Payment terminal, settlement processing system, and program

Abstract

To provide a payment terminal capable of automatically performing operation in accordance with schedule information.SOLUTION: The payment terminal includes connection means, payment means, storage means, and processing means. The connection means is capable of connecting with a POS terminal by wire or wirelessly. The payment means executes at least one or more types of cashless payment. The storage means stores at least one or more types of processing, an execution schedule of processing, and an execution condition for processing in association. The processing means executes processing when the execution condition is satisfied at a timing established in the execution schedule.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a payment terminal, a settlement processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, as various payment methods have increased, the use of payment terminals compatible with multiple cashless payment methods has been increasing.

[0003] In such payment terminals, it has been common to perform each operation manually by a person. For this reason, even for operations that are regularly performed at fixed times depending on the operation of the store where the payment terminal is introduced, it has been necessary to pay attention to ensure that the operation is not forgotten by the human side. In addition, as an example of a regularly performed operation, there is a settlement operation that is performed at the end of business every day. However, there has been a problem that the settlement is forgotten, the sales for that day are not finalized, and extra work such as performing a recovery operation after the next day occurs.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a payment terminal capable of automatically performing operations according to schedule information.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The payment terminal according to the embodiment includes a connection means, a payment means, a storage means, and a processing means. The connection means can be connected to a POS terminal by wire or wirelessly. The payment means executes at least one type of cashless payment. The storage means stores at least one process, an execution schedule of the process, and an execution condition of the process in association with each other. The processing means executes the process when the execution condition is satisfied at the timing determined in the execution schedule.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of a settlement terminal and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are one embodiment of a settlement terminal and a program, and do not limit their configurations, specifications, and the like.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement processing system 1 according to an embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 1 is one aspect of the configuration of the settlement processing system 1 when the settlement terminal 3 is introduced to a tenant in a commercial facility.

[0009] The commercial facility to which the actuarial processing system 1 is applied is, for example, a shopping center having a plurality of tenants. Each tenant is, for example, a store, and a POS (Point of Sales) terminal 2 and a settlement terminal 3 are installed. Also, in, for example, the management center of the commercial facility, a server for storing and managing data collected from each tenant and a PC (Personal Computer) 41 are provided.

[0010] The server 40 is, for example, an electronic money server that manages the sales data of electronic money. Also, the server 40 may store the sales data for each tenant, information regarding the points of customers, detailed information on purchased goods, etc. Note that the server 40 may be provided not in the management center but in a cloud environment or an electronic money providing company, etc.

[0011] The PC 41 is operated, for example, by a user such as an administrator. In the present embodiment, the PC 41 generates schedule information described later based on the operation of the user. The PC 41 transmits the generated schedule information to the settlement terminal 3. Note that the PC 41 may be installed in the store where the settlement terminal 3 is installed.

[0012] In FIG. 1, only one server 40 and one PC 41 are shown, but a plurality of servers 40 and PC 41 may be provided. For example, the server 40 may be provided individually for each type of information to be managed or for each business. Also, the POS terminal 2 and the settlement terminal 3 are connected to the server 40 and the PC 41 by wire or wirelessly. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the POS terminal 2, the settlement terminal 3, the server 40, and the PC 41 are connected to be communicable with each other by the in-facility LAN (Local Area Network) 10.

[0013] The settlement processing system 1 of this embodiment includes, for example, a POS terminal 2, a payment terminal 3, a server 40, and a PC 41. Note that the scope of the settlement processing system 1 is not limited to this, and it may be composed of the POS terminal 2 and the payment terminal 3 in the store. Further, a scanner 301, a signature tablet 302, and an electronic money reader / writer 303 connected to the payment terminal 3 may be included in the settlement processing system 1. Further, the settlement processing system 1 is further connected to a center server (not shown) such as a credit company or a bank.

[0014] The payment terminal 3 and the POS terminal 2 are communicably connected by wire or wirelessly. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the payment terminal 3 and the POS terminal 2 are connected by a serial communication cable 11. Further, the payment terminal 3 is communicably connected to the scanner 301, the signature tablet 302, and the electronic money reader / writer 303 by wire or wirelessly. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the payment terminal 3 and the scanner 301 are connected by, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 12. Further, the payment terminal 3 and the signature tablet 302 are connected by, for example, a USB cable 13. Further, the payment terminal 3 and the electronic money reader / writer 303 are connected by, for example, a USB cable 14. Further, the payment terminal 3 may be further connected to a two-dimensional code scanner by wire or wirelessly.

[0015] The POS terminal 2 is a device that processes product sales data of products purchased by customers, and executes a product registration process for registering products to be sold and an accounting process for paying the price of the products registered by the product registration process. Further, when performing cashless settlement, the POS terminal 2 performs settlement processing for one transaction in conjunction with the payment terminal 3. The POS terminal 2 of this embodiment includes a transmission means for transmitting various data to the payment terminal 3 via the serial communication cable 11. The transmission means of the POS terminal 2 transmits, for example, the settlement amount and the tax amount, etc. to the payment terminal 3 in the accounting process.

[0016] The payment terminal 3 is a multi-payment terminal equipped with a plurality of cashless payment functions. Cashless payments include, for example, electronic money payments, code payments using code symbols such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks), and card payments using credit cards, debit cards, UnionPay (registered trademark) cards, etc.

[0017] For example, in the electronic money payment process, the payment terminal 3 accesses a non-contact card or smartphone that electronically stores money information using short-range wireless communication technology such as NFC (Near Field Communication), and executes a payment process using the payable amount information stored in the card. Credit card payments include magnetic, contact IC (Integrated Circuit) card, and non-contact IC (touch payment) types. Note that the payment terminal 3 only needs to be able to execute at least one type of cashless payment, and does not need to have all of these cashless payment functions. Also, the payment terminal 3 may further have a cashless payment function other than the method exemplified in this embodiment.

[0018] The payment terminal 3 executes a cashless payment based on the payment amount, tax amount, etc. transmitted from the POS terminal 2. After the completion of the cashless payment process, the payment terminal 3 transmits the transaction result to the POS terminal 2.

[0019] Note that the payment terminal 3 of this embodiment does not have a cash payment means. The POS terminal 2 may have a cash payment means, or when the tenant does not support cash payment, neither the POS terminal 2 nor the payment terminal 3 needs to have a cash payment means.

[0020] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the payment terminal 3 according to this embodiment. An upper surface panel 37 that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 31 of the payment terminal 3 is provided at the upper part of the main body 31 of the payment terminal 3. By opening the upper surface panel 37, a roll-shaped receipt paper can be set inside the main body 31. Also, a display unit 32 with a touch panel, which is an operation unit 33, is provided on the surface of this upper surface panel 37.

[0021] On the upper part of the side surface of the main body 31, a card reader 34 for reading information stored in a settlement card from the card is provided. As the settlement card, for example, a credit card, a debit card, or the like can be used. Further, the card reader 34 may be able to read various types of point cards.

[0022] Inside the main body 31, a printing unit (see FIG. 3) for printing information related to settlement, a sales report, etc. on the above-mentioned receipt paper is provided. The printed receipt paper is issued from a receipt issuing port 35 provided in the main body 31. Further, a speaker 36 is provided on the upper surface panel 37.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the settlement terminal 3 according to the present embodiment. The settlement terminal 3 includes, for example, a control unit 100 for controlling each part, a storage unit 54, a controller 56, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a card reader 34, a printing unit 57, communication interfaces (I / F) 59 to 63, and a speaker 36.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 100 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 53.

[0025] The CPU 51 is an example of a processor and comprehensively controls each part of the settlement terminal 3. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 is a workspace for developing a control program 541 and various data.

[0026] The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 are connected via a bus 55 or the like. In the control unit 100, the CPU 51 operates according to a control program 541 stored in the ROM 52 or the storage unit 54 and developed in the RAM 53, thereby executing various processes.

[0027] In addition, a storage unit 54, a controller 56, and communication interfaces 59 to 63 are connected to the control unit 100 via a bus 55.

[0028] The storage unit 54 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off, and stores programs including a control program 541. Further, the storage unit 54 stores schedule information 542 in which the processes automatically executed by the payment terminal 3, the execution schedules of the processes, and the execution conditions of the processes are associated. The storage unit 54 is an example of the storage means in the present embodiment.

[0029] A display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a card reader 34, a printing unit 57, and a speaker 36 are connected to the controller 56. The controller 56 executes various controls on the connected devices based on commands from the control unit 100.

[0030] The display unit 32 is a display capable of displaying various information, and displays various information including, for example, an image of a key. The operation unit 33 is a touch panel provided on the display unit 32, and executes various key operations by touching the touch panel at a position corresponding to the key displayed on the display unit 32.

[0031] The card reader 34 reads card information stored magnetically or electrically on a payment card.

[0032] The printing unit 57 pulls out the leading edge of the receipt paper stored inside the main body 31 and prints settlement information and the like on the receipt paper using, for example, a thermal head. The printed paper is output from the above-described receipt issuing port 35. Note that the printing unit 57 may issue a settlement receipt, a report, a parking ticket, etc. in addition to the receipt on which the customer's payment information in one transaction is printed.

[0033] The speaker 36 outputs various sounds under the control of the control unit 100 and the controller 56.

[0034] The communication interface 59 is connected to the POS terminal 2 via the serial communication cable 11. The communication interface 60 is connected to the server 40, the PC 41, etc. via the in-facility LAN 10. The communication interface 61 is connected to the scanner 301 via the USB cable 12. The communication interface 62 is connected to the signature tablet 302 via the USB cable 13. The communication interface 63 is connected to the electronic money reader / writer 303 via the USB cable 14. Note that the settlement terminal 3 may further include a communication interface that can be connected to other devices either wired or wirelessly. The communication interface 59 is an example of the connection means according to the present embodiment.

[0035] In addition, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the settlement terminal 3 has been described as being able to externally attach the electronic money reader / writer 303 and the two-dimensional code scanner. However, the settlement terminal 3 may include the electronic money reader / writer 303, the two-dimensional code scanner, a camera, etc. Further, the settlement terminal 3 may include a microphone capable of inputting the user's voice. Note that the user of the settlement terminal 3 in the present embodiment may be a tenant's store clerk or the like, or may be a customer.

[0036] Next, the functions of the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the main functions realized by the control unit 100 of the settlement terminal 3 according to the present embodiment. The settlement terminal 3 operates according to programs such as the control program 541 stored in the storage unit 54 by the control unit 100, thereby realizing an opening processing unit 101, a receiving unit 102, a settlement processing unit 103, a transmitting unit 104, a parking ticket issuing processing unit 105, a settlement processing unit 106, a report processing unit 107, an electronic money closing processing unit 108, an automatic processing unit 109, and a training processing unit 110. More specifically, the control program 541 executed by the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described respective units (opening processing unit 101, receiving unit 102, settlement processing unit 103, transmitting unit 104, parking ticket issuing processing unit 105, settlement processing unit 106, report processing unit 107, electronic money closing processing unit 108, automatic processing unit 109, and training processing unit 110). The CPU (processor) 51 reads the control program 541 from a storage medium such as the storage unit 54 and loads the above-described respective units onto a main storage device such as the RAM 53. As a result, the opening processing unit 101, the receiving unit 102, the settlement processing unit 103, the transmitting unit 104, the parking ticket issuing processing unit 105, the settlement processing unit 106, the report processing unit 107, the electronic money closing processing unit 108, the automatic processing unit 109, and the training processing unit 110 are generated on the main storage device. Note that these functional units are merely examples, and the settlement terminal 3 may further include other functions.

[0037] Note that the control program 541 of the present embodiment may be stored in the storage unit 54 in advance, or may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the control program 541 executed by the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, the control program 541 executed by the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment may be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium in an installable format or an executable format file.

[0038] After the power of the settlement terminal 3 is turned on, when the startup processing unit 101 receives a startup operation by the user, the settlement terminal 3 is started up.

[0039] The receiving unit 102 receives various data and commands from the POS terminal 2, the server 40, or the PC 41. For example, the receiving unit 102 receives information related to settlement processing such as the type of cashless settlement, the settlement amount, and the tax amount from the POS terminal 2. Also, the receiving unit 102 receives schedule information 542 from the PC 41.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the schedule information 542 according to the present embodiment. The schedule information 542 is a setting file in which an execution schedule and execution conditions of processes automatically executed by the settlement terminal 3 are defined. In the present embodiment, by registering typical operations executed by the settlement terminal 3 as the schedule information 542, it becomes possible for the settlement terminal 3 to automatically execute operations according to the schedule information 542.

[0041] Specifically, the schedule information 542 is information in which a schedule name, a schedule start date, a schedule end date, an exclusion period, a repetition specification, a start time, an execution operation (processing content), and execution conditions are associated. The schedule name, the schedule start date, the schedule end date, the exclusion period, the repetition specification, and the start time are an example of the execution schedule in the present embodiment.

[0042] The schedule name is a name that can identify each registered schedule. Note that instead of the schedule name, a code, a number, or the like may be used. Note that the number of schedules registered in the schedule information 542 is not particularly limited, and at least one schedule is assumed to be registered.

[0043] The schedule start date and the schedule end date are the start and end dates of the schedule period during which the process is executed. The schedule is valid only after the schedule start date and before the schedule end date.

[0044] The exclusion period is the period during which the processing of the schedule is not executed after the schedule start date and before the schedule end date. The exclusion period is defined, for example, as a list of dates on which the processing of the schedule is not executed as shown in FIG. 5.

[0045] The repetition specification indicates the execution cycle of the processing of the schedule. The repetition specification can be specified, for example, daily, weekly, monthly, annually, or by day of the week. Note that in the case of processing that is executed on a specific date by specifying the date and time instead of executing the same processing periodically, the repetition specification may be "none" or null (not set). Note that in the case of processing specified by date and time, the same date may be registered as the schedule start date and the schedule end date.

[0046] The start time is the time when the processing is executed.

[0047] The execution task is the content of the processing executed by the settlement terminal 3 according to the schedule. The scheduled execution task includes, for example, at least one of an electronic money closing process, a settlement process, a reporting process, and a settlement function activation process. The electronic money closing process is the daily calculation process of electronic money. The settlement process is the process of recording the sales settled by the settlement terminal 3. Note that the electronic money closing process may be included in the settlement process. The reporting process is a process of issuing a report describing information on various cashless settlements or other processes settled by the settlement terminal 3 by the printing unit 57.

[0048] The payment function startup process is a process that automatically starts the payment function of the payment terminal 3. Further, the payment function startup process includes a process of causing the display unit 32 to display a payment screen for one type of cashless payment among the types of cashless payments that the payment terminal 3 can execute. The type of cashless payment for which the payment screen is automatically displayed may be input by the user on the PC 41 and stored in the storage unit 54 of the payment terminal 3, for example. The payment function startup process is a process that can automatically start the payment function with the payment screen of the specific type of cashless payment as the initial screen when the ratio of the use of a specific type of cashless payment is high in the tenant where the payment terminal 3 is placed. Further, the payment function startup process may be a process of causing the display unit 32 to display a screen for awarding points. Note that since operations such as input of a payment medium by the customer are required for the execution of the payment service, the payment function startup process that is automatically executed according to a schedule only starts the payment service but does not execute the payment itself.

[0049] Each schedule shall include at least one execution task. If the execution schedules are the same execution task, a plurality of execution tasks may be included in one schedule. Note that the execution tasks registered in the schedule information 542, that is, the processes executed by the payment terminal 3 according to the schedule, are not limited to the above examples, and other processes executed by the payment terminal 3 may be included.

[0050] The execution conditions are the conditions under which the processing of the schedule is executed. If the execution conditions are not satisfied at the start time, the processing of the schedule is not executed. The execution conditions include, for example, conditions for excluding duplication between processing automatically executed according to the execution schedule and other processing executed by a user's operation. More specifically, the execution conditions in the present embodiment include at least one of the following: that the settlement terminal 3 has completed the opening process, that the settlement terminal 3 has not completed the settlement, that no other operations are being executed on the settlement terminal 3, and that the settlement terminal 3 is not in the training mode. Note that the execution conditions registered for one schedule are AND conditions. When a plurality of execution conditions are associated with one schedule, the registered execution operation is started only when the settlement terminal 3 satisfies all the associated execution conditions.

[0051] Since the condition that the settlement terminal 3 has not completed the settlement becomes an execution condition, it is possible to avoid automatically executing the settlement operation again when the user has already manually executed the settlement operation. Also, since the conditions that no other operations are being executed on the settlement terminal 3 and that the settlement terminal 3 is not in the training mode become execution conditions, it is possible to avoid the automatic processing being executed during the manual processing on the settlement terminal 3.

[0052] Note that in FIG. 5, the schedule information 542 is illustrated in a tabular format, but the form of the schedule information 542 is not limited to this and may be in a text format.

[0053] Returning to FIG. 4, the settlement processing unit 103 executes a cashless settlement based on information related to the cashless settlement such as the type, settlement amount, and tax amount acquired from the POS terminal 2. The settlement processing unit 103 controls the display unit 32, operation unit 33, card reader unit 34, printer unit 57, etc. via the controller 56.

[0054] The transmission unit 104 transmits various types of data to the POS terminal 2, the server 40, or the PC 41. For example, after the settlement by the settlement processing unit 103 is completed, the transmission unit 104 may notify the POS terminal 2 of the completion of the settlement. Note that the information transmitted by the transmission unit 104 to the POS terminal 2 may vary depending on the type of cashless settlement. In addition, the transmission unit 104 transmits the sales amount by cashless settlement, the daily information of the electronic money, etc. to the server 40.

[0055] The parking ticket issuance processing unit 105 issues a parking ticket according to the user's operation. The parking ticket is also called a parking assistance ticket and is a ticket that subsidizes the parking fee of customers who have shopped at the tenant. The parking ticket is, for example, a piece of paper on which a two-dimensional code that can be read by the payment machine in the parking lot of the commercial facility is described on the same paper as the one on which the receipt is printed. When, for example, a store clerk operates the operation unit 33 to perform the parking ticket issuance operation and input the payment amount of the customer, the parking ticket issuance processing unit 105 generates a two-dimensional code and causes the generated two-dimensional code to be printed by the printing unit 57.

[0056] The settlement processing unit 106 executes a settlement process according to the user's operation. The settlement operation is generally an operation performed by the tenant's store clerk or the like at the end of each business day, and is a process of recording the sales made through the settlement terminal 3 in one day. The settlement result by the settlement processing unit 106 is printed and issued on paper as a settlement receipt by, for example, the printing unit 57. Note that the settlement result may be transmitted to the server 40.

[0057] The report processing unit 107 executes a report process according to the user's operation. The user selects, for example, "Report" from the menu displayed on the display unit 32 to start the report process. The report process is generally an operation performed by the tenant's store clerk or the like at the end of each business day, and is a process of outputting a report summarizing the processing contents for each type of cashless settlement and other processes executed in one day by the settlement terminal 3. The report is printed and issued on paper by, for example, the printing unit 57.

[0058] The types of reports issued by the settlement terminal 3 in this embodiment are, for example, credit reports, UnionPay (registered trademark) reports, point reports, QR code (registered trademark) settlement reports, point usage reports, parking ticket reports, and the like.

[0059] The electronic money settlement processing unit 108 executes electronic money settlement processing according to the user's operation. The electronic money settlement processing is a daily sales calculation process for each electronic money brand (transportation IC, iD (registered trademark), QuicPay (registered trademark), etc.) that can be settled by the settlement terminal 3. The transmission unit 104 transmits the daily sales calculation results for each electronic money brand to the server 40 by, for example, the transmission unit 104.

[0060] The automatic processing unit 109 executes the registered processing at the timing determined in the execution schedule based on the schedule information 542 when the execution conditions are satisfied. The automatic processing unit 109 is an example of the processing means in this embodiment. More specifically, the automatic processing unit 109 refers to the schedule information 542 stored in the storage unit 54, and the current date is after the schedule start date and before the schedule end date in any of the schedules registered in the schedule information 542, the current date does not fall within the exclusion period in the schedule, the elapsed period from the previous processing matches the period defined in the repetition specification in the schedule, the current time is the start time of the processing in the schedule, and when the current processing status of the settlement terminal 3 satisfies the execution conditions in the schedule, the execution task in the schedule is executed.

[0061] Also, the automatic processing unit 109 may cause the display unit 32 to display that automatic processing is scheduled to be executed a specified time before the start time of the processing registered in the schedule information 542. The length of the specified time is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, it is set to 5 minutes as an example.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a countdown display of the execution of the automatic process according to the present embodiment. For example, when the settlement terminal 3 is in the middle of executing a settlement operation based on a user's operation, as an example of the screen layout of the display unit 32, as shown in FIG. 6, a header 321, a payment amount display area 322, a function key area 323, and a setting / numeric keypad area 324 are displayed. In this case, the automatic processing unit 109 notifies the user that the automatic process is scheduled to be executed and the remaining time until the start time of the scheduled process by displaying the first icon 81 in the header 321.

[0063] In the present embodiment, when the current time reaches 5 minutes before the start time of the process scheduled to be executed, the automatic processing unit 109 indicates the number of minutes until the start time by displaying the number "5" inside the first icon 81 as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the automatic processing unit 109 subtracts the numerical value inside the first icon 81 every minute and counts down as "4", "3", "2", "1". Further, the automatic processing unit 109 may indicate that the automatic process is being executed by blinking the first icon 81 during the execution of the automatic process.

[0064] In this way, by the automatic processing unit 109 performing a countdown display of the execution of the automatic process, the user of the settlement terminal 3 can grasp that the automatic process will be executed soon on the settlement terminal 3. For this reason, the user can take measures such as aborting the manual process as needed. That is, the countdown display allows the user to prevent the automatic process and the manual process from overlapping and to prevent the automatic process from not being executed due to the execution conditions for avoiding such overlap.

[0065] Further, when the process executed based on the execution schedule does not end normally, the automatic processing unit 109 may display an alert on the display unit 32. Further, when the process registered in the schedule information 542 is not executed, the automatic processing unit 109 may also display an alert on the display unit 32.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an alert according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, when the process executed based on the execution schedule registered in the schedule information 542 does not end normally, the automatic processing unit 109 issues an alert by causing the second icon 82 to be displayed, for example, on the header 321 on the screen of the display unit 32. In the example shown in FIG. 7, an exclamation mark is displayed inside the second icon 82.

[0067] Further, the automatic processing unit 109 may also cause the second icon 82 to be displayed when the registered execution task is not executed because the settlement terminal 3 does not satisfy the execution conditions at the start time registered in the schedule information 542.

[0068] Note that the modes of the countdown and the alert are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. For example, the automatic processing unit 109 may cause a text message including the start time of the process and the content of the error to be displayed on the header 321 or the like. Further, the automatic processing unit 109 may output the countdown and the alert by outputting voice or an error sound from the speaker 36.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 4, the training processing unit 110 executes training processing based on the user's operation. The training processing is processing that is executed according to the user's operation when a store clerk or the like practices operating the settlement terminal 3. For example, when the settlement terminal 3 enters the training mode based on the user's operation, the user can operate the settlement terminal 3 in the same manner as in actual settlement or other operations. However, in this operation, unlike actual settlement or the like, settlement data is not generated and sales are not actually recorded. In the case of the training mode, since the user is manually operating the settlement terminal 3 for practice, for example, in the schedule information 542, "not in the training mode" may be included in the execution conditions in order to avoid simultaneous execution of automatically executed processing and manually executed processing.

[0070] Next, the flow of the process executed by the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of automatic execution of the process based on the schedule information 542 according to the present embodiment. As a premise for the process shown in FIG. 8, it is assumed that the settlement terminal 3 has been started up.

[0071] First, the receiving unit 102 acquires the schedule information 542 from the PC 41 (S1). The receiving unit 102 stores the acquired schedule information 542 in the storage unit 54.

[0072] Then, the automatic processing unit 109 refers to the schedule information 542 and determines whether the current date is included in the schedule period of any of the schedules registered in the schedule information 542 (S2). If the current date is not included in the schedule period of any of the schedules registered in the schedule information 542 (S2 “No”), since there is no process to be automatically executed on the current date, the automatic processing unit 109 ends the process. Note that the flow of the automatic execution process shown in FIG. 8 is repeatedly executed at regular intervals. Also, the process of S1 does not necessarily need to be executed each time this flow is executed, and it may be executed only when the schedule information 542 is registered or updated by the user.

[0073] Further, when the current date is included in the schedule period of any of the schedules registered in the schedule information 542 (S2 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current date is included in the exclusion period of the schedule (S3). If the current date corresponds to the exclusion period of the schedule (S3 “Yes”), since there is no process to be automatically executed on the current date, the automatic processing unit 109 ends the process.

[0074] If the current date does not correspond to the exclusion period of the schedule (S3 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the elapsed period from the previous execution history of the process registered as the execution task in the schedule matches the cycle defined in the repetition specification in the schedule (S4).

[0075] If the elapsed period from the previous execution history does not match the period defined in the repetition specification in the schedule (S4 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 ends the process. For example, when the repetition specification is “every month”, if the elapsed period from the previous execution history of the process registered as the execution task in the schedule is less than one month, the automatic processing unit 109 ends the process.

[0076] Also, if the elapsed period from the previous process matches the period defined in the repetition specification in the schedule (S4 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is 5 minutes before the start time of the process (S5). Five minutes before is an example of the time before the start time of the process registered in the schedule information 542 in the present embodiment.

[0077] If the current time is before 5 minutes from the start time of the process (S5 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until it becomes 5 minutes before the start time of the process.

[0078] Then, when the current time is 5 minutes before the start time of the process (S5 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 starts the countdown display for the execution of the automatic process. Specifically, the automatic processing unit 109 causes the display unit 32 to display the first icon 81 including the number “5” (S6).

[0079] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is 4 minutes before the start time of the process (S7). If the current time is before 4 minutes from the start time of the process (S7 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until it becomes 4 minutes before the start time of the process.

[0080] Then, when the current time is 4 minutes before the start time of the process (S7 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 causes the display unit 32 to display the first icon 81 including the number “4” (S8).

[0081] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is 3 minutes before the start time of the process (S9). If the current time is before 3 minutes from the start time of the process (S9 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until 3 minutes before the start time of the process.

[0082] And if the current time is 3 minutes before the start time of the process (S9 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 causes the display unit 32 to display the first icon 81 including the number “3” (S10).

[0083] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is 2 minutes before the start time of the process (S11). If the current time is before 2 minutes from the start time of the process (S11 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until 2 minutes before the start time of the process.

[0084] And if the current time is 2 minutes before the start time of the process (S11 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 causes the display unit 32 to display the first icon 81 including the number “2” (S12).

[0085] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is 1 minute before the start time of the process (S13). If the current time is before 1 minute from the start time of the process (S13 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until 1 minute before the start time of the process.

[0086] And if the current time is 1 minute before the start time of the process (S13 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 causes the display unit 32 to display the first icon 81 including the number “1” (S14).

[0087] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current time is the start time of the process (S15). If the current time is before the start time of the process (S15 “No”), the automatic processing unit 109 waits until the start time of the process.

[0088] Next, the automatic processing unit 109 determines whether the current processing status of the settlement terminal 3 satisfies the execution conditions in the schedule (S16). When the current processing status of the settlement terminal 3 satisfies the execution conditions in the schedule (S16 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 executes the processing registered as the execution task in the schedule (S17). Note that while executing the processing registered as the execution task, the automatic processing unit 109 blinks the first icon 81 displayed on the display unit 32. At this time, nothing may be displayed in the first icon 81, or an exclamation mark or other symbol or character may be displayed.

[0089] And when the processing registered as the execution task in the schedule ends normally (S17 “Yes”), the automatic processing unit 109 ends the processing.

[0090] Also, when the current processing status of the settlement terminal 3 does not satisfy the execution conditions in the schedule (S16 “No”), and when the processing executed in S17 does not end normally, the automatic processing unit 109 causes an alert such as a second icon 82 to be displayed on the display unit 32 (S19). Here, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0091] In this way, the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment executes the processing registered as the execution task when the execution conditions are satisfied at the timing defined in the execution schedule. Therefore, according to the settlement terminal 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically perform operations according to the schedule information 542, and it is possible to reduce the omission of operations by the user and the occurrence of recovery processing associated with the omission of execution.

[0092] In recent years, as the use of cashless payment has advanced, the importance of the processing performed by the payment terminal 3 for cashless payment has been increasing. For this reason, if there is an omission in the execution of the processing at the payment terminal, it may cause problems in subsequent processing or operations. In addition, with the increase in the types of cashless payment, the operations for each type of cashless payment (for example, the electronic money closing process for each brand of electronic money) have increased, which increases the burden on users and may also increase the possibility of operation omissions. In response to such a situation, by applying the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the work load of users such as tenant store clerks and the impact such as the occurrence of recovery processing due to operation omissions.

[0093] In particular, if the daily electronic money closing process is not executed, it may have an impact such as the sales amount of electronic money not being deposited into the account of the tenant, which is a franchise store of the electronic money. In such a case, operations such as performing a recovery operation after the next day will occur. By automatically executing the electronic money closing process based on the execution schedule like the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of such disadvantages.

[0094] In addition, the execution conditions registered in the schedule information 542 of the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment include conditions for excluding duplication between the processes automatically executed according to the execution schedule and other processes executed by the user's operation. Therefore, according to the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the influence on the manual processing caused by the automatic processing being executed during the manual processing at the payment terminal 3.

[0095] In addition, when the process executed based on the execution schedule of the schedule information 542 of the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment does not end normally, an alert is displayed on the display unit 32. Therefore, according to the payment terminal 3 of the present embodiment, the user can easily grasp that the process automatically executed has not ended normally. By this grasp, the user can quickly start a recovery process or the like and reduce the impact due to the abnormal end of the process.

[0096] (Modification example) In the above-described embodiment, a tenant in a commercial facility is cited as an example of a store to which the settlement terminal 3 is applied. However, the stores where the settlement terminal 3 can be used are not limited to this. For example, the settlement terminal 3 can also be used in convenience stores, supermarkets, kiosks in train stations, and individual stores.

[0097] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the settlement processing unit 103 is cited as an example of settlement means. However, a communication interface 63 connected to the card reader unit 34 or the electronic money reader / writer 303 may also be an example of settlement means.

[0098] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the automatic processing unit 109 is cited as an example of processing means. However, the control unit 100 may also be an example of processing means.

[0099] Note that the periods for performing the settlement operation, report processing, and electronic money closing processing are not limited to once a day, and may be performed once every specified period. For example, depending on the business hours of the tenant, etc., the settlement operation, etc. may be performed multiple times a day.

[0100] 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, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0101] 1 Settlement processing system 2 POS terminal 3 Settlement terminal 10 Facility internal LAN 11 Serial communication cable 12 - 14 USB cables 31 Main body 32 Display unit 33 Operation unit 34 Card reader 35 Receipt issuing port 36 Speaker 37 Top panel 40 Server 54 Memory unit 55 Bus 56 Controller 57 Printing unit 59 - 63 Communication interface 81 First icon 82 Second icon 100 Control unit 101 System startup processing unit 102 Receiver 103 Settlement processing unit 104 Transmitter 105 Parking ticket issuing processing unit 106 Settlement processing unit 107 Report processing unit 108 Electronic money closing processing unit 109 Automatic processing unit 110 Training processing unit 301 Scanner 302 Signature tablet 303 Electronic money reader / writer 321 Header 322 Payment amount display area 323 Function key area 324 Data entry / numeric key area 541 Control program 542 Schedule information

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0102]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. A connection means capable of being connected to a POS (Point of Sales) terminal by wire or wirelessly, A settlement means for performing at least one type of cashless settlement, A storage means for associatively storing at least one process, an execution schedule of the process, and an execution condition of the process, A processing means for executing the process when the execution condition is satisfied at the timing determined by the execution schedule, A settlement terminal comprising the above.

2. The execution condition includes a condition for excluding duplication between the process automatically executed according to the execution schedule and other processes executed by a user's operation, The settlement terminal according to Claim 1.

3. The at least one process includes at least one of an electronic money settlement process, a settlement service, a reporting service, and a settlement function activation process, The settlement terminal according to Claim 1.

4. When the process executed based on the execution schedule does not end normally, the processing means causes an alert to be displayed on a display unit, The settlement terminal according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. Including a POS terminal and a settlement terminal, The POS terminal is provided with a transmission means for transmitting a settlement amount to the settlement terminal, The settlement terminal is A settlement means for performing a settlement process by at least one type of cashless settlement based on the settlement amount received from the POS terminal, A storage means for associatively storing at least one process, an execution schedule of the process, and an execution condition of the process, A processing means for executing the process when the execution condition is satisfied at the timing determined by the execution schedule, A settlement processing system.

6. A step of referring to at least one process, an execution schedule of the process, and an execution condition of the process that can be executed by a settlement terminal having a connection means capable of being connected to a POS terminal by wire or wirelessly, stored in a storage unit, A step of causing the process to be executed when the execution condition is satisfied at the timing determined by the execution schedule, A program for causing a computer to execute the above.

Images