name, a password, or biometric information as authentication information, and may determine that authentication is successful if the authentication information matches information stored in the store clerk DB 116.

[0058] The settlement unit 103 executes a process of acquiring settlement information according to the selected settlement mode, and settles the price using the acquired settlement information. The settlement unit 103 settles the price by either cash settlement or electronic settlement. When making a cash settlement, the settlement unit 103 settles the price based on the currency inserted into an insertion slot provided in the settlement device 10. The type of electronic settlement is not particularly limited. Examples of electronic settlement include at least one of credit settlement, debit settlement, electronic money settlement, point settlement, and virtual currency settlement. Examples of electronic money settlement include barcode settlement or Quick Response code (QR code (registered trademark)) settlement. When making an electronic settlement, for example, the settlement unit 103 communicates with a settlement server (not shown) using credit information acquired via a reading device provided in the settlement device 10, and settles the price.

[0059] When the cashierless mode is selected, the first acquisition unit 1041 executes a first process of acquiring settlement information of the purchased product registered using the customer terminal device 12. When the cashierless mode is selected, this is an embodiment of the first process. When the full self-service mode is selected, the second acquisition unit 1042 executes a second process of acquiring settlement information of the purchased product registered in the registration unit 101 of the settlement device 10. When the full self-service mode is selected, this is an embodiment of the second process. When the semi-self-service mode is selected, the third acquisition unit 1043 executes a third process of acquiring settlement information of the purchased product registered using the registration device 13. When the semi-self-service mode is selected, this is an embodiment of the third process. In the first embodiment, the first acquisition unit 1041, the second acquisition unit 1042, and the third acquisition unit 1043 each acquire settlement information from, for example, the POS server 11. The method of acquiring settlement information by each of the first acquiring unit 1041, the second acquiring unit 1042, and the third acquiring unit 1043 will be described later.

[0060] The display control unit 105 displays a payment mode selection screen, a product registration screen, a payment method selection screen, a payment screen, and the like, for example, on a touch panel display (not shown) of the payment device 10. The display control unit 105 may display a standby screen according to the accepted payment mode from when the clerk selects the payment mode until the customer starts operation. For example, when the cashierless mode is accepted, the display control unit 105 may display a payment code reading screen saying "Please let me scan the payment code on the terminal device." When the full self-service mode is accepted, the display control unit 105 may display, for example, "Please let me scan the product code." When the semi-self-service mode is accepted, the display control unit 105 may display, for example, "Welcome."

[0061] [Operation] 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process of the settlement device. First, the reception unit 102 receives a selection of one of three settlement modes, namely, the cashier-less mode, the full self-service mode, and the semi-self-service mode, in which settlement is to be performed (step S101).

[0062] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for a payment mode. For example, the display control unit 105 displays a screen d001 on a display connected to the payment device 10, from which each mode can be selected. The screen d001 has, for example, a selection button d002 for selecting a cashierless mode, a selection button d003 for selecting a full self-service mode, and a selection button d004 for selecting a semi-self-service mode. Each button is, for example, a button of a GUI (Graphic User Interface). When a selection button is tapped, the reception unit 102 receives a mode corresponding to the tapped selection button.

[0063] If the accepted mode is the cashierless mode (step S102: left), the settlement device 10 settles the price using the settlement information acquired by executing the first process (step S104). If the accepted mode is the full self-service mode (step S102: bottom), the settlement device 10 settles the price using the settlement information acquired by executing the second process (step S105). If the accepted mode is the semi-self-service mode (step S102: right), the settlement device 10 settles the price using the settlement information acquired by executing the third process (step S106).

[0064] The processing of the information processing system 1 will be described in more detail below for each settlement mode of the settlement device 10. First, a case where the settlement device 10 operates in the cashier-less mode will be described.

[0065] 1-1) Registration process using customer terminal device 12 The registration process will be described taking as an example self-scan shopping, in which a customer acquires a product from a shelf or the like in a store and has the product code read by the customer terminal device 12. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the product registration process.

[0066] The registration unit 121 of the customer terminal device 12 obtains the product ID of the purchased product by reading the product code attached to the product, etc., and the customer terminal device 12 transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11 (step S1101).

[0067] 9 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen for reading a product code. The display unit 1230 of the customer terminal device 12 displays a screen d050 for reading a product code. For example, the screen d050 has a reading portion d051, a display field d052 for displaying information on the read product, and a button d053 displaying "Add to Cart" for displaying a list of purchased products. When the product code of the captured product is located in a predetermined area on the screen d051, the acquisition unit 121 acquires the product ID of the purchased product.

[0068] The renewal request may include the customer's membership ID, the customer terminal device 12 ID, and the like, in addition to the product ID.

[0069] 8, the list generating unit 112 of the POS server 11 updates the customer's purchased item list (step S1102). The POS server 11 transmits to the customer terminal device 12 the product information of the product whose product ID has been acquired and the updated purchased item list.

[0070] The display unit 1230 of the customer terminal device 12 displays the product information related to the acquired product ID (step S1103). For example, in Fig. 9, the display field d052 displays "biscuits" as the product name and "252 yen" as the product price from the received product information.

[0071] If the button d053 is not tapped, the registration unit 121 determines that the product is to be added (step S1104: Yes) and obtains the product ID again. If the button d053 is tapped, the registration unit 121 determines that the product is not to be added (step S1104: No) and the display unit 1230 displays the purchased product list (step S1105).

[0072] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of the purchased product list. The display unit 1230 displays a screen d060 according to the received purchased product list. The screen d060 includes, for example, a summary column d061 of the purchased product list, a details column d062, an add product button d064, a payment button d065, a transaction cancellation button d066, and an operator's name display column d067. The summary column d061 displays, for example, information such as the total quantity of products registered in the purchased product list, the total purchase price including tax, and the store name. The details column d062 displays, for example, information such as the name, purchase quantity, unit price, discount rate, and discount amount of products registered in the purchased product list for each product. For example, the details column d062 may have an input column d063 for the purchase quantity for each product. In addition, in the details column d062, product information may be displayed in order of most recently registered product. In the details column d062, for example, the display order of product information may be specified.

[0073] When the purchase quantity input field d063 is tapped, the display unit 1230 may display a screen (not shown) on which a number can be selected, superimposed on a part of the screen d060. The registration unit 121 then accepts the selected number as the purchase quantity.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 8, if the quantity has been changed (step S1106: Yes), the customer terminal device 12 transmits the product ID of the product whose quantity has been changed and the accepted purchase quantity to the POS server 11 (step S1107). The POS server 11 then updates the purchased product list according to the accepted purchase quantity (step S1108). The POS server 11 transmits the updated purchased product list to the customer terminal device 12. The display unit 1230 displays the updated purchased product list (step S1109). There are no particular limitations on the method of changing the purchased quantity. For example, although not shown, an input field into which the purchased quantity can be input may be provided on a screen d050 capable of reading product codes as shown in FIG. 9.

[0075] The registration unit 121 judges whether to add a product or to end the product registration and proceed to payment. If the registration unit 121 judges that a product is to be added (step S1110: add product), the process returns to step S1101. For example, when the add product button d064 is pressed on the screen d060 in FIG. 10, the display unit 1230 may display a screen d050 from which a product code can be read as shown in FIG. 9. If the registration unit 121 judges that the product registration is to be ended (step S1110: payment), the output unit 123 generates a payment request (step S1111), and the customer terminal device 12 proceeds to payment processing. For example, when the payment button d065 is pressed on FIG. 10, the registration unit 121 judges that the product registration is to be ended.

[0076] 1-2) Cashierless payment processing FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a settlement process executed after the registration process by the customer terminal device 12. As shown in FIG.

[0077] In the settlement process, the customer terminal device 12 transmits a settlement request to the POS server 11 (step S1112). For example, when the settlement request is received, the settlement information generation unit 111 of the POS server 11 generates settlement information based on the customer's purchased item list and a settlement code (step S1113). The POS server 11 transmits the settlement code to the customer terminal device 12 (step S1114). The customer terminal device 12 displays the received settlement code (step S1115).

[0078] Fig. 12 is an example of a display screen for a barcode that encodes a settlement code. For example, the screen d090 in Fig. 12 includes a settlement code display field d091, a total quantity display field d093, and a purchase price display field d094. The total quantity display field d093 displays the total purchase quantity of the products purchased by the customer. The purchase price display field d094 displays, for example, the total price including tax of the products purchased by the customer. The screen d090 also has a done button d092 that is tapped after settlement is completed.

[0079] Returning to Fig. 11, the customer carries the customer terminal device 12 and moves to the settlement device 10 where the cashier-less mode has been accepted in step S101 of the flowchart in Fig. 6. For example, the settlement device 10 where the cashier-less mode has been accepted shows a settlement code reading screen on the display.

[0080] The first acquisition unit 1041 of the settlement device 10 acquires the settlement code displayed on the customer terminal device 12, which has been read by a reading device (not shown) (step S1116), and the settlement device 10 transmits the settlement code to the POS server 11. The settlement information generation unit 111 of the POS server 11 generates settlement information linked to the settlement code, and the POS server 11 transmits the generated settlement information to the customer terminal device 12 (step S1117). The first acquisition unit 1041 acquires the settlement information. As described above, the process by the settlement device 10 of acquiring the settlement code and acquiring the settlement information linked to the settlement code from the POS server 11 is one embodiment of the first process.

[0081] When the settlement code is read and the settlement information is acquired, the display control unit 105 displays a payment method selection screen (step S1118). The payment method selection screen displays, for example, whether to pay the price by cash settlement or electronic payment so that the payment can be selected. After the payment method is selected, the display control unit 105 may display a payment screen that displays information necessary for settlement. The settlement unit 103 settles the price using the selected payment method (step S1119) and notifies the POS server 11 that the settlement has been completed. When the POS server 11 receives the notification, it may update the sales DB 118. When the settlement is completed, the settlement unit 103 issues a receipt (step S1120) and may cause a printer (not shown) connected to the settlement device 10 to print the receipt. Alternatively, the settlement unit 103 may output an electronic receipt to the customer terminal device 12 via a network. The receipt includes, for example, the name of the purchased product, the purchase quantity, the purchase price, the payment method, the store name, the store's contact information, or the purchase date and time. The receipt may include a customer ID, and may also include information other than the above information.

[0082] The above is a description of the processing of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 10 operates in the cashier-less mode. Next, a description will be given of the processing of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 10 operates in the full self-service mode.

[0083] 2-1) Registration process using settlement device 10 A case will be described in which, after a customer has acquired an item from a shelf or the like in a store, the customer goes to the settlement device 10 and registers the item himself / herself. The customer takes the acquired item and moves to the settlement device 10 where the full self-service mode was accepted in step S101 of Fig. 6. At the settlement device 10, the customer has the product code or the like attached to the item read by a reading device.

[0084] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process and the settlement process. The registration unit 101 acquires a product ID (step S1201), and the settlement device 10 transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11. The update request may include the customer's member ID and the ID of the settlement device 10 in addition to the product ID. The list generation unit 112 of the POS server 11 updates the customer's purchased product list (step S1202). The POS server 11 transmits to the settlement device 10 product information of the product for which the product ID has been acquired and the updated purchased product list. The display control unit 105 of the settlement device 10 displays the purchased product list (step S1203). The display control unit 105 may display the product information and the purchased product list as a registered product screen.

[0085] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a product registration screen. The display control unit 105 causes the display to display a screen d011. For example, the screen d011 has a display field d012 for displaying a purchased product list, a display field d013 for displaying product information of the product whose product ID has been read, a display field d014 for displaying the total purchase price including tax, and a checkout button d015. When the product ID of the first product is acquired, the display control unit 105 may switch the display from the standby screen to the product registration screen shown in FIG. 14. If the checkout button d015 displayed on the screen is not tapped, the second acquisition unit 1042 determines that a product is to be added (step S1204: No) and acquires the product ID again.

[0086] 2-2) Payment processing in full self-service mode Returning to FIG. 13, when the settlement button d015 is tapped, the registration unit 101 determines that the product is not added (step S1204: No), and the settlement device 10 transmits a settlement request to the POS server 11 (step S1205). The POS server 11 transmits settlement information to the settlement device 10 based on the settlement request (step S1206). The second acquisition unit 1042 acquires the settlement information received from the POS server 11 (step S1207). The processes from step S1201 to step S1207 are an embodiment of the second process. The processes after the settlement information is acquired are basically the same as those in the cashierless mode described above. The settlement unit 103 settles the price using the acquired settlement information (step S1208) and issues a receipt (step S1209).

[0087] The above is a description of the processing of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 10 operates in the full self-service mode. Next, a description will be given of the processing of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 10 operates in the semi-self-service mode.

[0088] 3-1) Registration process using the registration device 13 A case will be described in which, after a customer has picked up a product from a shelf or the like in a store, the customer approaches registration device 13 and a store clerk registers the product.

[0089] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the registration process and the settlement process. The registration unit 131 of the registration device 13 acquires a product ID, similar to the registration unit 101 of the settlement device, and the registration device 13 transmits an update request including the product ID to the POS server 11 (step S1301). The update request may include the customer's member ID and the ID of the registration device 13 in addition to the product ID. The list generation unit 112 of the POS server 11 updates the customer's purchased product list (step S1202). The POS server 11 transmits the product information of the product whose product ID has been acquired and the updated purchased product list to the registration device 13. The display unit 1330 of the registration device 13 displays the purchased product list (step S1303). If a product is to be added (step S1304: Yes), the registration unit 131 acquires a product ID again. If a product is not to be added (step S1304: No), the registration device 13 transmits a settlement request to the POS server 11. With the above, the registration device 13 completes the product registration process.

[0090] 3-2) Settlement process in semi-self mode When the POS server 11 receives the payment request, the information processing system 1 starts the payment process. The POS server 11 transmits payment information to the payment device 10 that accepted the semi-self-service mode in step S101 of Fig. 6 (step S1305). The customer moves to the payment device 10 to which the payment information was transmitted.

[0091] When there are multiple settlement devices 10, the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information is to be sent can be selected by any method. For example, the POS server 11 automatically selects an available settlement device 10 and sends the settlement information to it. The display unit 1330 of the registration device 13 displays the number of the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information is to be sent, etc. Thus, the store clerk tells the customer the number of the settlement device 10, etc., and the customer moves to the settlement device 10 specified by the store clerk.

[0092] The third acquisition unit 1043 of the settlement device 10 acquires settlement information from the POS server 11 (step S1306). The process of step S1306 is an embodiment of the third process. The process after the settlement information is acquired is basically the same as that in the above-mentioned cashierless mode and full self-service mode. The display control unit 105 displays a payment method selection screen (step S1307). Note that the display control unit 105 may display the payment method selection screen immediately after receiving the settlement information. Alternatively, the display control unit 105 may first display a standby screen including a start checkout button, and display the payment method selection screen after the customer presses the start checkout button. The settlement unit 103 settles the price using the acquired settlement information (step S1308) and issues a receipt (step S1309).

[0093] This concludes the description of the processing of the information processing system 1 when the settlement device 10 operates in the semi-self-service mode.

[0094] [Variations] The functions of the settlement information generation unit 111 or the list generation unit 112 of the POS server 11 may be provided in the customer terminal device 12, the settlement device 10, or the registration device 13. In these cases, the registration unit 121 of the customer terminal device 12, the registration unit 101 of the settlement device 10, or the registration unit 131 of the registration device 13 generate settlement information or a purchased item list, and store it in the POS server 11.

[0095] In the first embodiment, the first acquisition unit 1041 acquires the settlement code displayed on the customer terminal device 12 and acquires the settlement information associated with the settlement code from the POS server 11. However, the first acquisition unit 1041 may acquire the settlement information from the POS server 11 by another method. For example, first, the display control unit 105 displays a code obtained by encoding the identification information of the settlement device 10 on the display. After step S1112, the customer terminal device 12 transmits the identification information of the settlement device 10 read from the code displayed on the settlement device 10 to the POS server 11 together with information for uniquely identifying the settlement information. The information for uniquely identifying the settlement information is, for example, a customer ID, an ID of the customer terminal device 12, a member ID, or the like. The POS server 11 transmits the settlement information of the product registered in the customer terminal device 12 that read the identification information of the settlement device 10 to the settlement device 10.

[0096] Also, the first acquisition unit 1041 may acquire the settlement information from the customer terminal device 12. In this case, the first acquisition unit 1041 may acquire the settlement information generated in the customer terminal device 12 from the customer terminal device 12. Alternatively, the first acquisition unit 1041 may acquire the settlement information generated in the POS server 11 and transmitted to the customer terminal device 12. The output unit 123 of the customer terminal device 12 may transmit the settlement information to the settlement device 10 by wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. Alternatively, the display unit 1230 of the customer terminal device 12 may display a code in which the settlement information is encoded instead of the settlement code, and cause the reading device of the settlement device 10 to read the code. In this case, the settlement device 10 reads the code and acquires the settlement information. The process of acquiring the settlement information from the customer terminal device 12 is one embodiment of the first process.

[0097] The second acquisition unit 1042 may acquire the settlement information generated in the settlement device 10. The process of acquiring the settlement information generated in the settlement device 10 is one embodiment of the second process.

[0098] The third acquisition unit 1043 may acquire the settlement information from the registration device 13 through communication. In this case, the third acquisition unit 1043 may acquire the settlement information generated in the registration device 13 from the registration device 13. Alternatively, the third acquisition unit 1043 may acquire the settlement information generated in the POS server 11 and transmitted to the registration device 13.

[0099] Furthermore, the third acquisition unit 1043 may acquire a settlement code, and acquire settlement information linked to the settlement code from the POS server 11. Here, the settlement code may be printed by a printing device connected to the registration device 13. The customer receives the printed settlement code from the store clerk, and has the reading device of the settlement device 10 read it. Alternatively, the settlement code may be transmitted from the registration device 13 or the POS server 11 to the customer terminal device 12. In this case, the third acquisition unit 1043 acquires the settlement code output by the output unit 123 of the customer terminal device 12 by any method.

[0100] In the first embodiment, the settlement device 10 in which settlement is performed by the operation of the customer has been described. The orientation of the settlement device 10 may be rotatable between facing the store clerk and facing the customer. That is, when facing the store clerk, the store clerk operates the settlement device 10 to settle the price, or register the product and settle the price. When facing the customer, the customer operates the settlement device 10 to register the product and / or settle the price. In a cash register with a settlement function, a cash register facing the store clerk is also called a manned cash register. A cash register facing the customer is also called an unmanned cash register. That is, the settlement device 10 according to the present disclosure may be a manned / unmanned cash register. The settlement device 10 may switch its operation mode between facing the store clerk and facing the customer. The cash register-less mode, full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode in the first embodiment are customer operation modes when the settlement device 10 faces the customer. For example, when facing a store clerk, the settlement device 10 operates in a store clerk operation mode and displays a screen requesting entry of a store clerk ID or information intended for the store clerk.

[0101] [effect] According to the first embodiment, for example, settlement can be handled in any case where a product is registered by the customer terminal device 12, the settlement device 10, or the registration device 13. For example, by switching the mode of the settlement device 10 for each state of the registration process, it becomes unnecessary to install settlement devices in the store that individually handle each state of the registration process. Therefore, efficient store operation is possible. Also, for example, according to the first embodiment, even if the output format of the settlement information differs for each state of the registration process, a smooth transition to settlement processing can be made.

[0102] This is because the reception unit 102 receives a selection of one of three payment modes, i.e., cashierless mode, full self-service mode, and semi-self-service mode, in which payment is to be made. Also, the payment unit 103 executes a process of acquiring payment information in the selected payment mode, and settles the price using the acquired payment information.

[0103] (Embodiment 2) Next, the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the contents described in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of the settlement device 10. The settlement device 10 comprises a reception unit 102 and a settlement unit 103. The reception unit 102 and the settlement unit 103 are embodiments of a reception means and a settlement means, respectively.

[0104] The reception unit 102 accepts a selection of a first process, a second process, or a third process. The first process is a process for acquiring settlement information for products registered using a terminal device used by the customer. The second process is a process for acquiring settlement information for products registered at the settlement device 10 by operation of the customer. The third process is a process for acquiring settlement information for products registered using a registration device that registers products by operation of a store clerk. The settlement unit 103 executes the selected first, second, or third process and acquires the settlement information. The settlement unit 103 settles the price using the acquired settlement information.

[0105] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the settlement device 10. The reception unit 102 accepts the selection of any one of the first process, the second process, and the third process (step S201). If the selection of the first process is accepted, the settlement unit 103 executes the first process and acquires settlement information (step S2022). If the selection of the second process is accepted, the settlement unit 103 executes the second process and acquires settlement information (step S2023). If the selection of the third process is accepted, the settlement unit 103 executes the third process and acquires settlement information (step S2024). Thereafter, the settlement unit 103 settles the price based on the acquired settlement information (step S203).

[0106] [effect] According to the second embodiment, settlement can be handled even when product registration is performed in various ways.

[0107] (Hardware configuration) This concludes the description of each embodiment. Next, we will explain the hardware configuration of the settlement device 10, POS server 11, customer terminal device 12, and registration device 13. Figures 18, 19, and 20 are explanatory diagrams showing examples of the hardware configuration of the system.

[0108] First, an example of the hardware configuration of the POS device 34 shown in Fig. 18 will be described. The POS device 34 is, for example, an example in which the settlement device 10 and the registration device 13 according to the first and second embodiments are realized by a computer. The POS device 34 has, for example, a processor 341, a ROM 342, a RAM 343, a storage device 344, and a communication interface 345. The POS device 34 further has the communication interface 345, an input / output device 346, a reading device 347, a light 348, a speaker 349, and a printing device 350. Each component is connected by a bus 351.

[0109] The input / output device 346 receives input from a customer or a store clerk. The input / output device 346 also outputs data. The input / output device 346 may display images. The input / output device 346 is, for example, a touch panel display.

[0110] The reading device 347 is a device capable of reading a settlement code such as a one-dimensional code, a two-dimensional code, etc. For example, the reading device 347 may be a barcode reader, an imaging device, etc. The reading device 347 may be an RFID reader capable of reading an RFID.

[0111] The light 348 is, for example, an output device that turns on. The light 348 turns on when an abnormality occurs in the settlement device 10, when a store clerk is called, etc. The speaker 349 is, for example, an output device that outputs operation sounds, voice messages, etc. The printer 350 is, for example, an output device that can print receipts.

[0112] Next, a hardware configuration example of the POS server 31 shown in Fig. 19 will be described. The POS server 31 is an example in which the POS server 11 described in the first embodiment is realized by a computer. The POS server 31 includes, for example, a processor 311, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, a storage device 314, and a communication interface 315.

[0113] Next, an example of a hardware configuration of the customer terminal device 32 shown in Fig. 20 will be described. The customer terminal device 32 is an example of the customer terminal device 12 described in the first embodiment realized by a computer. The customer terminal device 32 has a processor 321, a ROM 322, a RAM 323, a storage device 324, a communication interface 325, an input / output device 326, and a camera 327. Each component is connected to the other via a bus 328. In addition, each component of the customer terminal device 32 is connected to the other via a bus 328.

[0114] The processors 341, 311, 321 control the entire POS device 34, the POS server 31, or the customer terminal device 32. The processors 341, 311, 321 may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or the like. The POS device 34, the POS server 31, and the customer terminal device 32 have, as storage units, ROMs 342, 312, 322, RAMs 343, 313, 323, and storage devices 344, 314, 324, or the like. The storage devices 344, 314, 324 may be, for example, semiconductor memories such as flash memories, HDDs, SSDs, or the like. For example, the storage devices 344, 314, 324 store programs for an operating system (OS), application programs, or the like. Alternatively, the ROMs 342, 312, 322 store application programs. The RAMs 343, 313, and 323 are used as work areas for the processors 341, 311, and 321.

[0115] Moreover, the processors 341, 311, 321 load the programs stored in the storage devices 344, 314, 324, ROMs 342, 312, 322, etc. Then, the processors 341, 311, 321 execute each process coded in the program. The processors 341, 311, 321 may download various programs via a communication network. The processors 341, 311, 321 function as a part or the whole of the POS device 34, the POS server 31, or the customer terminal device 32. Then, the processors 341, 311, 321 may execute the processes or instructions in the illustrated flowchart based on the program.

[0116] The communication interfaces 345, 315, 325 are connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) via a wireless or wired communication line. As a result, the POS device 34, the POS server 31, and the customer terminal device 32 are connected to external devices and external computers via the communication network. The communication interfaces 345, 315, 325 act as an interface between the communication network and the inside of the POS device 34, the POS server 31, and the customer terminal device 32. The communication interfaces 345, 315, 325 control the input and output of data from the external devices and external computers.

[0117] The hardware configurations shown in Figures 18, 19, and 20 are examples. Components other than those shown in each figure may be added, or some components may not be included. For example, the POS device 34 may have an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a physical button. In addition, the POS device 34 may not have the printing device 350. For example, the printing device 350 may be external. Alternatively, the printing device 350 may be connected via a communication network.

[0118] This concludes the description of the hardware configuration of each device. There are various variations in the method of realizing each device. For example, the system may be realized by any combination of a computer and a program that are different for each component. Furthermore, multiple components included in each device may be realized by any combination of a single computer and a program.

[0119] Also, some or all of the components of the system may be realized by application-specific circuits. Also, some or all of the system may be realized by general-purpose circuits including a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Also, some or all of the system may be realized by a combination of application-specific circuits and general-purpose circuits. Also, these circuits may be a single integrated circuit. Or, these circuits may be divided into multiple integrated circuits. And, the multiple integrated circuits may be configured by being connected via a bus or the like.

[0120] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of each device are realized by a plurality of computers, circuits, etc., the plurality of computers, circuits, etc. may be arranged in a centralized manner or in a distributed manner.

[0121] The methods described in each embodiment can be realized by execution by a settlement device, a POS server, a customer terminal device, or a registration device. Also, the methods can be realized by execution of a prepared program by a computer such as a settlement device, a POS server, a customer terminal device, or a registration device. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a USB memory. Then, the program is executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer. Also, the program may be distributed via a communication network.

[0122] The functions of each of the components of the system in each embodiment described above may be realized by hardware, such as the computer systems shown in Figures 18 to 20. Alternatively, each component may be realized by a computer device or firmware based on program control.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The configuration and details of each invention may include embodiments to which various modifications that a person skilled in the art can grasp within the scope of the present invention are applied. The present invention may include embodiments in which the matters described in this specification are appropriately combined or replaced as necessary. For example, matters described using a specific embodiment may be applied to other embodiments to the extent that no contradiction occurs. For example, although multiple operations are described in the form of a flowchart in order, the order of description does not limit the order in which the multiple operations are performed. Therefore, when implementing each embodiment, the order of the multiple operations can be changed to the extent that the content is not impaired. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Information Processing Systems 10 Payment device 11 POS Server 12 Customer terminal equipment 13 Registration device 16 Communication Networks 101 Registration Department 102 Reception 103 Settlement Department 105 Display control unit 111 Settlement information generation section 112 List Generation Unit 113 Sales Management Department 114 Storage section 121 Registration Department 123 Output section 131 Registration Department 133 Output section

Claims

1. Touch panel display and A reception means that accepts a selection by a store employee from either a first process of acquiring settlement information for registered products using a terminal device used by the customer, or a second process of acquiring settlement information for registered products using a self-checkout device having a registration function for registering products by customer operation, via a selection button displayed on the touch panel display. In response to the acceptance of a processing selection, the display control means displays different standby screens on the touch panel display according to the selected processing, the standby screen when the first processing is selected includes a message prompting the user to scan the settlement code displayed on the terminal device's display unit and displays a reading screen for reading the settlement code from the terminal device, and the standby screen when the second processing is selected displays a message prompting the user to scan the product code. A settlement means that performs the selected first or second process and settles the payment in accordance with the customer's operation using the acquired settlement information, Equipped with, The display control means continuously displays the waiting screen corresponding to the selected process from the time the store clerk selects a process until the customer starts the operation. If the first process is selected, the display control means switches from the waiting screen to the payment method selection screen for the purchased items associated with the payment code, in response to the reading of the settlement code. If the second process is selected, the display control means switches from the waiting screen to the product registration screen, in response to the reading of the product code. Payment device.

2. The settlement device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means accepts the selection of any of the following processes: the first process, the second process, and the third process of acquiring settlement information for registered products using a registration device that registers products by operation of a store employee.

3. If the third process is selected, the display control means displays the payment method selection screen for settlement. The settlement device according to claim 2.

4. The display control means causes the selection buttons for the first, second, and third processes to be displayed on the screen. The settlement device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The reception means receives the employee's authentication information, and if authentication based on the authentication information is successful, it accepts the employee's selection of the first, second, or third process based on their input. The settlement device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

6. The settlement means is, If the first process is selected, the system includes a first acquisition means for acquiring settlement information associated with the settlement code from the server based on the settlement code acquired from the terminal device. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A payment device equipped with a touch panel display, The system accepts the selection of a selection button displayed on the touch panel display by a store employee for either a first process of acquiring settlement information for registered products using a terminal device used by the customer, or a second process of acquiring settlement information for registered products using a self-checkout device that has a registration function for registering products by the customer's operation. Upon acceptance of the selection of a process, different waiting screens are displayed on the touch panel display according to the selected process. If the first process is selected, the waiting screen includes a message prompting the user to scan the settlement code displayed on the terminal device's display unit and displays a reading screen for reading the settlement code from the terminal device. If the second process is selected, the waiting screen displays a message prompting the user to scan the product code. From the time the store clerk selects a process until the customer begins the operation, the waiting screen corresponding to the selected process is continuously displayed. If the first process is selected, the screen switches from the waiting screen to the payment method selection screen for the purchased items associated with the payment code, depending on when the settlement code is read. If the second process is selected, the screen switches from the waiting screen to the product registration screen, depending on when the product code is read. A settlement method that performs the selected first or second process and settles the payment in accordance with the customer's actions using the acquired settlement information.

8. The process involves either a first process of acquiring payment information for registered products using a terminal device used by the customer, or a second process of acquiring payment information for registered products using a payment device that has a registration function for registering products through customer operation, and the store clerk selects a selection button displayed on the touch panel display of the payment device. Upon acceptance of the selection of a process, different waiting screens are displayed on the touch panel display according to the selected process. If the first process is selected, the waiting screen includes a message prompting the user to scan the settlement code displayed on the terminal device's display unit and displays a reading screen for reading the settlement code from the terminal device. If the second process is selected, the waiting screen displays a message prompting the user to scan the product code. From the time the store clerk selects a process until the customer begins the operation, the waiting screen corresponding to the selected process is continuously displayed. If the first process is selected, the screen switches from the waiting screen to the payment method selection screen for the purchased items associated with the payment code, depending on when the settlement code is read. If the second process is selected, the screen switches from the waiting screen to the product registration screen, depending on when the product code is read. A program that performs the selected first or second process and causes the settlement device to perform a settlement process in response to customer operations using the acquired settlement information.

Images