Settlement apparatus and control program thereof

Abstract

To provide a settlement device capable of preventing a customer from taking out an unregistered purchased commodity from a store, and a control program therefor.SOLUTION: The settlement device includes acquisition means, measurement means, and detection means. The acquisition means acquires a set weight of a purchased commodity registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser. The measurement means measures the total weight of purchased commodities. The detection means detects abnormality when a difference between the sum of the set weights acquired by the acquisition means and the total weight measured by the measurement means exceeds a threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

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[0005] , , ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a settlement device and its control program.

Background Art

[0002] In a sales floor where products are displayed, a transaction processing system has already been known in which a customer operates a terminal such as a smartphone to input data related to purchased products by themselves, and the customer also pays for the purchased products by operating a dedicated settlement device by themselves. By introducing this type of transaction processing system in a retail store such as a supermarket, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to input data related to the customer's purchased products in the settlement device, so the time required for settlement can be shortened.

[0003] On the other hand, in this transaction processing system, since the customer operates the settlement device by themselves, for example, when data related to purchased products is not deliberately input due to the customer's improper behavior, or when data related to purchased products is not correctly input due to a customer's input operation error, the transaction processing may sometimes be completed normally. Therefore, there is a desire to avoid a situation where a customer takes out unregistered purchased products from the store intentionally or due to negligence.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a settlement device and its control program that can suppress the act of a customer taking out unregistered purchased products from the store.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In one embodiment, the payment device includes an acquisition unit, a measurement unit, and a detection unit. The acquisition unit acquires a preset weight of the purchased items registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser. The measurement unit measures the total weight of the purchased items. The detection unit detects an abnormality when the difference between the sum of the preset weights acquired by the acquisition unit and the total weight measured by the measurement unit exceeds a threshold. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram used to explain the main functions of the shopping support terminal and the virtual POS server. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure executed by the processor of the checkout machine in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure executed by the processor of the checkout machine in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the information processing procedure executed by the processor of the checkout machine in accordance with the payment program. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the guide screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the selection screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the call screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transaction screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example of a transaction processing system is shown in which customers operate a terminal in a sales area where products are displayed, input data related to the products they have purchased, and then operate a dedicated payment device to complete the payment for the purchased products themselves.

[0009] [Configuration of Transaction Processing System S] 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a transaction processing system S. The transaction processing system S includes a shopping support terminal 1, a store server 2, a virtual POS (Point Of Sales) server 3, a checkout machine 4, an access point 5, and an attendant terminal 6. The store server 2, the virtual POS server 3, the checkout machine 4, the access point 5, and the attendant terminal 6 are interconnected by a communication network 7. The communication network 7 is typically a wired or wireless LAN.

[0010] The shopping support terminal 1 is a terminal used by customers to input data related to purchased items themselves. The shopping support terminal 1 is a portable terminal equipped with an input device, a display device, a wireless unit, and an imaging device required to read code symbols such as two-dimensional codes or barcodes. For example, commercially available smartphones and tablet terminals equipped with digital cameras can be used as the shopping support terminal 1. The shopping support terminal 1 is an example of an information terminal operated by a purchaser. A customer is an example of a purchaser.

[0011] The store server 2 is a computer that supports all store operations. To support this, the store server 2 manages various databases, including a product database. The product database is a collection of product records that describe data for each product sold in the store. The product records describe product data such as product code, product name, price, and set weight. The product code is a unique identification code assigned to each product to identify it individually. Each product is usually affixed with a barcode that represents the product code. The set weight is the weight set for each product.

[0012] The virtual POS server 3 is a computer that cooperates with the shopping support terminal 1 to provide support for making it appear as if a known POS terminal is operating. For example, the virtual POS server 3 has the following three functions. The first function is to register product sales data for products identified by product codes entered via the shopping support terminal 1 in a transaction file. The product sales data and transaction file will be described later. The second function is to display a registration screen created based on the product sales data registered in the transaction file on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1. The third function is to display a transaction barcode on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1 in response to a transaction instruction from the shopping support terminal 1. The transaction barcode will be described later.

[0013] The payment machine 4 is a dedicated payment device that allows customers who have input data about purchased items themselves using the shopping support terminal 1 to make the payment for those purchased items themselves. Multiple payment machines 4 are connected to the communication network 7. The payment method is not particularly limited. Well-known payment methods can be used, such as cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, points payment, and code payment (also called mobile payment or smartphone payment).

[0014] The access point 5 is a communication facility installed in the store as a relay point when each server (store server 2, virtual POS server 3, etc.) of the transaction processing system S communicates data with the shopping support terminal 1 via wireless LAN. The wireless LAN conforms to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard, for example. Although FIG. 1 shows only one access point 5 in the transaction processing system S, the number of access points 5 is not limited. Multiple access points 5 may be connected to the communication network 7 depending on the size of the store, etc.

[0015] The attendant terminal 6 is a terminal used by a store clerk called an attendant to monitor the status of the shopping support terminal 1 and the checkout machine 4. The attendant terminal 6 is an example of a terminal used by a store clerk.

[0016] The configuration of the transaction processing system S is not limited to that shown in Figure 1. For example, the functions of the store server 2 and the virtual POS server 3 may be realized by a single server, thereby reducing the number of servers. In addition to the payment machine 4, a well-known POS terminal in which the store clerk performs the registration operation and the payment operation for purchased items, or a semi-self-service registration machine and payment machine in which the registration machine and payment machine are separated and the store clerk performs the registration operation for purchased items in the registration machine and the customer performs the payment operation at the payment machine themselves, may also be connected to the communication network 7.

[0017] [Functional Description of Shopping Support Terminal 1 and Virtual POS Server 3] Next, the main functions of the shopping support terminal 1 and the virtual POS server 3 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0018] First, a customer who wants to use a smartphone as the shopping support terminal 1 installs a shopping support application program for a store in which the transaction processing system S is built, a so-called shopping app, on the smartphone. Then, the customer can use the smartphone as the shopping support terminal 1 by completing user registration.

[0019] Now, a customer carrying the shopping support terminal 1 launches the shopping app before entering a store. Then, as shown in function Pa, the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 is activated and reads the store entry code. The store entry code is store-related setting information coded using a predetermined two-dimensional code system, and is prepared, for example, at the entrance of the store. The setting information includes, for example, parameters necessary for the shopping support terminal 1 to communicate with the access point 5 using wireless LAN, or information related to operational restrictions of the shopping support terminal 1. The customer causes the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 to read the store entry code.

[0020] When the store entry code is read by the shopping support terminal 1, the shopping support terminal 1 connects to the access point 5 using wireless LAN, as indicated by function Pb. Once the shopping support terminal 1 is connected to the access point 5, the shopping support terminal 1 sends a check-in request command COMa to the virtual POS server 3. The check-in request command COMa is sent from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The check-in request command COMa includes terminal identification information for the shopping support terminal 1. The terminal identification information is unique information that differs from shopping support terminals 1 used by other customers. For example, the program ID of a shopping app installed on the shopping support terminal 1 is used as the terminal identification information.

[0021] Upon receiving the check-in request command COMa, the virtual POS server 3 creates a transaction file as shown in function Qa. The transaction file is a data file for registering product sales data for products identified by product codes entered via the shopping support terminal 1. A transaction file is created for each shopping support terminal 1. The terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 is associated with each transaction file.

[0022] The virtual POS server 3 that created the transaction file sends a check-in completion command COMb to the shopping support terminal 1 that sent the check-in request command COMa. The check-in completion command COMb is sent from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7.

[0023] Upon receiving the check-in completion command COMb, the shopping support terminal 1 sets the display device screen to a registration screen, as indicated by the function Pc. The registration screen is used to display the product name, price, etc. of the product identified by the product code entered via the shopping support terminal 1. A product registration button is displayed on the registration screen.

[0024] A customer places the shopping support terminal 1 in a shopping cart or carries it with them as they walk around the sales floor where products are displayed. When they find a product they want to purchase, they press the product registration button. When the product registration button is pressed, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs data about the purchased product as shown by function Pd. For example, the shopping support terminal 1 enters a standby state for reading a barcode. The customer has the camera read the barcode attached to the purchased product. When the camera reads the product's barcode, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the product code represented by the barcode as data about the purchased product.

[0025] The registration screen also displays a "No barcode" button. If the purchased item does not have a barcode attached, the customer presses the "No barcode" button. When the "No barcode" button is pressed, a list of items without barcodes is displayed on the display device. The customer selects the item to purchase from the list. When the item to purchase is selected, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the product code of the selected item as the data for the purchased item.

[0026] When the data of the purchased item is entered, the shopping support terminal 1 transmits a product registration command COMc to the virtual POS server 3. The product registration command COMc is transmitted from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The product registration command COMc includes the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 and the data of the purchased item.

[0027] Upon receiving the product registration command COMc, the virtual POS server 3 adds product sales data to a transaction file associated with the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 that sent the product registration command COMc, as shown in function Qb. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, price, number of items sold, sales amount, set weight, etc. of the purchased product. The sales amount is the price multiplied by the number of items sold. The product sales data is an example of data related to the sale of the purchased product.

[0028] After adding the product sales data to the transaction file, the virtual POS server 3 sends a registration completion command COMd ​​to the shopping support terminal 1 that sent the product registration command COMc. The registration completion command COMd ​​is sent from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7.

[0029] Upon receiving the registration completion command COMd, the shopping support terminal 1 updates the registration screen as indicated by function Pe. That is, the shopping support terminal 1 updates the registration screen so that the product name, price, etc. of the product sales data added to the transaction file are displayed. The updated registration screen displays a checkout button along with the product registration button, etc. After updating the registration screen, the shopping support terminal 1 waits for the purchase product data to be entered as indicated by function Pf, or for the checkout button to be pressed as indicated by function Pg.

[0030] When the customer finds the next item to purchase, he or she presses the product registration button. When the product registration button is pressed, the shopping support terminal 1 inputs the data of the purchased item. The shopping support terminal 1 then sends a product registration command COMc to the virtual POS server 3. The subsequent functions of the shopping support terminal 1 and virtual POS server 3 are the same as those described above.

[0031] When a customer has finished shopping in the sales area, they press the checkout button. When the checkout button is pressed, the shopping support terminal 1 sends a checkout request command COMe to the virtual POS server 3. The checkout request command COMe is sent from the access point 5 to the virtual POS server 3 via the communication network 7. The checkout request command COMe includes the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1.

[0032] The virtual POS server 3 then creates a unique accounting barcode, as shown by function Qc. For example, the virtual POS server 3 creates an accounting barcode by barcoding the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 that sent the accounting request command COMe using a specified barcode system. After creating the accounting barcode, the virtual POS server 3 sends an accounting authorization command COMf to the shopping support terminal 1 that sent the accounting request command COMe. The accounting authorization command COMf is sent from the access point 5 to the shopping support terminal 1 via the communication network 7. The accounting authorization command COMf includes the accounting barcode data.

[0033] Upon receiving the payment authorization command COMf, the shopping support terminal 1 displays an image of the payment barcode on the display device, as indicated by function Ph. This payment barcode is used for payment at the payment machine 4. Next, the payment machine 4 will be described.

[0034] [Explanation of the configuration of accounting machine 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the external configuration of the payment machine 4. As shown in FIG. The accounting machine 4 comprises a main body 50 placed on the floor and a scale unit 60 placed beside the main body 50. A touch panel 51 is attached to the top of the main body 50.

[0035] The main body 50 has, on its front surface, a reading window 52 for the scanner 47 (see FIG. 4), a card insertion slot 53, a receipt issuing slot 54, a coin insertion slot 55, a coin dispensing slot 56, a bill insertion slot 57, and a bill dispensing slot 58. In addition, a communication cable 71 extends from the right side of the main body 50 to the outside, and a reader / writer 72 for electronic money media is connected to the tip of this communication cable 71. The reader / writer 72 is placed on a stand 73 provided on the upper right side of the main body 50.

[0036] The scale unit 60 has a structure in which a scale pan 62 is provided on top of a housing 61. The top surface of the scale pan 62 serves as a placing surface 63. The scale unit 60 measures the total weight of items placed on the placing surface 63. The scale unit 60 measures the weight of purchased items and a shopping basket or the like for placing the purchased items. The scale unit 60 is an example of a measuring means 412, which will be described later. Note that in FIG. 3, the scale unit 60 is installed on the left side of the main body 50, but the installation position is not limited thereto. The scale unit 60 may also be installed on the right side of the main body 50.

[0037] 4 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the checkout machine 4. The checkout machine 4 includes a processor 41, main memory 42, auxiliary storage device 43, clock 44, communication interface 45, change dispenser interface 46, scanner 47, touch panel 51, printer 48, reader / writer 72, scale unit 60, light-emitting unit 75, and system transmission path 49. The system transmission path 49 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission path 49 connects the processor 41 to each of the other components directly or via a signal input / output circuit, and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0038] The accounting machine 4 constitutes a computer by connecting a processor 41, a main memory 42, an auxiliary storage device 43, a clock 44, and a communication interface 45 via a system transmission path 49. The accounting machine 4 also connects device interfaces or devices, such as a change dispenser interface 46, a scanner 47, a touch panel 51, a printer 48, a reader / writer 72, a scale unit 60, and a light-emitting unit 75, to the computer via the system transmission path 49.

[0039] The processor 41 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 41 controls each part in accordance with an operating system or application programs to realize various functions of the accounting machine 4. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0040] The main memory 42 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 42 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 42 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 42 may store data required for the processor 41 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 42 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 41 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0041] The auxiliary storage device 43 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 43. The auxiliary storage device 43 stores data used by the processor 41 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 41, etc. The auxiliary storage device 43 may also store the application programs described above.

[0042] The clock 44 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 41 processes the date and time kept by the clock 44 as the current date and time.

[0043] The communication interface 45 performs data communication with the store server 2, virtual POS server 3, accounting machine 4, access point 5, attendant terminal 6, etc., which are connected via the communication network 7.

[0044] The change machine interface 46 constitutes an interface with an automatic change machine (not shown). The change machine interface 46 inputs amount data of coins inserted into the automatic change machine from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 46 outputs change data from the accounting machine 4 to the automatic change machine. Having input the change data, the automatic change machine automatically dispenses coins equivalent to the change data as change.

[0045] The scanner 47 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The scanner 47 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

[0046] The touch panel 51 is a device that combines an input device and a display device. The touch panel 51 displays information to a customer who is the operator of the payment machine 4, and accepts operational inputs from the customer.

[0047] The printer 48 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 48 may be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer.

[0048] The reader / writer 72 has the function of reading data recorded on a medium such as a card or smartphone, and the function of writing data to the medium. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as point cards such as company point cards and shared point cards. The reader / writer 72 may be a magnetic, contact, or contactless device, or may include multiple types of devices.

[0049] In the payment machine 4 configured as above, the processor 41 has the functions of an acquisition unit 411, a measurement unit 412, a detection unit 413, a notification unit 414 and a reception unit 415.

[0050] The acquisition means 411 has two functions. The first function is to acquire the set weight of the purchased product registered using the information terminal operated by the purchaser. The second function is to acquire data related to the sale of the purchased product, including the set weight of the purchased product.

[0051] The measuring means 412 is a function for measuring the total weight of purchased items.

[0052] The detection means 413 is a function that detects an abnormality when the difference between the total set weight acquired by the acquisition means 411 and the total weight measured by the measurement means 412 exceeds a threshold value.

[0053] The notification means 414 is a function that, when the detection means 413 detects an abnormality, notifies the fact to a terminal used by a store clerk.

[0054] The reception means 415 is a function that, when an abnormality is detected by the detection means 413, receives a request to cancel the data relating to the sale of the purchased item acquired by the acquisition means 411 or to register new data relating to the sale of the purchased item.

[0055] The functions of the acquisition means 411, measurement means 412, detection means 413, notification means 414, and acceptance means 415 are all realized by information processing executed by the processor 41 in accordance with the payment program. The payment program is a type of application program stored in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the payment program in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43. The payment program can be recorded on a removable recording medium, or can be distributed via communication via the communication network 7 and installed in the main memory 42 or the auxiliary storage device 43. The form of the recording medium is not important as long as it can store the program and is readable by the device, such as a CD-ROM or memory card.

[0056] [Explanation of operation of accounting machine 4] Figures 5 to 7 are flow charts showing the information processing procedures executed by the processor 41 in accordance with the payment program. The main operations of the payment device 4 will be explained below using each figure. Note that the operations explained below are just examples. The procedures or processing contents can be changed as appropriate as long as similar effects can be achieved.

[0057] 5, processor 41 displays a checkout waiting screen on touch panel 51. The checkout waiting screen is a screen that displays guidance to a customer who has registered items for purchase using shopping support terminal 1, for example, to have scanner 47 read the checkout barcode displayed on the display device of shopping support terminal 1. Processor 41 waits for scanner 47 to read the checkout barcode as ACT2.

[0058] After completing their shopping at the sales floor and pressing the checkout button, the customer confirms that a checkout barcode has been displayed on the display device of the shopping support terminal 1, and then proceeds to the location of the checkout machine 4. The customer then holds the checkout barcode over the scanner 47 of the checkout machine 4, which displays the checkout waiting screen. When the checkout barcode is held over the scanner 47, it is read by the scanner 47.

[0059] When the transaction barcode is read by the scanner 47, processor 41 determines YES in ACT2 and proceeds to ACT3. In ACT3, processor 41 requests a transaction file from virtual POS server 3. As described above, the transaction barcode is a barcoded version of the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1. Meanwhile, the transaction file stored in virtual POS server 3 is associated with the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1. Therefore, processor 41 requests a transaction file associated with the terminal identification information obtained from the transaction barcode. Upon receiving this request, virtual POS server 3 sends the transaction file associated with the terminal identification information to the payment machine 4.

[0060] The processor 41 acquires the transaction file transmitted from the virtual POS server 3 as ACT4 using the function of the acquisition means 411.

[0061] Processor 41 calculates the sum of the set weights included in each product sales data registered in the transaction file as ACT5. Processor 41 stores the sum of the set weights in set weight memory. The set weight memory is formed in a volatile memory area of ​​main memory 42.

[0062] The processor 41 causes the touch panel 51 to display the guide screen 100 (see FIG. 8) in ACT6.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the guide screen 100. As shown in Fig. 8, the guide screen 100 displays a message for instructing the customer to place the purchased item on the placement surface 63, as well as a guide image 101 that instructs the customer to place the purchased item on the placement surface 63. Note that the content and image of the text data displayed in Fig. 8 are merely examples.

[0064] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. After checking the guidance screen 100, the customer places the purchased items on the placement surface 63. In ACT7, the processor 41 checks whether the total weight output by the scale unit 60 has increased. If the total weight output by the scale unit 60 has increased, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT7 and proceeds to ACT8. If the total weight output by the scale unit 60 has increased, this means that the customer has placed the purchased items on the placement surface 63.

[0065] The processor 41 displays the selection screen 200 (see FIG. 9) on the touch panel 51 in ACT8.

[0066] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a selection screen 200. As shown in Fig. 9, the selection screen 200 includes a message inquiring the customer about whether or not they have a shopping basket, an image of a shopping basket present button 201 to indicate that a shopping basket is present, and an image of a shopping basket absent button 202 to indicate that a shopping basket is absent. A case where a shopping basket is absent refers to, for example, a case where a customer places purchased items directly on the placing surface 63, or a case where a customer places purchased items in a reusable bag on the placing surface 63. Note that the content and image of the text data displayed in Fig. 9 are merely examples.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. In ACT 9, the processor 41 checks whether or not the shopping basket present button 201 has been touched. If the shopping basket present button 201 has been touched, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10.

[0068] The processor 41 adds the weight of the shopping basket to the total set weight stored in the set weight memory in ACT10. Hereinafter, the weight obtained by adding the weight of the shopping basket to the total set weight will be referred to as the weight after addition. The weight of the shopping basket is stored in the shopping basket memory. The shopping basket memory is formed in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 42. It is assumed that the weight of the shopping basket is set in advance by the store. The weight of the shopping basket may be, for example, a fixed value or may be a value that varies from store to store. The weight of the shopping basket may be, for example, a value obtained by adding a small margin to the weight of the shopping basket actually used in the store.

[0069] If the no shopping basket button 202 is touched, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT9, skips the processing of ACT10, and proceeds to ACT11.

[0070] In ACT11, when the processor 41 executes the processing of ACT10, it checks whether the difference between the weight after the addition and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 is equal to or less than a threshold value. When the processor 41 skips the processing of ACT10, it checks whether the difference between the sum of the set weights stored in the set weight memory and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 is equal to or less than a threshold value. The threshold value is stored in the threshold value memory. The threshold value memory is formed in a volatile memory area of ​​the main memory 42. At this time, if the difference between the weight after the addition or the sum of the set weights and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 is equal to or less than the threshold value, the processor 41 determines that the weight after the addition or the sum of the set weights is the same as the total weight output by the scale unit 60. Note that the reason for determining that the weight after the addition or the sum of the set weights is the same as the total weight output by the scale unit 60 is to take into account fluctuations in the total weight output by the scale unit 60 due to vibrations applied to the scale unit 60, the weight of the shopping basket, the weight of the reusable bag, etc.

[0071] If the difference between the weight after addition or the sum of the set weights and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 is equal to or less than the threshold, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT21 in FIG.

[0072] Processor 41 executes product registration processing as ACT21. Specifically, processor 41 registers sales data of purchased products in sales total memory based on product sales data registered in the transaction file. The sales total memory is formed in a volatile memory area of ​​main memory 42. This registration processing calculates the total amount of the transaction.

[0073] As ACT22, the processor 41 causes the touch panel 51 to display a payment method selection screen. The payment method selection screen is a screen on which images of payment method selection buttons, such as a cash button, a credit button, and an electronic money button, are arranged. When the cash button is touched, cash is selected as the payment method. When the credit button is touched, credit card is selected as the payment method. When the electronic money button is touched, electronic money is selected as the payment method. Note that the payment methods are not limited to the three types of cash, credit card, and electronic money. Any two types may be selected, or another payment method may be selectable. Also, only one payment method may be selected. In that case, instead of the payment method selection buttons, for example, a payment start button for instructing the start of payment may be displayed on the payment method selection screen.

[0074] The processor 41 waits for a payment method to be selected in ACT 23. If any payment method is selected by operation input on the payment method selection screen, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 23 and proceeds to ACT 24.

[0075] The processor 41 executes the settlement process as ACT24. For example, if cash is selected as the payment method, the processor 41 subtracts the total amount from the amount inserted into the automatic change dispenser, calculates the change, and dispenses it from the automatic change dispenser. For example, if a credit card is selected as the payment method, the processor 41 authenticates the credit card read by the reader / writer 72 and, if approved, confirms the total amount as the credit settlement amount. For example, if electronic money is selected as the payment method, the processor 41 subtracts the total amount from the balance of the electronic money medium read by the reader / writer 72.

[0076] Processor 41, as ACT25, controls the issuance of receipts by printer 48. Transaction detail data such as the product name, price, number of items, purchase amount, total number of items, total amount, and payment amount are printed on the receipt. The number of items is the number of items purchased, and the purchase amount is the product of the price and number of items. After controlling the issuance of the receipt, the processor 41 completes the information processing procedure shown in FIGS.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of Figure 5. If the difference between the sum of the weight after addition or the set weight and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 exceeds the threshold, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT31 in Fig. 7. That is, the processor 41 detects an abnormality by the function of the detection means 413 if the difference between the sum of the weight after addition or the set weight and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 exceeds the threshold.

[0078] The processor 41 generates an abnormal command as ACT31 using the function of the notification means 414 and controls the communication interface 45 to send it to the attendant terminal 6. This control causes the abnormal command to be sent from the communication interface 45 to the attendant terminal 6 via the communication network 7. The abnormal command includes a payment machine ID. The payment machine ID is payment machine identification information set for each payment machine 4 to individually identify each payment machine 4.

[0079] The processor 41 causes the touch panel 51 to display the call screen 300 (see FIG. 10) as ACT32.

[0080] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a call screen 300. As shown in Fig. 10, the call screen 300 includes a message for notifying the customer that a weight abnormality has occurred and that an attendant is being called. Note that the content of the text data displayed in Fig. 10 is an example.

[0081] Upon receiving the abnormality command, the attendant terminal 6 displays an abnormality screen on the touch panel. The abnormality screen is a screen that notifies the attendant that a weight abnormality has occurred at a payment machine 4 identified by, for example, the payment machine ID.

[0082] After checking the abnormality screen, the attendant rushes to the accounting machine 4 where the weight abnormality occurred. To operate the accounting machine 4 in attendant mode, the attendant has the scanner 47 read a code symbol, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code, in which the attendant ID is stored. The code symbol is printed, for example, on an ID card carried by each attendant. That is, the processor 41 waits for the scanner 47 to read the code symbol in which the attendant ID is stored as ACT33 in FIG. 7.

[0083] When the code symbol storing the attendant ID is read by the scanner 47, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT33 and proceeds to ACT34.

[0084] The processor 41 displays the transaction screen 400 (see FIG. 11) on the touch panel 51 in ACT34.

[0085] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transaction screen 400. As shown in FIG. 11, the transaction screen 400 includes a details field 401 for displaying product sales data registered in the transaction file, a total field 402 for displaying the total number of items and the total price of the purchased items, an image of a no barcode button 403, an image of a cancel all button 404 for instructing a bulk cancellation, and an image of a checkout button 405 for instructing a checkout. The details field 401 includes the product name, price, number of items, and purchase price of the purchased items, and a cancel button 4011. When the cancel button 4011 is touched, the registration of the purchased item corresponding to the cancel button 4011 is canceled. When the no barcode button 403 is touched, a list of products without barcodes is displayed on the touch panel 51. The attendant selects the purchased item from the list. When the cancel all button 404 is touched, the registration of all purchased items displayed in the details field 401 is canceled. When the checkout button 405 is touched, the product registration process is executed. The content and image of the text data displayed in FIG. 11 are just an example.

[0086] Here, the attendant, for example, visually checks the product sales data displayed in the details column 401 and the purchased product placed on the placement surface 63. If the attendant finds that there is no problem, such as the data related to the purchased product being incorrectly entered due to a customer input error, the attendant adds or cancels the purchased product that is the subject of the weight abnormality. An example of a case where a purchased item with a weight abnormality is added is when a customer forgets to have the camera of the shopping support terminal 1 read the barcode attached to the purchased item and places the item in a shopping cart, etc. In this case, the purchased item is not displayed in the details section 401, so the attendant has the scanner 47 of the cash register 4 read the barcode attached to the purchased item. If the purchased item does not have a barcode attached, the attendant touches the No barcode button 403. That is, the attendant adds the purchased item by registering it by having the scanner 47 read the barcode attached to the purchased item or by touching the No barcode button 403 and selecting the purchased item from a list of items without barcodes. An example of a case where a purchased item that is the subject of a weight abnormality is canceled is when a customer returns the purchased item to a display shelf in the sales area without remembering to cancel the registration of the purchased item on the shopping support terminal 1. In this case, the product sales data is displayed as the purchased item in the details column 401, but since the purchased item is not in the shopping cart, the attendant touches the cancel button 4011 corresponding to the purchased item. Furthermore, if the attendant has a large number of purchased items and visually comparing them with the product sales data is difficult, for example, the attendant can touch the cancel all button 404 to cancel the registration of all purchased items. In this case, the attendant re-enters the data related to the purchased items from scratch using the cash register 4 installed at the service counter, for example. The service counter is where the attendant is located. That is, the attendant cancels the purchased items by touching the cancel button 4011 or the cancel all button 404 as a registration cancellation operation.

[0087] In ACT 35, processor 41 checks whether an operation to register the purchased item has been performed. If an operation to register the purchased item has not been performed, processor 41 determines NO in ACT 35 and proceeds to ACT 36. In ACT 36, processor 41 checks whether an operation to cancel the registration of the purchased item has been performed. If an operation to cancel the registration of the purchased item has not been performed, processor 41 determines NO in ACT 36 and returns to the standby state of ACT 35 to ACT 36.

[0088] If an operation to register a purchased item is performed during the standby state of ACT 35 to ACT 36, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 35 and proceeds to ACT 37. When an operation to register a purchased item is performed, the processor 41 recognizes that an instruction to register the purchased item has been issued. That is, the processor 41 uses the function of the receiving means 415 to accept the registration of product sales data for the new purchased item.

[0089] The processor 41 executes the addition process as ACT 37. Specifically, the processor 41 adds the product sales data of the purchased product for which the registration operation has been performed to the transaction file.

[0090] In ACT 38, processor 41 checks whether or not the checkout button 405 has been touched. If the checkout button 405 has been touched, processor 41 determines YES in ACT 38 and proceeds to ACT 21 in Fig. 6. Processor 41 then executes the processes of ACT 21 to ACT 25 in the same manner as described above.

[0091] If an operation to cancel the registration of the purchased item is performed during the standby state of ACT 35 to ACT 36, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT 36 and proceeds to ACT 39. When an operation to cancel the registration of the purchased item is performed, the processor 41 recognizes that an instruction to cancel the registration of the purchased item has been issued. That is, the processor 41 receives a request to cancel the registration of the product sales data of the purchased item using the function of the receiving means 415.

[0092] Processor 41 executes the cancellation process as ACT 39. Specifically, when cancel button 4011 is touched, processor 41 cancels the product sales data of the purchased product corresponding to cancel button 4011 from the transaction file. When batch cancel button 404 is touched, processor 41 cancels all the product sales data registered in the transaction file at once.

[0093] In ACT40, the processor 41 checks whether the cancellation process executed in the process of ACT39 is cancellation process caused by touching the all cancel button 404. If the cancellation process is not caused by touching the all cancel button 404, that is, if the cancellation process is caused by touching the cancel button 4011, the processor 41 determines NO in ACT40 and proceeds to ACT38. Then, the processor 41 executes the processes of ACT38 and ACT21 to ACT25 in FIG. 6 in the same manner as described above.

[0094] If the cancellation process executed in the process of ACT39 is a cancellation process caused by touching the all cancel button 404, the processor 41 determines YES in ACT40 and ends the information processing of the procedures shown in FIGS.

[0095] As described above in detail, when a transaction barcode is read by the scanner 47, the processor 41 of the transaction machine 4, which is one aspect of the payment device, retrieves the transaction file associated with that transaction barcode from the virtual POS server 3. If the difference between the total set weight of the purchased items or the total set weight plus the weight of the shopping basket and the total weight output by the scale unit 60 when a customer places purchased items on the loading surface 63 exceeds a threshold, an abnormality is detected. This prevents customers from taking unregistered purchased items out of the store.

[0096] When an abnormality is detected, the processor 41 transmits an abnormality command to the attendant terminal 6. As a result, an abnormality occurrence screen is displayed on the touch panel of the attendant terminal 6. Therefore, the attendant can easily know that a weight abnormality has occurred.

[0097] Furthermore, if an abnormality is detected, the attendant operates the payment machine 4 in attendant mode by having the scanner 47 read the code symbol storing the attendant ID. Then, when a registration or cancellation operation for the purchased item is performed, the processor 41 accepts whether to cancel the product sales data for the purchased item registered in the transaction file or to register new product sales data for the purchased item. This allows the attendant to deal with the weight abnormality appropriately depending on the customer's situation.

[0098] Although the embodiment of the settlement device and the control program therefor has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0099] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a customer sets a smartphone in a shopping cart or carries it as the shopping support terminal 1. For example, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart (a so-called cart terminal) may be used as the shopping support terminal 1.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the transaction barcode is a barcode that represents the terminal identification information of the shopping support terminal 1 using a predetermined barcode system. However, the transaction barcode is not limited to this. The transaction barcode may be any code that is unique to the transaction file.

[0101] In the above embodiment, when the scanner 47 reads the accounting barcode, the payment machine 4 obtains the transaction file associated with that accounting barcode from the virtual POS server 3. The method for obtaining the transaction file is not limited to this. For example, a payment machine code consisting of a barcode or two-dimensional code system is prepared near the payment machine 4. The payment machine code is a coded version of the payment machine ID set in the payment machine 4. When a customer finishes shopping and moves in front of the payment machine 4, the camera on the shopping support terminal 1 reads the payment machine code. The shopping support terminal 1 then transmits the terminal identification information and payment machine code to the virtual POS server 3. The virtual POS server 3 transmits the transaction file associated with the terminal identification information to the payment machine 4 identified by the payment machine code. In this way, the payment machine 4 can obtain the transaction file.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the processor 41, upon acquiring a transaction file, calculates the sum of the set weights included in the product sales data registered in the transaction file as ACT5. For example, when the processor 41 requests a transaction file from the virtual POS server 3 as ACT3, the virtual POS server 3 may calculate the sum of the set weights included in the product sales data registered in the transaction file. The virtual POS server 3 may then send the transaction file including the sum of the set weights to the cash register 4.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, the processor 41 displays the call screen 300 on the touch panel 51. For example, a voice output may be generated to inform the user that a weight abnormality has occurred and that an attendant is being called.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the attendant terminal 6 displays an abnormality occurrence screen on the touch panel. For example, it may output a voice message indicating that a weight abnormality has occurred at a payment machine 4 identified by the payment machine ID.

[0105] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...Shopping support terminal, 2...Store server, 3...Virtual POS server, 4...Accounting machine, 5...Access point, 6...Attendant terminal, 7...Communication network, 41...Processor, 42...Main memory, 43...Auxiliary storage device, 44...Clock, 45...Communication interface, 46...Change machine interface, 47...Scanner, 48...Printer, 49...System transmission path, 50...Main body, 51...Touch panel, 52...Reading window, 53 ...Card insertion slot, 54...Receipt issuing slot, 55...Coin insertion slot, 56...Coin dispensing outlet, 57...Banknote insertion slot, 58...Banknote dispensing outlet, 60...Scale unit, 61...Housing, 62...Scale pan, 63...Loading surface, 71...Communication cable, 72...Reader / writer, 73...Base, 74...Display pole, 75...Light emitting unit, S...Transaction processing system, 411...Acquisition means, 412...Measurement means, 413...Detection means, 414...Notification means, 415...Reception means.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring a set weight of the purchased product registered using an information terminal operated by a purchaser; a measuring means for measuring the total weight of the purchased items; a detection means for detecting an abnormality when a difference between the sum of the set weights acquired by the acquisition means and the total weight measured by the measurement means exceeds a threshold value.

2. 2. The settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising: a notification means for, when said detection means detects an abnormality, notifying the fact to a terminal used by a store clerk.

3. The settlement device according to claim 1 , wherein the acquiring unit acquires data relating to the sale of the purchased product, including a set weight of the purchased product.

4. The payment device according to claim 3, further comprising an acceptance means for accepting whether, when the detection means detects an abnormality, the data relating to the sale of the purchased item acquired by the acquisition means should be cancelled or new data relating to the sale of the purchased item should be registered.

5. The computer of the payment device, An acquisition means for acquiring the set weight of the registered purchased product using an information terminal operated by the purchaser; a measuring means for measuring the total weight of the purchased goods; and A control program for causing the device to function as a detection means for detecting an abnormality when the difference between the sum of the set weights acquired by the acquisition means and the total weight measured by the measurement means exceeds a threshold value.

Images