Transaction processing device, transaction processing system, and program

Abstract

To make an accounting of a customer for self-service smoother.SOLUTION: A device registers data related to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales floor. The device generates a machine-readable code to acquire data related to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data related to an electronic settlement used by the customer. The device displays the machine-readable code on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to a payment instruction from the first terminal. The device acquires data related to the transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code read by the reading part and data related to the electronic settlement on the basis of the machine-readable code, and processes the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the data related to the electronic settlement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing apparatus, a transaction processing system, and a program for a server in the system.

Background Art

[0002] There is already known a transaction processing system in which, when a customer shops at a sales floor where products are displayed, the customer operates a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal by himself / herself to input data related to the purchased products.

[0003] This type of transaction processing system processes the accounting of customers who input data related to the purchased products by themselves, i.e., so-called self-service customers, using a dedicated self-checkout machine. Therefore, self-service customers are distinguished from non-self-service customers in terms of the checkout machine. Moreover, in the self-checkout machine, data input related to the purchased products is not performed in principle. For this reason, self-service customers have the advantage of being able to perform accounting smoothly.

[0004] By the way, a self-service customer who has finished shopping at the sales floor gives an accounting instruction from the mobile terminal. Due to this accounting instruction, a barcode for accounting is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal, so the customer scans the barcode with a scanner provided in the self-checkout machine. Then, data related to the products purchased by the customer is imported into the self-checkout machine, and the settlement amount calculated based on the data is displayed on the display device of the self-checkout machine, so the customer pays the settlement amount. The payment may be made in cash, by credit card, electronic money, or the like.

[0005] However, self-service customers always need to perform an operation for payment after the operation of scanning the accounting barcode. By eliminating the operation for payment, accounting can be made even smoother.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-107122 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a technology that can more smoothly perform the accounting for self-served customers. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In one embodiment, the transaction processing apparatus includes a registration unit, a generation unit, a display control unit, and a processing unit. The registration unit registers data related to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at a sales floor. The generation unit generates a machine-readable code for acquiring data related to a transaction with a customer who operates the first terminal and data related to electronic payment used by the customer. The display control unit causes a second terminal used by the customer who operates the first terminal to display the machine-readable code in response to an accounting instruction from the first terminal. The processing unit acquires data related to a transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code and data related to electronic payment based on the machine-readable code read by a reading unit, and processes the payment of a settlement amount calculated from the data related to the transaction with the data related to electronic payment. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, when a customer purchases a product at a sales floor where the products are displayed, the customer operates a smartphone, which is a mobile terminal, to input data related to the purchased product, and the accounting is also self - performed by the customer himself / herself using a dedicated accounting machine. The smartphone is an example of the first terminal operated by the customer. Also, the smartphone is an example of the second terminal used by the customer. That is, in this embodiment, the first terminal and the second terminal are the same terminal. Note that in the following description, the customer may be referred to as a consumer or a member.

[0011] [Configuration of Transaction Processing System 100] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system 100 includes a server system 10 that uses cloud computing and a POS (Point Of Sales) system 20 constructed in a franchise store. The server system 10 and the POS system 20 enable two - way data communication through a network 30 that uses the Internet protocol. The network 30 is a wide - area network that uses a public line or a dedicated line as a relay network and a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, etc. as access networks. Therefore, a smartphone 40 that uses a mobile phone communication network can access the server system 10 via the network 30.

[0012] A franchise store is a store that has entered into a usage contract with the management company of the server system 10. Note that in FIG. 1, the POS system 20 of one franchise store is shown. Needless to say, the POS systems of other franchise stores are also connected to the network 30 in the same way. However, the POS systems of other franchise stores are not necessarily of the same configuration as the POS system 20 shown in FIG. 1. There may be cases where a part of the configuration of the POS system differs depending on the franchise store.

[0013] The server system 10 includes a database server 11, a management server 12, and a virtual POS server 13, and connects the servers to each other via a communication line 14. The server system 10 also connects a router 15 to the communication line 14 and connects to the network 30 via this router 15.

[0014] The database server 11 is a computer that provides services for managing a franchise database 111, a member database 112, a first product master 113 of each franchise, and the like.

[0015] The franchise database 111 is an aggregate of franchise records created for each franchise. A franchise record is a data record that records a unique store ID set for each franchise and various data related to the franchise. The data of the franchise record includes a network address and the like necessary for data communication between the franchise and the network 30.

[0016] The member database 112 is an aggregate of member records created for each consumer who has registered as a member to shop using the transaction processing system 100. A member record is a data record that records a unique member ID set for each consumer and various data related to the consumer. As shown in FIG. 2, the data of the member record includes an electronic money ID of the electronic money used by the consumer. The electronic money ID is an example of data related to electronic payment. Incidentally, the electronic money of each consumer is managed in association with the consumer-specific electronic money ID on the server of the electronic money management company.

[0017] The first product master 113 of each franchise is an aggregate of product records created for each product sold at the corresponding franchise. A product record is a data record that records a unique product code set for each product and various data related to the product. The data of the product record includes a product name, a price, and the like. Each first product master 113 is uploaded from the POS system 20 of the corresponding franchise to the database server 11, for example, at a predetermined time before opening.

[0018] Incidentally, the first product master 113 may be managed by the virtual POS server 13. Also, the management server 12 may manage the franchise database 111 and the member database 112, and the database server 11 may be omitted.

[0019] The management server 12 is a computer that provides a service for managing information related to transactions of customers who shop at a franchise using the transaction processing system 100 in cooperation with the database server 11 and the virtual POS server 13. The virtual POS server 13 is a computer that provides a service for virtually registering sales data of products purchased by customers according to the POS application. The main functions of the management server 12 and the virtual POS server 13 will be clarified in the operation description described later.

[0020] The POS system 20 includes a store server 21, an accounting server 22, a monitoring terminal 23, a POS terminal 24, a dedicated accounting machine 25, and an accounting machine-attached gate device 26, and these are connected by an in-store network 27. The POS system 20 also connects a router 28 to the in-store network 27 and is connected to the network 30 via this router 28. Furthermore, the POS system 20 connects an access point 29 to the in-store network 27, enabling data communication via wireless LAN with mobile terminals such as smartphones 40 and tablet-type terminals through this access point 29.

[0021] The store server 21 is a computer that provides a service for managing sales information, inventory information, ordering information, etc. of the franchise based on information on transactions settled at the franchise where the POS system 20 is constructed.

[0022] The store server 21 includes a second product master 211. The second product master 211 is an aggregate of product records created for each product sold at the franchise store. A product record is a data record that records a unique product code set for each product and various data related to the product. The data of the product record includes the product name, price, etc. That is, the second product master 211 becomes the first product master 113 when uploaded to the server system 10. However, when the price, etc. is changed during business hours in the second product master 211, the change is reflected in the data. Therefore, depending on the product, the price, etc. may be different between the first product master 113 and the second product master 211.

[0023] The store server 21 is a computer that provides a service to support the member monitoring function by the monitoring terminal 23. The member monitoring function is a function to monitor the situation of customers who are shopping using the transaction processing system 100. By this member monitoring function, a list of purchased products in which the customer has input data using the smartphone 40 at the sales floor is displayed on the monitor of the monitoring terminal 23. Also, a warning is displayed on the monitor when an event to be notified to the store clerk occurs due to the data input. Events to be notified to the store clerk include, for example, when a customer purchases alcohol, tobacco, etc. with an age restriction, or when a registration error occurs because the product code of the scanned barcode is not set in the second product master 211.

[0024] The accounting server 22 is a computer that provides a service to support the accounting of members performed using the dedicated accounting machine 25 or the gate device 26 with an accounting machine. The functions of the accounting server 22 will be clarified in the operation explanation described later.

[0025] The POS terminal 24 is a cash register mainly for settling transactions with customers who do not use the transaction processing system 100. For the POS terminal 24, the store clerk serves as the operator. The POS terminal 24 can also settle transactions with customers who use the transaction processing system 100. Note that the POS terminal may be a semi-self-service type POS terminal separated into a registration device and a cash register, where the store clerk operates the registration device and the customer operates the cash register. The POS terminal may also be a full-self-service type POS terminal that executes registration processing and cash register processing by the customer himself / herself.

[0026] The dedicated cash register 25 is a cash register for settling transactions with customers who use the transaction processing system 100. For the dedicated cash register 25, the customer serves as the operator. Customers who do not use the transaction processing system 100 cannot settle transactions with the dedicated cash register 25.

[0027] The dedicated cash register 25 has functions such as scanning an accounting barcode displayed on the smartphone 40 used by a customer who uses the transaction processing system 100, a payment processing function for the settlement amount corresponding to various payment methods such as electronic money, credit cards, and cash, and a charging function for electronic money.

[0028] The gate device with a cash register 26 includes a cash register unit 261 and a gate unit 262. The cash register unit 261 has functions such as scanning a two-dimensional accounting code displayed on the smartphone 40 used by a customer who uses the transaction processing system 100, and a payment processing function for the settlement amount by electronic money. The gate unit 262 has a function of controlling the exit of members from the sales floor. Hereinafter, the schematic configuration of the gate device with a cash register 26 will be described using a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of FIG. 3 and a block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of FIG. 4.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the gate device 26 with an accounting machine is provided in a passage Pa through which a customer who has completed settlement exits from the sales floor. In FIG. 3, a customer who has completed settlement proceeds in the direction of arrow A and exits from the sales floor through the passage Pa. The accounting section 261 is installed on the sales floor side of the passage Pa. The accounting section 261 includes a touch panel 55, a reading window 561 of a scanner 56, and a receipt issuing port 571. The touch panel 55, the reading window 561, and the receipt issuing port 571 are provided at positions operable by a customer before entering the passage P. The gate section 262 includes a gate 61 installed along the passage Pa. In FIG. 3, there is a pair of gates 61. One of the gates moves in the direction of arrow B by a drive mechanism (not shown) to block the passage Pa and prevent the customer from passing through. In this embodiment, the gate 61 always blocks the passage Pa. When a member who has completed settlement passes through, the gate 61 is opened.

[0030] Note that the gate 61 is not limited to the one shown in FIG. 3. In short, any configuration that can appropriately block the passage of the passage Pa is acceptable. Also, instead of physically blocking the passage, it may be a configuration that consciously blocks the passage of the customer by lighting a lamp, issuing voice guidance, etc.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 4, the accounting section 261 includes a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, a communication interface 54, a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a printer 57, a gate interface 58, a system transmission path 59, etc. The system transmission path 59 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc. The system transmission path 59 directly connects the processor 51 to other parts or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0032] The accounting department 261 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 51, a main memory 52, an auxiliary storage device 53, and a communication interface 54 through a system transmission path 59. Then, the accounting department 261 connects devices such as a touch panel 55, a scanner 56, a printer 57, etc., and device interfaces such as a gate interface 58 to the computer via the system transmission path 59.

[0033] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the above computer. The processor 51 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting department 261 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] The main memory 52 corresponds to the main storage part of the above computer. The main memory 52 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 52 stores an operating system or an application program in the non-volatile memory area. The main memory 52 may store data necessary for the processor 51 to execute processes for controlling each part in the non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 51. 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).

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the above computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disc Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) etc. can be the auxiliary storage device 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used when the processor 51 performs various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 51, etc. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the above application program.

[0036] The communication interface 54 connects to the in-store network 27. The accounting department 261 performs data communication with the store server 21, the accounting server 22, etc. connected to the in-store network 27 via the communication interface 54.

[0037] The touch panel 55 is an input / output device including a display for displaying various images related to accounting and a touch sensor for detecting touch operations on the images.

[0038] The scanner 56 is an input device for optically reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes obscured by the reading window 561. The scanner 56 is an example of a reading unit for reading machine-readable codes.

[0039] The printer 57 is an output device that prints data on receipt paper, cuts it, and issues a purchase receipt etc. from the receipt issuing port 571.

[0040] The gate interface 58 is an interface that exchanges data signals between the controller 62, the human presence sensor 63, and the light-emitting element 64 of the gate unit 262. The controller 62 controls the opening and closing of the gate 61. The human presence sensor 63 detects a person standing in front of the checkout section 261. The light-emitting element 64 lights up a lamp to inform the person whether passage through the passage Pa is permitted. For example, the light-emitting element 64 lights up green when passage is permitted and lights up red when passage is not permitted. The checkout section 261 with such a configuration is an example of a checkout machine equipped with a reading unit.

[0041] [Operation of the transaction processing system 100] Next, the main operations of the transaction processing system will be described. The operations will be described in the order of pre-preparation, before shopping, during shopping, before checkout, and checkout.

[0042] [Pre-preparation] A consumer who wants to shop at a franchise store using the transaction processing system 100 first installs a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as a shopping app) on the smartphone 40 and registers as a member. The member registration is performed with respect to the management server 12 of the server system 10 via the network 30. The management server 12 issues a member ID unique to the consumer who has performed the member registration and registers a member record in which the member ID is recorded in the member database 112. Further, the management server 12 notifies the member ID to the smartphone 40 of the consumer who has performed the member registration via the network 30. The smartphone 40 stores the member ID in association with the shopping app.

[0043] By performing the member registration, the consumer becomes a member. A member can perform a usage registration of electronic money that can be used at a franchise store. The usage registration is performed with respect to the management server 12 from the smartphone 40 via the network 30. The management server 12 records the electronic money ID of the electronic money for which the usage registration has been made in the member record in which the member ID of the said member is recorded. Note that the usage registration of electronic money is not essential.

[0044] [Before shopping (see FIGS. 5 and 9)] Before entering the affiliated store, the member operates the smartphone 40 to launch the shopping app. When the shopping app is launched, the touch panel screen on the smartphone 40 transitions to the entry code reading screen Sa (Fig. 9). The entry code reading screen Sa is a screen for reading the entry code Cin (Fig. 5) with the camera mounted on the smartphone 40.

[0045] The entry code Cin is prepared at the entrance of the affiliated store. For example, the entry code Cin is printed on a paper medium and pasted at the entrance. For example, the entry code Cin is displayed on a display placed at the entrance. The entry code Cin encodes the setting information related to the affiliated store, for example, in a two-dimensional code system. The setting information includes the store ID set for the affiliated store, wireless LAN data, etc. The wireless LAN data is the SSID, password, security information, etc. required for the smartphone 40 to connect to the access point 29 using the wireless LAN.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, a camera activation button Ba is displayed on the entry code reading screen Sa. The member touches the camera activation button Ba. Then, since the camera of the smartphone 40 is activated, the member points the camera lens at the entry code Cin. The camera scans the entry code Cin.

[0047] When the entry code Cin is scanned, the smartphone 40 transmits an entry request command CMa (Fig. 5) to the management server 12 via the network 30. The entry request command CMa includes at least the member ID and the store ID included in the entry code Cin.

[0048] The management server 12 acquires the member ID from the store entry request command CMa and performs member authentication (Fig. 5·ACT1). The member authentication is performed by checking whether the member ID is managed as a valid member ID. For example, in the member record having the member ID of a consumer who has lost their membership due to reasons such as a withdrawal application or improper conduct, an invalid flag is recorded. When the management server 12 acquires the member ID of a member record with an invalid flag recorded from the store entry request command CMa, it denies the member authentication. When the management server 12 acquires the member ID of a member record without an invalid flag recorded from the store entry request command CMa, it approves the member authentication.

[0049] The management server 12 determines whether to approve or deny the member authentication (Fig. 5·ACT2). When denying the member authentication, the management server 12 returns a store entry rejection command CMb to the smartphone 40. The store entry rejection command CMb is transmitted to the smartphone 40 via the network 30. The smartphone 40 that has received the store entry rejection command CMb stops the shopping app. Therefore, the customer cannot perform so-called self-service shopping in which they operate the smartphone 40 themselves at that franchise store to input data related to the purchased goods.

[0050] When the management server 12 approves the member authentication, it issues a customer ID (Fig. 5·ACT3). The customer ID is a unique ID set for each shopping, that is, for each transaction of buying and selling goods, when the member shops at a franchise store. For example, a unique customer ID is issued by a combination of a store code, a date, and a sequential number. The management server 12 associates the member ID and store ID acquired from the store entry request command CMa with the issued customer ID and describes them in the association table 70 (Fig. 5). That is, the association table 70 is a data table that stores, in association with the member ID of a consumer who performs self-service shopping, the store ID of the franchise store where the shopping is performed and the unique customer ID issued for that transaction.

[0051] The management server 12 replies to the smartphone 40 with an in-store approval command CMc. The in-store approval command CMc is transmitted to the smartphone 40 via the network 30. The smartphone 40 that has received the in-store approval command CMc connects to the access point 29 via wireless LAN using the wireless LAN data obtained from the in-store code Cin. When the smartphone 40 is connected to the access point 29 via wireless LAN, the touch panel screen transitions to a shopping start screen. The shopping start screen is a screen that prompts the consumer to start shopping. A shopping start button is displayed on the shopping start screen.

[0052] On the other hand, the management server 12 that has transmitted the in-store approval command CMc transmits a transaction file creation instruction command CMd to the virtual POS server 13. The creation instruction command CMd includes the store ID and customer ID stored in association with the member ID in the association table 70. The virtual POS server 13 that has received the creation instruction command CMd creates a transaction file 80 (Fig. 5) in the storage unit. Then, the virtual POS server 13 describes the store ID and customer ID included in the creation instruction command CMd in the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 is a data file that records the sales data of the products purchased by the member in the transaction with the member specified by the customer ID and the payment data for the settlement amount of the transaction.

[0053] <During shopping (see Figs. 6, 10, 11, and 12)> A member who has confirmed the shopping start screen touches the shopping start button. Then, the touch panel screen transitions to the registration screen Sb (Figure 10). As shown in Figure 10, on the registration screen Sb, the total points and total amount of the registered products are displayed. However, since no purchased products have been registered yet, both the total points and total amount are "0". Also, on the registration screen Sb, a barcode-less button Bb, a scan button Bc, and a checkout button Bd are displayed. The barcode-less button Bb is the button to be touched when inputting data for products without barcodes. The scan button Bc is the button to be touched when inputting data for products with barcodes. The checkout button Bd is the button to be touched when instructing checkout after finishing shopping. However, since product registration has not been done yet, the checkout button Bd is disabled. For example, the checkout button Bd is grayed out. The checkout button Bd may also be deleted.

[0054] When a member finds a product to purchase in the sales floor where the products are displayed, the member checks whether a barcode BC (Figure 6) is attached to the product. If the barcode BC is attached, the member touches the scan button Bc. When the scan button Bc is touched, the touch panel screen transitions to the scanning screen Sc (Figure 11). As shown in Figure 11, on the scanning screen Sc, a frame line AR indicating the barcode reading area is displayed. Also, the barcode-less button Bb and a return button Be are displayed. The return button Be is the button to be touched when aborting the scanning of the barcode BC.

[0055] The member operates the smartphone 40 so that the barcode BC of the purchased product enters within the frame line AR. When the barcode BC enters within the frame line AR, the barcode BC is scanned by the camera of the smartphone 40.

[0056] The smartphone 40 that has scanned the barcode BC transmits a registration request command CMe (Fig. 6) to the management server 12 via the wireless LAN. The registration request command CMe includes the member ID and the data of the barcode BC, so-called barcode data. The registration request command CMe is received at the access point 29 and further transmitted from the router 28 to the management server 12 via the network 30.

[0057] The management server 12 searches the association table 70 with the member ID included in the registration request command CMe and acquires the store ID and customer ID associated with the member ID. Then, the management server 12 transmits a registration request command CMf in which the member ID is replaced with the store ID and customer ID to the virtual POS server 13.

[0058] The virtual POS server 13 acquires the store ID, customer ID, and barcode data from the registration request command CMf. Then, the virtual POS server 13 acquires the product code from the barcode data. The virtual POS server 13 searches the first product master 113 of the franchise store specified by the store ID and acquires the product record including the product code. Then, the virtual POS server 13 registers product sales data consisting of the product code, product name, price, sales quantity, sales amount, etc. in the transaction file 80 in which the store ID and customer ID are described based on the product data of the product record. Here, the virtual POS server 13 functions as a registration means.

[0059] The management server 12 acquires the transaction file 80 in which the product sales data is registered from the virtual POS server 13. Then, the management server 12 transmits a registration response command CMg (Fig. 6) to the smartphone 40 which is the transmission source of the registration request command CMe. The registration response command CMg includes the data of the transaction file 80 acquired from the virtual POS server 13. The registration response command CMg is transmitted from the router 15 to the POS system 20 via the network 30 and further transmitted from the access point 29 to the smartphone 40.

[0060] In the smartphone 40 that has received the registration response command CMg, the screen of the touch panel transitions to the registration screen Sd (Fig. 12). The registration screen Sd is the screen when the product sales data related to the first product AAA is registered in the transaction file 80. As shown in Fig. 12, on the registration screen Sd, the sales amount "￥100" and the sales points "1 point" of the product AAA are displayed. Also, the total points become "1 point" and the total amount becomes "￥100". Also, the input of the accounting button Bd becomes possible.

[0061] After that, for the purchased products from the second one onwards, the member also touches the scan button Bc and scans the product barcode. By doing so, the management server 12 and the virtual POS server 13 operate in the same manner as above. As a result, on the registration screen Sb, the product name, sales amount, and sales points of the purchased product, as well as the total points and total amount, are displayed.

[0062] By the way, as described above, the sales amount of the product sales data stored in the transaction file 80 is calculated based on the price of the first product master 113. The price of this first product master 113 is not reflected even if there is a price change during business hours. For this reason, the sales amount and total amount displayed on the registration screen Sd may be different from the amounts based on the current price. For this reason, the sales amount and total amount displayed on the registration screen Sd are merely reference amounts during shopping.

[0063] In addition, when the purchased product does not have a barcode, the member touches the barcode-less button Bb. Then, a list of barcode-less products is displayed on the touch panel of the smartphone 40, so the member selects the purchased product from that list. Then, a registration request command CMe including the product ID of the purchased product is sent to the management server 12. The subsequent operations are the same as when the product barcode BC is scanned with the smartphone 40.

[0064] <Before accounting (see Figs. 6 and 13)> A member who finishes shopping at the store and proceeds to checkout touches the checkout button Bd on the registration screen Sd. When the checkout button Bd is touched, the smartphone 40 transmits a checkout request command CMh (Fig. 6) to the management server 12 via the wireless LAN. The checkout request command CMh includes the member ID. The checkout request command CMh is received at the access point 29 and transmitted from the router 28 to the management server 12 via the network 30.

[0065] The management server 12 issues a checkout code (Fig. 6·ACT11). The checkout code is, for example, a combination of a date, a time, and a sequential number, and no duplicate checkout codes are issued within at least one business day. The management server 12 generates a first image Ca (Fig. 13) (Fig. 6·ACT12). The first image Ca is an image in which the checkout code is barcoded, that is, an image of a checkout barcode.

[0066] The management server 12 obtains the member ID from the checkout request command CMh (Fig. 6·ACT13). Then, the management server 12 searches the member database 112 and obtains the electronic money ID from the member record containing the member ID (Fig. 6·ACT14). The management server 12 generates a second image Cb (Fig. 13) (Fig. 6·ACT15). The second image Cb is an image in which the checkout code and the electronic money ID are two-dimensionally coded, that is, an image of a checkout two-dimensional code.

[0067] The management server 12 transmits a checkout approval command CMi to the smartphone 40 that is the source of the checkout request command CMh. The checkout approval command CMi includes the first image Ca and the second image Cb.

[0068] In the case of a member who has not registered for the use of electronic money, the electronic money ID cannot be obtained. In that case, the management server 12 does not generate the second image Cb. The management server 12 transmits a checkout approval command CMi including the first image Ca to the smartphone 40.

[0069] The accounting approval command CMi is transmitted to the POS system 20 via the network 30 and then transmitted from the access point 29 to the smartphone 40 via the wireless LAN. On the smartphone 40 that has received the accounting approval command CMi, the screen of the touch panel transitions to the accounting screen Se (Figure 13). As shown in Figure 13, a first image Ca and a second image Cb are displayed on the accounting screen Se. Also, an end button Bf is displayed on the accounting screen Se. The end button Bf is a button to be touched when canceling the accounting. Here, the management server 12 functions as a generation means and a display control means. The two-dimensional code for accounting is an example of a machine-readable code.

[0070] Also, the management server 12 acquires the store ID and the customer ID stored in the association table 70 in association with the member ID obtained from the accounting request command CMh. Then, the management server 12 acquires from the virtual POS server 13 a transaction file 80 in which the store ID and the customer ID are described. And the management server 12 transmits the transaction file 80 and the accounting code to the POS system 20 of the franchise store identified by the store ID. As a result, the data of the transaction file 80 and the accounting code are transmitted to the store server 21 of the corresponding franchise store via the network 30. The store server 21 transfers the data of the transaction file 80 and the accounting code received from the management server 12 to the accounting server 22. The accounting server 22 stores the transaction file 80 in association with the accounting code in the memory.

[0071] <Accounting (see Figures 7, 8, 14, and 15)> The member who has confirmed the accounting screen Se performs accounting using the dedicated accounting machine 25 or the gate device 26 with an accounting machine. In principle, members who pay by electronic money use the gate device 26 with an accounting machine. Members who pay by other payment methods use the dedicated accounting machine 25. Note that it is also possible to pay by electronic money using the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0072] First, with reference to FIG. 7, the operation of accounting using the dedicated accounting machine 25 will be described. A member scans the first image Ca of the accounting screen Se, that is, the accounting barcode, with the scanner of the dedicated accounting machine 25. Then, the data of the accounting barcode, so-called barcode data BCD (FIG. 7), is transmitted from the dedicated accounting machine 25 to the accounting server 22.

[0073] The accounting server 22 acquires the accounting code from the barcode data BCD (FIG. 7·ACT21). Then, the accounting server 22 detects the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code from the memory (FIG. 7·ACT22). The accounting server 22 transmits the transaction file 80 to the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0074] The dedicated accounting machine 25 refers to the second product master 211 managed by the store server 21 and recalculates the settlement amount. Specifically, the dedicated accounting machine 25 acquires the product code registered in the transaction file 80. Then, the dedicated accounting machine 25 searches the second product master 211 and acquires the price of the product record including the product code. The dedicated accounting machine 25 multiplies the price by the sales quantity registered in the transaction file 80 together with the product code to calculate the sales amount of the purchased product specified by the product code. The dedicated accounting machine 25 executes the above processing for all the product codes registered in the transaction file 80. Then, the dedicated accounting machine 25 sums up the sales amounts of all the purchased products to calculate the settlement amount.

[0075] The dedicated accounting machine 25 displays the recalculated settlement amount on the display and waits for the payment method of the payment to be selected (FIG. 7·ACT32). The recalculated settlement amount may be different from the total amount displayed on the smartphone 40. Even in that case, since the total amount on the smartphone 40 is a reference amount, the customer will make a payment for the settlement amount displayed on the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0076] The member selects a payment method. For example, if cash is selected, the dedicated accounting machine 25 executes a payment process for paying the settlement amount in cash (Fig. 7·ACT33). For example, if a credit card is selected, the dedicated accounting machine 25 executes a payment process for paying the settlement amount with the credit card. Since these payment processes are well-known processes, detailed explanations here are omitted.

[0077] After finishing the payment process, the dedicated accounting machine 25 sends a payment completion notification command CMj to the accounting server 22. The payment completion notification command CMj includes payment data. For example, in the case of cash payment, the payment data is the deposited amount, the change amount, etc. For example, in the case of credit card payment, the payment data is the payment amount by credit card, etc.

[0078] The accounting server 22 registers the payment data in the transaction file 80. Also, the accounting server 22 sets an end status in the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 with the end status set is stored in the recording unit of the accounting server 22 or the store server 21.

[0079] Incidentally, the member who has completed accounting with the dedicated accounting machine 25 exits the sales floor through the passage Pa where the gate device 26 with an accounting machine is provided. At that time, since the gate 61 is closed, the member scans the accounting barcode or the accounting two-dimensional code on the accounting screen Se with the scanner 56 in the accounting section 261. When the accounting barcode or the accounting two-dimensional code is scanned, the data of the accounting barcode or the accounting two-dimensional code is sent from the accounting section 261 to the accounting server 22.

[0080] The accounting server 22 checks whether an end status is set in the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code obtained from the data of the accounting barcode or the accounting two-dimensional code. If the end status is set, the accounting server 22 sends a gate opening command CMk to the accounting section 261. The accounting section 261 controls the controller 62 to open the gate 61. Thus, the member can exit the sales floor through the passage Pa.

[0081] On the other hand, even if a member who is not performing accounting on the dedicated accounting machine 25 scans the accounting barcode with the scanner 56 in the accounting department 261, since the end status is not set in the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code obtained from the barcode data, the gate release command is not sent from the accounting server 22 to the accounting department 261. Therefore, the gate 61 is not opened. Accordingly, a member who is not performing accounting cannot exit the sales floor through the passage Pa.

[0082] Next, with reference to FIGS. 8, 14, and 15, the accounting operation using the gate device 26 with an accounting machine will be described.

[0083] The member covers the second image Cb of the accounting screen Se, that is, the two-dimensional code for accounting, over the reading window 561 of the accounting department 261. Then, the two-dimensional code for accounting is scanned by the scanner 56, and the data of the two-dimensional code for accounting, so-called two-dimensional code data QRD (FIG. 8), is transmitted from the accounting department 261 to the accounting server 22.

[0084] The accounting server 22 acquires the accounting code from the two-dimensional code data QRD (FIG. 8·ACT41). Then, the accounting server 22 detects the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code from the memory (FIG. 8·ACT42). The accounting server 22 checks whether the end status is set in the transaction file 80 as described in the accounting operation using the dedicated accounting machine 25 (FIG. 8·ACT43). If the end status is set, the accounting server 22 transmits the gate release command CMk to the accounting department 261. If the end status is not set, the accounting server 22 acquires the electronic money ID from the two-dimensional code data QRD (FIG. 8·ACT44). Then, the accounting server 22 accesses the server of the electronic money management company via the network 30 and acquires the balance of the electronic money managed in association with the electronic money ID (FIG. 8·ACT45). The accounting server 22 transmits the data indicating the transaction file 80 and the balance of the electronic money to the accounting department 261.

[0085] Similar to the dedicated accounting machine 25, the accounting department 261 refers to the second product master 211 to recalculate the settlement amount. Then, the accounting department 261 checks whether the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for the settlement amount (Fig. 8·ACT52). If the balance is insufficient, as shown in Fig. 14, the accounting department 261 causes the touch panel 55 to display a screen Da prompting the recharge of the electronic money.

[0086] The member who checks the screen Da recharges the electronic money with the dedicated accounting machine 25 as instructed on the screen Da. After finishing the recharge, the member again holds the accounting two-dimensional code in front of the reading window 561 of the accounting department 261. Alternatively, the member scans the accounting barcode with the scanner of the dedicated accounting machine 25 to perform accounting by a payment method other than electronic money. Note that after finishing the recharge of the electronic money, the member may directly perform accounting by electronic money payment with the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0087] If the balance of the electronic money is not insufficient, the accounting department 261 checks whether the settlement amount matches the reference amount (Fig. 8·ACT53). As described above, the reference amount is the total transaction amount calculated based on the price of the first product master 113 managed by the server system 10, and there may be a case where it does not match the settlement amount, that is, the total transaction amount calculated based on the price of the second product master 211 managed by the POS system 20.

[0088] If the settlement amount does not match the reference amount, as shown in Fig. 15, the accounting department 261 causes the touch panel 55 to display a screen Db notifying the amount discrepancy (Fig. 8·ACT54). The screen Db displays the settlement amount, the reference amount, the balance of the electronic money, and a notification message. Also, a clerk call button Bg and an OK button Bh are displayed. The clerk call button Bg is a button to be touched when, for example, it is desired to confirm with the clerk that the settlement amount is different from the reference amount. The OK button Bh is a button to be touched when agreeing to pay the settlement amount.

[0089] When the store clerk call button Bg is touched, the accounting department 261 transmits a call signal to the monitoring terminal 23. As a result, on the monitoring terminal 23, it is notified that there is a call from the store clerk. Therefore, the attendant, who is the operator of the monitoring terminal 23, goes to the passage Pa to handle customers.

[0090] When the OK button Bh is touched, or when the settlement amount matches the reference amount, the accounting department 261 executes payment processing using electronic money (Fig. 8·ACT55). That is, the accounting department 261 executes a process of subtracting the settlement amount from the balance of the electronic money. Also, the accounting department 261 executes a process of driving the printer 57 to print a purchase receipt. Since the purchase receipt is issued from the receipt issuing port 571, the member receives the receipt.

[0091] When the member receives the receipt, the accounting department 261 transmits a payment completion notification command CMl to the accounting server 22. The payment completion notification command CMl includes payment data using electronic money.

[0092] The accounting server 22 registers the payment data in the transaction file 80. Also, the accounting server 22 sets an end status in the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 with the end status set is stored in the recording unit of the accounting server 22 or the store server 21.

[0093] The accounting server 22 transmits a gate opening command CMk to the accounting department 261. The accounting department 261 controls the controller 62 to open the gate 61. Thus, the member can exit from the sales floor through the passage Pa. Note that the timing of outputting the gate opening command CMk may be after or before setting the end status in the transaction file 80. Here, the accounting server 22 functions as a processing means and a permission means in cooperation with the accounting machine-equipped gate device 26.

[0094] This concludes the description of the operation of the transaction processing system. As is clear from this operation explanation, the virtual POS server 13 of the transaction processing system 100 functions as a registration means. The management server 12 functions as a generation means and a display control means. The accounting server 22 functions as a processing means and a permission means in cooperation with the accounting machine-equipped gate device 26. Further, the accounting machine-equipped gate device 26 functions as an accounting machine provided with a reading unit (scanner 56) that reads a machine-readable code (accounting two-dimensional code). Therefore, the virtual POS server 13, the management server 12, and the accounting server 22 can be referred to as the servers of the transaction processing system 100. Further, this server can also be referred to as a transaction processing device.

[0095] [Effect of Transaction Processing System 100] According to the present embodiment, a member who has registered the use of electronic money that can be used at a franchise store can perform accounting at the accounting machine-equipped gate device 26. At that time, the member only needs to shade the second image Cb of the accounting screen Se displayed on the smartphone 40, that is, the accounting two-dimensional code, on the reading window 561. There is no need to perform a plurality of steps such as scanning the first image Ca of the accounting screen Se, that is, the accounting barcode, selecting electronic money from the payment method selection screen, and having the accounting machine read the electronic money ID as in the conventional method. Therefore, accounting can be performed more smoothly.

[0096] The accounting machine-equipped gate device 26 is provided on the passage Pa for exiting the sales floor. And a customer who has completed accounting at the accounting machine-equipped gate device 26 can exit the sales floor through the passage Pa. Therefore, the exit from the sales floor also becomes smooth. As a result, the congestion of accounting can be reduced, and many customers can be handled in a short time.

[0097] Incidentally, the management server 12 generates, as generation means, a first code corresponding to data related to a transaction, that is, an accounting code, and a second code corresponding to data related to electronic settlement, that is, a machine-readable code including an electronic money ID, that is, an accounting two-dimensional code. Therefore, the accounting server 22 can simultaneously acquire not only the accounting code but also the electronic money ID from the accounting two-dimensional code, so that the processing time can be shortened.

[0098] The smartphone 40 used by the member not only serves as an input device for data related to purchased goods but also functions as a display medium for a second image Cb showing the accounting two-dimensional code. Therefore, the member can process a series of operations from self-service product registration to settlement using the smartphone 40, so it has excellent operability.

[0099] If there is a difference between the total amount displayed on the smartphone during shopping and the actual settlement amount, when accounting at the accounting-equipped gate device 26, a screen Db notifying the amount discrepancy is displayed on the touch panel 55 to prompt the member for confirmation. Therefore, troubles with the member due to the amount discrepancy can be prevented in advance.

[0100] The embodiments of the transaction processing system 100 have been described above, but such embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the first terminal operated by the customer in the store and the second terminal used by the customer are the same terminal. The first terminal may be a tablet-type terminal attached to the shopping cart, and the second terminal may be a smartphone. Alternatively, the first terminal may be a smartphone lent by the store to the customer, and the second terminal may be a smartphone personally owned by the customer.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the generation means generated a machine-readable code, that is, an accounting two-dimensional code, including an electronic money ID corresponding to the data related to the electronic settlement, together with the accounting code corresponding to the data related to the transaction. The machine-readable code may not include the electronic money ID. The electronic money ID is stored in the member database 112 in association with the member ID. Therefore, the generation means generates a machine-readable code including the member ID together with the accounting code. The accounting server 22 functioning as the processing means inquires the server system 10 about the electronic money ID associated with the member ID obtained from the machine-readable code. Then, the accounting server 22 may obtain the electronic money ID for which a response has been received from the server system 10 and execute the processing after ACT45 in FIG. 8. Also, regarding this point, in the above embodiment, the accounting server 22 confirmed the balance of the electronic money and transmitted the transaction file 80 to the accounting department 261 together with the balance data. The accounting server 22 may transmit the transaction file 80 to the accounting department 261 together with the electronic money ID, and the accounting department 261 may confirm the balance of the electronic money and execute the payment process using the electronic money.

[0103] In the above embodiment, electronic money was exemplified as the electronic settlement. The electronic settlement is not limited to electronic money. If it is possible to include data related to a credit card as a machine-readable code, the electronic settlement may be a credit card payment. Alternatively, if it is possible to include point data used for point payment as a machine-readable code, the electronic settlement may be a point payment.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the server system 10 was constructed using cloud computing. Regarding this point, the POS system 20 may include the functions of the server system 10. That is, it is also possible to construct the transaction processing system 100 in one store.

[0105] In the above-described embodiment, the server system 10 is configured by the database server 11, the management server 12, and the virtual POS server 13. The server system 10 may be configured by a single server that aggregates the functions of the database server 11, the management server 12, and the virtual POS server 13. Similarly, in the POS system 20 of each store, instead of dividing the functions between the store server 21 and the accounting server 22, the functions of the store server 21 and the accounting server 22 may be aggregated by a single server.

[0106] In addition, although several 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 of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 10... server system, 11... database server, 12... management server, 13... virtual POS server, 20... POS system, 21... store server, 22... accounting server, 23... monitoring terminal, 24... POS terminal, 25... dedicated accounting machine, 26... accounting machine-equipped gate device, 30... network, 40... smartphone, 100... transaction processing system, 111... franchisee database, 112... member database, 113... first product master, 211... second product master, 261... accounting department, 262... gate department.

Claims

1. Registration means for registering data related to transactions with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer in a store; Generating means for generating a machine-readable code for acquiring data related to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data related to the electronic payment used by the customer; Display control means for causing a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal to display the machine-readable code in response to a settlement instruction from the first terminal; Processing means for acquiring data related to the transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code and data related to the electronic payment based on the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, and processing the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the data related to the transaction with the data related to the electronic payment; A transaction processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The reading unit is provided in the passage of a customer who has completed settlement, Permission means for permitting passage through the passage on the condition that the payment of the settlement amount has been processed with the data related to the electronic payment, The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

3. The generating means generates a machine-readable code including a first code corresponding to the data related to the transaction and a second code corresponding to the data related to the electronic payment, according to the transaction processing apparatus of claim 1 or 2.

4. The first terminal and the second terminal are the same terminal, according to the transaction processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An accounting machine provided with a reading unit for reading a machine-readable code, and a server for communicating with the accounting machine, The server, Registration means for registering data related to transactions with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer in a store; Generating means for generating a machine-readable code for acquiring data related to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data related to the electronic payment used by the customer; Display control means for causing a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal to display the machine-readable code in response to a settlement instruction from the first terminal; Processing means for acquiring data related to the transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code and data related to the electronic payment based on the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, and processing the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the data related to the transaction with the data related to the electronic payment, comprising a transaction processing system.

6. The accounting machine is provided in the passage of a customer who has completed settlement, The server, Permission means for permitting passage through the passage on the condition that payment of the settlement amount has been processed with data related to the electronic payment. The transaction processing system according to claim 5, further comprising the above.

7. The server Reference amount calculation means for calculating a reference settlement amount based on data related to the transaction registered by the registration means; Notification means for notifying when the settlement amount calculated from the data related to the transaction obtained based on the machine-readable code is different from the settlement amount calculated by the reference amount calculation means. The transaction processing system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising the above.

8. A computer that communicates with an accounting machine having a reading unit for reading a machine-readable code, Registration means for registering data related to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer in a store, Generation means for generating a machine-readable code for acquiring data related to a transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data related to electronic payment used by the customer, Display control means for causing a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal to display the machine-readable code in response to an accounting instruction from the first terminal, and Based on the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, data related to the transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code and data related to electronic payment are acquired, and payment of the settlement amount calculated from the data related to the transaction is made with the data related to the electronic payment. Processing means for processing, A program that functions as the above.

9. The accounting machine is provided in the passage of the customer who has completed the settlement, The computer Permission means for permitting passage through the passage on the condition that payment of the settlement amount has been processed with data related to the electronic payment, The program according to claim 8 for further functioning as the above.

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