Article sales data processor, program, and article sales data processing system

Abstract

To provide an article sales data processor, a program, and an article sales data processing system that eliminate the need for payment media during payment processing.SOLUTION: An article sales data processor according to the embodiment includes: biometric acquisition means for acquiring biometric information; receiving means for receiving, from an external device, article registration information of an article to be purchased by a member identified by the biometric information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means, and payment media information identifying payment media to be used by the member for payment; and payment means for executing a payment process for the article registration information using the payment media information without reading the payment media.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a merchandise sales data processing device, a program, and a merchandise sales data processing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are semi-self-service type product sales data processing systems in which a store clerk performs product registration operations at a registration machine and a customer performs payment operations for the registered products at a cash register. On the other hand, there are also full-self-service type product sales data processing systems in which the customer performs both product registration operations and product payment operations. In such semi-self-service or full-self-service type systems, the product registration information registered at the registration machine may be called up at the cash register and payment processing may be performed based on the product registration information.

[0003] When a customer performs a payment operation using a payment medium other than cash on a product sales data processing device such as an accounting machine, the customer designates the payment medium (credit card, electronic money card, information terminal for electronic money or code payment, debit card, point card, prepaid card, etc.) Then, the customer causes a reading device to read the information stored in the designated payment medium, and the product sales data processing device performs the payment process using that information.

[0004] As described above, conventionally, when carrying out payment processing, it was necessary to perform an operation to read information from the payment medium, which hindered smooth payment processing. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a merchandise sales data processing device, a program, and a merchandise sales data processing system that do not require a payment medium during settlement processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The product sales data processing device of an embodiment comprises a biometric acquisition means for acquiring biometric information, a receiving means for receiving from an external device product registration information of a product to be purchased by a member identified by the biometric information based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means, and payment media information identifying the payment media to be used for payment by the member, and a payment means for executing payment processing for the product registration information using the payment media information without reading the payment media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the layout of a product sales data processing system in a store. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing connections in the product sales data processing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the accounting machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the store server. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the member information section. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the customer server. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the member management unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the member registration terminal. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing the flow of processing between the registration machine, the store server, the customer server, and the payment machine. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration machine, the store server, the customer server, and the payment machine. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the member registration terminal. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the registration machine. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the store server. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the customer server. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the accounting machine. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of a points selection screen displayed to Member A by the payment machine. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an example of a media selection screen displayed to Member A by the cash register. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example of the points selection screen displayed to Member B on the payment machine. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows an example of a media selection screen displayed to Member B by the cash register. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows an example of a points selection screen displayed to Member C by the payment machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example in which the embodiment is applied to a full-self-service or semi-self-service checkout system used in stores such as supermarkets will be described. In the embodiment, the product sales data processing system includes a registration machine, a store server, and an accounting machine. In the embodiment, a point member number is used as an example of member identification information for identifying a member. The point member number is information for identifying a member, and is issued by a store or a company that operates the store when a customer becomes a member. The point member number is magnetically or electrically stored in, for example, a point card. The point card is an example of a payment medium in the present disclosure. The point member number may be printed as a code symbol on the point card. In the embodiment, an authenticated finger vein is used as an example of biometric information. The point member number is also used to manage the number of points that the member has saved or used.

[0009] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, a product sales data processing system may include at least a registration machine and an accounting machine. An accounting machine is an example of a product sales data processing device in this disclosure. The product sales data processing device may also be configured as a single device that integrates a registration machine and an accounting machine. The member identification information may also be information that identifies a member other than a point membership number. For example, the member identification information may be a membership code or membership number stored in a membership card issued by a store or a company that operates the store.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the layout of a product sales data processing system 1 (see FIG. 2) according to this embodiment in a store T. As shown in FIG. 1, the store T has a product sales area Ta, a backyard Tb, a product registration area Tc, and a checkout area Td. The product sales area Ta displays products sold in the store. Customers move around the product sales area Ta and place products they wish to purchase in a shopping basket or cart. A store server 3 is installed in the backyard Tb. The product registration area Tc is provided adjacent to the product sales area Ta. One or more registration machines 7 are provided in the product registration area Tc. The registration machines 7 are operated by store staff, but may also be operated by customers. The checkout area Td is provided near the exit of the store T. One or more checkout machines 9 are provided in the checkout area Td. The checkout machines 9 are operated by customers. The number of registration machines 7 provided in the product registration area Tc and the number of checkout machines 9 provided in the checkout area Td may be the same or different. Although the customer server 5 is installed inside the store T, it may be installed outside the store T (for example, on a cloud server). By installing the customer server 5 outside the store T, security regarding customer information, etc. can be improved compared to installing the customer server 5 inside the store T.

[0011] When a customer enters store T, they select the products they wish to purchase in the product sales area Ta. Once shopping is complete, the customer moves to the product registration area Tc. In the product registration area Tc, a store clerk or the customer uses a registration machine 7 to register the products the customer wishes to purchase. The registration machine 7 executes product registration processing for the products for which the product registration has been performed. Once the product registration processing has been completed for all products to be purchased, the customer takes the products and moves to any of the payment machines 9 to perform the payment themselves. Once the payment has been performed, the payment machine 9 executes payment processing for the products for which the product registration has been performed. Once the payment has been completed, the customer takes the products and leaves store T. The back yard Tb is an area that customers normally cannot enter, and is an area where, for example, administrative tasks for store T are carried out.

[0012] Next, we will explain the connections between the store server 3, member registration terminal 4, customer server 5, registration machine 7, and payment machine 9. Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the connections between the various devices in store T, including the product sales data processing system 1. The store server 3, member registration terminal 4, customer server 5, registration machine 7, and payment machine 9 are connected by a communication line L, such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and are capable of communicating with each other.

[0013] The registration machine 7 captures an image of a product or a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to the product (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "product image"). The registration machine 7 then uses known general object recognition (such as object recognition or package recognition) to identify the product from the captured product image and obtain a product code (an example of product identification information). The scanner 82 may be a scanning type scanner that scans a code symbol (such as a barcode or two-dimensional code) attached to the product and decodes the received laser light to obtain the product code.

[0014] Furthermore, the registration machine 7 executes a product registration process for the product based on the acquired product code. The product registration process includes a process of reading out product identification information (product name, product price, etc.) for the product based on the read product code, displaying the information on the operator display 78 (see FIG. 3) and the customer display 79, and storing the product identification information in the product information section 731 (see FIG. 5). The product identification information displayed on the operator display 78 is viewed by the store clerk, but may also be viewed by the customer. The operator (operator) includes the store clerk and the customer.

[0015] Furthermore, the registration device 7 reads out a point membership number that identifies the member from the point card and stores it in the member number section 732 (see FIG. 5). Point cards are issued to members who have registered as members, as will be described later.

[0016] Furthermore, the registration machine 7 transmits the product registration information after the product registration process to the store server 3. If a point member number is stored in the member number section 732, the registration machine 7 transmits the point member number and the product registration information to the store server 3 in association with each other.

[0017] The store server 3 manages the sales of products sold in the store T. The store server 3 manages the sales of products sold in the store T based on product registration information and payment information (collectively referred to as "sales data") received from the accounting machine 9.

[0018] The store server 3 also stores the point member number received from the registration machine 7 in association with the product registration information. The store server 3 also transmits the biometric information received from the accounting machine 9 to the customer server 5, and stores the point member number, payment medium information, and point information received from the customer server 5 and associated with the biometric information in association with the previously stored point member number. In other words, the store server 3 stores the product registration information, payment medium information, and point information in association with the point member number. The point information is information indicating the number of points accumulated by the customer by using the point card, and the points can be used to purchase products. For example, 1 point is converted to 1 yen and can be used as the full or partial payment for a purchased product.

[0019] The payment medium information is code information or number information that specifies the payment medium (medium) that the customer uses to pay for the purchased product (settlement process), which is registered in advance by the customer. The customer registers the payment medium to be used for payment when registering as a member or thereafter. Payment media that can be registered include, for example, credit cards (credit cards by company, such as credit card A issued by company A or credit card B issued by company B), electronic money (electronic money by company, such as electronic money A issued by company A or electronic money B issued by company B), code payments (payment methods using applications stored in smartphones or information terminals, such as code payments by company, such as code payments A issued by company A or code payments B issued by company B), debit cards (debit cards by company, such as debit cards A issued by company A or debit cards B issued by company B), and prepaid cards (prepaid cards by company, such as prepaid cards A issued by company A or prepaid cards B issued by company B). Point cards can also be registered as payment media that can be used. Therefore, the payment media that a member has registered in advance can be used as payment media, so the payment media that can be used may differ for each member. Note that payment media that can be registered may be any payment media other than cash that can be used for payment, in addition to the above.

[0020] The customer server 5 is, for example, a cloud server that is installed outside the store T (for example, at the company's headquarters) as a separate server from the store server 3. The customer server 5 associates and stores the biometric information, point information, and payment medium information of the customer by point membership number. The biometric information is information that indicates physical characteristics that can uniquely identify the customer, and includes, for example, vein patterns, fingerprints, palm prints, facial images, irises, etc. Note that the biometric information is not limited to the above, and may be any information that indicates physical characteristics that can uniquely identify the customer. Furthermore, the functional configuration of the customer server 5 may be incorporated into the store server 3, and the customer server 5 may be integrated with the store server 3.

[0021] The member registration terminal 4 is a device used by a customer to register as a member. When registering as a member, the customer registers biometric information. When registering as a member, the customer performs the member registration procedure at the member registration terminal 4 installed at the service counter, for example, or performs the member registration procedure at the member registration terminal 4 configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. At that time, the customer registers biometric information. For example, when a fingerprint or vein is used as the biometric information, the biometric information is registered in the member registration terminal 4 by reading the fingerprint or vein at the member registration terminal 4. Also, for example, when a face image is used as the biometric information, the biometric information is registered in the member registration terminal 4 by capturing a face image at the member registration terminal 4. When registering as a member, the customer registers the biometric information in the member registration terminal 4 by any method adopted by the store T. In the embodiment, information based on the read finger vein information is regarded as the biometric information. When registering as a member, the member registration terminal 4 issues a point member number that identifies the customer, and stores the acquired biometric information in association with the point member number.

[0022] Furthermore, when registering as a member, a customer registers payment media information that specifies one or more payment media that the member can use for payment from member registration terminal 4. As an example, details will be described later in FIG. 9, but when member A registered as a member, he / she entered and registered two types of payment media, credit card A and electronic money A, from member registration terminal 4. When member B registered as a member, he / she entered and registered two types of payment media, credit card B and code payment B, from member registration terminal 4. When member C registered as a member, he / she entered and registered one type of payment media, credit card A, from member registration terminal 4. The member registration terminal 4 stores the payment media information indicating the registered payment media in association with the issued point membership number.

[0023] The member registration terminal 4 associates the biometric information and payment media information with the issued point member number and transmits it to the customer server 5. The customer server 5 stores the payment media information indicating the biometric information and payment media received from the member registration terminal 4 in association with the point member number received at the same time (i.e., registers the member).

[0024] The accounting machine 9 reads the member's biometric information and transmits it to the store server 3. The accounting machine 9 receives from the store server 3 product registration information registered by the registration machine 7 regarding products to be purchased by the member identified by the transmitted biometric information, and executes payment processing for the products. The payment processing refers to the display of the total price and tax amount of the products related to one transaction for which product registration processing has been performed, the processing of calculating and displaying the change based on the deposit received from the customer when paying by cash, the processing between the company that issued the payment medium when a payment medium other than cash is used, and the processing of issuing a receipt on which product information and payment information (total price, deposit amount, change amount, etc.) are printed, etc.

[0025] The payment machine 9 also receives point information from the store server 3 and displays a point selection screen on which the member can select whether to use the received points or to save the points. If "use points" is selected, the payment machine 9 uses the points when processing the payment. If "save points" is selected, the payment machine 9 generates points according to the amount paid in the payment process.

[0026] The payment machine 9 also receives payment media information from the store server 3. If there are multiple available payment media based on the received payment media information, the payment machine 9 displays a media selection screen for selecting one payment medium. When one payment medium is selected, the payment machine 9 executes the payment process using that payment medium. If there is only one available payment medium based on the received payment media information, the payment machine 9 executes the payment process using that payment medium without displaying the media selection screen.

[0027] Next, a schematic configuration of the registration machine 7 will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the registration machine 7. As shown in Fig. 3, the registration machine 7 is installed upright on the flat surface of a counter 85 having a substantially rectangular flat surface. The registration machine 7 is configured based on a scanner 82 having a reading window provided on the upright surface 86. The scanner 82 captures an image of a commodity passing in front of the reading window. The scanner 82 then identifies the commodity based on the captured image of the commodity.

[0028] The registration machine 7 also has an operator display 78 and an operation unit 77 above the scanner 82. The operator display 78 displays a registration screen for registering items for sale, a subtotal screen showing the subtotal amount, and the like, toward an operator (a store clerk who operates the registration machine 7). A touch panel 771 is provided on the surface of the operator display 78 as part of the operation unit 77. Operation units 77 are also provided on both sides of the operator display 78. The operation unit 77 including the touch panel 771 functions as a user interface that assists in inputting item registration information.

[0029] A card reading unit 83 is provided on the right side of the registration machine 7. The card reading unit 83 magnetically or electrically reads information from a card (medium) inserted from the insertion slot 831. For example, the card reading unit 83 reads a point member number that identifies a member (customer) who holds a point card from the point card inserted from the insertion slot 831. The point member number is an example of member identification information in this disclosure. A member refers to a customer who has completed a predetermined member registration procedure. In the embodiment, the insertion slot 831 is provided facing the store clerk side, and the store clerk inserts a point card received from a member into the card reading unit 83, but it may also be provided on the customer side of the insertion slot 831 (opposite the store clerk side) so that the customer himself inserts the point card.

[0030] Furthermore, on the customer side of the registration machine 7, a customer display 79 is provided with its display surface facing the opposite side to the display surface of the operator display 78. The customer display 79 displays information to customers, including members.

[0031] The registration machine 7 is equipped with a camera 81 (see FIG. 5). The camera 81 captures a facial image of a non-member customer. The registration machine 7 then associates the product registration information of the product purchased by the non-member with the facial image information captured by the camera 81 and transmits them to the store server 3. When transmitting the product registration information to the store server 3, the registration machine 7 displays a message on the customer display 79 encouraging the non-member to become a member.

[0032] Next, the schematic configuration of the payment machine 9 will be described. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the payment machine 9. As shown in Fig. 4, the payment machine 9 comprises a first housing 110 and a second housing 130. The first housing 110 comprises a change dispenser 102 and a control unit 900 (see Fig. 10 for both). The second housing 130 is placed on the top surface of the first housing 110, and comprises a printing unit 98, etc.

[0033] The top surface of the first housing 110 is provided with a biometric reader 100 that reads the veins of a finger. The biometric reader 100 reads the condition of the veins of the finger inserted into the hole 101. Finger veins have unique characteristics that are unique to each person, and by reading the veins, biometric information that identifies the customer (member) is obtained.

[0034] Furthermore, a display unit 97 is attached to the top of the second housing 130, and an operation unit 96 consisting of a touch panel is provided on the surface of the display unit 97. The display unit 97 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays information regarding the operating status of the payment machine 9. The display unit 97 also displays to the member a point selection screen for selecting whether to use points, which will be described later, and a media selection screen for selecting the payment media to be used.

[0035] When cash is used as the payment medium, the change machine 102 receives coins and banknotes to be paid and dispenses change if there is any. The change machine 102 has a coin insertion port 121, a banknote insertion port 123, a banknote dispensing port 124, and a coin dispensing unit 122. The change machine 102 stores banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion port 123 and coins inserted into the coin insertion port 121. The change machine 102 then dispenses banknote change to the banknote dispensing port 124 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 900 (see FIG. 10 ). The change machine 102 also dispenses coin change to the coin dispensing unit 122 in response to a change dispensing request from the control unit 900.

[0036] The printing unit 98 is built into the second housing 130 and, under the control of the control unit 900, issues a receipt on which the product registration information and payment information for the product for which payment has been processed are printed.

[0037] The payment machine 9 also has a cylindrical pole 150 extending upward from the upper rear surface of the first housing 110. The pole 150 has a light-emitting unit 151 at its upper tip that emits blue or red light. The light-emitting unit 151 emits light in different colors depending on the processing status of the payment machine 9, to alert the store clerk. The processing status for which light is emitted, the light emission color, and the light emission pattern can all be set as appropriate.

[0038] When a customer or member operates the payment machine 9, the payment machine 9 performs a process of paying for the product price, i.e., a settlement process, using a payment medium such as cash or a credit card other than cash, or electronic money.

[0039] Next, the hardware configuration of the registration machine 7 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the registration machine 7. As shown in FIG. 5, the registration machine 7 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 72, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 73, a memory unit 74, and the like. The CPU 71 is the main controller of the registration machine 7. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the memory unit 74 are connected to each other via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 constitute a control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes the control process of the registration machine 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 72 or the memory unit 74 and expanded in the RAM 73.

[0040] The RAM 73 has a product information section 731 and a member number section 732. The product information section 731 stores product registration information of products that have been registered. The member number section 732 stores the point membership number of the member read by the card reading section 83, which will be described later.

[0041] The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 741 that stores a control program for operating the registration machine 7, and a product master 742. The product master 742 stores product information for each product by associating it with product identification information (e.g., product code) that identifies the product.

[0042] In addition, the control unit 700 is connected to an operation unit 77, an operator display 78, a customer display 79, a camera 81, a scanner 82, and a card reading unit 83 via a bus 75 and a controller 76.

[0043] The operation unit 77 has a send key 772. The send key 772 is operated when transmitting the product registration information registered in the registration machine 7 to the store server 3 in association with the point member number stored in the member number section 732. In the case of a non-member customer, when the send key 772 is operated, the product registration information registered in the registration machine 7 is transmitted to the store server 3 in association with the face image of the customer captured by the camera 81.

[0044] The operator display 78 displays the product registration information of the product that has been registered to the store clerk. Specifically, the operator display 78 reads out the product information stored in the product master 742 in conjunction with the product registration process and displays it as the product registration information. The customer display 79 displays the product registration information to the customer (member). The camera 81 is installed, for example, near the customer display 79, and captures a facial image of a non-member during a transaction. The scanner 82 captures an image of the product. Alternatively, the scanner 82 captures an image of the code symbol attached to the product. The card reading unit 83 magnetically or electrically reads card information, including the point membership number, from the inserted point card.

[0045] The control unit 700 is also connected to a communication unit 84 via a bus 75. The communication unit 84 is connected to the store server 3, the member registration terminal 4, the customer server 5, and the payment machine 9 via a communication line L so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0046] Next, the hardware configuration of the store server 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the store server 3 includes a CPU 31, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller of the store server 3. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to each other via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute a control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes a control process of the store server 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

[0047] The RAM 33 has a sales information section 331 and a member information section 332. The sales information section 331 cumulatively stores sales data received from the accounting machine 9 (product registration information and payment information for products for which payment has been processed) and manages sales of the store T. The member information section 332 stores information received from the registration machine 7 and information received from the customer server 5 by point member number. The member information section 332 will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0048] The memory unit 34 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 341. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for driving the store server 3.

[0049] In addition, the control unit 300 is connected to a display unit 37 and an operation unit 38 via a bus 35 and a controller 36. The display unit 37 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to an operator who operates the store server 3. The operation unit 38 is, for example, a keyboard, and is operated by the operator of the store server 3.

[0050] Furthermore, the control unit 300 is connected to a communication unit 39 via a bus 35. The communication unit 39 is connected to the registration machine 7, the member registration terminal 4, the customer server 5, and the payment machine 9 via a communication line L so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0051] Next, the member information section 332 will be described. FIG. 7 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the member information section 332. As shown in FIG. 7, the member information section 332 has a member number section 3321, a product registration information section 3322, a point information section 3323, and a payment media section 3324. The member number section 3321 stores the point member number and the point member number among the product registration information received in association from the registration machine 7. The product registration information section 3322 stores the point member number and the product registration information among the product registration information received in association from the registration machine 7 in association with the point member number stored in the member number section 3321. The point information section 3323 stores the point member number, the point information, and the point information among the payment media information received in association from the customer server 5 described later in association with the point member number stored in the same member number section 3321 as the received point member number. The payment media section 3324 stores the payment media information, which is the point member number, point information, and payment media information received in association from the customer server 5 described below, in association with the point member number stored in the same member number section 3321 as the received point member number.

[0052] That is, the member information section 332 stores, for each point member number stored in the member number section 3321, product registration information of products purchased by a customer identified by that point member number, point information held by that customer, and payment media information that identifies the payment media that can be used for payment and that have been registered in advance by that customer.

[0053] Next, the hardware configuration of the customer server 5 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the customer server 5. As shown in FIG. 8, the customer server 5 includes a CPU 51, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 is the main controller of the customer server 5. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 54 are connected to each other via a bus 55. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute a control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes the control process of the customer server 5, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 52 or the memory unit 54 and expanded in the RAM 53.

[0054] The RAM 53 has a member management section 531 that stores various information on registered members. The member management section 531 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0055] The memory unit 54 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 541. The control program unit 541 stores a control program for driving the customer server 5.

[0056] In addition, the control unit 500 is connected to a display unit 57 and an operation unit 58 via a bus 55 and a controller 56. The display unit 57 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to an operator who operates the customer server 5. The operation unit 58 is, for example, a keyboard, and is operated by the operator of the customer server 5.

[0057] The control unit 500 is also connected to a communication unit 59 via a bus 55. The communication unit 59 is connected to the registration machine 7, the store server 3, the payment machine 9, and the member registration terminal 4 via a communication line L so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0058] Next, the member management unit 531 will be described. FIG. 9 is a memory map showing the memory configuration of the member management unit 531. As shown in FIG. 9, the member management unit 531 has a member number unit 5311, a biometric information unit 5312, a point information unit 5313, and a payment media unit 5314. The member number unit 5311 stores the point member number among the point member number, biometric information, and payment media information associated and received from the member registration terminal 4. The biometric information unit 5312 stores the biometric information or the biometric identification code that identifies the biometric information among the point member number, biometric information, and payment media information associated and received from the member registration terminal 4, associated with the point member number stored in the member number unit 5311. The point information unit 5313 stores point information indicating the points held by the customer of the point member number stored in the member number unit 5311. When a customer uses points, the points indicated by the point information stored in point information unit 5313 are deducted, and when a customer accumulates points, the points indicated by the point information stored in point information unit 5313 are added. Payment media unit 5314 stores the payment media information of the point member number, biometric information, and payment media information received in association from member registration terminal 4 in association with the point member number stored in member number unit 5311.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows, as an example, biometric information stored in biometric information section 5312, point information stored in point information section 5313, and payment media information stored in payment media section 5314 for member A whose point member number is 0001, member B whose point member number is 0002, and member C whose point member number is 0003. Member A currently holds 1000 points, and the payment media available for payment of purchased goods are credit card A and electronic money A. That is, member A can use points up to 1000 points, and can use credit card A or electronic money A for payment of the price (settlement processing). Member B currently holds 1500 points, and the payment media available for payment of purchased goods are credit card B and code payment B. That is, member B can use points up to 1500 points, and can use credit card B or code payment B for payment of the price (settlement processing). Member C currently has 2000 points, and the payment medium that can be used to pay for purchased items is credit card A. In other words, Member C can use up to 2000 points, and can only use credit card A to pay for the item (settlement process).

[0060] Next, the hardware configuration of the payment machine 9 will be described. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the payment machine 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the payment machine 9 is equipped with a CPU 91, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, a memory unit 94, etc. The CPU 91 is the main controller of the payment machine 9. The ROM 92 stores various programs. The RAM 93 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 94 stores various programs. The CPU 91, the ROM 92, the RAM 93, and the memory unit 94 are connected to each other via a bus 95. The CPU 91, the ROM 92, and the RAM 93 constitute a control unit 900. That is, the control unit 900 executes the control processing of the payment machine 9, which will be described later, by the CPU 91 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 92 and the memory unit 94 and expanded in the RAM 93.

[0061] The RAM 93 has a biometric information section 931, a product registration information section 932, a media storage section 933, and a point section 934. The biometric information section 931 stores the member's biometric information read by the biometric reading section 100 described below. The product registration information section 932 stores the product registration information received from the store server 3 and stored in the product registration information section 3322. The media storage section 933 stores the payment media information received from the store server 3 and stored in the payment media section 3324. The point section 934 stores the point information received from the store server 3 and stored in the point information section 3323.

[0062] The memory unit 94 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 941. The control program unit 941 stores a control program for driving the payment machine 9.

[0063] The control unit 900 is also connected to the operation unit 96, display 97, printing unit 98, card reading unit 99, biometric reading unit 100, camera 101, and change machine 102 via the bus 95 and controller 105. The display unit 97 displays information to the customer (member) operating the accounting machine 9. The operation unit 96 is a keyboard composed of a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 97. The printing unit 98 prints product registration information and payment information for products that have been paid for, and issues a receipt.

[0064] When a non-member uses the payment machine 9, the payment medium is inserted into the card reading unit 99, which reads the information on the payment medium (e.g., credit card information). The payment machine 9 executes the payment process for the product purchased by the non-member based on the information read by the card reading unit 99. When processing the payment for a non-member customer, the payment machine 9 displays a message on the display unit 97 encouraging the customer to become a member.

[0065] The biometric reader 100 reads the vein information of the member when the member inserts his / her finger (performs biometric authentication). The control unit 900 acquires the biometric information of the member that is generated based on the read vein information. The camera 101 captures facial images of non-member customers. The change machine 102 is used when making payments with cash.

[0066] The control unit 900 is also connected to a communication unit 103 via a bus 95. The communication unit 103 is connected to the registration machine 7, the store server 3, the customer server 5, and the member registration terminal 4 via a communication line L so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0067] Next, the hardware configuration of the member registration terminal 4 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the member registration terminal 4. As shown in FIG. 11, the member registration terminal 4 includes a CPU 41, which is an example of a processor, a ROM 42, a RAM 43, a memory unit 44, and the like. The CPU 41 is the main controller of the member registration terminal 4. The ROM 42 stores various programs. The RAM 43 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 44 stores various programs. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, the RAM 43, and the memory unit 44 are connected to each other via a bus 45. The CPU 41, the ROM 42, and the RAM 43 constitute a control unit 400. That is, the control unit 400 executes the control process of the member registration terminal 4, which will be described later, by the CPU 41 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 42 or the memory unit 44 and expanded in the RAM 43.

[0068] The RAM 43 has a member registration unit 431. The member registration unit 431 stores biometric information relating to finger veins read by the biometric reading unit 49 (described later) and payment media information usable for payment read by the card reading unit 106 from a payment medium inserted into the card reading unit 106, in association with a newly generated point member number for the member to be registered.

[0069] Memory unit 44 is configured with a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and has a control program unit 441. Control program unit 441 stores a control program for driving member registration terminal 4.

[0070] The control unit 400 is also connected to the display 47, the operation unit 48, the biometric reader 49, and the card reader 106 via the bus 45 and the controller 46. The display 47 displays information to a customer (member) or a store clerk who operates the member registration terminal 4. The operation unit 48 is a keyboard having a send key 481, including a touch panel provided on the surface of the display 47. When the send key 481 is operated, the control unit 400 generates a point member number, associates the generated point member number with the biometric information and payment media information stored in the member registration unit 431, and transmits the associated point member number to the customer server 5. The biometric reader 49 reads vein information from the inserted customer's finger. The control unit 400 acquires biometric information based on the read vein information, and stores the biometric information in the member registration unit 431.

[0071] The card reading unit 106 reads information on the inserted payment medium (e.g., credit card information). When registering as a member, the customer has the card reading unit 106 read one or more payment media that can be used to pay for products purchased at store T in the future. The control unit 400 stores the payment medium information read by the card reading unit 106 from the inserted payment medium in the member registration unit 431.

[0072] The control unit 400 is also connected to the communication unit 107 via a bus 45. The communication unit 107 is connected to the registration machine 7, the store server 3, the customer server 5, and the payment machine 9 via a communication line L so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0073] From here, we will explain the overall process flow, including the transmission and reception of information from product registration to payment, between the registration machine 7, store server 3, customer server 5, and payment machine 9. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow between the registration machine 7, store server 3, customer server 5, and payment machine 9.

[0074] First, the customer server 5 receives member information (associated point member number, biometric information, and payment medium information) from the member registration terminal 4 and stores it in the member management unit 531, thereby performing member registration for the member (T1).

[0075] A salesperson or a customer of store T uses registration machine 7 to perform a product registration operation for the product that the customer purchases. Registration machine 7 executes product registration processing for the product (T2). Registration machine 7 also reads the point member number from the point card that the member had read when registering the product (T2). Registration machine 7 then associates the product registration information for the product that has been registered with the read point member number and transmits them to the store server 3 (T3).

[0076] The store server 3 associates the point member number and the product registration information received from the registration machine 7 and stores them in the member information section 332 (T4).

[0077] When the member has completed the product registration process at the registration machine 7, he or she moves to any available payment machine 9 and has the veins of the member's finger read at that payment machine 9. The payment machine 9 acquires biometric information based on the read veins (T5). The payment machine 9 then transmits the acquired biometric information to the store server 3 (T6). In other words, the payment machine 9 inquires about product registration information related to the customer based on the biometric information. The store server 3 transmits the biometric information received from the payment machine 9 to the customer server 5 (T7).

[0078] The customer server 5 searches the member management unit 531 based on the biometric information received from the store server 3 or the biometric identification code that identifies the biometric information, and reads out the point member number, payment media information, and point information associated with the biometric information or biometric identification code that matches the received biometric information or biometric identification code (T8).The customer server 5 then associates the read out point member number, payment media information, and point information, and transmits them to the store server 3 (T9).

[0079] The store server 3, which has received the point member number, payment medium information, and point information from the customer server 5, stores the point information and payment medium information in association with the received point member number in the member information section 662. The store server 3 then reads out the product registration information, point information, and payment medium information stored in association with the point member number, and transmits them to the accounting machine 9 that made the inquiry (T10).

[0080] The payment device 9 executes the payment process for the member based on the received product registration information, point information, and payment medium information (T11).

[0081] From here, we will explain the functional configuration of the registration machine 7, the store server 3, the customer server 5, and the payment machine 9, from product registration to payment. Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the registration machine 7, the store server 3, the customer server 5, and the payment machine 9.

[0082] The control unit 700 of the registration machine 7 functions as a member input unit 701 , a product registration unit 702 , and a registration transmission unit 703 by following a control program stored in the ROM 72 or a control program unit 741 of the memory unit 74 .

[0083] A point membership number that identifies a member is input through the member input means 701. Specifically, the member input means 701 reads the point membership number of the member from the point card inserted into the card reading unit 83.

[0084] The product registration unit 702 executes a product registration process for a product. Specifically, the product registration unit 702 executes the product registration process for a product specified by an image of the product captured by the scanner 82.

[0085] The registration transmission means 703 transmits to the store server 3 the point member number input by the member input means 701 and the product registration information of the product registered by the product registration means 702 in association with each other.

[0086] In addition, the control unit 300 of the store server 3, which is an example of an external device, functions as a storage means 301, a biometric receiving means 302, an inquiry means 303, a member receiving means 304, a product registration extraction means 305, and a transmission means 306 by following the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the control program section 341 of the memory unit 34.

[0087] The storage means 301 associates the point member number and product registration information received from the registration device 7 with the payment medium information received from the customer server 5 and point information indicating the points held by the member, and stores them in the member information section 332.

[0088] The biometrics receiving means 302 judges whether biometrics identifying the member has been received from the payment machine 9.

[0089] The inquiry means 303 transmits the biometric information that the biometric receiving means 302 has determined to have received to the customer server 5. In other words, based on the biometric information that the biometric receiving means 302 has determined to have received, the inquiry means 303 inquires of the customer server 5 about point information and payment medium information related to the member.

[0090] The member receiving means 304 judges whether or not it has received the point member number, payment medium information, and point information associated with the biometric information from the customer server 5 in response to the biometric information transmitted by the inquiry means 303 .

[0091] The product registration extraction means 305 extracts the point member number stored in the member information section 332 by the memory means 301 and the product registration information, payment medium information, and point information associated with the point member number that it has determined to have received by the member receiving means.

[0092] The transmitting means 306 transmits the product registration information, payment medium information, and point information extracted by the product registration extraction means 305 to the payment machine 9 that transmitted the biometric information.

[0093] The control unit 500 of the customer server 5 functions as a receiving means 501, a member extracting means 502, and a member transmitting means 503 by following a control program stored in the ROM 52 or a control program unit 541 of the memory unit .

[0094] The receiving means 501 judges whether the biometric information transmitted by the inquiry means 303 has been received.

[0095] The member extraction means 502 searches the member management unit 531 based on the biometric information determined to have been received by the receiving means 501 or the biometric identification code identifying the biometric information, and extracts the point member number, point information, and payment medium information stored in association with the biometric information or the biometric identification code.

[0096] The member transmission means 503 transmits the point member number, point information, and payment medium information extracted by the member extraction means 502 to the store server 3.

[0097] In addition, the control unit 900 of the payment machine 9 functions as a biometric acquisition means 901, a biometric transmission means 902, a receiving means 903, a point selection means 904, a media selection means 905, and a payment means 906 by following the control program stored in the ROM 92 or the control program section 941 of the memory unit 94.

[0098] The biometric acquisition unit 901 acquires biometric information. Specifically, the biometric acquisition unit 901 acquires the biometric information of the member based on vein information of the member's finger inserted into the biometric reading unit 100.

[0099] The biometric information transmitting means 902 transmits the biometric information acquired by the biometric information acquiring means 901 to the store server 3 .

[0100] The receiving means 903 receives, from the store server 3, product registration information of the product to be purchased by the member corresponding to the biometric information transmitted by the biometric transmission means 902 and payment media information specifying the payment media used by the member for payment. Specifically, the receiving means 903 receives, from the store server 3, product registration information of the product to be purchased by the member corresponding to the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means 901 and transmitted by the biometric transmission means 902 and payment media information specifying the payment media used by the member for payment, and stores the product registration information. The receiving means 903 stores the received product registration information in the product registration information unit 932. The receiving means 903 also stores the received payment media information in the media storage unit 933.

[0101] The receiving means 903 also receives point information associated with the point membership number of the member related to the transmitted biometric information from the store server 3. Specifically, the receiving means 903 stores the received point information in the point section 934.

[0102] The point selection means 904 displays a point selection screen on which it is possible to select whether to use points related to the point information received by the receiving means 903 or to accumulate points.

[0103] When there are multiple types of payment media available for the payment related to the received payment media information, the media selection means 905 displays a media selection screen that allows the selection of any one of the payment media. Specifically, when there are multiple types of payment media available for the payment related to the received payment media information, the media selection means 905 displays a media selection screen that allows the user to visually see the multiple payment media included in the received payment media information, and when any one of the payment media is touched, that payment media is selected.

[0104] The payment means 906 executes the payment process based on the received product registration information, using the payment medium specified in the received payment medium information. Specifically, when the received payment medium information includes multiple payment media, the payment means 906 executes the payment process using a payment medium selected from the available payment media displayed by the media selection means 905. When the received payment medium information includes one payment medium, the payment means 906 executes the payment process using the selected payment medium without displaying the media selection screen by the media selection means 905.

[0105] Furthermore, when the point selection screen is displayed by the point selection means 904 and it is selected to use the received points, the payment means 906 executes the payment process using the designated number of points during the payment process.

[0106] From here, the control of the member registration terminal 4 will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the member registration terminal 4. As shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 400 of the member registration terminal 4 judges whether the finger veins have been read by the biometric reading unit 49 in order for the customer to register as a member (S101). If it is judged that the finger veins have been read (Yes in S101), the control unit 400 (biometric information acquisition means) generates (acquires) biometric information indicating the details of the veins (S102). Then, the control unit 400 stores the acquired biometric information in the member registration unit 431 (S103). Then, the control unit 400 returns to S101.

[0107] Furthermore, if it is determined that the finger vein has not been read by the biometric reader 49 (No in S101), the control unit 400 determines whether a card to be used for payment has been inserted into the card reader 106 (S104). If it is determined that a card to be used for payment has been inserted into the card reader 106 (Yes in S104), the control unit 400 (payment medium information acquisition means) reads card information from the inserted card and generates payment medium information related to the card (S105). The control unit 400 then stores the generated payment medium information in the member registration unit 431 (S106). The control unit 400 then returns to S101.

[0108] Furthermore, if it is determined that a card has not been inserted into the card reading unit 106 (No in S104), the control unit 400 determines whether the send key 481 has been operated (S111). If it is determined that the send key 481 has been operated (Yes in S111), the control unit 400 generates a point member number that identifies the member (S112). Then, the control unit 400 (associating means) associates the generated point member number with the biometric information and payment media information stored in the member registration unit 431, and stores them in the member registration unit 431 (S113). Then, the control unit 400 (transmitting means) transmits the associated point member number, biometric information, and payment media information to the customer server 5 (S114).

[0109] According to the member registration terminal 4 of this embodiment, when registering a customer as a member, it is possible to associate a point member number that identifies the member with payment media information that identifies the payment media that the member can use thereafter. Also, according to the member registration terminal 4 of the embodiment, it is possible to associate a point member number that identifies the member issued by store T (which may be the company that operates store T) with biometric information that biometrically identifies the member.

[0110] Next, the control of the registration machine 7 will be described. Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the registration machine 7. As shown in Fig. 15, the control unit 700 of the registration machine 7 judges whether the card reading unit 83 has read the point member number (S11). If it is judged that the point member number has been read (Yes in S11), the member input means 701 stores the read point member number in the member number unit 732 (S12). The control unit 700 then returns to S11.

[0111] Furthermore, if it is determined that the point membership number has not been read (No in S11), the control unit 700 determines whether an image of the product has been captured by the scanner 82 (S13). If it is determined that an image of the product has been captured (Yes in S13), the product registration means 702 identifies the product based on the captured image of the product, executes product registration processing for the product, and stores the product registration information in the product information unit 731 (S14). The control unit 700 then returns to S11.

[0112] Furthermore, if it is determined that the image is not of a commodity (No in S13), the control unit 700 determines whether the send key 772 has been operated (S15). If it is determined that the send key 772 has not been operated (No in S15), the control unit 700 returns to S11, and if it is determined that the send key 772 has been operated (Yes in S15), the control unit 700 associates the commodity registration information stored in the commodity information unit 731 with the point membership number stored in the membership number unit 732 (S16). Then, the registration transmission means 703 transmits the associated commodity registration information and point membership number to the store server 3 (S17). Then, the control unit 700 ends the commodity registration process for one customer.

[0113] According to the registration device 7 of this embodiment, by reading the point member number, the point member number can be associated with the product registration information of the product for which the product registration process has been performed (i.e. the product purchased by the member), and the associated point member number and product registration information can be transmitted to the store server 3.

[0114] Next, the control of the store server 3 will be described. Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the store server 3. The control unit 300 of the store server 3 judges whether the associated point member number and product registration information have been received from the registration device 7 (S21). If it is judged that they have been received (Yes in S21), the storage means 301 stores the received point member number and product registration information in the member information section 332 (S22). Specifically, the storage means 301 stores the received point member number in the member number section 3321, and stores the received product registration information in the product registration information section 3322 corresponding to the stored point member number (S22). The control unit 300 then returns to S21.

[0115] Furthermore, if it is determined that the point membership number and product registration information have not been received (No in S21), the biometric receiving means 302 determines whether biometric information has been received from the payment machine 9 (S31). If it is determined that biometric information has been received from the payment machine 9 (Yes in S31), the inquiry means 303 transmits the received biometric information to the customer server 5 (S32).

[0116] Next, in response to the transmission of the biometric information by the inquiry means 303 to the customer server 5, the member receiving means 304 judges whether the associated point member number, point information, and payment media information have been received from the customer server 5 (S33). It waits until it is received (No in S33), and if it is judged that it has been received (Yes in S33), the control unit 300 stores the point information and payment media information in the member information section 332 based on the received point member number (S34). Specifically, the control unit 300 stores the received point information in the point information section 3323 associated with the member number section 3321 in which the same point member number as the received point member number is stored, and the control unit 300 stores the received payment media information in the payment media section 3324 associated with the member number section 3321 in which the same point member number as the received point member number is stored (S34).

[0117] Next, the product registration extraction means 305 reads out the point information and payment medium information stored in the member information unit 332 in association with the received point member number (S35). The transmission means 306 then transmits the read out point information and payment medium information to the payment machine 9 that received the biometric information in S31 (S36). The control unit 300 then returns to S21.

[0118] Furthermore, if it is determined that the biometric information has not been received from the payment machine 9 (No in S31), the control unit 300 determines whether sales data has been received from the payment machine 9 (S41). If it is determined that the sales data has not been received (No in S41), the control unit 300 returns to S21, and if it is determined that sales data has been received (Yes in S41), the control unit 300 additively stores the received sales data in the sales information unit 331 and manages sales for the store T (S42). Furthermore, the control unit 300 transmits point information generated in the transaction, which is included in the received sales data, to the customer server 5 together with the point member number (S42).

[0119] In such an embodiment, the store server 3 can transmit to the accounting machine 9, based on the biometric information received from the accounting machine 9, product registration information for the product to be purchased by the member identified by the biometric information, as well as point information and payment medium information relating to the member.

[0120] Next, the control of the customer server 5 will be described. FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the customer server 5. As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 500 of the customer server 5 judges whether the associated point member number, biometric information, and payment media information have been received from the member registration terminal 4 (S51). If it is judged that they have been received (Yes in S51), the control unit 500 (member registration means) stores the received point member number, the biometric information or the biometric identification code that identifies the biometric information, and the payment media information in the member management unit 531, and executes the member registration process for the member (S52). Specifically, the control unit 500 stores the received point member number in the member number unit 5311, stores the received biometric information or the biometric identification code in the biometric information unit 5312, and stores the received payment media information in the payment media unit 5314 (S52). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S51.

[0121] Also, if it is determined that the point member number, biometric information, and payment medium information are not received from the member registration terminal 4 (No in S51), the control unit 500 determines whether the point member number and point information have been received from the store server 3 (S53). If it is determined that the point member number and point information have been received (Yes in S53), the control unit 500 additively stores the received point information (accumulates points) in the point information unit 5313 related to the member number unit 5311 in which the received point member number is stored (S54). Then, the control unit 500 returns to S51. Note that, if point information on points used in S53 has been received (Yes in S53), the control unit 500 subtracts the used points from the point information stored in the point information unit 5313 in S54.

[0122] If it is determined that the point member number and point information have not been received (No in S53), the receiving means 501 determines whether biometric information has been received from the store server 3 (S61). If it is determined that the biometric information has not been received from the store server 3 (No in S61), the process returns to S51. If it is determined that the biometric information has been received from the store server 3 (Yes in S61), the member extraction means 502 searches the member management unit 531 based on the received biometric information, and reads out the point member number, point information, and payment medium information stored in the member management unit 531 in association with the biometric information or biometric identification code (S62). Then, the member transmission means 503 transmits the read out point member number, point information, and payment medium information to the store server 3 (S63). Then, the control unit 500 ends the process and returns to S51.

[0123] Next, the control of the payment machine 9 will be described. FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the flow of the control process of the payment machine 9. As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 900 of the payment machine 9 judges whether the finger veins have been read by the biometric reading unit 100 (S71). If it is judged that the finger veins have been read (Yes in S71), the biometric acquisition means 901 stores the biometric information acquired (generated) based on the read veins in the biometric information unit 931 (S72). Then, the biometric transmission means 902 transmits the biometric information stored in the biometric information unit 931 to the store server 3 (S73). That is, the payment machine 9 transmits the biometric information based on the read veins and inquires about information related to the member. Then, the control unit 900 returns to S71.

[0124] If it is determined that the biometric information is not a finger vein read (No in S71), the control unit 900 determines whether or not the product registration information, point information, and payment media information have been received from the store server 3 in response to the transmission of the biometric information in S73 (S81). If it is determined that the product registration information, point information, and payment media information have not been received (No in S81), the control unit 900 returns to S71, and if it is determined that the product registration information, point information, and payment media information have been received (Yes in S81), the receiving means 903 stores the received product registration information (product registration information of the product purchased by the customer who transmitted the biometric information, including the total amount (payment amount)) in the product registration information unit 932 (S82), stores the received point information (point information indicating the number of points held by the customer who transmitted the biometric information) in the point unit 934 (S82), and stores the received payment media information (payment media information specifying a payment media that can be used for payment (settlement processing) by the customer who transmitted the biometric information) in the media storage unit 933 (S82).

[0125] Next, the point selection means 904 displays on the display 97 a point selection screen showing the number of points owned by the member, as indicated by the point information stored in the point section 934 (S83). This point selection screen includes a key display for selecting whether to use the points or accumulate the points.

[0126] FIG. 19 shows an example of a points selection screen displayed on the display 97 by the points selection means 904 in S83 when member A operates the payment machine 9, showing the points owned by member A. As shown in FIG. 19, the points selection screen Ga for member A is displayed on the display 97. The points selection screen Ga includes a display Gaa indicating that the displayed content is the number of points owned by member A, a display Gab of the number of points owned by member A, a display Gac of a key for selecting to use the displayed points, and a display Gad of a key for selecting to save points. When member A selects to make a payment using all or part of the points shown in the display Gab, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Gac. When member A selects to save points without using the points shown in the display Gab, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Gad.

[0127] FIG. 21 shows an example of a points selection screen displayed on the display 97 by the points selection means 904 in S83 when member B operates the payment device 9, showing the points owned by member B. As shown in FIG. 21, a points selection screen Gc for member B is displayed on the display 97. The points selection screen Gc includes an indication Gca indicating that the displayed content is the number of points owned by member B, an indication Gcb of the number of points owned by member B, an indication Gcc of a key for selecting to use the displayed points, and an indication Gcd of a key for selecting to save points. When member B selects to make payment using all or part of the points indicated in the indication Gcb, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the indication Gcc. When member B selects to save points without using the points indicated in the indication Gcb, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the indication Gcd.

[0128] FIG. 23 shows an example of a point selection screen displayed on the display 97 by the point selection means 904 in S83 to indicate points owned by member C when member C operates the payment machine 9. As shown in FIG. 23, a point selection screen Ge for member C is displayed on the display 97. The point selection screen Ge includes a display Gea indicating that the displayed content is the number of points owned by member C, a display Geb of the number of points owned by member C, a display Gec of a key for selecting to use the displayed points, and a display Ged of a key for selecting to accumulate points. When member C selects to make a payment using all or part of the points shown in the display Geb, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Gec. When member C selects to accumulate points without using the points shown in the display Geb, he / she operates the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Ged.

[0129] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 18, the control unit 900 next judges whether a selection has been made to use points (whether, in the case of member A, the touch panel at the position corresponding to display Gac has been operated; in the case of member B, the touch panel at the position corresponding to display Gcc has been operated; and in the case of member C, the touch panel at the position corresponding to display Gec has been operated) (S84). If it is judged that a selection has been made to use points (Yes in S84), the control unit 900 calculates a new payment amount by subtracting the number of points to be used (the number of points to be used is input, for example, from the number keys on the operation unit 96) from the payment amount stored in the product registration information unit 932 (S85). The control unit 900 then stores the calculated payment amount in the product registration information unit 932.

[0130] Next, the control unit 900 judges whether the payment amount is 0 yen (whether the payment amount has become 0 yen as a result of using points) (S86). If it is judged that the payment amount is not 0 yen (No in S86), the control unit 900 then judges whether there are multiple types of available payment media stored in the media storage unit 933 (S87). If there is only one available payment media (for example, the only available payment media for member C is credit card A, so there is only one available payment media) (No in S87), the payment means 906 uses that payment media to execute the payment process using the product registration information stored in the product registration information unit 932 (S90). Then, the control unit 900 ends the process.

[0131] Furthermore, if it is determined that there are multiple payment media available (Yes in S87), the media selection means 905 displays a media selection screen displaying the available payment media stored in the media storage unit 933 on the display 97 (S88). For example, since member A has two types of available payment media, credit card A and electronic money A, this corresponds to Yes in S87. Meanwhile, member B has two types of available payment media, credit card B and code payment B, this corresponds to Yes in S87. Therefore, a media selection screen displaying the available payment media is displayed to member A and member B in S88.

[0132] FIG. 20 is an example of a media selection screen displayed to member A. As shown in FIG. 20, a media selection screen Gb for member A is displayed on the display 97. The displayed contents on the media selection screen Gb include a display Gba indicating the payment media that member A can use, a message Gbb prompting member A to select the payment media to be used, and a display Gbc of credit card A and a display Gbd of electronic money A, which are payment media that member A can use. When member A selects credit card A as the payment media to be used, he / she operates a key on the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Gbc of credit card A. When member A selects electronic money A as the payment media to be used, he / she operates a key on the touch panel (operation unit 96) at a position corresponding to the display Gbd of electronic money A.

[0133] FIG. 22 is an example of a media selection screen displayed for member B. As shown in FIG. 22, a media selection screen Gd for member B is displayed on the display 97. The media selection screen Gd displays a display Gda indicating that the payment media are available to member B, a message Gdb prompting member B to select the payment media to be used, and a display Gdc of credit card B and a display Gdd of code payment B, which are payment media available to member B. When member B selects credit card B as the payment media to be used, he / she operates a key on the touch panel (operation unit 96) located at a position corresponding to the display Gdc of credit card B. When member B selects code payment B as the payment media to be used, he / she operates a key on the touch panel (operation unit 96) located at a position corresponding to the display Gdd of code payment B.

[0134] In this way, the available payment media displayed on the media selection screen differs between Member A and Member B. That is, the accounting machine 9 displays the payment media that the member registered in advance when registering as the available payment media, so that the payment media registered by each member are displayed in S88.

[0135] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 18, the control unit 900 then judges whether any one of the payment media has been selected (S89). The control unit 900 waits until a selection is made (No in S89), and if it is determined that any one of the payment media has been selected (Yes in S89), the payment means 906 uses the selected payment media to execute payment processing related to the product registration information stored in the product registration information unit 932 (S90). In the payment processing, the control unit 900 issues a receipt on which is printed the product registration information of the product purchased by the member, the number of points used and the number of remaining points if points have been used, and payment information, etc. Then the control unit 900 ends the processing.

[0136] If there is only one available payment medium stored in the media storage unit 933 (No in S87), the process of S88 is not executed and the media selection screen is not displayed (for example, for member C, the media selection screen is not displayed). In other words, if there is only one available payment medium, there is no need to select a payment medium, so the media selection screen is not displayed and the settlement process is automatically executed using that payment medium.

[0137] Also, in S86, if it is determined that the payment amount is 0 (No in S86), the control unit 900 does not execute the processes and determinations in S87 to S89, but executes a settlement process in which points are applied to the entire amount (S90).

[0138] Moreover, in S84, when it is determined that the selection to collect points has been made (No in S84), the control unit 900 executes the determination in S87 without executing the processes and determinations in S85 to S86.

[0139] In such an embodiment, the payment machine 9 transmits the biometric information acquired based on the scanned vein pattern of the member to the store server 3, and executes the payment process based on the product registration information, point information, and payment medium information of the product purchased by the member received as a response. Therefore, it is not necessary to have the payment machine 9 read a point card.

[0140] In addition, the accounting machine 9 of the embodiment displays the number of available points for the member based on the received point information, and displays a point selection screen for the member to choose whether to use or save the points, allowing the member to choose whether to use or save the points.

[0141] Furthermore, in the embodiment, when there are multiple pre-registered payment media available, the accounting machine 9 displays a media selection screen that displays the selected payment media. Therefore, the member can select one payment media from the displayed payment media, and the accounting machine 9 executes the payment process using that payment media. Also, when there is only one pre-registered payment media, the accounting machine 9 automatically executes the payment process using that payment media without displaying the media selection screen. Therefore, it is not necessary to select the payment media to be used for payment processing on the accounting machine 9.

[0142] As described above, the payment machine 9 of the embodiment comprises a biometric acquisition means 901 that acquires biometric information, a receiving means 903 that receives from the store server 3 product registration information of a product to be purchased by a member identified by the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means 901, and payment media information that identifies the payment media to be used by the member for payment, based on the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means 901, and a payment means 906 that executes payment processing for the product registration information using the payment media information without reading the payment media.

[0143] The payment machine 9 in this embodiment receives product registration information and payment medium information for a product to be purchased by a member corresponding to the acquired member's biometric information from the store server 3, and executes payment processing based on the product registration information and payment medium information. Therefore, it is not necessary to have the payment machine 9 read a point card.

[0144] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0145] For example, in the embodiment, in the customer server 5, the member extraction means 502 extracts the point member number, point information, and payment media information, and the member transmission means 503 transmits the extracted point member number, point information, and payment media information to the store server 3, and in the store server 3, the member reception means 304 receives the point member number, payment media information, and point information, the product registration extraction means 305 extracts the point member number, product registration information, payment media information, and point information, and the transmission means 306 transmits the extracted product registration information, payment media information, and point information to the payment machine 9 that transmitted the biometric information. Also, the reception means 903 of the payment machine 9 receives the product registration information, payment media information, and point information, the point selection means 904 displays the received point information, and when points are used, the payment means 906 performs payment processing using the number of points. However, processing of the point information by each means is not essential.

[0146] In the embodiment, when only one payment medium is available, the media selection screen is not displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the media selection screen may be displayed even when only one payment medium is available.

[0147] In the embodiment, biometric information is generated based on the veins of a finger. However, the present invention is not limited to this and the biometric information may be generated (acquired) based on a person's physical characteristics such as a captured face image, a fingerprint, a palm print, or an iris.

[0148] In the embodiment, the registration machine 7, the store server 3, and the payment machine 9 have been described as the product sales data processing system 1. However, this is not limited thereto, and the product sales data processing system 1 only needs to include at least the registration machine 7 and the payment machine 9, and may additionally include the store server 3 and the customer server 5, and may further include the member registration terminal 4. The registration machine 7 and the payment machine 9 may also be configured as a single integrated device.

[0149] In the embodiment, the point member number has been described as the member specific information. However, this is not limited to this, and the member specific information may be, for example, a card number or a customer code stored in a member card issued to the member. Furthermore, the member specific information may be stored or displayed on a medium other than the card issued to the member.

[0150] In the embodiment, the store server 3 has been described as an example of the external server. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external server may be a server other than the store server 3 (for example, a server provided separately from the store server 3).

[0151] In addition, the programs executed by the accounting machine 9 of the embodiment are provided as files in an installable or executable format recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0152] The program executed by the accounting machine 9 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. The program executed by the accounting machine 9 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0153] Furthermore, the programs executed by the payment machine 9 of the embodiment may be configured to be provided pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

[0154] The following is a description of the member registration terminal 4. [Claim 1] A biometric information acquiring means for acquiring biometric information; A payment medium information acquiring means for acquiring payment medium information that identifies available payment media; an association means for associating the acquired biometric information and the acquired payment medium information with member identification information that identifies a member; a transmitting means for transmitting the associated member identification information, the biometric information, and the payment medium information to a customer server; A member registration terminal equipped with the above.

[0155] The following is a description of the customer server 5. [Claim 1] a member registration means for receiving, from the member registration terminal, member identification information for identifying a member, biometric information of the member identified by the member identification information or a biometric identification code for identifying the biometric information, and payment media information for identifying an acceptable payment media, and executing member registration of the member; a member extraction means for extracting the member identification information and the payment medium information received by the member registration means based on the biometric information received from an external device (store server 3); a member transmission means for transmitting the extracted member specific information and the extracted payment medium information to the external device; A customer server equipped with [Claim 2] A point storage means for storing point information relating to points held by the registered member in association with the member identification information, The member extraction means extracts the point information related to the stored member. The customer server according to claim 1.

[0156] The store server 3 will be described below. [Claim 1] a storage means for storing member identification information for identifying a member received from the registration device and product registration information of a product for which product registration processing has been performed in association with each other; a receiving means for receiving, from the customer server, member identification information and payment medium information associated with the member's biometric information received from the payment machine; a transmitting means for transmitting the product registration information associated with the received member identification information and the received payment medium information to the payment machine; A store server equipped with the above. [Claim 2] The receiving means receives point information related to points held by the member and associated with the biometric information, The transmitting means transmits the received point information to the payment machine. The store server according to claim 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0157] 1 System 3. Store Server 4. Membership registration terminal 5 Customer Server 7 Registration Machine 9. Cashier 48 Control section 49 Biometric reader 77 Control section 81 Camera 82 Scanner 83 Card reader 96 Control section 97 Display 99 Card reader 100 Biometric reader 101 Camera 106 Card reader 300 Control section 301 Memory means 302 Biometric receiving means 303 Contact Methods 304 Member Receiving Means 305 Product Registration Extraction Method 306 Transmission Method 331 Sales Information Department 332 Member Information Department 400 Control section 431 Membership Registration Department 500 Control section 501 Receiving means 502 Member Extraction Method 503 Member Transmission Means 531 Membership Management Department 662 Member Information Department 700 Control section 701 Member input means 702 Product registration method 703 Registration transmission means 731 Product Information Department 732 Membership Number Department 772 Send Key 900 Control section 901 Biometric acquisition means 902 Means of biological transmission 903 Receiving means 904 Point Selection Method 905 Media Selection Method 906 Payment Methods 931 Biometrics Department 932 Product Registration Information Department 933 Media Storage Unit 934 Point section 3321 Membership Number Department 3322 Product Registration Information Department 3323 Point Information Department 3324 Payment Media Department 5311 Membership Number Department 5312 Biometrics Department 5313 Point Information Department 5314 Payment Media Department T Store [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0158] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-248162 A

Claims

1. A biometric acquisition means for acquiring biometric information; a receiving means for receiving, from an external device, product registration information for a product to be purchased by the member identified by the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means, and payment medium information for identifying the payment medium to be used by the member; a payment means for executing a payment process for the product registration information by using the payment medium information without reading the payment medium; A product sales data processing device comprising:

2. a media selection means for displaying a media selection screen for selecting one of the payment media when the payment media is multiple, The payment means executes the payment process using the payment medium information corresponding to the selected payment medium. The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

3. If the payment medium specified by the payment medium information is one, the medium selection screen is not displayed, The payment means executes the payment process using the payment medium information that identifies the payment medium. The product sales data processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The receiving means receives point information associated with member identification information that identifies the member from the external device, a point selection means for displaying a point selection screen on which the user can select whether to use points related to the received point information or to save points; the payment means executes the payment process using the received points when the use of the points is selected; The product sales data processing device according to claim 1 .

5. A product sales data processing system including a registration machine and an accounting machine, The registration machine includes: A product registration means for executing a product registration process for a product; A member input means for inputting member identification information issued to a member to identify the member; Equipped with The accounting machine is A biometric acquisition means for acquiring biometric information; a receiving means for receiving, from an external device, product registration information for a product to be purchased by the member identified by the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means, and payment medium information for identifying the payment medium to be used by the member; a payment means for executing a payment process for the product registration information by using the payment medium information without reading the payment medium; A product sales data processing system comprising:

6. The product sales data processing system further includes the external device, The external device is a storage means for storing the member identification information input by the member input means, the product registration information processed by the product registration means, the payment medium information, and the biometric information of the member in association with each other; a receiving means for receiving the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means; a transmitting means for transmitting the product registration information and the payment medium information, which are associated with the biometric information, to the payment machine; Equipped with 6. A product sales data processing system according to claim 5.

7. A computer as a product sales data processing device, A biometric acquisition means for acquiring biometric information; a receiving means for receiving, from an external device, product registration information for a product to be purchased by the member identified by the biometric information acquired by the biometric acquisition means, and payment medium information for identifying the payment medium to be used by the member; a payment means for executing a payment process for the product registration information by using the payment medium information without reading the payment medium; A program that makes it work.

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