Settlement device, computer program, and method for controlling settlement device

Abstract

To ensure even customers unfamiliar with an operation can complete the settlement correctly.SOLUTION: A settlement device 11 includes: first settlement means 114 for performing first settlement using a settlement medium; second settlement means 113 for performing second settlement by a method different from the first settlement means; and notification means 111 for providing a notification when the settlement medium is about to be used with the first settlement means while settlement processing by the second settlement means is selected. The settlement medium is a credit card, and the second settlement means is cash.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a payment device used in retail stores such as supermarkets to perform payment processing for purchased items, a computer program, and a method for controlling the payment device. [Background technology]

[0002] Due to labor shortages and rising labor costs, stores are introducing POS (Point of Sales) systems that allow customers to register products and process payments themselves. In this regard, a transaction processing device has been proposed that includes a card payment permission means that permits card payment when the result of personal authentication by the personal authentication means is positive (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5153851 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a payment device that can encourage even customers who are unfamiliar with the operation to make payments appropriately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the settlement device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first payment means for making a first payment using a payment medium, a second payment means for making a second payment using a method different from the first payment means, and an alarm means for notifying when the payment medium is about to be used by the first payment means when payment processing using the second payment means is selected. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing the overall appearance of a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a functional block diagram showing functions of a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 2 is a process flow diagram showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the settlement device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, a settlement device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] ●Payment device 11 The settlement device 11 is a device that accepts user operations and executes payment processing for products and the like.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the settlement device 11 has an arithmetic device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, and memory devices such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, and thereby has functional units consisting of a display unit 111, a reading unit 112, a change slip unit 113, a settlement unit 114, a printing unit 115, an alarm unit 116 and an imaging unit 117.

[0010] The display unit 111 is a functional unit for displaying various product data such as the name and price of the product to be purchased by the customer, or the total price of the registered products, as well as a reception screen for receiving input of the payment method, and is realized by a liquid crystal display, etc. In this embodiment, the display unit 111 is a touch panel that allows data input, and operations and information input from the customer can be received via the display unit 111. The display unit 111 is an example of the notification means in the claims.

[0011] The reading unit 112 is a functional unit for reading various data, and is realized by a scanner or the like that reads codes such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes attached to products in which information about the products is coded. The reading unit 112 is equipped with a light, and turns on the light when reading the code attached to the product.

[0012] The reading unit 112 can also read the user's code payment information (so-called CPM, Consumer Presented Mode). The reading unit 112 turns on a light when prompting the user to present code payment information to the reading unit 112. That is, for example, the light turns on when the user selects code payment as the payment method. The light does not turn on when a payment method that does not use the reading unit 112 is selected. However, when a payment method that does not use the reading unit 112 is selected, the light is not turned on while accepting payment-related operations from the user, but the reading unit 112 is still able to read the code. With this configuration, even if the user presents code payment information to the reading unit 112 even though they have not selected code payment, this can be properly detected and the user can be notified. In FIG. 1, the reading unit 112 is configured as a stationary scanner that holds the product over the reading surface, but instead of this, or in addition to this, a handheld scanner may be provided.

[0013] The change tag unit 113 is a functional unit that enables cash payment for merchandise. This change tag unit 113 has physical mechanisms such as a coin slot, a coin dispensing outlet, a bill slot, and a bill dispensing outlet, and accepts money inserted by a customer, counts the money inserted, and dispenses change according to the amount of the transaction. The change tag unit 113 is provided with a detection unit that detects the insertion of coins and bills. The detection unit may be any suitable configuration that can detect the presence of an object, such as an infrared sensor.

[0014] The settlement unit 114 is a functional unit that enables settlement processing other than cash payment, that is, non-cash settlement. The payment unit 114 can execute payments using a predetermined payment medium. Here, the payment medium is, for example, a credit card, an electronic money card, a debit card, etc. The payment unit 114 has an insertion slot into which the payment medium can be inserted. The payment unit 114 also has a display unit 114a that provides detailed operating instructions for payment. The display unit 114a can automatically adjust the brightness of the screen, and can also attract the user's attention by illuminating the screen.

[0015] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to a payment method that requires the insertion of a payment medium, the payment unit 114 may accept payment by an appropriate reading operation. The payment unit 114 may accept, for example, payment by credit card swipe, payment by electronic money swipe, or payment by code payment (so-called MPM, Merchant Presented Mode) in which payment is made by reading a code displayed on the payment unit 114 with a user's terminal.

[0016] Display unit 114a lights up when, for example, a payment method is selected by payment unit 114. Display unit 114a may be turned off when a payment method that does not use payment unit 114 is selected. In particular, display unit 114a lights up in the case of credit card payment, electronic money payment, or code payment in which a code is read by a user terminal, and turns off in the case of cash payment or payment by inserting a credit card, thereby indirectly informing the user of the operation associated with the payment method.

[0017] The payment unit 114 has a detection unit that detects that a payment medium is about to be used. The detection unit has, for example, an insertion detection unit that detects that a payment medium is inserted into the card insertion slot, and a touch detection unit that detects that the payment medium has been touched to the payment unit 114.

[0018] The insertion detection unit may be an appropriate configuration capable of detecting the presence of an object, such as an infrared sensor. The insertion detection unit is energized at least while accepting payment from the user and is in a detectable state, or so-called on state, regardless of the payment method selected by the user. With this configuration, even if the user selects a payment method that does not use the card insertion slot of the payment unit 114, i.e., cash payment or code payment, it is possible to detect a payment medium inserted into the card insertion slot of the payment unit 114.

[0019] The touch detection unit is energized at least while accepting payment from the user, and detects a credit card or electronic money touched to the payment unit 114 regardless of the payment method selected by the user. The touch detection unit may be capable of determining the type of payment medium touched. With this configuration, even if different payment methods are selected, it is possible to determine which payment method the touch operation is associated with.

[0020] Alternatively, or in addition to the above configuration, the detection unit may be configured to analyze an image or video captured by a camera to detect an operation corresponding to the payment method the user is about to perform. The detection unit may also detect that the user is about to make a payment with a credit card or electronic money by detecting the credit card or electronic money via short-range wireless communication. This configuration allows the detection unit to be added externally, eliminating the need to modify the payment unit 114 and simplifying the configuration.

[0021] The payment unit 114 may be configured as a single device that can support multiple payment methods, or may be configured as multiple devices that can each support different payment methods. In this explanation, it has been explained that the payment code displayed on the user's terminal is read by the reading unit 112, and that credit card touch payment and electronic money touch payment are performed by the payment unit 114, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and credit card touch payment and electronic money touch payment may be configured as physically different devices, and payment code reading may also be performed by the payment unit 114.

[0022] The settlement unit 114 is an example of a first settlement means in the claims. The change / change unit 113 and the settlement unit 114 are an example of a second settlement means in the claims. The multiple settlement means provided in the settlement unit 114 may be the first settlement means and the second settlement means, respectively. Furthermore, the reading unit 112 may be an example of a second payment means in the claims.

[0023] The printing unit 115 is a functional unit that issues a receipt after the customer has completed the transaction. This printing unit 115 is implemented by a receipt printer or the like, and in this case, prints the transaction details on a predetermined paper medium such as thermal paper and ejects it from the receipt issuing slot.

[0024] The notification unit 116 is a functional unit for notifying a store clerk or the like of a predetermined situation in accordance with the situation, such as the execution of a predetermined data process or the occurrence of an error. In Fig. 1, the notification unit 116 is configured as a lamp such as a sign pole that emits light in a color according to the situation, but it can also be configured in other ways, such as a buzzer that emits a sound according to the predetermined situation.

[0025] The imaging unit 117 is a functional unit for monitoring the customer's product scanning operation, and is realized by a CCD camera or the like, and captures an image of a predetermined position, such as the position where the product scanning operation is performed. This makes it possible to appropriately use information output from the packaging material supply device 12, and to prevent the transaction from being completed without the product being registered due to a mistake in the product scanning operation or fraudulent product registration. The imaging unit 117 may also realize the function of the detection unit described above.

[0026] In addition, the settlement device 11 may be appropriately equipped with functional units for product registration processing, accounting processing, or management of these processes, such as a product information storage unit that stores data such as product prices, a customer information storage unit that stores information on member customers, etc., a clerk information storage unit that stores clerk information such as clerk identification information, a history storage unit that stores processing history, a registration processing unit that registers products purchased by customers as products subject to accounting processing, and an accounting processing unit that executes accounting processing for registered products. These functional units may be provided externally or on a higher-level server or the like to form a settlement system, and the settlement device 11 may refer to and display the data and processing results stored in these functional units. The settlement system may include multiple settlement devices 11.

[0027] Additionally, when operating as a browser function on a computer terminal or a thin client terminal, it may be a server program that communicates with a cloud service or an in-house application server. For example, it may be configured to provide functions to a client terminal such as a tablet POS via a cloud service. This type of configuration is also known as Web-POS, and specifically, using a so-called thin client system or a web client system that web-hosts applications, some or all of the functions performed by a client terminal such as a tablet POS are executed by a server device. In this case, the client terminal may be held by the customer, and a series of processes may be completed without the intervention of a store clerk or a store terminal.

[0028] ●Function block of settlement device 11 The settlement device 11 comprises functional blocks of a payment method acceptance unit, a payment control unit, and a notification control unit, which are configured using a calculation unit such as a CPU 101 and a storage device such as a RAM 103, as shown in Figure 2. Note that some or all of the functional units may be implemented in a higher-level device connected via a wired or wireless connection. The higher-level device may be, for example, a server or a cloud computer.

[0029] The payment method acceptance unit is a functional unit that accepts the selection of a payment method from the user. For example, when the registration process for the product to be purchased by the user is completed in the connected registration device, the payment method acceptance unit displays a payment method acceptance screen G1 (see FIG. 3) on the display unit 111 and accepts the selection of the payment method. For example, the payment methods presented include cash payment, credit card, electronic money, point payment, and barcode payment.

[0030] The payment control unit is a functional unit that controls the reading unit 112, the change slip unit 113, or the payment unit 114, and accepts payment using the selected payment method. For example, the payment control unit appropriately performs inquiry processing with an external server and executes payment using the selected payment method.

[0031] The payment control unit may appropriately control settlement device 11 to allow the user to perform an operation corresponding to the selected payment method. For example, the payment control unit may cause display unit 111 to display instructions for the payment operation corresponding to the accepted payment method. 4 shows an example of screen G2 that is displayed when cash is selected as the payment method. Screen G2 displays a message indicating that cash payment has been selected and an illustration showing cash payment. The illustrations include, for example, an illustration of the settlement device 11 and an enlarged illustration of the change section 113.

[0032] The payment control unit also controls different components depending on the selected payment method. For example, when the payment control unit receives a selection of cash payment, it opens the shutter of the change unit 113, making it ready to accept cash. In this case, when a banknote is detected in the banknote slot of the change unit 113, it executes an operation to take the banknote into the settlement device 11. In this case, when a coin is detected in the coin slot of the change unit 113, it executes an operation to take the coin into the settlement device 11.

[0033] When the payment control unit receives a selection of a payment method for which payment processing is to be executed by reading unit 112, it may turn on the scanner light of reading unit 112. Furthermore, when the payment control unit receives a selection of a payment method for which payment processing is to be executed by payment unit 114, it may turn on the screen of payment unit 114. With this configuration, it is possible to guide the user to perform an operation in accordance with the selected payment method.

[0034] The payment control unit may appropriately control settlement device 11 to prevent operations other than those for the selected payment method. For example, when the payment control unit accepts the selection of cash payment, it may turn off the light of reading unit 112 or turn off the screen of payment unit 114. When the payment control unit accepts the selection of a payment method for which payment processing is executed by payment unit 114, it may close the shutter of change unit 113. Furthermore, when the payment control unit accepts the selection of a payment method for which payment processing is executed by payment unit 114, it may not perform the operation of taking in banknotes and coins in change unit 113.

[0035] With this configuration, the user can be guided to avoid performing operations that are incompatible with the selected payment method.

[0036] The notification control unit is a functional unit that notifies the user, for example, via the display unit 111. The notification control unit compares the payment method accepted by the payment method acceptance unit with the user's operation detected by a detection unit provided in the change / change unit 113 or the settlement unit 114, and notifies the user if the user's operation does not correspond to the accepted payment method. For example, when a payment method that does not use a payment medium is selected and the detection unit of the settlement unit 114 detects that a payment medium is about to be used, the notification control unit notifies the user via the display unit 111. An example of a payment method that does not use a payment medium is cash payment. More specifically, when a payment method that does not use a payment medium is selected and the detection unit detects that a payment medium is inserted into the settlement unit 114, the notification control unit notifies the user. The user is notified, for example, by displaying a warning screen G3 (see FIG. 5) as a pop-up screen on the display unit 111. The warning screen G3 shown in Figure 5 notifies the user that cash payment has been selected and that an operation corresponding to payment by credit card is being performed. If "Back" is selected on the warning screen G3, the warning screen G3 disappears and the screen G2 is displayed, prompting the user to pay by cash again.

[0037] With this configuration, if the user performs an operation that does not correspond to the selected payment method, the user can be appropriately notified of this. In particular, users who are unfamiliar with the operation, users who do not realize that they pressed the wrong button, or users who have difficulty understanding the displayed language may attempt to make a payment using a payment method other than the one they selected. In this case, for example, they may insert a credit card into the card slot even though they selected cash payment. Without the above-described notification control, inserting a credit card into the card slot results in no reaction and no error notification, leaving the user confused and unable to proceed with the payment. Furthermore, this may be difficult even for a store clerk at the store where the user is attempting to make the payment. In this regard, the above-described configuration allows for appropriate notification, thereby guiding the user to make the appropriate payment despite the incorrect operation.

[0038] Furthermore, if the user's operation does not correspond to the accepted payment method, the notification control unit may display a selection screen that prompts the user to select whether or not to switch to a payment method that corresponds to the user's operation. More specifically, for example, if a payment method that does not use a payment medium is selected and payment using a payment medium is about to be used, the notification control unit may display a selection screen G4 (see FIG. 6) that prompts the user to select whether or not to switch to payment using a payment medium. The display of the selection screen G4 is another example of a notification by the notification control unit. This configuration allows for easy switching to a payment method that matches the user's operation.

[0039] The notification control unit may issue a notification by voice via a speaker, or by turning on a lamp in notification unit 116. In addition to notifying the user via display unit 111, the notification control unit may also issue a notification via an external device connected to settlement device 11. The external device may be, for example, a POS terminal, a connected registration machine, or a so-called assist monitor. The external device may be, for example, a device that can be checked by a store clerk or manager, and may be installed in the back yard or remotely.

[0040] The payment control unit may extract a payment method corresponding to the user's operation and execute the payment using that payment method. In this case, the notification control unit may execute the payment after displaying for a predetermined time that an operation other than the selected payment method has been performed. In other words, even if payment using payment unit 114 is selected, if the change unit 113 detects that cash has been inserted, the cash may be taken in and the payment may be executed using cash.

[0041] The payment control unit may transition the display on the display unit 111 to the payment method acceptance screen G1 if payment is not made within a predetermined time after the user selects a payment method. This configuration allows the user to quickly return to the reselection operation even if the user has selected the wrong payment method. Furthermore, in a mode in which a code is displayed on the display unit 114a of the payment unit 114 and payment is made by reading it with the user's terminal, the settlement device 11 cannot detect the operation of the user's terminal, and therefore cannot detect that the user is attempting to make payment with the wrong payment method. In this regard, the above-mentioned configuration allows the user to quickly return to the reselection operation. The payment control unit may automatically change the payment method to one corresponding to the user's operation. In this case, the notification control unit also causes the display unit 111 to display a message indicating that the payment method will be changed.

[0042] ●Processing flow An example of the flow of processing executed by the settlement device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 7. This example shows the processing flow when cash is accepted as a payment method and insertion of a payment medium is detected.

[0043] First, the payment method acceptance unit accepts the selection of "cash" as the payment method (step S1). The change unit 113 starts detecting the insertion of cash. When the insertion of cash is detected (Y in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3, where the payment control unit executes the payment.

[0044] In step S2, if insertion into the change unit 113 is not detected (N in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4, and if the insertion detection unit of the settlement unit 114 does not detect the insertion of a payment medium (N in step S4), the process returns to step S2. If the insertion detection unit of the settlement unit 114 detects the insertion of a payment medium (Y in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5, and the user is notified by displaying a message on the display unit 111, for example.

[0045] Another example of the processing flow will be described below. If the selected payment method is cash payment The card insertion slot of the settlement unit 114 is closed. In addition, the display unit 114a of the settlement unit 114 goes dark. The light of the reading unit 112 goes out. If the selected payment method is cash payment, when a credit card is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. It also displays a message urging cash payment. The display unit 111 may display a screen that prompts the user to select whether to proceed to credit card touch payment. It may also be possible to display on the display unit 111 a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit executes credit card touch payment.

[0046] When the selected payment method is cash payment and electronic money is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. It also displays a message urging cash payment. The display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to electronic money touch payment. It may also display on the display unit 111 a message indicating that the payment method will be changed, and then the payment control unit executes electronic money touch payment. The display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to electronic money touch payment. It may also display on the display unit 111 a message indicating that the payment method will be changed, and then the payment control unit executes electronic money touch payment.

[0047] If the selected payment method is cash payment, when the scanner of the settlement device 11 reads the code displayed on the user's terminal, the display unit 111 will notify the user of a reading error. It will also display a message urging the user to make a cash payment. The display unit 111 may also display a screen prompting the user to select whether to switch to code payment. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method should be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute the code payment.

[0048] ● If the selected payment method is credit card contactless payment The shutter of the change / change unit 113 is closed. The light of the reading unit 112 is turned off. Also, the display unit 114a of the payment unit 114 is turned on. If the terminal that accepts electronic money touch payment is different from the terminal that accepts credit card touch payment, the light of the electronic money touch payment terminal is turned off. If the selected payment method is credit card tap payment, when a credit card is inserted, the insertion detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. The display unit 111 also displays a screen prompting the user to tap the credit card. The display unit 111 may also display a screen that allows the user to select whether to proceed to payment by inserting a credit card. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute payment by inserting a credit card.

[0049] If the selected payment method is credit card touch payment, when electronic money is touched, the detection unit of payment unit 114 detects this, and display unit 111 notifies a reading error. A display is also displayed encouraging the user to touch the credit card. Display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to electronic money payment. After displaying on display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment. Display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to electronic money touch payment. After displaying on display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment.

[0050] If the selected payment method is credit card touch payment, when the scanner of the settlement device 11 reads the code displayed on the user's terminal, the display unit 111 will notify the user of a code payment reading error. It will also display a message encouraging the user to make a credit card touch payment. The display unit 111 may also display a screen prompting the user to select whether to proceed to code payment. It may also be possible to display a message on the display unit 111 indicating that the payment method will be changed, and then have the payment control unit execute the code payment.

[0051] ● If the selected payment method is electronic money The shutter of the change bill section 113 is closed. Also, the display section 114a of the payment section 114 is turned on. The light of the reading section 112 is turned off. If the terminal that accepts electronic money touch payment is different from the terminal that accepts credit card touch payment, the light of the credit card touch payment terminal is turned off. If the selected payment method is electronic money, when a credit card is inserted, the detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. The display unit 111 also displays a screen prompting the user to touch the electronic money. The display unit 111 may also display a screen prompting the user to select whether to proceed to payment by inserting a credit card. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute payment by inserting a credit card.

[0052] If the selected payment method is payment by electronic money, when a credit card is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. The display unit 111 also displays a screen prompting the user to touch the electronic money. The display unit 111 may also display a screen that allows the user to select whether to proceed to credit card touch payment. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute credit card touch payment.

[0053] If the selected payment method is payment by electronic money, when the scanner of the settlement device 11 reads the code displayed on the user's terminal, the display unit 111 will notify the user of a code payment reading error. It will also display a message encouraging the user to make payment by touching the electronic money. The display unit 111 may also display a screen prompting the user to select whether to switch to code payment. It may also be possible to display a message on the display unit 111 informing the user of the change in payment method, and then have the payment control unit execute payment by reading the code.

[0054] If the selected payment method is code scanning The shutter of the change section 113 is closed. Also, the display section 114a of the payment section 114 is turned off. The light of the reading section 112 is turned on. If the touch payment terminal for credit card or electronic money and the code reading terminal are different, the screen of the touch payment terminal is made dark. If the selected payment method is payment by code reading, when a credit card is inserted, the insertion detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. It also displays a message prompting the user to present the code to the reading unit 112. The display unit 111 may display a screen that prompts the user to select whether to proceed to payment by inserting a credit card. It may also be possible to display on the display unit 111 a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then have the payment control unit execute payment by inserting a credit card.

[0055] If the selected payment method is payment by code reading, when a credit card is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. It also displays a message prompting the user to present the code. The display unit 111 may also display a screen that prompts the user to select whether to proceed to credit card touch payment. It may also be possible to display on the display unit 111 a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit executes credit card touch payment.

[0056] If the selected payment method is payment by code reading, when electronic money is touched, the touch detection unit of payment unit 114 detects this, and display unit 111 notifies a reading error. Also, a display is displayed prompting the user to present the code to reading unit 112. Display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to payment by electronic money. Also, after displaying on display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment. Display unit 111 may display a screen for selecting whether to switch to payment by electronic money by touch. Also, after displaying on display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment.

[0057] When the selected payment method is so-called MPM payment, in which a payment code is displayed on the display unit 114a of the payment unit 114 and read by the user's terminal. The shutter of the change section 113 is closed. In addition, the display section 114a that displays the payment code is turned on. The light of the reading section 112 is turned off. If the touch payment terminal for credit card or electronic money and the code display terminal are different, the screen of the touch payment terminal is made dark. If the selected payment method is a so-called MPM payment, when a credit card is inserted, the insertion detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this and the display unit 111 notifies the user of a reading error. The display unit 111 also displays a screen prompting the user to read the code using their terminal. The display unit 111 may also display a screen prompting the user to select whether to proceed to payment by inserting a credit card. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method should be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute payment by inserting a credit card.

[0058] If the selected payment method is a so-called MPM payment, when a credit card is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. The display unit 111 also displays a screen prompting the user to read the code using their terminal. The display unit 111 may also display a screen that allows the user to select whether to proceed to credit card touch payment. The display unit 111 may also display a message indicating that the payment method is to be changed, and then the payment control unit may execute credit card touch payment.

[0059] If the selected payment method is a so-called MPM payment, when electronic money is touched, the touch detection unit of the payment unit 114 detects this, and the display unit 111 notifies a reading error. Also, a display is displayed to encourage the user to read the code using their terminal. The display unit 111 may display a screen to select whether to switch to electronic money payment. Also, after displaying on the display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment. The display unit 111 may display a screen to select whether to switch to electronic money touch payment. Also, after displaying on the display unit 111 that the payment method will be changed, the payment control unit may execute the electronic money payment.

[0060] If neither of these readings is performed, the screen will transition to the payment method reception screen G1 (see FIG. 3) after a certain period of time has passed.

[0061] As described above, the settlement device according to the present invention can encourage even customers who are unfamiliar with the operation to make payments appropriately. ● Overview of implementation

[0062] The present invention relates to a payment device used in retail stores such as supermarkets to perform payment processing for purchased items, a computer program, and a method for controlling the payment device.

[0063] Due to labor shortages and rising labor costs, stores are introducing POS (Point of Sales) systems that allow customers to register products and process payments themselves. In this regard, a transaction processing device has been proposed that includes a card payment permission means that permits card payment when the result of personal authentication by the personal authentication means is positive (see Japanese Patent No. 5153851).

[0064] An object of the present invention is to provide a payment device that can encourage even customers who are unfamiliar with the operation to make payments appropriately.

[0065] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a settlement device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising a first payment means for making a first payment using a payment medium, a second payment means for making a second payment by a method different from that of the first payment means, and an alarm means for notifying when the payment medium is about to be used by the first payment means when payment processing using the second payment means is selected.

[0066] The payment medium may be a credit card, and the system may further include a detection means for detecting that the credit card is about to be used with the first payment means, and when payment processing using the second payment means is selected, the detection means may detect that the payment medium is about to be used with the first payment means and issue an alert via the alert means.

[0067] The detection means may detect that the payment medium has been inserted into the first payment means.

[0068] The detection means may detect that the payment medium is touching the first payment means.

[0069] If the first payment using the payment medium is about to be used when payment processing using the second payment means is selected, the user may be prompted to make a new selection as to whether or not to switch to the first payment.

[0070] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, another form of the computer program of the present invention is a computer program for controlling a settlement device having a first payment means for making a first payment using a first payment medium and a second payment means for making a second payment by a method different from the first payment means, and causes a computer to execute a notification command for notifying when the payment medium is used for the first payment means when payment processing using the second payment means is selected.

[0071] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a control method for a settlement device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention is a control method for a settlement device that controls a settlement device having a first payment means that makes a first payment using a first payment medium and a second payment means that makes a second payment by a method different from the first payment means, and includes a notification step of notifying when the payment medium is used for the first payment means when payment processing using the second payment means is selected.

[0072] It is possible to provide a settlement device that can encourage even customers who are unfamiliar with the operation to make appropriate payments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Payment system 11 Payment device 101 CPU 102 RAM 103 ROM

Claims

1. a first payment means for making a first payment using a payment medium; a second payment means for making a second payment by a method different from that of the first payment means; a notification means for notifying when the payment medium is about to be used in the first payment means when the payment process using the second payment means is selected; A settlement device comprising:

2. The payment medium is a credit card, further comprising a detection means for detecting that the credit card is about to be used as the first payment means; When the payment processing by the second payment means is selected, if the detection means detects that the payment medium is about to be used in the first payment means, the notification means issues a notification. The settlement device according to claim 1.

3. The detection means detects that the payment medium is inserted into the first payment means. The settlement device according to claim 2.

4. The detection means detects that the payment medium is touched to the first payment means. The settlement device according to claim 2.

5. If the first payment using the payment medium is about to be used when the payment processing using the second payment means is selected, the user is prompted to newly select whether or not to switch to the first payment. The settlement device according to claim 1.

6. A computer program for controlling a settlement device including a first payment means for making a first payment using a payment medium and a second payment means for making a second payment using a method different from that of the first payment means, a notification command to be executed by a computer to notify when the payment medium is used in the first payment means when the payment process using the second payment means is selected; Computer program.

7. A control method for a settlement device that controls a settlement device having a first payment means that performs a first payment using a payment medium and a second payment means that performs a second payment using a method different from the first payment means, a notification step of notifying when the payment medium is used for the first payment means when the payment processing by the second payment means is selected; A method for controlling a settlement device.

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