Settlement device, settlement system, and program

Abstract

To implement non-cash settlement more effectively.SOLUTION: A settlement device communicatively connected to a settlement terminal that executes settlement by using a settlement medium placed or inserted includes: settlement method acceptance means that accepts an operation specifying a settlement method; settlement execution instruction means that instructs the settlement terminal to execute settlement; and determination means that determines whether the settlement medium is placed on or inserted into the settlement terminal. The determination means determines whether the settlement medium is placed on or inserted into the settlement terminal before the settlement execution instruction means instructs the settlement terminal to execute settlement. The settlement execution instruction means instructs the settlement terminal to execute settlement based on the operation specifying the settlement method using the settlement medium accepted by the settlement method acceptance means when the determination means determines that no settlement medium is placed on or inserted into the settlement terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Self-checkout terminals that allow electronic money to be used for non-cash payments are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-257485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in the implementation of non-cash payments.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technology for more suitably implementing non-cash payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a settlement device communicably connected to a payment terminal that executes a payment using a placed or inserted payment medium, the settlement device comprising: a payment method acceptance means that accepts an operation to specify a payment method; a payment execution instruction means that instructs the payment terminal to execute a payment; and a determination means that determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal. wherein the determination means determines whether a payment medium is placed on or inserted into the payment terminal before instructing the payment terminal to execute payment using the payment execution instruction means, and when the determination means determines that a payment medium is not placed on or inserted into the payment terminal, the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute payment based on the payment method acceptance means accepting an operation to specify a payment method using the payment medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a network configuration of a sales system 1. [Figure 2] 1 is a configuration example of a registration and settlement device 11. [Figure 3] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 11. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration settlement device 11 in non-cash payment. [Figure 5] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations between devices in a non-cash settlement of the registered settlement device 11. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations between devices in a non-cash settlement of the registered settlement device 11. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations between devices in a non-cash settlement of the registered settlement device 11. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations between devices in a non-cash settlement of the registered settlement device 11. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of operations between devices in a non-cash settlement of the registered settlement device 11. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of a sales system 1 according to an embodiment. The sales system 1 (also referred to as a sales data processing system) shown in FIG. 1 includes a registration and settlement device 11, a registration and settlement device 21, a registration device 30, a settlement device 41, a transaction status management device 70, and a store controller 80. Each device is communicatively connected via a LAN 19 (which may be wired or wireless). The sales system 1 can be installed in various stores (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, electronics retailers, etc.). The number of devices (terminals) shown in FIG. 1 is an example. For example, although "..." is shown to the right of the registration and settlement device 11 in FIG. 1, the number of registration and settlement devices 11 may be one or more.

[0009] The sales system 1 provides services in a manner in which the customer registers the product and pays for it (so-called full-self service), and services in a manner in which the store clerk registers the product and the customer pays for it (so-called semi-self service).

[0010] As will be described in more detail below, the sales system 1 effectively prevents inappropriate situations (accidents) such as non-cash payments being made using another customer's payment medium (for example, an electronic money card that the other customer forgot to take home).

[0011] (Registration settlement device 11) The registration and settlement device 11 is a registration and settlement device (full-self device) that has a display unit for customers (display unit 103 (described later)), a registration unit (scanner unit 105 (described later)), a payment unit (change dispenser 120 (described later), payment terminal 130 (described later)) and the like on the front side, and registers products based on customer operations and settles payments based on customer operations.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the registration and settlement device 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the registration and settlement device 11 includes a CPU 101, a memory unit 102, a display unit 103, a scanner unit 105, a printer unit 108, an audio output unit 113, a communication unit 114, a camera 115, a light-emitting unit 116, a change dispenser 120, and a payment terminal 130. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. The registration and settlement device 11 may further include a sensor (such as a human presence sensor) that detects the presence of a person. The registration and settlement device 11 may further include a display unit for store clerks on the back side.

[0013] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration and settlement device 11 by reading and executing programs stored in the memory unit 102. The memory unit 102 stores various information (for example, information referenced or generated by the CPU 101, information obtained from the outside, etc.). The memory unit 102 is a collective term for one or more various storage components (for example, memory or storage, such as RAM, ROM, hard disk, SSD (Solid State Drive), etc.).

[0014] The display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (touch panel) that displays various information to the customer and accepts operations from the customer. The scanner unit 105 scans various codes to read information. For example, the scanner unit 105 scans a code attached to a product and reads the product code (JAN code, etc.). The scanner unit 105 also scans a code attached to a point card (membership card) and reads customer identification information (membership identification information).

[0015] The printing unit 108 prints various media (receipts, invoices, coupons, etc.) and issues them from the media outlet. A sensor detects the removal of the media from the media outlet. The audio output unit 113 outputs, for example, a confirmation sound, a warning sound, audio guidance, etc.

[0016] The communication unit 114 transmits and receives various information. The communication unit 114 includes a communication unit 114A that is responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with the payment terminal 130, and a communication unit 114B that is responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with each device within the LAN 19. The communication unit 114B transmits transaction information (information after payment is completed) to the store controller 80, for example.

[0017] The camera 115 is, for example, an imaging unit that captures images of the customer and their operations. The light emitting unit 116 notifies various information (such as calling a store clerk or operating status) depending on the light emitting mode. The registration and settlement device 11 may be provided with a sign pole, and the camera 115 and the light emitting unit 116 may be provided on the sign pole.

[0018] The change dispenser 120 is a cash settlement unit that settles with cash. The change dispenser 120 has an input port (deposit port) for banknotes and coins and an output port (withdrawal port) for banknotes and coins, counts the amount of money inserted into the input port, and dispenses change from the output port, which is the difference between the amount inserted and the purchase amount. The removal of banknotes or coins from the output port is detected by a sensor.

[0019] The payment terminal 130 is a non-cash payment unit that accepts payments using non-cash means (e.g., credit, electronic money, etc.). The payment terminal 130 includes a communication unit, an information reading unit, a display unit, and an operation unit. The payment terminal 130 may further include one or more of a memory unit, an information writing unit, and a processing unit.

[0020] The communication unit of payment terminal 130 transmits and receives various information. The communication unit of payment terminal 130 includes a first communication unit responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with communication unit 114A, and a second communication unit responsible for communication (wireless communication) with external devices (such as an electronic money server that executes electronic money payments, a credit server that executes credit card payments, or a point server that executes point payments). Electronic money servers, credit servers, point servers, etc. are collectively referred to as payment servers.

[0021] The information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on a payment medium (e.g., an electronic money card, a credit card, a point card, etc.). Specifically, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on a card by inserting, placing (holding up), or swiping the card. For example, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on an IC card by inserting or placing the IC card. The information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 also reads information stored on a magnetic card by swiping the magnetic card. The information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 may read information stored on a customer's device (e.g., a customer's smartphone, a customer's wearable device, etc.) instead of or in addition to information stored on a card. For example, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 may read information stored on a device by placing the device. In other words, the payment terminal 130 acquires various information using the information reading unit to perform non-cash payment.

[0022] Note that "reading a payment medium" includes cases where information on the inserted, placed, or swiped payment medium can be obtained from the payment medium, as well as cases where information cannot be obtained from the payment medium as a result. For example, "reading an electronic money card" includes cases where information on the electronic money card (e.g., balance information) can be obtained from the electronic money card, as well as cases where information cannot be obtained from the electronic money card as a result.

[0023] The payment terminal 130 may execute non-cash payment using information acquired by the first communication unit instead of or in addition to the information acquired by the information reading unit. For example, the payment terminal 130 may execute non-cash payment (code payment) using information for code payment acquired by the scanner unit 105.

[0024] The display unit of the payment terminal 130 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (touch panel), which displays various information to the customer and accepts operations from the customer. The operation unit of the payment terminal 130 is made up of various keys (buttons) and accepts various operations from the customer. Note that the operation unit of the payment terminal 130 described above may also be referred to as an operation unit, since it accepts operations.

[0025] (Registration and settlement device 10, registration and settlement system 11) Although the payment terminal 130 has been described as one of the components of the registration settlement device 11, the payment terminal 130 may be separate from the registration settlement device 11. Hereinafter, the registration settlement device 11 configured excluding the payment terminal 130 may be referred to as the registration settlement device 10. The configuration within the dashed line frame in Figure 2 shows the configuration of the registration settlement device 10. Furthermore, the registration settlement device 10 and the payment terminal 130 may be collectively referred to as the registration settlement system 11. In terms of external appearance, the payment terminal 130 may be configured integrally as part of the housing of the registration settlement device 10, or may be configured to be externally attached to the registration settlement device 10.

[0026] (Registration settlement device 21) The registration and settlement device 21 has a display unit for the clerk (clerk display unit 204 (described later)) and a registration unit (clerk scanner unit 206 (described later)) on one side (clerk side), and a display unit for the customer (customer display unit 203 (described later)), a registration unit (customer scanner unit 205 (described later)), and a payment unit (change dispenser 220 (described later), payment terminal 230 (described later)) on the other side (customer side opposite the clerk side), and is a registration and settlement device (face-to-face semi-self-service device) that registers products based on the operation of the clerk and settles the payment based on the operation of the customer.

[0027] Although not shown in the figures, the registration and settlement device 21 includes a CPU 201, a memory unit 202, a customer display unit 203, a store clerk display unit 204, a customer scanner unit 205, a store clerk scanner unit 206, a key operation unit 207, a printing unit 208, an audio output unit 213, a communication unit 214, a camera 215, a light emitting unit 216, a change dispenser 220, and a payment terminal 230. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. The registration and settlement device 21 may further include a sensor (such as a human presence sensor) that detects the presence of a person.

[0028] The CPU 201, memory unit 202, printing unit 208, audio output unit 213, communication unit 214, camera 215, light-emitting unit 216, change dispenser 220, and payment terminal 230 provided in the registered settlement device 21 are similar to the CPU 101, memory unit 102, printing unit 108, audio output unit 113, communication unit 114, camera 115, light-emitting unit 116, change dispenser 120, and payment terminal 130 provided in the registered settlement device 11, so some or all of the description will be omitted.

[0029] The customer-side display unit 203 is a display unit for customers that faces the customer side. The customer-side display unit 203 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (touch panel) that displays various information to customers and accepts operations from customers. The store clerk-side display unit 204 is a display unit for store clerks that faces the store clerk side. The store clerk-side display unit 204 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (touch panel) that displays various information to store clerks and accepts operations from store clerks.

[0030] The customer-side scanner unit 205 is a scanner unit for the customer that faces the customer side. For example, the customer-side scanner unit 205 scans a code attached to a point card and reads customer identification information (membership identification information). The customer-side scanner unit 205 may also scan a code attached to a product and read a product code (JAN code, etc.). The store clerk-side scanner unit 206 is a scanner unit for the store clerk that faces the store clerk side. For example, the store clerk-side scanner unit 206 scans a code attached to a product and reads the product code. The store clerk-side scanner unit 206 also scans a code attached to a point card and reads customer identification information.

[0031] The key operation unit 207 is made up of various keys (buttons) and accepts various operations from the store clerk. Note that the above-mentioned customer side display unit 203 and store clerk side display unit 204 may also be called operation units because they accept operations.

[0032] (Registration settlement device 20, registration settlement system 21) Like the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 230 may be separate from the registration settlement device 21. Hereinafter, the registration settlement device 21 configured excluding the payment terminal 230 may be referred to as the registration settlement device 20. Furthermore, the registration settlement device 20 and the payment terminal 230 may be collectively referred to as the registration settlement system 21. In terms of external appearance, the payment terminal 230 may be configured integrally as part of the housing of the registration settlement device 20, or may be configured to be externally attached to the registration settlement device 20.

[0033] The registration and settlement device 21 (registration and settlement device 20) may have a plurality of switchable operating modes. For example, the registration and settlement device 21 (registration and settlement device 20) may have a face-to-face semi-self-service mode in which products are registered based on the operation of a store clerk and the payment is settled based on the operation of a customer, and a full-self-service mode in which products are registered based on the operation of a customer and the payment is settled based on the operation of the customer.

[0034] (Registration device 30) The registration device 30 has a display unit for the clerk (clerk-side display unit 304 (described later)) and a registration unit (scanner unit 306 (described later)) on one side (the clerk side), and a display unit for the customer (customer-side display unit 303 (described later)) on the other side (the customer side, opposite the clerk side), and is a registration device that registers products based on the operation of the clerk. The registration device 30 and the settlement device 41 (settlement device 40) form a semi-self-service device group. In other words, products are registered in the registration device 30, and the products are settled in the settlement device 41 (settlement device 40).

[0035] Although not shown, the registration device 30 includes a CPU 301, a memory unit 302, a customer display unit 303, a store clerk display unit 304, a scanner unit 306, a key operation unit 307, a voice output unit 313, and a communication unit 314. These can communicate with each other via a bus. The registration device 30 may further include a printing unit 308.

[0036] The CPU 301, memory unit 302, and audio output unit 313 provided in the registration device 30 are similar to the CPU 101, memory unit 102, and audio output unit 113 provided in the registration and settlement device 11, and therefore some or all of the description thereof will be omitted. The customer side display unit 303, clerk side display unit 304, scanner unit 306, and key operation unit 307 provided in the registration device 30 are similar to the customer side display unit 203, clerk side display unit 204, clerk side scanner unit 206, and key operation unit 207 provided in the registration and settlement device 21, and therefore some or all of the description thereof will be omitted.

[0037] The communication unit 314 is responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with each device within the LAN 19. The communication unit 314 transmits transaction information (product registration information) to the settlement device 41 (settlement device 40) (either via the store controller 80 or without via the store controller 80).

[0038] (Payment device 41) The settlement device 41 has a customer display unit (display unit 403 (described later)) and a settlement unit (change dispenser 420 (described later), settlement terminal 430 (described later)) on the front side, and is a settlement device that settles payments based on customer operations. The registration device 30 and settlement device 41 form a semi-self-service device group.

[0039] Although not shown in the figures, the settlement device 41 includes a CPU 401, a memory unit 402, a display unit 403, a scanner unit 405, a printer unit 408, an audio output unit 413, a communication unit 414, a camera 415, a light emitter 416, a change dispenser 420, and a payment terminal 430. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. The settlement device 41 may further include a sensor (such as a human presence sensor) that detects the presence of a person. The settlement device 41 may further include a display unit for store clerks on the back side.

[0040] The CPU 401, memory unit 402, display unit 403, scanner unit 405, printing unit 408, audio output unit 413, camera 415, light-emitting unit 416, change dispenser 420, and payment terminal 430 provided in the settlement device 41 are the same as the CPU 101, memory unit 102, display unit 103, scanner unit 105, printing unit 108, audio output unit 113, camera 115, light-emitting unit 116, change dispenser 120, and payment terminal 130 provided in the registered settlement device 10, so some or all of the description will be omitted.

[0041] The communication unit 414 includes a communication unit 414A that is responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with the payment terminal 430, and a communication unit 414B that is responsible for communication (wired or wireless communication) with each device in the LAN 19. The communication unit 414B receives, for example, transaction information (product registration information) sent by the registration device 30, and sends the transaction information (information after payment is completed) to the store controller 80.

[0042] (Payment device 40, payment system 41) Like the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 430 may be separate from the settlement device 41. Hereinafter, the settlement device 41 configured excluding the payment terminal 430 may be referred to as the settlement device 40. Furthermore, the settlement device 40 and the payment terminal 430 may be collectively referred to as the settlement system 41. In terms of external appearance, the payment terminal 430 may be configured as an integral part of the housing of the settlement device 40, or may be configured to be externally attached to the settlement device 40.

[0043] (Transaction status management device 70) The transaction status management device 70 is, for example, a personal computer. The transaction status management device 70 is a device that mainly manages each device in the LAN 19. For example, the transaction status management device 70 communicates with each device in the LAN 19 and monitors the processing status, operating status (operating status), etc. of each device in the LAN 19.

[0044] (Store Controller 80) The store controller 80 is, for example, a server. The store controller 80 communicates with each device within the LAN 19 and with devices outside the LAN 19 (for example, a headquarters server (not shown) and a payment server (not shown)). For example, the store controller 80 receives a product master (product file) and a sale file from the headquarters server and provides them to each device within the LAN 19.

[0045] Sales system 1 may include a mobile terminal 60 (not shown) that registers products based on customer operations at the product sales floor, and a settlement device 51 (not shown) that settles the payment for the products registered by mobile terminal 60. Mobile terminal 60 may be a smartphone owned by the customer or a smartphone loaned by the store. Mobile terminal 60 may be integrated with a shopping card. Similar to settlement device 41, settlement device 51 settles the payment based on customer operations. Similar to settlement device 41, settlement device 51 includes a display unit 503 (not shown), a payment terminal 530 (not shown), etc.

[0046] The mobile terminal 60 displays on its display a settlement code (e.g., a two-dimensional code) that allows the settlement device 51 to acquire the product information (transaction information) registered by the mobile terminal 60 based on the customer's operation to complete product registration. The customer causes the settlement code displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 60 to be read by the scanner of the settlement device 51. By reading the settlement code displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 60, the settlement device 51 acquires the product information registered by the mobile terminal 60 and executes the settlement process based on the customer's operation.

[0047] (Payment device 50, payment system 51) Like the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 530 may be separate from the settlement device 51. Hereinafter, the settlement device 51 configured excluding the payment terminal 530 may be referred to as the settlement device 50. Furthermore, the settlement device 50 and the payment terminal 530 may be collectively referred to as the settlement system 51. In terms of external appearance, the payment terminal 530 may be configured as an integral part of the housing of the settlement device 50, or may be configured to be externally attached to the settlement device 50.

[0048] (Example of display on the registration settlement device 11) Fig. 3 shows examples of displays on the registration settlement device 11. Specifically, Fig. 3(A) to Fig. 3(D) and Fig. 3(F) to Fig. 3(H) are examples of displays on the display unit 103. Fig. 3(E) and Fig. 3(I) are examples of displays on the display unit of the payment terminal 130.

[0049] Before starting a transaction, the registered settlement device 11 displays a transaction start screen as shown in Fig. 3(A) on the display unit 103. The transaction start screen in Fig. 3(A) displays a start button BT02 for starting a transaction, and a message MS03 instructing the user to operate the start button BT02.

[0050] A store clerk call button is displayed at the bottom of the transaction start screen in FIG. 3(A) (similarly for the registration screen in FIG. 3(B)). When the store clerk call button is operated, the registration and settlement device 11 executes a store clerk call process. The store clerk call process includes, for example, one or more of the following: displaying a store clerk call screen (not shown) on the display unit 103 to indicate that a store clerk is being called; illuminating the light-emitting unit 116 in a light-emitting mode to indicate that a store clerk is being called; and sending a store clerk call notification to a device used by the store clerk (for example, the transaction status management device 70, a mobile terminal used by the store clerk (not shown)) to indicate that a store clerk is being called. When a store clerk call process is performed, the process is suspended (progress of the process is suspended) until the store clerk's response (treatment) is completed.

[0051] When the start button BT02 is operated from the transaction start screen of Fig. 3(A), the registration settlement device 11 displays a point card reading screen (not shown) that instructs the user to read a point card (membership card) on the display unit 103. The point card reading screen displays, for example, a message instructing the user to read the point card, an image that guides the user through the point card reading operation, and a no card button that is operated if the user does not have a point card.

[0052] When the registration and settlement device 11 reads a point card using the scanner unit 105 from a point card reading screen (not shown), it acquires customer identification information and displays an initial registration screen (not shown) on the display unit 103. When the no card button is pressed on the point card reading screen (not shown), the registration and settlement device 11 displays the initial registration screen on the display unit 103 without acquiring customer identification information. In this example, it is assumed that the point card is read by the scanner unit 105 from the point card reading screen.

[0053] When the registration and settlement device 11 reads the product code of a product (in this example, the first item, mayonnaise) from an initial registration screen (not shown) using the scanner unit 105, it displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 3(B) on the display unit 103. The registration screen of FIG. 3(B) (as well as the initial registration screen) has a registration information display area AR11 that displays product registration information (purchase quantity, total price, product registration information, etc.). The registration screen of FIG. 3(B) displays a checkout button BT12 that is operated to proceed to checkout (i.e., to end product registration). The bottom of the registration information display area AR11 (between the registration information display area AR11 and the checkout button BT12) notifies the user that the point card (membership card) has been read.

[0054] When the checkout button BT12 is pressed on the registration screen of FIG. 3(B), the registration and settlement device 11 displays a payment method selection screen (settlement method selection screen) as shown in FIG. 3(C) on the display unit 103. The payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C) displays the payment amount and a message instructing the user to select (specify) a payment method (settlement method). The payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C) also displays the following payment method options: cash button, electronic money A button, electronic money B button, C-PAY button, credit card, and points button. Below the points button, the current number of points is displayed. Above the payment amount, a message is displayed indicating that the points card (membership card) has been read.

[0055] When the electronic money A button is pressed on the payment method selection screen of Fig. 3(C), the registered settlement device 11 displays a payment medium reading screen as shown in Fig. 3(D) on the display unit 103, and displays a payment medium reading screen as shown in Fig. 3(E) on the display unit of the payment terminal 130. The payment medium reading screen of Fig. 3(D) displays the payment amount, a message MS31 instructing the user to read the payment medium (in this example, the electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen of Fig. 3(C), and an image GA34 instructing the user to read the payment medium (in this example, the electronic money A card) (in this example, placing the electronic money A card on the payment terminal 130). The payment medium reading screen of Fig. 3(E) displays a message MS131 instructing the user to read the payment medium (in this example, the electronic money A card).

[0056] The registered settlement device 11 reads the payment medium (in this example, the electronic money A card) using the payment terminal 130 from the payment medium reading screen of Figure 3 (D) (payment medium reading screen of Figure 3 (E)), and when the payment process using the payment medium is completed, displays a transaction completion screen (not shown) on the display unit 103 or the display unit of the payment terminal 130.

[0057] When the payment medium is read by the payment terminal 130, the registered settlement device 11 may display a payment processing screen (not shown) on the display unit 103 or the display unit of the payment terminal 130 to indicate that the payment medium has been read or that the payment processing is being executed, and when the payment processing is completed, a transaction completion screen (not shown) may be displayed on the display unit 103 or the display unit of the payment terminal 130. However, the display unit of the payment terminal 130 also serves as a placement unit for placing the payment medium (see image GA34 in Figure 3(D)), and the display unit of the payment terminal 130 is covered by the payment medium while it is placed on it. Therefore, the display content on the display unit of the payment terminal 130 while the payment processing is being executed does not pose any particular problem.

[0058] The following screens in Figures 3(F) to 3(I) are displayed in special situations. For example, the registered settlement device 11 displays the screens in Figures 3(F) to 3(I) when a payment medium is already placed on the settlement terminal 130 before a payment method is selected on the payment method selection screen in Figure 3(C) (before the payment medium reading screen in Figure 3(D) is displayed), or when the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen in Figure 3(C) does not match the payment medium read on the payment medium reading screen in Figure 3(D).

[0059] Figure 3(F) shows a small screen SG1 that pops up on the display unit 103 when a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected on the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(C). When a payment method (e.g., electronic money A, electronic money B) is selected on the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(C) and a payment medium has been placed on the payment terminal 130, the registered settlement device 11 pops up a small screen SG1 such as that shown in Figure 3(F) in front of the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(C) (or the payment medium reading screen of Figure 3(D)). The small screen SG1 may also be referred to as a medium confirmation screen.

[0060] The small screen SG1 in Figure 3 (F) displays a message MS41 informing that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130, a message MS42 confirming whether the payment medium belongs to the customer (principal), a "Yes" button BT43 to be pressed if the payment medium is the customer's own, and a "No" button BT44 to be pressed if the payment medium is not the customer's own (i.e., if it is another customer's payment medium).

[0061] The registered settlement device 11 may display the small screen SG2 of Figure 3(G) instead of the small screen SG1 of Figure 3(F). The small screen SG2 may be called the medium confirmation screen. The small screen SG2 of Figure 3(G) displays a message MS41 informing that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130, a message MS45 instructing the user to remove the payment medium from the payment terminal 130, and an OK button BT46 to be operated when the user agrees to the notification content.

[0062] 3(H) shows a small screen SG3 that pops up on the display unit 103 when the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C) does not match the payment medium read on the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D). The small screen SG3 may also be referred to as a mismatch notification screen. FIG. 3(I) shows a mismatch notification screen that is displayed on the display unit of the payment terminal 130 when the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C) does not match the payment medium read on the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D). When the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C) does not match the payment medium read on the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D), the registered settlement device 11 pops up a small screen SG3 as shown in FIG. 3(H) in front of the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D) and displays a mismatch notification screen as shown in FIG. 3(I) on the display unit of the payment terminal 130.

[0063] The small screen SG3 in Figure 3(H) displays a message MS51 informing the user that the payment medium corresponding to the selected payment method does not match the scanned payment medium, and an OK button BT56 to be pressed when the user agrees to the notification. The mismatch notification screen in Figure 3(I) displays a message MS151 informing the user that the payment medium corresponding to the selected payment method does not match the scanned payment medium.

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of non-cash payment by the registered settlement device 11. At the start of the flowchart in Figure 4, the registered settlement device 11 displays the payment method selection screen in Figure 3(C), and electronic money A is selected as the payment method in step S1.

[0065] Step S1: The registration settlement device 11 determines whether or not a payment method has been selected. If a payment method (electronic money A) has been selected (Step S1: YES), the process proceeds to Step S2. If a payment method has not been selected (Step S1: NO), the process returns to Step S1.

[0066] Step S2: The registered settlement device 11 determines whether a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method was selected on the payment method selection screen of Figure 3 (C). If a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method was selected (Step S2: YES), proceed to Step S3. If a payment medium has not been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method was selected (Step S2: NO), proceed to Step S5.

[0067] Step S3: The registered settlement device 11 determines whether or not a payment medium has been placed on the payment terminal 130. If a payment medium has been placed on the payment terminal 130 (Step S3: YES), the process proceeds to Step S4. If a payment medium has not been placed on the payment terminal 130 (Step S3: NO), the process returns to Step S3.

[0068] Step S4: The registered settlement device 11 determines whether the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 matches (matches type of) the payment medium determined to have been placed in step S3. If they match (step S4: YES), proceed to step S10. If they do not match (step S4: NO), proceed to step S11.

[0069] Step S5: The registered settlement device 11 determines whether the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 matches (matches type of) the payment medium determined to be already placed in step S2. If they match (step S5: YES), proceed to step S6. If they do not match (step S5: NO), proceed to step S12.

[0070] Step S6: The registered settlement device 11 confirms with the customer whether the payment medium that was determined to have been placed on the settlement terminal 130 before the payment method was selected in step S2 is the customer's (principal) payment medium. For example, the registered settlement device 11 displays the small screen SG1 of Figure 3(F) on the display unit 103. Then, proceed to step S7.

[0071] Step S7: The registered settlement device 11 determines whether or not the item is the payment medium for the customer. For example, if the registered settlement device 11 receives operation of the "Yes" button BT43 on the small screen SG1 of FIG. 3(F), it determines that the item is the payment medium for the customer, and if it receives operation of the "No" button BT44 on the small screen SG1 of FIG. 3(F), it determines that the item is not the payment medium for the customer. If it determines that the item is the payment medium for the customer (Step S7: YES), it proceeds to Step S10. If it determines that the item is not the payment medium for the customer (Step S7: NO), it proceeds to Step S12.

[0072] Step S10: The registration settlement device 11 executes the settlement (electronic money settlement) using the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1, and then this flowchart ends.

[0073] Step S11: The registered settlement device 11 notifies the user that the payment medium is not a match. For example, the registered settlement device 11 displays the small screen SG3 of Figure 3(H) on the display unit 103, and displays the mismatch notification screen of Figure 3(I) on the display unit of the payment terminal 130. This flowchart then ends. The registered settlement device 11 resumes processing after the mismatch is resolved. For example, the registered settlement device 11 may resume processing from the point where the user is asked to re-place the payment medium, or from the point where the user is asked to re-select the payment method.

[0074] Step S12: The registration and settlement device 11 executes a store clerk call process. For example, as the store clerk call process, the registration and settlement device 11 executes one or more of the following: displaying a store clerk call screen (not shown) on the display unit 103 to indicate that a store clerk is being called; illuminating the light-emitting unit 116 in a light-emitting manner to indicate that a store clerk is being called; and sending a store clerk call notification to a device used by the store clerk (e.g., the transaction status management device 70, a mobile terminal used by the store clerk (not shown)) to indicate that a store clerk is being called. This flowchart then ends. The registration and settlement device 11 resumes processing after calling the store clerk. For example, after the store clerk checks the payment media determined to be placed in step S2, the registration and settlement device 11 may resume processing from the point where the payment media is re-placed, or from the point where the payment method is re-selected.

[0075] In addition, the registration and settlement device 11 may display the small screen SG2 of Fig. 3(G) in place of the small screen SG1 of Fig. 3(F) in step S6. When the small screen SG2 of Fig. 3(G) is displayed in step S6, the process may proceed to step S10 based on the operation of the OK button BT46 on the small screen SG2.

[0076] Figures 5 to 9 are sequence diagrams showing an example of the operation between devices in non-cash settlement of the registration and settlement device 11. At the start of the sequence diagram of Figure 5 (similar to the sequence diagram of Figure 7 and the sequence diagram of Figure 9), the registration and settlement device 10 is assumed to be displaying the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(C). Note that the sequence diagrams of Figures 5 to 9 will be explained separately for the registration and settlement device 10 and the payment terminal 130.

[0077] First, information transmitted and received between devices will be described in the sequence diagrams of FIGS.

[0078] (Balance reference command) The balance reference command is instruction information that instructs (requests) a reference (response) to the balance of the electronic money card placed on the payment terminal 130. The XX balance reference command is instruction information that instructs a reference to the balance of the electronic money card (electronic money XX card) for electronic money XX placed on the payment terminal 130. The balance reference command is transmitted from the registered settlement device 10 to the payment terminal 130. Upon receiving the balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 can identify the type of payment medium for which reference to the balance is being requested from the balance reference command. In other words, upon receiving the balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 recognizes the type of payment medium for which reference to the balance is being requested.

[0079] The XX balance reference command may include medium type information "XX" of the payment medium for which balance reference is requested. For example, when electronic money A is selected on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C), the registered settlement device 10 transmits an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130, including medium type information "electronic money A" of the electronic money A card. Upon receiving the electronic money A balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 recognizes that a request to reference the balance of the electronic money A card is made based on the medium type information "electronic money A" included in the electronic money A balance reference command. Furthermore, when electronic money B is selected on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(C), the registered settlement device 10 transmits an electronic money B balance reference command to the payment terminal 130, including medium type information "electronic money B" of the electronic money B card. Upon receiving the electronic money B balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 recognizes that a request to reference the balance of the electronic money B card is made based on the medium type information "electronic money B" included in the electronic money B balance reference command.

[0080] (Balance result notification) The balance result notification is response information to the balance reference command and is sent from the payment terminal 130 to the registered settlement apparatus 10.

[0081] When the electronic money card for which a balance reference is requested is placed on the payment terminal 130 (in other words, when an electronic money card is placed on the payment terminal 130 and the placed electronic money card is the electronic money card for which a balance reference is requested), the payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notice (balance information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10. The balance result notice (balance information) includes the balance information of the placed electronic money card. In other words, when the payment terminal 130 receives an XX balance reference command and an electronic money XX card corresponding to the medium type information "XX" specified in the XX balance reference command (the medium type information "XX" included in the XX balance reference command) is placed on the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notice (balance information) including the balance information of the electronic money XX card to the registered settlement apparatus 10 in response to the XX balance reference command.

[0082] When an electronic money card different from the electronic money card for which balance reference is requested is placed on the payment terminal 130 (in other words, when an electronic money card is placed on the payment terminal 130 but the placed electronic money card is not the electronic money card for which balance reference is requested), the payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notice (abnormality information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10. The balance result notice (abnormality information) includes abnormality information indicating that an electronic money card different from the electronic money card for which balance reference is requested is placed on the payment terminal 130 (in other words, when an electronic money card is placed on the payment terminal 130 but the placed electronic money card is not the electronic money card for which balance reference is requested). In other words, when the payment terminal 130 that has received an XX balance reference command has placed on the payment terminal 130 an electronic money card (for example, an electronic money XX card) different from the electronic money XX card corresponding to the medium type information "XX" specified in the XX balance reference command (the medium type information "XX" included in the XX balance reference command) that is different from the electronic money XX card, the payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notice (abnormality information) including abnormality information to the registered settlement apparatus 10 in response to the XX balance reference command.

[0083] If an electronic money card is not placed on the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 130 does not transmit either a balance result notice (balance information) or a balance result notice (abnormal information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10. In other words, if an electronic money card is not placed on the payment terminal 130 that has received a XX balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 does not respond to the XX balance reference command.

[0084] (Result acquisition confirmation notification) The result acquisition confirmation notice is confirmation information that the balance result notice has been received. The result acquisition confirmation notice is sent from the registered settlement device 10 to the payment terminal 130. When the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notice (balance information) or a balance result notice (abnormal information), it sends the result acquisition confirmation notice to the payment terminal 130.

[0085] (Balance reference cancellation instruction) The balance reference cancellation command is instruction information that instructs the cancellation of a balance reference command. The balance reference cancellation command is transmitted from the registered settlement apparatus 10 to the payment terminal 130. If the registered settlement apparatus 10 does not receive a balance result notification (balance information) or a balance result notification (abnormality information) from the payment terminal 130 after transmitting the balance reference command to the payment terminal 130, for example, if the registered settlement apparatus 10 does not receive a balance result notification (balance information) or a balance result notification (abnormality information) within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) set as the waiting time for receiving the balance result notification from the transmission of the balance reference command, the registered settlement apparatus 10 transmits the balance reference cancellation command to the payment terminal 130.

[0086] (Payment execution order) The payment execution command is instruction information that instructs the execution of payment using electronic money. The payment execution command is sent from the registered settlement device 10 to the payment terminal 130, and then sent from the payment terminal 130 to the payment server. The payment execution command includes medium type information (information indicating the type of electronic money selected on the payment method selection screen in Figure 3 (C)) and the payment amount (payment amount).

[0087] (Payment completion notice) The payment completion notice is response information to the payment execution command. The payment completion notice is sent from the payment server to the payment terminal 130, and then sent from the payment terminal 130 to the registered settlement device 10. The payment completion notice includes information that the payment has been completed.

[0088] (Media mismatch notification) The medium mismatch notification is information indicating that the payment medium instructed to execute the payment does not match the payment medium that was read. The medium mismatch notification is sent from the payment terminal 130 to the registered settlement device 10. For example, if the payment medium indicated in the payment execution command (the electronic money card corresponding to the electronic money selected on the payment method selection screen in Figure 3 (C)) does not match the payment medium that was read after receiving the payment execution command, the payment terminal 130 sends the medium mismatch notification to the registered settlement device 10.

[0089] (Sequence diagram in Figure 5) The sequence diagram in Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of a normal situation. Specifically, the sequence diagram in Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram of a case where no payment medium is placed on payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected, electronic money A is selected as the payment method, and the same type of payment medium (electronic money A card corresponding to electronic money A selected as the payment method) is placed on payment terminal 130.

[0090] S101: The registration settlement apparatus 10 accepts the selection of electronic money A. S102: The registered settlement apparatus 10 transmits an instruction to refer to the balance of electronic money A to the settlement terminal 130. S103: Upon receiving the electronic money A balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 displays the payment medium reading screen of Fig. 3(E). Because no electronic money cards (electronic money card A, electronic money card B) are placed on the payment terminal 130, the payment terminal 130 does not send a balance result notification to the registered settlement device 10.

[0091] If the electronic money A card is placed on the card, the payment terminal 130 that receives the electronic money A balance reference command transmits a balance result notice (balance information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10 (step S205 in FIG. 7). If the electronic money B card is placed on the card, the payment terminal 130 that receives the electronic money A balance reference command transmits a balance result notice (abnormality information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10 (step S305 in FIG. 9).

[0092] S104: The registered settlement apparatus 10 does not receive a balance result notification from the payment terminal 130 even after a predetermined time (e.g., 5 seconds) has elapsed, so it sends a balance reference cancellation command to the payment terminal 130. Before a payment method is selected, no payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 (this is a normal state), so the registered settlement apparatus 10 sends a balance reference cancellation command to the payment terminal 130 to allow subsequent processing to proceed. S105: The registered settlement device 10 displays the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D). S106: Upon receiving the balance reference cancellation command, the payment terminal 130 erases the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E).

[0093] S107: The registration settlement apparatus 10 transmits a payment execution command to the payment terminal 130. Specifically, the registration settlement apparatus 10 transmits a payment execution command to the payment terminal 130 instructing the execution of payment using electronic money A. S108: Upon receiving the payment execution command, the payment terminal 130 displays the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E).

[0094] S109: The electronic money A card is placed on the payment terminal 130. Note that the payment terminal 130 may determine that the electronic money A card has been placed on it by reading the electronic money A card in the next step S110. S110: The payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money A card. S111: The payment terminal 130 transmits a payment execution command to the payment server.

[0095] S112: The payment server updates the balance and sends a payment completion notice to the payment terminal 130. S113: The settlement terminal 130 transmits a settlement completion notice to the registered settlement apparatus 10. S114: The payment terminal 130 displays a transaction completion screen (not shown). S115: The registration settlement device 10 displays a transaction completion screen (not shown).

[0096] (Relationship between the flowchart in Figure 4 and the sequence diagram in Figure 5) After the registered settlement device 10 sends an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 (step S102) (within a specified time from sending the electronic money A balance reference command), it does not receive a balance result notification from the payment terminal 130.However, if the registered settlement device 10 does not receive a balance result notification after sending the XX balance reference command, it determines that no payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method is selected (step S2 (NO) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0097] Note that, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may determine that no payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 at a stage before a payment method is selected. For example, if the payment terminal 130 does not read the electronic money card after receiving the electronic money A balance reference command (for example, between receiving the electronic money A balance reference command and receiving the balance reference cancellation command), but does not read the electronic money card after receiving the XX balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 determines that no payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 at a stage before a payment method is selected (step S2 (NO) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0098] If the registered settlement device 10 does not receive a media mismatch notification from the payment terminal 130 after sending the payment execution command, but if the registered settlement device 10 does not receive a media mismatch notification from the payment terminal 130 after sending the payment execution command, the registered settlement device 10 determines that the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 matches the payment medium (electronic money A card) determined to be placed in step S3 (step S4 (YES) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0099] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the settlement terminal 130 may determine that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 matches the payment medium determined to be placed in step S3. For example, after receiving a payment execution command, the settlement terminal 130 reads the payment medium (electronic money A card) indicated in the executed execution command (step S110). However, when the settlement terminal 130 receives a XX balance reference command and reads the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 matches the payment medium determined to be placed in step S3 (step S4 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0100] The payment terminal 130 transmits a payment execution command to the payment server (step S111), and transmitting the payment execution command to the payment server corresponds to the execution of payment (step S10 in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0101] (Sequence diagram in Figure 6) The sequence diagram in Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram of a special situation. Specifically, the sequence diagram in Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for a case where no payment medium is placed on payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected, electronic money A is selected as the payment method, and a different type of payment medium (an electronic money B card different from the electronic money A card corresponding to electronic money A selected as the payment method) is placed on payment terminal 130. Note that the sequence diagram in Fig. 6 shares some parts (steps S101 to S108) with the sequence diagram in Fig. 5. In the sequence diagram in Fig. 6, explanations of the parts common to the sequence diagram in Fig. 5 (steps S101 to S108) will be omitted, and only the parts different from the sequence diagram in Fig. 5 (dashed line P1) will be explained.

[0102] S119: The electronic money B card is placed on the payment terminal 130. Note that the payment terminal 130 may determine that the electronic money B card has been placed on it by reading the electronic money B card in the next step S120. S120: The payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money B card.

[0103] S121: The settlement terminal 130 transmits a media mismatch notice to the registered settlement apparatus 10. S122: The payment terminal 130 displays the mismatch notification screen of FIG. 3(I). S123: The registered settlement device 10 pops up a mismatch notification screen (small screen SG3) of FIG. 3(H) in front of the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D).

[0104] (Relationship between the flowchart in Figure 4 and the sequence diagram in Figure 6) The registered settlement device 10 receives a media mismatch notification from the payment terminal 130 after sending the payment execution command (step S121). However, if the registered settlement device 10 receives a media mismatch notification from the payment terminal 130 after sending the payment execution command, it determines that the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium (electronic money B card) determined to be placed in step S3 (step S4 (NO) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0105] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the settlement terminal 130 may determine that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium determined to be placed in step S3. For example, after receiving a payment execution command, the settlement terminal 130 reads a payment medium (electronic money B card) different from the payment medium (electronic money A card) indicated in the payment execution command (step S120). However, if the settlement terminal 130 reads a payment medium different from the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command after receiving a XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium determined to be placed in step S3 (step S4 (NO) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0106] The payment terminal 130 displays the mismatch notification screen of Figure 3(I) (step S122), and the registered settlement device 10 displays the mismatch notification screen (small screen SG3) of Figure 3(H) (step S123), which corresponds to the notification of a mismatch in the payment medium (step S11 in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0107] (Sequence diagram in Figure 7) The sequence diagram in Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram of a special situation. Specifically, the sequence diagram in Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for the case where a payment medium (electronic money A card) has already been placed on payment terminal 130 before the payment method is selected, electronic money A (i.e., electronic money A corresponding to the electronic money A card already placed on payment terminal 130) is selected as the payment method, and an operation is performed on the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) in Fig. 3(F) to indicate that the payment medium belongs to the customer (principal person) (operation of the "Yes" button BT43).

[0108] S200: The electronic money A card is placed on the payment terminal 130. Note that the payment terminal 130 may determine that the electronic money A card has been placed on it by reading the electronic money A card in step S204 described below.

[0109] S201: The registration settlement device 10 accepts the selection of electronic money A. S202: The registered settlement apparatus 10 transmits an instruction to refer to the balance of electronic money A to the settlement terminal 130. S203: Upon receiving the electronic money A balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 displays the payment medium reading screen shown in FIG. 3(E).

[0110] S204: The payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money A card. That is, the payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money A card that has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before electronic money A was selected. The payment terminal 130 acquires the balance information of the electronic money A card from the placed electronic money A card. The payment terminal 130 may also acquire the balance information of the electronic money A card by inquiring of the payment server. The payment terminal 130 may also acquire the medium type information of the electronic money A card, "electronic money A," from the placed electronic money A card, in addition to the balance information of the electronic money A card.

[0111] S205: The payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notice (balance information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10. That is, because the payment terminal 130 has read the electronic money card A indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command received in step S202 (that is, because the electronic money card A for which balance reference is requested is placed), it transmits the balance result notice (balance information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10.

[0112] S206: The registration settlement apparatus 10 sends a result acquisition confirmation notice to the settlement terminal 130. S207: The registration settlement device 10 displays the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of FIG. 3(F) in front of the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E). S208: Upon receiving the result acquisition confirmation notice, the payment terminal 130 erases the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E).

[0113] S209: The registered settlement apparatus 10 accepts an operation (operation of the "Yes" button BT43) indicating that the payment medium is the customer's (principal) payment medium on the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of FIG. 3(F). S210: The registered settlement device 10, which has accepted the operation indicating that the payment medium is the customer's payment medium, displays the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(D). S211: The registration settlement apparatus 10 transmits a payment execution command to the payment terminal 130. Specifically, the registration settlement apparatus 10 transmits a payment execution command to the payment terminal 130 instructing the execution of payment using electronic money A. S212: Upon receiving the payment execution command, the payment terminal 130 displays the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E). S213: The payment terminal 130 transmits a payment execution command to the payment server.

[0114] S214: The payment server updates the balance and sends a payment completion notice to the payment terminal 130. S215: The settlement terminal 130 transmits a settlement completion notice to the registered settlement apparatus 10. S216: The payment terminal 130 displays a transaction completion screen (not shown). S217: The registration settlement apparatus 10 displays a transaction completion screen (not shown).

[0115] (Relationship between the flowchart in Figure 4 and the sequence diagram in Figure 7) After the registered settlement device 10 sends an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 (step S202) (within a specified time from the sending of the electronic money A balance reference command), it receives a balance result notification (balance information) from the payment terminal 130 (step S205). However, if the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notification (balance result notification (balance information) or balance result notification (abnormal information)) after sending the XX balance reference command, it determines that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method was selected (step S2 (YES) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0116] Note that, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may determine that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected. For example, after receiving an electronic money A balance reference command (e.g., between receiving the electronic money A balance reference command and receiving the balance reference cancellation command), the payment terminal 130 reads the payment medium (electronic money A card) indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command (step S204). However, if the payment terminal 130 reads an electronic money card (the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command, or a payment medium different from the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command) after receiving the XX balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 determines that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected (step S2 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0117] As described above, the registered settlement device 10 sends an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 (step S202) and then receives a balance result notification (balance information) from the payment terminal 130 (step S205). When the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notification (balance information) after sending the XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 matches the payment medium (electronic money A card) determined to have already been placed in step S2 (step S5 (YES) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0118] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may determine that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 matches the payment medium determined to have already been placed in step S2. For example, as described above, the payment terminal 130 reads the payment medium (electronic money A card) indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command after receiving the electronic money A balance reference command (step S204). However, when the payment terminal 130 reads the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command after receiving the XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 matches the payment medium determined to have already been placed in step S2 (step S5 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0119] The registered settlement device 10 displays a medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) (step S207), which corresponds to confirmation of whether the payment medium is the customer's payment medium (step S6 in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0120] When the registered settlement device 10 receives an operation indicating that the payment medium is that of the customer (step S209), it determines that the payment medium is that of the customer (step S7 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0121] The payment terminal 130 transmits a payment execution command to the payment server (step S213), and transmitting the payment execution command to the payment server corresponds to the execution of payment (step S10 in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0122] In step S207, the registration and settlement device 10 may display the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG2) of Fig. 3(G) instead of the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of Fig. 3(F). When the medium confirmation screen of Fig. 3(G) is displayed in step S207, the process proceeds to step S210 based on the operation of the OK button BT46.

[0123] (Sequence diagram in Figure 8) The sequence diagram of Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram of a special situation. Specifically, the sequence diagram of Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram when a payment medium (electronic money A card) has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method is selected, electronic money A (i.e., electronic money A corresponding to the electronic money A card already placed on the payment terminal 130) is selected as the payment method, and an operation is performed on the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of Fig. 3(F) to indicate that the selected payment medium is not the customer's (principal) payment medium (operation of the "No" button BT44). Note that the sequence diagram of Fig. 8 shares some parts (steps S200 to S208) with the sequence diagram of Fig. 7. In the sequence diagram of Fig. 8, explanations of the parts common to the sequence diagram of Fig. 7 (steps S200 to S208) will be omitted, and only the parts different from the sequence diagram of Fig. 7 (dashed line P2) will be explained.

[0124] S229: The registered settlement device 10 accepts an operation (operation of the "No" button BT44) on the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of Figure 3 (F) to indicate that the payment medium is not that of the customer (principal) (i.e., that it is a payment medium of another customer). S230: The registered settlement device 10 that has accepted the operation indicating that the payment medium is not the payment medium of the customer executes a store clerk call process.

[0125] (Relationship between the flowchart in Figure 4 and the sequence diagram in Figure 8) When the registered settlement device 10 receives an operation indicating that the payment medium is not the payment medium of the customer (step S229), it determines that the payment medium is not the payment medium of the customer (step S7 (NO) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0126] The registration and settlement apparatus 10 executes a store clerk calling process (step S230), which corresponds to the store clerk calling process in step S12 of the flowchart in FIG.

[0127] (Sequence diagram in Figure 9) The sequence diagram in Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram of a special situation. Specifically, the sequence diagram in Fig. 9 is a sequence diagram of a case where a payment medium (electronic money B card) has already been placed on payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected, and electronic money A (i.e., electronic money A different from the electronic money B corresponding to the electronic money B card already placed on payment terminal 130) is selected as the payment method.

[0128] S300: The electronic money B card is placed on the payment terminal 130. Note that the payment terminal 130 may determine that the electronic money B card has been placed on it by reading the electronic money B card in step S304 described below.

[0129] S301: The registration settlement apparatus 10 accepts the selection of electronic money A. S302: The registered settlement apparatus 10 transmits an instruction to refer to the balance of electronic money A to the settlement terminal 130. S303: Upon receiving the electronic money A balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 displays the payment medium reading screen shown in FIG. 3(E).

[0130] S304: The payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money B card. That is, the payment terminal 130 reads the electronic money B card that has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the electronic money A is selected.

[0131] S305: The payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notification (abnormal information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10. In other words, the payment terminal 130 transmits a balance result notification (abnormal information) to the registered settlement apparatus 10 because it read an electronic money card B that is different from the electronic money card A indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command received in step S302 (that is, because the electronic money card B placed on the payment terminal 130 is different from the electronic money card A for which balance reference is requested).

[0132] S306: The registration settlement apparatus 10 transmits a result acquisition confirmation notice to the settlement terminal 130. S307: The registration and settlement device 10 executes the store clerk call process. S308: Upon receiving the result acquisition confirmation notice, the payment terminal 130 erases the payment medium reading screen of FIG. 3(E).

[0133] (Relationship between the flowchart in Figure 4 and the sequence diagram in Figure 9) After the registered settlement device 10 sends an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 (step S302) (within a specified time from the sending of the electronic money A balance reference command), it receives a balance result notification (abnormal information) from the payment terminal 130 (step S305). However, if the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notification (balance result notification (balance information) or balance result notification (abnormal information)) after sending the XX balance reference command, it determines that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method was selected (step S2 (YES) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0134] Note that, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may determine that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected. For example, after receiving an electronic money A balance reference command (e.g., between receiving the electronic money A balance reference command and receiving the balance reference cancellation command), the payment terminal 130 reads a payment medium (electronic money B card) different from the payment medium indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command (electronic money A card) (step S304). However, if the payment terminal 130 reads an electronic money card (the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command, or a payment medium different from the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command) after receiving the XX balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 determines that a payment medium has already been placed on the payment terminal 130 before a payment method is selected (step S2 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0135] As described above, the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notification (abnormal information) from the payment terminal 130 after sending an electronic money A balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 (step S202) (step S305). However, if the registered settlement device 10 receives a balance result notification (abnormal information) after sending an XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium (electronic money A card) corresponding to the payment method (electronic money A) selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium (electronic money B card) determined to have already been placed in step S2 (step S5 (NO) in the flowchart of Figure 4).

[0136] Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the registered settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may determine that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium determined to have already been placed in step S2. For example, as described above, after receiving the electronic money A balance reference command, the payment terminal 130 reads a payment medium (electronic money B card) different from the payment medium (electronic money A card) indicated in the electronic money A balance reference command (step S304). However, if the payment terminal 130 reads a payment medium different from the payment medium indicated in the XX balance reference command after receiving the XX balance reference command, it determines that the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected in step S1 does not match the payment medium determined to have already been placed in step S2 (step S5 (NO) in the flowchart of FIG. 4).

[0137] The registration and settlement apparatus 10 executes a store clerk calling process (step S307), which corresponds to the store clerk calling process in step S12 of the flowchart in FIG.

[0138] In the sequence diagram of Figure 9, if the electronic money B card corresponding to electronic money B is placed before the selection of electronic money A, the store clerk call process is executed unconditionally (step S12). However, just as when the electronic money A card corresponding to electronic money A is placed before the selection of electronic money A (sequence diagram of Figure 7, sequence diagram of Figure 8), if the electronic money B card corresponding to electronic money B is placed before the selection of electronic money A, the medium confirmation screen may also be displayed, and if an operation is performed indicating that the payment medium is the user's, it may be determined whether the payment medium matches, and if it matches, the payment process may be executed.

[0139] 4, if a payment medium is already placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method is selected on the payment method selection screen (step S2 (YES)), regardless of whether the payment medium already placed on the payment terminal 130 is the customer's payment medium, a determination is made as to whether the payment medium already placed on the payment terminal 130 matches the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected later on the payment method selection screen (step S5), and if they do not match, a store clerk call process is executed (step S12). Alternatively, if a payment medium is already placed on the payment terminal 130 before the payment method is selected on the payment method selection screen, a confirmation is made as to whether the payment medium already placed on the payment terminal 130 is the customer's payment medium, and if it is not the customer's payment medium, a store clerk call process is executed, and if it is the customer's payment medium, a determination is made as to whether the payment medium already placed on the payment terminal 130 matches the payment medium corresponding to the selected payment method, and if they match, a payment process is executed, and if they do not match, a notification is issued that the payment medium does not match.

[0140] (Other devices, other systems) The above has been described regarding the registration settlement device 11 (registration settlement system 11), which is a full-self-service device, but the same applies to the registration settlement device 21 (registration settlement system 21), settlement device 41 (settlement system 41), and settlement device 51 (settlement system 51), which are face-to-face semi-self-service devices. In other words, the registration settlement device 21 (registration settlement system 21), settlement device 41 (settlement system 41), and settlement device 51 (settlement system 51) may also operate as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0141] The screens related to the settlement process of the registration and settlement device 21 are the same as the screens related to the settlement process of the registration and settlement device 11 shown in Figures 3(C) to 3(I). For example, when an operation to end product registration is performed on the clerk-side display unit 204, the registration and settlement device 21 may display a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Figure 3(C) on the customer-side display unit 203.

[0142] When registration and settlement device 21 has multiple operating modes and operates in full self-service mode, it may display screens such as those shown in Figures 3(A) to 3(I) on customer display unit 203. Registration and settlement device 21 operating in full self-service mode may display a registration screen such as that shown in Figure 3(B) on customer display unit 203, and when the customer operates checkout button BT12, it may display a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Figure 3(C) on customer display unit 203.

[0143] The screen of the settlement device 41 is the same as the screen related to the settlement process of the registered settlement device 11 shown in Figures 3(C) to 3(I). For example, upon receiving transaction information (registration information of the product), the settlement device 41 may display a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Figure 3(C) on the display unit 403.

[0144] The screen of the settlement device 51 is the same as the screen related to the settlement process of the registered settlement device 11 shown in Figures 3(C) to 3(I). For example, the settlement device 51 that reads the settlement code displayed on the display unit of the mobile terminal 60 may display a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Figure 3(C) on the display unit 503.

[0145] In other words, the device that operates as shown in the flowchart of Figure 4 and the sequence diagrams of Figures 5 to 9 is not limited to a full-self-service device, but may also be a face-to-face semi-self-service device, or a settlement device that settles the bill for products registered on other devices (registration device, mobile terminal).

[0146] As described above, the embodiment allows for more suitable implementation of non-cash payments. For example, inappropriate situations such as a non-cash payment being made using another customer's payment medium without the customer's knowledge can be prevented.

[0147] If an electronic money card is already placed on the machine before electronic money is selected as the payment method (i.e., before the customer is instructed to place the electronic money card), there is a possibility that the electronic money card belongs to another customer (for example, an electronic money card that the other customer forgot to take home). In this embodiment, if an electronic money card is already placed on the machine before electronic money is selected (if there is a possibility that the placed electronic money card belongs to another customer), the customer is notified and confirmed (FIGS. 3(F) and 3(G)), thereby preventing an inappropriate situation such as an electronic money payment being made using another customer's electronic money card. In other words, if there is a risk that another customer's electronic money card will be used, the process is temporarily suspended (FIGS. 3(F) and 3(G)). This prevents an inappropriate situation such as another customer's electronic money card being used without the customer's knowledge, for example.

[0148] (Variations, etc.) Although the embodiments have been described above, the device configuration, data configuration, processing flow, display and output modes, etc. can be appropriately changed as shown in the following (1) to (15). In addition, the following (1) to (15) can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0149] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment terminal 130 displays a payment medium reading screen when it receives a balance reference command (for example, step S103 in FIG. 5, step S203 in FIG. 7, step S303 in FIG. 9), but in this case, the payment medium reading screen does not need to be displayed. The same applies to other devices (systems), namely, the registered settlement device 21 (registered settlement system 21), the settlement device 41 (settlement system 41), and the settlement device 51 (settlement system 51).

[0150] (2) In the above embodiment, when a payment terminal 130 on which a payment medium has already been placed before a payment method is selected receives a payment execution command, the payment medium reading screen is displayed (for example, step S212 in FIG. 7). However, in this case, the payment medium reading screen does not have to be displayed. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0151] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the medium confirmation screen was displayed on the registered settlement device 10 (for example, step S207 in FIG. 7), but the medium confirmation screen may be displayed on the payment terminal 130 instead of or in addition to the registered settlement device 10. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0152] (4) In the above embodiment, the payment terminal 130 sends a balance result notification (balance information) in response to a balance reference command if a payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method has already been placed. However, the registered settlement device 10 only needs to recognize that a payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method has already been placed, and does not need to include balance information. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0153] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registered settlement device 10 sends a balance reference command to the payment terminal 130 to determine whether a payment medium has already been placed on the balance before a payment method is selected, but the registered settlement device 10 may send another command to the payment terminal 130 to determine whether a payment medium has already been placed on the balance before a payment method is selected. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0154] (6) In the above embodiment, when a payment medium is already placed on the card before a payment method is selected, a determination is made as to whether the payment medium (the payment medium placed on the card before a payment method is selected) matches the payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method. However, this determination does not have to be made. In other words, the determination in step S5 of the flowchart in Figure 4 does not have to be made. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0155] Specifically, if a payment medium has already been placed before the payment method is selected, small screen SG1 is displayed. That is, the process proceeds from step S2 (YES) to step S6 in the flowchart of Fig. 4. If small screen SG2 of Fig. 3(G) is displayed instead of small screen SG1 of Fig. 3(F), the process proceeds from step S2 (YES) to display small screen SG2 to operate OK button BT46 on small screen SG2 to step S10 (execute payment). Alternatively, the process may proceed from step S2 (YES) to display small screen SG2 to operate OK button BT46 on small screen SG2 to step S12 (call a store clerk).

[0156] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registered settlement apparatus 10 sends a command (balance reference command) to the payment terminal 130 requesting a response as to whether a payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method has been placed, whether a payment medium different from the payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method has been placed, or whether no payment medium has been placed. However, in relation to (6) above, the payment terminal 130 may simply request a response as to whether a payment medium has already been placed. In other words, the payment terminal 130 may simply respond to the registered settlement apparatus 10 as to whether a payment medium has already been placed. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0157] As also related to (5) to (7) above, the registered settlement device 10 may transmit to the settlement terminal 130 commands that can determine whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted, such as a command to check the IC reading operation or a test command for the sensor in the card slot. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0158] (8) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a customer is notified when a payment medium is already placed on the machine before the payment method is selected (FIGS. 3(F) and 3(G)). However, instead of or in addition to the customer, a store clerk may be notified (for example, a store clerk call process may be executed). The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0159] In relation to (6) and (8) above, if a payment medium has already been placed on the counter before the payment method is selected (step S2 (YES) in the flowchart of FIG. 4), the store clerk call process (step S12) may be executed without determining whether the already placed payment medium matches the payment medium corresponding to the electronic money selected as the payment method (the determination in step S5). In other words, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process may proceed from step S2 (YES) to step S12.

[0160] (9) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a customer is notified if the payment medium corresponding to the payment method selected on the payment method selection screen does not match the scanned payment medium (FIGS. 3(H) and 3(I)). However, instead of or in addition to the customer, a store clerk may be notified (for example, a store clerk call process may be executed). The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0161] (10) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which it was determined whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 when a payment method was selected, but the timing for determining whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 is not limited to this. It may also be determined whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 at another timing, as long as it is before a payment execution command is sent to the payment terminal 130. It may also be determined whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 multiple times (at multiple timings). The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0162] For example, it may be determined whether or not a payment medium has been placed at one or more of the following times A to G. Timing A is the time described in the embodiment. Timings A to G are all times before the payment execution command is sent.

[0163] Timing A: Selecting a payment method The registered settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 when a payment method is selected. The same applies to other devices (systems). That is, the registered settlement device 20 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 230 when a payment method is selected. The settlement device 40 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 430 when a payment method is selected. The settlement device 50 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 530 when a payment method is selected.

[0164] Timing B: Registration process starts When the registration settlement device 10 displays the initial registration screen (not shown), it determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130. The same applies to the registration settlement device 21 operating in full self-service mode.

[0165] Timing C: The timing when the N item was registered The registration settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 when N items of merchandise are registered. For example, the registration settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 when one item of merchandise is registered (i.e., when the registration screen of FIG. 3(B) is displayed). The registration settlement device 10 may also determine whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 each time N items of merchandise are registered. The same applies to a registration settlement device 21 that operates in full self-service mode.

[0166] Timing D: When a predetermined time has elapsed during the registration process During the registration process (before the start of the settlement process), the registration settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium has been placed on the payment terminal 130, for example, when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the registration process (display of an initial registration screen, not shown). The registration settlement device 10 may also determine whether a payment medium has been placed on the payment terminal 130 each time a predetermined time has elapsed during the registration process. The same applies to a registration settlement device 21 operating in full self-service mode.

[0167] Timing E: Start of settlement process The registered settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the settlement terminal 130 when the checkout button BT12 is operated (when the payment method selection screen in Figure 3 (C) is displayed). The same applies to other devices (systems). That is, the registered settlement device 20 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 230 when, for example, an operation to end product registration is performed. The settlement device 40 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 430 when it receives transaction information. The settlement device 50 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 530 when it reads the settlement code.

[0168] Timing F: The timing when a predetermined time has elapsed during the settlement process For example, after the start of the settlement process (display of the payment method selection screen in FIG. 3(C)) and before a payment method is selected, the registered settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the settlement process. After the start of the settlement process and before a payment method is selected, the registered settlement device 10 may also determine whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 each time a predetermined time has elapsed. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0169] Timing G: Start timing of using the device When a new customer starts operating the registered settlement device 10, the registered settlement device 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130. The registered settlement device 10 may use the camera 115 or a human presence sensor to determine whether a new customer starts operating the device. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0170] If it is determined that a payment medium has been placed at timings B to G, the customer is notified (FIG. 3(F), FIG. 3(G)) at the timing after each determination, just as when it is determined that a payment medium has been placed at timing A. Instead of or in addition to notifying the customer, a store clerk may be notified (a store clerk call process may be executed).

[0171] Alternatively, if it is determined that a payment medium has been placed at timings B to G, information (such as a flag) indicating that a payment medium has been placed may be stored, and the customer may be notified (FIG. 3(F), FIG. 3(G)) at timing A (the timing when the payment method is selected).Instead of or in addition to notifying the customer, a store clerk may be notified (a store clerk call process may be executed).

[0172] If it is determined that an electronic money card is placed at timings B to G, and then (at timing A) a payment method other than electronic money (cash, credit card, etc.) is selected, the store clerk may be notified without notifying the customer.

[0173] Furthermore, in relation to timing A, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which it is determined whether or not an electronic money card is placed when electronic money is selected as the payment method, but it may also be determined whether or not an electronic money card is placed when a payment method other than electronic money (cash, credit card, etc.) is selected. When a payment method other than electronic money (cash, credit card, etc.) is selected and it is determined that an electronic money card is placed, the customer may be notified (FIGS. 3(F), 3(G)). Instead of or in addition to notifying the customer, a store clerk may be notified (store clerk call processing may be executed).

[0174] (11) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a command to check whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130 is sent from the registered settlement device 10 to the payment terminal 130 at the timing of selecting the payment method (timing A in (10) above), but the command may be sent from the registered settlement device 10 to the payment terminal 130 periodically or randomly (both including times when the registered settlement device 10 is not being used by the customer). The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0175] The registered settlement apparatus 10 may transmit a command to the payment terminal 130 to check whether a payment medium has been placed on it, based on the control of another device. For example, the registered settlement apparatus 10 may transmit a command to the payment terminal 130 based on instruction information from a device used by a store clerk (e.g., the transaction status management apparatus 70 or a mobile terminal (not shown) used by the store clerk), i.e., according to instructions from the store clerk. The other device (e.g., the device used by the store clerk) may transmit a command (control information equivalent to a command) directly to the payment terminal 130. In other words, the payment terminal 130 may check whether a payment medium has been placed on it, based on instructions from the transaction status management apparatus 70 or a mobile terminal (not shown) used by the store clerk. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0176] Payment terminal 130 may check whether a payment medium has been placed on it even without a command. For example, payment terminal 130 may check whether a payment medium has been placed on it periodically or randomly. The same applies to payment terminal 230, payment terminal 430, and payment terminal 530.

[0177] Whether or not a payment medium is placed may be checked using a command or without using a command before or after a transaction (operation) is started or completed.

[0178] The registration and settlement device 10 may notify the clerk (by displaying, sounding, or emitting light) that a check by the clerk is required to determine whether the payment medium is placed or inserted. For example, the registration and settlement device 10 may notify the clerk that a check is required at the check time as part of the clerk call process. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0179] (12) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registered settlement apparatus 10 determines whether a payment medium is placed on the payment terminal 130. However, the registered settlement apparatus 10 may also determine whether a payment medium is inserted into the payment terminal 130. In other words, the registered settlement apparatus 10 may determine whether the information on the payment medium is in a readable state. The same applies to other apparatuses (systems).

[0180] (13) In the above embodiment, an example of determining whether an electronic money card is placed on the device is described. However, the payment medium for determining whether it is placed on the device is not limited to an electronic money card.

[0181] For example, the registered settlement device 10 may determine whether a credit card has been placed instead of or in addition to an electronic money card. The timing for determining whether a credit card has been placed may be any timing (timing A to timing G). Furthermore, regardless of which payment method has been selected, it may determine whether a credit card has been placed. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0182] The registration settlement device 10 may determine whether a point card has been placed, etc., instead of or in addition to an electronic money card or credit card. The timing for determining whether a point card has been placed, etc., may be any timing (timing A to timing G). It may also determine whether a point card has been placed, etc., when a point card reading screen (not shown) is displayed. Furthermore, it may determine whether a point card has been placed, etc., regardless of which payment method has been selected. The same applies to other devices (systems).

[0183] (14) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registration and settlement apparatus 10 was equipped with the change dispenser 120 (FIG. 2), but it is not necessary to have the change dispenser 120. The same applies to other apparatuses (systems).

[0184] (15) Some or all of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device (e.g., registration settlement device 10, registration settlement device 11, registration settlement device 20, registration settlement device 21, registration device 30, settlement device 40, settlement device 41, settlement device 50, settlement device 51, transaction status management device 70, etc.) may be realized by a device other than the device described as the entity that executes the function. For example, each device may function as a so-called thin client specialized for input / output interfaces, etc. As an example, a cloud server (not shown) may execute a program for controlling the operation of each device, and each device may display a screen using a browsing function, etc.

[0185] When each device operates as a thin client or when each device uses a browser, some or all of the functions of each device are realized by a program executed on the server (e.g., a cloud server). The program executed on the server causes a computer to function as a server that controls each device. Each device (display unit, scanner unit, change dispenser, payment terminal, light-emitting unit, etc.) may be directly controlled by the server based on control information that is the result of control by the server, or may be indirectly controlled by the control unit of each device based on the control information.

[0186] For example, a program (a program executed on the server side) that causes a computer to function as a server that controls the registered settlement device 10 may be a program that causes the computer to function, for example, as an acceptance control means that accepts the specification of a payment method using the registered settlement device 10 (specification of a payment method by operating the registered settlement device 10), an execution control means that controls the execution of payment using the registered settlement device 10 (execution of payment by operating the registered settlement device 10), or a judgment means that determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted.

[0187] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a settlement device, a settlement system, and a program. [Background technology] BACKGROUND ART Self-checkout terminals that allow electronic money to be used for non-cash payments are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-257485 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is room for improvement in the implementation of non-cash payments. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for more suitably implementing non-cash payments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0188] (1) One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem is a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 20, settlement device 40, settlement device 50) communicably connected to a settlement terminal (e.g., payment terminal 130, payment terminal 230, payment terminal 430, payment terminal 530) that executes a payment using a placed or inserted payment medium, the settlement device comprising: a payment method acceptance means that accepts an operation to designate a payment method (e.g., an operation on the payment method selection screen in FIG. 3(C)); a payment execution instruction means that instructs the payment terminal to execute a payment (e.g., sends a payment execution command shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 7); and a payment execution instruction means that instructs the payment terminal to execute a payment when the payment medium is placed on the payment terminal. and a judgment means for judging whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal (for example, the judgment of step S2 in the flowchart of Figure 4), wherein the judgment means judges whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal before the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute the payment, and when the judgment means determines that a payment medium has not been placed or inserted in the payment terminal, the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute the payment based on the payment method acceptance means accepting an operation to specify a payment method using the payment medium. The configuration (1) allows for more efficient non-cash payments. For example, it prevents inappropriate situations such as a customer making a non-cash payment using another customer's payment medium without the customer's knowledge.

[0189] (2) The settlement device described in (1) is characterized in that the judgment means judges whether a payment medium is placed or inserted in the payment terminal based on the payment method acceptance means accepting an operation specifying a payment method using a payment medium, and the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute payment based on the judgment means determining that a payment medium is not placed or inserted in the payment terminal. According to the configuration (2), non-cash payments can be more suitably carried out, for example, it is possible to determine the best timing for actually using the payment medium.

[0190] (3) The settlement device described in (2) is characterized in that it is provided with a payment medium confirmation means for accepting an operation to confirm whether the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the customer's payment medium (for example, an operation on the medium confirmation screen (small screen SG1) of Figure 3 (F)), and when the judgment means determines that a payment medium is placed or inserted in the payment terminal, the payment medium confirmation means accepts an operation to confirm whether the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the customer's payment medium (for example, step S6 of the flowchart in Figure 4), and the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute payment based on the payment medium confirmation means accepting an operation to confirm that the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the customer's payment medium (for example, in the case of step S7 (YES) of the flowchart in Figure 4). According to the configuration (3), non-cash settlement can be more suitably carried out. For example, the process can be efficiently carried out according to the operation (declaration) that the medium is the owner's.

[0191] (4) A settlement device as described in (1) or (2) that is provided with an alarm means for notifying (e.g., calling a store clerk) that a payment medium has been placed or inserted into the payment terminal, and that the alarm means is configured to notify that a payment medium has been placed or inserted into the payment terminal when the judgment means determines that a payment medium has been placed or inserted into the payment terminal. According to the configuration (4), non-cash payments can be more effectively carried out. For example, accidents can be reliably prevented by having a store clerk intervene.

[0192] (5) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 11, registered settlement device 21, settlement device 41, settlement device 51) that includes a payment method acceptance means that accepts an operation to specify a payment method, a payment execution instruction means that instructs the execution of payment using a placed or inserted payment medium, and a judgment means that judges whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted, wherein the judgment means judges whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted before instructing the execution of payment by the payment execution instruction means, and when the judgment means judges that a payment medium has not been placed or inserted, the payment execution instruction means instructs the execution of payment using the placed or inserted payment medium based on the payment method acceptance means accepting an operation to specify a payment method using a payment medium. According to the configuration (5), similar to the above (1), non-cash settlement can be more suitably carried out.

[0193] (6) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a settlement system (e.g., registered settlement system 11, registered settlement system 21, settlement system 41, settlement system 51) that executes a settlement using a placed or inserted payment medium, and that includes a payment method reception unit that accepts an operation to specify a payment method, a payment execution unit that executes the settlement, and a judgment unit that determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted, wherein the judgment unit determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted before the payment execution unit executes the settlement, and when the judgment unit determines that a payment medium has not been placed or inserted, the payment execution unit executes the settlement using the payment medium based on the payment method reception unit's acceptance of an operation to specify a payment method using the payment medium. According to the configuration (6), similar to the above (1), non-cash settlement can be more suitably carried out.

[0194] (7) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program that causes a computer to function as a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 11, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 21, settlement device 40, settlement device 41, settlement device 50, settlement device 51) that executes a payment using a placed or inserted payment medium, and causes the computer to function as a payment method acceptance means that accepts an operation to specify a payment method, a payment execution means that executes a payment, and a determination means that determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted, and the determination means determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted before executing a payment by the payment execution means, and when the determination means determines that a payment medium has not been placed or inserted, the payment execution means executes a payment using the payment medium based on the acceptance by the payment method acceptance means of an operation to specify a payment method that uses the payment medium. The program is characterized by the above. According to the configuration (7), similar to the above (1), non-cash settlement can be more suitably carried out.

[0195] (8) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program that causes a computer to function as a server that controls a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 11, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 21, settlement device 40, settlement device 41, settlement device 50, settlement device 51) used for settlement using a placed or inserted payment medium, and causes the computer to function as a reception control means that accepts the specification of a payment method using the settlement device, an execution control means that controls the execution of settlement using the settlement device, and a judgment means that determines whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted, wherein the judgment means judges whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted before controlling the execution of settlement using the settlement device by the execution control means, and when the judgment means determines that a payment medium has not been placed or inserted, the execution control means controls the execution of settlement using the settlement device based on the acceptance by the reception control means of the specification of a payment method using a payment medium. According to the configuration (8), similar to the above (1), non-cash payments can be more suitably carried out.

[0196] In addition, a program for realizing the functions of each of the above-described devices (registration and settlement device 10, registration and settlement device 11, registration and settlement device 20, registration and settlement device 21, registration device 30, settlement device 40, settlement device 41, settlement device 50, settlement device 51, transaction status management device 70, etc.) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform processing of each of the above devices. Here, "loading a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into a computer system. The "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices. Furthermore, the "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated line. Furthermore, the "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as a flexible disk, optical magnetic disk, ROM, and CD-ROM, as well as storage devices such as a hard disk built into a computer system. In this way, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The term "recording medium" also includes internal or external recording media accessible from a distribution server for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium may be different from the program code in a format executable by a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server is not important as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a format executable by a terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on a terminal device, or each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a medium that stores a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted over a network. The program may also be for implementing part of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called differential file (differential program). [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 1...Sales system, 10...Registration and settlement device, 11...Registration and settlement device (registration and settlement system), 20...Registration and settlement device, 21...Registration and settlement device (registration and settlement system), 30...Registration device, 40...Settlement device, 41...Settlement device (settlement system), 50...Settlement device, 51...Settlement device (settlement system), 70...Transaction status management device, 80...Store controller

Claims

1. A settlement device communicably connected to a payment terminal that executes a payment using a placed or inserted payment medium, a payment method accepting means for accepting an operation to designate a payment method; a payment execution instruction means for instructing the payment terminal to execute payment; A determination means for determining whether a payment medium is placed or inserted in the payment terminal. and The determination means Before the payment execution instruction means instructs the payment terminal to execute payment, it is determined whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal; The payment execution instruction means When the determination means determines that a payment medium is not placed or inserted in the payment terminal, the payment method reception means instructs the payment terminal to execute payment based on the reception of an operation to designate a payment method using the payment medium. A settlement device characterized by:

2. The determination means determining whether a payment medium is placed or inserted in the payment terminal based on the receipt by the payment method receiving means of an operation specifying a payment method using the payment medium; The payment execution instruction means Instructing the payment terminal to execute payment based on the determination by the determination means that no payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal. The settlement device according to claim 1 .

3. a payment medium confirmation means for accepting an operation to confirm whether the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the payment medium of the customer; Equipped with The payment medium confirmation means When the determination means determines that a payment medium is placed or inserted in the payment terminal, the payment terminal receives an operation to confirm whether the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the customer's payment medium; The payment execution instruction means Instructing the payment terminal to execute payment based on the receipt by the payment medium confirmation means of an operation to confirm that the payment medium placed or inserted in the payment terminal is the payment medium of the customer. The settlement device according to claim 2 .

4. a notification means for notifying that a payment medium has been placed or inserted into the payment terminal; Equipped with The notification means When the determination means determines that a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal, the fact that a payment medium has been placed or inserted in the payment terminal is notified.

3. The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a payment method accepting means for accepting an operation to designate a payment method; a payment execution instruction means for instructing the execution of a payment using the placed or inserted payment medium; A determination means for determining whether a payment medium is placed or inserted; Equipped with The determination means Before issuing an instruction to execute a payment by the payment execution instruction means, it is determined whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted; The payment execution instruction means If the determination means determines that a payment medium is not placed or inserted, the payment method reception means receives an instruction to execute payment using the placed or inserted payment medium based on the reception of an operation to designate a payment method using the payment medium. A settlement device characterized by:

6. A settlement system that executes settlement using a placed or inserted payment medium, a payment method receiving unit that receives an operation to designate a payment method; a payment execution unit that executes payment; A determination unit that determines whether a payment medium is placed or inserted and The determination unit Before executing the payment by the payment execution unit, it is determined whether a payment medium is placed or inserted; The payment execution unit When the determination unit determines that a payment medium is not placed or inserted, the payment method reception unit executes a payment using the payment medium based on the reception of an operation to designate a payment method using the payment medium. A settlement system characterized by:

7. A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement device that executes settlement using a placed or inserted payment medium, The computer a payment method accepting means for accepting an operation to designate a payment method; a payment execution means for executing the payment; A determination means for determining whether a payment medium is placed or inserted It functions as The determination means Before executing the payment by the payment execution means, it is determined whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted; The payment execution means When the determination means determines that a payment medium is not placed or inserted, the payment is executed using the payment medium based on the payment method acceptance means accepting an operation to designate a payment method using the payment medium. A program characterized by:

8. A program that causes a computer to function as a server that controls a settlement device used for settlement using a placed or inserted payment medium, The computer an acceptance control means for accepting a designation of a payment method using the settlement device; an execution control means for controlling the execution of settlement using the settlement device; A determination means for determining whether a payment medium is placed or inserted It functions as The determination means determining whether a payment medium has been placed or inserted before controlling the execution of the settlement using the settlement device by the execution control means; The execution control means When the determination means determines that a payment medium is not placed or inserted, the acceptance control means controls execution of payment using the settlement device based on the acceptance of the designation of a payment method using the payment medium. A program characterized by:

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