Checkout device and program

Abstract

To more suitably use points.SOLUTION: A checkout device is a checkout device capable of using points as a payment method, and includes acquisition means for acquiring point information, and display means for displaying a number-of-points designation screen for designating the number of points, wherein when the number of points designated on the number-of-points designation screen satisfies a predetermined condition, designation of the number of points is completed, and when the number of points designated on the number-of-points designation screen does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the number of points can be designated again.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A system that allows points to be used is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-009561 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement when it comes to using points.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a technique for more suitably utilizing points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a settlement device that allows the use of points as a payment method, and is equipped with an acquisition means for acquiring point information and a display means for displaying a point number designation screen for designating the number of points, and is characterized in that if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen satisfies a predetermined condition, the designation of the number of points is completed, and if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the settlement device allows the number of points to be designated again. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration example of a registration and settlement device 10. [Figure 2] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 3] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 4] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 5] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 6] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 7] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 8] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 9] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 10] 10 is a display example of the registration settlement device 10. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The registration and settlement device 10 of this embodiment is one of the devices constituting a sales system 1 (not shown; also referred to as a settlement processing system). The sales system 1 can be introduced into various business types (supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores, home centers, electronics retailers, etc.). In addition to the registration and settlement device 10, the sales system 1 also includes a registration and settlement device 20 (not shown), a registration and settlement device 30 (not shown), a transaction status management device 40 (not shown), a store controller 50 (not shown), and a headquarters server 60 (not shown). The registration and settlement device 10, the registration and settlement device 20, the registration and settlement device 30, the transaction status management device 40, and the store controller 50 are installed in a store. These are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a LAN 19 (not shown; it may be wired or wireless). The headquarters server 60 is installed outside the store (for example, at the head office or a data center). The devices installed inside the store and the devices installed outside the store can communicate (directly or via the store controller 50). There is no particular limit to the number of devices that can be installed. The headquarters server 60 may be a cloud server. The headquarters server 60 may be composed of two or more servers.

[0009] (Registration settlement device 10) The registration and settlement device 10 has a display unit for the clerk (clerk side display unit 103 (described later)) and a registration unit (scanner unit 105 (described later)) on one side (clerk side), and a display unit for the customer (customer side display unit 104 (described later)) and a payment unit (change dispenser 120 (described later), payment terminal 130 (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 payments based on the operation of the customer.

[0010] Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a registration and settlement device 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the registration and settlement device 10 includes a CPU 101, a memory unit 102, a store clerk display unit 103, a customer display unit 104, a scanner unit 105, a printer unit 108, a key operation unit 111, an audio output unit 113, a communication unit 114, a change dispenser 120, and a payment terminal 130. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0011] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit that controls the operation of the registration and settlement device 10 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.).

[0012] The store clerk side display unit 103 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (touch panel) that displays various information to the store clerk and accepts operations from the store clerk. The customer side display unit 104 is, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays various information to the customer and accepts operations from the customer.

[0013] The scanner unit 105 scans various codes and reads information based on the operation of the store clerk. 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 may also scan a code attached to a membership card (point card) and read customer identification information (member identification information).

[0014] The scanner unit 105 reads the membership card (customer identification information) to acquire the number of points available to the customer (the number of points held). Therefore, the scanner unit 105 can also be said to be an acquisition unit (acquisition means) that acquires point information. The same applies to scanner units of other devices and the payment terminal 130 (the same applies to payment terminals of other devices).

[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 media from the media outlet. The audio output unit 113 outputs, for example, a confirmation sound, a warning sound, audio guidance, etc. The key operation unit 111 is made up of various keys (buttons) and accepts various operations from the store clerk. Note that the above-mentioned store clerk display unit 103 and customer display unit 104 may also be referred to as operation units, as they accept operations.

[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, for example, transaction information (information after payment is completed) to the store controller 50.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The payment terminal 130 is a non-cash payment unit that accepts payments using non-cash means (e.g., credit, electronic money, points, 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.

[0019] 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. Examples of external devices include an electronic money server that executes electronic money payments, a credit server that executes credit card payments, and a point server that executes point payments. Electronic money servers, credit servers, point servers, etc. are collectively referred to as payment servers.

[0020] 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 membership card, etc.). Specifically, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on a card when the card is inserted, placed (held), or swiped. For example, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on an IC card when the IC card is inserted or placed. Furthermore, the information reading unit of the payment terminal 130 reads information stored on a magnetic card when the magnetic card is swiped. 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 when the device is placed on the device. In other words, the payment terminal 130 acquires various information using the information reading unit, communicates with a payment server (electronic money server, credit server, point server, etc.) using the second communication unit, and performs non-cash payment (electronic money payment, credit payment, point payment, etc.).

[0021] 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 (point payment) using customer identification information acquired by the scanner unit 105. Also, for example, the payment terminal 130 may execute non-cash payment (code payment) using information for code payment acquired by the scanner unit 105.

[0022] 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 display unit of the payment terminal 130 may also be referred to as the operation unit, since it accepts operations.

[0023] Although the payment terminal 130 has been described as one of the components of the registration settlement apparatus 10, the payment terminal 130 may be separate from the registration settlement apparatus 10. In terms of external appearance, the payment terminal 130 may be configured as an integral part of the housing of the registration settlement apparatus 10, or may be configured to be externally attached to the registration settlement apparatus 10.

[0024] (Registration settlement device 20) The registration and settlement device 20 has a display unit for customers (display unit 204 (not shown)), a registration unit (scanner unit 206 (not shown)), a payment unit (change dispenser 220 (not shown), payment terminal 230 (not shown)) on the front side, and is a registration and settlement device (full-self device) that registers products based on customer operations and settles payments based on customer operations.

[0025] Although not shown in the figures, the registration and settlement device 20 includes a CPU 201, a memory unit 202, a display unit 204, a scanner unit 206, a printer unit 208, an audio output unit 213, a communication unit 214, a camera 215, a light emitting unit 216, a human presence sensor 217, a change dispenser 220, and a payment terminal 230. These components can communicate with each other via a bus. The registration and settlement device 20 may further include a display unit 203 for use by store clerks on the rear side.

[0026] The CPU 201, memory unit 202, display unit 204, printing unit 208, audio output unit 213, communication unit 214, change dispenser 220, and payment terminal 230 provided in the registered settlement device 20 are similar to the CPU 101, memory unit 102, customer side display unit 104, printing unit 108, audio output unit 113, communication unit 114, change dispenser 120, and payment terminal 130 provided in the registered settlement device 10, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0027] The scanner unit 206 scans various codes and reads information based on the customer's operation. For example, the scanner unit 206 scans a code attached to a product and reads the product code. The scanner unit 206 may also scan a code attached to a membership card and read customer identification information.

[0028] The camera 215 is, for example, an imaging unit that captures images of the customer and their operations. The light emitting unit 216 notifies various information (calling a store clerk, operation status, etc.) depending on the light emitting mode. The registration and settlement device 20 may be equipped with a sign pole, and the camera 215 and the light emitting unit 216 may be mounted on the sign pole. The human presence sensor 217 detects the presence of a person on the customer side.

[0029] (Registration settlement device 30) The registration and settlement device 30 is a device that has multiple operating modes (face-to-face semi-self-service mode, full-self-service mode). When the operating mode of the registration and settlement device 30 is face-to-face semi-self-service mode, it operates in the same manner as the registration and settlement device 10. When the operating mode of the registration and settlement device 30 is full-self-service mode, it operates in the same manner as the registration and settlement device 20. The registration and settlement device 30 has a display unit for the clerk (clerk side display unit 303 (not shown)) and a registration unit (clerk side scanner unit 305 (not shown)) on one side (the clerk side), and a display unit for the customer (customer side display unit 304 (not shown)), a registration unit (customer side scanner unit 306 (not shown)), a payment unit (change dispenser 320 (not shown), payment terminal 330 (described later)) on the other side (the customer side opposite the clerk side).

[0030] Although not shown in the figure, the registration and settlement device 30 includes a CPU 301, a memory unit 302, a store clerk display unit 303, a customer display unit 304, a store clerk scanner unit 305, a customer scanner unit 306, a printing unit 308, a key operation unit 311, an audio output unit 313, a communication unit 314, a camera 315, a light emitting unit 316, a human presence sensor 317, a change dispenser 320, and a payment terminal 330. These components can communicate with each other via a bus.

[0031] The CPU 301, memory unit 302, clerk display unit 303, customer display unit 304, clerk scanner unit 305, printing unit 308, key operation unit 311, audio output unit 313, communication unit 314, change dispenser 320, and payment terminal 330 provided in the registered settlement device 30 are similar to the CPU 101, memory unit 102, clerk display unit 103, customer display unit 104, scanner unit 105, printing unit 108, key operation unit 111, audio output unit 113, communication unit 114, change dispenser 120, and payment terminal 130 provided in the registered settlement device 10, so explanation will be omitted. The customer side scanner unit 306, camera 315, light-emitting unit 316, and human presence sensor 317 provided in the registered settlement device 30 are similar to the scanner unit 206, camera 215, light-emitting unit 216, and human presence sensor 217 provided in the registered settlement device 20, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0032] (Transaction status management device 40) The transaction status management device 40 is, for example, a personal computer used by a store clerk. The transaction status management device 40 manages the devices installed in the store (monitoring and controlling the processing status, operating status, etc.). The transaction status management device 40 includes at least a CPU, a memory unit, a display unit (which may be configured as a touch panel), an operation unit (keyboard, mouse, etc.), and a communication unit.

[0033] (Store Controller 50) The store controller 50 is, for example, a server, etc. The store controller 50 communicates with each device within the LAN 19 and with devices outside the LAN 19 (for example, the headquarters server 60).

[0034] (Display example of the registration settlement device 10) 2 to 10 are examples of displays on the registration and settlement device 10. Specifically, the left side of Fig. 2 to 10 (i.e., Fig. 2(A), Fig. 3(A), ..., Fig. 10(A)) are examples of displays on the clerk-side display unit 103, and the right side (i.e., Fig. 2(B), Fig. 3(B), ..., Fig. 10(B)) are examples of displays on the customer-side display unit 104.

[0035] While the clerk is registering the product, the registration and settlement device 10 displays a registration screen as shown in Fig. 2(A) on the clerk display unit 103, and a registration content confirmation screen as shown in Fig. 2(B) on the customer display unit 104. The scene in Fig. 2 shows a scene where "milk" is registered as the first item and "seasonal lunch box" as the second item, but it is assumed that the customer's (AAA) membership card (point card) is read before the second item (seasonal lunch box) is registered. It is also assumed that 1 point can be used as 1 yen.

[0036] The registration screen of FIG. 2(A) includes a notification area AR10 that notifies various information, a previous product area AR11 that displays information about the most recently (last) registered product, a registered product list area AR12 that displays a list of registered products, and a total information area AR14 that displays total information (number of items purchased, total price). The notification area AR10 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card: AAA). The registration screen of FIG. 2(A) also includes product preset buttons for items such as vegetables. Each product preset button is assigned a product code (such as an in-store code), allowing users to register products without barcodes by operating the product preset button. The registration screen of FIG. 2(A) also includes a subtotal button BT16 that can be operated to complete product registration (to proceed to checkout).

[0037] The registration content confirmation screen in Figure 2 (B) has a total information area AR20 that displays total information, etc., and a registered product list area AR21 that displays a list of registered products. In addition to total information (number of items purchased, total amount), the total information area AR20 displays information that the membership card has been read (membership card read).

[0038] In the scenes of Figures 2(A) and 2(B), when the clerk operates the subtotal button BT16, the registration settlement device 10 displays the subtotal screen as shown in Figure 3(A) on the clerk side display unit 103, and displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 3(B) on the customer side display unit 104.

[0039] The small print screen in Fig. 3(A) has a notification area AR30 that notifies various information, a registered product list area AR32 that displays a list of registered products, a total information area AR34 that displays total information, and a payment information area AR35 that displays payment information. The payment information area AR35 on the small print screen in Fig. 3(A) is blank. Also located on the small print screen in Fig. 3(A) is a next customer registration button BT36 that is operated to start registering the next customer, and a registration screen button BT37 that is operated to return to the registration screen (product registration).

[0040] The payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) has a payment amount area AR40 that displays the payment amount, etc. In addition to the payment amount (¥1,080), the payment amount area AR40 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card read). The payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) also has various buttons corresponding to each payment method (settlement method, payment method) that can be selected (designated). Specifically, the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) has a cash button BT41 that is operated for cash payment, a points button BT42 that is operated for point payment (i.e., when using points), a credit button BT43 that is operated for credit card payment, an electronic money A button BT44 that is operated for electronic money payment with electronic money A, and an electronic money B button BT45 that is operated for electronic money payment with electronic money B. The payment method selection screen in FIG. 3(B) also includes language switching buttons (English button, Chinese button, Korean button) that can be operated to switch the display to another language.

[0041] When the customer operates the points button BT42 in the scenes of Figures 3(A) and 3(B), the registered settlement device 10 displays a small screen SG10 as shown in Figure 4(A) on the clerk side display unit 103 (displayed in front of the small screen), and displays a points number designation screen as shown in Figure 4(B) on the customer side display unit 104.

[0042] The small screen SG10 in FIG. 4(A) displays a message (Processing in progress. Please wait for a while) indicating that processing is in progress (operation by the customer) and requesting that the customer wait for a while.

[0043] The point number designation screen of FIG. 4(B) has a payment amount area AR60 that displays the payment amount, etc. In addition to the payment amount, the payment amount area AR60 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card read). The point number designation screen of FIG. 4(B) also has an available points area AR61 that displays the number of owned points (the number of points that can be used), a numeric keypad area AR62 for designating (inputting a number of) the number of points to be used (the number of points to be used for payment), and a designated points area AR63 that displays the number of points designated in the numeric keypad area AR62. The point number designation screen of FIG. 4(B) also has a decision button BT64 that is operated to determine the number of points to be used (the number of points displayed in the designated points area AR63 is determined as the number of points to be used). The point number designation screen of FIG. 4(B) also has a language switch button and a back button BT69 that is operated to return the display to the previous screen.

[0044] In addition to a plurality of numeric buttons, a clear button (a button marked C) is arranged in the numeric keypad area AR62. The number entered using the numeric buttons (number entry) is displayed in the designated point number area AR63, but the customer can operate the clear button to clear the number entered using the numeric buttons (the number displayed in the designated point number area AR63) before operating the enter button BT64. In other words, the customer can operate the clear button before operating the enter button BT64 to re-specify the number of points to be used from the beginning.

[0045] (When using points equivalent to the entire payment amount) In the scenes of Figures 4(A) and 4(B), if a customer operates to use 1080 points (the number of points equivalent to the entire payment amount (1080 yen)) (by inputting "1080" in the numeric keypad area AR62 and then operating the Confirm button BT64), the registration and settlement device 10 will display a payment details confirmation screen as shown in Figure 5(B) on the customer display unit 104. Note that the display on the clerk display unit 103 is the same as that in Figure 4(A) as shown in Figure 5(A) (the small screen SG10 remains displayed in front of the small screen).

[0046] The payment details confirmation screen of Fig. 5(B) has a payment amount area AR80 that displays the payment amount, etc. In addition to the payment amount, the payment amount area AR80 displays the amount of points paid (point settlement amount, point usage amount). The payment details confirmation screen of Fig. 5(B) also has a receipt present button BT82 that is operated when a receipt is required, and a checkout button BT83 that is operated when a receipt is not required. The payment details confirmation screen of Fig. 5(B) also has a back button BT89.

[0047] The customer operates the Receipt Present button BT82 or the Checkout button BT83 on the payment details confirmation screen in FIG. 5(B). When the Receipt Present button BT82 is operated, the registration settlement device 10 prints and issues a medium (receipt, invoice), displays a registration screen for the next customer (the registration screen before the first item is registered) on the clerk-side display unit 103, and displays a medium receipt instruction screen (not shown) on the customer-side display unit 104. When the customer removes the medium, the registration settlement device 10 displays a registration content confirmation screen for the next customer (the registration content confirmation screen before the first item is registered) on the customer-side display unit 104. The operation when the Checkout button BT83 is operated is the same as the operation when the Receipt Present button BT82 is operated. In other words, the settlement is completed (the transaction is finished) when the Receipt Present button BT82 or the Checkout button BT83 on the payment details confirmation screen is operated.

[0048] (When using points equivalent to part of the payment amount) In the scenes of Figures 4(A) and 4(B), if a customer operates to use 580 points (the number of points equivalent to part of the payment amount (1,080 yen)) (by entering the number "580" in the numeric keypad area AR62 and then operating the decision button BT64), the registration and settlement device 10 will display a small payment screen such as that shown in Figure 6(A) on the clerk-side display unit 103, and will display a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Figure 6(B) on the customer-side display unit 104.

[0049] The small print screen in FIG. 6(A) has a notification area AR30, a payment method list area AR33 that displays a list of payment methods for the determined amount (decided), a total information area AR34, and a payment information area AR35. The notification area AR30 displays information that the membership card has been read (membership card: AAA). The payment method list area AR33 displays information (points 580) regarding point payment (point settlement, point use). The payment information area AR35 displays the amount (points 580) based on the determined payment method and the amount of the balance (payment method undecided) (balance 500). The small print screen in FIG. 6(A) also has a next customer registration button BT36 and a registration screen button BT37.

[0050] Compare the subtotal page of FIG. 3(A) with the subtotal page of FIG. 6(A). The subtotal page of FIG. 3(A) has a registered product list area AR32, while the subtotal page of FIG. 6(A) has a payment method list area AR33 instead of the registered product list area AR32. Note that the subtotal page of FIG. 6(A) may have a registered product list area AR32 in addition to the payment method list area AR33. Furthermore, while nothing is displayed in the payment information area AR35 of the subtotal page of FIG. 3(A), the payment information area AR35 of the subtotal page of FIG. 6(A) displays the amount determined by the payment method and the amount of the shortfall.

[0051] The payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) has a payment amount area AR40. In addition to the payment amount (¥500), the payment amount area AR40 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card read). The payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) also has various buttons corresponding to each payment method (excluding the selected point payment) as selectable options. Specifically, the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) has a cash button BT41, a credit button BT43, an electronic money A button BT44, and an electronic money B button BT45. The payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) also has a language switch button.

[0052] Compare the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) with the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B). The payment amount area AR40 on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) displays the total payment amount (¥1,080), while the payment amount area AR40 on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) displays the remaining amount (¥500). Furthermore, the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) includes buttons corresponding to all payment methods, including the points button BT42, but the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) does not include the selected points button BT42. Note that the points button BT42 may be displayed in an inoperable mode (e.g., grayed out) on the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B).

[0053] The customer determines the payment method for the remaining balance (¥500) from the payment method selection screen in FIG. 6(B) (by operating either the cash button BT41, credit button BT43, electronic money A button BT44, or electronic money B button BT45). When the remaining balance becomes zero yen (i.e., the payment method for the entire total amount (¥1,080) has been determined), the registered settlement device 10 displays the small screen SG10 on the clerk-side display unit 103 (displayed in front of the small screen) and the payment details confirmation screen on the customer-side display unit 104, just as in the case of paying the entire amount with points (using points equivalent to the entire payment amount). Next, the customer operates the receipt button BT82 or the checkout button BT83 on the payment details confirmation screen. This completes the settlement (the transaction ends).

[0054] The payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B) may display the number of points specified by the customer on the points number specification screen. For example, "Use points 580P" may be displayed instead of or in addition to "Membership card read" in the payment amount area AR40. Also, "Use points 580P" may be displayed in the empty area where the points button BT42 was displayed. Also, an icon displaying "Use points 580P" may be displayed in the empty area. Also, the points button BT42 in an inoperable state (for example, the points button BT42 in a grayed-out display mode) may be displayed with "Use 580P" displayed at the top.

[0055] (Specifying the number of points that exceed the number of points held) When a number of points exceeding the number of owned points (number of available points) is specified on the point number specification screen of FIG. 4(B), or when a number of points exceeding the payment amount is specified, or when a number of points less than the minimum number of available points is specified, the registered settlement device 10 displays the small screen of FIG. 3(A) on the clerk side display unit 103 (i.e., erases the small screen SG10), and displays the payment method selection screen of FIG. 3(B) on the customer side display unit 104. The minimum number of available points may be, for example, 100 points, 10 points, or 1 point. In the following explanation, the minimum number of available points is assumed to be 1 point. Therefore, in the following explanation, specifying a number of points less than the minimum number of available points means specifying 0 points.

[0056] In other words, from the scenes of Figures 4(A) and 4(B), if an operation is performed to use more points (for example, 1700 points) than the number of points held (1642 points) (for example, 1700 points) (by entering the number "1700" in the numeric keypad area AR62 and then pressing the Confirm button BT64), or if an operation is performed to use more points (for example, 1200 points) than the payment amount (1080 yen) (by entering the number "1200" in the numeric keypad area AR62 and then pressing the Confirm button BT64), or if an operation is performed to use less than the minimum number of points to be used (1 point) (0 points) (by pressing the Confirm button BT64 while the specified point number area AR63 remains "0"), the registration and settlement device 10 will display the small-scale plan screen of Figure 3(A) on the clerk-side display unit 103 and display the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(B) on the customer-side display unit 104.

[0057] (Cancellation of point usage) The customer decides the number of points to be used by their own operation, but if they wish to cancel the point use after deciding the number of points to be used, they ask the store clerk in front of them (the store clerk on the store clerk side of the registered settlement device 10) to cancel the point use. When the store clerk receives a request from the customer to cancel the point use, the store clerk performs the operation to cancel the point use. Specifically, the store clerk first operates the cancel key on the key operation unit 111 to cancel the point use.

[0058] In the scenes of FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), when a store clerk cancels the point usage (by operating the cancel key on the key operation unit 111), the registration and settlement device 10 displays a small screen SG20 as shown in FIG. 7(A) on the store clerk display unit 103 (displayed in front of the small screen). The display on the customer display unit 104 is the same as that of FIG. 6(B) as shown in FIG. 7(B) (the payment method selection screen without the point button BT42 remains displayed). A small screen (such as the small screen SG10 in FIG. 4(A)) displaying a message indicating that processing is in progress (a store clerk is currently operating) and requesting the customer to wait for a while may be displayed in front of the payment method selection screen of FIG. 7(B). In other words, the registration and settlement device 10 may display a message instructing the customer to wait while the small screen SG20 of FIG. 7(A) is displayed on the store clerk display unit 103.

[0059] The small screen SG20 in Fig. 7(A) displays a message to confirm whether or not to cancel point usage (Do you want to cancel point usage (580P)?). Also, the small screen SG20 in Fig. 7(A) has a Yes button BT201 that is operated when canceling point usage, and a No button BT202 that is operated when not canceling point usage.

[0060] When the clerk operates the Yes button BT201 from the scene of Figures 7(A) and 7(B), the registration settlement device 10 displays a sub-screen as shown in Figure 8(A) on the clerk side display unit 103, and displays a payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 8(B) on the customer side display unit 104.

[0061] The small print screen in Figure 8(A) is the same as the small print screen in Figure 3(A) except for the display of the payment information area AR35. The payment information area AR35 on the small print screen in Figure 8(A) displays information indicating that point usage has been canceled (point usage canceled). Also, the payment method selection screen in Figure 8(B) is the same as the payment method selection screen in Figure 3(B).

[0062] In other words, if point usage is canceled, the registration settlement device 10 returns the display to the state it was in before the point button BT42 was operated (Figure 3), except that it displays information in the payment information area AR35 on the sub-screen that point usage has been canceled.

[0063] If the clerk presses the No button BT202 from the scene in Figure 7(A) or Figure 7(B), the registration and settlement device 10 displays the small print screen as shown in Figure 6(A) on the clerk side display unit 103. In other words, the registration and settlement device 10 returns the display to the state before the cancel key was pressed (Figure 6).

[0064] (Restrictions on store clerks' input of quantities) When the registration settlement device 10 accepts input of the number of points from the customer (when the customer side display unit 104 displays the number of points specification screen as shown in Figure 4(B), and the store clerk side display unit 103 displays the small screen SG10 in front of the small screen as shown in Figure 4(A)), it restricts (disables) the store clerk's operation to input the number of points. The clerk inputs the number of points, for example, when registering multiple items of the same product or when manually entering various numbers (for example, manually entering a member identification number when member identification information is expressed as a number, or manually entering clerk identification information when clerk identification information that identifies the clerk is expressed as a number). However, if the clerk were allowed to input the number of points when accepting the input of the number of points from a customer, confusion (unintended point number specification) could occur, such as if the clerk inputs a number of points, for example, "1" and then the customer inputs a number of points, for example, "1000." Therefore, when accepting the input of the number of points from a customer, the clerk's operation for inputting the number of points is restricted to prevent confusion. Note that when accepting the input of the number of points from a customer, as shown in FIG. 4(A), the clerk display unit 103 displays the small screen SG10, and therefore the clerk's input of the number of points, which is subject to the restriction, is the number keys on the key operation unit 111. However, even if the small screen behind the small screen SG10 can be operated and a numeric keypad is arranged on the small screen, operation of the numeric keypad on the small screen is restricted. In situations where point input from a customer is not being accepted (for example, when the number input is completed (for example, in situations such as Figures 5(A) and 5(B))), the above-mentioned confusion does not occur, so the store clerk's operation to input the number is not restricted. However, in situations where number input is not expected from either the customer or the store clerk, the operation to input the number itself is meaningless, so the store clerk's operation to input the number may (or may not) be restricted.

[0065] (If payment is not made with points) Figures 4 to 8 show examples in which point payment is selected as the payment method, while Figures 9 and 10 show examples in which a payment method other than point payment is selected. Specifically, Figures 9 and 10 show examples in which electronic money payment (specifically, electronic money payment with electronic money A) is selected as a payment method other than point payment.

[0066] When the customer operates the electronic money A button BT44 in the scenes of Figures 3(A) and 3(B), a reading guidance screen (Figure 10(B)) that guides the customer in reading electronic money A is displayed on the customer-side display unit 104. The reading guidance screen of Figure 10(B) displays an image that guides the customer in reading the electronic money A. The display on the clerk-side display unit 103 remains the small screen of Figure 3(A) (a small screen SG10 may be displayed in front of the small screen).

[0067] (If the electronic money balance is greater than the payment amount) Assume that the balance of the customer's electronic money A is equal to or greater than the payment amount (1,080 yen), for example, 2,800 yen. When the customer scans electronic money A (the balance is equal to or greater than the payment amount), the registration and settlement device 10 displays an amount specification screen (not shown) on the customer display unit 104. The display on the clerk display unit 103 remains the small screen shown in FIG. 3(A) (small screen SG10 may be displayed in front of the small screen). When an operation is performed on the amount specification screen (not shown) to specify 1,000 yen (an amount equivalent to a portion of the payment amount (1,080 yen)) as the payment amount using electronic money A, the registration and settlement device 10 displays a small screen such as that shown in FIG. 9(A) on the clerk display unit 103 and a payment method selection screen such as that shown in FIG. 9(B) on the customer display unit 104.

[0068] The small print screen in FIG. 9(A) has a notification area AR30, a payment method list area AR33, a total information area AR34, and a payment information area AR35. The notification area AR30 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card: AAA). The payment method list area AR33 displays information regarding electronic money A (electronic money A 1000). The payment information area AR35 displays the amount determined by the payment method (electronic money A 1000) and the amount of the balance (payment method undetermined) (balance 80). The small print screen in FIG. 9(A) also has a next customer registration button BT36 and a registration screen button BT37.

[0069] The payment method selection screen in Fig. 9(B) has a payment amount area AR40. In addition to the payment amount (¥80), the payment amount area AR40 displays information indicating that the membership card has been read (membership card read). The payment method selection screen in Fig. 9(B) also has a cash button BT41 as a selectable option. In other words, only cash can be used in conjunction with electronic money.

[0070] As explained above, the payment method selection screen in Figure 6(B) may display the number of points specified by the customer on the point number specification screen. Similarly, the payment method selection screen in Figure 9(B) may display the amount specified by the customer on the amount specification screen.

[0071] If an amount equal to the payment amount (1,080 yen) is specified on the amount specification screen, the registered settlement device 10 will display a payment details confirmation screen (a payment details confirmation screen displaying "Electronic Money A" instead of "Point Payment") as shown in Figure 5(B) on the customer display unit 104. The display on the clerk display unit 103 will remain the small screen display of Figure 3(A) (small screen SG10 may be displayed in front of the small screen). A full payment button may be placed on the amount specification screen, so that the same amount as the payment amount can be specified by operating the full payment button rather than by entering the number of units.

[0072] (If the electronic money balance is less than the payment amount) Assume that the balance of the customer's electronic money A is less than the payment amount (1,080 yen), for example, 275 yen. When the customer has electronic money A (the balance is less than the payment amount) read, the registration settlement device 10 displays a small screen SG30 as shown in FIG. 10(A) on the clerk-side display unit 103 (displayed in front of the small screen). Note that the display on the customer-side display unit 104 remains the reading guidance screen (FIG. 10(B)) (the small screen SG10 may be displayed in front of the reading guidance screen).

[0073] The small screen SG30 in Fig. 10(A) displays a message indicating that the card cannot be used (using a specified amount) due to insufficient balance, and a message to confirm whether to use the entire remaining amount (Cannot be used due to insufficient balance. Do you want to use the entire remaining amount (275 yen)?). Also, the small screen SG30 in Fig. 10(A) displays a Yes button BT301 to be operated if the entire remaining amount is to be used, and a No button BT302 to be operated if the entire remaining amount is not to be used.

[0074] In the scenes of Figures 10(A) and 10(B), when the clerk operates the Yes button BT301, the registration settlement device 10 displays the sub-screen as shown in Figure 9(A) on the clerk's display unit 103 (a sub-screen displaying "Determined total: ¥275," "Electronic money A 275," and "Shortfall: 805," rather than "Determined total: ¥1000," "Electronic money A 1000," and "Shortfall: 80"), and displays the payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 9(B) on the customer's display unit 104 (a payment method selection screen displaying "¥805" rather than "¥80").

[0075] On the other hand, if the clerk operates the No button BT302 from the scene in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the registration settlement device 10 displays a sub-screen as shown in Figure 3(A) on the clerk side display unit 103, and displays a payment method selection screen as shown in Figure 3(B) on the customer side display unit 104.

[0076] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the registration and settlement device 10. Specifically, the flowchart in FIG. 11 shows the operation (up to a certain point) after the store clerk operates the subtotal button BT16. At the start of the flowchart in FIG. 11, the registration and settlement device 10 displays a registration screen such as that shown in FIG. 2(A) on the store clerk display unit 103, and a registration content confirmation screen such as that shown in FIG. 2(B) on the customer display unit 104. Note that the flowchart in FIG. 11 explains the basic flow of point payment (point use), and some or all of the explanations of other payment methods such as credit card payment, operation of the clear button in the numeric keypad area AR62, operation of the back button BT69, etc. are omitted.

[0077] Step S1: Upon receiving the operation of the subtotal button BT16, the registered settlement device 10 displays a subtotal screen as shown in Fig. 3(A) on the clerk display unit 103, and displays a payment method selection screen including points payment as an option as shown in Fig. 3(B) (i.e., a payment method selection screen arranging the cash button BT41, points button BT42, credit button BT43, electronic money A button BT44, and electronic money B button BT45) on the customer display unit 104. Then proceed to step S2.

[0078] Step S2: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether the customer has selected a payment method (by operating any of the cash button BT41, points button BT42, credit button BT43, electronic money A button BT44, or electronic money B button BT45). If a payment method has been selected (step S2: YES), proceed to step S3. If a payment method has not been selected (step S2: NO), return to step S2.

[0079] Step S3: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether or not the payment is to be made with points. That is, the registered settlement device 10 determines whether or not the points button BT42 has been operated to select the payment method. If the payment is to be made with points (Step S3: YES), proceed to Step S5. If the payment is not to be made with points (Step S3: NO), proceed to Step S4.

[0080] Step S4: The registered settlement device 10 displays a screen corresponding to the payment method selected in step S2 (a payment method other than points payment) on the customer display unit 104. For example, if electronic money payment using electronic money A is selected (electronic money A button BT44 is operated) (step S2 (YES) → step S3 (NO)), a reading guidance screen (FIG. 10(B)) that guides the customer to read electronic money A is displayed on the customer display unit 104. Also, for example, if cash payment is selected (cash button BT41 is operated) (step S2 (YES) → step S3 (NO)), a cash insertion guidance screen (not shown) is displayed on the customer display unit 104. Although not shown in the figures below, the registered settlement device 10 executes payment using the respective payment method based on the customer's operation, and then ends the process.

[0081] Step S5: The registration and settlement device 10 displays a points number designation screen as shown in Figure 4(B) on the customer side display unit 104. The registration and settlement device 10 also displays a small screen SG10 as shown in Figure 4(A) on the store clerk side display unit 103 (displayed in front of the small screen). Note that since this is a scene where the customer is to input the number of points on the points number designation screen on the customer side display unit 104, the registration and settlement device 10 restricts the store clerk side from inputting the number to be set. Next, proceed to step S6.

[0082] Step S6: The registration settlement device 10 accepts the customer's designation of the number of points to be used on the customer-side display unit 104. That is, the registration settlement device 10 accepts the customer's input of the number of points in the numeric keypad area AR62 on the point designation screen and the operation of the decision button BT64. Then, the process proceeds to step S8.

[0083] Step S8: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether the number of used points accepted in step S6 exceeds the number of owned points. If it exceeds the number of owned points (step S8: YES), the process returns to step S1. If it does not exceed the number of owned points (step S8: NO), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0084] Step S10: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether the number of used points accepted in step S6 exceeds the payment amount (the number of points equivalent to the payment amount). If it exceeds the payment amount (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S1. If it does not exceed the payment amount (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0085] Step S12: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether the number of use points accepted in step S6 is less than the minimum number of use points. If it is less than the minimum number of use points (step S12: YES), the process returns to step S1. If it is not less than the minimum number of use points (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0086] That is, if the number of points to be used specified by the customer exceeds the number of points held (step S8 (YES)), or exceeds the payment amount (step S10 (YES)), or is less than the minimum number of points to be used (step S12 (YES)), the registered settlement device 10 displays a small plan screen such as that shown in Figure 3(A) on the clerk display unit 103, and displays a payment method selection screen that includes point payment as an option such as that shown in Figure 3(B) on the customer display unit 104. That is, if any of the above conditions apply, the registered settlement device 10 will have the customer start over by selecting a payment method.

[0087] Step S15: The registered settlement device 10 determines whether the number of points used received in step S6 matches the payment amount. If it matches the payment amount (step S15: YES), proceed to step S16. If it does not match the payment amount (step S15: NO), proceed to step S17. Note that when step S15 is executed, the number of points used is less than the payment amount (step S10 (NO)), so if it does not match the payment amount, it is less than the payment amount.

[0088] Step S16: The registration and settlement device 10 displays a payment details confirmation screen such as that shown in Figure 5(B) on the customer display unit 104. Although not shown in the figures, the registration and settlement device 10 prints and issues a medium (such as a receipt) based on the customer's operation, and then ends the process.

[0089] Step S17: The registered settlement device 10 displays a small payment screen (such as the small payment screen shown in FIG. 6(A)) reflecting information about point usage on the clerk display unit 103, and displays a payment method selection screen that does not include point payment as an option (such as the payment method selection screen shown in FIG. 6(B)) on the customer display unit 104. Although not shown in the figures below, the registered settlement device 10 accepts the customer's selection of a payment method (other than points), executes payment based on the customer's operation for the selected payment method, and ends the process.

[0090] As shown in steps S8 to S17, if the registered settlement device 10 meets the specified conditions for point payment (if the number of points specified by the customer is less than the number of points the customer owns, less than the payment amount, and more than the specified number of points set as the minimum number of points to be used), it displays a payment details confirmation screen (Figure 5(B)) or a payment method selection screen (Figure 6(B)) without the points button BT42 on the customer display unit 104.If the specified conditions are not met (if the number of points specified by the customer exceeds the number of points the customer owns, exceeds the payment amount, or is less than the specified number of points set as the minimum number of points to be used), it displays a payment method selection screen (Figure 3(B)) with the points button BT42 on the customer display unit 104.

[0091] The above-described embodiments allow for more efficient use of points. For example, when paying with points, the customer inputs and determines the number of points to be used, eliminating the burden on store clerks and providing convenience for the customer. While customers unfamiliar with the system may make mistakes, minor errors (e.g., inputting more points than the number of points held, inputting more than the payment amount, or inputting less than the minimum number of points to be used) are not recognized as errors and the system automatically prompts the customer to start over (see FIG. 11). This prevents unnecessary pressure on the customer and allows the customer to continue the operation without the need for assistance from a store clerk. Furthermore, because such situations are relatively rare, when canceling point usage after the number of points has been specified and accepted, a store clerk is required to intervene to avoid confusion (see FIG. 7(A)). Problems that may arise with point payments include, for example, errors in obtaining customer identification information from the point card (media error, reading error), errors in communication with the point server (communication failure), and point server downtime. If any of these situations occur, an error will be reported (by sound, display, light, etc.) depending on the situation. However, minor mistakes are not treated as errors, as mentioned above.

[0092] (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 (13). In addition, the following (1) to (13) can be appropriately combined with each other.

[0093] (1) In the above embodiment, when the number of points designated by the customer as the number of points to be used exceeds the number of points held, the example of returning to the payment method selection screen of Fig. 3(B) was described, but the reason (a message indicating that the number of points exceeds the number of points held) may be displayed on the returned payment method selection screen, or a small screen (a small screen that disappears by pressing the OK button) notifying the reason may be displayed in front of the returned payment method selection screen. The same applies to cases where the number of points designated by the customer exceeds the payment amount or where the number of points designated by the customer is less than a predetermined number of points set as the minimum number of points to be used.

[0094] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which small screen SG10 is displayed on clerk-side display unit 103 when accepting input of the number of points from a customer or when the customer is confirming the payment details (when accepting operation of receipt present button BT82 or checkout button BT83) (FIGS. 4 and 5). However, small screen SG10 may also be displayed on clerk-side display unit 103 when the customer is selecting a payment method (FIGS. 3, 6, 8, and 9). In other words, small screen SG10 notifies the clerk that an operation by the customer is being waited for, so small screen SG10 may be displayed on clerk-side display unit 103 when waiting for an operation by the customer. Small screen SG10 displayed when accepting input of the number of points from a customer (when the clerk's operation to input the number to be set is restricted) may also notify that the clerk's operation to input the number to be set is restricted.

[0095] Alternatively, the registration and settlement device 10 may not display the small screen SG10 on the clerk display unit 103 even when waiting for an operation by a customer. For example, the registration and settlement device 10 may not display the small screen SG10 on the clerk display unit 103 in any of the above-mentioned situations (the situations in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9). Note that even if the registration and settlement device 10 does not display the small screen SG10 on the clerk display unit 103, it restricts the clerk's operation to input the number of points when it is accepting the input of the number of points from a customer. In other words, the registration and settlement device 10 restricts the clerk's operation to input the number of points when it is accepting the input of the number of points from a customer, regardless of whether it displays the small screen SG10 or not.

[0096] Alternatively, the registration and settlement device 10 may display the small screen SG10 on the store clerk display unit 103 only when it accepts input of the number of points from the customer, i.e., when the store clerk's operation of inputting the number of points is restricted. As described above, the small screen SG10 may notify the store clerk that the operation of inputting the number of points is restricted.

[0097] (3) In the above embodiment, when the number of points (number of points to be used) specified on the points number specification screen (FIG. 4(B)) is "number of points to be used > number of owned points," "number of points to be used > payment amount," or "number of points to be used < minimum number of points to be used," the payment method selection screen (FIG. 3(B)) that includes point payment as an option is displayed as a control (for example, steps S8, S10, S12 in FIG. 11). However, it is also possible to clear the specified number of points while the points number specification screen is still displayed. This also reduces the burden on store clerks and is convenient for customers.

[0098] (4) In the above embodiment, regarding the number of points (number of points to be used) specified on the points number specification screen (FIG. 4(B)), when the magnitude relationship between the number of points to be used, the number of points held, and the payment amount is "number of points to be used > number of points held" or "number of points to be used > payment amount," the control is described as displaying a payment method selection screen (FIG. 3(B)) that includes point payment as an option (for example, steps S8 and S10 in FIG. 11). However, other control may also be used. For example, control may be as follows: (a) to (c) below. Control as follows: (a) to (c) below does not burden the store clerk, and is convenient for the customer.

[0099] (a) If "Number of owned points ≥ Number of points used > Payment amount", that is, if the number of points specified by the customer does not exceed the number of owned points but exceeds the payment amount (number of points for the full amount), the number of points specified by the customer will be replaced with the number of points for the full amount. In other words, the process will proceed as if the customer specified the number of points for the full amount. (b) If "payment amount ≥ number of points used > number of points held", that is, if the number of points specified by the customer does not exceed the payment amount (number of points for the full amount) but exceeds the number of points held, the number of points specified by the customer will be replaced with the number of points held. In other words, the process will proceed as if the customer had specified the number of points held (the same number of points as the number of points held). (c) If "Number of points held ≥ payment amount ≥ number of points used" or "Payment amount ≥ number of points held ≥ number of points used", that is, if the number of points specified by the customer does not exceed the number of points held or the payment amount (the total number of points), the number of points specified by the customer will be maintained. This is a required customer specification operation.

[0100] In the case of (a) or (b) above, a message indicating that the replacement will be made or a message indicating that the replacement has been made may be displayed. Also, in the case of (a) or (b) above, before the replacement, the customer may be asked to confirm whether or not it is OK to make the replacement, and the replacement may be made after confirmation. For example, an OK button and an NG button may be displayed on a small screen, and the replacement may be made after the OK button is pressed.

[0101] If the number of points used is less than the minimum number of points used, for example, if the number of points used is 0, the payment method selection screen (FIG. 3(B)) is displayed. Therefore, the process of comparing the number of points used with the minimum number of points used (the process of step S12 in FIG. 11) is carried out prior to the comparison processes (a) to (c) above.

[0102] (5) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which small screen SG20 (FIG. 7(A)) was displayed when the clerk operated the cancel key on key operation unit 111, but a cancel button may be placed on the small screen, and small screen SG20 may be displayed when the clerk operates the cancel button. That is, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the clerk first operates the cancel key on key operation unit 111 to cancel point usage, but the first operation may also be the operation of the cancel button.

[0103] (6) In the above embodiment, the small screen SG20 (FIG. 7(A)) is displayed based on the operation of the cancel key on the key operation unit 111 by the store clerk, and the point usage is canceled when the Yes button BT201 on the small screen SG20 is operated. However, when the store clerk operates the cancel key (or the cancel button) on the key operation unit 111, the point usage may be canceled without displaying the small screen SG20.

[0104] (7) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a point usage cancellation operation is accepted when the number of points designated by the customer is only a portion of the payment amount (the scene in FIG. 6), i.e., when there is a shortfall (amount for which the payment method has not been determined) (FIGS. 6 and 7). However, a point usage cancellation operation may also be accepted when the number of points designated by the customer is the entire payment amount (the scene in FIG. 5). That is, when the payment details confirmation screen (FIG. 5(B)) is displayed on the customer-side display unit 103, the customer may request cancellation of point usage from a store clerk, and the store clerk may then cancel the point usage. When a point usage cancellation operation is accepted, the registration settlement device 10 displays the small screen SG20 in front of the small screen SG10 instead of the small screen SG20 (point usage may also be canceled without displaying the small screen SG20).

[0105] (8) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a point usage cancellation operation was accepted when the payment method selection screen (the payment method selection screen on which the point button BT42 is not displayed) was displayed on the customer display unit 104 after the number of points had been specified (FIGS. 6 and 7). However, this is also related to (and partially shared with) (7) above, and a point usage cancellation operation may also be accepted when the payment details confirmation screen is displayed. In other words, a point usage cancellation operation may also be accepted when the payment details confirmation screen (FIG. 5(B)) for full point payment is displayed on the customer display unit 104, or when the payment details confirmation screen (the payment details confirmation screen transitioning from the payment method selection screen (the payment details confirmation screen on which the point button BT42 is not displayed) in FIG. 6(B)) for partial point payment is displayed on the customer display unit 104.

[0106] (9) In the above embodiment, if a customer wishes to cancel the use of points after determining the number of points to be used by his / her own operation (after operating the number buttons in the numeric keypad area AR62 on the point number designation screen (entering the number) → operating the OK button BT64 on the same screen), he / she can request cancellation of the use of points from a store clerk, and the store clerk will perform the cancellation operation in accordance with the request. Although not explained in the above embodiment, cases in which a customer wishes to cancel the use of points include, for example, when the customer wishes to stop using points, or when the customer wishes to change the number of points to be used without stopping point use. Note that, before determining the number of points to be used (before operating the OK button BT64), as explained in the above embodiment, the customer can change the number of points that he / she entered by operating the clear button in the numeric keypad area AR62.

[0107] In addition to a store clerk's cancellation operation, the number of points used may also be changed in response to a customer's own operation. For example, when the back button BT89 on the payment details confirmation screen of FIG. 5(B) is pressed, the registered settlement device 10 may display the point number designation screen of FIG. 4(B) on the customer-side display unit 104 (the number of points may be displayed or cleared in the designated point number area AR63). In other words, when the registered settlement device 10 displays the payment details confirmation screen for full point payment (FIG. 5(B)) or the payment details confirmation screen for partial point payment (the payment details confirmation screen transitioning from the payment method selection screen of FIG. 6(B)), the payment method selection screen may be displayed in response to a store clerk's cancellation operation, or the point number designation screen may be displayed in response to the customer's operation of the back button BT89. In the former case, the customer simply operates the points button BT42 on the payment method selection screen (FIG. 8(B)) that is displayed after the store clerk's cancellation operation, and then re-designates the number of points used on the point number designation screen that is displayed after the operation. In the latter case, the customer can simply re-specify the number of points to be used from the point number specification screen that is displayed after operating the customer's back button BT89.

[0108] Unlike the payment method selection screen in Figure 3(B), the payment method selection screen in Figure 6(B) (the payment method selection screen after partial points payment is specified) allows the number of points to be specified. Therefore, a back button may be provided on the payment method selection screen in Figure 6(B), and the point number specification screen in Figure 4(B), for example, may be displayed based on the customer's operation of the back button.

[0109] However, when the payment method selection screen of Fig. 6(B) is displayed, the contents of the sub-plan page are changed as shown in Fig. 6(A) (specifically, the number of points is displayed in the payment method list area AR33), so there is a risk of confusion if the contents of the sub-plan page change (Fig. 6(A) → Fig. 4(A)) without the intervention of a store clerk. Therefore, it is preferable that the payment method selection screen after partial points payment is specified does not have a back button as shown in Fig. 6(B), but rather the customer should ask a store clerk for a cancellation operation, as explained in the embodiment.

[0110] (10) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment terminal 130 (the second communication unit of the payment terminal 130) communicates with the payment server to execute non-cash payment. However, the registered settlement apparatus 10 (communication unit 114B) may communicate with the payment server to execute non-cash payment. For example, the registered settlement apparatus 10 (communication unit 114B) may communicate with a point server to execute point payment. That is, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the payment terminal 130 acquires information using the information reading unit (or acquires information acquired by the scanner unit 105 using the first communication unit), communicates with the point server using the second communication unit, and executes point payment. However, the main body of the registered settlement apparatus 10 may acquire information acquired by the payment terminal 130 using the communication unit 114A (or acquires information using the scanner unit 105), communicates with the point server using the communication unit 114B, and executes point payment. In addition, the registered settlement device 10 (communication unit 114) may communicate with the payment server (point server, etc.) without going through the store controller 50, or may communicate with the payment server (point server, etc.) via the store controller 50.

[0111] (11) In the above embodiment, the registered settlement device 10 (face-to-face semi-self-service device) was described, but it may also be partially applied to the registered settlement device 20 (full-self-service device) and the registered settlement device 30 (devices with face-to-face semi-self-service mode and full-self-service mode).

[0112] (Registration settlement device 20) For example, the registration and settlement device 20 can display on the customer display unit 204 a registration screen such as that shown in Fig. 2(A), a subdivision screen such as that shown in Fig. 3(A), a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Fig. 3(B), a points number specification screen such as that shown in Fig. 4(B), a payment details confirmation screen such as that shown in Fig. 5(B), and a payment method selection screen such as that shown in Fig. 6(B), and the display on the display unit 204 may be controlled as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11. In other words, like the registration and settlement device 10, the registration and settlement device 20 may automatically prompt the customer to try again if a minor error (for example, inputting more than the number of points held, inputting more than the payment amount, or inputting less than the minimum number of points to be used) is made without detecting an error.

[0113] A point cancellation button may be provided on the payment method selection screen (FIG. 6(B)) or the payment details confirmation screen (FIG. 5(B)), and the customer may operate the point cancellation button if they wish to cancel the use of points. When the point cancellation button is operated, the registration settlement device 20 may execute a store clerk call process. The store clerk call process includes one or more of the following: illuminating the light-emitting unit 216 in a lighting mode indicating that a store clerk is being called; sending a store clerk call notification indicating that a store clerk is being called to a device used by the store clerk (e.g., the transaction status management device 40 or a mobile terminal used by the store clerk (not shown)); and displaying a store clerk call screen (not shown) indicating that a store clerk is being called on the display unit 204. When the store clerk call process is executed, the process is suspended (the progress of the process is suspended) until the store clerk's response (treatment) is completed. Furthermore, if the registration settlement device 20 is equipped with a store clerk display unit 203, the store clerk may perform an operation to cancel the use of points. A maintenance screen (screen for store clerks) may be displayed (called up) and a cancellation operation may be performed.

[0114] (Registration settlement device 30) When the operating mode of the registered settlement device 30 is the face-to-face semi-self-service mode, it may operate in the same manner as the registered settlement device 10. When the operating mode of the registered settlement device 30 is the full self-service mode, it may operate in the same manner as the registered settlement device 20. For example, when the operating mode of the registered settlement device 30 is the full self-service mode, the store clerk may perform a cancellation operation for point usage on the store clerk side display unit 303, which is not used by the customer. A maintenance screen (store clerk screen) may be displayed to perform the cancellation operation.

[0115] (12) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the registration and settlement apparatus 10 was equipped with the change dispenser 120, but it does not have to be equipped with the change dispenser 120. The same applies to the registration and settlement apparatus 20 and the registration and settlement apparatus 30.

[0116] (13) Some or all of the functions (input / output, storage, processing (including judgment)) of each device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 30, etc.) may be realized in 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.

[0117] In other words, some or all of the decisions shown in the flowchart of Fig. 11 (for example, the decisions in steps S2, S3, S8, S10, S12, and S15) may be made by the cloud server described above. Screen control (screen transitions, display of small screens, etc.) may also be handled by the cloud server. In other words, the cloud server controls the display unit of each device, and each device may, for example, display a payment method selection screen under the control of the cloud server, and if points are selected as the payment method on the payment method selection screen, display a point number specification screen.

[0118] <Summary of the embodiment> [Technical field] The present invention relates to a settlement device and a program. [Background technology] A system that allows points to be used is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent documents] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-009561 A [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be solved by the invention] However, there is room for improvement in the use of points. 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 the use of points. [Means for solving the problem]

[0119] (1) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 30) that allows points to be used as a payment method, and that includes an acquisition means for acquiring point information (a scanner unit, etc., in addition to payment terminals 130, 230, 330) and a display means for displaying a point number designation screen (e.g., see FIG. 4(B)) for designating the number of points. If the number of points designated on the point number designation screen satisfies a predetermined condition, the designation of the number of points is completed (e.g., a payment content confirmation screen (e.g., a payment ... This settlement device is characterized by displaying a payment method selection screen (for example, see FIG. 5(B)) that does not include an option to use points as a payment method (for example, the points button BT42) (for example, see FIG. 6(B))), and if the number of points specified on the points number specification screen does not satisfy a predetermined condition, allowing the number of points to be specified again (for example, displaying a payment method selection screen (for example, see FIG. 3(B)) that includes an option to use points as a payment method (for example, the points button BT42) or a points number specification screen with the specified number of points erased). According to the configuration (1), points can be used more effectively. For example, if a predetermined condition is not met (in the case of a minor mistake), the number of points can be re-specified and the customer can try again, which does not put unnecessary pressure on the customer and allows the customer to continue the operation without needing the help of a store clerk.

[0120] (2) The display means comprises a store clerk display means (e.g., store clerk display unit 103, display unit 203, store clerk display unit 303) and a customer display means (e.g., customer display unit 104, display unit 204, customer display unit 304), and the customer display means displays a first payment method selection screen (e.g., see FIG. 3(B)) including an option to use points as a payment method (e.g., point button BT42), and when the use of points is selected on the first payment method selection screen, the point number specification screen is displayed, and when the number of points specified on the point number specification screen meets a predetermined condition, The settlement device described in (1) is characterized in that it displays a payment details confirmation screen (see, for example, Figure 5(B)) that can accept a completion operation to complete the settlement process, or a second payment method selection screen (see, for example, Figure 6(B)) that does not include an option to use points as a payment method, and the clerk-side display means can accept a cancellation operation to cancel the number of points specified on the point number specification screen (such as operating the Yes button BT201 after operating the Cancel key), and the customer-side display means displays the first payment method selection screen (see, for example, Figure 8(B)) when the cancellation operation is performed. The configuration (2) allows for more convenient use of points. In other words, when the designation of the number of points is canceled, the first payment method selection screen is displayed, so that in addition to designating a payment method other than points, the user can also select to use points again (for example, select to use points to designate a number of points different from the initial number of points).

[0121] (3) The settlement device described in (2) is characterized in that, when the number of points specified on the point number specification screen meets the predetermined conditions and the second payment method selection screen is displayed, the customer side display means displays the first payment method selection screen through operation by the store clerk (cancel key (cancel button) → yes button BT201), and when the number of points specified on the point number specification screen does not meet the predetermined conditions, the first payment method selection screen is displayed without operation by the store clerk (see Figure 11). According to the configuration (3), in the case of a minor mistake, the customer can continue the operation without the assistance of a store clerk.

[0122] (4) A settlement device described in any of (1) to (3) is provided with a judgment means for judging whether the number of points specified on the point number specification screen satisfies a predetermined condition, and the judgment means judges that the predetermined condition is satisfied if the number of points specified on the point number specification screen is less than or equal to the number of points held by the customer, less than or equal to the payment amount, and greater than or equal to a predetermined number of points set as the minimum number of points to be used. The configuration (4) allows points to be used more efficiently. In other words, in the case of a minor error (when the number of points specified on the points specification screen exceeds the number of points the customer has, exceeds the payment amount, or is less than the minimum number of points to be used), the customer is automatically prompted to try again, so the customer can continue the operation without unnecessary pressure or assistance from a store clerk.

[0123] (5) 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 20, registered settlement device 30) that has a display unit and can use points as a payment method, and that causes the computer to function as an acquisition means for acquiring point information and a display means for controlling the display on the display unit of a point number designation screen for designating the number of points, and that completes the designation of the number of points if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen meets specified conditions, and that allows the number of points to be designated again if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen does not meet the specified conditions. According to the configuration (5), like the configuration (1), points can be used more effectively.

[0124] (6) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a program (server-side program) that causes a computer to function as a server (e.g., a server such as a cloud server) that controls a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 30) that can use points as a payment method, and causes the computer to function as a control means that controls the display of the display unit of the settlement device, and the control means causes the display unit to display a payment method selection screen for selecting a payment method, and if points are selected as the payment method on the payment method selection screen, displays a point number designation screen for designating the number of points, and if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen meets predetermined conditions, displays a predetermined screen corresponding to the designated number of points (e.g., the payment details confirmation screen of Figure 5(B) or the payment method selection screen of Figure 6(B)), and if the number of points designated on the point number designation screen does not meet the predetermined conditions, displays the payment method selection screen (e.g., the payment method selection screen of Figure 3(B)) or the point number designation screen before the number of points was designated (the point number designation screen with the designated number of points erased). According to the configuration (6), like the configuration (1), points can be used more effectively.

[0125] (7) One aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a settlement device (e.g., registered settlement device 10, registered settlement device 20, registered settlement device 30) that allows a customer to use points held by the customer as a payment method, and that includes a clerk-side display means (e.g., clerk-side display unit 103, display unit 203, clerk-side display unit 303) facing the clerk side, a customer-side display means (e.g., customer-side display unit 104, display unit 204, customer-side display unit 304) facing the customer side, and a reading means (payment terminal 130, 230, 330, as well as a scanner unit, etc.) that reads the customer's identification information, and when the identification information is read by the reading means, the customer-side display means is capable of displaying a first payment method selection screen (e.g., see FIG. 3(B)) that includes an option to use points as a payment method (e.g., point button BT42), and This payment device is characterized in that, when the option to use points is selected on one payment method selection screen, a point number specification screen (see, for example, Figure 4(B)) is displayed, allowing the customer to specify the number of points to be used; if the number of points specified on the point number specification screen meets specified conditions, a payment details confirmation screen (see, for example, Figure 5(B)) that can accept a completion operation to complete the payment process, or a second payment method selection screen (see, for example, Figure 6(B)) that does not include the option to use points as a payment method, is displayed; and if the number of points specified on the point number specification screen does not meet specified conditions, the first payment method selection screen (see, for example, Figure 11) or the point number specification screen with the specified number of points erased is displayed. According to the configuration (7), points can be used more effectively. For example, if the predetermined conditions are not met (in the case of a minor mistake), the customer is automatically prompted to try again (by displaying the first payment method selection screen or the point number selection screen with the designated number of points erased), so the customer can continue the operation without unnecessary pressure or assistance from a store clerk.

[0126] Note that a program for implementing the functions of each of the above-described devices (such as registration and settlement device 10, registration and settlement device 20, and registration and settlement device 30) 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 for 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 on a computer system. The term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices. The term "computer system" may also include multiple computer devices connected via a network, including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as floppy disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Thus, a recording medium storing a 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 executable on a terminal device. In other words, the format in which the program is stored on the distribution server does not matter as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that is executable on the terminal device. The program may be divided into multiple parts, each of which may be downloaded at different times and then combined on the 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 storage 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 one that realizes 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]

[0127] 1...Sales system, 10...Registration and settlement device, 20...Registration and settlement device, 30...Registration and settlement device, 40...Transaction status management device, 50...Store controller

Claims

1. A payment device that allows points to be used as a payment method, An acquisition means for acquiring point information; a display means for displaying a point number designation screen for designating the number of points; Equipped with If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen satisfies a predetermined condition, specification of the number of points is completed, If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the number of points can be specified again. A settlement device characterized by:

2. The display means comprises a store clerk side display means and a customer side display means, The customer side display means displaying a first payment method selection screen including an option to use points as a payment method; When the user selects to use points on the first payment method selection screen, the point number designation screen is displayed; If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen satisfies a predetermined condition, a payment content confirmation screen capable of accepting a completion operation for completing the settlement process, or a second payment method selection screen that does not include an option for using points as a payment method, is displayed; The store clerk side display means a cancel operation for canceling the designation of the number of points designated on the point designation screen can be accepted; The customer side display means When the cancellation operation is performed, the first payment method selection screen is displayed. The settlement device according to claim 1 .

3. The customer side display means When the number of points specified on the point number specification screen satisfies a predetermined condition and the second payment method selection screen is displayed, the first payment method selection screen is displayed through an operation by the store clerk, If the number of points designated on the point number designation screen does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the first payment method selection screen is displayed without any operation by the store clerk. The settlement device according to claim 2 .

4. a determination means for determining whether the number of points designated on the point number designation screen satisfies a predetermined condition, The determination means If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen is equal to or less than the number of points held by the customer, equal to or less than the payment amount, and equal to or greater than a predetermined number of points set as the minimum number of points to be used, it is determined that the predetermined conditions are met. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement device that has a display unit and allows points to be used as a payment method, The computer An acquisition means for acquiring point information; A display means for controlling the display of a point number designation screen for designating the number of points on a display unit. It functions as If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen satisfies a predetermined condition, specification of the number of points is completed, If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the number of points can be specified again. A program characterized by:

6. A program that causes a computer to function as a server that controls a settlement device that allows points to be used as a payment method, The computer A control means for controlling the display on the display unit of the settlement device It functions as The control means The display unit Display the payment method selection screen to select a payment method, When points are selected as the payment method on the payment method selection screen, a points number specification screen for specifying the number of points is displayed; If the number of points designated on the point number designation screen satisfies a predetermined condition, a predetermined screen corresponding to the designated number of points is displayed; If the number of points specified on the point number specification screen does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the payment method selection screen or the point number specification screen before the number of points is specified is displayed. A program characterized by:

Images