Accounting device and program

Abstract

This device provides support to reduce the effort and time required for credit card payments, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the POS system. [Solution] The support device assists in the input operation of card information related to credit payment, and comprises: an acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount from a registration device that registers information on the goods to be traded; a guidance unit that, when the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls below a threshold, displays a first guidance screen informing the user that all reading methods, including wireless reading of contactless ICs, reading of magnetic tape, and reading by contacting an IC chip, are available for inputting card information; and when the transaction amount exceeds a threshold, displays a second guidance screen informing the user that reading of magnetic tape (excluding wireless reading of contactless ICs) and reading by contacting an IC chip are available for inputting card information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a support device.

Background Art

[0002] In a terminal device that performs credit settlement, conventionally, when acquiring credit card information, three types of reading methods, namely, reading of a magnetic tape, reading by contacting an IC chip, and wireless reading of a contactless IC, can be used. In such a conventional terminal device, a guidance screen is displayed to guide an operator who performs an operation to read credit information for credit settlement as to which method of reading is acceptable.

[0003] By the way, when the transaction amount exceeds the upper limit (for example, the upper limit amount is 10,000 yen), acquisition of credit information by wireless reading of a contactless IC is not permitted. However, in the above-described conventional guidance screen, wireless reading of a contactless IC is also guided regardless of the transaction amount. For this reason, in a conventional terminal device, when credit information is acquired by wireless reading of a contactless IC when the transaction amount is not available, an operation in another reading method is requested again.

[0004] With the above-described processing flow, it is a waste of effort, so not only does the user satisfaction decrease, but also the time required to complete checkout becomes long, which is not preferable.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a support device that can reduce the labor and time required for credit settlement and improve the operation efficiency of the cash register system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The support device of the embodiment assists in the input operation of card information related to credit payment, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount from a registration device that registers information on the goods to be traded, and a guidance unit that, when the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls below a threshold, displays a first guidance screen informing the user that all reading methods, including wireless reading of contactless ICs, reading of magnetic tape, and reading by contacting an IC chip, are available for inputting card information, and when the transaction amount exceeds a threshold, displays a second guidance screen informing the user that reading of magnetic tape (excluding wireless reading of contactless ICs) and reading by contacting an IC chip are available for inputting card information. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the transaction management system of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the registered device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of an accounting system. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of an accounting device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of transaction processing by the transaction management system. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a three-sided waiting screen. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a two-sided waiting screen. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a transaction management system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of transaction processing by the transaction management system of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (First Embodiment) Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, the support device is described as an accounting device that receives payment operations in a semi-self-service POS system in which a store clerk performs product registration operations and a customer performs payment operations, but it is not limited to this. For example, the support device in implementation may be an accounting device in which a customer performs payment operations. For example, it may be a self-service POS terminal in which a customer performs product registration and payment operations, or it may be a face-to-face POS terminal in which a store clerk performs product registration operations and a customer performs payment operations in a single accounting device. Alternatively, the support device may be an accounting device in which a store clerk performs payment operations.

[0009] Furthermore, in the embodiments described below, the registration device performs product registration by registering product information in the storage unit provided in the device, but is not limited to this. The registration device may, for example, register product information in a server device separately managed by the store. More specifically, the registration device may temporarily store the input product identification information and transmit it to the server device, causing the server device to register the product information corresponding to the product identification information. In other words, the registration device may temporarily store (register) product identification information, which is part of the product information. In this specification, the concept of the registration device registering product information includes the registration device registering product information in the storage unit of the device based on the input product identification information, and causing it to be registered in an external storage device.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a transaction management system 1 according to the first embodiment. The transaction management system 1 comprises a plurality of registration devices 2 and a plurality of accounting devices 3. Each registration device 2 is installed on a counter 5. Next to each accounting device 3, a platform 4 for placing shopping baskets is installed. Each registration device 2 is connected to two accounting devices 3 via a connection interface 6 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0011] Registration device 2 is operated by store clerk O. Registration device 2 performs a registration process for the goods that customer C purchases (transactions). The registration process includes product registration and calculation of the transaction amount.

[0012] The accounting device 3 in this embodiment is an example of a support device. The accounting device 3 is operated by customer C. The accounting device 3 obtains transaction information from the registration device 2 and performs accounting processing. Transaction information is information necessary for the customer to make a payment at the accounting device 3, and includes product information (product name, unit price, quantity, etc.) and transaction amount of registered products. Accounting processing is the processing performed by the accounting device 3 for the customer to make a payment. In the case of cash payment, accounting processing includes, for example, displaying transaction information, calculating the amount of change, and dispensing the change, and in the case of cashless payment, it includes sending and receiving various information with the payment service provider's payment server. Cashless payment includes credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment using barcodes or two-dimensional codes. When the registration device 2 registers product information with the server device 8 (described later), the accounting device 3 obtains transaction information from the server device 8.

[0013] The general flow of customer C's transaction using the transaction management system 1 is as follows: For example, registration device 2 generates transaction information including product information and transaction amount for customer C's purchased goods. Registration device 2 selects one of the accounting devices 3 connected to itself as the data transfer destination and transfers the transaction information. Customer C moves to accounting device 3 to which the transaction information has been transferred from registration device 2, and operates accounting device 3 to make a payment.

[0014] The registration device 2 is connected to a server device 8 located in the back room of the store via a network 7 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The server device 8 manages various types of store information.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the registration device 2. The registration device 2 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The registration device 2 may further include a buzzer, a speaker, an indicator light, etc. The indicator light is a tower-shaped device in which a plurality of colored lamps are provided in a stacked state. These respective units (control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, communication unit 24, etc.) are connected to each other via a bus 29 or the like so as to be communicable with each other.

[0016] The display unit 22 is configured of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information for the operator (here, the store clerk O) of the registration device 2. The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20, and is configured of a keyboard, a touch panel, or the like.

[0017] The communication unit 24 is an interface for the control unit 20 to communicate with an external device (such as the accounting device 3 and the server device 8). Through this communication, the control unit 20 transmits and receives information (data) to and from the external device.

[0018] The control unit 20 has a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203.

[0019] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the registration device 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and information. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The control unit 20 functions as various processing units by expanding and executing the programs and information stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21 in the RAM 203, and executes various control processes of the registration device 2.

[0020] The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The storage unit 21 stores a control program 211, a product master 212, the above-mentioned transaction information 213, etc.

[0021] The control program 211 is, for example, a program for the control unit 20 to realize functions such as sending and receiving information with external devices (such as the accounting device 3 and the server device 8) and registering products (generating transaction information 213) based on operations received by the operation unit 23.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the main hardware configuration of the accounting device 3. The accounting device 3 includes a control unit 30, a storage unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a communication unit 34, a change dispenser 35, a barcode reader 36, a magnetic reader 37, an IC reader 38, an NFC reader 39, and a printer 40. The accounting device 3 may further include a buzzer, a speaker, an indicator light, etc. These units (control unit 30, storage unit 31, display unit 32, operation unit 33, communication unit 34, change dispenser 35, barcode reader 36, magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, NFC reader 39, and printer 40, etc.) are connected to each other via a bus 41 or the like so as to be communicable.

[0023] The display unit 32 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information for the operator of the accounting device 3. The operation unit 33 is for inputting information to the control unit 30, and is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.

[0024] The communication unit 34 is an interface for the control unit 30 to communicate with external devices (such as the registration device 2 and the server device 8). Through this communication, the control unit 30 transmits and receives information (data) with external devices.

[0025] The change dispenser 35 is a device for depositing and withdrawing banknotes and coins. It accepts cash deposits from customers, and when the deposit amount is more than the transaction amount, it withdraws the difference (change) in cash.

[0026] The code reader 36 reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes and outputs the decoded information.

[0027] The magnetic reader 37 is located near the slit for inserting the credit card and reads the information recorded on the magnetic tape attached to the credit card. The IC reader 38 reads the information stored in the IC chip attached to the credit card, etc.

[0028] The NFC reader 39 is a communication unit compatible with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, and reads credit card information and electronic money information stored in a contactless IC via short-range wireless communication. The contactless IC is attached to cards such as credit cards and mobile terminals such as smartphones. The magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, and NFC reader 39 may be external devices attached to the accounting device. The magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, and NFC reader 39 may be separate devices or the same device (a so-called payment terminal).

[0029] Printer 40 prints transaction information onto receipt paper after accounting processing.

[0030] The control unit 30 has a computer configuration that includes a CPU 301, ROM 302, and RAM 303.

[0031] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the accounting device 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs and information. The RAM 303 is used as the work area for the CPU 301. The control unit 30 functions as various processing units by having the CPU 301 load the programs and information stored in the ROM 302 and memory unit 31 into the RAM 303 and execute them, thereby performing various control processes for the accounting device 3.

[0032] The memory unit 31 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The memory unit 31 stores control programs 311, transaction information 312, and the like.

[0033] The control program 311 is a program that enables the control unit 30 to implement functions such as sending and receiving information with external devices (such as the registration device 2 and the server device 8), and performing accounting processing on transaction information 312 based on operations received by the operation unit 33.

[0034] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3. Through program execution, the control unit 30 realizes various processing units such as the transmitting / receiving unit 3001, the guidance unit 3002, and the settlement processing unit 3003.

[0035] The transmitting / receiving unit 3001 is an example of an acquisition unit that obtains the transaction amount from a registration device that registers information on the goods being traded, and receives (acquires) the transaction information transmitted (output) by the registration device 2 (or server device 8). The transaction information received by the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 is stored as transaction information 312 in the storage unit 31 by the control unit 30 (which may be the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 or another functional unit).

[0036] The guidance unit 3002 provides guidance (operational support) to the customer when they operate the device. Specifically, it displays guidance screens on the display unit 32, sounds a buzzer, and plays guidance audio through the speaker.

[0037] Furthermore, the guidance unit 3002 compares the transaction amount with a threshold when a credit payment is made, and changes the guidance screen displayed on the display unit 32 depending on whether the transaction amount is below the threshold or not. Specifically, if the transaction amount is below the threshold, a so-called three-way waiting screen is displayed. If the transaction amount is above the threshold, a two-way waiting screen is displayed.

[0038] Here, the three-sided waiting screen is an example of the first guidance screen, and it shows that three types of reading methods are available for inputting credit card information in credit card payment: reading from a magnetic tape, reading by contacting an IC chip, and wireless reading of a contactless IC.

[0039] Furthermore, the two-sided waiting screen is an example of a second guidance screen, and it shows that the other two reading methods (magnetic tape reading and IC chip contact reading) of the three reading methods described above, excluding contactless wireless reading of ICs, are available.

[0040] The settlement processing unit 3003 performs settlement processing based on the transaction information received (acquired) by the transmitting / receiving unit 3001. Specifically, it receives payment operations for transactions stored in the transaction information 312 from the customer via the operation unit 33, and performs settlement processing using equipment corresponding to the output of the operation unit 33 (change dispenser 35, code reader 36, magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, and NFC reader 39).

[0041] Now, let's explain the transaction information 312. The transaction information 312 stored in the memory unit 31 includes, for example, the following information. Transaction code • Terminal code (identification information of registration device 2 or server device 8) ·Start time • Accounting instruction time • Accounting device code • Transaction amount • Payment methods • Product information (product code, product name, price, quantity, etc.) • Registration time

[0042] The transaction code is a unique code issued for each transaction. The terminal code is a code that identifies the terminal (registration device 2 or server device 8) that output the transaction information (i.e., a code that does not overlap with other terminals). The start time is the time the transaction began. The accounting instruction time is the time when registration device 2 (or server device 8) output the transaction information after completing product registration. The accounting device code is a code that identifies accounting device 3 (i.e., a code that does not overlap with other accounting devices 3) and is specified by a store clerk operation at registration device 2 that outputs the transaction information (or specified by server device 8).

[0043] The transaction amount is the total amount of the transaction, that is, the total price of the registered goods. The payment method is the payment method selected by the registration device 2. The options presented to the store clerk by the registration device 2 for this selection include cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment. The store clerk listens to the customer's preferred payment method and enters it into the registration device 2.

[0044] Product information refers to information about the goods involved in a transaction, including the registered product code, product name, price, and quantity. If multiple products are purchased in a single transaction, multiple product entries are registered under a single transaction code. The registration time indicates the time the product information was registered.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an example of transaction processing by the transaction management system 1. In this embodiment, the registration device 2, upon receiving an operation from a store clerk, initiates a transaction (step S1), performs product registration (step S2), performs closing processing (step S3), and accepts the selection of a payment method (step S4). The options presented by the registration device 2 in step S4 are, for example, cash payment, credit card payment, electronic money payment, and code payment. The registration device 2 transmits (outputs) transaction information, including the selected payment method, to the accounting device 3 (step S5).

[0046] When the control unit 30 (transmitting / receiving unit 3001) of the accounting device 3 receives (acquires) transaction information from the registration device 2, it stores this as transaction information 312 in the storage unit 31 (step S6). If the payment method included in the transaction information 312 is not credit card payment (No. in step S7), the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3 performs payment processing by another method (step S12) and terminates this process. Other methods include cash payment, electronic money payment, and code payment.

[0047] If the payment method included in the transaction information 312 is credit card payment (Yes in step S7), the control unit 30 (guidance unit 3002) of the accounting device 3 determines whether the payment amount is less than or equal to a threshold (step S8). Here, the payment amount is the "transaction amount" included in the transaction information 312. The threshold is, for example, "10,000 yen". Needless to say, in step S8, the threshold could also be set to "10,001 yen" and the determination of whether the payment amount is less than the threshold could be made.

[0048] If the payment amount is below the threshold (Yes in step S8), the control unit 30 (guidance unit 3002) displays the 3-sided waiting screen 321 on the display unit 32 (step S9). Figure 6 shows an example of the 3-sided waiting screen 321.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the three-sided waiting screen 321 includes guidance images 3211-3213, the total amount 3214, and a staff call button 3215, etc. The total amount 3214 displays the payment amount (the transaction amount included in the transaction information 312).

[0050] Instructional image 3211 shows how to read credit card information by inserting a credit card with an IC chip (IC card) into the PIN pad. Instructional image 3212 shows how to read credit card information by passing a credit card with a magnetic strip (magnetic card) through the slit. Instructional image 3213 shows how to read credit card information by holding a credit card with contactless IC (contactless card) over the NFC reader 39.

[0051] The staff call button 3215 then receives a declaration that the customer wishes to call a staff member. When the staff call button 3215 is pressed, the control unit 30 performs actions such as displaying an indicator light on the payment device 3, sounding a buzzer, or outputting a staff call notification to other terminal devices that the staff member can access.

[0052] The operator (customer) of the accounting device 3 can input credit card information using one of three reading methods on the accounting device 3, where the three-sided waiting screen 321 is displayed. In this case, all devices on the accounting device 3, including the magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, and NFC reader 39, are in reading standby mode.

[0053] When the control unit 30 obtains credit card information, it determines that the operator has caused the device that output the credit card information to read the credit card information. Then, the control unit 30 (payment processing unit 3003) uses this determination and the credit card information to execute the credit card payment process (step S10) and terminate this process.

[0054] In step S8, if the payment amount exceeds the threshold (i.e., the transaction amount is 10,001 yen or more) (No. in step S8), the control unit 30 (guidance unit 3002) displays the two-sided waiting screen 322 on the display unit 32 (step S11). Figure 7 shows an example of the two-sided waiting screen 322.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, the two-sided waiting screen 322 includes guidance images 3211 for reading by contacting the IC chip and 3212 for reading the magnetic tape, as well as the total amount 3214 and a staff call button 3215, but does not include guidance image 3213 for wireless reading of the contactless IC. Thus, the two-sided waiting screen 322 guides users through two types of reading methods and indicates that obtaining credit card information via wireless reading of the contactless IC is not available.

[0056] The operator (customer) of the accounting device 3 can input credit card information using one of two reading methods on the accounting device 3, where the two-sided waiting screen 322 is displayed. In this case, all devices on the accounting device 3, including the magnetic reader 37, IC reader 38, and NFC reader 39, are in reading standby mode.

[0057] When the control unit 30 acquires credit card information, it determines that the operator has instructed the device that output the credit card information to read the information. If, as a result of this determination, the NFC reader 39 has output credit card information, the control unit 30 does not proceed with processing and maintains a standby state. Then, when the control unit 30 receives output of credit card information from the magnetic reader 37 or IC reader 38, it proceeds to step S10.

[0058] As described above, this embodiment eliminates the need for repetition, shortens checkout time, and improves the operational efficiency of the POS system by excluding unavailable reading methods and only guiding the user to available reading methods. Furthermore, by eliminating user-unintelligible behaviors that might be mistaken for errors and providing a comfortable processing flow, the need to call store staff can be reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, in implementation, the accounting device 3 may clearly indicate on the two-sided waiting screen 322, using text or images, that the acquisition of credit card information by wireless reading of contactless IC is not available.

[0060] Furthermore, if, during implementation, the two-sided waiting screen 322 is displayed (i.e., the transaction amount exceeds the threshold), but credit card information is received from the NFC reader 39, the accounting device 3 (guidance unit 3002) may provide a notification that the input is invalid. Specifically, the guidance unit 3002 may display an error notification on the display unit 32. In this notification, the guidance unit 3002 may also display, for example, that the amount is such that wireless reading of contactless IC is not available.

[0061] Furthermore, in implementation, the operation related to selecting the payment method (step S4) may be handled by the accounting device 3 instead of the registration device 2.

[0062] The first embodiment described above can be modified and implemented as appropriate by changing some of the configurations or functions of each device. Therefore, several modifications of the above embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, we will mainly describe the differences from the above embodiment, and the same reference numerals will be used for parts that are common to those already described, and detailed explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the modifications described below may be implemented individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0063] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment is a modification of the previous embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the transaction management system 11 according to the second embodiment. The transaction management system 11 comprises a mobile terminal 12, a server device 18, and peripheral devices (magnetic reader 137, IC reader 138, and NFC reader 139). The transaction management system 11 may further include a receipt printer or the like as one of the peripheral devices.

[0064] The mobile terminal 12 is connected to a network 7, such as a LAN, via an access point 10. The server device 18 and the mobile terminal 12 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with one another via a public network 9, such as the Internet, and network 7. When communicating via the public network 9, encryption or VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection is used as needed. The mobile terminal 12 and peripheral devices (magnetic reader 137, IC reader 138, and NFC reader 139, etc.) are connected to each other so that they can communicate with one another via a communication interface compliant with wireless communication standards such as Bluetooth®.

[0065] The mobile terminal 12 may also be able to communicate with the server device 18 without going through the network 7. Furthermore, various other devices may be connected to the network 7. For example, a POS terminal where a store employee performs product registration and payment operations, a self-service POS terminal where a customer performs product registration and payment operations, or a semi-self-service POS system where a store employee performs product registration operations and a customer performs payment operations may be connected to the network 7. Moreover, the number of mobile terminals 12 and accounting devices 3 is not limited to the example shown.

[0066] The mobile terminal 12 is a terminal device such as a tablet computer or a smartphone, and includes an imaging unit, a display unit, an operation unit, a control unit, a storage unit, and so on. The imaging unit captures images using an image sensor and outputs image information. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and displays various information according to the control unit. The operation unit is a touch panel or hard keys superimposed on the display unit and outputs signals to the control unit based on the received operation. The storage unit is composed of a storage medium such as flash memory and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit stores various application programs executed by the control unit and various setting values. The control unit is composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM and realizes various functions by executing application programs.

[0067] The mobile terminal 12 functions as a POS (Point of Sales) terminal by launching a mobile POS application or displaying a designated web page in a web browser. As a POS terminal, the mobile terminal 12 initiates a transaction by sending and receiving information with the server device 18. Upon initiation of a transaction, the server device 18 issues a transaction code.

[0068] Furthermore, the portable terminal 12, acting as a POS terminal, obtains image information of a code symbol attached to a product using its imaging unit, acquires information (for example, a product code) by decoding the code symbol contained in the image information, and transmits this to the server device 18 and peripheral devices.

[0069] The server device 18 in this embodiment is an example of a registration device and a support device. The server device 18 is a PC (Personal Computer) or the like, which includes a control unit comprising a CPU, ROM, and RAM, and a storage unit comprising a storage medium such as an HDD or flash memory.

[0070] The control unit of the server device 18 in this embodiment provides functions equivalent to the guidance unit 3002 in the previous embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit of the mobile terminal 12 provides functions equivalent to the transmitting / receiving unit 3001 and the payment processing unit 3003 in the previous embodiment.

[0071] Figure 9 shows an example of transaction processing by the transaction management system 11. In the transaction management system 11 configured as described above, the transaction processing shown in Figure 9 is performed. That is, the mobile terminal 12 initiates a transaction by sending and receiving information with the server device 18 (step S21). At the start of this transaction, the server device 18 issues a transaction code (step S31).

[0072] The mobile terminal 12 reads the product code based on the customer's operation and transmits it to the server device 18 (step S22). The server device 18 registers the product information of the product identified by the product code received from the mobile terminal 12, associating it with the transaction code (step S32).

[0073] When a closing operation (step S23) is performed on the mobile terminal 12, the mobile terminal 12 accepts the selection of a payment method and outputs the selected payment method to the server device 18 (step S24).

[0074] The server device 18 stores transaction information in its storage unit based on the product information registered in step S32 and the payment method selected in step S24 (step S33).

[0075] The transaction information stored in the memory unit of the server device 18 includes, for example, the following information: Transaction code • Terminal code (identification information for mobile terminal 12) ·Start time • Accounting instruction time • Accounting device code • Transaction amount • Payment methods • Product information (product code, product name, price, quantity, etc.) • Registration time

[0076] In this embodiment, the terminal code is a code that can identify the mobile terminal 12.

[0077] If the payment method included in the transaction information is not credit card payment (No. in step S34), the control unit of the server device 18 cooperates with the mobile terminal 12 to perform payment processing by another method (step S38) and terminates this process.

[0078] If the payment method included in the transaction information is credit card payment (Yes in step S34), the control unit of the server device 18 determines whether the payment amount is below a threshold (step S35).

[0079] If the payment amount is below the threshold (Yes in step S35), the control unit of the server device 18 displays a three-panel waiting screen 321 (see Figure 6) on the display unit of the mobile terminal 12 (step S36).

[0080] In step S35, if the payment amount exceeds the threshold (No. in step S35), the control unit of the server device 18 displays a two-screen waiting screen 322 (see Figure 7) on the display unit of the mobile terminal 12 (step S37).

[0081] The control unit of the mobile terminal 12 displays information on the screen based on the information transmitted by the server device 18 in step S36 or S37 (step S25).

[0082] When credit card information is input from any of the peripheral devices (magnetic reader 137, IC reader 138, and NFC reader 139), the control unit of the mobile terminal 12 determines that the operator has caused the device that output the credit card information to read the credit card information. The control unit then uses this determination and the credit card information to execute the credit card payment process (step S26) and terminate this process.

[0083] As described above, this embodiment eliminates the need for repetition, shortens checkout time, and improves the operational efficiency of the POS system by excluding unavailable reading methods and only guiding the user to available reading methods. Furthermore, by eliminating user-unintelligible behaviors that might be mistaken for errors and providing a comfortable processing flow, the need to call store staff can be reduced.

[0084] In this embodiment, the server device 18 implements the registration device and the support device, but the implementation is not limited to this. For example, the mobile POS application executed by the mobile terminal 12 may include a program that enables the mobile terminal 12 to implement functional units equivalent to the acquisition unit and the guidance unit. In this case, the mobile terminal 12 functions as the support device.

[0085] The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments are provided pre-installed in ROM or the like. The programs executed by each device in the above-described embodiments may also be provided as files in an installable or executable format, recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

[0086] Furthermore, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Alternatively, the programs executed by each of the above-described embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

[0087] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0088] 1,11…Transaction management system, 2 ...Registration device, 20...Control unit, 201...CPU, 202...ROM, 203...RAM 21...Memory unit, 211...Control program, 212...Product master, 213...Transaction information, 22...Display unit, 23...Operation unit, 24...Communication unit, 29...Bus, 3. Accounting device (support device in the first embodiment), 30... Control unit, 3001...Transmitting / receiving unit (an example of an acquisition unit), 3002...Information unit, 3003...Settlement processing unit, 301...CPU, 302...ROM, 303...RAM, 31...Memory unit, 311...Control program, 312...Transaction information, 32...Display unit, 321...3-sided waiting screen, 322...2-sided waiting screen, 3211-3213... Information images, 3214... Total amount, 3215... Call staff button 33...Operation unit, 34...Communication unit, 35...Change dispenser, 36... Code reader, 37... Magnetic reader, 38... IC reader, 39... NFC reader, 40...Printer, 41...Bus, 4. Mounting platform, 5... counter, 6…Connection interface, 7…Network, 8…Server equipment, 9…Public network, 10…Access point, 12…Mobile devices, 18…Server device (registration device and support device in the second embodiment), 137...Magnetic reader, 138...IC reader, 139...NFC reader. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0089] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-149341

Claims

1. A support device for assisting the input of card information related to credit card payments, An acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount from a registration device that registers information on the goods to be traded, If the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls below a threshold, the guidance unit displays a first guidance screen informing the user that all reading methods, including wireless reading of contactless ICs, reading of magnetic tape, and reading by contacting the IC chip, are available for inputting card information. If the transaction amount exceeds the threshold, the guidance unit displays a second guidance screen informing the user that reading of magnetic tape (excluding wireless reading of contactless ICs) and reading by contacting the IC chip are available for inputting card information. A support device equipped with the following features.

2. When the second guidance screen is displayed, if card information is entered via wireless reading of a contactless IC, the guidance unit will indicate that the input is invalid. The support device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned guidance unit includes on the second guidance screen a notice that contactless IC wireless reading cannot be used for inputting card information. The support device according to claim 1.

4. A computer equipped in a support device that assists in the input of card information for credit card payments, An acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount from a registration device that registers information on the goods to be traded, If the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls below a threshold, the guidance unit displays a first guidance screen informing the user that all reading methods, including wireless reading of contactless ICs, reading of magnetic tape, and reading by contacting the IC chip, are available for inputting card information. If the transaction amount exceeds the threshold, the guidance unit displays a second guidance screen informing the user that reading of magnetic tape (excluding wireless reading of contactless ICs) and reading by contacting the IC chip are available for inputting card information. A program designed to function as such.

5. A transaction management system including a registration device for registering information on goods subject to transaction, and a support device for assisting in the input of card information related to credit card payments, The aforementioned support device An acquisition unit that acquires the transaction amount from the aforementioned registration device, If the transaction amount acquired by the acquisition unit falls below a threshold, the guidance unit displays a first guidance screen informing the user that all reading methods, including wireless reading of contactless ICs, reading of magnetic tape, and reading by contacting the IC chip, are available for inputting card information. If the transaction amount exceeds the threshold, the guidance unit displays a second guidance screen informing the user that reading of magnetic tape (excluding wireless reading of contactless ICs) and reading by contacting the IC chip are available for inputting card information. A transaction management system equipped with the following features.

6. The computer installed in the server device that manages information on the products being traded, If the transaction amount is below a threshold, the first guidance screen is displayed informing the user that all reading methods—contactless IC wireless reading, magnetic tape reading, and IC chip contact reading—are available for inputting card information. If the transaction amount exceeds the threshold, the guidance unit displays a second guidance screen informing the user that magnetic tape reading (excluding contactless IC wireless reading) and IC chip contact reading are available for inputting card information. A program designed to function as such.

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