system

Abstract

It is suitable for accommodating multiple types of payment methods. [Solution] The registration device includes a registration means for registering transaction information based on the purchased goods, a display means for displaying operation keys on the screen of the device, a transmission means for transmitting the transaction information so that it can be settled at a selected settlement device when a transmission key, which is an operation key for transmitting the transaction information registered by the registration means, is operated, and a non-cash settlement selection means for enabling non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when a non-cash key, which is an operation key for selecting non-cash settlement other than cash, is operated, and a settlement device has a cash settlement means for performing cash settlement based on the transaction information transmitted by the transmission means, wherein the display means displays the transmission key and the non-cash key on the same screen, and the transmission means transmits the transaction information so that it can be settled at a settlement device after the operation of the completion key, which is an operation key for declaring that the registration of goods has been completed by the registration means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a POS system in which a store clerk scans a barcode attached to a product into a registration device, registers transaction information based on the barcode data in a storage device, and performs settlement based on the registered transaction information (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, there is a problem that it does not sufficiently support a plurality of types of settlement methods (payment methods).

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a technique that can be suitably processed in the case of having a plurality of types of settlement methods.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A POS system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a registration device having registration means for registering transaction information based on purchased goods, display means for displaying operation keys on the screen of the device, transmission means for transmitting the transaction information so that it can be settled at a selected settlement device when a transmission key, which is an operation key for transmitting the transaction information registered by the registration means, is operated, and non-cash settlement selection means for enabling non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when a non-cash key, which is an operation key for selecting non-cash settlement other than cash, is operated, and a settlement device having cash settlement means for performing cash settlement based on the transaction information transmitted by the transmission means, wherein the display means displays the transmission key and the non-cash key on the same screen, and the transmission means transmits the transaction information so that it can be settled at the settlement device after an operation of a completion key, which is an operation key for declaring that product registration has been completed by the registration means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the flow of accounting processing using a POS system in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a POS system in a subset of available data. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows examples of discount rates for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an image for inputting discount rates for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a first example of an image displayed on a registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows a second example of an image displayed on the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a voucher in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a payment device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of a selection image displayed on a payment device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of a guidance image displayed on a payment device in one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a conceptual diagram of the flow of accounting processing using a POS system. The POS system is installed, for example, in a store. The POS system comprises a registration device 100 and a settlement device 200. There may be multiple registration devices 100 and settlement devices 200. The registration device 100 scans the barcode attached to the product purchased by the customer at the operation of a store employee. The registration device 100 registers the transaction information of the product in a storage unit based on the barcode data. The transaction information of the product may include, for example, a transaction identification number, a product identification number, and information indicating the quantity of the product.

[0009] When the registration of transaction information for all barcodes of products purchased by a customer is complete, the registration device 100 prints a barcode or 2D code on a receipt (described later using Figure 8) based on an operation input to declare the completion of the registration of the product transaction information (for example, an operation by a store clerk to press the completion key), and issues the receipt to the customer.

[0010] Customers who receive a payment slip move to the payment device 200, use the scanner unit of the payment device 200 to read the barcode or 2D code printed on the payment slip, and then operate the operation keys of the payment device 200 themselves to settle the purchase amount (total amount of purchased goods) determined by the transaction information.

[0011] Figure 2 shows a configuration example of a POS system in a block diagram. The POS system may further include a store controller 400 (a higher-level management device). The POS system includes a store controller 400, N registration devices 100 (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1), and M settlement devices 200 (where M is an integer greater than or equal to 1). The registration devices 100, the settlement devices 200, and the store controller 400 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 300.

[0012] The store controller 400 stores product information (e.g., the price of a product) in advance as product master data. The registration device 100 may register product transaction information with the store controller 400 based on the read barcode data. That is, the store controller 400 may store the transaction information transmitted from the registration device 100.

[0013] Note that among the registration devices 100, there may be registration devices 100 not connected to the store controller 400 and registration devices 100 connected to the store controller 400 via the LAN 300.

[0014] First, the details of the registration device will be described. Figure 3 shows a configuration example of the registration device in a block diagram. The registration device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a scanner unit 104, a clerk display unit 105, a customer display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a communication unit 108, a buzzer 109, a printing unit 111, an electronic money reading unit 112, and a credit card reading unit 113. These units are connected to each other via a bus 1. The printing unit 111 has a receipt issuing port 110.

[0015] The scanner unit 104 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that stores in advance a program for operating the registration device 100.

[0016] The CPU 101 is a central processing unit. The CPU 101 reads out the program stored in the ROM 102 and expands it in the RAM 103. The CPU 101 controls each part of the registration device 100 by executing each step of the expanded program.

[0017] The CPU 101 registers the transaction information of the product in the RAM 103 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104. Also, the CPU 101 may register the transaction information of the product in the store controller 400 via the communication unit 108 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.

[0018] The CPU 101 identifies the settlement method (payment method) selected by the customer. For example, the CPU 101 identifies the settlement method selected by the customer based on the identification information indicating cash, credit card, electronic money, or coupon input by the store clerk operating the operation unit 107.

[0019] Also, the CPU 101 controls the printing unit 111 to print a receipt in a format corresponding to the identified settlement method and issue the receipt. More specifically, when the identified settlement method is a settlement method other than cash, the CPU 101 prints the detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information for which settlement has been completed in the self-registration device on the receipt and controls the printing unit 111 to issue the receipt. That is, when the settlement method information input to the CPU 101 via the operation unit 107 indicates "credit declaration", "electronic money declaration", or "coupon", the CPU 101 instructs the printing unit 111 to issue a receipt on which the detailed information after the settlement process has been executed in the self-settlement device is printed.

[0020] On the other hand, if the specified settlement method includes at least a cash settlement method, the CPU 101 controls the printing unit 111 to issue a receipt with transaction information printed on it. Here, the CPU 101 may also control the printing unit 111 to issue a receipt with identification information indicating the transaction information printed on it. In other words, if the settlement method information entered into the CPU 101 via the operation unit 107 indicates "cash" or "receipt," the CPU 101 instructs the printing unit 111 to issue a receipt with the information necessary for the customer to operate the settlement device 200 and make the settlement.

[0021] RAM103 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. This information includes, for example, discount rates based on purchase amounts. The purchase amount is the total price of all purchased items. The program read from ROM102 is loaded into RAM103. RAM103 also stores various data generated by the execution of the program.

[0022] Figure 4 shows examples of discount rates for each purchase amount. In Figure 4, the purchase amount is associated with the discount rate. Specifically, a purchase amount of "less than 2000 yen" is pre-associated with a discount rate of "5%" as an example. Also, a purchase amount of "2000 yen or more, but less than 4000 yen" is pre-associated with a discount rate of "7%" as an example.

[0023] Returning to Figure 3, we continue the explanation of the example configuration of the registration device. The employee display unit 105 is a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, liquid crystal display, or organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The employee display unit 105 displays various images such as operation keys (described later using Figures 6 and 7).

[0024] The staff display unit 105 has a touch panel equipped with touch keys (soft keys) which are transparent contact switches. In other words, the staff display unit 105 has a touch panel that functions as the operation unit 107. The staff display unit 105 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, settings, or registration via the displayed operation keys. These settings may, for example, be the setting of discount rates for each purchase amount (see Figure 4).

[0025] Figure 5 shows images for inputting discount rates for each purchase amount. Images for inputting discount rates for each purchase amount may also be displayed on the staff display unit 105 when the payment ticket key or payment key displayed on the staff display unit 105 is pressed (the completion key is pressed). In addition, images for inputting discount rates for each purchase amount may be displayed on the staff display unit 105 during the initial setup immediately after power is turned on to the registration device 100. The staff member may input the discount rate for each purchase amount by operating the operation keys displayed on the staff display unit 105 or the number keys on the operation unit 107 while confirming the images for inputting discount rates for each purchase amount.

[0026] The details of the benefit (for example, the discount rate (see Figure 4), the amount of the discount, or the provision of certain products free of charge) may be set in advance. The CPU 101 may grant the benefit to a customer when the customer presses the payment ticket key or payment key displayed on the employee display unit 105. This allows the POS system to grant benefits to all customers using the payment device without the employee having to set the discount rate or other details for each customer.

[0027] Furthermore, by simply having a store employee perform the necessary operations for settlement processing, such as pressing the payment ticket key or payment key displayed on the employee display unit 105, the employee can grant benefits to customers using the settlement device. In addition, the POS system can eliminate the possibility of forgetting to grant benefits and improve the ease of operation for store employees.

[0028] Furthermore, the CPU 101 may display a means on the employee display unit 105 to change the discount rate (see Figure 4) for specific customers before the payment ticket key or payment key displayed on the employee display unit 105 is pressed. This allows the POS system to provide benefits as a service tailored to each customer.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a first example of an image displayed on the registration device. The employee display unit 105 displays detailed product information determined by transaction information based on barcode data read by the scanner unit 104, in accordance with the control of the CPU 101. For example, the employee display unit 105 displays the name of the purchased product, the price of the product, the string "inclusive of tax" indicating that it is inclusive of tax, the number of items purchased, the subtotal (amount), and the total (purchase amount) for each product in a table format.

[0030] The staff display unit 105 displays various operation keys. These operation keys include, for example, an expansion key, an electronic money declaration key 500, a credit declaration key 510, a interruption key, a ticket issuance key, a payment slip key 520, a QR code reissue key, an operator screen key, and a registration screen key.

[0031] The electronic money declaration key 500, the credit declaration key 510, and the receipt key 520 are operation keys (completion keys) (declaration means) for completing the registration of transaction information. More specifically, the electronic money declaration key 500 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process using electronic money will be performed. The credit declaration key 510 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process using a credit card will be performed.

[0032] The receipt key 520 is an operation key used to issue a receipt from the receipt issuing slot 110. When the receipt key 520 is pressed, the customer receives the issued receipt and moves to the payment device 200. The customer who has received the receipt moves to the payment device 200, uses the scanner unit of the payment device 200 to read the barcode or 2D code printed on the receipt, and then operates the operation keys of the payment device 200 to settle the purchase amount (total amount of purchased goods) determined by the transaction information.

[0033] Figure 7 shows a second example of an image displayed on the registration device. The employee display unit 105 may display a payment device selection key 530 and a checkout key 540. The payment device selection key 530 is an operation key for the employee to select a payment device 200. The checkout key 540 is an operation key for completing the registration of transaction information. When the checkout key 540 is pressed following one of the payment device selection keys 530, the CPU 101 causes the communication unit 108 to send transaction information to the selected payment device 200. In this case, the CPU 101 may cause the communication unit 108 to directly send the transaction information to the selected payment device 200. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may cause the communication unit 108 to send the transaction information to the selected payment device 200 via the store controller 400 (higher-level device). The customer moves to the selected payment device 200 and settles the purchase amount (total amount of purchased goods) determined by the transaction information received by the payment device 200 by operating the operation keys of the selected payment device 200.

[0034] Returning to Figure 3, let's continue the explanation of the example configuration of the registration device. The customer display unit 106 is a display device. The customer display unit 106 may be an emissive display device using a liquid crystal display or the like. The customer display unit 106 displays images such as strings of characters using, for example, a 7-segment display or a dot display (full dot display). For example, the customer display unit 106 displays registered transaction information, the purchase amount (total amount) of the purchased goods, information that benefits will be granted, or information that payment at the settlement device 200 is required to customers who have completed the registration of transaction information.

[0035] The operation unit 107 includes operating means for operating the registration device 100. These operating means (input devices) may be, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), buttons, or a touch panel. The operating means may also include, for example, a completion key for declaring the completion of product registration (e.g., a checkout key or checkout ticket key), a correction key, a preset key, a numeric key, a voucher key, a credit declaration key, or an electronic money declaration key.

[0036] The operating means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or they may be displayed as images of operating keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the employee display unit 105.

[0037] The communication unit 108 communicates with the store controller 400 and the settlement device 200 via the network. The network can be any type of communication line (e.g., wireless communication line, wired communication line), and is not limited to LAN 300. The buzzer 109 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 101.

[0038] The receipt issuing slot 110 dispenses various sheets printed by the printing unit 111. These sheets include, for example, credit card receipts, electronic money receipts, gift certificate receipts, or payment vouchers.

[0039] Here, a credit receipt is a receipt issued after the credit declaration key is pressed and the settlement process at the registration device 100 is completed. An electronic money receipt is a receipt issued after the electronic money declaration key is pressed and the settlement process at the registration device 100 is completed. A gift certificate receipt is a receipt issued after the gift certificate key is pressed and the settlement process at the registration device 100 is completed. A payment voucher is issued when the payment voucher key is pressed. The purchase amount for a single transaction may be printed on the payment voucher.

[0040] The printing unit 111 prints information onto a sheet. The printing unit 111 includes a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is positioned in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head and is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is driven in response to a control signal from the CPU 101, causing the sheet to be transported by a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller. The sheet is then issued from the receipt issuing slot 110, for example, as a credit receipt, electronic money receipt, gift certificate receipt, or accounting ticket.

[0041] Figure 8 shows examples of receipt vouchers. Figure 8(a) shows an example of a receipt voucher 40 with barcode C2 printed on it. Barcode C2 is a code that represents identification information indicating transaction information. Transaction information registered in the store controller 400 is retrieved from the store controller 400 based on the identification information (transaction identification number) that represents the transaction information represented by barcode C2. On the other hand, Figure 8(b) shows an example of a receipt voucher 40 with a 2D code C1 printed on it. The 2D code C1 is a code that represents detailed product information determined by the transaction information of all products purchased by the customer. In this case, all transaction information is recorded in the 2D code C1, so it does not need to be retrieved from the store controller 400.

[0042] The receipt 40 may have at least some of the transaction information printed on it, for example, the number of items purchased and the purchase price. The receipt 40 may also have at least some of the transaction information printed on it, for example, the date and time of the transaction. In addition, a coupon (not shown) may be printed on a part of the receipt 40 (for example, the lower half).

[0043] Returning to Figure 3, we continue the explanation of the example configuration of the registration device. The electronic money reader 112 has a structure into which an electronic money card (medium) can be inserted. The electronic money reader 112 wirelessly reads the amount information stored in the inserted electronic money card and outputs the read amount information to the CPU 101. The electronic money reader 112 stores the amount information, after deducting the purchase amount input from the CPU 101, in the inserted electronic money card.

[0044] The credit card reader 113 has a structure into which a credit card (medium) can be inserted. The credit card reader 113 reads customer information stored on the inserted credit card using magnetism or the like, and outputs the read information to the CPU 101.

[0045] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the registration device (see Figure 3). (Step S1) The scanner unit 104 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The CPU 101 registers the product transaction information in the RAM 103 or store controller 400 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.

[0046] (Step S2) The CPU 101 determines whether the registration of transaction information has been completed for all purchased items, that is, whether the completion key of the operation unit 107 for declaring the completion of item registration (for example, the accounting key 540 or the accounting ticket key 520) has been operated. If the registration of transaction information is completed (Step S2: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S3. On the other hand, if the registration of transaction information is not completed (Step S2: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to Step S1.

[0047] (Step S3) The CPU 101 determines whether the settlement method is at least cash settlement (settlement method information). For example, if the operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input (for example, pressing the accounting key 540 or the accounting ticket key 520), the CPU 101 determines that the settlement method is at least cash settlement.

[0048] Even if a customer chooses to pay with electronic money or gift certificates, if the amount stored on the electronic money card (medium) or the face value of the gift certificate is less than the purchase amount, the remaining amount may be paid in cash.

[0049] If the settlement method is at least cash settlement (Step S3: Yes), CPU 101 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the settlement method is not cash settlement (Step S3: No), CPU 101 proceeds to step S4.

[0050] (Step S4) The CPU 101 executes a settlement using a method other than cash (e.g., gift certificate, electronic money, credit card) according to the settlement method information, and then terminates the process.

[0051] (Step S5) The CPU 101 displays an image on the customer display unit 106 indicating that a benefit will be granted. (Step S6) The CPU 101 causes the receipt issuing slot 110 to issue a receipt ticket 40 with a barcode (see Figure 8(a)) printed on it that contains identification information indicating the transaction. The communication unit 108 transmits the transaction information to the store controller 400 for registration. The communication unit 108 may also transmit the transaction information to the selected settlement device 200. The CPU 101 may also cause the receipt issuing slot 110 to issue a receipt ticket 40 with a two-dimensional code (see Figure 8(b)) printed on it that indicates the content of the transaction information.

[0052] The communication unit 108 may also transmit transaction information when a human presence sensor (not shown) detects that a customer is standing in front of the selected payment device 200. Alternatively, the communication unit 108 may transmit transaction information when a customer operates the selected payment device 200.

[0053] Next, we will explain the details of the payment system. Figure 10 shows an example of the configuration of a payment processing device in a block diagram. The payment processing device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, an imaging unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, a receipt issuing slot 210, a printing unit 211, a change dispenser 212, and a hard disk 213. Each part of the payment processing device 200 is connected to each other via a bus 2. Note that the scanner unit 204 and the imaging unit 207 may be separate (external) units that can be attached to or removed from the payment processing device 200.

[0054] The CPU 201 is a central processing unit. The CPU 201 reads the program stored in the ROM 202 and loads it into the RAM 203. The CPU 201 controls each part of the settlement device 200 by executing each step of the loaded program.

[0055] Furthermore, the CPU 201 recognizes the content of the code printed on the sheet read by the scanner unit 204. For example, the CPU 201 recognizes the content indicated by the barcode or 2D code printed on the accounting voucher 40 issued for transaction information that has been registered by the registration device 100 but has not yet been settled.

[0056] More specifically, the CPU 201 performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the image data read by the scanner unit 204 to recognize the content indicated by the barcode or 2D code printed on the receipt 40. Here, the content indicated by the barcode is, for example, identification information indicating transaction information registered in the store controller 400. The content indicated by the 2D code is, for example, product details information determined by the transaction information registered by the settlement device 200.

[0057] The CPU 201 stores the transaction information in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 also stores the transaction information stored in the RAM 203 in the hard disk 213. The CPU 201 settles the purchase price (price) of the goods determined by the transaction information based on the content indicated by the barcode or 2D code.

[0058] The scanner unit 204 optically reads the barcode or 2D code attached to the sheet (for example, the receipt 40). ROM202 is a read-only memory that pre-stores the program for operating the settlement device 200.

[0059] RAM203 is a read / write memory that stores various types of information. This information includes, for example, transaction information. Furthermore, programs read from ROM202 are loaded into RAM203. RAM203 also stores various data generated by the execution of programs.

[0060] The operation unit 206 is equipped with operating means for operating the payment device 200. These operating means (input devices) are, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The operating means is, for example, a payment key. The payment key is an operation key that is operated by the customer when inputting instructions to the CPU 201 to execute the payment process.

[0061] The operating means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or they may be displayed as images of operating keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 205.

[0062] The display unit 205 is a display device such as a CRT display, liquid crystal display, or organic EL display. The display unit 205 has a touch panel equipped with touch keys (soft keys) which are transparent contact switches. The display unit 205 may also have a touch panel that functions as an operation unit 206. The display unit 205 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, setting, or registration. The display unit 205 displays product details (e.g., purchase price) determined by the content (transaction information) indicated by the barcode or 2D code recognized by the CPU 201.

[0063] Figure 11 shows an example of a selection image displayed on a payment device. When a customer pays without using a payment ticket 40 (see Figure 8), the selection image is displayed on the display unit 205 of the selected payment device 200 when one of the payment device selection keys 530 is pressed followed by the payment key 540 (see Figure 7). Therefore, when a customer approaches a selected payment device 200, that device already displays the selection image and is ready for payment. On the other hand, when a customer pays using a payment ticket 40, the selection image is displayed based on the transaction information identified when the barcode printed on the payment ticket 40 is read by the scanner unit 204 of the payment device 200.

[0064] The display unit 205 displays an image for the customer to select a payment method (settlement method) based on control by the CPU 201. In Figure 11, the image for selecting a payment method displays the text "Please select a payment method", the purchase amount (total amount) "Total 580 yen", and operation keys for selecting a payment method: "Cash", "Credit", and "Electronic Money A".

[0065] Furthermore, the image used to select the payment method may also display an operation key "Confirm Electronic Money" to check the amount stored on the electronic money card (medium), an operation key "Confirm Purchase Details" to check the product details determined by the transaction information, and the current date and time.

[0066] Figure 12 shows an example of a guidance image displayed on the payment device. When a customer presses the operation key "Cash" (see Figure 11) displayed on the selected image, the display unit 205 displays a guidance image to proceed with the cash payment process. In Figure 12, the text "Please check the purchase amount and insert the money" is displayed, the text "Purchase amount 580 yen" is displayed, the text "Discount amount 29 yen" and "Since you are paying at the payment machine, we will deduct 5% from your payment" is displayed, the text "Amount received 0 yen" is displayed, and the text "Change amount" is displayed. In addition, the guidance image may also display an animated image showing the appearance and operation procedure of the change dispenser 212.

[0067] The guidance image also displays the operation key "Settlement" (settlement key) for starting the settlement process on the settlement device 200. When the operation key "Settlement" is pressed, the CPU 201 starts the settlement process, such as subtracting the discounted purchase price from the amount of cash inserted (deposit) and calculating the difference, and also controls the printing unit 211 to issue a purchase sheet from the receipt issuing slot 210. The change / change ticket unit 212 then dispenses change or change tickets in an amount corresponding to the difference information input from the CPU 201 from the cash dispensing slot. The CPU 201 may also control the printing unit 211 to issue coupon tickets from the receipt issuing slot 210.

[0068] Returning to Figure 10, we continue the explanation of the example configuration of the payment device. The imaging unit 207 performs imaging and generates image data. The imaging unit 207 outputs the generated image data to the CPU 201. The image data may include, for example, an image of a customer operating the payment device 200. The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 201.

[0069] The communication unit 208 communicates with the store controller 400 and the registration device 100 via the network. The network can be any network configuration (for example, a wireless communication network) and is not limited to LAN 300.

[0070] The receipt issuing slot 210 issues a purchase sheet. The purchase sheet has detailed product information determined by the completed transaction information printed on it by the printing unit 211. The printing unit 211 prints information (for example, detailed product information determined by the transaction information) on the purchase sheet. The printing unit 211 has a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is set in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head and is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is driven in response to a control signal from the CPU 201, and the purchase sheet is transported a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller.

[0071] The change dispenser 212 has a cash input slot and a cash dispensing slot. When cash is inserted into the cash input slot, the change dispenser 212 outputs information about the type and quantity of the inserted cash to the CPU 201. The change dispenser 212 also dispenses change or change tickets from the cash dispensing slot in an amount corresponding to the difference information input from the CPU 201.

[0072] The hard disk 213 is, for example, a magnetic recording device. The hard disk 213 stores various types of information. For example, the hard disk 213 pre-stores character information that indicates the contents to be printed on a purchase sheet. For example, the hard disk 213 pre-stores character information that represents a gift certificate. Character information that represents a gift certificate is, for example, character information such as "gift certificate" or "coupon".

[0073] Furthermore, the hard disk 213 may store, for example, textual information representing the purchase amount. This textual information may include, for example, "Purchase Amount," "Total Amount," or "Total." The hard disk 213 may also store, for example, textual information representing the shortfall. This textual information may include, for example, "Shortfall Amount" or "Payment Amount." The hard disk 213 may also store, for example, textual information representing the change. This textual information may include, for example, "Change" or "Change." In addition, the hard disk 213 may store a program for operating the CPU 201 instead of the RAM 203.

[0074] As described above, the POS system comprises a registration device 100 having a registration unit (e.g., CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the purchased goods, and an operation unit 107 that accepts predetermined operation inputs (e.g., pressing the receipt key 520) when completing the registration of transaction information; and a settlement device 200 having a CPU 201 (cash settlement unit) that performs settlement by at least cash based on the registered transaction information, a CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether or not the operation unit 107 has accepted a predetermined operation input, and a benefit granting unit (e.g., CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing slot 210) that grants a benefit (e.g., a discount) to the customer settling at the settlement device 200 if the operation unit 107 has accepted a predetermined operation input.

[0075] With this configuration, the reward granting unit of the payment device 200 (for example, CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing slot 210) grants a reward to a customer paying at the payment device 200 when the operation unit 107 of the registration device 100 receives a predetermined operation input. This prevents the POS system from delaying accounting processing. In other words, by attempting to grant a reward to customers paying at the payment device 200, the POS system can incentivize customers to pay at the payment device 200 and prevent long queues at the registration device 100.

[0076] The registration device 100 may also have a non-cash settlement unit (for example, a credit card reader 113, an electronic money reader 112, and a scanner 104) that performs settlement using methods other than cash (for example, credit cards, electronic money, or gift certificates).

[0077] The operation unit 107 may accept operation inputs for issuing accounting tickets (see Figure 8) (for example, pressing the accounting ticket key 520), operation inputs for specifying the settlement device 200 (for example, pressing the settlement device selection key 530), or operation inputs for transmitting transaction information (for example, pressing the accounting key 540) as predetermined operation inputs that also serve as operations for granting benefits. In other words, pressing the accounting ticket key 520, the settlement device selection key 530, or the accounting key 540 also serves as an operation for granting benefits to the customer. This allows the registration device 100 to reliably grant benefits to customers who operate the settlement device 200 themselves and use accounting tickets for settlement.

[0078] The registration device 100 may have a customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) that displays predetermined information (for example, an image, a string of characters displayed using a 7-segment display or dot display) to a customer registering transaction information. The customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) may also display predetermined information (for example, an image, a string of characters displayed using a 7-segment display or dot display) indicating that a benefit (for example, a discount) will be granted when the operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input.

[0079] The payment device 200 may have a display unit 205 (payment display unit) that displays an image to the customer operating the payment device 200. The display unit 205 (payment display unit) may display an image indicating that a benefit will be granted when the operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input.

[0080] When the operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input, it may also receive an operation input that determines the discount rate to be applied as a benefit (see, for example, Figure 5).

[0081] The registration device 100 includes a registration unit (for example, a CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the purchased goods, and an operation unit 107 that accepts predetermined operation inputs that also serve as operations for granting benefits, such as operation inputs for issuing a medium on which a code indicating the transaction information is recorded, operation inputs for specifying a settlement device, or operation inputs for transmitting the transaction information.

[0082] The payment device 200 includes a CPU 201 (cash payment unit) that performs at least cash payment based on transaction information related to the purchased goods, a CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether or not a benefit is granted when the transaction information is read, and a display unit 205 that, if a benefit is granted, displays information associated with the transaction information (for example, "Purchase Amount" as shown in Figure 12) and a statement that a benefit is granted (for example, the string "We will give you a 5% discount" as shown in Figure 12). The payment device 200 may also print a statement that a benefit is granted on the receipt issued at the time of transaction settlement. As a result, the payment device 200 notifies the customer that a benefit is granted when they settle their purchase at the payment device, thus motivating the customer to use the payment device 200 for future purchases.

[0083] Although embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the spirit of this invention.

[0084] For example, the payment method at the payment terminal 200 is not limited to cash payments only. For example, the amount indicated on a gift certificate (coupon, voucher) may be entered into the registration terminal 100. In this case, the customer may add cash to the amount entered into the registration terminal 100 and pay at the payment terminal 200. Furthermore, even if the customer adds the amount paid by electronic money or credit card to the amount entered into the registration terminal 100 and pays at the payment terminal 200, the customer operating the payment terminal 200 may be granted a benefit.

[0085] Alternatively, the registration device, payment device, and program for implementing the POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be loaded into a computer system and executed to perform the execution process. The term "computer system" here may include hardware such as an operating system and peripheral devices.

[0086] Furthermore, "computer system" includes the homepage provisioning environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is being used. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to storage devices such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, flash memory and other writable non-volatile memory, portable media such as CD-ROMs, and hard disks built into computer systems.

[0087] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes volatile memory (such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines, which retain programs for a certain period of time. Furthermore, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system that stores the program in a memory device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves within the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" used to transmit the program refers to a medium that has the function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) like the Internet or a communication line (communication line) like a telephone line. Furthermore, the above program may be intended to implement only a portion of the functions described above. It may also be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1…bus 2…bus 40…Payment voucher C1... 2D code C2... barcode 100...Registration device 101…CPU 102...ROM 103...RAM 104...Scanner section 105...Display section for clerk 106...Customer display section 107...Operation unit 108... Communications Department 109... Buzzer 110...Receipt issuing slot 111...Printing section 112... Electronic money reader 113...Credit card reader 200…Payment device 201…CPU 202...ROM 203...RAM 204...Scanner section 205...Display section 206...Operation unit 207…Imaging Unit 208... Communications Department 209... Buzzer 210...Receipt Issuance Department 211...Printing section 212... Change and change department 213…Hard disk 300…LAN 400... Store Controller 500... Electronic money declaration key 510... Credit Declaration Key 520...Receipt key 530... Payment device selection key 540... Accounting Key

Claims

[Claim 1] A registration method for registering transaction information based on the purchased goods, A display means that displays a first operation key for declaring payment at a payment device and a second operation key for declaring non-cash payment on the screen, An issuing means that issues a medium on which identification information identifying the transaction information of the product registered by the registration means is printed when the first operation key is operated, A non-cash settlement means that performs a non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when the second operation key is operated, A registration device having, A reading means for reading the identification information of the medium issued by the issuing means, A cash settlement means that performs settlement based on the information read by the aforementioned reading means, A payment device having, The pressing of the first operation key also serves to grant a reward. A system characterized by the following features.

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