Accounting device and program

Abstract

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an accounting device and program that can improve operability while ensuring the freedom of customers to choose their payment method. [Solution] The accounting device of the embodiment includes a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating the details of a transaction; an input means into which customer identification information identifying the customer conducting the transaction is input; a second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information indicating a payment method associated with the customer identification information input into the input means; and a payment processing means for executing a payment process related to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the second acquisition means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an accounting device and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the spread of various cashless payments, the payment methods used by customers have diversified in stores that sell goods and services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods"). Therefore, an accounting device that executes settlement processing for a customer to pay the purchase price selects one of many settlement methods.

[0003] Depending on the settlement method selected by the customer, the accounting device may require hierarchical operations. For example, when selecting credit settlement, an operator who operates the accounting device needs to perform operations such as selecting the number of payments following the selection operation of the credit settlement. Also, when selecting code settlement, also called QR code (registered trademark) settlement, the operator needs to perform operations such as selecting the type of code settlement following the selection of the code settlement. Therefore, the selection of settlement methods in the accounting device has become complicated.

[0004] On the other hand, an accounting device has been proposed that automatically performs settlement processing based on credit information pre-associated with customer identification information when the customer identification information for identifying the customer is input (for example, Patent Document 1). Since this accounting device does not require a selection operation of the settlement method, it has excellent operability, but the settlement method is limited to credit settlement, and there is no freedom in selecting the settlement method.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program capable of improving operability while ensuring the freedom of a customer to select a settlement method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The accounting device of the embodiment includes a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction information indicating the details of a transaction; an input means into which customer identification information identifying the customer conducting the transaction is input; a second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information indicating a payment method associated with the customer identification information input into the input means; and a payment processing means for executing a payment process related to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the second acquisition means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the accounting system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the customer information file stored in the storage unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the data structure of the transaction information file stored in the storage unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the store server in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the accounting process flow by the control unit of the accounting device in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the first screen displayed by the display unit of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the second screen displayed by the display unit of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11]Figure 11 shows the third screen displayed by the display unit of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal settlement processing by the control unit of the accounting device in the first embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the shortened settlement process by the control unit of the accounting device in the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the fourth screen displayed by the display unit of the accounting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows a membership card used in the accounting device of the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of accounting processing by the control unit of the accounting device in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The following describes the accounting processing device and program according to the embodiments. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in each embodiment, the accounting device is described as a semi-self-service POS (Point of Sales) accounting device equipped with a registration device in which a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and an accounting device in which the customer performs operations related to payment, but the invention is not limited to this. The accounting device may also be a self-service POS terminal in which the customer performs operations related to product registration and payment.

[0009] Furthermore, the accounting device may be a POS terminal in which store employees perform operations related to product registration and payment. In addition, the accounting device may be an accounting device used in systems called cart POS or smartphone POS. Here, cart POS is a system in which customers register products themselves using, for example, a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, and then the customer operates the accounting device that has acquired transaction information based on the product registration to make a payment. Smartphone POS is a system in which customers register products using a smartphone provided by the store or a smartphone owned by the customer instead of a tablet terminal. The present invention is particularly effective for accounting devices operated by customers, such as accounting devices for semi-self-service POS systems, self-service POS terminals, accounting devices for cart POS systems, and accounting devices for smartphone POS systems.

[0010] (First Embodiment) The accounting device and program of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the accounting system 1. The accounting system 1 is used in stores that sell goods, such as supermarkets. The accounting system 1 comprises a store server 2, a plurality of registration devices 3, and a plurality of accounting devices 4.

[0011] The store server 2, registration device 3, and accounting device 4 are connected to each other via a network N, enabling communication between them. Network N is, for example, a wired or wireless LAN (Local Area Network). Note that the number of registration devices 3 and accounting devices 4 is not limited to the example shown.

[0012] When a customer brings purchased items to the registration device 3, the registration device 3 reads the product code of the purchased items based on the store clerk's instructions. For example, the registration device 3 reads the product code from a code symbol attached to the product using a scanner (not shown). The product code is information that identifies the product. The registration device 3 transmits the read product code along with registration device identification information to the store server 2. The registration device identification information is information used to identify the registration device 3, such as the registration device number.

[0013] When the store server 2 receives the first product code of a transaction from one registration device 3, it issues a transaction ID. Also, the store server 2 executes product registration based on the received product code. Here, product registration means registering (storing) product information (such as product code, product name, price, etc.) in association with the issued transaction ID. When the product registration of one product is completed, the store server 2 transmits the product information and the transaction code to the registration device 3. Thereafter, every time the store server 2 receives a product code from the above-mentioned one registration device 3, it executes product registration.

[0014] When the product registration of all the purchased products of one customer is completed, the registration device 3 transmits a transfer instruction to the store server 2. The transfer instruction is an instruction to transfer transaction information to the accounting device 4, and includes the transaction ID and the accounting device No. of the transfer destination. The transaction information is data including the product information of one transaction for which product registration has been performed, that is, the product information associated with one transaction ID. When the store server 2 receives the transfer instruction, it extracts the transaction information of the transaction ID included in the transfer instruction and transmits it to the designated accounting device 4.

[0015] The customer moves to the accounting device 4 which is the transfer destination of the transaction information. The accounting device 4 executes accounting processing based on the customer's operation. The accounting processing is processing for the customer to pay the purchase price of the product and includes settlement processing. At this time, customer identification information for identifying the customer is input to the accounting device 4. The customer identification information is, for example, the feature amount of the customer's face image.

[0016] The accounting device 4 acquires settlement method information corresponding to the input customer identification information from the store server 2. The settlement method information is previously associated with the customer identification information and is information indicating the settlement method. The settlement method is, for example, cash settlement by cash, credit settlement by credit card, code settlement by two-dimensional code, etc. Note that the settlement method may also be electronic money settlement by electronic money, point settlement by points, etc.

[0017] The accounting device 4 can execute payment processing according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information obtained from the store server 2. This allows the accounting device 4 to simplify the process for customers to select a payment method. For example, customers do not have to perform cumbersome operations such as selecting a payment method, selecting the number of installments for credit card payments, or selecting the payment type for code payments. In the following explanation, the payment method indicated by the payment method information obtained from the store server 2 may be referred to as "the payment method obtained from the store server 2."

[0018] Next, we will describe each device in Accounting System 1 in detail. First, we will describe Store Server 2. Store Server 2 manages various store information. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of Store Server 2.

[0019] The store server 2 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, storage unit 21, display unit 22, operation unit 23, and communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25 or the like. The store server 2 may be composed of multiple computers and may also have external memory.

[0020] The control unit 20 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 25.

[0021] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the store server 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is used as the work area for the CPU 201 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes for the store server 2 by having the CPU 201 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and loaded into the RAM 203.

[0022] The storage unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory, and retains its contents even when the power is cut off. The storage unit 21 stores the control program 211, the product master 212, the customer information file 213, and the transaction information file 214.

[0023] The control program 211 includes functions for performing product registration, receiving customer identification information from the accounting device 4, and extracting payment method information corresponding to the received customer identification information and sending it to the accounting device 4.

[0024] Product Master 212 is a master file that stores product information for items handled by the store. Product Master 212 stores product names, prices, tax amounts, etc., associated with product codes. Since the products handled by the store change daily, Product Master 212 is updated as needed.

[0025] The customer information file 213 is a file that manages payment methods for each customer. The information stored in the customer information file 213 is registered based on customer requests. For example, the information stored in the customer information file 213 is registered based on customer operations using the accounting device 4, or by store clerks operating the operation unit 23. Figure 3 shows the data structure of the customer information file 213. The customer information file 213 stores user ID, facial features, and payment method information in association.

[0026] A user ID is information assigned to each user, such as a store member's membership number. The user ID is issued when facial features and payment method information are registered in the customer information file 213. Facial features are features extracted from the customer's facial image and are used in publicly known facial recognition technologies. The user ID and facial features are information capable of identifying a customer and are examples of customer identification information. Note that customer identification information may also include biometric information that allows for customer identification through biometric recognition.

[0027] Payment method information is information that indicates the payment method, such as cash payment, credit card payment, or QR code payment. If the payment method is credit card payment, it includes information such as the credit card company name and the number of installments. Similarly, if the payment method is QR code payment, it includes information such as the payment service provider name and the type of QR code payment. In short, payment method information is all the information necessary when making a payment.

[0028] The transaction information file 214 is a file that manages transaction information. The transaction information file 214 is updated based on information from the registration device 3 and the accounting device 4. Figure 4 shows the data structure of the transaction information file 214. The transaction information file 214 stores the registration device No., transaction ID, product code, product name, price, transaction amount, and payment completion flag in association with each other.

[0029] The Registered Device No. is a number that identifies Registered Device 3. The Transaction ID is information that identifies the transaction. The Product Code is information that identifies the product. The Product Name is information that indicates the name of the product. The Price is information that indicates the unit price of the product. If multiple products are purchased in a single transaction, multiple product codes, product names, and prices are registered corresponding to the Transaction ID.

[0030] The transaction amount is information indicating the total amount of product prices in a single transaction. The payment completion flag is information indicating whether or not payment for the transaction has been completed, in other words, whether or not accounting processing by the accounting device 4 has been completed. The payment completion flag is set to "1" if payment for the transaction has been completed, and to "0" if it has not been completed. The payment completion flag is rewritten to "1" when a settlement completion notification is received from the accounting device 4. The settlement completion notification indicates that settlement for the transaction has been completed and includes the transaction ID of the transaction for which settlement has been completed.

[0031] Returning to Figure 2, let's describe the hardware of the store server 2. The display unit 22 is composed of, for example, an LCD panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays a registration screen for registering product information in the product master 212, a registration screen for registering information in the customer information file 213, and so on.

[0032] The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20 and consists of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs product information registered in the product master 412 and information registered in the customer information file 213 to the control unit 20.

[0033] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the registration device 3 and the accounting device 4. The control unit 20 is connected to the external devices via the communication unit 24, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with those external devices.

[0034] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2 will be described. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2. The control unit 20 functions as a receiving means 2001, a registration means 2002, and a transmitting means 2003, with the CPU 201 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 202 and the storage unit 21. Note that each of these functions may be configured with hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0035] The receiving means 2001 receives various information from the registration device 3 and the accounting device 4. For example, the receiving means 2001 receives the product code and transfer instructions for the products purchased by the customer from the registration device 3. The receiving means 2001 also receives a payment completion notification from the accounting device 4.

[0036] The receiving means 2001 receives a payment method inquiry from the accounting device 4. The payment method inquiry is a request for payment method information registered in advance by the customer making the payment for the purchase, in other words, payment method information registered in the customer information file 213. The payment method inquiry includes data indicating the facial features of the customer making the payment for the purchase (hereinafter also simply referred to as "facial features"). The facial features are extracted from the customer's facial image data captured by the camera 44 (see Figure 6) of the accounting device 4. The receiving means 2001 may also receive the customer's facial image data captured by the camera 44, in which case the extraction of features is performed by the control unit 20 of the store server 2. Alternatively, the receiving means 2001 may receive the customer's user ID instead of facial features.

[0037] The receiving means 2001 receives a payment method registration request from the accounting device 4. The payment method registration request requests the registration or updating of information in the customer information file 213. The payment method registration request includes facial feature data and payment method information, which are the information to be registered in the customer information file 213.

[0038] The registration means 2002 registers various data in the storage unit 21. For example, the registration means 2002 performs product registration and registers product information. Specifically, the registration means 2002 reads product information corresponding to the product code received by the receiving means 2001 from the product master 212 and registers it in the transaction information file 214.

[0039] The registration means 2002 registers the facial features and payment method information included in the payment method registration request in the customer information file 213 in response to the payment method registration request received by the receiving means 2001 from the accounting device 4. When registering new customer information in the customer information file 213, the registration means 2002 issues a user ID and registers the facial features and payment method information associated with that user ID. Furthermore, when the registration means 2002 modifies registered data in response to a registration request, it overwrites the payment method information corresponding to the user ID or facial features included in the payment method registration request with the payment method information included in the payment method registration request.

[0040] The transmission means 2003 transmits various information to the registration device 3 and the accounting device 4. For example, the transmission means 2003 transmits product information registered through product registration to the registration device 3. The registration device 3 displays the received product information on the operator (employee) display and the customer display (neither of which are shown). The transmission means 2003 also transmits the transaction ID issued by the control unit 20 to the registration device 3.

[0041] The transmitting means 2003 transmits transaction information to the accounting device 4 in accordance with the transfer instruction received by the receiving means 2001. The transaction information transmitted to the accounting device 4 is the transaction information in the transaction information file 214 that corresponds to the transaction ID included in the transfer instruction. The transmitting means 2003 also transmits payment method information to the accounting device 4 as a response to the payment method inquiry received by the receiving means 2001. The payment method information transmitted to the accounting device 4 is the payment method information in the customer information file 213 that corresponds to the facial feature quantities included in the payment method inquiry.

[0042] Next, the accounting device 4 will be described. The accounting device 4 acquires transaction information from the store server 2 and performs accounting processing related to that transaction information. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the main hardware configuration of the accounting device 4.

[0043] The accounting device 4 comprises a control unit 40, a storage unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, a camera 44, a scanner 45, a card reader 46, a change dispenser 47, and a communication unit 48. The control unit 40, storage unit 41, display unit 42, operation unit 43, camera 44, scanner 45, card reader 46, change dispenser 47, and communication unit 48 are connected to each other via a bus 49 or the like so that they can communicate with one another.

[0044] The control unit 40 consists of a computer equipped with a CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403. The CPU 401, ROM 402, and RAM 403 are connected to each other via a bus 49.

[0045] The CPU 401 controls the overall operation of the accounting device 4. The ROM 402 stores various programs and data, such as the program used to drive the CPU 401. The RAM 403 is used as the work area for the CPU 301 and loads the various programs and data stored in the ROM 402 and the storage unit 41. The control unit 40 executes various control processes of the accounting device 4 by having the CPU 401 operate according to the control programs stored in the ROM 402 and the storage unit 41 and loaded into the RAM 403.

[0046] The RAM 403 also includes a transaction information unit 4031 and a payment method information unit 4032. The transaction information unit 4031 stores transaction information obtained from the store server 2. The payment method information unit 4032 stores payment method information obtained from the store server 2. The transaction information stored in the transaction information unit 4031 and the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 are cleared when the corresponding accounting process is completed.

[0047] The memory unit 41 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 41 stores the control program 411.

[0048] The control program 411 is a program that implements functions such as acquiring transaction information from the store server 2, accepting input of customer identification information of customers conducting transactions, acquiring payment method information corresponding to the input customer identification information from the store server 2, and executing payment processing based on the acquired transaction information and payment method information.

[0049] The display unit 42 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 42 displays transaction information obtained from the store server 2. The display unit 42 also displays various screens that guide customers on how to operate the accounting device 4.

[0050] The operation unit 43 is for inputting information to the control unit 40 and consists of a touch panel or the like provided on the surface of the display unit 42. The operation unit 43 is operated by the customer. For example, the operation unit 43 inputs a shortened payment instruction to the control unit 40, instructing the customer to make a payment using a payment method that has been registered in advance.

[0051] Camera 44 captures images of the faces of customers using the accounting device 4. For example, camera 44 starts capturing images when a person is detected in front of the display unit 42, which is equipped with a touch panel that serves as the operation unit 43, by a human presence sensor (not shown). The installation location of camera 44 is not restricted, but it is desirable that it be installed in a position that can capture the faces of customers who are in front of the operation unit 43. In this embodiment, camera 44 is installed near the display unit 42.

[0052] Scanner 45 reads the payment ID necessary for code payment from the QR code displayed on the customer's smartphone or other device. Scanner 45 also reads the membership number from the customer's membership card.

[0053] The card reader 46 reads the credit information necessary for credit payment from the customer's credit card. The card reader 46 may be a magnetic card reader that reads information from magnetic cards, or an IC card reader that reads information from cards with a built-in IC chip.

[0054] The change dispenser 47 accepts the banknotes and coins paid by the customer when they make a cash payment, and dispenses change as needed.

[0055] The communication unit 48 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2. The control unit 40 is connected to the external device via the communication unit 48, enabling it to send and receive information (data) with the external device.

[0056] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4 will be described. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4. The control unit 40 functions as an acquisition means 4001, a feature extraction means 4002, an input means 4003, a display control means 4004, a reception means 4005, a mapping means 4006, a settlement processing means 4007, and an output means 4008, with the CPU 401 operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 402 and the storage unit 41. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as dedicated circuits.

[0057] The acquisition means 4001 acquires various information from the store server 2. For example, the acquisition means 4001 acquires transaction information that shows the details of a transaction. The acquisition means 4001 functions as a first acquisition means for acquiring transaction information.

[0058] Furthermore, the acquisition means 4001 acquires payment method information indicating the payment method. Specifically, the acquisition means 4001 acquires payment method information from the store server 2 as a response to the payment method query output by the output means 4008. The acquisition means 4001 functions as a second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information.

[0059] The acquisition means 4001 also acquires various information from the camera 44, scanner 45, and card reader 46. For example, the acquisition means 4001 acquires image data of the customer's face from the camera 44. The acquisition means 4001 also acquires the payment ID necessary for code payment from the scanner 45. Furthermore, the acquisition means 4001 acquires credit information from the card reader 46.

[0060] The feature extraction means 4002 extracts features for identifying a person from the image data of a customer's face. The feature extraction means 4002 uses widely adopted face recognition technology to extract facial features that identify the customer from the image data of the customer's face acquired by the acquisition means 4001.

[0061] The input means 4003 receives customer identification information that identifies the customer conducting the transaction. Specifically, the input means 4003 receives facial features extracted from the image data by the feature extraction means 4002. The facial features input to the input means 4003 are customer identification information that identifies the customer captured in the image data. Note that the input means 4003 may also receive a user ID or the like as customer identification information.

[0062] The display control means 4004 causes the display unit 42 to display various information. For example, the display control means 4004 displays a selection screen on the display unit that allows the user to select a payment method different from the payment method associated with the customer identification information. The display control means 4004 also displays an operator on the display unit 42 that cancels the payment processing based on the payment method acquired by the acquisition means 4001. The screens displayed on the display unit 42 under the control of the display control means 4004 will be described later.

[0063] The reception means 4005 receives various input information from the operation unit 43. For example, the reception means 4005 receives payment method information indicating the payment method selected by the customer's operation. Specifically, when a customer registers a payment method associated with their customer identification information, the reception means 4005 receives payment method information entered by the operation unit 43.

[0064] The mapping means 4006 associates the payment method information received by the reception means 4005 with the customer identification information entered into the input means 4003. Specifically, the mapping means 4006 associates the payment method information received by the reception means 4005 with the facial feature quantities entered into the input means 4003 to generate a payment method registration request.

[0065] The payment processing means 4007 executes payment processing related to the transaction information acquired by the acquisition means 4001. For example, the payment processing means 4007 executes payment processing related to the transaction information according to the payment method acquired by the acquisition means 4001 from the store server 2. The payment processing executed by the payment processing means 4007 includes, in the case of cash payments, processing such as detecting the amount deposited, calculating the amount of change, and dispensing the calculated amount of change. In the case of credit card payments and code payments, the payment processing executed by the payment processing means 4007 includes processing such as sending and receiving information with the payment service provider's payment server.

[0066] The output means 4008 outputs various information to the store server 2. For example, when the payment processing means 4007 completes the payment processing, the output means 4008 sends a payment completion notification to the store server 2. The output means 4008 also sends a registration request generated by the mapping means 4006 to the store server 2.

[0067] Next, we will explain the accounting process performed by the accounting device 4. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the accounting process performed by the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4.

[0068] The control unit 40 determines whether the acquisition means 4001 has acquired transaction information from the store server 2 (step S1). If it has not acquired the information (No. in step S1), it returns to the process of step S1 and waits. When the acquisition means 4001 acquires transaction information (Y in step S1), the acquisition means 4001 acquires image data of the customer's face from the camera 44 (step S2). At this time, the acquisition means 4001 registers the transaction information acquired from the store server 2 in the transaction information unit 4031.

[0069] The feature extraction means 4002 extracts features from the facial imaging data acquired by the acquisition means 4001 (step S3). The output means 4008 sends a payment method query, which is information containing the features extracted by the feature extraction means 4002, to the store server 2 (step S4).

[0070] The control unit 40 determines whether the acquisition means 4001 has acquired payment method information from the store server 2 (step S5). If the acquisition means 4001 has acquired payment method information from the store server 2 (Y in step S5), the display control means 4004 causes the display unit 42 to display the first screen (step S6). At this time, the acquisition means 4001 registers the payment method information acquired from the store server 2 in the payment method information unit 4032.

[0071] The first screen will now be described. Figure 9 shows the first screen displayed by the display unit 42 of the accounting device 4. The first screen displays the transaction amount display unit 421, the quick settlement button 422, and the normal settlement button 423. A camera 44 is provided above the display unit 42. In the screens described thereafter, components with the same configuration as the first screen will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0072] The transaction amount display unit 421 displays the transaction amount included in the transaction information acquired by the acquisition means 4001. The abbreviated payment button 422 is an operator for selecting abbreviated payment. Abbreviated payment is payment using a pre-registered payment method. The regular payment button 423 is an operator for selecting regular payment. Regular payment is payment that does not use a pre-registered payment method. Even customers who have pre-registered a payment method can select regular payment. This allows them to select another payment method, for example, if their registered payment method is credit card payment but they do not have a credit card. The first screen is an example of a selection screen that allows the selection of a payment method different from the payment method associated with the customer identification information.

[0073] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, let's explain the accounting process. The control unit 20 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted a normal payment (step S7). In other words, the control unit 20 determines whether the normal payment button 423 has been operated on the first screen. If the receiving means 4005 has accepted a normal payment (Y in step S7), the display control means 4004 causes the display unit 42 to display the second screen (step S8).

[0074] In step S5, if the acquisition means 4001 does not acquire payment method information from the store server 2 (N in step S5), the control unit 20 skips steps S6 and S7 and proceeds to step S8. In other words, if the payment method of the customer making the payment is not registered in advance, the display control means 4004 displays the second screen on the display unit 42 without displaying the first screen.

[0075] Now, let's explain the second screen. Figure 10 shows the second screen displayed by the display unit 42 of the accounting device 4. The second screen displays the transaction amount display unit 421, the cash payment button 424, the credit card payment button 425, and the code payment button 426.

[0076] The cash payment button 424 is an operator for selecting cash payment. The credit card payment button 425 is an operator for selecting credit card payment. The code payment button 426 is an operator for selecting code payment. If the accounting device 4 allows payment by other methods, the second screen will also display an operator for selecting those other payment methods.

[0077] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, let's explain the accounting process. The settlement processing means 4007 performs the normal settlement process based on the customer's operation on the second screen (step S9). The normal settlement process will be described in detail later. Once the normal settlement process is complete, the display control means 4004 displays the third screen on the display unit 42 (step S10).

[0078] Now, let's explain the third screen. Figure 11 shows the third screen displayed by the display unit 42 of the accounting device 4. The third screen displays information indicating that payment has been completed. The third screen also displays a Yes button 427 and a No button 428, along with information indicating an inquiry regarding the registration of a payment method or a change to a registered payment method.

[0079] The Yes button 427 is an operator that allows the user to select either registering a payment method or changing an existing payment method. The No button 428 is an operator that allows the user to select whether or not to register a payment method or change an existing payment method. By selecting the Yes button 427, the customer can register a payment method or change an existing payment method.

[0080] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, let's explain the accounting process. In the process of step S7, if the receiving means 4005 does not accept a normal settlement (N in step S7), the control unit 20 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted an expedited settlement (step S11). If the receiving means 4005 does not accept an expedited settlement (N in step S11), the control unit 20 returns to the process of step S7.

[0081] If the receiving means 4005 accepts an abbreviated payment (Y in step S11), the payment processing means 4007 executes the abbreviated payment process (step S12). The abbreviated payment process will be described in detail later. Once the abbreviated payment process is complete, the control unit 20 proceeds to the process in step S10.

[0082] The control unit 20 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted the payment method registration (step S13). If the receiving means 4005 has accepted the payment method registration (Y in step S13), in other words, if the "yes" button 427 is pressed on the third screen, the output means 4008 sends a payment method registration instruction to the store server 2 (step S14).

[0083] Upon receiving a payment method registration instruction, the store server 2 executes processing related to the registration of a payment method or the modification of an existing payment method. The method of processing related to the registration of a payment method or the modification of an existing payment method can be arbitrarily set.

[0084] Next, the output means 4008 sends a payment completion notification to the store server 2. Then, the control unit 20 terminates the accounting process. Note that in the process of step S13, if the reception means 4005 does not accept the payment method registration (N in step S13), in other words, if the No button 428 is pressed on the third screen, the control unit 20 skips the process of step S14 and proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0085] Next, we will explain the normal settlement process. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the normal settlement process by the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4.

[0086] The payment processing means 4007 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted the cash payment (step S21). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether the cash payment button 424 has been operated on the second screen. If the receiving means 4005 has accepted the cash payment (Y in step S21), the payment processing means 4007 executes the cash payment (step S22) and terminates the normal payment process.

[0087] If the receiving means 4005 does not accept cash payment (N in step S21), the payment processing means 4007 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted credit card payment (step S23). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether the credit card payment button 425 has been operated on the second screen. If the receiving means 4005 has accepted credit card payment (Y in step S23), the payment processing means 4007 executes the credit card payment (step S24) and terminates the normal payment process.

[0088] If the receiving means 4005 does not accept credit card payment (N in step S23), the payment processing means 4007 determines whether the receiving means 4005 has accepted code payment (step S25). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether the code payment button 426 has been operated on the second screen. If the receiving means 4005 has accepted code payment (Y in step S25), the payment processing means 4007 executes the code payment (step S26) and terminates the normal payment processing. If the receiving means 4005 does not accept code payment (N in step S25), the payment processing means 4007 returns to the processing in step S21.

[0089] Next, we will explain the shortened settlement process. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the shortened settlement process by the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4.

[0090] In the shortened settlement process, the display control means 4004 first causes the display unit 42 to display the fourth screen (step S31).

[0091] Now, let's explain the fourth screen. Figure 14 shows the fourth screen displayed by the display unit 42 of the accounting device 4. The fourth screen displays the transaction amount display unit 421 and confirmation buttons (yes button 429, no button 430).

[0092] The Yes button 429 is an operator used to declare that payment will be made using the registered payment method. The No button 430 is an operator used to cancel payment using the registered payment method. The No button 430 is an example of an operator used to cancel the payment process using the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the acquisition means 4001.

[0093] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 13, let's explain the shortened payment process. The payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the receiving means 4005 has received the payment instruction (step S32). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the "yes" button 429 was pressed on the fourth screen.

[0094] When the receiving means 4005 receives a payment instruction (Y in step S32), the settlement processing means 4007 determines whether the settlement method information stored in the settlement method information unit 4032 indicates a cash payment (step S33). In other words, the settlement processing means 4007 determines whether the settlement method obtained from the store server 2 is a cash payment.

[0095] If the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 indicates cash payment (Y in step S33), the payment processing means 4007 executes the cash payment (step S34) and terminates the shortened payment process.

[0096] In the process of step S32, if the receiving means 4005 does not accept the payment instruction (N in step S32), the settlement processing means 4007 determines whether or not the receiving means 4005 has accepted a cancellation input (step S35). If the receiving means 4005 has not accepted a cancellation input (N in step S35), the settlement processing means 4007 returns to the process of step S32. If the receiving means 4005 has accepted a cancellation input (N in step S35), the control unit 40 proceeds to the process of step S6 (see Figure 8).

[0097] In the process of step S33, if the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 does not indicate cash payment (N in step S33), the payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 indicates credit card payment (step S37). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the payment method obtained from the store server 2 is a credit card payment.

[0098] If the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 indicates credit card payment (Y in step S37), the payment processing means 4007 executes the credit card payment (step S38) and terminates the shortened payment process.

[0099] If the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 does not indicate a credit card payment (N in step S37), the payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 indicates a code payment (step S39). In other words, the payment processing means 4007 determines whether or not the payment method obtained from the store server 2 is a code payment.

[0100] If the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 indicates code payment (Y in step S39), the payment processing means 4007 executes the code payment (step S40) and terminates the shortened payment process.

[0101] If the payment method information stored in the payment method information unit 4032 does not indicate credit card payment (N in step S39), the display control means 4004 causes the display unit 42 to display error information (step S41). The error information indicates that the payment method is not registered. That is, if a customer making a payment selects a shortened payment method even though they have not registered a payment method in advance, the display control means 4004 displays error information on the display unit 42. After the error information is displayed and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 40 proceeds to the process in step S8 (see Figure 8).

[0102] As described above, the accounting device 4 of the first embodiment includes a first acquisition means (acquisition means 4001) for acquiring transaction information indicating the content of a transaction, an input means 4003 into which customer identification information (facial features) that identifies the customer conducting the transaction is input, a second acquisition means (acquisition means 4001) for acquiring payment method information indicating a payment method associated with the customer identification information input into the input means 4003, and a payment processing means 4007 that executes payment processing related to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the second acquisition means.

[0103] This allows customers to make payments using pre-registered payment methods. Furthermore, customers can freely set the payment methods they wish to register. Therefore, the accounting device 4 can improve usability while ensuring customer flexibility in choosing payment methods.

[0104] Furthermore, the accounting device 4 of the first embodiment includes a display control means 4004 that displays a selection screen (first screen) on the display unit 42, which allows the user to select a payment method different from the payment method associated with the customer identification information. In addition, the display control means 4004 displays an operator (no button 430) on the display unit 42 that cancels the payment processing according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the second acquisition means (acquisition means 4001).

[0105] This allows the operator of the accounting device 4 to make a payment using a different payment method before or after selecting a pre-registered payment method. In this respect, the accounting device 4 can be made even easier to use.

[0106] In addition, the accounting device 4 of the first embodiment further includes a receiving means 4005 that receives payment method information indicating a payment method selected by the operator, and a matching means 4006 that associates the payment method information received by the receiving means 4005 with customer identification information entered into the input means 4003.

[0107] This allows customers to register their payment methods through the operation of the accounting device 4. Therefore, customers can register their payment methods at the time of payment. Thus, the accounting device 4 can improve customer convenience.

[0108] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. The accounting device 4 of the second embodiment reads the payment method from a medium owned by the customer and executes the payment process using the read payment method. In the following description, the same configuration and functions as in the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0109] Figure 15 shows a membership card owned by a customer. Membership card 5 contains a barcode 51, a membership number 52, a name 53, and a payment method selection section 54. Membership card 5 is an example of a medium that indicates a payment method. Note that any medium that indicates a payment method is acceptable, and it does not have to be a membership card.

[0110] Barcode 51 encodes the member's information. Member number 52 is a number that identifies the member. Name 53 is the member's name. The payment method selection section 54 allows the member to select a payment method by checking a box. In the example in Figure 15, cash payment is selected by the member who owns the membership card.

[0111] If credit card payment is selected, the number of installments is also selected. Similarly, if QR code payment is selected, the type of QR code payment is also selected. For example, if credit card payment is selected but the number of installments is not selected, the accounting device 4 will display an error message. Likewise, if QR code payment is selected but the type of QR code payment is not selected, the accounting device 4 will display an error message.

[0112] The accounting device 4 reads the payment method from the member card during accounting processing and then executes the payment processing using the read payment method. The accounting device 4 reads the payment method from the image data of the member card captured by the camera 44 using image processing technology. The control unit 40 of the accounting device 4 is assumed to be equipped with reading means (not shown) for reading the payment method from the image data of the member card captured by the camera 44.

[0113] Next, we will explain the accounting process performed by the accounting device 4. Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the accounting process performed by the control unit 40 of the accounting device 4.

[0114] The control unit 40 determines whether the acquisition means 4001 has acquired transaction information (step S51). If it has not acquired the information (No. in step S51), it returns to the process in step S51 and waits. When the acquisition means 4001 acquires transaction information (Y in step S51), the display control means 4004 displays the transaction amount on the display unit 42 (step S52). At this time, the display control means 4004 also displays a message instructing the user to position their membership card in front of the camera 44 if the payment method is to be read.

[0115] Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the reading means has read the payment method within a predetermined time (step S53). If the reading means has read the payment method within the predetermined time (Y in step S53), the payment processing means 4007 makes the payment using the payment method read by the reading means (step S54). Then, the output means 4008 sends a payment completion notification to the store server 2 (step S55). Finally, the control unit 20 terminates the accounting process.

[0116] In the process of step S53, if the reading means does not read the payment method within a predetermined time (N in step S53), the display control means 4004 displays the second screen on the display unit 42 (step S56). Subsequently, the payment processing means 4007 performs normal payment processing (step S57). The normal payment processing is the same as in the first embodiment. Then, the control unit 40 proceeds to the process of step S55.

[0117] As described above, the accounting device 4 of the second embodiment includes a first acquisition means (acquisition means 4001) for acquiring transaction information indicating the content of a transaction, a reading means for reading a payment method from a medium owned by a customer conducting a transaction, and a payment processing means 4007 for executing a payment process related to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means based on the payment method read by the reading means.

[0118] This allows customers to make payments using the payment methods pre-specified on the medium. Furthermore, customers can freely choose the payment methods to be listed on the medium. Therefore, the accounting device 4 can improve usability while ensuring customer freedom in choosing payment methods.

[0119] In each of the above embodiments, the control programs executed by the store server 2 and the accounting device 4 may be provided by recording them on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Alternatively, the control programs executed by each device in each of the above embodiments may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading them via the network, or they may be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0120] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented 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 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]

[0121] 4. Accounting device 4001 Acquisition means (first acquisition means, second acquisition means) 4003 Input means 4004 Display control means 4005 Reception method 4006 Correspondence means 4007 Payment Processing Methods [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0122] [Patent Document 1] Announcement No. 2022-25910

Claims

1. A first acquisition means for obtaining transaction information that shows the details of a transaction, An input means into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer conducting the transaction, A second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information indicating a payment method associated with customer identification information entered into the input means, A settlement processing means that executes settlement processing related to transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means, according to the settlement method indicated by the settlement method information acquired by the second acquisition means, An accounting device equipped with the following features.

2. Display control means that displays a selection screen on the display unit that allows the user to select a payment method different from the payment method associated with the aforementioned customer identification information. The accounting device according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The display control means causes the display unit to display an operator for canceling the payment process according to the payment method indicated by the payment method information acquired by the second acquisition means. The accounting device according to claim 2.

4. A receiving means for receiving payment method information indicating the payment method selected by the operator, A matching means that associates the payment method information received by the reception means with the customer identification information entered into the input means, The accounting device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A first acquisition means for obtaining transaction information that shows the details of a transaction, A reading device that reads the payment method from a medium owned by the customer conducting the transaction, A settlement processing means that executes settlement processing relating to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means, based on the settlement method read by the reading means, An accounting device equipped with the following features.

6. A program for controlling an accounting device that performs settlement processing related to transactions using a computer, The aforementioned computer, A first acquisition means for obtaining transaction information that shows the details of a transaction, An input means into which customer identification information is entered to identify the customer conducting the transaction, A second acquisition means for acquiring payment method information indicating a payment method associated with customer identification information entered into the input means, A settlement processing means that executes settlement processing related to transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means, according to the settlement method indicated by the settlement method information acquired by the second acquisition means, A program that makes something work.

7. A program for controlling an accounting device that performs settlement processing related to transactions using a computer, The aforementioned computer, A first acquisition means for obtaining transaction information that shows the details of a transaction, A reading device that reads the payment method from a medium owned by the customer conducting the transaction, A settlement processing means that executes settlement processing relating to the transaction information acquired by the first acquisition means, based on the settlement method read by the reading means, A program that makes something work.

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