Registration settlement device

Abstract

To enable a plurality of types to be used separately.SOLUTION: A registration settlement device of an embodiment includes first and second determination means, determination control means, settlement means, and settlement control means. The first and second determination means determine content of transactions in response to operations made by first and second operators. The determination control means controls the first and second determination means so as to enable either one of them. The settlement means settles a settlement amount using one of a plurality of settlement methods. The settlement control means causes the settlement means to perform settlement processing using a settlement method designated by the first operator when a determination is made by the first determination means and when a determination is made by the second determination means and an operation is not performed by the second operator before a settlement instruction and using a settlement method designated by the second operator when the determination is made by the second determination means and an operation is performed before the settlement instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registration and payment device, a registration and payment method, and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, there are various types of registration payment devices known as POS terminal devices, such as face-to-face, semi-self-service, and full-self-service types. In a face-to-face type registration and payment device, a store clerk performs both the registration operation for registering the details of the transaction, such as registering the purchased items in a product list, and the payment operation for paying for that transaction. In a semi-self-service type registration and payment device, a store clerk performs the registration operation and a customer performs the payment operation. In a full-self-service type registration and payment device, a customer performs both the registration operation and the payment operation.

[0003] Each of these types of registered payment devices has its own advantages and disadvantages, so in large stores such as supermarkets, multiple types of registered payment devices may be installed so that customers can select the one they want to use. However, in a relatively small store such as a convenience store, it is difficult to install a large number of registered payment devices. For these reasons, it has been desirable to be able to use multiple types of devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2010-86202 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 registration payment device, a registration payment method, and an information processing program that enable multiple types to be used separately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A registered payment device according to an embodiment includes a first determination means, a second determination means, a determination control means, a payment means, and a payment control means. The first determination means determines the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator. The second determination means determines the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator. The determination control means controls the first determination means and the second determination means so as to validate one of them. The payment means determines a payment amount for the content of the transaction, and performs a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods. The payment control means controls the payment means to perform payment processing using a payment method specified by the first operator from among the multiple payment methods when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination means and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before the start of the payment processing is instructed, and to perform payment processing using the payment method specified by the second operator from among the multiple payment methods when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before the start of the payment processing is instructed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view of a POS terminal device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 2; [Diagram 5] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor in FIG. 2; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a point-of-sale (POS) terminal device having a function as a registered settlement device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a POS terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. The POS terminal device 100 is placed, for example, at a cash register counter that is provided to separate the workspace of a store clerk from the sales floor. The POS terminal device 100 is operated by the store clerk and the customer. The store clerk who operates the POS terminal device 100 is located at the back right side in Fig. 1. The customer who operates the POS terminal device 100 is located at the front left side in Fig. 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the back right side and the front left side in Fig. 1 will be referred to as the store clerk side and the customer side, respectively.

[0009] The POS terminal device 100 comprises a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, a coin unit 3, a bill unit 4, a credit card reader 5, a near-field communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer (prepaid card R / W) 7, a receipt printer 8, a store clerk-side touch panel 9, and a keyboard 10.

[0010] The customer-side touch panel 1 is provided facing the customer side as shown in Fig. 1. The customer-side touch panel 1 displays a screen for presenting information to customers. The customer-side touch panel 1 also inputs instructions by customers touching the screen. The customer-side touch panel 1 is an example of a first operation device.

[0011] The fixed scanner 2 has a reading window 2a facing the customer. The fixed scanner 2 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window 2a, and recognizes barcode information represented by a barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 2 then outputs the recognized barcode information to a processor 11, which will be described later. The fixed scanner 2 may also use other types of well-known devices that optically read barcodes using reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 2 may also use other types of well-known devices that have a function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing an image of the product. The fixed scanner 2 is an example of a first operation device.

[0012] The coin unit 3 includes a coin insertion port 3a, a coin discharge port 3b, and a coin tray 3c. The coin insertion port 3a is formed so that coins can be inserted from the customer side. The coin unit 3 stores coins inserted from the coin insertion port 3a in an internal storage box while counting the value of the coins. The coin unit 3 discharges coins stored in the storage box to the coin tray 3c via the coin discharge port 3b. The coin tray 3c is formed so that coins can be removed from the customer side.

[0013] The bill unit 4 includes a bill insertion slot 4a and a bill discharge slot 4b. The bill insertion slot 4a is formed so that bills can be inserted from the customer side. The bill unit 4 stores bills inserted from the bill insertion slot 4a in an internal storage while counting the amount of the bills. The bill unit 4 discharges bills stored in the storage from the bill discharge slot 4b. The bill discharge slot 4b holds the discharged bills with a portion of the bill exposed to the outside. The bill discharge slot 4b is formed so that the bills held as described above can be removed from the customer side.

[0014] The credit card reader 5 reads card information from a credit card slid along the slit 5a. The credit card reader 5 is disposed with the slit 5a facing the customer side so that a customer positioned on the customer side can easily slide his / her credit card through the slit 5a.

[0015] The near-field communication unit 6 is provided to form a communication range on the customer side. The near-field communication unit 6 performs near-field wireless communication with a wireless tag brought close from the customer side, and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. The near-field communication unit 6 also writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag through the near-field wireless communication.

[0016] The prepaid card reader / writer 7 includes a slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 reads card data magnetically recorded on a prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 also writes any data onto the prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a.

[0017] The receipt printer 8 prints an image of a receipt or a voucher such as a sales slip onto receipt paper. The receipt printer 8 discharges the receipt paper with the image printed on it to the outside from the receipt discharge port 8a.

[0018] The store clerk-side touch panel 9 is provided facing the store clerk. The store clerk-side touch panel 9 displays a screen for presenting information to the store clerk. The store clerk-side touch panel 9 also inputs instructions by the store clerk touching the screen. The store clerk-side touch panel 9 is an example of a second operation device.

[0019] The keyboard 10 has many keys for easy operation by a store clerk located on the store clerk side. The keyboard 10 inputs instructions from the store clerk by pressing these keys. The keyboard 10 is an example of a second operation device.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device 100. In Fig. 2, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The POS terminal 100 includes a processor 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, a handy scanner 14, a communication unit 15, and a transmission path 16 in addition to the elements shown in FIG. The customer side touch panel 1, fixed scanner 2, coin unit 3, banknote unit 4, credit card reader 5, near-field communication unit 6, prepaid card reader / writer 7, receipt printer 8, store clerk side touch panel 9, keyboard 10, processor 11, main memory unit 12, auxiliary memory unit 13, handheld scanner 14 and communication unit 15 are connected to a transmission path 16.

[0021] The processor 11, the main storage unit 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected via a transmission line 16 to constitute a computer that executes information processing for controlling the POS terminal device 100. The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part of the POS terminal 100 to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100 based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main storage unit 12 and the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0022] The main memory unit 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 stores the above-mentioned information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 may also store data required for the processor 11 to execute various information processes in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11.

[0023] The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 13 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), etc. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 in performing various information processing, and data generated by the processing in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may also store the above-mentioned information processing program.

[0024] The handy scanner 14 is held by an operator and optically reads a barcode placed in front of a reading port of the handy scanner 14. The handy scanner 14 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 11.

[0025] The communication unit 15 performs communication processing for the processor 11 to transmit and receive various data to and from any device, such as a POS server, via the communication network 200. A LAN (local area network) is typically used as the communication network 200. However, in addition to a LAN, the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, and the like can also be used as the communication network 200, either alone or in appropriate combination. A well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 200 can be used as the communication unit 15. The transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The transmission path 16 transmits data and signals exchanged between each of the components connected thereto.

[0026] The basic hardware of the POS terminal 100 may be, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal. In this case, the transfer of the POS terminal 100 is generally performed in a state where an information processing program describing information processing, which will be described later, is stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. However, the hardware of the POS terminal 100 and the information processing program may be transferred separately in a state where the information processing program is not stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. The information processing program may be written in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 in response to an operation by an administrator of the POS terminal 100 or the like. The information processing program may be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0027] Next, the operation of the POS terminal device 100 configured as above will be described. When the POS terminal device 100 is started up in a mode for registration and settlement, the processor 11 performs information processing, which will be described below, in accordance with an information processing program stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 . 3, 4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 11. Note that the contents of the processing described below are merely examples, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processing, omit some of the processing, or add other processing, as appropriate.

[0028] As ACT1, the processor 11 clears the product list and the method data. The product list is a list of products that have been registered as purchased products. The processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list to a state in which no purchased products are included. The table data is stored, for example, in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. The method data is setting data representing the setting status of the payment method used in the payment process. In this embodiment, it is assumed that cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid are applicable to the payment at the POS terminal device 100. In this case, the method data takes one of five states representing cash, credit, electronic money, prepaid, and no designation, respectively. Note that, when the method data is in a state representing cash, a numerical value representing the deposited amount is set. As ACT1, the processor 11 sets the method data to a state representing no designation. The method data is stored, for example, in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0029] In ACT2, the processor 11 sets the semi-self-service mode as the operation mode of the POS terminal 100. That is, the processor 11 resets a mode flag, for example. The mode flag indicates the semi-self-service mode when in a reset state, and indicates the full-self-service mode when in a set state. The mode flag is stored in the main memory unit 12 or the auxiliary memory unit 13.

[0030] As ACT3, the processor 11 displays a standby screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that the screen displays an advertisement, for example. The standby screen does not include any operation element for registering the purchased item. As ACT4, the processor 11 displays a home screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The home screen is a basic screen for the clerk to perform operations for registering purchased items. The clerk can perform operations for specifying the purchased items on this home screen or on another screen that can be transitioned from this home screen.

[0031] In ACT5, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the instruction, it determines that the result is NO and proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 11 checks whether or not an instruction to switch the operation mode has been issued. If the instruction has not been issued, the processor 11 determines that the instruction has been issued and returns to ACT5. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a product to be specified or for an instruction to switch the operation mode as ACT5 and ACT6. In addition, the processor 11 may check whether or not another instruction operation has been performed in the standby state in ACT5 and ACT6 and in the standby state described below. If the processor 11 checks such an instruction operation, it proceeds to a process corresponding to that operation.

[0032] A customer picks up the products he or she wants to purchase from the sales floor and takes them to the cash register. The store clerk who operates the POS terminal device 100 set in the semi-self-service mode is positioned on the workspace side, with the POS terminal device 100 between them and the customer who is positioned on the sales floor side. The store clerk uses the store clerk touch panel 9 and the handy scanner 14 to specify the products that the customer has brought to the cash register as purchased products. The store clerk's operation at this time may be the same as that performed with another existing POS terminal device.

[0033] As described above, the standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items, so no operation for designating a product as a purchased item is performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, the processor 11 does not use the recognition results from the fixed scanner 2 to register purchased items. In other words, in the semi-self-service mode in which the content of the transaction to be settled is determined in response to the operation by the store clerk, the processor 11 disables the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2. By disabling the customer-side touch panel 1 and the fixed scanner 2 in this way, it is possible to prevent a product from being erroneously registered as a purchased item through the customer's operation.

[0034] If an operation to designate a product as a purchased product has been performed, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT7 in FIG. As ACT7, the processor 11 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. For example, the processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list so that the product table includes a product code for identifying the above specified product.

[0035] The processor 11 as ACT8 displays a summary screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The summary screen is a screen showing an overview of the current status of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at this point in time. For example, the summary screen shows the product name, unit price, and quantity of the product registered as a purchased item immediately before, the total amount of discount applied to the registered items, and the total amount of the registered items. The summary screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items. The processor 11 as ACT9 displays a details screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen is a screen showing details of the current status of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at this point in time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as purchased items, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount of the registered items.

[0036] In ACT10, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the designation, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT11. In ACT11, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm that a payment method has been designated, it determines that the decision is NO and proceeds to ACT12. In ACT 12, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the instruction has not been confirmed, the processor 11 judges the result as NO and returns to ACT 10. Thus, the processor 11, as ACT10 and ACT12, waits for a product to be specified, for a payment method to be specified, or for payment to be instructed.

[0037] When a customer brings multiple items to the cash register, the store clerk performs an operation to specify the second and subsequent items as purchased items while processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT10 to ACT12. If such an operation is performed, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT10 and executes ACT7 to ACT9 in the same manner as described above. As a result, each of the multiple products brought by the customer to the cash register counter is added to the product list. As described above, the overview screen does not include an operation element for registering purchased products, so an operation for designating a product as a purchased product is not performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, the processor 11 does not use the recognition result of the fixed scanner 2 to register the purchased products. Thus, processor 11 determines the content of the transaction, i.e., which product is being bought or sold, in response to the operation by the store clerk as the second operator. Thus, by processor 11 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having processor 11 as its core portion functions as a second determination means for making the above-mentioned determination.

[0038] When the clerk has finished specifying all the items brought to the cash register by the customer as the purchased items, the clerk instructs the customer to make a payment by performing a predetermined operation on the clerk's touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. For example, the operation is pressing a customer type key included in the keyboard 10. The clerk can also ask the customer about the desired payment method and perform an operation to specify the payment method before performing an operation to instruct the customer to make a payment. The operation to specify a payment by cash is, for example, pressing a key included in the keyboard 10 and assigned with cash payment. Alternatively, the operation to specify a payment by cash is touching a soft key displayed on the clerk's touch panel 9 and assigned with cash payment. The operation to specify a payment by cash is, for example, pressing a key or touching a soft key assigned with cash payment, followed by inputting the amount of the deposit on the clerk's touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. The operation to specify a payment by credit, electronic money, or prepaid is, for example, pressing a key included in the keyboard 10 and assigned with credit, electronic money, or prepaid, respectively. Alternatively, the operation of designating payment by credit, electronic money or prepaid is performed by touching a soft key displayed on the touch panel 9 on the clerk's side and assigned to credit, electronic money or prepaid, respectively.

[0039] If an operation to specify a payment method has been performed, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT13, processor 11 updates the method data to a state that indicates the specified payment method. If cash is specified, processor 11 sets the amount of the deposit entered as described above to the method data. Then, processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT10 to ACT12. Processor 11 may store the amount of the deposit in main memory unit 12 or auxiliary memory unit 13 as data separate from the method data.

[0040] The processor 11 judges YES in ACT12 in response to the operation instructing payment being performed as described above, and proceeds to ACT14. In ACT 14, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If the method data indicates that no method has been specified, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT 15. As ACT15, the processor 11 displays a selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The selection screen is a screen for accepting an operation by a customer to select a payment method. For example, the selection screen shows multiple soft keys each associated with an applicable payment method. That is, the selection screen shows, for example, four soft keys each associated with cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. Note that electronic money and prepaid may each include multiple soft keys associated with multiple payment services belonging to the respective methods. Alternatively, when a soft key associated with electronic money or prepaid is touched, the processor 11 may display a lower-level selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1 showing soft keys each associated with multiple payment services belonging to the payment method.

[0041] In ACT16, the processor 11 checks whether or not an instruction to return to registering purchased items has been given. If the instruction cannot be confirmed, the processor 11 judges the answer to be NO and proceeds to ACT17. In ACT 17, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm that a payment method has been specified, the processor 11 determines that the payment method has been specified as NO, and returns to ACT 16. Thus, in ACT16 and ACT17, the processor 11 waits for an instruction to return to registration or for a payment method to be specified.

[0042] If the customer wishes to add an item to the purchase, the customer instructs the system to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the customer touch panel 1. This operation is, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen for this instruction. Furthermore, if there are still items left to purchase that have not been registered, the store clerk instructs the system to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the store clerk touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. This operation is, for example, pressing a key included on the keyboard 10 and assigned with an instruction to return to registration. This operation is, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 and assigned with an instruction to return to registration. The processor 11 judges YES in ACT 16 in response to the fact that the corresponding operation has been performed, and returns to ACT 8. The processor 11 then executes the processes from ACT 8 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0043] If the customer proceeds with payment, the customer designates the payment method to be used by a predetermined operation on the selection screen, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen and associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 11 judges YES in ACT17 in response to the operation being performed, and proceeds to ACT18. In ACT18, the processor 11 updates the method data to a state that indicates the specified payment method. If cash payment is specified here, the processor 11 sets the value indicating the deposit amount to be set in the method data to a predetermined invalid value. Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT34 in FIG. 6.

[0044] On the other hand, if the store clerk has specified a payment method before instructing the payment, the method data indicates any of the payment methods. In this case, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT14 and proceeds to ACT19. In ACT19, the processor 11 checks whether the specified payment method is cash. If the method data indicates credit, electronic money, or prepaid, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT34 in Fig. 5. If the method data indicates cash, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT19 and proceeds to ACT40 in Fig. 5. Thus, if a payment method has been designated prior to issuing an instruction for payment, the processor 11 skips ACT15 to ACT18 and does not accept the customer's designation of a payment method. The processing from ACT34 onwards will be described later.

[0045] When a store clerk wants to set the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 to the full self-service mode, the store clerk instructs the operation mode to be switched by a predetermined operation on the store clerk's touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. For example, the operation is touching a soft key displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 and assigned with switching the operation mode. For example, the operation is pressing a key included in the keyboard 10 and assigned with switching the operation mode.

[0046] If such a switching instruction is given when processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6 in Figure 3, that is, when it is waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, processor 11 judges YES in ACT6 and proceeds to ACT20 in Figure 5. In ACT20, the processor 11 sets the operation mode to the full self mode. That is, the processor 11 changes the mode flag to a set state, for example.

[0047] As ACT21, the processor 11 displays a guide screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The guide screen is a screen for informing the customer that the customer should perform an operation for registering the purchased item. The guide screen may show what operation should be performed to register the purchased item. As ACT22, the processor 11 displays a standby screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that the standby screen is, for example, a screen saver screen. The standby screen does not include operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0048] In ACT23, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the designation, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT24. In ACT 24, the processor 11 checks whether or not an instruction to switch the operation mode has been issued. If the instruction has not been issued, the processor 11 determines that the instruction has been issued and returns to ACT 23. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a product to be specified or for an instruction to switch the operation mode as ACT23 and ACT24.

[0049] When a store clerk wishes to set the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 to the semi-selfie mode, the store clerk instructs the operation mode to be switched by a predetermined operation on the store clerk's touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. For example, the operation is touching a soft key displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 and assigned with switching the operation mode. For example, the operation is pressing a key included in the keyboard 10 and assigned with switching the operation mode.

[0050] If such a switching instruction is given while the processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT23 and ACT24, that is, while waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT25, the processor 11 sets the semi-self mode as the operation mode of the POS terminal 100. That is, the processor 11 changes the mode flag to a reset state, for example. The processor 11 then returns to ACT3 in Fig. 3 and executes ACT3 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. This causes the POS terminal 100 to transition to a state in which it operates in the semi-self mode.

[0051] When a customer brings an item to the checkout counter, the customer uses the customer-side touch panel 1 or the fixed scanner 2 to designate the item as a purchased item in the POS terminal device 100 set in the full self-service mode. The customer's operation at this time may be the same as that performed in other existing self-service type POS terminal devices. If an operation to designate the item as a purchased item is performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT26. In ACT 26, the processor 11 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. For example, the processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list so that the product table includes a product code for identifying the specified product.

[0052] As ACT27, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The details screen is a screen showing details of the current status of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at this point in time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as purchased items, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount of the registered items. In ACT28, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 indicates the same information as that displayed in ACT9, and also indicates that the store clerk is in full self mode. The details screen displayed on the store clerk's touch panel 9 does not include operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0053] In ACT 29, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the designation, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the instruction has not been confirmed, the processor 11 determines that the payment instruction has been issued and returns to ACT 29. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a product to be specified or for a payment to be instructed in ACT29 and ACT30.

[0054] When a customer brings a plurality of items to the cash register counter, the customer performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as purchased items while the processor 11 is in the standby state as ACT29 and ACT30. If the above operation is performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 29 and executes ACT 26 to ACT 28 in the same manner as described above. As a result, each of the multiple products brought by the customer to the cash register counter is added to the product list.

[0055] Thus, processor 11 determines the content of the transaction, i.e., which product is being bought and sold, in response to the operation by the customer as the first operator. Thus, processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having processor 11 as its central part functions as a first determination means for making the above-mentioned determination. Processor 11 enables this first determination means in full self-time mode, and enables the second determination means as described above in semi-self-time mode. Thus, processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having processor 11 as its central part functions as a determination control means for making such a switch.

[0056] When the customer has finished designating all the products he or she has brought to the cash register counter as the products to be purchased, he or she instructs payment by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation is, for example, touching a soft key included in the details screen displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 and to which a payment instruction is assigned. The processor 11 judges YES in ACT30 in response to the fact that the corresponding operation has been performed, and proceeds to ACT31. In ACT31, the processor 11 causes the customer-side touch panel 1 to display a selection screen similar to the selection screen displayed in ACT15 in FIG.

[0057] In ACT32, the processor 11 checks whether or not an instruction to return to registering purchased items has been given. If the instruction cannot be confirmed, the processor 11 judges the answer to be NO and proceeds to ACT33. In ACT 33, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the instruction, it determines NO and returns to ACT 32. Thus, the processor 11, as ACT32 and ACT33, waits for an instruction to return to registration or for a payment method to be specified.

[0058] If the customer wishes to add an item to the purchase, the customer instructs the customer to return to registration by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. The operation is, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen for that instruction. In response to the fact that the corresponding operation has been performed, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT 32 and returns to ACT 27. The processor 11 then executes the processes from ACT 27 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0059] If the customer proceeds with payment, the customer designates the payment method to be used by a predetermined operation on the selection screen, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen and associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 11 judges YES in ACT 33 in response to the fact that the corresponding operation has been performed, and proceeds to ACT 34 in FIG. As described above, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT34 in FIG. 5 in response to confirming the designation of the payment method in ACT33 in the full self-service mode, or in ACT17 as described above in the semi-self-service mode.

[0060] As ACT34, processor 11 displays a payment screen on customer-side touch panel 1. The payment screen shows the amount to be paid and provides instructions on how to make the payment. There are multiple types of payment screens predefined, each corresponding to a different payment method. Processor 11 displays the payment screen associated with the specified payment method on customer-side touch panel 1. When displaying the payment screen, processor 11 determines the payment amount for the sale of the purchased item registered in the item list. This determination may be performed, for example, by a well-known process. In ACT35, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen may be the same as the details screen displayed in ACT9 or ACT28. However, the details screen displayed in ACT35 is a screen indicating that the customer is making a payment.

[0061] As ACT36, the processor 11 activates a payment unit according to the specified payment method. For example, the processor 11 activates a payment unit that is predetermined in association with the payment method represented by the method data. For example, when cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4. For example, when credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the credit card reader 5. For example, when electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the near field communication unit 6. For example, when prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the prepaid card reader / writer 7.

[0062] In ACT37, the processor 11 waits for an operation for payment according to the specified payment method. For example, when cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 judges YES when coins and bills are inserted into the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4. For example, when credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 judges YES when a credit card is slid through the slit 5a of the credit card reader 5. For example, when electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 judges YES when a wireless tag for electronic money is brought into proximity with the near-field communication unit 6. For example, when prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 judges YES when a prepaid card is inserted into the slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7. If the processor 11 judges YES in either case, the process proceeds to ACT38. As ACT 38, the processor 11 performs a payment process. Specifically, the processor 11 executes a process for paying the payment amount determined in ACT 34 using a specified payment method, for example, in a well-known manner. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on an information processing program, and the computer with the processor 11 as the central part functions as a payment means.

[0063] Incidentally, the payment method represented by the method data is the payment method designated by the store clerk if the store clerk designated the payment method prior to the operation to instruct the payment. Conversely, the payment method represented by the method data is the payment method designated by the customer if the store clerk did not designate the payment method prior to the operation to instruct the payment. In other words, the processor 11 controls the payment means to perform the payment process using the payment method designated by the store clerk as the second operator or the customer as the first operator. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a payment control means. In ACT39, the processor 11 stops the settlement unit started in ACT36. Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT42.

[0064] Regardless of whether the operation mode is set to the full self-service mode or the semi-self-service mode, payment is basically performed according to the payment operation by the customer as described above. However, in this embodiment, if the operation mode is set to the semi-self-service mode and the store clerk specifies cash as the payment method before instructing payment, the process proceeds from ACT 19 in Figure 4 to ACT 40 in Figure 6 as described above.

[0065] When the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 is set to the semi-self-service mode and the customer wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk receives a deposit from the customer that is equal to or greater than the amount to be paid. Then, prior to issuing an instruction for payment, the store clerk specifies that payment is to be made in cash and inputs the amount of the deposit. This causes the processor 11 to set the amount of the deposit in the method data in ACT13 in FIG. 4, as described above. As ACT40, the processor 11 displays a payment screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The payment screen shows the difference between the deposit amount set in the method data and the amount to be settled as the change amount.

[0066] In ACT41, the processor 11 displays a receipt screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The receipt screen shows the change amount and guides the customer to receive that amount of change from the store clerk. The receipt screen also guides the customer to receive the receipts discharged from the receipt discharge port 8a. The processor 11 then proceeds to ACT42. The clerk and the customer give and receive change according to the payment screen and receipt screen.

[0067] As ACT42, the processor 11 controls the receipt printer 8 to issue a receipt on receipt paper on which a receipt image showing the details of the transaction and the result of the payment is printed. In addition, when the payment is made using credit or electronic money, the processor 11 may issue a sales slip for the credit or electronic money separately from the receipt.

[0068] In ACT43, the processor 11 clears the product list. As ACT44, the processor 11 displays an end screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The end screen is a screen that notifies the customer that the transaction has been completed. In ACT45, the processor 11 checks whether the operation mode is the semi-self mode. If the mode flag is in the reset state, the processor 11 judges it as YES, and returns to ACT3 in Fig. 3. If the mode flag is in the set state, the processor 11 judges it as NO, and returns to ACT21 in Fig. 5. The processor 11 then repeats the process from ACT3 or ACT21 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0069] In addition, when an event occurs that requires maintenance such as replacement of receipt paper or replenishing or collecting coins, the processor 11 displays an error screen to notify that maintenance is required. When the mode flag is in a reset state, that is, when the device is in the semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 displays an error screen for the clerk on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The clerk performs maintenance in response to this error screen. When the mode flag is in a set state, that is, when the device is in the full-self-service mode, the processor 11 displays an error screen for the customer on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, when the device is in the full-self-service mode, the processor 11 also displays an error screen for the clerk on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The error screen for the clerk includes a release key for releasing the display of the error screen. The customer calls the clerk in response to the display of the error screen for the customer. The called clerk checks the situation using the error screen for the clerk, performs maintenance as appropriate, and then uses the release key to instruct the device to release the display of each error screen.

[0070] As described above, in the POS terminal device 100, the processor 11 registers the purchased items in ACT3 to ACT12, and then performs payment and related processes in ACT15 to ACT17 and ACT34 to ACT39. As a result, registration is performed according to the operation of the store clerk, and payment is performed according to the operation of the customer, thereby realizing a semi-self-service mode. Even in the semi-self-service mode, the POS terminal 100 can allow the store clerk to specify the payment method. In this case, the store clerk can guide the customer through the payment operations, thereby avoiding inconvenience to customers who are unfamiliar with operating the POS terminal 100. Furthermore, the POS terminal 100 can also perform face-to-face operations in which the store clerk even hands over cash. This allows appropriate support for customers who have difficulty operating the payment operations, such as young children. Furthermore, the processor 11 registers the purchased items in ACT21 to ACT30, and then performs settlement and related processes in ACT31 to ACT39. As a result, both registration and settlement are performed according to the customer's operation, and a full self-service mode is realized. Thus, the POS terminal 100 can be used in a variety of types.

[0071] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The above embodiment can also be implemented in a different registration and settlement device such as a cash register.

[0072] Processor 11 may check whether or not a declaration has been made that the payment method will be designated by the store clerk in ACT 11. If processor 11 receives a declaration that the payment method will be designated by the store clerk here, it may be configured to receive the designation of the payment method from the store clerk after the payment instruction has been given.

[0073] Even when a cash payment is specified by a store clerk, cash may be handed over and received using the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4. Furthermore, the payment process using a payment method other than cash may be different depending on whether the payment method is specified by a customer or a store clerk.

[0074] In addition to the above-mentioned cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid, applicable payment methods may include other payment methods such as code payment or gift certificates, and may not include at least one of cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. In code payment, a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on a display device of an information terminal carried by a customer is read by the fixed scanner 2, the handy scanner 14, or a separately provided scanner. Alternatively, in code payment, a barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the customer's touch panel 1, the store clerk's touch panel 9, or a separately provided display device, or prepared as a separately printed matter, is photographed by the camera of the information terminal carried by the customer.

[0075] The applicable payment methods may be different between the semi-self-service mode and the full-self-service mode. For example, payment using a cash voucher may be selectable only in the semi-self-service mode.

[0076] A single transaction may be processed using a plurality of payment methods. For example, the same processing as that performed by existing POS terminal devices can be used for processing a single transaction using a plurality of payment methods.

[0077] The processor 11 may switch from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode only in the responsible person registration state.

[0078] When switching from the semi-self-service mode to the full-self-service mode, the processor 11 may record that in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 11 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0079] When switching from the semi-self-service mode to the full-self-service mode, the processor 11 may display a message such as "Switching to the full-self-service mode. Are you sure?" and may also pop up a confirmation screen showing a "Yes" button and a "No" button on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The processor 11 may switch the mode if the "Yes" button is touched, and may not switch the mode if the "No" button is touched.

[0080] The processor 11 may not switch the mode if the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4 are in a disconnected state. In this case, the processor 11 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 showing a warning message such as "Mode switching is not possible because the change dispenser is not connected."

[0081] When switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode, the processor 11 may automatically input a predetermined number, such as "999", as the person in charge number.

[0082] The processor 11 may turn off the automatic person in charge cancellation function when switching from the semi-self mode to the full-self mode. The automatic person in charge cancellation function is a function that erases the person in charge number that has been set and automatically cancels the person in charge registration state if no operation is performed for a certain period of time.

[0083] The processor 11 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 for prompting the clerk to input the person in charge number before or after switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode. Then, the processor 11 inputs the person in charge number in response to an operation by the clerk on this screen.

[0084] When switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 may record that in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 11 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0085] When switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 may display a message such as "Switching to semi-self-service mode. Are you sure?" and may pop up a confirmation screen showing a "Yes" button and a "No" button on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The processor 11 may switch the mode if the "Yes" button is touched, and may not switch the mode if the "No" button is touched.

[0086] When switching from the full-self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 may check the status of the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4. If there is a separation error, the processor 11 may cause the clerk-side touch panel 9 to display a screen showing a message such as "Drawer in operation."

[0087] The processor 11 may be configured to display on the screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9 in the semi-selfie mode a message indicating that the mode is the semi-selfie mode.

[0088] The processor 11 may turn on the automatic responsible person release function when switching from the full self-timer mode to the semi-self-timer mode.

[0089] In the full self-service mode, the processor 11 may print "Self" as the name of the responsible person on the receipt.

[0090] In the full self mode, the processor 11 may record a predetermined number such as "999" as the responsible person number in the electronic journal. In this case, the processor 11 may set the responsible person name to "self" when referring to the journal.

[0091] The processor 11 may display the name of the person in charge as "self" on the screen displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 in the full self-service mode.

[0092] The processor 11 may prohibit the use of a responsible person number used in the full self mode as a responsible person number in the semi self mode.

[0093] In the full self-service mode, the processor 11 may employ a predetermined customer demographic as the customer demographic information.

[0094] In the semi-self-service mode, processor 11 may adopt, as customer demographic information, the customer demographic corresponding to the customer demographic key pressed by the store clerk after the product is registered.

[0095] Each function realized by the processor 11 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0096] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...customer side touch panel, 2...fixed scanner, 3...coin unit, 4...banknote unit, 5...credit card reader, 6...proximity communication unit, 7...prepaid card reader / writer, 8...receipt printer, 8a...receipt ejection port, 9...store attendant side touch panel, 10...keyboard, 11...processor, 12...main memory unit, 13...auxiliary memory unit, 14...handheld scanner, 15...communication unit, 16...transmission path, 100...POS terminal device, 200...communication network.

Claims

1. a first determination means for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so as to make one of them valid; a payment means for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods; a payment control means for controlling the payment means so that, when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination means and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods, and, when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and the predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment control means controls the payment means so that the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the second operator from among the plurality of payment methods. A registered payment device comprising:

2. the payment control means determines that the predetermined operation has been performed when an operation for designating a payment method to be used in the payment process is performed by the second operator; The registered payment device of claim 1.

3. the payment control means controls the payment means so as to perform different payment processing for at least one payment method depending on whether the payment method is designated by the first operator or the second operator. The registration and settlement device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first operating device; A second operating device; Further equipped with the first determination means and the payment control means determine that the operation on the first operation device is an operation by the first operator, the second determination means and the payment control means determine that the operation on the second operation device is an operation by the second operator; The registered payment device of claim 1.

5. one of a first determination process for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator and a second determination process for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator is enabled; a payment process for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and settling the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods is performed using a payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination process and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination process and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given; and a payment process for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and settling the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods is performed using a payment method designated by the second operator from among the plurality of payment methods when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination process and a predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given. Registered payment method.

6. A computer that controls the registered payment device, a first determination means for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so as to make one of them valid; a payment means for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods; a payment control means for controlling the payment means so that, when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination means and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods, and, when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and the predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment control means controls the payment means so that the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the second operator from among the plurality of payment methods. An information processing program that enables the device to function.

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