POS system, settlement apparatus, purchased commodity settlement method, and purchased commodity settlement program

Abstract

To provide a semi-self POS system characterized in that when a customer forgets to present a coupon and cannot benefit from application of the coupon at a registration apparatus, the customer can benefit from the application of the coupon by himself / herself without intervention of a shop assistant.SOLUTION: A semi-self POS system 1 includes: a server 10 including a first flag which signifies whether a coupon associated with a commodity code can be applied to a commodity of the associated commodity code, and a commodity database DB1 recording commodity information including a discount amount available when the coupon can be applied; a registration apparatus 20 at which a shop assistant U1 registers a commodity which a customer U2 purchases, and which calculates a settlement amount and transmits purchased commodity information including the settlement amount; and a settlement apparatus 30 that can communicate with the server and the registration apparatus and includes a display unit 37 which displays a settlement processing screen image G1 showing the settlement amount received from the registration apparatus, and a barcode reader 35 to be manipulated by the customer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a POS system, a settlement device, a purchase settlement method, and a purchase settlement program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a POS system configured so that a store clerk inputs (and registers) benefits such as coupons presented by a customer during product registration or after closing processing into a registration device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-008686 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the POS system described in the above patent document has a problem in that if a customer forgets to present a coupon and is unable to have the coupon applied at the registration device, the coupon cannot be applied.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a POS system, a payment device, a payment method for purchased goods, and a payment program for purchased goods that allow customers to apply coupons themselves without the intervention of a store clerk, even if the customer forgets to present a coupon and is unable to apply the coupon at the registration device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The POS system of the present disclosure includes: a server having a product database that stores product information, in association with a product code, including a first flag indicating whether a coupon can be applied to the product of the corresponding product code and a discount amount when the coupon can be applied; a registration device in which a store clerk registers products purchased by a customer, calculates a payment amount, and transmits purchased product information including the payment amount; a settlement device capable of communicating with the server and the registration device, the settlement device comprising a display unit that displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount received from the registration device, and a barcode reader that is operated by the customer; The settlement device inquires of the server as to whether the coupon can be applied to the product whose coupon information has been read by the barcode reader and the discount amount, and when it receives the coupon application status and discount amount returned by the server, it displays on the display unit a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

[0007] The settlement device of the present disclosure is A settlement device capable of communicating with a server and a registration device, a display unit that displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount received from the registration device; a barcode reader operated by a customer; The server is queried as to whether or not a coupon can be applied to the product whose coupon information has been read by the barcode reader, and the discount amount. When the server returns a response indicating whether or not the coupon can be applied and the discount amount, the display unit displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

[0008] The purchase payment method of the present disclosure includes: The computer The barcode reader operated by the customer reads coupon information on a product and the server inquires whether the coupon can be applied and the discount amount. When the server returns the coupon application status and the discount amount, the display unit displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

[0009] The purchase product checkout program of the present disclosure includes: A process of inquiring of the server as to whether or not a coupon can be applied to a product whose coupon information is read by a barcode reader operated by a customer, and the discount amount; When the server receives the coupon application status and discount amount returned by the server, the computer executes a process of displaying a settlement processing screen on the display unit including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The present disclosure provides a POS system, a payment device, a payment method for purchased goods, and a payment program for purchased goods that allow customers to apply coupons themselves without the intervention of a store clerk, even if the customer forgets to present a coupon and is unable to apply the coupon at a registration device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a configuration example of a store server 10. [Figure 4] 2 is a configuration example of a registration device 20. [Figure 5] 10 is a configuration example of a settlement device 30. [Figure 6] (a) is an example of the settlement processing screen G1 (before points are applied), and (b) is an example of the settlement processing screen G1 (after points are applied). [Figure 7] 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 11]10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] First, a semi-self-service POS system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a semi-self-service POS system 1. As shown in FIG.

[0015] The semi-self-service POS system 1 is a system in which a store clerk U1 reads a product barcode using a barcode reader (not shown) connected to a registration device 20, and a customer U2 settles the bill (accounts) at a settlement device 30.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the semi-self-service POS system 1 includes a server 10 having a product database DB1 that stores product information, including a coupon flag (an example of a first flag in the present disclosure) corresponding to a product code and indicating whether a coupon can be applied to the product with the corresponding product code, and a discount amount if the coupon can be applied; a registration device 20 that allows a store clerk U1 to register products purchased by a customer U2, calculate a payment amount, and transmit the purchased product information including the payment amount; a checkout device 30 that can communicate with the server 10 and the registration device 20 and that includes a display unit 37 that displays a checkout processing screen G1 including the payment amount (total amount) received from the registration device 20; and a barcode reader 35 that is operated by the customer U2. The semi-self-service POS system 1 is installed in a retail store. The store server 10 may be installed outside the retail store.

[0017] Next, an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1 will be described.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1.

[0019] First, customer U2, who forgot to present a coupon and was unable to receive the coupon at the registration device 20, operates the barcode reader 35 of the settlement device 30 to read the coupon information (barcode) of the product to which the coupon is to be applied (step S1). The coupon information (barcode) is, for example, printed on a coupon ticket held by customer U2 or displayed on a mobile terminal such as a smartphone held by customer U2.

[0020] Next, the settlement device 30 inquires of the server 10 whether or not the coupon can be applied to the product whose coupon information has been read by the barcode reader 35, and the discount amount (step S2).

[0021] Next, when the settlement device 30 receives the coupon applicability and discount amount returned by the server 10, it displays the settlement processing screen G1 on the display unit 37, which includes the settlement amount (total amount) recalculated by deducting the received discount amount (step S3).

[0022] Thereafter, as with a general settlement device, the customer U2 performs normal settlement processing, such as paying the settlement amount (total amount) displayed on the settlement processing screen G1.

[0023] As described above, according to the first embodiment, even if customer U2 forgets to present a coupon and is unable to have the coupon applied at the registration device 20, customer U2 can apply the coupon themselves without going through a store clerk by operating the barcode reader 35 of the settlement device 30 to read the coupon information (barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) of the product to which the coupon is to be applied. This is expected to eliminate congestion caused by rearranging cash registers, reduce the workload of store clerks (employees), and improve service to customers.

[0024] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 is an embodiment that embodies embodiment 1 in more detail.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the semi-self-service POS system 1 includes a store server 10, a registration device 20, and a settlement device 30, which are capable of communicating with each other via a network NW (for example, the Internet).

[0026] First, the store server 10 will be described.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the store server 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] When the store server 10 receives various requests (including inquiries) sent from the registration device 20 or various requests (including inquiries) sent from the settlement device 30, it executes processing according to the request and returns (sends) the processing results to the requesting device.

[0029] 3, the store server 10 includes a storage unit 11, a control unit 12, a memory 13, and a communication unit 14. The store server 10 may be a physical server or a virtual server.

[0030] The storage unit 11 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive or SSD. The storage unit 11 stores a program 11a, a product database DB1 (product master database), a purchase product database DB2 (purchase product information master database), and a member database DB3 (member master database). Note that each database may be provided on an external server (e.g., cloud) rather than on the store server 10.

[0031] The program 11a is a program executed by the control unit 12 (processor).

[0032] Product information, such as product name, unit price, coupon flag, and discount amount, is pre-registered in product database DB1 in association with a product code. The coupon flag is a flag (an example of the first flag of the present disclosure) indicating whether a coupon can be applied to a product with a corresponding product code. In FIG. 3, "1" indicates that a coupon can be applied. Meanwhile, "0" indicates that a coupon cannot be applied. The discount amount indicates the discount amount when a coupon can be applied.

[0033] Purchased item database DB2 stores information about items purchased by customers, such as item code, item name, unit price, coupon flag, and coupon applied flag, associated with the transaction number. The coupon applied flag is a flag indicating whether a coupon has been applied to the corresponding item (an example of a second flag in the present disclosure). In FIG. 3, "Applied" indicates that a coupon has been applied. On the other hand, "Not Applied" indicates that a coupon has not been applied. In addition, although not shown, purchased item database DB2 stores a list of items purchased by each customer, and typically also records (registers) the purchase quantity and total price of each item. Purchased item database DB2 is a database created by registration device 20 when registration of customer purchased items is completed. The recorded content is typically the information printed on the receipt the customer receives at settlement device 20.

[0034] In the member database DB3, member information, for example, member name, available points, and facial image are pre-registered in association with a member code. Available points are the total number of member points awarded according to the settlement amount. The facial image is the facial image of the corresponding member name. Note that "Not registered" in Figure 3 indicates that a facial image of the corresponding member name has not been registered.

[0035] The control unit 12 includes a processor (not shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). There may be one processor or multiple processors. The processor executes the program 11a loaded from the storage unit 11 into the memory 13 (for example, RAM). This enables each function of the store server 10 to be realized. Each function of the store server 10 will be described later.

[0036] The communication unit 14 is a communication device that communicates with the registration device 20 and the settlement device 30 via the network NW.

[0037] Next, the registration device 20 will be described.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the registration device 20.

[0039] The registration device 20 allows a store clerk to register the products purchased by the customer, calculate the payment amount, and transmits purchased product information (account information) including the payment amount to the payment device 30.

[0040] 4, the registration device 20 includes a storage unit 21, a control unit 22, a memory 23, a communication unit 24, and a barcode reader 25. The registration device 20 may be an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0041] The storage unit 21 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive, an SSD, etc. The program 21a is a program executed by the control unit 22 (processor).

[0042] The control unit 22 includes a processor (not shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). There may be one processor or multiple processors. The processor executes the program 21a loaded from the storage unit 21 into a memory 23 (for example, a RAM). This allows each function of the registration device 20 to be realized. Each function of the registration device 20 will be described later.

[0043] The communication unit 24 is a communication device that communicates with the store server 10 and the settlement device 30 via the network NW.

[0044] The barcode reader 25 is a barcode reader operated by a store clerk. The barcode reader 25 is mainly used to read barcodes (or QR codes (registered trademark)) attached to products purchased by customers, coupon information (barcodes or QR codes (registered trademark)) attached to coupons (coupon tickets) presented by customers, and membership information (barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks)) attached to membership cards presented by customers.

[0045] Next, the settlement device 30 will be described.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the settlement device 30.

[0047] The settlement device 30 performs settlement (accounting) for the purchased products according to the customer's operation, based on the purchased product information (accounting information) received from the registration device 20. At that time, the customer performs the settlement operation while checking the settlement processing screen G1 displayed on the display unit 37 of the settlement device 30.

[0048] 5, the settlement device 30 includes a storage unit 31, a control unit 32, a memory 33, a communication unit 34, a barcode reader 35, an imaging unit 36, a display unit 37, and a selection unit 38. The settlement device 30 may be an information processing device such as a personal computer.

[0049] The storage unit 31 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive, an SSD, etc. The program 31a is a program executed by the control unit 32 (processor).

[0050] The control unit 32 includes a processor (not shown). The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). There may be one processor or multiple processors. The processor executes the program 31a loaded from the storage unit 31 into the memory 33 (for example, RAM). This allows each function of the settlement device 30 to be realized. Each function of the settlement device 30 will be described later.

[0051] The communication unit 34 is a communication device that communicates with the store server 10 and the registration device 20 via the network NW.

[0052] The barcode reader 35 is a barcode reader operated by a customer (a customer who forgot to present a coupon and was unable to have the coupon applied at the registration device 20). The barcode reader 25 is mainly used to read coupon information (barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) attached to a coupon (coupon ticket) that the customer forgot to present, and member information (barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) attached to a membership card that the customer forgot to present.

[0053] The imaging unit 36 is an imaging device such as a web camera. The imaging unit 36 captures a facial image including the face of the customer. The communication unit 34 transmits the facial image captured by the imaging unit 36 to the store server 10.

[0054] The display unit 37 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The control unit 32 displays a payment processing screen G1 on the display unit 37 based on the purchased product information (accounting information) received from the registration device 20.

[0055] FIG. 6(a) is an example of the settlement processing screen G1 (before points are applied).

[0056] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the checkout processing screen G1 includes the store where the product was purchased, the date and time of purchase, the transaction number, the product name (purchased product name), the unit price, the coupon application status, the coupon discount amount, and the total amount (payment amount). The coupon application status can be represented by, for example, "○", "-", "◎", or "×". "○" indicates that the product is eligible for the coupon. For example, in FIG. 7(a), an "○" displayed on the same line as the product name "Drink A" indicates that the product is eligible for the coupon. On the other hand, a "-" indicates that the product is not eligible for the coupon. For example, in FIG. 6(a), a "-" displayed on the same line as the product name "Bread B" indicates that the product is not eligible for the coupon. Furthermore, a "◎" indicates that a coupon has been applied. For example, in FIG. 6(a), a "◎" displayed on the same line as the product name "Drink A" indicates that a coupon has been applied to the product name "Drink A". Furthermore, an "×" indicates that a coupon has not been applied. For example, in FIG. 6(a), an "x" displayed on the same line as the product name "salad" indicates that the product name "salad" has not been coupon-applied.

[0057] The selection unit 38 is a means for selecting a product (product name) displayed on the display unit 37 to which a coupon has not been applied, and is, for example, an input device such as a touch panel or a physical key set provided on the display unit 37. The customer operates the selection unit 38 to select a product (product name) displayed on the display unit 37 to which a coupon has not been applied. The rectangular hatched area HT1 in Figure 6(a) indicates that the product name "Salad" has been selected.

[0058] Next, an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1 configured as described above (functions of the store server 10, registration device 20, and settlement device 30) will be described.

[0059] 7 to 12 are sequence diagrams of an example of the operation of the semi-self-service POS system 1. FIG.

[0060] First, the processing in the registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0061] First, a purchase product registration process is performed (Step S10). In the purchase product registration process, a store clerk registers the products purchased by the customer and calculates the payment amount. Specifically, when the store clerk uses the barcode reader 25 to read the barcodes of the products (one or more) purchased by the customer, the registration device 20 registers the products and calculates the payment amount.

[0062] Next, if the customer presents a coupon (step S11: YES), the store clerk operates the barcode reader 25 to read the coupon information (barcode) presented by the customer (step S12).

[0063] Next, the registration device 20 inquires of the store server 10 about whether the coupon can be applied and the discount amount (step S13). This inquiry includes the product code of the product to which the coupon is applied.

[0064] Next, the store server 10 performs a coupon application confirmation process in response to the inquiry (step S14). Specifically, as the coupon application confirmation process, the store server 10 refers to the product database DB1 (step S15) and checks the coupon flag corresponding to the product code of the product to which the coupon is applied. If the coupon flag corresponding to the product code of the product to which the coupon is applied is "1," the store server 10 returns the confirmation result indicating whether the coupon can be applied and the discount amount (the discount amount corresponding to the product code of the product to which the coupon is applied) to the registration device 20 (step S16). Note that the confirmation result indicating whether the coupon can be applied may also check the coupon expiration date, etc., in addition to the coupon flag. On the other hand, if the coupon flag corresponding to the product code of the product to which the coupon is applied is "0," the store server 10 returns the confirmation result indicating that the coupon cannot be applied to the registration device 20 (step S16).

[0065] Next, if the coupon can be applied (step S17: YES), that is, if the confirmation result returned from the store server 10 indicates that the coupon can be applied, the registration device 20 calculates the settlement amount with the coupon applied, that is, the settlement amount minus the discount amount returned from the store server 10 (step S18).

[0066] Next, if the customer presents the membership card together with a declaration that they will use (apply) points (step S20: YES), the store clerk operates the barcode reader 25 to read the membership information (barcode) presented by the customer (step S21).

[0067] Next, the registration device 20 inquires of the store server 10 about whether or not points can be used (step S22). This inquiry includes the member code (member ID).

[0068] Next, the store server 10 performs a point usage availability confirmation process in response to the inquiry (step S23). Specifically, as the point usage availability confirmation process, the store server 10 references the member database DB3 (step S24) and confirms the available points corresponding to the member code. If the available points corresponding to the member code are 1 or more, the store server 10 returns a confirmation result indicating that points can be used to the registration device 20 (step S25). On the other hand, if the available points corresponding to the member code are 0, the store server 10 returns a confirmation result indicating that points cannot be used to the registration device 20 (step S25).

[0069] Next, if points can be used (step S26: YES), that is, if the confirmation result returned from the store server 10 indicates that points can be used, the registration device 20 calculates (recalculates) the settlement amount using the points, that is, the settlement amount deducted by the amount corresponding to the points (step S27).

[0070] Next, registration device 20 transmits purchased product information (account information) including the calculated settlement amount to settlement device 30 (step S28).

[0071] If the customer presents the membership card together with a declaration that he or she will use (accumulate) points, the following steps S30 to S35 are executed instead of the steps S20 to S27.

[0072] That is, when a customer presents a membership card together with a declaration that the customer will use (accumulate) points (step S30: YES), the store clerk operates the barcode reader 25 to read the membership information (barcode) presented by the customer (step S31).

[0073] Next, the registration device 20 sends a point registration request to the store server 10 (step S32). This point registration request includes the member code (member ID) and points according to the settlement amount.

[0074] Next, the store server 10 performs a point registration process in response to the point registration request (step S33). Specifically, as the point registration process, the store server 10 refers to the member database DB3 (step S34), adds points according to the settlement amount to the available points corresponding to the member code, and registers the result. Then, the store server 10 returns the registration result to the registration device 20 (step S35).

[0075] Next, a process to be performed when a customer forgets to present a coupon and is unable to receive the coupon at the registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] First, when the payment device 30 receives the purchased product information (transaction information) sent from the registration device 20 in step S28, it displays the payment processing screen G1 on the display unit 37 based on the purchased product information (transaction information) (step S40). At this time, the payment processing screen G1 includes an indication of the coupon application status (for example, "○", "-", "◎", or "×"; see FIG. 6(a)), so the customer can easily check whether they have forgotten to apply any coupons by visually checking the payment processing screen G1.

[0077] Next, a customer who has forgotten to present a coupon and was unable to receive the coupon at the registration device 20 operates the selection unit 38 to select a product for which no coupon has been applied, which is displayed on the display unit 37. Here, it is assumed that the product name "Salad" shown in Figure 6(a) has been selected as the product for which no coupon has been applied.

[0078] Next, if a product to which a coupon has not been applied is selected (step S41: YES), the customer operates the barcode reader 35 to read the coupon information (barcode) of the product selected in step S41 (step S42).

[0079] Next, the settlement device 30 inquires of the store server 10 about whether the coupon can be applied to the product whose coupon information was read and about the discount amount (step S43). This inquiry includes the product code of the selected product.

[0080] Next, the store server 10 performs a coupon application confirmation process in response to the inquiry (step S44). Specifically, as part of the coupon application confirmation process, the store server 10 references the product database DB1 (step S45) to confirm (obtain) the coupon flag and discount amount corresponding to the product code of the selected product. The store server 10 also references the purchase product database DB2 (step S45) to confirm the coupon application flag corresponding to the product code of the selected product. If the coupon flag corresponding to the product code of the selected product is "1," indicating that the coupon can be applied, the store server 10 returns the confirmation result indicating that the coupon can be applied and the discount amount (the discount amount corresponding to the product code of the selected product) to the settlement device 30 (step S46). On the other hand, if the coupon flag corresponding to the product code of the selected product is "0," indicating that the coupon cannot be applied, the store server 10 returns the confirmation result indicating that the coupon cannot be applied to the settlement device 30 (step S46). Note that products for which a coupon cannot be applied or products for which a coupon has already been applied by the registration device 20 may not be selectable on the settlement processing screen G1. For example, a product to which a coupon cannot be applied or a product to which a coupon has already been applied in the registration device 20 may be made unselectable even if the selection unit 38 is operated.

[0081] Next, if the coupon can be applied (step S47: YES), that is, if the confirmation result returned from the store server 10 indicates that the coupon can be applied, the settlement device 30 calculates (recalculates) the settlement amount with the coupon applied, that is, the settlement amount minus the discount amount returned from the store server 10 (step S48).

[0082] Next, the settlement device 30 displays (updates and displays) the settlement processing screen G1 on the display unit 37 (step S49). Specifically, the settlement device 30 displays the settlement processing screen G1 including the recalculated settlement amount (total amount) on the display unit 37. Figure 7(b) is an example of the settlement processing screen G1 (after points have been applied). At this time, the coupon application status for the product selected by the customer and to which the coupon has been applied is changed from "x" to "◎". Therefore, by visually checking the settlement processing screen G1, the customer can easily confirm that the coupon has been applied. At this time, the coupon application flag in the purchased product database DB2 is also changed from "not yet" to "applied".

[0083] Next, the process when a customer forgets to present his / her membership card and is unable to use (spend) points on the registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0084] First, if a customer forgets to present their membership card and is unable to use (spend) points at the registration device 20, when they want to use points (step S60: YES), they operate the barcode reader 35 to read the membership information (barcode) (step S61).

[0085] Next, the settlement device 30 inquires of the store server 10 whether or not points can be used (step S62). This inquiry includes the member code (member ID).

[0086] Next, the store server 10 transmits an image capture instruction to the payment device 30 (step S63).

[0087] Next, in response to the image capture instruction, the settlement device 30 captures a facial image including the face of the customer using the image capture unit 36 (step S64), and transmits the facial image to the store server 10 (step S65).

[0088] Next, the store server 10 performs face authentication processing (step S66). Specifically, as face authentication processing, the store server 10 references the member database DB3 (step S67) and performs face authentication processing based on the face image corresponding to the member code and the face image received from the settlement device 30. This face authentication processing may be an existing face authentication processing. As a result, if face authentication is successful, the store server 10 returns a confirmation result indicating that points can be used to the settlement device 30 (step S68). On the other hand, if face authentication is not successful, the store server 10 returns a confirmation result indicating that points cannot be used to the settlement device 30 (step S68).

[0089] Next, if points can be used (step S69: YES), that is, if the confirmation result returned from the store server 10 indicates that points can be used, the settlement device 30 calculates (recalculates) the settlement amount using the points, that is, the settlement amount deducted by the amount corresponding to the points (step S70).

[0090] Next, the settlement device 30 displays (updates and displays) the settlement processing screen G1 on the display unit 37 (step S71). Specifically, the settlement device 30 displays the settlement processing screen G1 including the recalculated settlement amount (total amount) on the display unit 37. By visually checking the settlement processing screen G1 including the recalculated settlement amount (total amount), the customer can easily confirm that the points have been used.

[0091] Next, the process when a customer forgets to present his / her membership card and is unable to use (accumulate) points on the registration device 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0092] First, if a customer who has forgotten to present their membership card and was unable to use (accumulate) points at the registration device 20 wishes to accumulate points (step S80: YES), they operate the barcode reader 35 to read the membership information (barcode) (step S81).

[0093] Next, the settlement device 30 makes a point registration request to the store server 10 (step S82). This point registration request includes the member code (member ID).

[0094] Next, the store server 10 transmits an image capture instruction to the payment device 30 (step S83).

[0095] Next, in response to the image capture instruction, the settlement device 30 captures a facial image including the face of the customer using the image capture unit 36 (step S84), and transmits the facial image to the store server 10 (step S85).

[0096] Next, the store server 10 performs face authentication processing (step S86). Specifically, the store server 10 references the member database DB3 (step S87) and performs face authentication processing based on the face image corresponding to the membership code and the face image received from the settlement device 30. This face authentication processing may be an existing face authentication processing. As a result, if face authentication is successful (step S88: YES), the store server 10 performs point registration processing (step S89). Specifically, the store server 10 references the member database DB3 (step S90) and adds points corresponding to the settlement amount to the available points corresponding to the membership code and registers the points. Then, as a registration result, the store server 10 returns a point registration completion notice to the settlement device 30 (step S91). On the other hand, if face authentication is not successful (step S88: YES), the store server 10 returns a point registration failure notice to the settlement device 30 (step S91).

[0097] Thereafter, as with a general payment device, the customer performs normal payment processing, such as paying the payment amount (total amount) displayed on the payment processing screen G1 (step S92).

[0098] As explained above, according to the second embodiment, even if a customer forgets to present a coupon and is unable to have the coupon applied at the registration device 20, the customer can operate the barcode reader 35 of the settlement device 30 to read the coupon information (barcode) of the product to which the coupon is to be applied, thereby enabling the customer to apply the coupon themselves without going through a store clerk. This is expected to alleviate congestion caused by rearranging cash registers, reduce the workload of store clerks (employees), and improve service to customers.

[0099] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, even if a customer forgets to present their membership card and is unable to use (spend or accumulate) points at the registration device 20, the customer can use (spend or accumulate) points themselves without going through a store clerk by operating the barcode reader 35 of the settlement device 30 to read the member information (barcode). This is expected to eliminate congestion caused by rearranging cash registers, reduce the workload of store clerks (employees), and improve service to customers.

[0100] In the above examples, the program includes instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, 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 technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium includes electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 1. Semi-self POS system 10...Store server (server) 11...Storage section 11a…Program 12...Control unit 13...Memory 14…Communications Department 20...Registration device 21...Storage section 21a…Program 22...Control unit 23...Memory 24…Communications Department 25...Barcode reader 30…Payment device 31...Storage section 31a…Program 32...Control unit 33...Memory 34…Communications Department 35...Barcode reader 36...imaging unit 37…Display section 38...Selection section DB1...Product database DB2...Purchase product database DB3...membership database G1: Settlement processing screen HT1...Hatched area NW...Network U1...Store clerk U2…Customer

Claims

1. a server having a product database that stores product information, in association with a product code, including a first flag indicating whether a coupon can be applied to the product of the corresponding product code and a discount amount when the coupon can be applied; a registration device in which a store clerk registers products purchased by a customer, calculates a payment amount, and transmits purchased product information including the payment amount; a settlement device capable of communicating with the server and the registration device, the settlement device comprising a display unit that displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount received from the registration device, and a barcode reader that is operated by the customer; The settlement device inquires of the server as to whether the coupon can be applied to the product whose coupon information has been read by the barcode reader and the discount amount, and when the server returns the coupon application status and discount amount, the POS system displays on the display unit a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

2. The POS system of claim 1, wherein the server further has a member database that records available points and facial images in association with a member code, and adds points according to the settlement amount to the available points corresponding to the member code of the member whose membership information is read by the barcode reader and registers them.

3. The settlement device further includes an imaging unit, and when the member information is read by the barcode reader, the settlement device issues a point registration request to the server, The POS system of claim 2, wherein the server, in response to the point registration request, acquires a facial image of the customer captured by the imaging unit, performs facial recognition processing based on the facial image corresponding to the member code of the member whose membership information is read by the barcode reader and the acquired facial image, and if authentication is successful, adds points corresponding to the settlement amount to the available points corresponding to the member code and registers them.

4. The server further includes a purchased product database in which a product code and a second flag indicating whether a coupon has been applied or not are recorded in association with a transaction number, and The POS system described in claim 1, wherein the server, in response to an inquiry from the checkout device, refers to the purchased item database, checks the second flag, and if the second flag indicates that a coupon can be applied, returns to the checkout device that the coupon can be applied and the discount amount.

5. 2. The POS system according to claim 1, wherein the checkout screen includes a display showing the coupon application status of each product purchased by the customer.

6. A settlement device capable of communicating with a server and a registration device, a display unit that displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount received from the registration device; a barcode reader operated by a customer; The settlement device queries the server as to whether a coupon can be applied to a product whose coupon information has been read by the barcode reader and the discount amount, and when the server returns a response indicating whether the coupon can be applied and the discount amount, displays a settlement processing screen on the display unit that includes a settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

7. The computer A payment method for purchased goods in which a customer inquires of a server about whether a coupon can be applied to a product whose coupon information has been read by a barcode reader operated by the customer, and about the discount amount, and when the server returns the coupon application status and the discount amount, the display unit displays a payment processing screen including a recalculated payment amount obtained by deducting the received discount amount.

8. A process of inquiring of the server as to whether or not a coupon can be applied to a product whose coupon information is read by a barcode reader operated by a customer, and the discount amount; When the server receives the coupon application status and discount amount returned by the server, the display unit displays a settlement processing screen including the settlement amount recalculated by deducting the received discount amount.

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