Payment system, gift certificate processing device

Abstract

This invention provides a payment system that reduces the burden on staff when customers use gift certificates, especially when using self-checkout or semi-self-checkout systems. [Solution] A settlement system comprising a gift certificate processing device that accepts the use of gift certificates, an operating terminal operated by a customer which is connected to the gift certificate processing device in a communicative manner, and an employee terminal operated by an employee which is connected to the gift certificate processing device in a communicative manner, wherein the gift certificate processing device outputs to both the operating terminal and the employee terminal that the use of the gift certificate has been made in a manner that satisfies predetermined conditions, when the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a settlement system and a gift certificate processing device.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a settlement system that can practically permit payment processing using gift certificates even when a semi-self form settlement style or a full-self form settlement style is adopted. More specifically, the settlement system described in Patent Document 1 includes a gift certificate depositing device that accepts deposits using gift certificates, a customer information reading device that reads customer information for each customer from an ID card held by the customer, a currency processing device that deposits and withdraws currency, and a discrimination device that determines whether the use of the gift certificate depositing device by the customer is permitted based on the customer information read by the customer information reading device for each customer. Then, if it is determined in the discrimination device that the use of the gift certificate depositing device by the customer is permitted, it is permitted, and if it is determined not to be permitted, settlement using only the currency processing device is promoted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the permission to use the gift certificate depositing device is determined based on the customer information read from the ID card held by the customer as in the settlement system described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that unauthorized use of the gift certificate cannot be sufficiently prevented. On the other hand, in the semi-self cashier used in the semi-self form settlement style or the self-checkout used in the full-self form settlement style, if a customer service staff member responds every time a customer uses a gift certificate, the burden on the staff member is large. The present invention aims to provide a payment system, etc., that can reduce the burden on staff when customers use gift certificates, when used as a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention, completed for the above purpose, is a settlement system comprising: a gift certificate processing device for accepting the use of gift certificates; an operating terminal operated by a customer and connected to the gift certificate processing device in a communicative manner; and an employee terminal operated by an employee and connected to the gift certificate processing device in a communicative manner. The gift certificate processing device outputs to both the operating terminal and the employee terminal that the use of the gift certificate has been made in accordance with predetermined conditions, when the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions. The present invention further comprises a first network to which the gift certificate processing device and the operation terminal are communicated, and a second network to which the gift certificate processing device and the staff terminal are communicated, wherein the gift certificate processing device may output to the operation terminal via the first network that the gift certificate has been used in accordance with predetermined conditions when the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions, and may also output to the staff terminal via the second network that the gift certificate has been used in accordance with predetermined conditions. Furthermore, the operating terminal and the staff terminal may each notify in different ways that the use of the gift certificate that satisfies the predetermined conditions has taken place. Furthermore, the operating terminal may be equipped with an operating terminal display unit, and when the operating terminal receives from the gift certificate processing unit that a gift certificate satisfying the predetermined conditions has been used, it may display a warning on the operating terminal display unit regarding the use of the gift certificate inserted into the gift certificate processing unit. Furthermore, the operating terminal may be equipped with an operating terminal display unit, and when the operating terminal receives from the gift certificate processing unit that a gift certificate satisfying the predetermined conditions has been used, it may display on the operating terminal display unit that an employee will confirm the use of the gift certificate inserted into the gift certificate processing unit. Furthermore, the staff terminal may be equipped with a staff terminal display unit, and when the staff terminal receives from the gift certificate processing device that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, it may display on the staff terminal display unit that there is a possibility that an unauthorized gift certificate has been used. Furthermore, the aforementioned predetermined condition may also be that the gift certificate has been used in a way that results in a refund of a predetermined percentage of the amount stated on the certificate. Furthermore, the aforementioned predetermined condition may also be that the gift certificates have been used for an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Furthermore, the aforementioned predetermined condition may also be that a predetermined number or more of the same gift certificates have been used. Furthermore, the aforementioned predetermined condition may also be that the use was performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. Furthermore, from another perspective, the present invention is a gift certificate processing device that accepts the use of gift certificates, and is communicatively connected to an operating terminal operated by a customer and an employee terminal operated by an employee, and outputs to both the operating terminal and the employee terminal that the use of the gift certificate has been made in accordance with predetermined conditions, when the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions. Here, the operating terminal is connected to the staff terminal via a first network for communication, and the staff terminal is connected to the operating terminal via a second network for communication. When the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions, the operating terminal may output via the first network that the use of the gift certificate satisfying those conditions has been performed, and the staff terminal may also output via the second network that the use of the gift certificate satisfying those conditions has been performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, when used as a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout system, the burden on staff when customers use gift certificates can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the settlement system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a gift certificate. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of a currency processing device. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an external view of a gift certificate processing device. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the schematic configuration of a gift certificate processing device. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a gift certificate processing device. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a sequence performed by the system. (b) is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the staff terminal's display unit. [Figure 8] (a) is a diagram showing a variation of the sequence performed by the system. (b) and (c) are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit of the operating terminal. [Figure 9] This figure shows an example of a schematic configuration of the settlement system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of information stored on the management server. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a gift certificate processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is an example of a flowchart showing the output processing performed by the control unit of a gift certificate processing device. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of information stored on the management server. [Figure 14] This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the gift certificate processing device of the system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an example of a flowchart showing the output processing performed by the control unit of a gift certificate processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the settlement system 1 (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "system 1") according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a gift certificate. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the currency processing device 10. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the external view of the gift certificate processing device 30. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the gift certificate processing device 30. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the gift certificate processing device 30. The system 1 includes a currency processing device 10, an operation terminal 20, a gift certificate processing device 30, a staff terminal 40 used by a staff member or the like who conducts customer service, and a management server 50 that manages gift certificates. The currency processing device 10, the operation terminal 20, the gift certificate processing device 30, and the staff terminal 40 are used within a commercial facility such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and the management server 50 is used outside the commercial facility, for example, within the head office of the commercial facility.

[0009] The system 1 is a system having a function of suppressing the use of fraudulent gift certificates. More specifically, the gift certificate processing device 30 has a function to output to the staff terminal 40 that a gift certificate meeting predetermined conditions has been used, in order to presume that the use of the gift certificate is fraudulent. When the staff terminal 40 receives notification from the gift certificate processing device 30 that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, it notifies the staff by displaying a message indicating that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used. This allows the staff to know that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, and to, for example, confirm with the customer whether or not the gift certificate is being used fraudulently. As a result, with System 1, staff only need to confirm with the customer whether or not the gift certificate is being used fraudulently when notified by the staff terminal 40, and do not need to confirm every time the gift certificate processing device 30 is used by the customer, thus reducing the burden on the staff. In this way, System 1 is a system that suppresses the use of fraudulent gift certificates and reduces the burden on staff when customers use gift certificates.

[0010] The following describes each device. The operating terminal 20 can be exemplified as a fixed-type terminal such as a POS register, which has an operating unit for user operation, a display unit 21 that displays the status of currency processing in the currency processing device 10, and a printing unit that issues receipts. Furthermore, the operating terminal 20 is not limited to a fixed type, and may also be a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal, tablet PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook PC, or multifunctional mobile phone (so-called "smartphone").

[0011] The staff terminal 40 can be exemplified by a portable terminal such as a tablet, tablet PC, personal digital assistant (PDA), notebook PC, or multifunctional mobile phone (so-called "smartphone"), which has a display unit 41 for displaying information. Furthermore, the staff terminal 40 is not limited to a portable type and may also be a fixed PC having a display unit 41.

[0012] The currency processing device 10, the operating terminal 20, and the gift certificate processing device 30 can communicate with each other via the network 60. Furthermore, the gift certificate processing device 30, the staff terminal 40, and the management server 50 can communicate with each other via the network 70. The networks 60 and 70 are not particularly limited as long as they are communication networks used for data communication between devices; for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) can be used. The communication lines used for data communication can be wired or wireless, or both can be used in combination. Examples of wireless LANs include Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0013] Here, when a customer purchases goods at a commercial facility such as a supermarket, the payment process takes place at the checkout counter. The payment process includes calculating the transaction amount between the commercial facility and the customer based on the price and quantity of each item purchased by the customer, and the process of the commercial facility receiving the amount of money or other assets from the customer for the transaction. Furthermore, if the amount of money or other assets received by the commercial facility from the customer exceeds the transaction amount, the payment process includes the process of the commercial facility subtracting the transaction amount from the amount of money or other assets received and returning the difference to the customer as change.

[0014] When a store employee at a commercial facility handles everything from scanning the product barcodes to processing the payment, the currency processing device 10 and the operating terminal 20 function as a manned cash register. On the other hand, when the customer handles everything from scanning the product barcodes to processing the payment, the currency processing device 10 and the operating terminal 20 function as a self-checkout register. When a store employee at a commercial facility scans the product barcodes and the customer processes the payment, the currency processing device 10 and the operating terminal 20 function as a semi-self-checkout register.

[0015] During settlement processing, the currency processing device 10 functions as a change dispenser. Specifically, the currency processing device 10 performs a currency deposit process and stores in the device any amount of currency equal to or greater than the amount the customer is due to pay. If the deposited amount exceeds the amount the customer is due to pay, the currency processing device 10 performs a withdrawal process and dispenses the difference between the deposited amount and the amount the customer is due to pay as change.

[0016] The amount that the customer must pay in cash is determined by taking into account the gift certificates inserted into the gift certificate processing device 30. Examples of gift certificates include: exchange vouchers that grant the right to receive the goods indicated on the voucher; monetary vouchers (see Figure 2(a)) and regional development vouchers (see Figure 2(b)) that, while not cash, have a value equivalent to cash and grant the right to receive goods worth the amount indicated on the voucher; and discount vouchers (see Figure 2(b)) that grant the right to have the amount indicated on the voucher deducted. Hereafter, when there is no need to distinguish between exchange vouchers, monetary vouchers, regional development vouchers, and discount vouchers, these may be collectively referred to as gift certificates.

[0017] Examples of product exchange vouchers include beer vouchers and rice vouchers. Examples of gift certificates include those issued by credit card companies such as VISA and JCB, and those issued by supermarkets, etc. A discount coupon can be exemplified as a receipt coupon issued at a store when predetermined conditions are met during a transaction.

[0018] When the currency processing device 10 and the operating terminal 20 are used as a self-checkout or semi-self-checkout, for example, the operating terminal 20 determines the amount the customer should pay in cash using the transaction amount calculated from the price and quantity of each item purchased by the customer, and the amount corresponding to the type and number of gift certificates inserted into the gift certificate processing device 30. For example, the operating terminal 20 determines the amount the customer should pay in cash by subtracting from the transaction amount the amount obtained by multiplying the amount printed on the face of the gift certificate or regional development voucher inserted into the gift certificate processing device 30 by the number of vouchers inserted. Alternatively, the operating terminal 20 determines the amount the customer should pay in cash by subtracting from the transaction amount the amount obtained by multiplying the amount corresponding to the item printed on the face of the gift certificate exchange voucher inserted into the gift certificate processing device 30 by the number of vouchers inserted. Alternatively, the operating terminal 20 determines the amount the customer should pay in cash by subtracting from the transaction amount the amount obtained by multiplying the discount amount printed on the discount coupon inserted into the gift certificate processing device 30 by the number of coupons inserted. The operating terminal 20 then notifies the currency processing device 10 of the amount the customer should pay in currency.

[0019] The currency processing device 10 and the gift certificate processing device 30 are described in detail below. (Currency processing device 10) The currency processing device 10 includes a coin processing machine 100 for handling the deposit and withdrawal of coins, and a banknote processing machine 200 for handling the deposit and withdrawal of banknotes. Coins and banknotes deposited by customers are deposited into the coin processing machine 100 and the banknote processing machine 200, respectively, and coins and banknotes are dispensed as change from the coin processing machine 100 and the banknote processing machine 200, respectively. As shown in Figure 1, the coin processing machine 100 and the banknote processing machine 200 can be arranged side by side. However, the coin processing machine 100 and the banknote processing machine 200 may also be arranged side by side vertically.

[0020] Coin processing machine 100 The coin processing machine 100 has a coin receiving section 101 for receiving coins and a coin dispensing section 102 for dispensing coins. The coin receiving section 101 and the coin dispensing section 102 are located at the front of the housing 110. Furthermore, the coin processing machine 100 includes a deposit transport unit 103 that transports coins taken into the housing 110 by the coin receiving unit 101, and a coin identification unit 104 provided in the middle of the deposit transport unit 103 for identifying coins. Furthermore, the coin processing machine 100 includes a coin storage section 106 for storing coins by denomination, and a coin dispensing and transport section 108 for transporting the coins dispensed from the coin storage section 106 to the coin dispensing section 102.

[0021] Furthermore, the coin processing machine 100 has a branching section 105 in the middle of the deposit transport section 103 that guides coins to be dispensed from the coin dispensing section 102, such as rejected coins, to the dispensing transport section 108, based on the coin identification result by the coin identification section 104. The branching section 105 guides normal coins to the coin storage section 106.

[0022] The coin receiving section 101, coin dispensing section 102, deposit transport section 103, coin identification section 104, branching section 105, coin storage section 106, and dispensing transport section 108, etc. constitute the coin processing unit 115, and the coin processing unit 115 is configured to be pull out forward from the housing 110.

[0023] Furthermore, the coin processing machine 100 has a display unit 112 on the upper front of the housing 110 that displays information such as pictures and characters. The display unit 112 can be exemplified as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0024] Furthermore, the coin processing machine 100 has a coin control unit 120 that controls the coin receiving unit 101, the coin dispensing unit 102, the deposit transport unit 103, the coin storage unit 106, the dispensing transport unit 108, and the like. The coin control unit 120 consists of a CPU (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown). The coin control unit 120 performs various processes such as deposit processing, withdrawal processing, collection processing, replenishment processing, currency exchange processing, and verification processing. The coin control unit 120 also uses input signals from various sensors, such as the coin jam sensor 111 that detects coin jams, to detect coin jams and dirt on the various sensors.

[0025] 《Banknote Processing Machine 200》 The banknote processing machine 200 has a banknote receiving section 201 for receiving banknotes and a banknote dispensing section 202 for dispensing banknotes. The banknote receiving section 201 and the banknote dispensing section 202 are located at the front of the housing 210. Furthermore, the banknote processing machine 200 has an annular circular transport section 203 located approximately in the center of the housing 210, which transports banknotes taken into the housing 210 by the banknote receiving section 201. The banknote processing machine 200 also has a banknote identification section 204 located in the middle of the circular transport section 203, which identifies banknotes, and three banknote storage sections 206 for storing banknotes by denomination. The banknote processing machine 200 also has a dispensing reject section 207 and a banknote collection cassette 208. The banknote processing machine 200 also has a plurality of connecting transport sections 209 that connect the banknote receiving section 201, the banknote dispensing section 202, the banknote storage section 206, the dispensing reject section 207, and the banknote collection cassette 208 to the circular transport section 203. Furthermore, the banknote processing machine 200 has a route switching unit (not shown) provided between the circular transport unit 203 and each connecting transport unit 209, which switches the transport route of the banknotes.

[0026] The banknote receiving section 201, banknote dispensing section 202, dispensing reject section 207, and banknote collection cassette 208 are located at the front of the housing 210. The banknote receiving section 201, banknote dispensing section 202, circulating transport section 203, banknote storage section 206, dispensing reject section 207, banknote collection cassette 208, and connecting transport section 209, etc., constitute a banknote processing unit 215, which is configured to be pull-out forward from the housing 210. The banknote collection cassette 208 is also detachably attached to the housing 210.

[0027] The banknote receiving unit 201 takes in the deposited banknotes one by one as they are inserted into the banknote receiving slot 201a and feeds them out toward the circulating transport unit 203. Each banknote storage unit 206 stores the banknotes by denomination based on the identification result of the banknote identification unit 204. The banknote dispensing unit 202 ejects the banknotes fed from each banknote storage unit 206 to the circulating transport unit 203 out of the housing 210 through the banknote dispensing opening 202a.

[0028] The dispensing rejection unit 207 stores banknotes that cannot be identified by the banknote identification unit 204 due to skewing or other reasons, among the banknotes dispensed from the banknote storage unit 206, as dispensing rejection banknotes. Banknotes that cannot be identified by the banknote identification unit 204 due to soiling or other reasons, among the banknotes taken into the housing 210 from the banknote receiving unit 201, are returned to the banknote dispensing unit 202 as deposit rejection banknotes.

[0029] Furthermore, the banknote processing machine 200 has a banknote control unit 220 that controls the banknote receiving unit 201, banknote dispensing unit 202, circular transport unit 203, banknote storage unit 206, connecting transport unit 209, etc. The banknote control unit 220 consists of a CPU (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown). The banknote control unit 220 performs various processes such as deposit processing, withdrawal processing, collection processing, replenishment processing, currency exchange processing, and verification processing. The banknote control unit 220 also uses input signals from various sensors, such as the banknote jam sensor 211 that detects banknote jams, to detect banknote jams and dirt on the various sensors.

[0030] (Gift certificate processing device 30) Next, the configuration of the gift certificate processing device 30 will be described in detail. The gift certificate processing device 30 comprises a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing 31, an input unit 32 for inserting gift certificates into the housing 31, a transport unit 33 connected to the input unit 32 for transporting the gift certificates inserted into the housing 31, and an identification unit 34 provided in the transport unit 33 for identifying the gift certificates inserted into the housing 31. The gift certificate processing device 30 also comprises an output unit 35 for ejecting the gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34 to the outside of the housing 31, and a storage unit 36 ​​for storing the gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34. Furthermore, the gift certificate processing device 30 comprises a display unit 37 for displaying information related to the identification results of the gift certificates by the identification unit 34, a storage unit 38 (see Figure 6) for storing the gift certificate information, and a control unit 39 (see Figure 6) for controlling the operation of the entire device.

[0031] The input section 32 has an input slot 32a provided on the front of the housing 31 and a dispensing mechanism 32b that dispenses the gift certificates inserted into the input slot 32a to the transport section 33. The dispensing unit 35 has an outlet 35a located on the front of the housing 31. The gift certificates sent to the dispensing unit 35 by the transport unit 33 are dispensed to the outside of the housing 31 through the outlet 35a.

[0032] The identification unit 34 has a pair of image sensors 34a and 34b, which are provided corresponding to the front and back sides of the gift certificate transported by the transport unit 33. These image sensors 34a and 34b capture images of the front and back sides of the gift certificate, respectively. The identification unit 34 also reads the characters printed on the gift certificate (for example, characters such as the issuer, amount, number, and expiration date) based on the images captured by the image sensors 34a and 34b using optical character recognition (OCR). The images of the gift certificate captured by the identification unit 34 and the information related to the characters printed on the gift certificate are sent to the control unit 39.

[0033] The transport unit 33 is connected to the dispensing unit 35 and the storage unit 36, respectively, and transports the gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34 to either the dispensing unit 35 or the storage unit 36. The transport unit 33 has a branching member 33a at the branching point between the dispensing unit 35 and the storage unit 36, which rotates around its axis between the solid line position and the dashed line position in Figure 5. When the branching member 33a is in the dashed line position, the transport unit 33 transports the gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34 to the dispensing unit 35, and when the branching member 33a is in the solid line position, it transports the gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34 to the storage unit 36.

[0034] The storage unit 36 ​​stores the gift certificates sent from the transport unit 33 in a stacked state. The storage unit 36 ​​can be pulled out from the housing 31 towards the front (left side in Figure 4). More specifically, a locking mechanism 36a is provided on the front of the storage unit 36, and by inserting a key into the locking mechanism 36a and turning it, a person with the necessary authority can pull out the storage unit 36 ​​from the housing 31 towards the front and retrieve the gift certificates stored in the storage unit 36.

[0035] The display unit 37 is located on the upper front of the housing 31. The display unit 37 has a counter 37a that displays the number of gift certificates identified by the identification unit 34 in numbers, and an LED lamp 37b that lights up in blue, yellow, red, etc.

[0036] The memory unit 38 can be exemplified as a storage device such as a semiconductor memory. The memory unit 38 distinguishes and stores which gift certificates circulating in the market are accepted at the commercial facility where System 1 is installed and which are not. In addition, the memory unit 38 also stores information for each type of gift certificate, such as whether it has an expiration date, and whether it is a gift certificate that can give change or one that cannot.

[0037] The control unit 39 consists of a CPU (not shown), ROM (not shown), and RAM (not shown). The ROM stores the basic program (operating system) executed by the CPU and various settings. The control unit 39 is connected to the feeding mechanism 32b, transport unit 33, identification unit 34, display unit 37, storage unit 38, etc.

[0038] The control unit 39 includes a receiving unit 39a that receives information transmitted from other devices such as the management server 50, and an acquisition unit 39b that acquires information such as the characters printed on the gift certificate sent from the identification unit 34. The control unit 39 also includes a determination unit 39c that determines whether the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, and an output unit 39d that, if the determination unit 39c determines that the use of the gift certificate meets the predetermined conditions, outputs to the staff terminal 40 or the like that the use of the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been made.

[0039] (Under specified conditions) The predetermined conditions are those that allow for the presumption that the gift certificate has been used fraudulently, such as by using a counterfeit gift certificate. In other words, when the determination unit 39c determines that the use of the gift certificate satisfies the predetermined conditions, it can be said that there is a high probability that the gift certificate has been used fraudulently. To put it another way, it is desirable that the predetermined conditions are those that the determination unit 39c determines satisfy when there is a high probability that the gift certificate has been used fraudulently.

[0040] Examples of predetermined conditions include those set in advance for each type of gift certificate. Gift certificates include product exchange vouchers, cash vouchers, discount vouchers, and regional development vouchers. Cash vouchers can be further divided into those that allow for change to be given after deducting the price of the product from the value of the voucher, and those that do not allow for change even if the value of the voucher is higher than the price of the product. In the following, cash vouchers that allow for change to be given may be referred to as "cash vouchers that can give change," and cash vouchers that do not allow for change may be referred to as "cash vouchers that cannot give change." For example, cash vouchers issued by supermarkets are an example of cash vouchers that can give change, and cash vouchers issued by credit companies are an example of cash vouchers that cannot give change. When there is no need to distinguish between cash vouchers that can give change and cash vouchers that cannot give change, they will be referred to collectively as cash vouchers. In addition, some gift certificates have an expiration date, while others do not. For example, product exchange vouchers, discount vouchers, and regional development vouchers have an expiration date, while cash vouchers do not.

[0041] (1) If the gift certificate is a voucher that can give change, the prescribed condition can be exemplified by the fact that the voucher was used in a way that the change was paid out at a predetermined percentage of the amount stated on the voucher. The prescribed percentage can be exemplified by 90%. For example, if a 1,000 yen voucher that can give change is used and 900 yen in change is paid out, it is highly likely that the voucher was used with the intention of cashing it in.

[0042] (2) If the gift certificate is a monetary voucher or a regional development voucher (hereinafter, monetary vouchers and regional development vouchers may be referred to as "money vouchers, etc."), the prescribed condition may be exemplified by the fact that in a single transaction, money vouchers, etc. of a predetermined amount or more are used. The prescribed amount may be exemplified by 3,000 yen or 5,000 yen. For example, if it is a supermarket located in front of a station (for example, within a 5-minute walk from the station) and is a store that customers use three or more times a week, the prescribed amount may be 3,000 yen, and if it is a supermarket located far from the station (for example, more than a 5-minute walk from the station) and is a store that customers use once or twice a week, the prescribed amount may be 5,000 yen, and so on, the prescribed amount may be set according to the expected frequency of use by the customer.

[0043] For example, in stores with high customer frequency, such as supermarkets located in front of train stations, the average purchase amount per transaction is assumed to be around 2,000 yen. Therefore, if 3,000 yen worth of gift certificates are used, there is a possibility that counterfeit gift certificates have been used. Thus, the determination unit 39c can be exemplified by determining that a predetermined condition has been met when 3,000 yen worth of gift certificates are used. Examples of 3,000 yen worth of gift certificates include three 1,000 yen gift certificates or six 500 yen gift certificates.

[0044] Furthermore, if the gift certificate is a regional development voucher, an exception may be made to the above-mentioned conditions, excluding use within a predetermined exception period from the expiration date of the regional development voucher. Examples of exception periods include one or two weeks. This is because, when there is an expiration date, regional development vouchers are often used in a hurry just before that date.

[0045] For example, the determination unit 39c may determine that even if a regional development voucher of a predetermined amount or more is used in a single transaction, the predetermined conditions are not met if it is used within the exception period. In other words, the determination unit 39c may determine that the predetermined conditions are met if a regional development voucher of a predetermined amount or more is used in a single transaction, and it is used before the expiration date of the regional development voucher within the exception period.

[0046] Alternatively, if the gift certificate is a regional development voucher, instead of creating an exception in the above-mentioned conditions that excludes use during the exception period, the value of the specified amount may be changed if the voucher is used during the exception period. For example, the specified amount for use of regional development vouchers during the exception period may be increased to 1.5 or 2 times the specified amount for use of regional development vouchers before the exception period.

[0047] (3) If the gift certificate is a voucher for exchanging goods, the prescribed condition may be exemplified by the fact that the voucher was used even though the goods described on the voucher were not purchased. For example, the determination unit 39c determines that the prescribed condition is met when a rice voucher is used even though rice was not purchased.

[0048] (4) If the gift certificates are gift certificates with assigned gift certificate numbers, the prescribed condition can be exemplified by the fact that a predetermined number of gift certificates with the same gift certificate number are used in a single transaction. The prescribed number can be exemplified by being two or more. This is because if two or more gift certificates with the same gift certificate number are used in a single transaction, there is a possibility that a copied gift certificate was used. For example, the determination unit 39c can be exemplified by determining that the prescribed condition has been met when two or more gift certificates with the same gift certificate number are used in a single transaction.

[0049] (5) If the gift certificates are gift certificates with an expiration date, the prescribed condition can be exemplified by the fact that a prescribed number of gift certificates with the same expiration date are used in a single transaction. This is because if two or more gift certificates with the same expiration date are used in a single transaction, there is a possibility that copied gift certificates were used. For example, the determination unit 39c can be exemplified by determining that the prescribed condition is met when two or more gift certificates with the same expiration date are used in a single transaction.

[0050] (6) If the gift certificate is a product exchange voucher or a discount voucher, the prescribed condition may be exemplified by the use of multiple vouchers in a single transaction. This is because if multiple vouchers are used in a single transaction, there is a possibility that a copied gift certificate was used. For example, the determination unit 39c may determine that the prescribed condition is met when multiple product exchange vouchers or discount vouchers are used in a single transaction.

[0051] Figure 7(a) shows an example of a sequence performed by System 1. Figure 7(b) shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 41 of the staff terminal 40. In the gift certificate processing device 30, the acquisition unit 39b acquires information related to the characters printed on the gift certificate, etc., sent from the identification unit 34 (S701). Then, the determination unit 39c uses the information acquired by the acquisition unit 39b to determine whether the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions (S702).

[0052] If the determination unit 39c determines that the use of the gift certificate meets the predetermined conditions (YES in S702), the output unit 39d outputs to the staff terminal 40 that the use of the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been made (S703). On the other hand, if the determination unit 39c determines that the use of the gift certificate does not meet the predetermined conditions (NO in S702), the output unit 39d terminates processing without outputting to the staff terminal 40.

[0053] The staff terminal 40 receives from the gift certificate processing device 30 that a gift certificate meeting predetermined conditions has been used (S704), and notifies the staff by displaying predetermined text on the display unit 41 (S705). For example, the staff terminal 40 may display text on the display unit 41 that suggests the possibility of fraudulent gift certificate use, such as "There is a possibility that a fraudulent gift certificate has been used," as shown in Figure 7(b). This allows the staff to understand that there is a high possibility that a fraudulent gift certificate has been used. Then, the staff can deter the use of fraudulent gift certificates by speaking to the customer who is likely to have used a fraudulent gift certificate. Note that the manner in which the staff is notified is not limited to displaying on the display unit 41. For example, the staff terminal 40 may also notify by emitting a predetermined sound.

[0054] Furthermore, the operating terminal 20 may have a camera, and if the determination unit 39c determines, for example, that the use of a gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, it may capture an image of the customer with the camera and output the captured image of the customer along with the confirmation that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used to the staff terminal 40. This makes it easier for staff to identify customers who are highly likely to have used gift certificates fraudulently. Alternatively, the captured image of the customer along with the confirmation that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used may be output to the management server 50. For example, by checking the usage history and customer images stored in the management server 50, the administrator can contact the customer when they visit the store at a later date.

[0055] In the gift certificate processing device 30, even if the determination unit 39c determines that the use of a gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, it is preferable to notify the operating terminal 20 of the type and number of gift certificates, assuming that a legitimate gift certificate has been accepted. This is because it only indicates a high probability that an illegal gift certificate has been used, not that it has been confirmed that an illegal gift certificate has been used.

[0056] However, if the determination unit 39c determines that the use of a gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, the gift certificate processing device 30 may output to the operation terminal 20 that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, without notifying the user of the type or number of gift certificates.

[0057] Figure 8(a) shows a modified example of the sequence performed by System 1. Figures 8(b) and 8(c) show examples of screens displayed on the display unit 21 of the operation terminal 20. If the determination unit 39c determines in S703 that the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions (YES in S702), the output unit 39d may output to the operation terminal 20 that the use of a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been made.

[0058] The operating terminal 20 receives from the gift certificate processing device 30 that a gift certificate meeting predetermined conditions has been used (S806), and displays predetermined text on the display unit 21 (S807). For example, the operating terminal 20 may display on the display unit 21 a warning message against the use of the inserted gift certificate, such as "This gift certificate cannot be used," as shown in Figure 8(b), or a message indicating that an attendant will confirm the use of the inserted gift certificate, such as "Please wait until an attendant arrives," as shown in Figure 8(c). This effectively deters the fraudulent use of gift certificates.

[0059] As explained above, System 1 comprises a gift certificate processing device 30 that accepts the use of gift certificates, and a notification device that is communicatively connected to the gift certificate processing device 30 and has a notification function. The notification device can be exemplified as an employee terminal 40 or an operation terminal 20 that has a function to notify employees who are assisting customers. The gift certificate processing device 30 outputs to the notification device (for example, the employee terminal 40 or operation terminal 20) that a gift certificate that meets predetermined conditions has been used when the use of a gift certificate meets predetermined conditions. As a result, for example, the employee terminal 40 can notify the employee that a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been used by displaying it on the display unit 41. This makes it possible for employees to deter fraudulent use of gift certificates by speaking to the customer. In addition, since the employee terminal 40 is notified when there is a high possibility that a fraudulent use of a gift certificate has occurred, employees can more easily become aware that a fraudulent use of a gift certificate has occurred. As a result, staff only need to confirm with the customer whether the gift certificate is being used fraudulently when notified by the staff terminal 40, and do not need to confirm every time the gift certificate processing device 30 is used by the customer, thus reducing the burden on staff. Furthermore, by using system 1 with such fraud prevention measures, it is possible to operate a self-checkout system that allows the use of gift certificates without increasing the burden on staff.

[0060] Here, the prescribed condition is that the gift certificate was used in a way that a predetermined percentage (for example, 90%) of the amount stated on the certificate was refunded. This makes it possible to presume that the gift certificate was used fraudulently.

[0061] Furthermore, the specified condition should be that the gift certificates were used for an amount equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This makes it possible to presume that the gift certificates were used fraudulently.

[0062] Furthermore, the specified condition should be that a predetermined number or more of the same gift certificates have been used. This makes it possible to presume that fraudulent use of gift certificates has occurred.

[0063] Furthermore, the system 1 configured as described above may also have other terminals connected to the network 70. For example, the other terminal may be a PC located in the back room of the commercial facility where system 1 is installed, and the gift certificate processing device 30 outputs to the PC that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used. The PC then displays on its display unit that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, and an administrator can, for example, see the display unit of the PC to confirm that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used.

[0064] <Second Embodiment> Figure 9 shows an example of the schematic configuration of the settlement system 2 according to the second embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "System 2"). System 2 according to the second embodiment differs from System 1 according to the first embodiment in that it has a different gift certificate processing device 80, which corresponds to the gift certificate processing device 30, and also includes a customer information reading device 90. Components having the same function in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0065] The customer information reader 90 can be exemplified as a device that reads customer information (e.g., membership number) stored on a membership card carried by the customer. Alternatively, the customer information reader 90 may be a device that reads customer information displayed on the display of a mobile phone carried by the customer.

[0066] Figure 10 shows an example of information stored in the management server 50. The management server 50 stores information about the use of gift certificates by a customer with a given membership number, associated with that customer's membership number and other customer information. For example, the management server 50 stores information about gift certificates used by a customer when they have used a commercial facility in the past using their membership card, associated with that customer's information. Examples of usage information include the type and number of the gift certificate used, the date and time of use, the number of certificates, and the expiration date, as shown in Figure 10. In addition, customer information such as name and date of birth may also be stored.

[0067] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the gift certificate processing device 80 according to the second embodiment. The gift certificate processing device 80 differs from the gift certificate processing device 30 according to the first embodiment in that it has a control unit 89 that corresponds to the control unit 39, and the control unit 89 differs from the control unit 39 in that it has a determination unit 89c and an output unit 89d that correspond to the determination unit 39c and output unit 39d, respectively. In addition to the functions of the determination unit 39c, the determination unit 89c uses customer information to determine whether the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions. In other words, in addition to determining whether the predetermined conditions (1) to (6) described above are met, the determination unit 89c also determines whether the predetermined conditions (7) to (12) below are met.

[0068] When the determination unit 89c determines that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, the output unit 89d not only outputs to the staff terminal 40, etc., that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, but also outputs to the management server 50 information regarding the use of the gift certificate by the customer related to the information read by the customer information reader 90 (for example, the type and number of the gift certificate used, the date and time of use, the number of certificates, and the expiration date).

[0069] (7) If the gift certificate is a voucher that can give change, the prescribed conditions can be exemplified by the fact that the voucher has been used by the same customer a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, resulting in the payment of change at a predetermined percentage of the amount stated on the voucher. The predetermined period can be exemplified by 6 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days. The prescribed number of times can be multiple times, such as 2 or 3 times. For example, the determination unit 89c can be exemplified by determining that the prescribed conditions have been met if the same customer has used a 1,000 yen voucher that can give change three times within 6 hours, resulting in the payment of 900 yen in change. This is because if a 1,000 yen voucher that can give change has been used three times within 6 hours, there is a high possibility that a counterfeit voucher that can give change has been used. The prescribed percentage, prescribed period, and prescribed number of times can be exemplified by each commercial facility. The determination unit 89c can exemplify determining that two individuals are the same customer if the customer information (e.g., membership number) stored on the membership card is identical.

[0070] (8) If the gift certificate is a monetary voucher, the predetermined condition may be determined to be met if the use of a monetary voucher of a predetermined amount or more in a single transaction is performed by the same customer a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. For example, the determination unit 89c determines that if the use of a monetary voucher of a predetermined amount or more is performed twice in one day by the same customer, there is a high probability that a counterfeit monetary voucher has been used. The predetermined period and predetermined number of times may be set by each store.

[0071] However, if the gift certificate is a regional development voucher, an exception may be made to the above-mentioned prescribed conditions, excluding use within the exceptional period, as described in the first embodiment. Alternatively, if the gift certificate is a regional development voucher, the above-mentioned prescribed amount may be changed in the case of use within the exceptional period.

[0072] (9) If the gift certificate is a product exchange voucher, the prescribed condition may be exemplified by the fact that the product exchange voucher is used by the same customer a prescribed number of times within a prescribed period, even though the product indicated on the voucher has not been purchased. For example, the determination unit 89c will determine that the prescribed condition is met if the rice voucher is used twice in one day by the same customer, even though rice has not been purchased. The prescribed period and prescribed number of times may be set for each store.

[0073] (10) If the gift certificate is a gift certificate with a gift certificate number, the predetermined condition may be determined to be met when a predetermined number of gift certificates with the same gift certificate number are used in a single transaction by the same customer a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. For example, the determination unit 89c may determine that the predetermined condition is met when two gift certificates with the same gift certificate number are used in a single transaction by the same customer twice in one day. The predetermined period and predetermined number of times may be set for each store.

[0074] (11) If the gift certificates are gift certificates with an expiration date, the predetermined condition may be determined to be met when a predetermined number of gift certificates with the same expiration date are used in a single transaction by the same customer a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. For example, the determination unit 89c may determine that the predetermined condition is met when two gift certificates with the same expiration date are used in a single transaction by the same customer twice in one day. The predetermined period and predetermined number of times may be set by each store.

[0075] (12) If the gift certificate is a product exchange voucher or a discount voucher, the predetermined condition may be determined to be met when a transaction in which multiple vouchers are used in a single transaction is performed by the same customer a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. For example, the determination unit 89c may determine that the predetermined condition is met when the same customer performs two transactions in a single day in which two product exchange vouchers or discount vouchers are used in a single transaction. The predetermined period and predetermined number of transactions may be set for each store.

[0076] Figure 12 is an example of a flowchart showing the output processing performed by the control unit 89 of the gift certificate processing device 80. The control unit 89 starts the output processing shown in Figure 12 when the acquisition unit 39b acquires information related to the characters printed on the gift certificate, etc., sent from the identification unit 34. The control unit 89 first determines whether or not it has acquired customer information read by the customer information reading device 90 (S1201). If customer information has been acquired (YES in S1201), the control unit 89 then determines whether or not the predetermined conditions (7) to (12) above are met, taking the customer information into account (S1202). These processes in S1201 and S1202 are performed by the determination unit 89c.

[0077] If the predetermined conditions are met (YES in S1202), the control unit 89 outputs to the staff terminal 40 that the use of the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been made (S1203). On the other hand, if the predetermined conditions are not met (NO in S1202), the control unit 89 terminates the process without outputting to the staff terminal 40 (S1204). These processes in S1203 and S1204 are performed by the output unit 89d.

[0078] On the other hand, if customer information has not been obtained (NO in S1201), the control unit 89 determines whether the predetermined conditions (1) to (6) above are met, without taking customer information into account (S1205). If the predetermined conditions are met (YES in S1205), the control unit 89 outputs to the staff terminal 40 that the use of the gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been made (S1203). If the predetermined conditions are not met (NO in S1205), the control unit 89 terminates the process without outputting to the staff terminal 40 (S1204).

[0079] As explained above, System 2 comprises a gift certificate processing device 80 that accepts the use of gift certificates, a customer information reading device 90 that reads customer information, and notification devices (e.g., staff terminal 40, operation terminal 20) that are communicatively connected to the gift certificate processing device 80 and have notification functions. The gift certificate processing device 80 uses the customer information read by the customer information reading device 90 to determine whether the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, and if it determines that the predetermined conditions are met, it outputs to the notification devices (e.g., staff terminal 40, operation terminal 20) that a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been used. As a result, for example, the staff terminal 40 can notify staff by displaying on the display unit 41 that a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been used. Even with System 2 configured in this way, it is possible to suppress the fraudulent use of gift certificates and reduce the burden on staff. By using System 2 with such fraud prevention measures, it is possible to realize the operation of a self-checkout system that allows the use of gift certificates without increasing the burden on staff.

[0080] Here, the predetermined condition is that the customer whose information was read by the customer information reader 90 has used the gift certificate a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, in which a predetermined percentage of the amount stated on the gift certificate is refunded. This makes it possible to estimate with a high degree of certainty that the gift certificate has been used fraudulently.

[0081] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions may also include the fact that a customer whose information is read by the customer information reader 90 has used gift certificates for a predetermined amount or more in a single transaction, a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. This makes it possible to estimate with a high degree of certainty that fraudulent use of gift certificates has occurred.

[0082] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions may be determined to be met if the customer whose information is read by the customer information reader 90 uses a predetermined number of identical gift certificates in a single transaction, more than a predetermined number of times, within a predetermined period. This makes it possible to presume that fraudulent use of gift certificates has occurred.

[0083] <Third Embodiment> System 3 according to the third embodiment differs from System 2 according to the second embodiment in that the gift certificate processing device 380, which corresponds to the gift certificate processing device 80, is different, as is the information stored in the management server 350, which corresponds to the management server 50. Components that have the same function in the second and third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0084] Figure 13 shows an example of information stored in the management server 350. The management server 350 stores information about gift certificates issued to customers with a given membership number, associated with that membership number and other customer information. For example, the management server 350 stores information about receipt coupons issued to a customer when that customer used a commercial facility in the past using their membership card, associated with that customer's information. Examples of information about receipt coupons include the contents of the receipt coupon, such as a 100 yen discount coupon, the coupon number, the date of issue of the receipt coupon, and the expiration date of the receipt coupon, as shown in Figure 13. In addition, customer information such as name and date of birth may also be stored.

[0085] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the gift certificate processing device 380 of the system 3 according to the third embodiment. The gift certificate processing device 380 differs from the gift certificate processing device 80 according to the second embodiment in that it has a control unit 389 which corresponds to the control unit 89, and the control unit 389 differs from the control unit 89 in that it has a determination unit 389c which corresponds to the determination unit 89c. In addition to the functions of the determination unit 89c, the determination unit 389c uses customer information to determine whether or not the following predetermined conditions (13) are met.

[0086] (13) If the gift certificate is a receipt coupon, the predetermined condition can be exemplified by the fact that it has not been used by the customer who issued the receipt coupon. For example, the determination unit 389c determines that the predetermined condition is met if it is a receipt coupon and, upon acquiring customer information read by the customer information reader 90, the receipt coupon has not been issued to the customer. For example, the determination unit 389c determines that the predetermined condition is met if the coupon number of the receipt coupon is not stored in the management server 350 in association with the customer's membership number.

[0087] Figure 15 is an example of a flowchart showing the output processing performed by the control unit 389 of the gift certificate processing device 380. The control unit 389 starts the output processing shown in Figure 15 when the acquisition unit 39b acquires information related to the characters printed on the gift certificate, etc., sent from the identification unit 34. First, the control unit 389 determines whether or not it has acquired customer information read by the customer information reader 90 (S1501). If customer information has been acquired (YES in S1501), the control unit 389 determines whether or not the gift certificate is a receipt coupon (S1502). If it is a receipt coupon (YES in S1502), the control unit 389 determines whether or not the predetermined conditions in (13) above are met, taking the customer information into account (S1503). These processes S1501 to S1503 are performed by the determination unit 389c.

[0088] If the predetermined conditions are met (YES in S1503), the control unit 389 outputs to the staff terminal 40 that the use of the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been made (S1504). On the other hand, if the predetermined conditions are not met (NO in S1503), the control unit 389 terminates the process without outputting to the staff terminal 40 (S1505). These processes in S1504 and S1505 are performed by the output unit 89d.

[0089] On the other hand, if it is not a receipt coupon (NO in S1502), the control unit 389 determines whether the predetermined conditions for gift certificates other than receipt coupons (for example, (7) to (12) above) are met (S1506). If the predetermined conditions are met (YES in S1506), the control unit 389 outputs to the staff terminal 40 that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used (S1504). If the predetermined conditions are not met (NO in S1506), the control unit 389 terminates the process without outputting to the staff terminal 40 (S1505).

[0090] Furthermore, if customer information has not been obtained (NO in S1501), the control unit 389 determines whether the predetermined conditions (1) to (6) above are met, without taking customer information into account (S1507). If the predetermined conditions are met (YES in S1507), the control unit 389 outputs to the staff terminal 40 that the use of the gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been made (S1504). If the predetermined conditions are not met (NO in S1507), the control unit 389 terminates the process without outputting to the staff terminal 40 (S1505).

[0091] As explained above, System 3 comprises a gift certificate processing device 380 that accepts the use of gift certificates, a customer information reader 90 that reads customer information, and notification devices (e.g., staff terminal 40, operation terminal 20) that are communicatively connected to the gift certificate processing device 380 and have notification functions. The gift certificate processing device 380 uses the customer information read by the customer information reader 90 to determine whether the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, and if it determines that the predetermined conditions are met, it outputs to the notification devices (e.g., staff terminal 40, operation terminal 20) that a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been used. As a result, for example, the staff terminal 40 can notify staff by displaying on the display unit 41 that a gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been used. Even with System 3 configured in this way, it is possible to suppress the fraudulent use of gift certificates and reduce the burden on staff. By using System 3 with such fraud prevention measures, it is possible to realize the operation of self-checkout registers that allow the use of gift certificates without increasing the burden on staff.

[0092] Here, the predetermined condition is that a gift certificate that was not issued to the customer was used by the customer whose information was read by the customer information reader 90. This makes it possible to presume that the gift certificate was used fraudulently. Alternatively, the predetermined condition may be that the customer whose information was read by the customer information reader 90 used a gift certificate that was not issued to that customer a predetermined number of times within the predetermined period. This makes it possible to estimate with a high degree of certainty that a fraudulent use of a gift certificate has occurred. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1, 2, 3… Settlement system, 10… Currency processing unit, 20… Operation terminal, 21, 41… Display unit, 30, 80, 380… Gift certificate processing unit, 39, 89, 389… Control unit, 39c, 89c, 389c… Judgment unit, 39d, 89d… Output unit, 40… Staff terminal, 50, 350… Management server, 90… Customer information reading device

Claims

1. A voucher processing device that accepts the use of vouchers, A customer-operated terminal that is connected to the aforementioned gift certificate processing device in a communication manner, A staff terminal operated by a staff member, which is connected to the aforementioned gift certificate processing device in a communicative manner, Equipped with, The gift certificate processing device outputs to both the operating terminal and the staff terminal that the use of the gift certificate has met predetermined conditions. Payment system.

2. A first network to which the aforementioned gift certificate processing device and the aforementioned operating terminal are communicated, A second network to which the aforementioned gift certificate processing device and the aforementioned employee terminal are connected in a communication manner, Furthermore, The gift certificate processing device outputs to the operation terminal via the first network that the gift certificate has been used in accordance with predetermined conditions when the use of the gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions, and also outputs to the staff terminal via the second network that the gift certificate has been used in accordance with predetermined conditions. The settlement system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned operating terminal and the aforementioned staff terminal each notify in different ways that the use of the aforementioned gift certificate that meets the predetermined conditions has been performed. The settlement system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned operating terminal is equipped with an operating terminal display unit, When the operating terminal receives from the gift certificate processing device that the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, it displays a warning on the operating terminal display unit regarding the use of the gift certificate inserted into the gift certificate processing device. The settlement system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned operating terminal is equipped with an operating terminal display unit, When the operating terminal receives from the gift certificate processing device that the gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, it displays on the operating terminal display unit that an employee will confirm the use of the gift certificate inserted into the gift certificate processing device. The settlement system according to claim 3.

6. The staff terminal is equipped with a staff terminal display unit, When the staff terminal receives from the gift certificate processing device that a gift certificate meeting the predetermined conditions has been used, it displays on the staff terminal display unit that there is a possibility that an unauthorized gift certificate has been used. The settlement system according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

7. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the gift certificate has been used in a way that results in a refund of a predetermined percentage of the amount stated on the certificate. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the gift certificates have been used for an amount equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that a predetermined number or more of the same gift certificates have been used. The settlement system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the use has been performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. The settlement system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. A gift certificate processing device that accepts the use of gift certificates, The system is configured to communicate with both the customer's terminal and the staff member's terminal, and when the use of the gift certificate meets predetermined conditions, it outputs to both the customer's terminal and the staff member's terminal that the use of the gift certificate meeting those conditions has occurred. Gift certificate processing device.

12. The aforementioned operating terminal is connected to the first network in a way that allows communication. The aforementioned staff terminal is connected to the second network in a way that allows communication. When the use of the aforementioned gift certificate satisfies predetermined conditions, the operation terminal is notified via the first network that the use of the gift certificate satisfies the predetermined conditions, and the staff terminal is notified via the second network that the use of the gift certificate satisfies the predetermined conditions. The voucher processing device according to claim 11.

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