Settlement apparatus, system, method, and program

Abstract

To efficiently execute cashless settlement in the case of manned POS (Point Of Sales).SOLUTION: A settlement apparatus comprises: acquisition means for receiving the selection of settlement means from a customer during the registration of a product as a settlement object to an own apparatus by a clerk, and when the selected settlement means is the cashless one requiring a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, acquiring settlement information from a settlement medium owned by the customer via a reader corresponding to the settlement means; memory means for memorizing the settlement information; generation means for generating settlement request information by using the settlement information memorized in the memory means and a settlement amount after the completion of the product registration; and transmission means for transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a settlement device, a system, a method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the forms of POS (Point Of Sales) systems have been diversified. For example, POS systems have various operation forms such as manned POS and self-service POS. Furthermore, due to the spread of cashless settlement, the settlement means that customers can choose have also been diversified. Examples of cashless settlement means include various ones such as credit cards, electronic money, QR code (registered trademark) settlement, and the like.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a merchandise sales data processing device. The merchandise sales data processing device according to Patent Document 1 first accepts the scanning of each merchandise to be settled by a store clerk and performs the registration process of the settled merchandise. Then, after the scanning (registration process) of all the merchandise by the store clerk is completed, the customer selects a settlement means for the merchandise sales data processing device and performs operations such as cashless settlement means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the case of a manned POS, there is a problem that it takes time for a customer to use a cashless settlement that requires some operation by the customer himself / herself. The reason is that the customer cannot start the operation for using the cashless settlement until the scanning of the merchandise by the cashier (store clerk) is completed, resulting in waiting time.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a settlement device, a system, a method, and a program for efficiently performing cashless settlement in the case of a manned POS in view of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The settlement device according to the present disclosure is During the registration of goods to be settled to the device by a store clerk, accepting a selection of a settlement means from a customer, and when the selected settlement means is a code settlement, or when the selected settlement means is a cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, acquisition means for acquiring settlement information from a settlement medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the settlement means; Storage means for storing the settlement information; After the registration of the goods is completed, generation means for generating settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage means and the settlement amount; Transmission means for transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system; and includes.

[0008] The settlement system according to the present disclosure is One or more readers corresponding to cashless settlement means that require a prior operation or an input operation by a customer; A settlement terminal connected to at least one of the readers, and the settlement terminal is During the registration of goods to be settled to the settlement terminal by a store clerk, accepting a selection of a settlement means from a customer, and when the selected settlement means is the cashless settlement means, acquisition means for acquiring settlement information from a settlement medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the settlement means; Storage means for storing the settlement information; After the registration of the goods is completed, generation means for generating settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage means and the settlement amount; Transmission means for transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system; and includes.

[0009] The settlement method according to the present disclosure is such that while a computer is receiving a selection of a settlement means from a customer during registration of a product to be settled on its own device by a store clerk, when the selected settlement means is a cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, settlement information is acquired from a settlement medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the settlement means, the settlement information is stored in a storage device, after completion of the registration of the product, settlement request information is generated using the settlement information stored in the storage device and the settlement amount, and the settlement request information is transmitted to a settlement processing system.

[0010] The settlement program according to the present disclosure is such that while a computer is receiving a selection of a settlement means from a customer during registration of a product to be settled on its own device by a store clerk, and when the selected settlement means is a cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, an acquisition process of acquiring settlement information from a settlement medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the settlement means, a storage process of storing the settlement information in a storage device, after completion of the registration of the product, a generation process of generating settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage device and the settlement amount, and a transmission process of transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system are executed by the computer.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, cashless settlement in the case of a manned POS can be efficiently performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted as necessary for clarity of explanation.

[0014] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement device 1. The settlement device 1 is an information processing device for a cashierless settlement in which a store clerk registers merchandise to be settled and a customer needs to perform some operation. The settlement device 1 can also be said to be a settlement terminal or a manned POS terminal. The settlement device 1 is connected to general readers such as a barcode reader and a card reader as a configuration not shown. Alternatively, the settlement device 1 may incorporate some or all of a plurality of types of readers such as a barcode reader and a card reader. Also, the barcode reader and the card reader are examples of readers corresponding to "cashierless settlement means that require a prior operation or an input operation by the customer". The settlement device 1 is connected to a settlement processing system described later via a communication network.

[0015] The settlement device 1 includes an acquisition unit 11, a storage unit 12, a generation unit 13, and a transmission unit 14. The acquisition unit 11 receives a selection of a settlement means from the customer during registration of merchandise to be settled by the store clerk to the own device (settlement device 1). Here, the "settlement means" is a means for making a payment. Examples of the settlement means include cash payment, credit card settlement, QR code settlement, electronic money settlement, and the like.

[0016] Then, during registration of merchandise to be settled by the store clerk to the settlement device 1, when the settlement means selected by the customer is "code settlement", the acquisition unit 11 acquires, as settlement information via the barcode reader, the settlement code presented by the customer. Also, for "code settlement", an operation for displaying the settlement code on a mobile terminal or the like held by the customer is required. Therefore, "code settlement" is an example of "cashierless settlement means that require a prior operation by the customer". Also, a mobile terminal or the like is an example of "a settlement medium held by the customer". The barcode reader is an example of "a reader corresponding to code settlement".

[0017] In addition, when the payment method selected by the customer is "card payment that requires the customer's input operation" during the registration of the merchandise to be paid for into the payment device 1 by the store clerk, the acquisition unit 11 acquires, via the card reader, the card information of the payment card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer as payment information. Here, "card payment that requires the customer's input operation" refers to an operation where the customer inserts or holds up a payment card (e.g., credit card, etc.) to the card reader and then enters input information such as a PIN number on a keyboard or touch panel of the card reader or the like. Therefore, "card payment that requires the customer's input operation" is an example of "cashless payment method that requires the customer's input operation" or "card payment that requires input information". Also, the payment card is an example of "payment medium held by the customer". Further, the card reader is an example of "reader corresponding to card payment that requires input information".

[0018] Note that "payment information" is information used for the payment of the merchandise to be paid for. When the payment method is code payment, the payment information may include, for example, customer identification information, payment code, balance, etc. Also, when the payment method is "card payment that requires the customer's input operation", the payment information may include, for example, card number, input information (PIN number, etc.).

[0019] The storage unit 12 stores the payment information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. The storage unit 12 is a memory or the like (not shown) built into the payment device 1 for temporarily storing information.

[0020] After the registration of the merchandise is completed, the generation unit 13 generates payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage unit 12 and the payment amount. "Payment request information" is information for requesting the payment processing system described later to perform the payment processing of the payment amount by applying the payment information.

[0021] The transmission unit transmits the payment request information to the payment processing system. The "payment processing system" is an information system that executes the payment processing of the payment amount by applying the payment information in response to the payment request information received from the outside.

[0022] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing the process of the payment method. First, during the registration of the merchandise to be paid for by the store clerk into the payment device 1, the payment device 1 accepts the selection of the payment means from the customer (S1). Next, the payment device 1 determines the selected payment means (S2). For example, if the selected payment means is code payment, the payment device 1 acquires the payment code presented by the customer as payment information via the code reader (S3). Or, if the selected payment means is "card payment requiring the customer's input operation", the payment device 1 acquires the card information of the payment card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer as payment information via the card reader (S4). Here, for the sake of explanation, the case where the payment means selected in step S1 is either "code payment" or "card payment requiring the customer's input operation" will be described.

[0023] After step S3 or S4, the payment device 1 stores the payment information in the storage device (in the payment device 1) (S5). Then, after the completion of the merchandise registration by the store clerk, the payment device 1 generates payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage device and the payment amount (S6). Thereafter, the payment device 1 transmits the payment request information to the payment processing system (S7).

[0024] Here, if the payment means selected in step S1 is other than "code payment" and "card payment requiring the customer's input operation", the payment device 1 may separately generate payment information by the selected payment means (for example, accept the deposit of cash) after the completion of the merchandise registration, instead of steps S5 and S6.

[0025] Generally, the payment operation of cashless payment has many operation steps and often takes a long time for settlement. For example, in the case of code payment, the customer performs the following operations. Specifically, the customer operates their mobile terminal to display a two-dimensional barcode or the like for settlement (settlement code) on the screen of the mobile terminal, and allows a dedicated terminal (code reader) to read the settlement code. Also, in the case of card payment that requires the customer's input operation, the customer inserts or holds a credit card near the card reader, and inputs input information such as a PIN number to a keyboard or touch panel of the card reader or the like. And a normal POS terminal requests the customer to perform the above cashless payment operation after the clerk completes the registration of the merchandise to be settled (confirmation of the settlement amount). Therefore, when the customer uses a cashless payment that requires some operation on their part, a waiting time occurs, and then the above operation is performed. Thus, when the customer uses a cashless payment that requires some operation on their part, there is a problem that the entire settlement time is required.

[0026] In contrast, the settlement device 1 according to the present disclosure requests acceptance of the selection of the settlement means by the customer and an operation for using cashless payment in parallel with the registration of the merchandise to be settled to the settlement device 1 by the clerk. Therefore, the customer can perform operations for code payment or card payment during the merchandise registration by the clerk and input settlement information to the settlement device 1. Thus, the settlement device 1 can promptly perform the settlement process after the completion of the merchandise registration by the clerk. That is, the customer can shorten the waiting time for starting the acceptance of the selection of the settlement means and the operation for using cashless payment. From the above, cashless payment in the case of a manned POS can be efficiently performed.

[0027] The payment device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device as components not shown in the figures. Also, a computer program implementing the processing of the payment method shown in FIG. 2, for example, is stored in the storage device. Then, the processor causes the computer program and the like to be read from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. As a result, the processor realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the storage unit 12, the generation unit 13, and the transmission unit 14.

[0028] Alternatively, each component of the payment device 1 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Also, some or all of the components of each device may be realized by general-purpose or dedicated circuitry, processors, etc., or combinations thereof. These may be constituted by a single chip or by a plurality of chips connected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device may be realized by a combination of the circuitry, etc. described above and a program. Also, as the processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a quantum processor (quantum computer control chip), etc. can be used.

[0029] Also, when some or all of the components of the payment device 1 are realized by a plurality of information processing devices, circuitry, etc., the plurality of information processing devices, circuitry, etc. may be centrally arranged or may be distributed. For example, the information processing devices, circuitry, etc. may be realized in a form in which each is connected via a communication network, such as a client-server system or a cloud computing system.

[0030] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the payment system 1000. The payment system 1000 includes at least a POS terminal 100, a barcode reader 106, a code reader 108, and a credit card reader 109. The POS terminal 100 is connected to the barcode reader 106, the code reader 108, and the credit card reader 109. Further, the POS terminal 100 is connected to the payment processing system 400 via a communication network. Here, the communication network is a wired or wireless communication line. Also, the payment system 1000 may include a payment processing system 400. Note that the payment processing system 400 is an example of the payment processing system of the above-described Embodiment 1.

[0031] The POS terminal 100 is an example of the above-described payment device 1. Also, the configuration of the POS terminal 100 in FIG. 3 represents a cashier touch panel 104 and a customer touch panel 107. However, the detailed configuration of the POS terminal 100 will be described later. Hereinafter, the POS terminal 100 will be described as including a barcode reader 106, a code reader 108, and a credit card reader 109 as a configuration. However, the POS terminal 100 may not include a barcode reader 106, a code reader 108, and a credit card reader 109 as a configuration.

[0032] The cashier U1 is an example of the above-described store clerk. The cashier U1 registers and settles a group of products (products 301 to 30n (n is a natural number of 1 or more)) that the customer U2 wishes to purchase while checking the cashier touch panel 104 on the store side of the POS terminal 100. For example, the cashier U1 takes out product 301 from the shopping basket 300 and causes the barcode reader 106 to read the barcode of product 301. Thereby, the cashier U1 registers product 301 as a settlement target in the POS terminal 100. That is, the cashier U1 performs an operation of registering products 301, 302, ··· 30n as settlement targets in the POS terminal 100 via the barcode reader 106.

[0033] Customer U2 is assumed to possess at least one of the mobile terminal 210 or the credit card 220. The mobile terminal 210 is a wireless communication-enabled information processing device such as a smartphone. The mobile terminal 210 operates a code settlement application and displays a settlement code in response to the operation of Customer U2. The settlement code is preferably a two-dimensional code. However, the settlement code may be other codes such as barcodes or numerical values. The settlement code is, for example, graphic information obtained by coding the identification information (user ID) of Customer U2, the identification information of the mobile terminal 210, the remaining settlement amount in code settlement, the code generation date and time, etc. The credit card 220 is an example of a settlement card. The credit card 220 has card information (electronic data) recorded on a magnetic code or a built-in IC (Integrated Circuit) chip. The card information preferably includes a credit card number, a PIN number, a user ID, a name, an expiration date, etc. Note that the PIN number of the credit card is an example of input information input by the customer via a card reader.

[0034] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 includes a product registration unit 121, a reception unit 122, an acquisition unit 123, a storage unit 124, a generation unit 125, and a transmission unit 126. Note that the reception unit 122 and the acquisition unit 123 are examples of the acquisition unit 11 described above. The storage unit 124 is an example of the storage unit 12 described above. The generation unit 125 is an example of the generation unit 13 described above. The transmission unit 126 is an example of the transmission unit 14 described above.

[0035] The product registration unit 121 acquires product information from the barcode of the product read by the cashier U1 via the barcode reader 106 and registers it as a product to be settled. For example, the product registration unit 121 adds and records the product information of the product to be settled in a memory (described later) in the POS terminal 100. In addition, the product registration unit 121 displays a product registration screen on the cashier touch panel 104. The product registration screen includes the product information of the product to be settled.

[0036] During the execution of product registration by the product registration unit 121, the reception unit 122 displays a payment method selection screen on the customer touch panel 107. The reception unit 122 receives the payment method selected by the customer U2 via the payment method selection screen.

[0037] The acquisition unit 123 acquires the payment code read by the customer U2 via the code reader 108. In particular, when the selected payment method is code settlement, the acquisition unit 123 may acquire the payment balance of the customer U2 in code settlement as payment information. Also, the acquisition unit 123 may acquire the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal 210 possessed by the customer U2 as payment information by analyzing the image captured by the code reader 108.

[0038] Also, the acquisition unit 123 acquires the credit card number read by the customer U2 via the credit card reader 109. The acquisition unit 123 also acquires the PIN number input by the customer U2 via the credit card reader 109. Also, in the case of a payment method other than code settlement and "card settlement that requires the customer's input operation", the acquisition unit 123 acquires cash, electronic money, etc.

[0039] The storage unit 124 temporarily stores the payment code acquired by the acquisition unit 123 in the memory as payment information. The storage unit 124 also temporarily stores the card information acquired by the acquisition unit 123 in the memory as payment information. The storage unit 124 may also temporarily store the amount (numerical value) of cash or the amount of electronic money, etc. acquired by the acquisition unit 123 in the memory as payment information. Also, the storage unit 124 may temporarily store the payment information in the memory for this payment, and delete the payment information after generating the payment request information.

[0040] After the settlement confirmation operation by the cashier U1, the generation unit 125 reads the settlement information from the memory and generates settlement request information using the settlement information and the settlement amount. For example, when the selected settlement method is code settlement, the generation unit 125 generates settlement request information including the settlement information containing the identification information of the code settlement and the customer's remaining settlement balance in the code settlement, and the settlement amount. Note that the settlement request information may also be referred to as a settlement telegram.

[0041] The transmission unit 126 transmits the settlement request information generated by the generation unit 125 to the settlement processing system 400 via the communication network.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 includes a memory 101, a processor 102, a network interface 103, a touch panel 104 for cashiers, a keyboard 105, a barcode reader 106, a touch panel 107 for customers, a code reader 108, a credit card reader 109, a cash drawer 110, and a receipt printer 111.

[0043] The memory 101 is composed of a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory is, for example, a volatile storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), and is a storage area for temporarily holding information during the operation of the processor 102. The non-volatile memory is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The memory 101 stores at least a computer program in which the settlement processing of the POS terminal 100 according to the present disclosure is implemented. Note that the memory 101 may include a storage arranged separately from the processor 102. In this case, the processor 102 may access the memory 101 via an I / O (Input / Output) interface (not shown).

[0044] The processor 102 is a control device that controls each component of the POS terminal 100. The processor 102 reads and executes software (computer program) from the memory 101. Thereby, the processor 102 realizes the functions of the product registration unit 121, the reception unit 122, the acquisition unit 123, the storage unit 124, the generation unit 125, and the transmission unit 126. That is, the processor 102 performs the settlement process according to the present disclosure. The processor 102 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Multi Processing Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Further, the processor 102 may include a plurality of processors.

[0045] The network interface 103 may be used to communicate with a network node. The network interface 103 may include, for example, a network interface card (NIC) compliant with the IEEE 802.3 series. IEEE represents the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

[0046] The cashier's touch panel 104 is a touch panel installed on the cashier U1 side and includes a display device and an input device. The cashier's touch panel 104 displays the information instructed by the processor 102. The cashier's touch panel 104 is, for example, a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Organic Electro-Luminescence) display. Further, the cashier's touch panel 104 receives a contact operation on the screen by the cashier U1 as an input.

[0047] The keyboard 105 receives key inputs by the cashier U1 or the customer U2.

[0048] The barcode reader 106 is a reader that reads the barcode marked on the product 301 and the like.

[0049] The customer touch panel 107 is a touch panel installed on the customer U2 side and equipped with a display device and an input device. The customer touch panel 107 displays the information instructed by the processor 102. The customer touch panel 107 is, for example, a screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. Further, the customer touch panel 107 receives a contact operation on the screen by the customer U2 as an input.

[0050] The code reader 108 is a reader that reads a payment code displayed on a screen such as the mobile terminal 210. The code reader 108 may be, for example, a camera. The camera is, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, etc. Further, the code reader 108 may analyze the captured image and convert it into payment information.

[0051] The credit card reader 109 is a reader that reads card information when a credit card 220 or the like is inserted. Or, the credit card reader 109 may be a reader that connects to an IC chip built in a credit card 220 or the like by short-range wireless communication and reads card information. Further, the credit card reader 109 may receive a key input from the customer U2.

[0052] The cash drawer 110 is a drawer for putting cash installed on the cashier U1 side.

[0053] The receipt printer 111 is a printing device that prints and outputs the payment details.

[0054] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment process. First, the customer U2 puts the merchandise 301 to be purchased in the store into the shopping basket 300 and places the shopping basket 300 on the POS terminal 100. In response to this, the POS terminal 100 displays the merchandise registration screen 51 on the customer touch panel 107 and displays the payment method selection screen 52 on the customer touch panel 107.

[0055] Then, the cashier U1 picks up the products 301, etc. one by one from the shopping basket 300 and starts reading the barcodes of the products 301, etc. with the barcode reader 106. Specifically, the POS terminal 100 registers the product information corresponding to the barcode read by the cashier U1 via the barcode reader 106 as the product to be settled (S101).

[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the product registration screen 51. The product registration screen 51 includes a registered product display column 511, a subtotal button 512, and a settlement confirmation button 513. The registered product display column 511 is a column for displaying the product information (product name, quantity, amount, etc.) registered as the product to be settled. The subtotal button 512 is a button for calculating the total of the settlement amount at the current time and displaying it in the registered product display column 511. The settlement confirmation button 513 is a button for confirming the list of the product information displayed in the registered product display column 511 and the total amount.

[0057] Returning to FIG. 6, the description will continue. While the cashier U1 is registering the product 301 and the like, the customer U2 selects a payment method according to the payment method selection screen 52 of the customer touch panel 107. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the payment method selection screen 52. The payment method selection screen 52 includes a cash selection button 521, a credit card selection button 522, an electronic money selection button 523, a code payment selection button 524, and another selection button 525. The cash selection button 521 is a button for accepting the customer U2 to select cash payment as the payment method. The credit card selection button 522 is a button for accepting the customer U2 to select credit card payment as the payment method. In the following description, the credit card selection button 522 is a button for accepting the selection of "credit card payment that requires PIN entry". Therefore, a button for accepting the customer U2 to select touch payment or the like of a credit card as the payment method may be displayed separately from the credit card selection button 522 on the payment method selection screen 52. The electronic money selection button 523 is a button for accepting the customer U2 to select electronic money payment as the payment method. The code payment selection button 524 is a button for accepting the customer U2 to select code payment as the payment method. The another selection button 525 is a button for accepting the customer U2 to select a payment method other than cash, credit card, electronic money, or code payment as the payment method.

[0058] Returning to FIG. 6, the description will continue. In response to the above, the POS terminal 100 accepts the selection of the payment method by the customer U2 (S103). That is, the POS terminal 100 accepts the selection of the payment method from the customer U2 in parallel with the start of product registration by the cashier U1. Then, the POS terminal 100 determines whether the payment method is a code payment (S104). For example, when the customer U2 presses the code payment selection button 524, the POS terminal 100 determines that the payment method is a code payment. When the payment method is a code payment, the POS terminal 100 displays a message on the customer touch panel 107 prompting the customer U2 to hold the payment code in front of the code reader 108. Also, the POS terminal 100 sets the code reader 108 to a readable state. In response to this, the customer U2 operates the mobile terminal 210 to display the payment code and holds the mobile terminal 210 in front of the code reader 108 to read the payment code. Thereby, the POS terminal 100 reads the payment code by the code reader 108 (S105). Then, the POS terminal 100 temporarily stores the payment code in the memory (as payment information) (S106).

[0059] On the other hand, if the payment method is not code-based payment in step S104, the POS terminal 100 determines whether the payment method is "credit card payment that requires PIN entry" (S107). For example, when the customer U2 presses the credit card selection button 522, the POS terminal 100 determines that the payment method is "credit card payment that requires PIN entry". If the payment method is "credit card payment that requires PIN entry", the POS terminal 100 displays, on the customer touch panel 107, a message prompting the customer U2 to insert the credit card into the credit card reader 109 and enter the PIN. Also, the POS terminal 100 sets the credit card reader 109 to the waiting state for reading. In response, the customer U2 inserts the credit card 220 into the credit card reader 109. Thereby, the POS terminal 100 reads the card information of the credit card by the credit card reader 109 (S108). Subsequently, the customer U2 enters the PIN into the credit card reader 109. Thereby, the POS terminal 100 obtains the PIN entered by the customer U2 from the credit card reader 109 (S109). Then, the POS terminal 100 temporarily stores the card information and the PIN in the memory (as payment information) (S110). Note that in steps S106 and S110, the POS terminal 100 encrypts the payment code or the card information and the PIN and stores them in the memory. Also, if the payment method is not "credit card payment that requires PIN entry" in step S107, the POS terminal 100 proceeds to the process of step S111.

[0060] Here, after step S101, the POS terminal 100 determines whether the registration of all items has been completed (S102). Specifically, the POS terminal 100 determines whether the payment confirmation button 513 on the item registration screen 51 has been pressed. If the payment confirmation button 513 has not been pressed for a certain period, the POS terminal 100 executes step S101 again and repeats steps S101 and S102 until the payment confirmation button 513 is pressed.

[0061] If it is determined in step S102 that the registration of all products has been completed, the POS terminal 100 finalizes the settlement (S111). Specifically, the POS terminal 100 determines to settle based on the list of product information displayed in the registered product display column 511 and the total amount. In particular, the POS terminal 100 temporarily stores the total amount as the settlement amount in the memory.

[0062] After that, the POS terminal 100 determines whether settlement information is stored in the memory (S112). The case where settlement information is stored in the memory is when step S106 or S110 is executed. On the other hand, when settlement information is not stored in the memory, that is, when it is determined NO in step S107, the POS terminal 100 acquires settlement information by other settlement means (S113). For example, when the customer U2 presses the cash selection button 521, the electronic money selection button 523, or the other selection button 525, the POS terminal 100 receives cash from the customer U2 or performs electronic money settlement, etc. For example, in the case of cash payment, the POS terminal 100 accepts the input of the amount (numerical value) of cash received by the cashier U1 and temporarily stores the amount of cash in the memory as settlement information. Also, in the case of electronic money settlement, the customer U2 holds the recording medium of electronic money (such as the mobile terminal 210) over the credit card reader 109, etc. In response, the POS terminal 100 reads the balance of the electronic money by the credit card reader 109, etc., and temporarily stores the balance in the memory as settlement information.

[0063] If settlement information is stored in the memory in step S112, or after step S113, the POS terminal 100 reads the settlement information and the settlement amount from the memory. Then, the POS terminal 100 generates settlement request information using the settlement information and the settlement amount. Then, the POS terminal 100 transmits the generated settlement request information to the settlement processing system 400 (S114).

[0064] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of settlement request information 61 at the time of code settlement. The settlement request information 61 includes an invoice number, a settlement date and time, a store ID, a user ID, a business operator ID, a settlement code, a balance, and a settlement amount. However, the settlement request information 61 is an example.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of settlement request information 62 at the time of credit card settlement. The settlement request information 62 includes an invoice number, a settlement date and time, a store ID, a user ID, a credit card number, a PIN number, and a settlement amount. However, the settlement request information 62 is an example.

[0066] As described above, the cashless settlement method of the settlement system 1000 (POS system) according to the present disclosure enables "customer U2 to perform operations related to cashless settlement" in parallel with "cashier U1 to register products on the POS terminal 100". "Cashier U1 registering products" means, for example, an operation where cashier U1 causes the barcode reader 106 to read the barcodes of all products, an operation of inputting and finalizing the amount, etc. And "operations related to cashless settlement" are, originally, operations that require some pre-operation or input operation at the time of settlement. Examples of "operations related to cashless settlement" include an operation where customer U2 operates their own mobile terminal 210 to display a settlement code and hold it over the code reader 108. Also, examples of "operations related to cashless settlement" include an operation where customer U2 inserts or holds a credit card 220 for settlement over the credit card reader 109 and an operation of inputting a PIN number, etc. for the credit card 220. That is, the present disclosure enables the parallel execution of "the cashier's product registration operation" and "the customer's operations related to cashless settlement", thereby shortening the settlement time in a cashless settlement with a complicated customer operation form. In particular, it can shorten the operation time of the customer and the cashier after the settlement amount is finalized. Therefore, cashless settlement in the case of a manned POS can be efficiently performed.

[0067] <Embodiment 3> Next, a payment device, a payment system, a payment method, and a payment program including the above-described Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described. Since the configuration diagram of the payment device is the same as FIG. 1 above, illustration thereof is omitted. However, during registration of a product to be paid for into the payment device 1 by a store clerk, when the payment means selected by a customer is a predetermined cashless payment means, the acquisition unit 11 acquires payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the payment means. Here, the predetermined cashless payment means is the above-described "cashless payment means that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer". Also, the payment medium, the reader, and the payment information are the same as those described above. That is, the reader corresponds to a cashless payment means that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer. And the payment device 1 is also a payment terminal. Therefore, the payment system includes at least one or more types of readers and a payment terminal connected to at least one type of reader. For example, the payment system may include either a barcode reader or a card reader as a reader.

[0068] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the settlement method according to the present disclosure. First, similar to step S1 in FIG. 2 above, while the clerk is registering the merchandise to be settled in the settlement device 1, the settlement device 1 accepts the selection of the settlement means from the customer. Next, the settlement device 1 determines whether the selected settlement means is a "cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or input operation by the customer" (S2a). And when the selected settlement means is a "cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or input operation by the customer", the settlement device 1 acquires settlement information from the settlement medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the settlement means (S8). After that, the settlement device 1 performs the processes of steps S5, S6, and S7 in FIG. 2 above. On the other hand, in step S2a, when the selected settlement means is other than a "cashless settlement means that requires a prior operation or input operation by the customer", after the registration of the merchandise is completed, the settlement device 1 generates settlement information by the selected settlement means (for example, by accepting the deposit of cash, ) (S9). After that, the settlement device 1 performs the process of step S7 in FIG. 2 above. For example, the settlement device 1 may acquire settlement information as in step S113 in FIG. 6 above, and generate and transmit settlement information as in step S114. Thereby, similar to the above-described Embodiment 1, Embodiment 3 can efficiently perform cashless settlement in the case of a manned POS.

[0069] Note that a computer program in which the processing of the settlement method in FIG. 11 is implemented, for example, is stored in the storage device of the settlement device 1. And the processor of the settlement device 1 causes the computer program etc. to be read from the storage device into the memory and executes the computer program. Thereby, the processor realizes the functions of the acquisition unit 11, the storage unit 12, the generation unit 13, and the transmission unit 14, that is, the processing of the settlement method in FIG. 11.

[0070] <Other Embodiments> Note that in the above-described embodiments, although described as a hardware configuration, it is not limited thereto. The present disclosure can also be realized by causing a CPU to execute a computer program for any processing.

[0071] In the above example, when the program is loaded into a computer, it includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, the computer-readable medium or tangible storage medium includes random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or a communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, the transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0072] As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. And each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0073] Each drawing is merely an illustration for explaining one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated with not only one specific embodiment but also one or more other embodiments. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Not all of the features or steps shown in any one drawing for explaining exemplary embodiments are necessarily essential, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of the steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0074] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows, but are not limited thereto. (Appendix 1) During the registration of goods to be settled on the self-device by a store clerk, when receiving a selection of a payment method from a customer, if the selected payment method is code settlement, obtaining the settlement code presented by the customer as settlement information via a code reader, and if the selected payment method is card settlement that requires an input operation by the customer, obtaining the card information of the settlement card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer as settlement information via a card reader, an obtaining means; a storage means for storing the settlement information; a generating means for generating settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage means and the settlement amount after the registration of the goods is completed; a transmitting means for transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system; A settlement device comprising the above. (Appendix 2) The settlement code is a two-dimensional code The settlement device according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The settlement card is a credit card, and the input information is the PIN of the credit card The settlement device according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) When the selected payment method is a code payment, the acquisition means acquires the payment information including the customer's remaining payment balance in the code payment as the payment information. The payment device according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 5) The acquisition means acquires the payment code displayed on the customer's mobile terminal as the payment information by analyzing the image captured by the code reader. The payment device according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 6) When the selected payment method is a code payment, the generation means generates the payment request information including the payment information including the identification information of the code payment and the customer's remaining payment balance in the code payment, and the payment amount. The payment device according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 7) The storage means temporarily stores the payment information for the current payment, and deletes the payment information after the generation of the payment request information. The payment device according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 8) A code reader, A card reader, A payment terminal connected to the code reader and the card reader, and includes: During the registration of the merchandise to be paid for by the store clerk to the payment terminal, the selection of the payment method is received from the customer. When the selected payment method is a code payment, the payment code presented by the customer is acquired as the payment information via the code reader. When the selected payment method is a card payment that requires the customer's input operation, the card information of the payment card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer are acquired as the payment information via the card reader. An acquisition means; A storage means for storing the payment information; A generation means for generating payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage means and the payment amount after the registration of the merchandise is completed; Transmission means for transmitting the settlement request information to a settlement processing system; A settlement system comprising the same. (Appendix 9) During the registration of goods to be settled on its own device by a store clerk, the computer accepts the selection of a settlement means from a customer, and when the selected settlement means is code settlement, obtains the settlement code presented by the customer as settlement information via a code reader, and when the selected settlement means is card settlement that requires an input operation by the customer, obtains the card information of the settlement card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer as settlement information via a card reader, stores the settlement information in a storage device, generates settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage device and the settlement amount after the registration of the goods is completed, and transmits the settlement request information to a settlement processing system. A settlement method. A settlement program that causes a computer to execute: (Appendix 10) During the registration of goods to be settled on its own device by a store clerk, the computer accepts the selection of a settlement means from a customer. When the selected settlement means is code settlement, the computer obtains the settlement code presented by the customer as settlement information via a code reader. When the selected settlement means is card settlement that requires an input operation by the customer, the computer obtains the card information of the settlement card presented by the customer and the input information entered by the customer as settlement information via a card reader (acquisition processing); stores the settlement information in a storage device (storage processing); generates settlement request information using the settlement information stored in the storage device and the settlement amount after the registration of the goods is completed (generation processing); and transmits the settlement request information to a settlement processing system (transmission processing). An execution program for a computer. (Appendix A1) During the registration of the goods to be settled in the self-device by the store clerk, when receiving the selection of the payment method from the customer, and when the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, an acquisition means for acquiring payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the payment method; A storage means for storing the payment information; After the registration of the goods is completed, a generation means for generating payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage means and the payment amount; A transmission means for transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system; A payment device comprising the above. (Appendix A2) The cashless payment method that requires a prior operation by the customer is a code payment, and the reader corresponding to the code payment is a code reader. The cashless payment method that requires an input operation by the customer is a card payment that requires input information, and the reader corresponding to the card payment is a card reader. When the selected payment method is the code payment, the acquisition means acquires the payment code presented by the customer using the payment medium as the payment information via the code reader. When the selected payment method is the card payment that requires input information, the card information of the payment card that is the payment medium presented by the customer and the input information input by the customer are acquired as the payment information via the card reader. The payment device according to Appendix A1. (Appendix A3) The payment code is a two-dimensional code. The payment device according to Appendix A2. (Appendix A4) The payment card is a credit card. The input information is the PIN of the credit card. The payment device according to Appendix A2 or A3. (Appendix A5) When the selected payment method is a code-based payment, the acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the remaining balance of the customer's payment in the code-based payment The payment device according to Appendix A2 or A3 (Appendix A6) The acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal held by the customer by analyzing the image captured by the code reader The payment device according to Appendix A2 or A3 (Appendix A7) When the selected payment method is a code-based payment, the generation means generates the payment request information including the payment information including the identification information of the code-based payment and the remaining balance of the customer's payment in the code-based payment, and the payment amount The payment device according to Appendix A2 or A3 (Appendix A8) The storage means temporarily stores the payment information for the current payment and deletes the payment information after the generation of the payment request information The payment device according to Appendix A1 or A2 (Appendix B1) One or more readers corresponding to a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, A payment terminal connected to at least one of the readers, and The payment terminal During the registration of the merchandise to be paid for on the payment terminal by the store clerk, the payment terminal accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer. When the selected payment method is the cashless payment method, an acquisition means acquires payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the payment method, A storage means for storing the payment information, After the registration of the merchandise is completed, a generation means generates payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage means and the payment amount, A transmission means for transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system, and A payment system comprising the same (Appendix C1) The computer While the store clerk is registering the product to be paid for in the store's own device, the store clerk accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer, If the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or input operation by the customer, payment information is obtained from the payment medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the payment method; storing the payment information in a storage device; After the product registration is completed, payment request information is generated using the payment information and payment amount stored in the storage device; transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system; Payment method. (Appendix D1) an acquisition process in which, while the store clerk is registering the product to be paid for in the store's own device, the store clerk accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer, and if the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or input operation by the customer, acquires payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the selected payment method; a storage process for storing the payment information in a storage device; a generation process for generating payment request information using the payment information and the payment amount stored in the storage device after the product registration is completed; a transmission process of transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system; A payment program that causes a computer to execute the above.

[0075] Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Appendices 2 to 7 that are subordinate to Appendix 1 {e.g., device} may be subordinate to Appendices 8 {e.g., system}, 9 {e.g., method}, and 10 {e.g., program} in the same subordinate relationship as Appendices 2 to 7. Some or all of the elements (e.g., configurations and functions) described in Appendices A2 to A8 that are subordinate to Appendix A1 {e.g., device} may be subordinate to Appendices B1 {e.g., system}, C1 {e.g., method}, and D1 {e.g., program} in the same subordinate relationship as Appendices A2 to A8. Some or all of the elements described in any appendix may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means for recording software, systems, and methods.

Explanation of Signs

[0076] 1 Payment device 11 Acquisition unit 12 Storage unit 13 Generation unit 14 Transmission unit 1000 Payment system 100 POS terminal 101 Memory 102 Processor 103 Network interface 104 Touch panel for cashier 105 Keyboard 106 Barcode reader 107 Touch panel for customer 108 Code reader 109 Credit card reader 110 Cash drawer 111 Receipt printer 121 Product registration department 122 Reception department 123 Acquisition unit 124 Storage department 125 Generation unit 126 Transmission unit U1 Cashier U2 Customer 210 Mobile terminal 220 Credit Card 300 Shopping Basket 301 Commodity 302 Commodity 30n Commodity 400 Settlement Processing System 51 Commodity Registration Screen 511 Registered Commodity Display Column 512 Subtotal Button 513 Payment Confirmation Button 52 Payment Method Selection Screen 521 Cash Selection Button 522 Credit Card Selection Button 523 Electronic Money Selection Button 524 Code Settlement Selection Button 525 Other Selection Button 61 Payment Request Information 62 Payment Request Information

Claims

1. During the registration of the merchandise to be settled on the self-device by the store clerk, when receiving the selection of the payment method from the customer, and when the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, acquisition means for acquiring payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via a reader corresponding to the payment method; storage means for storing the payment information; generation means for generating payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage means and the payment amount after the registration of the merchandise is completed; transmission means for transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system; A payment device comprising:

2. The cashless payment method that requires a prior operation by the customer is a code payment, and the reader corresponding to the code payment is a code reader. The cashless payment method that requires an input operation by the customer is a card payment that requires input information, and the reader corresponding to the card payment is a card reader. When the selected payment method is the code payment, the acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the payment code presented by the customer using the payment medium via the code reader. When the selected payment method is a card payment that requires input information, the acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the card information of the payment card that is the payment medium presented by the customer and the input information input by the customer via the card reader. The payment device according to claim 1.

3. The payment code is a two-dimensional code. The payment device according to claim 2.

4. The payment card is a credit card. The input information is the PIN of the credit card. The payment device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. When the selected payment method is a code payment, the acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the remaining payment balance of the customer in the code payment. The payment device according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The acquisition means acquires, as the payment information, the payment code displayed on the mobile terminal held by the customer by analyzing an image captured by the code reader. The payment device according to claim 2 or 3.

7. When the selected payment method is a code-based payment, the generation means generates the payment request information including the payment information including the identification information of the code-based payment and the remaining payment amount of the customer in the code-based payment, and the payment amount. The payment device according to claim 2 or 3.

8. One or more readers corresponding to cashless payment means that require a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, A payment terminal connected to at least one of the readers, and The payment terminal is During the registration of the merchandise to be paid for by the clerk to the payment terminal, accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer, and when the selected payment method is the cashless payment method, obtains payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the payment method, by an obtaining means; A storage means for storing the payment information; A generation means for generating payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage means and the payment amount after the registration of the merchandise is completed; A transmission means for transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system, A payment system comprising the above.

9. A computer During the registration of the merchandise to be paid for by the clerk to the self-device, accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer, When the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, obtains payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the payment method, Stores the payment information in a storage device, Generates payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage device and the payment amount after the registration of the merchandise is completed, Transmits the payment request information to a payment processing system, A payment method.

10. During the registration of the merchandise to be paid for by the clerk to the self-device, accepts the selection of a payment method from the customer, and when the selected payment method is a cashless payment method that requires a prior operation or an input operation by the customer, an obtaining process for obtaining payment information from the payment medium held by the customer via the reader corresponding to the payment method; A storage process for storing the payment information in a storage device; A generation process for generating payment request information using the payment information stored in the storage device and the payment amount after the registration of the merchandise is completed; A transmission process for transmitting the payment request information to a payment processing system, A payment program that causes a computer to execute the above.

Images