Payment Processing Systems

Abstract

To prevent unnecessary registration of a sold commodity while taking advantage of a merit of a pre-handling system.SOLUTION: A system includes each means of recording, acquiring, record controlling, processing, reporting, reading, determining, processing controlling and report controlling. The record controlling means controls the recording means to record into a recording medium pre-registration information including commodity identification information acquired by the acquiring means during an acquisition period and identification information identifying the pre-registration information. The determination means determines whether sales data processing by using the commodity identification information included in the same pre-registration information has been already conducted on the basis of the identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means. The processing controlling means controls the processing means to perform the sales data processing by using the commodity identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means according to determination that the sales data processing has not been conducted. The report controlling means controls the reporting means to perform reporting operation according to determination that the sales data processing has been conducted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiment of the present invention is a payment processing system Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] POS systems equipped with a front-end sorting system are known.

[0003] An example of the flow of settlement processing using the front-end handling system is as follows.

[0004] (1) The front-of-store clerk has a handheld terminal read the PLU (price look up) code of each item that a customer who is waiting to pay will purchase.

[0005] (2) A pre-registration ticket containing a two-dimensional barcode representing all of the PLU codes read by the handheld terminal is printed, and the front-of-house clerk hands this pre-registration ticket to the customer.

[0006] (3) When it is the customer's turn to pay, they hand the pre-registration ticket to the cashier, who then has the POS terminal scan the two-dimensional barcode printed on the pre-registration ticket.

[0007] (4) The POS terminal registers all products corresponding to all PLU codes represented by the two-dimensional barcode as items to be paid for. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-53842 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] If the same pre-registration ticket is read multiple times by a POS terminal, the same purchased item will be registered multiple times.

[0010] For these reasons, it was desirable to prevent unnecessary registration of purchased items while still taking advantage of the advantages of the front-hand handling system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The payment processing system of the embodiment includes a processing unit, a voice output unit, a reading unit, a confirmation unit, and a processing control unit. 、 Notification control means and update means The processing means performs a payment process related to the sale of the product. The audio output means outputs a voice message to notify that the payment process has been completed. The reading means reads information recorded on the recording medium. The confirmation means confirms, based on the information read by the reading means, whether the payment process based on the information has already been performed by the processing means. The processing control means, in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has not been completed, allows the processing means to perform the payment process based on the information read by the reading means. In response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has not been completed, the notification control means controls the audio output means to output a voice message in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has been completed. The update means updates error history information to enable subsequent analysis of a situation in which the information read by the reading means is repeatedly read by the reading means, in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has been completed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a product list area. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a PLU file. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a transaction information file. [Diagram 5] Handheld terminal CPU flow chart. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows an example of a pre-registration ticket. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart of the CPU of a POS terminal. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a CPU of the POS terminal in a bulk addition process and a flowchart of a CPU of the server in a process associated with the bulk addition process. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart of a CPU of a POS terminal in a payment process and a flowchart of a CPU of a server in a process associated with the payment process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a POS (point-of-sale) system will be described as an example of a product sales data processing system.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a POS system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0015] The POS system 100 includes a handheld terminal 1, a portable printer 2, a POS terminal 3, a server 4, a wireless access point (wireless AP) 5, and a communication network 6. Note that a plurality of handheld terminals 1, portable printers 2, POS terminals 3, servers 4, and wireless access points 5 may be included.

[0016] The handy terminal 1 and the portable printer 2 can access the communication network 6 via a wireless access point. The POS terminal 3 and the server 4 can access the communication network 6. The handy terminal 1, the portable printer 2, the POS terminal 3 and the server 4 can communicate with each other via the communication network 6. Typically, a LAN (local area network), the Internet, or the like is used as the communication network.

[0017] The handy terminal 1 and the portable printer 2 are carried and used by a store clerk in charge of handling customers at the front of the store. The handy terminal 1 is used to obtain the PLU codes of products purchased by customers waiting in line at the store's cash register. The portable printer 2 is used to print a pre-registration ticket including a two-dimensional code showing all of the PLU codes obtained by the handy terminal 1. The POS terminal 3 is installed at the store's cash register and operated by the store's cash register clerk. The POS terminal 3 processes various data for settlement and management related to product sales. In other words, the POS terminal 3 is an example of a data processing device. The server 4 is a so-called store server or headquarters server. The store server is a server device installed in the same store where the POS terminal 3 is installed. The headquarters server is a server device installed in a headquarters that manages multiple stores including the same store where the POS terminal 3 is installed. The server 4 tallys up product sales data generated by the POS terminal 3 and manages data used by each POS terminal device.

[0018] The handheld terminal 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1a, a read-only memory (ROM) 1b, a random-access memory (RAM) 1c, a barcode scanner 1d, an input device 1e, a display device 1f, a wireless communication unit 1g, and a bus 1h. The CPU 1a, the ROM 1b, the RAM 1c, the barcode scanner 1d, the input device 1e, the display device 1f, and the wireless communication unit 1g are all connected to the bus 1h.

[0019] The CPU 1a controls each unit to realize various operations of the handheld terminal 1 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 1b and RAM 1c.

[0020] ROM1b stores the above-mentioned operating system. 1b The ROM may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. 1bIn some cases, the memory 1a stores data that the CPU 1a refers to when performing various processes.

[0021] The RAM 1c stores data that the CPU 1a references when performing various processes. The RAM 1c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data that the CPU 1a uses temporarily when performing various processes. For example, part of the RAM 1c is used as a product table. The RAM 1c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

[0022] The barcode scanner 1d optically reads the barcode and outputs the data represented by the barcode. The barcode scanner 1d is used to read the barcode printed on the product purchased by the customer. In this case, the data output by the barcode scanner 1d includes the PLU code. The PLU code is one piece of product identification information that identifies the product. In other words, the barcode scanner functions as an acquisition means.

[0023] The input device 1e includes multiple keys and outputs a command according to a pressed key. As the input device 1e, in addition to a device with a general structure using a key switch, a device using a touch sensor is also applicable. The input device 1e is used, for example, to input the quantity of a product or to input a user's instruction related to the operation of the handheld terminal 1.

[0024] The display device 1f can display any image under the control of the CPU 1a. As the display device 1f, various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device can be applied. The display device 1f is used, for example, to notify the user of the operating status of the handheld terminal 1.

[0025] The wireless communication unit 1g accesses the communication network 6 via the wireless access point 5. The wireless communication unit 1g performs wireless communication with the wireless access point 5. As the wireless communication unit 1g, for example, an existing wireless LAN communication device can be applied.

[0026] The portable printer 2 includes a CPU 2a, a ROM 2b, a RAM 2c, a printing device 2d, an input device 2e, a display device 2f, a wireless communication unit 2g, and a bus 2h. The CPU 2a, the ROM 2b, the RAM 2c, the printing device 2d, the input device 2e, the display device 2f, and the wireless communication unit 2g are all connected to the bus 2h.

[0027] The CPU 2a controls each unit to realize various operations of the portable printer 2 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 2b and RAM 2c.

[0028] ROM2b stores the above-mentioned operating system. 2b The ROM may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. 2b In some cases, the memory 20 stores data that the CPU 2a refers to when performing various processes.

[0029] The RAM 2c stores data that the CPU 2a references when performing various processes. The RAM 2c is also used as a so-called work area to store data that the CPU 2a temporarily uses when performing various processes. The RAM 2c may also store the middleware and application programs mentioned above.

[0030] The printing device 2d prints any image on paper. A thermal printer is typically used as the printing device 2d, but other types of well-known devices are also applicable. The printing device 2d is used to issue a pre-registration ticket, which will be described later. In other words, the printing device 2d functions as a recording means.

[0031] The input device 2e includes a number of keys, and outputs a command according to a pressed key. As the input device 2e, in addition to a device with a general structure using a key switch, a device using a touch sensor is also applicable. The input device 2e is used, for example, to input a user's instruction related to the operation of the portable printer 2.

[0032] The display device 2f can display any image under the control of the CPU 2a. As the display device 2f, various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device can be used. The display device 2f is used, for example, to inform the user of the operating status of the portable printer 2.

[0033] The wireless communication unit 2g accesses the communication network 6 via the wireless access point 5. The wireless communication unit 2g performs wireless communication with the wireless access point 5. As the wireless communication unit 2g, for example, an existing wireless LAN communication device can be applied.

[0034] The POS terminal 3 includes a CPU 3a, a ROM 3b, a RAM 3c, an auxiliary storage unit 3d, a clock unit 3e, a receipt printer 3f, a barcode scanner 3g, a two-dimensional code scanner 3h, an input device 3i, an operation display 3j, a customer-side display 3k, a communication interface (communication I / F) 3m, and a bus 3n. The CPU 3a, the ROM 3b, the RAM 3c, the auxiliary storage unit 3d, the clock unit 3e, the receipt printer 3f, the barcode scanner 3g, the two-dimensional code scanner 3h, the input device 3i, the operation display 3j, the customer-side display 3k, and the communication interface 3m are all connected to the bus 3n.

[0035] The CPU 3a controls each unit to realize various operations of the POS terminal 3 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 3b and RAM 3c.

[0036] The ROM 3b stores the above-mentioned operating system. The ROM 3b may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs. The ROM 3b may also store data referenced by the CPU 3a when performing various processes.

[0037] The RAM 3c stores data referenced by the CPU 3a when performing various processes. The RAM 3c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 3a when performing various processes. A part of the storage area of ​​the RAM 3c is used as a product list area. The RAM 3c may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a product list area.

[0039] 2, the product list area is provided with multiple data fields for storing each piece of information, such as PLU code, department, product name, price, and quantity, in association with each other. Thus, the product list area can store at least each piece of information, such as department, product name, price, and quantity, in association with the PLU code.

[0040] The auxiliary storage unit 3d is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores data used by the CPU 3a when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 3a. The data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 3d includes a PLU file. The PLU file describes information about products (goods or services) sold or provided at the store where the POS terminal 3 is used. The auxiliary storage unit 3d may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a PLU file.

[0042] The PLU file shown in Figure 3 contains at least the following information: department, item name, and price, corresponding to the PLU code. The PLU code is a code given to each product so that it can be uniquely identified. The department is the name or code of the department to which the product identified by the associated PLU code belongs. The item name is the name of the product identified by the associated PLU code. The price is the price of the product identified by the associated PLU code. The PLU file may also contain other optional information.

[0043] The clock unit 3e constantly performs a timekeeping operation and generates date and time information indicating the date and time.

[0044] The receipt printer 3f is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot-matrix printer, and prints receipts.

[0045] The barcode scanner 3g optically reads the barcode printed on the product. The barcode scanner 3g outputs data represented by the read barcode. The barcode scanner 3g may be either a fixed type or a handheld type, or both.

[0046] The two-dimensional code scanner 3h optically reads the two-dimensional code included in the pre-registration ticket. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h outputs data represented by the read two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h may be either a fixed type or a handheld type, or both.

[0047] The input device 3i includes a number of keys, such as numeric input keys, product designation keys (PLU keys), and function keys, and switches for detecting the depression of each of these keys. When a key is depressed, the input device 3i outputs a command corresponding to the key. A touch sensor overlaid on the display surface of the operation display 3j can also be used as the input device 3i.

[0048] The operation display 3j can be any of various known devices such as a liquid crystal display device. The operation display 3j can display any image under the control of the CPU 3a. The operation display 3j is used to display images showing various pieces of information to be presented to the operator.

[0049] The customer-facing display 3k can be any of various well-known devices such as a liquid crystal display device or a fluorescent display device. The customer-facing display 3k can display any image under the control of the CPU 3a. The customer-facing display 3k is used to display images showing various pieces of information to be presented to customers.

[0050] The communication interface 3m performs well-known processes for communication via the communication network 6.

[0051] The server 4 includes a CPU 4a, a ROM 4b, a RAM 4c, an auxiliary storage unit 4d, a communication interface 4e, and a bus 4f. The CPU 4a, the ROM 4b, the RAM 4c, the auxiliary storage unit 4d, and the communication interface 4e are all connected to the bus 4f.

[0052] The CPU 4a controls each unit to realize various operations of the server 4 based on an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 4b and RAM 4c.

[0053] The ROM 4b stores the operating system described above. The ROM 4b may also store the middleware and application programs described above. The ROM 4b may also store data referenced by the CPU 4a when performing various processes.

[0054] The RAM 4c stores data that the CPU 4a references when performing various processes. The RAM 4c is also used as a so-called work area to store data that the CPU 4a temporarily uses when performing various processes. The RAM 4c may also store the middleware and application programs described above.

[0055] The auxiliary storage unit 4d is, for example, a hard disk drive or a solid state drive (SSD), and stores data used by the CPU 4a when performing various processes and data generated by the processes in the CPU 4a. The data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 4d includes a PLU file and a transaction information file. The auxiliary storage unit 4d may also store the above-mentioned middleware and application programs.

[0056] The PLU file describes information about products (goods or services) sold or provided at the store in which the POS terminal 3 is used.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a typical example of the structure of a transaction information file.

[0058] The transaction information file shown in FIG. 4 describes indexes and transaction information in association with each other.

[0059] The index may include a terminal code, a transaction serial number, and a transaction serial number. The terminal code is a code assigned to the handheld terminal 1. When multiple handheld terminals 1 are used, individual terminal codes are assigned to them. The transaction serial number is a serial number determined by the handheld terminal 1 each time a pre-registered ticket is issued. The transaction serial number is a serial number determined by the POS terminal 3 each time a payment process is performed for one customer.

[0060] The transaction information may include transaction product information and a total amount. The transaction product information includes PLU codes for one or more products that are the subject of a payment process for one customer. The total amount is the total amount related to the payment process for one customer.

[0061] The communication interface 4 e performs well-known processes for communication via the communication network 6 .

[0062] Next, the operation of the POS system 100 configured as above will be described.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the CPU 1a.

[0064] When a front-end sales clerk wishes to issue a pre-registration ticket to a customer waiting in line at the cash register, the front-end sales clerk performs an operation on the input device 1e to command the start of the process. When a command for this operation is output from the input device 1e, the CPU 1a starts the process shown in FIG.

[0065] In step Sa1, the CPU 1a clears the product table in the RAM 1c.

[0066] In steps Sa2 to Sa4, the CPU 1a waits for any of the following to be performed: bar code scanning, quantity designation, or issuing instruction.

[0067] The front-end sales clerk holds the barcode printed on the product the customer is purchasing over the barcode scanner 1d. The barcode scanner 1d then reads the barcode and outputs the PLU code represented by the barcode. Once the barcode has been scanned in this way, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa2 to step Sa5.

[0068] In step Sa5, the CPU 1a updates the product table to include the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d. Specifically, for example, if the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d is not included in the product table, the PLU code is added to the product table and "1" is added as the quantity information associated with the PLU code. If the PLU code output by the barcode scanner 1d is already included in the product table, the quantity information associated with the PLU code is increased by 1. Then, the CPU 1a returns to the standby state of steps Sa2 to Sa4.

[0069] On the other hand, if the front-end sales clerk wants to change the quantity of the product whose barcode was just scanned, he or she operates the input device 1e to specify the quantity. In response to such an operation to specify the quantity, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa3 to step Sa6.

[0070] In step Sa6, the CPU 1a increases the quantity associated with the PLU code obtained by the most recent barcode scan by a number less than the specified quantity, and then returns to the standby state of steps Sa2 to Sa4.

[0071] The sales clerk in charge of front-end handling repeats barcode scanning and quantity specification as appropriate to register the products purchased by the customer in sequence. Then, when the sales clerk in charge of front-end handling has finished registering all the products that can be registered, he / she operates the input device 1e to instruct the issuance of a pre-registration ticket. When a command for this operation is output from the input device 1e, the CPU 1a proceeds from step Sa4 to step Sa7.

[0072] In step Sa7, the CPU 1a determines a transaction serial number. The transaction serial number is, for example, a four-digit number, and the CPU 1a determines a transaction serial number that is incremented by one each time step Sa7 is executed. This makes the transaction serial number an identification information that is substantially unique.

[0073] In step Sa8, the CPU 1a creates image information representing a pre-registration ticket.

[0074] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a pre-registration ticket.

[0075] The CPU 1a includes a two-dimensional code 61 in the pre-registered ticket. The two-dimensional code 61 is created as a two-dimensional code representing the terminal code of the handheld terminal 1, the transaction serial number determined in step Sa7, the PLU code included in the product table, and the quantity information associated with the PLU code. Thus, the two-dimensional code is an example of pre-registered information. If there are multiple handheld terminals 1, the same transaction serial number may be determined at the same time on these multiple handheld terminals 1. However, by combining the terminal code and the transaction serial number, they can be used as identification information for identifying the pre-registered ticket. The identification information for identifying the pre-registered ticket is also identification information for identifying the two-dimensional code.

[0076] In step Sa9, the CPU 1a transmits the image information to the portable printer 2 from the wireless communication unit 1g.

[0077] When the image information sent from the handy terminal 1 is transmitted to the portable printer 2 as described above, the wireless communication unit 2g receives it. The CPU 2a then controls the printing device 2d to print the image represented by the image information. Under this control, the printing device 2d prints the image on paper, thereby issuing a pre-registration ticket as shown in FIG. 6.

[0078] In this way, the CPU 1a functions as a recording control means.

[0079] The front-of-store clerk hands the pre-registration ticket printed by the portable printer 2 to the customer.

[0080] Fig. 7 is a flow chart of the CPU 3a. By executing the process shown in Fig. 7, the CPU 3a functions as a processing means.

[0081] When the POS terminal 3 is started up, or after the process shown in FIG. 7 is completed, the CPU 3a starts the process shown in FIG.

[0082] In step Sb1, the CPU 3a clears the product list area and turns off the batch flag. 3c This can be realized as a single bit of data stored in the

[0083] In steps Sb2 and Sb3, the CPU 3a waits for a PLU input or for a two-dimensional code to be scanned.

[0084] Now, the cashier can enter the PLU code by holding the barcode printed on the product the customer is purchasing over the barcode, or by pressing the PLU key on the input device 3i, etc. Once the PLU code has been entered in this way, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb2 to step Sb4.

[0085] In step Sb4, the CPU 3a obtains information associated with the input PLU code from the PLU file. Specifically, the CPU 3a obtains, for example, the department, the product name, and the price from the PLU file. The CPU 3a then writes the PLU code, the department, the product name, and the price information into the RAM. 3c The CPU 3a updates the product list area of ​​the acquired PLU code. Specifically, for example, if the acquired PLU code was not included in the product list area, the PLU code, department, item name, and price information are added to the product list area, and the quantity associated with that PLU code is set to "1." If the acquired PLU code was already included in the product list area, the quantity associated with that PLU code is increased by 1. Then, the CPU 3a proceeds to the standby state of steps Sa5 to Sa8.

[0086] In the standby state of steps Sa5 to Sa8, the CPU 3a waits for a new PLU to be input, for a quantity to be specified, for a two-dimensional code to be scanned, or for a payment instruction to be given.

[0087] If a PLU is input in the same manner as above, the CPU 3a performs the process of step Sab4 again, and then returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8.

[0088] If the cashier wishes to change the quantity of the product for which the PLU code was just entered, the cashier operates the input device 3i to specify the quantity. In response to such an operation to specify the quantity, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb6 to step Sb9.

[0089] In step Sb9, the CPU 3a increases the quantity associated with the most recently acquired PLU by one less than the specified quantity, and then returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8.

[0090] Now, the customer who has been handed the pre-registration ticket by the front-of-store clerk hands it over to the cashier. The cashier then holds the two-dimensional code on the pre-registration ticket over the two-dimensional code scanner 3h. The two-dimensional code scanner 3h then reads the two-dimensional code, and outputs various data represented by the two-dimensional code (hereafter referred to as read data). Thus, the two-dimensional code scanner 3h functions as a reading means. The read data is stored in the RAM by the two-dimensional code scanner 3h or by the CPU 3a. 3c When the two-dimensional code is scanned in this manner, the CPU 3a advances to step Sb10 from step Sb3 or step Sb7.

[0091] In step Sb10, the CPU 3a executes a batch addition process.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the batch addition process by the CPU 3a and a flowchart of the process associated with the batch addition process by the CPU 4a.

[0093] In step Sc1, the CPU 3a extracts the terminal code and transaction serial number from the read data stored in the RAM 3c, creates confirmation request information including the terminal code and transaction serial number, and transmits it to the server 4 via the communication interface 3m.

[0094] When the confirmation request information is transmitted to the server 4 via the communication network 6, the confirmation request information is received by the communication interface 4e. The confirmation request information is then stored in the RAM 4c by the communication interface 4e or by the CPU 4a. In response to this, the CPU 4a starts the process shown on the right side of FIG.

[0095] In step Sd1, the CPU 4a extracts the terminal code and transaction serial number from the confirmation request information stored in the RAM 3c, and checks whether the transaction information file contains a data record that includes both the terminal code and the transaction serial number in its index, thereby checking whether the pre-registered ticket used this time is unused. Thus, the CPU 4a functions as a determination means.

[0096] If the transaction information file does not contain a data record that includes both the corresponding terminal code and transaction serial number in its index, the CPU 4a determines that the card is unused, and proceeds from step Sd1 to step Sd2.

[0097] In step Sd2, the CPU 4a transmits response information including the usable information to the POS terminal 3 from the communication interface 4e.

[0098] If the transaction information file contains a data record that includes both the corresponding terminal code and transaction serial number in its index, the CPU 4a determines that the card has been used, and proceeds from step Sd1 to step Sd3.

[0099] In step Sd3, the CPU 4a transmits response information including the unusable information to the POS terminal 3 from the communication interface 4e.

[0100] Once the response information has been transmitted to the POS terminal 3 via the communication network 6, this response information is received by the communication interface 3m. The response information is then stored in the RAM 3c by the communication interface 3m or by the CPU 3a.

[0101] In step Sc2, the CPU 3a checks whether the response information includes usable information or unusable information, thereby checking whether the pre-registered ticket used this time is unused or not.

[0102] If the response information includes available information, the CPU 3a determines that the device is unused, and the process advances from step Sc2 to step Sc3.

[0103] In step Sc3, the CPU 3a obtains information associated with each PLU code included in the read data from the PLU file. The CPU 3a then writes the PLU code, department, product name, and price information into the RAM so that the PLU code, department, product name, and price information are all included. 3c The CPU 3a updates the product list area. Specifically, for example, if the PLU code was not included in the product list area, the PLU code, department, item name, and price information are added to the product list area, and the quantity associated with the PLU code is set to the numerical value indicated by the quantity information associated with the PLU code and included in the read data. If the acquired PLU code was already included in the product list area, the quantity associated with the PLU code is increased by the numerical value indicated by the quantity information associated with the PLU code and included in the read data. Thus, the CPU 3a functions as a processing control means.

[0104] In step Sc4, the CPU 3a turns on the batch flag, and then ends the batch addition process.

[0105] On the other hand, if the response information includes unusable information, the CPU 3a determines that the device is already in use, and proceeds from step Sc2 to step Sc5.

[0106] In step Sc5, the CPU 3a performs error processing. This error processing includes at least a notification processing for notifying the cashier or the customer that the pre-registered ticket that is being used this time cannot be used because it has already been used, that is, that the registration processing based on the information recorded on the pre-registered ticket has already been performed. This notification processing is, for example, a processing for displaying an image showing a message for the above-mentioned notification on at least one of the operation display 3j and the customer-side display 3k. Thus, at least one of the operation display 3j and the customer-side display 3k functions as a notification means. The CPU 3a also functions as a notification control means. The notification processing may be a processing for issuing an alarm sound from a ringing device (not shown) or outputting a voice message for the above-mentioned notification by an audio output device (not shown). Alternatively, the notification processing may be a processing for illuminating a light-emitting device (not shown). The error processing may include other processing such as a processing for updating error history information in addition to the notification processing. The error history information is updated, for example, by adding a data record including the terminal code and transaction serial number contained in the current read data, the identification information of the POS terminal 3, the identification information of the cashier, date and time information, etc. This makes it possible to later analyze, based on the error history information, the situation in which a used pre-registered ticket is repeatedly scanned.

[0107] When the error processing is completed, the CPU 3a ends the batch addition processing.

[0108] When the batch addition process is completed, the CPU 3a returns to the standby state of steps Sb5 to Sb8 shown in FIG.

[0109] As described above, when the two-dimensional code included in an unused pre-registration ticket is read by the two-dimensional code scanner 3h, the CPU 3a registers all the products registered when the pre-registration ticket was issued as purchased products all at once. This eliminates the need for the cashier to input PLUs for each product whose barcode has already been scanned by the front-of-store clerk.

[0110] When all the products purchased by a customer have been registered, the cashier issues a payment instruction by performing a predetermined operation such as pressing a subtotal key, which is one of the function keys provided on the input device 3i. When such a payment instruction is issued, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Sb8 to step Sb11.

[0111] In step Sb11, the CPU 3a executes a settlement process.

[0112] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the CPU 3a in the payment processing and a flowchart of the CPU 4a in the processing associated with the payment processing.

[0113] In step Se1, the CPU 3a calculates the total price of the products registered in the product list area, and controls the operation display 3j and the customer-side display 3k to display the total price.

[0114] In step Se2, the CPU 3a waits for the receipt of money to be completed.

[0115] The cashier collects the amount of money equivalent to the displayed total amount. This collection of money may be done by credit card payment or electronic money payment. When credit card payment or electronic money payment is used, the CPU 3a may perform the processing for this purpose. Once collection of money is complete, the cashier performs a specified operation, such as pressing a specified key on an input device. In response to this operation, the CPU 3a determines that collection of money is complete, and proceeds from step Se2 to step Se3.

[0116] In step Se3, the CPU 3a controls the receipt printer 3f to print a receipt showing the list of products registered in the product list area and the total amount calculated in step Se1.

[0117] In step Se4, the CPU 3a checks whether the collective flag is on or not. If the collective flag is on, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Se4 to step Se5, and if the collective flag is off, the CPU 3a proceeds from step Se4 to step Se6.

[0118] In step Se5 or step Se6, the CPU 3a creates a transaction for notifying the server 4 of information about the current transaction. The CPU 3a includes in the transaction a transaction serial number, transaction product information, and the total amount. The transaction serial number is assigned by the CPU 3a or CPU 4a so that the current transaction can be identified. The transaction product information includes the PLU code of the product purchased by the customer. The total amount is calculated in step Se1. The CPU 3a may also include other information in the transaction, such as identification information of the POS terminal 3, identification information of the cashier, or date and time information. Furthermore, in step Se5, the CPU 3a includes in the transaction the terminal code and transaction serial number contained in the read data, but does not include the terminal code and transaction serial number in the transaction because no read data has been obtained in step Se6. The CPU 3a proceeds from step Se5 or step Se6 to step Se7.

[0119] In step Se7, the CPU 3a transmits the transaction created in step Se5 or step Se6 to the server 4 through the communication interface 3m.

[0120] When a transaction is transmitted to the server 4 via the communication network 6, the transaction is received by the communication interface 4e. The transaction is then stored in the RAM 4c by the communication interface 4e or by the CPU 4a. In response to this, the CPU 4a starts the process shown on the right side of FIG.

[0121] In step Sf1, the CPU 4a checks whether or not a terminal code is included in the transaction. If a terminal code is included in the transaction, the CPU 4a proceeds from step Sf1 to step Sf2, and if a terminal code is not included, the CPU 4a proceeds from step Sf1 to step Sf3.

[0122] In step Sf2 or Sf3, the CPU 4a adds the data record created based on the transaction to the transaction information file. Specifically, the CPU 4a creates a data record that includes the transaction serial number included in the transaction in the index, and also includes transaction product information and the total amount as transaction information. In step Sf2, the CPU 4a also includes the terminal code and transaction serial number included in the transaction in the index, but in step Sf3, the terminal code and transaction serial number in the index are both set to null values.

[0123] Thus, through the above processing, the transaction information file contains data records for each transaction carried out at the POS terminal 3, but data records for transactions for which bulk registration was performed using pre-registered tickets further contain the terminal code of the handheld terminal 1 used to issue the corresponding pre-registered ticket and the transaction serial number related to the issuance of the pre-registered ticket. In other words, the transaction information file contains the terminal code and transaction serial number related to a pre-registered ticket that has already been used. For this reason, it is possible to check in step Sd1 whether a pre-registered ticket has been used.

[0124] As described above, POS system 100 makes it possible to identify each pre-registered ticket by its terminal code and transaction serial number, and by storing the terminal code and transaction serial number of a used pre-registered ticket, makes it possible to determine whether or not each pre-registered ticket has been used. When the two-dimensional code of a used pre-registered ticket is scanned, the system notifies the user that the ticket has been used, without registering the purchased product based on the PLU code represented by the two-dimensional code.

[0125] When the same pre-registration ticket is read multiple times, the same purchased item is prevented from being registered multiple times. If such a duplicate registration occurs, the cashier must cancel the registration of each of the duplicated items, which is a very time-consuming task, but this embodiment can reliably avoid such a problem. In addition, any kind of misconduct caused by repeatedly using the same pre-registration ticket can be prevented.

[0126] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

[0127] The handheld terminal 1 may include a printing device 2d and use this printing device 2d to print the pre-registration ticket. In this case, the portable printer 2 is not necessary.

[0128] The pre-registration ticket may be realized using a recording medium other than paper, such as a rewritable card, a magnetic card, or a memory card. When a rewritable card is used, it is possible to visibly record a two-dimensional code as in the above embodiment. When a magnetic card or memory card is used, the information to be registered on the pre-registration ticket is recorded magnetically or electronically. When a magnetic card or memory card is used, a device compatible with the recording method, such as a magnetic card reader or memory card reader, is used as the reading means.

[0129] The processing of the sales data of the products may be performed in part or in whole by the CPU 4a in the server 4.

[0130] The device that performs the notification operation may be provided outside the POS terminal 3.

[0131] The device for reading the information recorded on the pre-registration ticket may be provided outside the POS terminal 3.

[0132] The determination as to whether a pre-registered ticket has been used may be performed by the CPU 3a in the POS terminal 3. In this case, data for managing whether each pre-registered ticket has been used may be stored in the server 4 as in the above embodiment, or may be stored in the POS terminal 3.

[0133] Whether each pre-registered ticket has been used may be managed by adding the identification information of the pre-registered ticket to a database when the pre-registered ticket is issued, and deleting the identification information of the pre-registered ticket from the database when the pre-registered ticket is used. Alternatively, whether each pre-registered ticket has been used may be managed by adding the identification information of the pre-registered ticket to a database in association with status information indicating whether the identification information has been used when the pre-registered ticket is issued, and updating the status information associated with the identification information of the pre-registered ticket when the pre-registered ticket is used.

[0134] The CPU 4a of the server 4 may control the registration of products to be purchased based on unused pre-registration tickets and the registration of products to be purchased based on used pre-registration tickets.

[0135] The control for notifying that the pre-registered ticket has been used may be performed by the CPU 4a in the server 4.

[0136] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be 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 modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of Patent Application No. 2011-152151 and the inventions described in the original claims of Patent Application No. 2014-190200 are set forth below. [1] A recording means for recording pre-registration information on a portable recording medium; An acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer; a recording control means for controlling the recording means so as to record the pre-registration information including the product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information; A processing means for processing sales data of products; a notification means for performing a notification operation for notifying that the processing has been completed; a reading means for reading the pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium; a determination means for determining whether or not the sales data has already been processed using the commodity identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means, based on the identification information included in the pre-registration information; a processing control means for controlling the processing means to process the sales data using the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means in response to the determination means that the pre-registration information has not been processed; a notification control means for controlling the notification means to perform the notification operation in response to the determination by the determination means that the processing has been completed. [2] A database is provided that describes the identification information so that the identification information included in the pre-registration information can be identified together with the product identification information used in processing the sales data, The product sales data processing system described in [1], wherein the determination means makes the determination by comparing the identification information contained in the pre-registration information read by the reading means with the identification information described in the database. [3] The product sales data processing system includes a handheld terminal and a data processing device, the handheld terminal includes the acquiring means and the recording control means, The data processing device is a product sales data processing system as described in [1], which comprises the processing means, the processing control means and the notification control means. [4] The product sales data processing system according to [2], wherein the data processing device further comprises the notification means. [5] The product sales data processing system includes a printing apparatus having a printing device for printing a visible pattern code on a recording paper; A product sales data processing system according to any one of claims [1] to [3], wherein the printing device functions as the recording means by printing the visible pattern code representing the pre-registration information on the recording paper. [6] A handheld terminal capable of communicating with a recording device having a recording means for recording pre-registration information on a portable recording medium, An acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer; A handheld terminal comprising: a recording control means for controlling the recording means to record the pre-registration information including product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information. [7] A recording means for recording the pre-registration information on a portable recording medium; An acquisition means for acquiring product identification information for identifying a product purchased by a customer; a recording control means for controlling the recording means so as to record the pre-registration information including the product identification information acquired by the acquisition means within one acquisition period and identification information for identifying the pre-registration information; A processing means for performing a settlement process related to the sale of the product; a notification means for performing a notification operation for notifying a user that a payment process based on the pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium has been completed; A reading means for reading the pre-registration information recorded on the recording medium for payment of a product identified by the product identification information included in the pre-registration information; a determination means for determining, in response to the pre-registration information being read by the reading means, whether or not the payment process has already been performed using the product identification information included in the same pre-registration information, based on the identification information included in the read pre-registration information; a processing control means for allowing the processing means to perform the payment processing using the product identification information included in the pre-registration information read by the reading means in response to the determination means that the payment processing has not been completed; a notification control means for controlling the notification means to perform the notification operation in response to the determination means making a determination that the payment process has been completed. [8] A database that describes the identification information so that the identification information included in the pre-registration information can be identified together with the product identification information used in processing the sales data, The product sales data processing system described in [7], wherein the determination means makes the determination by comparing the identification information contained in the pre-registration information read by the reading means with the identification information described in the database. [9] The product sales data processing system includes a handheld terminal and a data processing device, the handheld terminal includes the acquiring means and the recording control means, The data processing device is a product sales data processing system described in [7], which is equipped with the processing means, the processing control means and the notification control means.

[10] The product sales data processing system according to [9], wherein the data processing device further comprises the notification means.

[11] The product sales data processing system includes a printing apparatus having a printing device for printing a visible pattern code on a recording paper, A product sales data processing system as described in any one of [7] to [9], in which the printing device functions as the recording means by printing the visible pattern code representing the pre-registration information on the recording paper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1...handheld terminal, 1a...CPU, 1b...ROM, 1c...RAM, 1d...barcode scanner, 1e...input device, 1f...display device, 1g...wireless communication unit, 1h...bus, 2...portable printer, 2a...CPU, 2b...ROM, 2c...RAM, 2d...printing device, 2e...input device, 2f...display device, 2g...wireless communication unit, 2h...bus, 3...POS terminal, 3a...CPU, 3b...ROM, 3c...RAM, 3d...auxiliary storage unit, 3e...clock unit, 3f...receipt printer, 3g...barcode scanner, 3h... 2D Code scanner, 3i...input device, 3j...operation display, 3k...customer display, 3m...communication interface, 3n...bus, 4...server, 4a...CPU, 4b...ROM, 4c...RAM, 4d...auxiliary memory unit, 4e...communication interface, 4f...bus, 5...wireless access point, 6...communication network, 100...POS system.

Claims

[Claim 1] A processing means for performing a settlement process related to the sale of the product; a voice output means for outputting a voice message to notify the user that the payment has been processed; A reading means for reading information recorded on a recording medium; a confirmation means for confirming, based on the information read by the reading means, whether or not a settlement process based on the information has already been performed by the processing means; a processing control means for allowing the processing means to perform a payment process based on the information read by the reading means in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has not been completed; a notification control means for controlling the voice output means to output the voice message in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has been completed; an update means for updating error history information in response to the confirmation means confirming that the payment process has been completed, so that a situation in which the information read by the reading means is repeatedly read by the reading means can be analyzed after the fact; A payment processing system comprising:

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