Payment device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of avoiding problems that may be caused when a customer forgets to pick up change in a system that a settlement of a commodity is made by the customer.SOLUTION: An adjustment device 10 receives adjustment information from a commodity registration device registering commodities to be purchased according to operation done by a clerk and generating adjustment information of the commodities and performs adjustment processing based on the adjustment information according to operation done by a customer. The adjustment device 10 includes a change dispensing unit 110 dispensing change generated by the adjustment processing from a dispensing port, a change detection unit 120 detecting a specific condition where at least a part of the change is left in the dispensing port, and an output unit 130 performing first output for restricting the use of the adjustment device when the specific condition detected by the change detection unit 120 continues for a reference time or more after dispensing the change.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for supporting accounting operations in a store. [Background technology]

[0002] A known type of POS (Point of Sale) system used in stores is one in which the store clerk only registers the products and the customer settles the account (pays the price and receives the change) (hereinafter referred to as a "semi-self-service POS system").

[0003] An example of technology related to the above-mentioned semi-self-service POS system is disclosed in the following Patent Document 1. The following Patent Document 1 discloses technology in which a payment device (account settlement device) sends a notification to a POS server indicating that change has been left behind, and the POS server, based on the notification from the payment device, displays a layout screen on a product registration device indicating the payment device where change has been left behind. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-162108 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the technology of Patent Document 1, a payment device (account settlement device) that still has the change of the previous customer can be used by another customer. In this case, a problem may occur in which the other customer mistakenly or maliciously takes away the change of the previous customer.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a technique for avoiding problems that may occur due to customers forgetting to take their change in a system in which the customers pay for products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first settlement device of the present invention is a settlement device that receives settlement information of products to be purchased from a product registration device operated by a store clerk and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information in response to customer operation. The first settlement device of the present invention has (1) a change dispensing means that dispenses change generated in the settlement processing from a dispensing opening, and (2) a display means that, if at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening for a first predetermined time period after the change is dispensed, displays a screen indicating that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement processing remains in the dispensing opening. The second settlement device of the present invention is a settlement device that receives settlement information of products to be purchased from a product registration device operated by a store clerk and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information in response to customer operation. The second settlement device of the present invention is equipped with a change dispensing means for dispensing change generated in the settlement process from a dispensing opening, and if at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening for a second predetermined time period that is longer than the first predetermined time period after the change has been dispensed, a screen is displayed indicating that the settlement device is unusable.

[0008] The first product registration device of the present invention is a product registration device operated by a store clerk. The first product registration device of the present invention has (1) a receiving means for receiving a notification from a settlement device that performs a settlement process based on the settlement information of products generated by the product registration device in response to a customer's operation that at least a part of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the change dispensing opening of the settlement device, and (2) a display control means for causing the settlement device to display a screen indicating that at least a part of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the change dispensing opening in response to the reception of the notification. The second product registration device of the present invention is a product registration device operated by a store clerk. The second product registration device of the present invention has (1) a receiving means for receiving a notification from a settlement device that performs a settlement process based on the settlement information of products generated by the product registration device in response to a customer's operation that at least a part of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the change dispensing opening of the settlement device, and (2) a display control means for causing the settlement device to display a screen indicating that the notified settlement device is unavailable.

[0009] A first control method of the present invention is executed by a settlement device that receives settlement information for a product to be purchased from a product registration device operated by a store clerk and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information in response to a customer's operation. The control method includes: (1) dispensing change generated in the settlement processing from a dispensing opening; and (2) if at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening for a first predetermined time or more after the change is dispensed, displaying a screen indicating that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement processing remains in the dispensing opening.

[0010] A second control method of the present invention is executed by a product registration device operated by a store clerk. The control method includes: (1) receiving a notification from a settlement device that performs settlement processing based on product settlement information generated by the product registration device in response to a customer's operation, that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement processing remains in a change dispensing opening of the settlement device, and (2) in response to receiving the notification, outputting an output to cause the settlement device to display a screen indicating that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement processing remains in the change dispensing opening.

[0011] A first program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the first control method of the present invention.

[0012] A second program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the second control method of the present invention. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in a system in which the customer pays for products, it is possible to prevent problems caused by customers forgetting to take their change. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of a semi-self-service POS system. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the functional configuration of the settlement device in the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] A diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of a settlement device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a settlement device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for restricting the use of a settlement device. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating that the settlement device is unavailable. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a functional configuration of the product registration device. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a hardware configuration of the product registration device. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of a product registration device. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow of a product registration device. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating examples of display by a display processing unit of the product registration device. [Figure 12] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating screen transitions of a settlement device and a product registration device in another display example. [Figure 13] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process for lifting restrictions on the use of a settlement device. [Figure 14] A figure showing an example of a screen transition of the settlement device in response to the second output. [Figure 15] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen transition of the product registration device in response to a second output. [Figure 16] A block diagram conceptually showing the functional configuration of a settlement device in a second embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process flow in a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] <Summary> The present invention relates to a settlement device and a product registration device used in a semi-self-service POS system. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of a semi-self-service POS system. The semi-self-service POS system includes one or more settlement devices 10 and one or more product registration devices 20. The semi-self-service POS system illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely an example. In the semi-self-service POS system illustrated in FIG. 1, as shown by dotted and dashed lines in the figure, the settlement device 10 that is paired with each product registration device 20 is determined in advance, but such a restriction does not have to be applied. The semi-self-service POS system may further include a server device (not shown) that relays communication between the settlement device 10 and the product registration device 20.

[0016] The product registration device 20 is a device operated by a store clerk. The store clerk operates a product reading scanner, keyboard, touch panel, etc. of the product registration device 20 to cause the product registration device 20 to acquire information on the product M that the customer has brought to the cash register counter. The product registration device 20 acquires product information on the product M (e.g., product identification code, product name, unit price, number of registered products, discount / discount information, etc.) using the product reading scanner, keyboard, touch panel, etc. Then, the product registration device 20 generates settlement information using the acquired product information. The settlement information is information used when the settlement device 10 performs a settlement process to complete a product purchase and sale transaction, and includes at least information on the total price of the products registered as the settlement target. For example, the settlement information includes at least information on the unit price, number of registered products, and discount / discount information on each product acquired as described above, or information indicating the total price of the products that can be calculated from these information. The product registration device 20 can transmit settlement information directly or via a server device not shown to a settlement device 10 selected by a store clerk's operation or automatically determined based on availability or pre-set priorities.

[0017] The settlement device 10 is a device operated by a customer. The settlement device 10 acquires settlement information generated by the product registration device 20, and performs settlement processing (accepting bills and coins as the price of the product, returning change, printing receipts, etc.) to complete the purchase and sale of the product registered as the settlement target in the product registration device 20 using the settlement information. The settlement device 10 can acquire the settlement information directly from the product registration device 20 or via a server device (not shown). The settlement device 10 can also acquire the settlement information via a symbol (e.g., a barcode or a QR code (registered trademark)) that can be read by the settlement device 10. In this case, the product registration device 20 prints out information that identifies the settlement information or a symbol that encodes the settlement information itself on some medium. In the former case, the product registration device 20 transmits identification information that encodes the settlement information to a server device (not shown), and the settlement device 10 can acquire the settlement information from the server device based on the identification information read from the symbol on the medium. In the latter case, the settlement device 10 can obtain settlement information from the symbols on the medium.

[0018] In such a semi-self-service POS system, a customer who uses a certain settlement device 10 may forget to take the change paid out during the settlement process. In this case, another customer who uses the settlement device 10 next may mistakenly or maliciously take the change that the previous customer left behind.

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention that solves the above-mentioned problems will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, similar components are given similar reference numerals and their explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, unless otherwise specified, in each block diagram, each block represents a functional configuration, not a hardware configuration.

[0020] [First embodiment] [Functional configuration of settlement device 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the functional configuration of the settlement device 10 in the first embodiment. As described above, the settlement device 10 is a device that receives settlement information from the product registration device 20 and performs settlement processing based on the settlement information in response to a customer's operation. As described above, the settlement information is generated by the product registration device 20 registering the product to be purchased in response to a store clerk's operation. As shown in FIG. 2, the settlement device 10 of this embodiment has a change dispensing unit 110, a change detection unit 120, and an output unit 130. The change dispensing unit 110 pays out change generated in the settlement processing from a dispensing opening (not shown) of the settlement device 10. The change detection unit 120 detects a state (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific state") in which at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement processing remains in the dispensing opening of the settlement device 10. The output unit 130 performs a first output for restricting the use of the settlement device 10 if the change detection unit 120 continues to detect a specific state for a reference time or longer after the change has been dispensed.

[0021] As described above, in this embodiment, when at least a portion of the change remains in the change dispensing port of the settlement device 10 for a reference time or longer, that is, when there is a possibility that the change has been left behind, an output is issued to restrict the use of the settlement device 10. This makes it possible to prevent the next customer using a certain settlement device 10 from accidentally or maliciously taking away the change that the previous customer left behind at that settlement device 10.

[0022] The first embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0023] [Hardware configuration of settlement device 10] Each functional component of the settlement device 10 may be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.), or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.). Below, a further explanation is given of the case where each functional component of the settlement device 10 is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0024] 3 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the settlement device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the settlement device 10 includes a bus 101, a processor 102, a memory 103, a storage device 104, an input / output interface 105, and a network interface 106.

[0025] The bus 101 is a data transmission path for the processor 102, memory 103, storage device 104, input / output interface 105, and network interface 106 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 102, memory 103, storage device 104, input / output interface 105, and network interface 106 to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0026] The processor 102 is an arithmetic device such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory 103 is a main storage device realized using a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The storage device 104 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, etc.

[0027] The storage device 104 stores program modules that realize each functional component (change dispensing unit 110, change detection unit 120, and output unit 130) of the settlement device 10. The processor 102 reads each of these program modules into the memory 103 and executes them to realize the function corresponding to each program module.

[0028] The input / output interface 105 is an interface for connecting the settlement device 10 and the peripheral devices 15. In the example of Fig. 3, the settlement device 10 is connected to the peripheral devices 15, such as an input device 151, a display 152, and an automatic change machine 153, via the input / output interface 105.

[0029] The input device 151 is an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display 152 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), etc. The display 152 may be a touch panel that also functions as the input device 151.

[0030] The automatic change machine 153 has an acceptance port for accepting bills and coins for the price of goods, and a dispensing port for dispensing bills and coins as change. The automatic change machine 153 counts bills and coins inserted into the acceptance port, and dispenses change from the dispensing port in the amount of the difference between the counting result (the total amount inserted by the customer) and the total amount of goods to be settled, which is included in the settlement information generated by the goods registration device 20. The total amount of goods to be settled, which is necessary to calculate the difference, is output from a program module of the change dispensing unit 110 executed by the processor 102. In this way, the settlement device 10 realizes the above-mentioned function of the change dispensing unit 110 using the automatic change machine 153. In addition, the automatic change machine 153 has sensors, such as an infrared sensor or a pressure sensor, at the dispensing port for detecting the presence or absence of bills and coins. The settlement device 10 realizes the above-mentioned function of the change detection unit 120 using the output from such sensors.

[0031] The network interface 106 is an interface for connecting the settlement device 10 to various communication networks. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). As shown in Fig. 3, the settlement device 10 can connect to the communication network via the network interface 106 and obtain settlement information from the product registration device 20. The method for connecting the network interface 106 to the communication network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0032] The hardware configuration of the settlement device 10 is not limited to the configuration in FIG. 3. For example, the settlement device 10 may further include a card reader for reading point cards, credit cards, etc., a printer for printing receipts, coupons, etc., a speaker device for outputting sounds or voices, and an indicator light for notifying the status of the settlement device 10 (for example, "available", "in use", "error (including forgetting to take change)", etc.) by the light emission state of the lamp (e.g., FIG. 4). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the settlement device 10. In the example of FIG. 4, the settlement device 10 includes a touch panel in which an input device 151 and a display 152 are integrated, and an automatic change machine 153 including a bill receiving / dispensing port 153a, a coin receiving port 153b, and a coin dispensing port 153c. Also, reference numerals 154, 155, 156, and 157 in FIG. 4 denote a card reader, a printer, a speaker, and an indicator light, respectively.

[0033] [Operation of restricting use of settlement device 10] An example of an operation for restricting the use of the settlement device 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process for restricting the use of the settlement device 10.

[0034] The change dispensing unit 110 dispenses change from the dispensing opening of the automatic change machine 153, the difference between the total amount of bills and coins inserted counted by the automatic change machine 153 and the total amount of products included in the settlement information obtained from the product registration device 20 (S102).

[0035] Next, the change detection unit 120 acquires information indicating the detection state of the change at the dispensing opening (S104). The change detection unit 120 acquires, for example, an output signal from a sensor provided at the dispensing opening for banknotes and coins as information indicating the detection state of the change at the dispensing opening. Specifically, when the dispensed change does not remain at the dispensing opening, the sensor outputs a signal indicating that no banknotes or coins have been detected. On the other hand, when at least a portion of the dispensed change remains at the dispensing opening, the sensor outputs a signal indicating that banknotes or coins have been detected. Note that the state in which the latter signal is output from the sensor corresponds to the above-mentioned "specific state."

[0036] Then, the output unit 130 determines whether or not a specific state has been detected based on the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in S104 (S106).

[0037] When it is determined that "the specific state has not been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the process of S104 (S106: NO), the output unit 130 causes the display 152 to display a screen (an end screen, not shown) that is output when the settlement process is normally completed (S112). This causes the settlement process in the settlement device 10 to normally end.

[0038] On the other hand, if it can be determined that "a specific state has been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the process of S104 (S106: YES), the output unit 130 further determines whether or not the specific state has continued for a predetermined time (S108). Here, the predetermined time used by the output unit 130 for the determination is an arbitrary time, and is stored in advance in, for example, the memory 103. In addition, the duration of the specific state can be measured, for example, by operating a timer from the timing when the change is paid out.

[0039] If the specific state continues for a predetermined time or more (S108: YES), the output unit 130 performs a first output for restricting the use of the settlement device 10 (S110). A specific example of this first output will be described later. On the other hand, if the specific state does not continue for a predetermined time or more (S108: NO), the above-mentioned processing from S104 is repeated.

[0040] [Specific Example of First Output by Output Unit 130] The following describes a specific example of the first output by the output unit 130. The output unit 130 can execute at least one of the following first outputs.

[0041] <First concrete example> In this specific example, the output unit 130 performs output, as the first output, for displaying a screen for controlling the settlement device 10 so that it cannot be operated (for example, a screen indicating that the settlement device 10 is unavailable) on the display 152 of the settlement device 10. The output unit 130 outputs, for example, data for displaying a screen such as that shown in Fig. 6 to the display 152 of the settlement device 10.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen indicating that the settlement device 10 cannot be used. By displaying the screen S1 as shown in Fig. 6 on the display 152 of the settlement device 10, it is possible to restrict another customer from using the settlement device 10 in a state where the change left in the dispensing slot by the previous customer is left behind. This makes it possible to prevent another customer from accidentally or maliciously taking away the change left behind by the previous customer.

[0043] <Second concrete example> In this specific example, the output unit 130 performs, as a first output, an output notifying the product registration device 20 that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the dispensing opening of the automatic change machine 153. As described above, the product registration device 20 generates settlement information for the product by registering the product to be purchased in response to the operation of the store clerk, and transmits the generated settlement information to a settlement device that performs settlement processing based on the settlement information. Below, the functional configuration and operation of the product registration device 20 are illustrated using figures.

[0044] <<Functional configuration of the product registration device 20>> FIG. 7 is a block diagram conceptually showing the functional configuration of the product registration device 20. As shown in FIG. 7, the product registration device 20 has a receiving unit 210 and a display processing unit 220. The receiving unit 210 receives a first output notifying that at least a part of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the dispensing port of the settlement device 10. The receiving unit 210 may receive the first output directly from the settlement device 10, or may receive it via a server device (not shown). The display processing unit 220 causes the display unit of the product registration device 20 to display the settlement device that has performed the first output.

[0045] <<Hardware configuration of the product registration device 20>> Each functional component of the product registration device 20 may be realized by hardware that realizes each functional component (e.g., a hardwired electronic circuit, etc.), or may be realized by a combination of hardware and software (e.g., a combination of an electronic circuit and a program that controls it, etc.). Below, a further explanation will be given of the case where each functional component of the product registration device 20 is realized by a combination of hardware and software.

[0046] 8 is a diagram conceptually showing the hardware configuration of the product registration device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the product registration device 20 includes a bus 201, a processor 202, a memory 203, a storage device 204, an input / output interface 205, and a network interface 206.

[0047] The bus 201 is a data transmission path for the processor 202, memory 203, storage device 204, input / output interface 205, and network interface 206 to transmit and receive data to and from each other. However, the method of connecting the processor 202, memory 203, storage device 204, input / output interface 205, and network interface 206 to each other is not limited to bus connection.

[0048] The processor 202 is an arithmetic device such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The memory 203 is a main storage device realized using a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM). The storage device 204 is an auxiliary storage device realized using a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a memory card, or the like.

[0049] The storage device 204 stores program modules that realize each functional component (the receiving unit 210 and the display processing unit 220) of the product registration device 20. The processor 202 reads each of these program modules into the memory 203 and executes them to realize a function corresponding to each program module.

[0050] The input / output interface 205 is an interface for connecting the product registration device 20 to the peripheral devices 25. In the example of Fig. 8, the product registration device 20 is connected to the peripheral devices 25, such as an input device 251, a display 252, and a reading device 253, via the input / output interface 205.

[0051] The input device 251 is an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The display 252 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The display 252 may be a touch panel that also functions as the input device 251. The reading device 253 is a so-called barcode reader or an image scanner. The product registration device 20 uses the reading device 253 to acquire information for identifying a product, such as a symbol (e.g., a barcode) attached to the product or an image of the product's exterior. The product registration device 20 can also acquire information for identifying a product by operating the input device 251. Then, the product registration device 20 registers the product identified using the information as a product to be settled. By repeating such a registration operation of the product to be settled, settlement information required for settlement processing in the settlement device 10 is updated.

[0052] The network interface 206 is an interface for connecting the merchandise registration device 20 to various communication networks. This communication network is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). As shown in Fig. 3, the merchandise registration device 20 can connect to the communication network via the network interface 206 and transmit settlement information to the settlement device 10. The method for connecting the network interface 206 to the communication network may be a wireless connection or a wired connection.

[0053] The hardware configuration of the product registration device 20 is not limited to the configuration in FIG. 8. For example, the product registration device 20 may further include a card reader for reading various cards, a printer for printing coupons, and a speaker device for outputting sound or voice (e.g., FIG. 9). FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of the product registration device 20. In the example of FIG. 9, the product registration device 20 includes a touch panel in which an input device 251a and a display 252 are integrated, a keyboard 251b as another input device, and a reading device 253 including a handy scanner 253a and an image scanner 253b. Also, reference numerals 254, 255, and 256 in FIG. 9 denote a card reader, a printer, and a speaker, respectively.

[0054] <<Example of Operation of Item Registration Device 20>> An example of the operation of the merchandise registration device 20 for restricting the use of the settlement device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the flow of processing of the merchandise registration device 20.

[0055] The receiving unit 210 receives a first output from the settlement device 10 (S202). In this case, the first output is linked to information capable of identifying the settlement device 10 that is the sender of the first output (for example, an identification number or IP address assigned to each settlement device 10). The display processing unit 220 identifies the settlement device 10 that sent the first output (S204). The display processing unit 220 can identify the settlement device 10 that sent the first output based on the information capable of identifying the settlement device 10 that is linked to the first output.

[0056] Then, the display processing unit 220 causes the display 252 to display a screen showing the settlement device identified in S204 (S206). The display processing unit 220 can display, for example, a screen as shown in Fig. 11 on the display 252. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of display by the display processing unit 220 of the product registration device 20. Note that the screen in Fig. 11 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the screen exemplified here.

[0057] <<Display Example by Display Processing Unit 220>> The screen S2 shown in FIG. 11 is an example of a screen (hereinafter, also referred to as a "selection screen") for selecting a settlement device 10 to which settlement information generated by the product registration device 20 is to be sent. The selection screen S2 is displayed in response to pressing a button (e.g., the "Settlement Machine" button in FIG. 11) for transitioning to the selection screen S2 arranged on another screen. In the selection screen S2, the current status of each settlement device 10 is displayed together with the name of each settlement device 10 (e.g., settlement machine 1, settlement machine 2, settlement machine 3). In addition, in the selection screen, a "Send" button is displayed selectably for a settlement device 10 that has a "Waiting" status indicating that it is currently available. In response to pressing a "Send" button displayed in association with each settlement device 10, a process of sending settlement information to the settlement device 10 corresponding to the pressed button is executed.

[0058] The display processing unit 220 identifiably displays the settlement device 10 that performed the first output on this selection screen. In the selection screen S2 exemplified in FIG. 11, the display processing unit 220 displays "change left behind" (part A surrounded by a dotted line in the figure) in the status of "settlement machine 1" so that it can be recognized that "settlement machine 1" is the settlement device 10 that performed the first output. This status display can notify the store clerk operating the product registration device 20 of the settlement device 10 where change has been left behind, and guide the store clerk not to select that settlement device 10 as the destination to which settlement information is to be sent. This can restrict other customers from using that settlement device 10.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 11, the display processing unit 220 may set the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output in a state in which it cannot be selected as a destination of settlement information on the selection screen S2. Here, the "unselectable state" includes (1) a state in which a screen element for sending settlement information (e.g., a "Send" button, etc.) is not displayed (e.g., Fig. 11), (2) a state in which a screen element for sending settlement information is displayed in a state in which it cannot be pressed (inactive state), and (3) a state in which a screen element for sending settlement information is displayed in a state in which it can be pressed, but settlement information cannot be sent even if pressed (e.g., an error process such as displaying a message indicating that sending is not possible is executed). By controlling the system so as not to send settlement information to a settlement device 10 in which change has been left behind, it is possible to more reliably restrict the use of the settlement device 10 by other customers.

[0060] <<Other display examples by the display processing unit 220>> As another example, in response to receiving the first output, the display processing unit 220 may display a screen on the display 252 of the merchandise registration device 20 to select whether or not to disable the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output. In this case, a store clerk operating the merchandise registration device 20 performs a selection input on the displayed screen. In response to the selection input by the store clerk, the display processing unit 220 performs an output to the settlement device 10 to display a screen (e.g., FIG. 6) indicating that the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output is disabled.

[0061] Screen transitions in this example will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating screen transitions of the settlement device 10 and the merchandise registration device 20 in another display example.

[0062] First, when the payment for the product is inserted and the change is dispensed at the settlement device 10, a screen to be displayed after the payment is completed (e.g., screen S3) is displayed. After that, if the change remains in the dispensing opening for a predetermined time (i.e., if the specific state is detected for a predetermined period of time), a first output is transmitted to the product registration device 20.

[0063] When the receiving unit 210 receives this first output, the display processing unit 220 displays a screen (e.g., selection screen S2) that can identify the settlement device 10 that transmitted the first output, as described with reference to FIG. 11. When the settlement device 10 that transmitted the first output is selected on this selection screen S2, the display processing unit 220 displays, for example, screen S4 of FIG. 12 on the display 252 of the merchandise registration device 20. The screen S4 illustrated in FIG. 12 has a "Settlement in progress" button and an "Absent" button. When the "Settlement in progress" button is pressed, the display processing unit 220 does not perform output for displaying screen S1 as shown in FIG. 6 on the settlement device 10. When the "Absent" button is pressed, the display processing unit 220 performs output for displaying screen S1 as shown in FIG. 6 on the settlement device 10. The clerk of the merchandise registration device 20 confirms whether or not a customer is staying around the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output, and then presses any button on screen S4.

[0064] If it is confirmed that a customer is still around the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output, it can be determined that the customer is having difficulty getting the change for some reason, and it is therefore undesirable to disable the settlement device 10. Therefore, in this case, the store clerk presses the "Settlement in progress" button. When the "Settlement in progress" button is pressed, the display on the display 152 of the settlement device 10 does not change. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that there is no customer around the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output, it can be determined that the customer has clearly forgotten to take the change. Therefore, in this case, the store clerk presses the "Not there" button. When the "Not there" button is pressed, a screen S1 indicating that the settlement device 10 is unavailable is displayed on the display 152 of the settlement device 10.

[0065] This prevents the settlement device 10 from being rendered unusable in an unintended situation due to the mistaken recognition that change has been forgotten.

[0066] <<When the settlement device 10 is automatically selected>> The product registration device 20 may be configured to automatically determine the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information is to be sent based on the availability of each settlement device 10 and a preset priority order, without using a selection screen such as that shown in Fig. 11. In this case, when automatically selecting the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information is to be sent, the product registration device 20 excludes the settlement device 10 that performed the first output from the selection candidates. Even with this configuration, settlement information is not sent to the settlement device 10 that performed the first output due to the change being left behind, so that it is possible to restrict another customer from using the settlement device 10 where the change has been left behind.

[0067] [Operation to release the usage restriction of the settlement device 10] An example of the operation of lifting the usage restriction on the settlement device 10 will be described below with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of a process of lifting the usage restriction on the settlement device 10.

[0068] 5 (after performing the first output), the change detection unit 120 acquires information indicating the detection state of the change at the dispensing opening (S302). Then, the output unit 130 determines whether or not a specific state is detected based on the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in S302 (S304).

[0069] If it can be determined that "a specific state has not been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the process of S302 (S304: NO), the output unit 130 performs a second output for lifting the usage restriction of the settlement device 10 (S306). A specific example of this second output will be described later. On the other hand, if it can be determined that "a specific state has been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the process of S302 (S306: YES), the output unit 130 does not perform the second output. In this case, the process is repeated from S302 described above.

[0070] [Specific Example of Second Output by Output Unit 130] The following describes a specific example of the second output by the output unit 130. The output unit 130 can execute at least one of the following examples of the second output.

[0071] <First concrete example> In this specific example, the output unit 130 performs a first output to cause the display 152 to display a screen (e.g., FIG. 6) indicating that the settlement device 10 cannot be used, and then performs a second output to end the display of the screen. An example of screen transition of the settlement device 10 in this case is shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the settlement device 10 in response to the second output.

[0072] First, in the processing of S110 in FIG. 5, the output unit 130 performs a first output to display, for example, a screen S1 as shown in FIG. 6 on the display 152 of the settlement device 10, and controls the settlement device 10 so that other customers cannot use it.

[0073] Thereafter, when the specific state is no longer detected in the determination process of S304 in Fig. 13, the output unit 130 performs a second output to end the display of screen S1. For example, the output unit 130 performs a second output to display screen S5 on the display 152 of the settlement device 10 in place of screen S1. Screen S5 is an example of a screen that is displayed after the display of screen S1 is released, and the screen that is displayed on the display 152 in response to the second output can be arbitrarily determined.

[0074] In this way, when it is detected that the forgotten change at the settlement device 10 has been resolved, the settlement device 10 is quickly transitioned to a usable state, thereby increasing the utilization rate of the settlement device 10 and shortening the waiting time of customers.

[0075] <Second concrete example> In this specific example, the output unit 130 outputs, as the second output, a message to the product registration device 20 that there is no change remaining at the dispensing port of the automatic change machine 153. Also, in this specific example, the display processing unit 220 cancels the display based on the previously received first output in response to the receiving unit 210 receiving the second output from the settlement device 10. An example of screen transition of the product registration device 20 in this case is shown in FIG. 15. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the product registration device 20 in response to the second output.

[0076] First, in the process of S110 in Fig. 5, the output unit 130 performs a first output to display, for example, a screen S2 as shown in Fig. 11 on the display 252 of the merchandise registration device 20, and prevents the merchandise registration device 20 from transmitting settlement information to the settlement device 10. For example, when the receiving unit 210 receives the first output, the display processing unit 220 displays, on the selection screen S2, the settlement device 10 that performed the first output in a state where it cannot be selected as a destination for transmitting settlement information. This makes it possible to control the settlement device 10 so that other customers cannot use it.

[0077] After that, when the specific state is no longer detected in the determination process of S304 in Fig. 13, the output unit 130 transmits a second output to the product registration device 20, indicating that there is no change remaining at the dispensing opening. When the receiving unit 210 receives this second output, the display processing unit 220 displays the settlement device 10 that performed the first output in a state where it can be selected as a destination for sending settlement information (e.g., part B surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 15). Fig. 15 shows an example in which the status of "settlement machine 1" is updated to "waiting", indicating an available state, and a "send" button for sending settlement information to "settlement machine 1" is displayed.

[0078] In this way, when it is detected that the forgotten change has been resolved at the settlement device 10, the status of the settlement device 10 is quickly transitioned to a "state in which settlement information can be sent," thereby increasing the utilization rate of the settlement device 10 and shortening customer waiting time.

[0079] <When the settlement device 10 is automatically selected> The product registration device 20 may be configured to automatically determine the settlement device 10 to which the settlement information is to be sent based on the availability of each settlement device 10 and a preset priority order, without the use of a selection screen such as that shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the product registration device 20 can include a settlement device 10 that was excluded from the candidates for automatic selection again in response to receiving a second output from the settlement device 10 that has performed the first output and thus been excluded from the candidates for automatic selection. This configuration can also increase the utilization rate of the settlement devices 10 and shorten the waiting time of customers.

[0080] [Second embodiment] This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except for the following points.

[0081] [Functional configuration of settlement device 10] Fig. 16 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating the functional configuration of the settlement device 10 in the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, the settlement device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a person detection unit 140 that detects a person using the settlement device 10.

[0082] The person detection unit 140 can be realized, for example, by an infrared sensor or a temperature sensor whose detection range is the vicinity of the settlement device 10 (the place where the customer is likely to be when operating the settlement device 10). The person detection unit 140 may also be a camera whose imaging range is the vicinity of the settlement device 10. In this case, the person detection unit 140 can detect a person by analyzing an image generated by the camera. The person detection unit 140 may also detect the presence or absence of a person using the settlement device 10 by, for example, measuring the duration of a state in which no operation is performed on the touch panel and determining whether or not the duration exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0083] The output unit 130 of this embodiment performs the first output as described above when the change detection unit 120 continues to detect a specific state for a reference time or more and a person is no longer detected by the person detection unit 140. The reference time used here is stored in advance in, for example, the memory 103 of the settlement device 10.

[0084] As described above, according to this embodiment, when a specific state continues for a predetermined time and no person is detected around the settlement device 10, that is, when there is a high possibility that change has been left behind, it is possible to restrict the use of the settlement device 10. This makes it possible to prevent the settlement device 10 from being erroneously disabled due to a false detection that change has been left behind.

[0085] [Modifications] The settlement device 10 of this embodiment is not limited to the above example. For example, the settlement device 10 of this embodiment may be configured to execute the process described below with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow in a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0086] First, in response to the change dispensing unit 110 dispensing change (S402), the change detection unit 120 acquires information indicating the detection state of the change at the dispensing port (S404). Then, the output unit 130 judges whether or not a specific state has been detected based on the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in S404 (S406). If the output unit 130 can judge that "a specific state has not been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the process of S404 (S406: NO), it causes the display 152 to display a screen (end screen, not shown) that is output when the settlement process is normally completed (S416). This causes the settlement process in the settlement device 10 to normally end. These processes are the same as S102 to S106 and S112 in FIG. 5.

[0087] On the other hand, if the output unit 130 can determine that a "specific state has been detected" from the information acquired by the change detection unit 120 in the processing of S404 (S406: YES), the output unit 130 further acquires information indicating the detection state of a person (presence or absence of a person) by the person detection unit 140 (S408).

[0088] Then, the output unit 130 determines the process to be executed based on a combination of the determination result of whether or not the first condition, "the specific state continues for a predetermined time," is satisfied and the determination result of whether or not the second condition, "the person does not exist," is satisfied (S410). The output unit 130 can output the determination result of whether or not each condition is satisfied using, for example, a Boolean variable. Specifically, the output unit 130 outputs "True" as the determination result of the first condition if the specific state continues for a predetermined time, and "False" if the specific state does not continue for the predetermined time. Also, the output unit 130 outputs "True" as the determination result of the second condition if the person does not exist, and "False" if the person exists.

[0089] If the judgment result of the first condition and the judgment result of the second condition are both "True" (S410: both True), the output unit 130 performs a first output for restricting the use of the settlement device 10 (S412). In response to this first output, a screen (e.g., screen S1 in FIG. 6) indicating that the settlement device 10 cannot be used is displayed on the display 152 of the settlement device 10.

[0090] Furthermore, if either the determination result of the first condition or the determination result of the second condition is "True" and the other is "False" (S410: one is True and the other is False), the output unit 130 does not perform the first output, but executes, for example, a predetermined process to draw the customer's attention (S414). The predetermined process here is not particularly limited, but may be a process of outputting a screen showing a message warning the customer that the change has been forgotten on the display, or a process of outputting a message or a buzzer sound warning the customer that the change has been forgotten from a speaker device.

[0091] If the determination result of the first condition and the determination result of the second condition are both "False" (S410: both False), and after the predetermined process of S414 has been executed, the above-mentioned processes from S404 are repeated.

[0092] According to this modified example, the frequency with which the settlement device 10 becomes unusable due to a determination based on a plurality of conditions is reduced, so that a decrease in the utilization rate of the settlement device 10 can be prevented.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than those described above can also be adopted.

[0094] For example, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of predetermined times to be compared with the duration of the specific state may be prepared, and different controls may be performed for each of them. For example, the output unit 130 may output a message urging the user to receive the change together with the payment of the change, and then output the message urging the user to receive the change at a louder volume than the previous message if the specific state continues for a first predetermined time. Then, if the specific state continues for a second predetermined time longer than the above-mentioned first predetermined time, the output unit 130 may output the message urging the user to receive the change with greater emphasis, and may display on the display 152 a screen showing that the change remains in the payment slot. Furthermore, if the specific state continues for a third predetermined time longer than the above-mentioned second predetermined time, the output unit 130 may output a screen S1 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0095] In addition, in the flowcharts used in the above description, multiple steps (processes) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps performed in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the steps shown in the figures can be changed to the extent that the content is not affected. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

[0096] Below, examples of reference forms are given. 1. A payment device that receives payment information from a product registration device that registers products to be purchased in response to an operation by a store clerk and generates payment information for the products, and performs a payment process based on the payment information in response to an operation by a customer, a change dispensing means for dispensing change generated in the settlement process from a dispensing opening; A detection means for detecting a specific state in which at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening; an output means for performing a first output for restricting use of the settlement device when the detection means continues to detect the specific state for a reference time or more after the change is paid out; A settlement device comprising: 2. In the settlement device according to claim 1, The output means is a settlement device that performs, as the first output, an output for displaying a screen on a display unit indicating that the settlement device is unavailable. 3. In the settlement device according to 1 or 2, The output means is a payment device that performs, as the first output, an output notifying the product registration device that at least a portion of the change generated in the payment process remains in the dispensing opening. 4. In the settlement device according to any one of 1. to 3., The payment device further includes a person detection unit for detecting a person using the payment device, The output means is a settlement device that performs the first output when the detection means continues to detect the specific state for a reference time or longer and when the person detection means no longer detects a person. 5. In the settlement device according to any one of 1. to 4., The output means of the settlement device performs a second output for lifting the usage restriction of the settlement device when the specific state is no longer detected by the detection means after performing the first output. 6. In the settlement device according to claim 5, The output means of the settlement device outputs as the first output a screen indicating that the settlement device cannot be used on a display unit, and then outputs as the second output a screen to terminate the display of the screen. 7. In the settlement device according to 5. or 6., The output means is a settlement device that performs, as the second output, an output notifying the product registration device that there is no change remaining at the dispensing opening. 8. A product registration device that registers a product to be purchased in response to an operation by a store clerk, generates payment information for the product, and transmits the payment information to a payment device that performs a payment process based on the payment information, receiving means for receiving a first output notifying that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in a change outlet of the settlement device; A display processing means for displaying a screen showing the settlement device that performed the first output on a display unit; A product registration device comprising: 9. In the product registration device according to claim 8, The display processing means is a product registration device that identifiably displays the settlement device that performed the first output on a selection screen for selecting a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be sent. 10. In the product registration device according to claim 9, The display processing means of the product registration device makes the settlement device that has performed the first output unavailable for selection as a destination for sending the settlement information on the selection screen. 11. In the product registration device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, The display processing means of the product registration device further displays a screen that allows the user to select whether or not to make the settlement device that produced the first output unusable, and, in response to the selection input on the screen, outputs to the settlement device to display a screen indicating that the settlement device is unusable. 12. In the product registration device according to any one of claims 8 to 11, The receiving means further receives a second output from the settlement device indicating that there is no change remaining at the dispensing opening, The display processing means cancels the display based on the first output in response to receiving the second output. 13. In the product registration device according to claim 12, The display processing means includes: In a selection screen for selecting a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted, the settlement device that performed the first output is displayed in a state in which it cannot be selected as a destination of the settlement information, a product registration device that, in response to receiving the second output, displays the settlement device that performed the first output in a selectable state as a destination for sending the settlement information; 14. A control method executed by a payment device that receives payment information from a product registration device that registers products to be purchased in response to an operation by a store clerk and generates payment information for the products, and performs a payment process based on the payment information in response to an operation by a customer, comprising: The change generated in the settlement process is paid out from a payment opening. Detecting a specific state in which at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening; after the change is dispensed, if the detection of the specific state continues for a reference time or more, a first output is performed to restrict use of the settlement device; The control method includes: 15. In the settlement method described in 14. A settlement method including performing, as the first output, an output for displaying a screen on a display unit indicating that the settlement device is unavailable. 16. In the payment method described in 14. or 15., The control method includes performing, as the first output, an output notifying the product registration device that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the dispensing opening. 17. 17. The control method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, Detecting a person using the settlement device; a control method including performing the first output when the detection of the specific state continues for a reference time or longer and a person is no longer detected by the person detection means. 18. 17. The control method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, A control method including: after performing the first output, performing a second output for lifting the usage restriction of the settlement device when the specific state is no longer detected by the detection means. 19. 18. The control method according to claim 1, A control method including: performing, as the first output, an output for displaying on a display unit a screen indicating that the settlement device is unavailable; and then performing, as the second output, an output for ending the display of the screen. 20. 18. or 19., the control method according to The control method includes: performing, as the second output, an output notifying the product registration device that there is no change remaining at the dispensing opening. twenty one. A control method executed by a product registration device that registers a product to be purchased in response to an operation by a store clerk, generates payment information for the product, and transmits the payment information to a payment device that performs a payment process based on the payment information, receiving a first output from the settlement device notifying the user that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in a change outlet of the settlement device; displaying a screen showing the settlement device that performed the first output on a display unit; The control method includes: twenty two. 21. The control method according to claim 20, A control method including identifiably displaying the settlement device that performed the first output on a selection screen for selecting the settlement device to which the settlement information is to be sent. twenty three. 22. The control method according to claim 22, A control method including making the settlement device that performed the first output unavailable for selection as a destination for the settlement information on the selection screen. twenty four. 21. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, A control method including further displaying a screen that allows the user to select whether or not to disable the settlement device that produced the first output, and outputting to the settlement device to display a screen indicating that the settlement device is disabled in response to the selection input on the screen. twenty five. 21. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, Further receiving a second output from the settlement device indicating that no change is remaining at the dispensing opening; The method includes canceling a display based on the first output in response to receiving the second output. 26. 25. The control method according to claim 25, In a selection screen for selecting a settlement device to which the settlement information is to be transmitted, the settlement device that performed the first output is displayed in a state in which it cannot be selected as a destination of the settlement information, A control method including, in response to receiving the second output, displaying the settlement device that performed the first output in a state where it can be selected as a destination for sending the settlement information. 27. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of 14 to 20. 28. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 21 to 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10 Payment device 101 Bus 102 processors 103 Memory 104 Storage Devices 105 Input / Output Interface 106 Network Interface 110 Change payment section 120 Change detector 130 Output section 140 Person detection unit 15 Peripheral Equipment 151 Input Device 152 Display 153 Automatic change machine 154 Card Reader 155 Printing device 156 speakers 157 Indicator light 20 Product registration device 25 Peripheral Equipment 201 Bus 202 Processor 203 Memory 204 Storage Devices 205 Input / Output Interface 206 Network Interface 210 Receiving unit 220 Display processing unit 251 Input Device 252 Display 253 Reading device 254 Card Reader 255 Printing device 256 speakers

Claims

1. A payment device that receives payment information for a product to be purchased from a product registration device operated by a store clerk and performs a payment process based on the payment information in response to an operation by a customer, a change dispensing means for dispensing change generated in the settlement process from a dispensing opening; a display means for displaying a screen indicating that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the dispensing opening when a state in which at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening continues for a first predetermined time after the change is dispensed; A settlement device comprising:

2. In the settlement device according to claim 1, The display means is a settlement device that displays a screen instructing the user to receive the change as well as paying out the change.

3. A control method executed by a payment device that receives payment information for a product to be purchased from a product registration device operated by a store clerk and performs a payment process based on the payment information in response to an operation by a customer, comprising: The change generated in the settlement process is paid out from a payment opening. when a state in which at least a portion of the change remains in the dispensing opening continues for a first predetermined time or more after the change is dispensed, displaying a screen indicating that at least a portion of the change generated in the settlement process remains in the dispensing opening; The control method includes:

4. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 3.

Images