System
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024214301
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a system. [Background technology]
[0002] There is known a POS system in which a store clerk scans a barcode attached to an item into a registration device, registers transaction information based on the barcode data in a storage device, and executes settlement based on the registered transaction information (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-249175 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-192170 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, there is a problem in that it does not adequately accommodate a variety of settlement methods (payment methods).
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a technology that can be used effectively when multiple types of settlement methods are available. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] A POS system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a registration device having a registration means for registering transaction information based on a product to be purchased, a display means for displaying operation keys on a screen of the registration device, a transmission means for transmitting the transaction information registered by the registration means so that it can be settled at a selected one of the settlement devices when a transmission key, which is an operation key for transmitting the transaction information, is operated, and a non-cash settlement selection means for enabling non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when a non-cash key, which is an operation key for selecting settlement by non-cash other than cash, is operated, and a settlement device having a cash settlement means for executing cash settlement based on the transaction information transmitted by the transmission means, wherein the display means displays the transmission key and the non-cash key on the same screen, and the transmission means transmits the transaction information so that it can be settled at the one of the settlement devices after operation of a completion key, which is an operation key for declaring that product registration has been completed by the registration means. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a transaction process using a POS system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registration device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of discount rates for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image for inputting a discount rate for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of an image displayed on the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of an image displayed on the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an accounting ticket in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of selection images displayed on a settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a guidance image displayed on the settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0008] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of accounting processing using a POS system. The POS system is installed in, for example, a store. The POS system includes a registration device 100 and a settlement device 200. There may be multiple registration devices 100 and multiple settlement devices 200. The registration device 100 scans the barcode attached to the product purchased by the customer by the operation of a store clerk. The registration device 100 registers product transaction information in a storage unit based on the barcode data. The product transaction information may include, for example, information indicating a transaction identification number, a product identification number, and the number of products.
[0009] When registration of product transaction information for the barcodes of all products purchased by the customer has been completed, the registration device 100 prints the barcode or two-dimensional code on a receipt (described later using Figure 8) based on an operational input to declare the completion of registration of the product transaction information (for example, a store clerk pressing a completion key), and issues the receipt to the customer.
[0010] After receiving the accounting ticket, the customer proceeds to the settlement device 200 and uses the scanner unit of the settlement device 200 to read the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket. The customer then operates the operation keys of the settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total amount of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information.
[0011] 2 shows a configuration example of a POS system in the form of a block diagram. The POS system may further include a store controller 400 (host management device). The POS system includes the store controller 400, N (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1) registration devices 100, and M (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1) settlement devices 200. The registration devices 100, the settlement devices 200, and the store controller 400 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 300.
[0012] The store controller 400 prestores product information (e.g., product price) as product master data. The registration device 100 may register product transaction information in the store controller 400 based on the read barcode data. In other words, the store controller 400 may store the transaction information transmitted from the registration device 100.
[0013] In addition, there may be registration devices 100 that are not connected to the store controller 400 and registration devices 100 that are connected to the store controller 400 via the LAN 300.
[0014] First, the details of the registration device will be described. An example of the configuration of the registration device is shown in a block diagram in Fig. 3. The registration device 100 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a scanner unit 104, a clerk display unit 105, a customer display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a communication unit 108, a buzzer 109, a printing unit 111, an electronic money reading unit 112, and a credit card reading unit 113. These units are connected to each other via a bus 1. The printing unit 111 has a receipt issuing port 110.
[0015] The scanner unit 104 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory, and stores a program for operating the registration device 100 in advance.
[0016] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit. The CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 102 and loads it in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 controls each unit of the registration device 100 by executing each step of the loaded program.
[0017] The CPU 101 registers product transaction information in the RAM 103 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104. The CPU 101 may also register the product transaction information in the store controller 400 via the communication unit 108 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.
[0018] The CPU 101 identifies the settlement method (payment method) selected by the customer. For example, the CPU 101 identifies the settlement method selected by the customer based on identification information indicating cash, credit card, electronic money, or a gift certificate input by a store clerk operating the operation unit 107.
[0019] Furthermore, CPU 101 controls printing unit 111 to print a receipt in a format corresponding to the identified settlement method and issue the receipt. More specifically, when the identified settlement method is a settlement method other than cash, CPU 101 controls printing unit 111 to print detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information settled at its own registered device on a receipt and issue the receipt. In other words, when the settlement method information input to CPU 101 via operation unit 107 indicates "credit declaration," "electronic money declaration," or "gift certificate," CPU 101 instructs printing unit 111 to issue a receipt on which detailed information after settlement processing is executed at its own settlement device is printed.
[0020] On the other hand, if the identified payment method includes at least a cash payment method, the CPU 101 controls the printing unit 111 to issue a payment ticket on which the transaction information is printed. Here, the CPU 101 may control the printing unit 111 to issue a payment ticket on which identification information indicating the transaction information is printed. In other words, if the payment method information input to the CPU 101 via the operation unit 107 indicates "cash" or "payment ticket," the CPU 101 instructs the printing unit 111 to issue a payment ticket on which information necessary for a customer to operate the payment device 200 to make payment is printed.
[0021] The RAM 103 is a read / write memory that stores various information. The various information is, for example, a discount rate for each purchase amount. The purchase amount is the total price of all the purchased items. The programs read from the ROM 102 are deployed in the RAM 103. The RAM 103 also stores various data generated by the execution of the programs.
[0022] In Fig. 4, examples of discount rates are shown for each purchase amount. In Fig. 4, the purchase amount is associated with the discount rate. Specifically, as an example, a purchase amount "less than 2000 yen" is associated in advance with a discount rate of "5" [%]. Also, as an example, a purchase amount "2000 yen or more, less than 4000 yen" is associated in advance with a discount rate of "7" [%].
[0023] Returning to Fig. 3, the description of the configuration example of the registration device will continue. The clerk display unit 105 is a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The clerk display unit 105 displays various images of operation keys and the like (described later using Figs. 6 and 7).
[0024] The salesclerk display unit 105 has a touch panel provided with touch keys (soft keys) that are transparent contact switches. In other words, the salesclerk display unit 105 has a touch panel as an operation unit 107. The salesclerk display unit 105 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, setting, or registration via the displayed operation keys. This setting may be, for example, a setting of a discount rate for each purchase amount (see FIG. 4).
[0025] 5 shows an image for inputting a discount rate for each purchase amount. The image for inputting a discount rate for each purchase amount may be further displayed on the clerk display unit 105 when the bill key or billing key displayed on the clerk display unit 105 is pressed (the completion key is pressed). The image for inputting a discount rate for each purchase amount may also be displayed on the clerk display unit 105 during initial setup immediately after the power to the registration device 100 is turned on. The clerk may input the discount rate for each purchase amount by operating the operation keys displayed on the clerk display unit 105 or the numeric keys of the operation unit 107 while checking the image for inputting the discount rate for each purchase amount.
[0026] The contents of the benefit (for example, the discount rate (see FIG. 4), other discount amount, or providing a certain product free of charge) may be set in advance. CPU 101 may provide a benefit to a customer when the customer presses an accounting ticket key or accounting key displayed on clerk display unit 105. This allows the POS system to provide a benefit to a customer without the clerk having to set the discount rate, etc., for every customer who uses the settlement device.
[0027] Also, a special benefit can be given to a customer using the payment device by the store clerk simply performing the operations required for payment processing, such as pressing the bill key or bill key displayed on the store clerk display unit 105. The POS system also eliminates forgetting to give a special benefit and improves operability for store clerks.
[0028] Furthermore, the CPU 101 may display on the store clerk display unit 105 a change means for allowing only a specific customer to change the discount rate (see FIG. 4) before the bill key or bill key displayed on the store clerk display unit 105 is pressed. This allows the POS system to provide special benefits as services suited to each customer.
[0029] 6 shows a first example of an image displayed on the registration device. The salesclerk display unit 105 displays product details determined by transaction information based on barcode data read by the scanner unit 104 under the control of the CPU 101. For example, the salesclerk display unit 105 displays the name of the purchased product, the product price, the character string "inclusive" indicating that the price is inclusive of tax, the number of items purchased, the subtotal (amount), and the total (purchase amount) in a table format for each product.
[0030] The store clerk display unit 105 displays various operation keys, such as an extension key, an electronic money declaration key 500, a credit declaration key 510, an interrupt key, a ticket issue key, an accounting ticket key 520, a QR reissue key, an operator screen key, and a registration screen key.
[0031] The electronic money declaration key 500, the credit declaration key 510, and the accounting ticket key 520 are operation keys (completion keys) (declaration means) for completing the registration of transaction information. More specifically, the electronic money declaration key 500 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process will be performed using electronic money. The credit declaration key 510 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process will be performed using a credit card.
[0032] The accounting ticket key 520 is an operation key for issuing an accounting ticket from the receipt issuing port 110. When the accounting ticket key 520 is pressed, the customer receives the issued accounting ticket and moves to the settlement device 200. After receiving the accounting ticket, the customer moves to the settlement device 200 and uses a scanner unit provided in the settlement device 200 to read the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket, and then operates the operation keys of the settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total amount of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information.
[0033] FIG. 7 shows a second example of an image displayed on the registration device. The clerk display unit 105 may display a settlement device selection key 530 and a billing key 540. The settlement device selection key 530 is an operation key for the clerk to select a settlement device 200. The billing key 540 is an operation key for completing the registration of transaction information. When the settlement device selection key 530 is pressed followed by the billing key 540, the CPU 101 causes the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information to the selected settlement device 200. In this case, the CPU 101 may cause the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information directly to the selected settlement device 200. The CPU 101 may also cause the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information to the selected settlement device 200 via the store controller 400 (higher-level device). The customer moves to the selected settlement device 200 and operates the operation keys of the selected settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total amount of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information received by the settlement device 200.
[0034] Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the configuration example of the registration device will continue. The customer display unit 106 is a display device. The customer display unit 106 may be an emissive display device using a liquid crystal display or the like. The customer display unit 106 displays images such as character strings, for example, using a seven-segment display or a dot display (full dot display). For example, the customer display unit 106 displays, to a customer who has completed registration of transaction information, the registered transaction information, the purchase amount (total amount) of the purchased product, information that a special benefit will be granted, or information that payment is required at the settlement device 200.
[0035] The operation unit 107 includes an operation means for operating the registration device 100. This operation means (input device) is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The operation means may be, for example, a completion key for declaring the completion of product registration (for example, it may be an accounting key or an accounting ticket key), a correction key, a preset key, a numeric key, a coupon key, a credit declaration key, or an electronic money declaration key.
[0036] The operation means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or may be displayed as images of operation keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the store clerk display unit 105.
[0037] The communication unit 108 communicates with the store controller 400 and the settlement device 200 via a network. The network may be any communication line (e.g., a wireless communication line, a wired communication line) and is not limited to the LAN 300. The buzzer 109 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 101.
[0038] The receipt issuing port 110 ejects and issues various sheets printed by the printing unit 111. The various sheets are, for example, credit receipts, electronic money receipts, gift certificate receipts, or accounting tickets.
[0039] Here, a credit receipt is a receipt issued after the credit declaration key is pressed and the settlement process is completed at the registration device 100. An electronic money receipt is a receipt issued after the electronic money declaration key is pressed and the settlement process is completed at the registration device 100. A gift certificate receipt is a receipt issued after the gift certificate key is pressed and the settlement process is completed at the registration device 100. An accounting ticket is issued when the accounting ticket key is pressed. The purchase amount for one transaction may be printed on the accounting ticket.
[0040] The printing unit 111 prints information on a sheet. The printing unit 111 has a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is placed in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head, and is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is driven in response to a control signal from the CPU 101, so that the sheet is transported a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller. The sheet is issued from the receipt issuing port 110 as, for example, a credit receipt, an electronic money receipt, a gift certificate receipt, or an accounting ticket.
[0041] FIG. 8 shows an example of a bill. FIG. 8(a) shows an example of a bill 40 on which a barcode C2 is printed. The barcode C2 is a code representing identification information indicating transaction information. The transaction information registered in the store controller 400 is retrieved from the store controller 400 based on the identification information (transaction identification number) indicating the transaction information represented by the barcode C2. Meanwhile, FIG. 8(b) shows an example of a bill 40 on which a two-dimensional code C1 is printed. The two-dimensional code C1 is a code representing product detail information determined by the transaction information of all products purchased by the customer. In this case, the transaction information does not need to be retrieved from the store controller 400 because it is all recorded in the two-dimensional code C1.
[0042] At least a portion of the transaction information, such as the number of items purchased and the purchase amount, may be printed as purchase details on the accounting ticket 40. At least a portion of the transaction information, such as the transaction date and time, may also be printed on the accounting ticket 40. A coupon (not shown) may also be printed in a portion of the accounting ticket 40 (for example, the lower half).
[0043] Returning to Fig. 3, the description of the configuration example of the registration device will continue. The electronic money reading unit 112 has a structure into which an electronic money card (medium) can be inserted. The electronic money reading unit 112 wirelessly reads amount information stored in the inserted electronic money card and outputs the read amount information to the CPU 101. The electronic money reading unit 112 stores amount information, from which the purchase amount input from the CPU 101 is deducted, in the inserted electronic money card.
[0044] The credit card reading unit 113 has a structure into which a credit card (medium) can be inserted. The credit card reading unit 113 reads customer information stored in the inserted credit card using magnetism or the like, and outputs the read information to the CPU 101.
[0045] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the registration device (see FIG. 3). (Step S1) The scanner unit 104 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The CPU 101 registers the transaction information of the product in the RAM 103 or the store controller 400 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.
[0046] (Step S2) CPU 101 determines whether or not registration of transaction information for all purchased items has been completed, i.e., whether or not a completion key on operation unit 107 (e.g., accounting key 540 or accounting ticket key 520) has been operated to declare completion of item registration. If registration of transaction information has been completed (step S2: Yes), processing proceeds to step S3. On the other hand, if registration of transaction information has not been completed (step S2: No), CPU 101 returns processing to step S1.
[0047] (Step S3) CPU 101 determines whether the payment method is at least cash (payment method information). For example, when operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input (for example, pressing accounting key 540 or accounting ticket key 520), CPU 101 determines that the payment method is at least cash.
[0048] Even if a customer selects payment with electronic money or a gift certificate, if the amount stored on the electronic money card (medium) or the face value of the gift certificate is less than the purchase amount, the remaining amount may be paid in cash.
[0049] If the settlement method is at least cash settlement (step S3: Yes), CPU 101 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the settlement method is not cash settlement (step S3: No), CPU 101 proceeds to step S4.
[0050] (Step S4) The CPU 101 executes settlement by means other than cash (for example, gift certificate, electronic money, credit card) according to the settlement method information, and ends the process.
[0051] (Step S5) The CPU 101 causes the customer display unit 106 to display an image indicating that a special benefit will be awarded. (Step S6) The CPU 101 issues, from the receipt issuing port 110, a transaction ticket 40 on which a barcode (see FIG. 8(a)) with identification information indicating the transaction information is printed. The communication unit 108 sends the transaction information to the store controller 400 for registration. The communication unit 108 may send the transaction information to the selected settlement device 200. The CPU 101 may issue, from the receipt issuing port 110, a transaction ticket 40 on which a two-dimensional code (see FIG. 8(b)) indicating the contents of the transaction information is printed.
[0052] The communication unit 108 may transmit the transaction information when triggered by a human detection sensor (not shown) detecting that a customer stands in front of the selected settlement device 200. The communication unit 108 may transmit the transaction information when triggered by a customer operating the selected settlement device 200.
[0053] Next, the settlement device will be described in detail. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device. The settlement device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, an imaging unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, a receipt issuing port 210, a printing unit 211, a change / change note unit 212, and a hard disk 213. The various units of the settlement device 200 are connected to each other via a bus 2. The scanner unit 204 and the imaging unit 207 may be separate units (external) that can be attached to and detached from the settlement device 200.
[0054] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit. The CPU 201 reads out a program stored in the ROM 202, and loads the program in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 controls each unit of the settlement device 200 by executing each step of the loaded program.
[0055] The CPU 201 also recognizes the content of the code printed on the sheet read by the scanner unit 204. For example, the CPU 201 recognizes the content indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket 40 issued for transaction information that has been registered by the registration device 100 but for which settlement has not yet been completed.
[0056] More specifically, the CPU 201 recognizes the content indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket 40 by performing OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the image data read by the scanner unit 204. Here, the content indicated by the barcode is, for example, identification information indicating transaction information registered in the store controller 400. Also, the content indicated by the two-dimensional code is, for example, detailed product information determined by the transaction information registered by the settlement device 200.
[0057] The CPU 201 stores the transaction information in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 also stores the transaction information stored in the RAM 203 in the hard disk 213. The CPU 201 settles the purchase amount (price) of the product determined by the transaction information based on the content indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code.
[0058] The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to a sheet (for example, an accounting ticket 40). The ROM 202 is a read-only memory, and stores in advance a program for operating the settlement device 200.
[0059] The RAM 203 is a read / write memory that stores various information. The various information is, for example, transaction information. In addition, the RAM 203 loads a program read from the ROM 202. In addition, the RAM 203 stores various data generated by executing the program.
[0060] The operation unit 206 includes an operation means for operating the settlement device 200. This operation means (input device) is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The operation means is, for example, a settlement key. The settlement key is an operation key operated by a customer when inputting an instruction to execute a settlement process to the CPU 201.
[0061] The operation means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or may be displayed as images of operation keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 205.
[0062] The display unit 205 is a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 205 has a touch panel provided with touch keys (soft keys) which are transparent contact switches. The display unit 205 may have a touch panel as the operation unit 206. The display unit 205 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, setting, or registration. The display unit 205 displays product detail information (e.g., purchase amount) determined by the contents (transaction information) indicated by a barcode or two-dimensional code recognized by the CPU 201.
[0063] FIG. 11 shows an example of a selection image displayed on a payment device. When a customer makes a payment without using an accounting ticket 40 (see FIG. 8), the selection image is displayed on the display unit 205 of the selected payment device 200 when one of the payment device selection keys 530 is pressed followed by the accounting key 540 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, when a customer goes to the selected payment device 200, the selected payment device 200 already displays the selection image and is ready for payment. On the other hand, when a customer makes a payment using an accounting ticket 40, the barcode printed on the accounting ticket 40 is read by the scanner unit 204 of the payment device 200 to identify transaction information, and the selection image is displayed based on the identified transaction information.
[0064] The display unit 205 displays an image for the customer to select a payment method (payment method) under the control of the CPU 201. In Fig. 11, the image for selecting a payment method displays the character string "Please select a payment method", the purchase amount (total amount) "580 yen in total", and operation keys for selecting the payment method "Cash", "Credit", and "Electronic Money A".
[0065] The image for selecting the payment method may also display an operation key "Check Electronic Money" for checking the amount stored in the electronic money card (medium), an operation key "Check Purchase Details" for checking detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information, and the current date and time.
[0066] FIG. 12 shows an example of a guidance image displayed on the settlement device. When a customer presses the operation key "Cash" (see FIG. 11) displayed in the selection image, the display unit 205 displays a guidance image for proceeding with the settlement process with cash. In FIG. 12, the following are displayed: "Please check the purchase amount and insert money", "Purchase amount 580 yen", "Discount amount 29 yen", "Since you have settled the payment at the settlement machine, we will give you a 5% discount", "Deposit amount 0 yen", and "Change amount". The guidance image may also display a moving image showing the appearance and operation procedure of the change slip unit 212.
[0067] The guidance image also displays an operation key "Settlement" (settlement key) for causing settlement device 200 to start settlement processing. When the operation key "Settlement" is pressed, CPU 201 starts settlement processing such as subtracting the discounted purchase amount from the amount of inserted cash (deposit amount) and calculating the difference between them, and controls printing unit 211 to issue a purchase sheet from receipt issuing port 210. Furthermore, change / ticket unit 212 pays out change or a ticket from a cash dispensing outlet in an amount according to the difference information input from CPU 201. CPU 201 may also control printing unit 211 to issue a coupon from receipt issuing port 210.
[0068] Returning to FIG. 10, the explanation of the configuration example of the settlement device will be continued. The imaging unit 207 captures images and generates image data. The imaging unit 207 outputs the generated image data to the CPU 201. The image data may include, for example, an image of a customer operating the settlement device 200. The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 201.
[0069] The communication unit 208 communicates with the store controller 400 and the registration device 100 via a network. The network may be any network (for example, a wireless communication network) and is not limited to the LAN 300.
[0070] The receipt issuing port 210 issues a receipt sheet. On the receipt sheet, detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information for which settlement has been completed is printed by the printing unit 211. The printing unit 211 prints information (for example, detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information) on the receipt sheet. The printing unit 211 has a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is placed in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head, and is driven by a stepping motor. By driving the stepping motor in response to a control signal from the CPU 201, the receipt sheet is transported a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller.
[0071] The change / note unit 212 has a cash input port and a cash payout port. When cash is inserted into the cash input port, the change / note unit 212 outputs type information and amount information of the inserted cash to the CPU 201. In addition, the change / note unit 212 pays out change or a note from the cash payout port in an amount according to the difference information input from the CPU 201.
[0072] The hard disk 213 is, for example, a recording device using magnetism. The hard disk 213 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 213 stores in advance character information indicating the contents to be printed on a purchase sheet. The hard disk 213 stores in advance character information representing a gift certificate. The character information representing a gift certificate is, for example, character information such as "gift certificate" or "coupon."
[0073] Furthermore, the hard disk 213 stores in advance character information representing, for example, the purchase amount. The character information representing the purchase amount is, for example, character information such as "purchase amount", "total amount", and "total". The hard disk 213 also stores in advance character information representing, for example, the shortfall amount. The character information representing the shortfall amount is, for example, character information such as "shortfall amount" and "amount paid". The hard disk 213 also stores in advance character information representing, for example, the change. The character information representing the change is, for example, character information such as "change", "change". The hard disk 213 may store a program for operating the CPU 201 instead of the RAM 203.
[0074] As described above, the POS system comprises registration device 100 having a registration unit (e.g., CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the products to be purchased and operation unit 107 that accepts predetermined operation input (e.g., pressing accounting ticket key 520) when completing the registration of the transaction information, and settlement device 200 having CPU 201 (cash settlement unit) that executes settlement at least in cash based on the registered transaction information, CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether or not operation unit 107 has accepted the predetermined operation input, and a bonus granting unit (e.g., CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing port 210) that grants a bonus (e.g., a discount) to a customer who settles at the settlement device 200 when the operation unit 107 accepts the predetermined operation input.
[0075] With this configuration, when the operation unit 107 of the registration device 100 receives a predetermined operation input, the reward granting unit of the settlement device 200 (e.g., CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing port 210) grants a reward to a customer who settles at the settlement device 200. This prevents the POS system from delaying the transaction process. In other words, by granting a reward to a customer who settles at the settlement device 200, the POS system can motivate the customer to settle at the settlement device 200 and prevent the line of customers waiting at the registration device 100 from becoming too long.
[0076] The registration device 100 may have a non-cash settlement unit (eg, a credit card reading unit 113, an electronic money reading unit 112, a scanner unit 104) that executes settlement with means other than cash (eg, a credit card, electronic money, a gift certificate).
[0077] The operation unit 107 may accept an operation input for issuing a bill (see FIG. 8) (e.g., pressing the bill key 520), an operation input for specifying a settlement device 200 (e.g., pressing the settlement device selection key 530), or an operation input for sending transaction information (e.g., pressing the bill key 540) as a predetermined operation input that also serves as an operation for granting a benefit. In other words, pressing the bill key 520, the settlement device selection key 530, or the bill key 540 also serves as an operation for granting a benefit to a customer. This allows the registration device 100 to reliably grant a benefit to a customer who operates the settlement device 200 himself and settles the bill using a bill.
[0078] The registration device 100 may have a customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) that displays predetermined information (e.g., an image, a character string in a seven-segment display or a dot display, etc.) to a customer who registers transaction information. When the operation unit 107 accepts a predetermined operation input, the customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) may display predetermined information (e.g., an image, a character string in a seven-segment display or a dot display, etc.) indicating that a privilege (e.g., a discount) will be granted.
[0079] The settlement device 200 may have a display unit 205 (settlement display unit) that displays an image to a customer who operates the settlement device 200. When the operation unit 107 accepts a predetermined operation input, the display unit 205 (settlement display unit) may display an image indicating that a special benefit will be awarded.
[0080] When a predetermined operation input is received, operation unit 107 may receive an operation input for determining a discount rate for discounting the price as a special benefit (see FIG. 5, for example).
[0081] The registration device 100 includes a registration unit (e.g., CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the product being purchased, and an operation unit 107 that accepts operation inputs for issuing a medium having a code indicating the transaction information recorded thereon, operation inputs for designating a settlement device, or operation inputs for transmitting the transaction information as predetermined operation inputs that also serve as operations for granting benefits.
[0082] The settlement device 200 includes a CPU 201 (cash settlement unit) that executes settlement at least with cash based on transaction information based on the purchased product, a CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether or not a special benefit is to be granted when the transaction information is read out, and a display unit 205 that displays information associated with the transaction information (e.g., "purchase amount" shown in FIG. 12) and a message indicating that a special benefit will be granted (e.g., a character string "We will give you a 5% discount" shown in FIG. 12) when a special benefit is to be granted. The settlement device 200 may also print a message indicating that a special benefit will be granted on a receipt issued at the time of settlement of the transaction. In this way, the settlement device 200 notifies the customer that a special benefit will be granted when the customer settles the payment at the settlement device, so that the customer can be motivated to settle the payment using the settlement device 200 for future shopping.
[0083] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention are also included.
[0084] For example, the settlement method at the settlement device 200 is not limited to settlement with cash only. For example, the amount shown on a gift certificate (coupon ticket, gift certificate) may be input to the registration device 100. In this case, the customer may add cash to the amount input to the registration device 100 and settle at the settlement device 200. Also, even when the customer adds the amount paid by electronic money or credit card to the amount input to the registration device 100 and settles at the settlement device 200, a special benefit may be given to the customer who operates the settlement device 200.
[0085] The above-described registration device, settlement device, and POS system may be implemented by recording the programs on a computer-readable recording medium, and loading and executing the programs on the recording medium into a computer system to perform the execution process. Note that the term "computer system" may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.
[0086] In addition, if a WWW system is used, the "computer system" also includes the homepage providing environment (or display environment). Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, and a storage device such as a hard disk built into a computer system.
[0087] Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" includes devices that retain a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (e.g., DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. The program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be a program for implementing some of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of symbols]
[0088] 1. Bus 2. Bus 40…Account ticket C1: 2D code C2…Barcode 100...Registration device 101...CPU 102...ROM 103…RAM 104…Scanner section 105...Display section for clerk 106...Customer display section 107...Operation unit 108…Communications Department 109…Buzzer 110…Receipt issuing port 111...Printing section 112...Electronic money reader 113…Credit card reader 200…Payment device 201...CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204…Scanner section 205...Display section 206...Operation unit 207…imaging unit 208…Communications Department 209…Buzzer 210…Receipt issuing department 211...Printing section 212…Change section 213...Hard disk 300…LAN 400…Store Controller 500...Electronic money declaration key 510...Credit declaration key 520…Accounting ticket key 530...Payment device selection key 540…Accounting key
Claims
[Claim 1] A POS system including a registration device for registering products to be purchased by customers and a payment device for processing payments based on transaction information of the products registered by the registration device, the registration device includes a transmission means for transmitting the transaction information so that the transaction can be settled at the selected settlement device, and controls the settlement device to transmit the transaction information in response to an operation by an operator; The POS system is characterized in that the settlement process includes a means for executing a cash or non-cash settlement process based on the transmitted transaction information.