Medium processing device

Abstract

To provide a medium processing device that inhibits combined payment by predetermined payment media.SOLUTION: A medium processing device according to an embodiment includes an interface and a processor. The interface accepts types of payment media to be used in combination in one transaction. The processor determines whether to permit combined usage of the accepted types of payment media based on a combined usage inhibition list including types of payment media inhibited to be used in combination and the accepted types of payment media, and permits or inhibits payment processing by the accepted types of payment media based on a determination result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a media processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] When purchasing goods at a store or the like, a customer can pay for the goods with various payment media such as cash, credit card, electronic money, or code settlement. Also, for a single transaction, it is possible to pay for the goods by combining two payment media.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For the purpose of promoting sales or the like, benefits may be given for the use of a specific payment medium. As described above, it is possible to pay for the goods by combining two payment media, but due to the relationship of giving benefits, there is a desire to prohibit combined payment using a predetermined payment medium.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a media processing apparatus that prohibits combined payment using a predetermined payment medium.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The media processing apparatus according to the embodiment includes an interface and a processor. The interface receives the types of payment media used in a single transaction. The processor determines whether the received type of payment media can be used in combination based on a combination prohibition list including the types of payment media whose combined use is prohibited and the received type of payment media, and permits or prohibits the payment processing using the received type of payment media based on the determination result.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where the media processing described below is applied in a semi-self service checkout system (operated by both a staff member and a customer) in which a registration machine and a cashier machine are separated will be described. Note that the media processing described below can be applied not only to a semi-self service checkout system, but also to any system of a staff member exclusive type (operated by a staff member), a full self service type (operated by a customer), and a mobile terminal type (a part of the operation terminal is a mobile terminal).

[0009] [Explanation of Checkout System] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a checkout system according to an embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a registration machine 11, a cashier machine 12, a server 13, and a network 14 connecting these. The type of the network 14 is not particularly limited, but generally a wired or wireless LAN (local area network) is applied.

[0010] The registration machine 11 is operated by a store clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The cashier machine 12 is operated by a customer 22 who has purchased goods at the store. The customer 22 who operates the cashier machine 12 to settle a sales transaction can be referred to as a settler. Note that the sales transaction is not limited to the payment of the price for the purchased goods. For example, the payment of the consideration for a service is also a form of sales transaction.

[0011] In FIG. 1, the registration machine 11 is attached to a work table 23. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. A plurality of work tables 23 are arranged such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel, thereby forming a passage for the customer 22, so-called a checkout lane.

[0012] The registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12 are arranged for each checkout lane. For one checkout lane, one registration machine 11 is arranged and multiple accounting machines 12 are arranged. And between the registration machine 11 and the accounting machines 12 arranged in the same checkout lane, various data signals are exchanged through the network 14. The data signals may be exchanged via the server 13 or may be exchanged without passing through the server 13. Incidentally, in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which one registration machine 11 and two accounting machines 12 are arranged for two checkout lanes. Three or more accounting machines 12 may be arranged for one registration machine 11.

[0013] The server 13 is equipped with an electronic money file 15. The electronic money file 15 is an aggregate of electronic money records created for each user of electronic money. The electronic money file 15 may be stored in a storage device built into the server 13 or may be stored in a storage device connected to the outside of the server 13.

[0014] The electronic money record includes items such as a user ID, balance, expiration date, and update history data. The user ID is a unique ID set for each user of electronic money. The user owns an electronic money card that records information associated with their user ID. Alternatively, the user installs an electronic money application (application software) that can display a barcode or two-dimensional code associated with their user ID on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0015] The balance is the amount of electronic money held by the user. The user can increase the balance up to the upper limit amount by appropriately charging the electronic money.

[0016] The update history data consists of usage history data for paying the price of a buying and selling transaction using electronic money and charge history data for charging electronic money. The usage history data includes the date of payment and the amount of payment. The charge history data includes the date of charging the electronic money and the amount of charge.

[0017] [Configuration Description of Registration Machine] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the registration machine according to the embodiment. The registration machine 11 includes a processor 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a clock 34, a communication unit 35, a keyboard 36, a scanner 37, a touch panel 38, a customer display 39, a printer 40, a reader 41, and a system transmission path 42, etc. The system transmission path 42 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 42 connects the processor 31 to other respective parts directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0018] The registration machine 11 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 31, the main memory 32, the auxiliary storage device 33, the clock 34, and the communication unit 35 with the system transmission path 42. Then, the registration machine 11 connects interfaces or devices such as the keyboard 36, the scanner 37, the touch panel 38, the customer display 39, the printer 40, and the reader 41 to the computer via the system transmission path 42.

[0019] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the registration machine 11 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0020] The processor 31 includes a registration unit 311 and an accounting unit 312. The registration unit 311 and the accounting unit 312 execute registration processing and accounting processing according to an operating system or an application program. The registration unit 311 executes the product registration mode based on the reception of the product registration mode, and registers, as one record, the product code reading result by the scanner 37 in the transaction file based on the product database including product information corresponding to each product and the product code output from the scanner 37. The accounting unit 312 calculates the total amount of the purchased target products registered in the transaction file.

[0021] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 32 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store, in the non-volatile or volatile memory area, data necessary for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 31. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0022] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 31, etc. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store the above application program.

[0023] The clock 34 measures the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time measured by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0024] The communication unit 35 performs data communication with the server 13 and the accounting machine 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 35 can also perform data communication with other registration machines 11 connected via the network 14.

[0025] The keyboard 36 is an input device having various keys necessary for inputting data related to products purchased by customers.

[0026] The scanner 37 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 37 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning a laser beam, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0027] For example, the scanner 37 reads a code symbol from a product purchased by a customer and inputs the read code symbol to the processor 31. By inputting the code symbol, the processor 31 registers the product.

[0028] The touch panel 38 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 38 displays information to the store clerk 21 who is an operator of the registration machine 11 and accepts operation inputs from the store clerk 21.

[0029] The customer display 39 displays information to the customer 22 in whom data of purchased products is registered in the registration machine 11.

[0030] The printer 40 issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. As this type of printer 40, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0031] Reader 41 is an input device for reading the user ID of a user who uses electronic money. For example, when information associated with the user ID is recorded on an IC card, the IC card reader can serve as reader 41. For example, when information associated with the user ID is recorded on an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) medium, an RFID reader or an RFID reader / writer can serve as reader 41. When a barcode or a two-dimensional code associated with the user ID is displayed on the display of a mobile terminal such as a smartphone, a scanner can serve as reader 41. In this case, scanner 37 may also serve as reader 41.

[0032] As such hardware for the registration machine 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used. Note that the devices connected to the registration machine 11 are not limited to the keyboard 36, scanner 37, touch panel 38, customer display 39, printer 40, and reader 41 shown in FIG. 2. Devices necessary for the use of the registration machine 11 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0033] [Description of the Configuration of the Accounting Machine] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the accounting machine according to the embodiment. The accounting machine 12 includes a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, a communication unit 65, a change machine interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, a reader / writer 70, a system transmission path 71, and the like. The system transmission path 71 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, and the like. The system transmission path 71 connects the processor 61 to each of the other units directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged therebetween.

[0034] The accounting machine 12 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 61, a main memory 62, an auxiliary storage device 63, a clock 64, and a communication unit 65 via a system transmission path 71. Then, the accounting machine 12 connects interfaces or devices such as a change machine interface 66, a scanner 67, a touch panel 68, a printer 69, and a reader / writer 70 to the computer via the system transmission path 71.

[0035] The processor 61 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 61 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting machine 12 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 61 is, for example, a CPU.

[0036] The processor 61 includes a media processing unit 611 and a settlement processing unit 612. The media processing unit 611 and the settlement processing unit 612 execute media processing and settlement processing according to an operating system or an application program. The media processing unit 611 determines whether the received payment media can be used in combination based on a combination prohibition list including the types of payment media prohibited from being used in combination and the type of the received payment media, and permits or prohibits payment processing according to the type of the received payment media based on the determination result. For example, the media processing unit 611 accepts payments by the first and second types of payment media, and when the combination prohibition list includes these first and second types, determines that the first and second types of payment media cannot be used in combination, and prohibits payment processing according to the type of the received payment media. The settlement processing unit 612 settles the total amount registered in the transaction file.

[0037] The main memory 62 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 62 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 62 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 62 may store data necessary for the processor 61 to execute processes for controlling each part in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 62 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 61. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

[0038] The auxiliary storage device 63 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD, etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 63. The auxiliary storage device 63 stores data used by the processor 61 to perform various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 61, etc. The auxiliary storage device 63 may store the above application program.

[0039] The clock 64 measures the date and time. The processor 61 processes the date and time measured by the clock 64 as the current date and time.

[0040] The communication unit 65 performs data communication with the server 13 or the registration machine 11 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 can also perform data communication with other accounting machines 12 connected via the network 14. The communication unit 65 functions as an input unit for inputting a transaction file output by the transaction output means of the registration machine 11, that is, data related to the buying and selling transaction with the settler.

[0041] The coin dispenser interface 66 constitutes an interface with an automatic coin dispenser (not shown). The coin dispenser interface 66 inputs the amount data of the currency inserted into the automatic coin dispenser from the automatic coin dispenser. The coin dispenser interface 66 outputs the change data from the accounting machine 12 to the automatic coin dispenser. The automatic coin dispenser that has received the change data automatically dispenses the currency equivalent to the change data as change.

[0042] The scanner 67 is an input device for reading code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. The scanner 67 may be of a type that reads code symbols by scanning a laser beam, or may be of a type that reads code symbols from an image captured by an imaging device.

[0043] For example, the scanner 67 reads the settlement code symbol displayed on the display of a communication terminal such as a smartphone presented by the customer, and inputs the read code symbol to the processor 31. Upon input of the code symbol, the processor 61 communicates with an external settlement server via the communication unit 35 and executes a settlement process based on the balance and the like associated with the settlement code symbol.

[0044] The touch panel 68 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 68 displays information to the customer 22 who is an operator of the accounting machine 12, and accepts operation inputs from the customer 22. The touch panel 68 functions as a display unit that displays a screen related to the settlement of a buying and selling transaction. The screen related to the settlement of a buying and selling transaction will be described later.

[0045] The printer 69 issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, etc. on receipt paper. As this type of printer 69, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

[0046] The reader / writer 70 has a function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or a smartphone, and a function of writing data to the medium. The card may include membership cards such as membership cards and point cards, in addition to payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards. The reader / writer 70 may be any of a magnetic type, a contact type, or a non-contact type device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

[0047] As the hardware of such an accounting machine 12, for example, a POS terminal in an existing full self-checkout system, that is, a so-called self-POS terminal can be used. Note that the devices connected to the accounting machine 12 are not limited to the scanner 67, the touch panel 68, the printer 69, and the reader / writer 70 shown in FIG. 3. Devices necessary for the use of the accounting machine 12 may be added or some devices may be omitted.

[0048] [Explanation of Media Processing] Hereinafter, an example of product registration processing by the registration machine 11 and media processing by the accounting machine 12 will be described.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of product registration processing according to the embodiment. The touch panel 38 displays an operation menu and accepts a product registration mode via the operation menu (ACT11). The registration unit 311 of the processor 31 executes the product registration mode based on the acceptance of the product registration mode (ACT11, YES).

[0050] Based on the execution of the product registration mode, the scanner 37 emits light for reading a product code and reads the product code of the product to be purchased presented (ACT12).

[0051] The registration unit 311 registers the product code reading result by the scanner 37 as one record in the transaction file based on the product database containing product information corresponding to each product and the product code output from the scanner 37 (ACT13).

[0052] For example, the auxiliary storage device 33 stores the product database, and the product information included in the product database includes a product code, a product name, a unit price, and the like. The registration unit 311 searches for the product information included in the product database based on the product code output from the scanner 37, and registers the product information including the product code output from the scanner 37 as one record in the transaction file.

[0053] Also, the accounting unit 312 of the processor 31 calculates the total amount of the purchased products registered in the transaction file (ACT14). The accounting unit 312 registers the calculated total amount in the transaction file.

[0054] The touch panel 38 and the customer display 39 display the product name and unit price of the read product code and the calculated total amount in response to the reading of the product code by the scanner 37.

[0055] If there are unregistered purchased products, the completion of registration is not specified via the touch panel 38. That is, the touch panel 38 does not accept the completion of registration (ACT15, NO), and the registration of the purchased products (ACT12 to 14) is repeated, and the registration unit 311 records multiple records in one transaction file.

[0056] If there are no unregistered purchased products, the completion of registration is specified via the touch panel 38. That is, the touch panel 38 accepts the completion of registration (ACT15, YES) and ends the registration in the transaction file.

[0057] One settlement process is executed based on one transaction file, and one settlement process based on one transaction file is defined as one transaction.

[0058] The communication unit 35 transmits the transaction file to the accounting machine 12 (ACT16). For example, the touch panel 38 displays guidance information indicating moving from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 for accounting.

[0059] The customer moves from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 according to the guidance information and executes the settlement process on the accounting machine 12.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of media processing according to the embodiment. An accounting machine 12, which is an example of a media processing apparatus, executes media processing. The communication unit 65 of the accounting machine 12 receives the transaction file from the registration machine 11 (ACT21).

[0061] The media processing unit 611 of the processor 61 instructs the output of a selection menu for payment media types based on the reception of the transaction file. The touch panel 68 displays the selection menu for payment media types (ACT22).

[0062] The touch panel 68 is an interface for receiving the types of payment media used in one transaction. When the customer wants to use one type of payment media in one transaction, the customer designates one type of payment media via the selection menu for payment media types displayed on the touch panel 68. Also, when the customer wants to use multiple types of payment media in one transaction, the customer designates multiple types of payment media via the selection menu for payment media types displayed on the touch panel 68. The touch panel 68 receives the designation of one type or multiple types of payment media via the selection menu for payment media types.

[0063] As multiple types of acceptance methods, the touch panel 68 may accept multiple types simultaneously via a selection menu for payment media types, or may accept multiple types sequentially at different timings. As an example of the latter, when there is a shortage of balance for payment with the first type of payment media, there is a case where the shortage of balance is paid with the second type of payment media. Examples of media types include cash, credit cards, electronic money, or code settlement, etc.

[0064] FIG. 6 is an example of a selection menu for payment media types according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the selection menu for payment media types displayed on the touch panel 68 includes types such as cash, credit cards, electronic money, or code settlement, etc. Also, the selection menu for payment media types may include some or all of the information of the transaction file. For example, the selection menu for payment media types includes the total amount included in the transaction file, etc.

[0065] The customer who has moved from the registration machine 11 to the accounting machine 12 selects, via the selection menu for payment media types displayed on the touch panel 68, for example, the first type (e.g., code settlement) which is the first type. The touch panel 68 accepts the selected first type (ACT23).

[0066] The media processing unit 611 executes a primary combination determination based on the types included in the prohibited combination list and the received first type, and determines whether the received first type can be combined (ACT24).

[0067] FIG. 7 is an example of a prohibited combination list according to an embodiment. The auxiliary memory device 63 stores a combined use prohibited list. As shown in FIG. 7, the combined use prohibited list includes the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited and the privilege information corresponding to the types. That is, the combined use prohibited list includes the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited and privileges are granted. For example, type A indicates code settlement, and type B indicates a credit card. The privilege information a or b is coupon issuance according to the purchased goods or point issuance according to the payment amount.

[0068] The media processing unit 611 determines that the conditions are satisfied based on the mismatch between the type included in the combined use prohibited list and the received first type (ST25, YES), and permits the combined use payment by the received first type.

[0069] Also, the media processing unit 611 determines that the conditions are not satisfied based on the match between the type included in the combined use prohibited list and the received first type (ACT25, NO), and executes a secondary combined use determination (ACT26). When the media processing unit 611 determines that the conditions are satisfied in the secondary combined use determination (ACT27, YES), it permits the payment process by the first type, and when it determines that the conditions are not satisfied (ACT27, NO), it prohibits the payment process by the first type (ACT31).

[0070] Note that the media processing unit 611 permits the single payment by the received first type if it is a single payment by the received first type, regardless of whether there is a mismatch or a match between the type included in the combined use prohibited list and the received first type.

[0071] When the media processing unit 611 permits the combined use payment by the received first type, it registers the first type for which the combined use payment is permitted in the payment media type table (ACT28).

[0072] The media processing unit 611 prohibits the payment process by the received first type (ACT31) when the following conditions 1 to 3 are satisfied in the secondary combined use determination. (Condition 1) The type of the registered payment medium does not match the received type (Condition 2) The type of the registered payment medium is valid (the registration of the type has not been cancelled) (Condition 3) The type of the registered payment medium matches the type included in the combined use prohibited list

[0073] At this stage, that is, at the stage where the first type, the first type, is specified, the type of the valid payment medium is not registered in the media type table. Therefore, the media processing unit 611 permits the payment process by the received first type (ACT27, YES), and registers the received first type in the payment medium type table (ACT28).

[0074] When the first type is registered in the payment medium type table, the touch panel 68 displays a payment request guidance for requesting settlement by the registered first type of payment medium. When the touch panel 68 receives an instruction of payment approval via the payment request guidance, the settlement processing unit 612 of the processor 61 settles the total amount registered in the transaction file based on the payment medium that matches the first type registered in the payment medium type table.

[0075] For example, if the registered first type is code settlement, the customer presents the settlement code displayed on a communication terminal such as a smartphone. The scanner 67 reads the settlement code displayed on the communication terminal. The settlement processing unit 612 of the processor 61 communicates with an external settlement server via the communication unit 65 based on the read settlement code, and receives the total amount registered in the transaction file from the first balance associated with the settlement code.

[0076] If there is no shortage of the first balance, the settlement is completed (ACT29, YES). If there is a shortage of the first balance, the settlement is put on hold (ACT29, NO), and it is necessary to add the type of the payment medium. The touch panel 68 displays the selection menu of the payment medium type again.

[0077] The customer selects, via the selection menu of payment media types displayed on the touch panel 68, for example, the second type, i.e., the second type (e.g., electronic money). The touch panel 68 accepts the selected second type (ACT23).

[0078] Based on the types included in the combined use prohibited list and the received second type, the media processing unit 611 performs a primary combined use determination to determine whether the combined use of the received second type is possible (ACT24).

[0079] The media processing unit 611 determines that the conditions are satisfied based on the types included in the combined use prohibited list and the discrepancy between the received second type (ST25, YES), and permits the combined payment using the received second type.

[0080] When the media processing unit 611 permits the combined payment using the received second type, it registers the received second type in the payment media type table (ACT28).

[0081] In this way, the media processing unit 611 determines the possibility of combined use based on the combined use prohibited list, the first type received previously, and the second type received later, and permits the combined payment using the first type received previously and the second type received later based on the fact that the second type is not included in the use prohibited list.

[0082] The touch panel 68 displays a guidance requesting settlement using the payment media of the first and second types registered in the payment media type table. The settlement processing unit 612 settles the total amount registered in the transaction file based on the payment media that matches the first and second types registered in the payment media type table.

[0083] For example, if the registered second type is electronic money, the customer presents the electronic money. The reader / writer 70 reads the user ID from the electronic money. The settlement processing unit 612 acquires the second balance associated with the user ID based on the read user ID, and if the total balance of the first balance associated with the settlement code and the second balance associated with the user ID is equal to or greater than the total amount registered in the transaction file, the settlement processing unit 612 settles the total amount registered in the transaction file. For example, the settlement processing unit 612 completes the settlement using part or all of the first balance and part or all of the second balance of the total amount registered in the transaction file (ACT29, YES).

[0084] In the secondary combined use determination of the second type, which is the second type, when the above-described conditions 1 to 3 are satisfied, the media processing unit 611 prohibits the payment processing using the first and second types registered in the payment media type table (ACT30).

[0085] In this way, based on the fact that the first type received earlier and the second type received later match and the second type received later is included in the combined use prohibition list, the media processing unit 611 prohibits the combined payment using the first type received earlier and the second type received later. When the media processing unit 611 prohibits the combined payment, the media processing unit 611 does not execute the settlement processing.

[0086] Also, when the media processing unit 611 prohibits the combined payment, the media processing unit 611 instructs the output of information regarding the combined use prohibition. The touch panel 68 is an interface for outputting information regarding the combined use prohibition and displays the information regarding the combined use prohibition.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a first display example of information regarding the combined use prohibition according to the embodiment. For example, the information regarding the prohibition of combined payment includes information indicating that the first and second types are included in the combined use prohibition list and that the first and second types cannot be used in combination. Also, the information regarding the prohibition of combined payment accepts the re-display of the selection menu of the payment media type in order to reselect the payment method.

[0088] Note that the touch panel 68 may output (display) predetermined information at a predetermined timing as information regarding the prohibition of combined payment.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a second display example of information regarding the prohibition of combined use according to the embodiment. For example, after the media processing unit 611 receives the first first type (e.g., code settlement), if it is determined in the primary combined use determination for the first type that the first type is included in the combined use prohibited list (ACT25, NO), the remaining types (e.g., credit card) excluding the first type from the combined use prohibited list are selected. The touch panel 68 outputs information regarding the remaining types as information regarding the prohibition of combined use.

[0090] By the touch panel 68 displaying information regarding the remaining types as information regarding the prohibition of combined use, the customer can grasp in advance the payment media for which combined use is prohibited, avoid the payment media for which combined use is prohibited, and select a payment media for which combined use is not prohibited.

[0091] Note that the touch panel 68 may display information regarding a predetermined payment media that recommends combined use as information regarding the prohibition of combined use, so as to promote the combined use of the predetermined payment media. In this case, the auxiliary storage device 63 stores a combined use recommended list. The combined use recommended list includes combinations of types of payment media that recommend combined use. The media processing unit 611 detects a predetermined payment media to be recommended based on the combined use recommended list and the type of the selected payment media, and instructs the output of information regarding the predetermined payment media that recommends combined use.

[0092] According to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a media processing device (cash register 32) that prohibits combined payment by a predetermined payment media. The cash register 32 determines whether combined use of the received payment media type is possible based on a combined use prohibited list including the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited and the type of the received payment media, and permits or prohibits payment processing by the type of the received payment media based on the determination result.

[0093] For example, when the combined use prohibition list includes the type of the received payment medium, the accounting machine 32 prohibits the combined use of the received payment media, and when the combined use prohibition list does not include the type of the received payment medium, the accounting machine 32 permits the combined use of the received payment media. According to the accounting machine 32, it is possible to manage the permission or non - permission of combined payments.

[0094] Also, the combined use prohibition list includes the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited and for which benefits are provided. According to the accounting machine 32, it is possible to prohibit the combined payment of the types of payment media for which benefits are provided. For example, according to the accounting machine 32, it is possible to prevent the duplication of benefit grants.

[0095] Also, the accounting machine 32 outputs information regarding combined use prohibition. For example, it outputs information regarding combined use prohibition as shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9. According to the accounting machine 32, when combined use is prohibited or there is a possibility that combined use may be prohibited, the situation can be clearly notified.

[0096] In this embodiment, the case where the accounting machine 12 guides combined use prohibition, combined use recommendation, etc. based on the type of payment medium has been described, but it may be configured to guide combined use prohibition, combined use recommendation, etc. based on the brand of the medium. For example, the accounting machine 12 can prohibit the combined use of brand A and brand B of code settlement or recommend the combined use of brand A and brand B of code settlement.

[0097] Note that the program according to this embodiment may be transferred in a state stored in electronic devices such as the registration machine 11 and the accounting machine 12, or may be transferred in a state not stored in the electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network or may be transferred in a state stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium may be any medium that can store a program such as an optical disk or a memory card and is readable by a computer, regardless of its form. The electronic device downloads a program transferred (provided) via a network and installs it in the memory, or reads the program from the storage medium and installs it in the memory.

[0098] 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 included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10… Checkout system 11… Registration machine 12… Accounting machine 13… Server 14… Network 21… Store clerk 22… Customer 23… Work table 31… Processor 32… Main memory 33… Auxiliary storage device 34… Clock 35… Communication unit 36… Keyboard 37… Scanner 38… Touch panel 39… Customer display 40… Printer 41… Reader 42… System transmission path 61… Processor 62… Main memory 63… Auxiliary storage device 64… Clock 65… Communication unit 66… Change machine interface 67… Scanner 68… Touch panel 69… Printer 70… Reader / writer 71… System transmission path 311… Registration department 312… Accounting department 611… Media processing department 612… Settlement processing department

Claims

1. An interface that receives the types of payment media to be used in combination in a transaction, A combined use prohibition list including the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited, and a processor that determines whether combined use of the received type of payment media is possible based on the received type of payment media and the combined use prohibition list, and permits or prohibits payment processing using the received type of payment media based on the determination result, A media processing apparatus comprising the same.

2. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combined use prohibition list includes the types of payment media for which combined use is prohibited and for which benefits are provided.

3. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the interface outputs information regarding combined use prohibition in response to prohibition of combined use.

4. The interface receives the first and second types of payment media to be used in combination in a transaction, The processor determines that combined use of the first and second types of payment media is not possible when the combined use prohibition list includes the first and second types, and prohibits payment processing using the received type of payment media. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The interface receives the second type after receiving the first type, After receiving the first type, the processor selects the remaining types excluding the first type from the combined use prohibition list when the combined use prohibition list includes the first type, The media processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the interface outputs information regarding the remaining types as information regarding combined use prohibition after receiving the first type.

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