Accounting device and program

Abstract

To provide an accounting device and a program capable of preventing fraud by customers who use a particular payment method when providing a service that grants discounts and other benefits to the customers.SOLUTION: An accounting device according to an embodiment, which executes an accounting process for a customer to make a payment for one transaction through operation of the customer, includes a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a selection screen enabling the customer to select one of a plurality of payment methods and an input unit that allows input of benefit-enabled information indicating that the customer is to make a payment using a particular payment method that grants a benefit to the customer. The display processing unit displays the selection screen that allows the customer to select only the particular payment method when the benefit-enabled information is input to the input unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, in stores that sell goods or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as "goods"), preferential services for specific customers have been provided. As this type of preferential service, services such as discounts or price cuts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "price cuts") are known for customers who are members of the company operating the store or for customers who use a specific payment method, for example, electronic money managed by the company (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When giving a price cut to a customer who uses a specific payment method, it is necessary to input information to the accounting apparatus as to whether or not the customer uses the specific payment method before calculating the transaction amount of one transaction. This is because the transaction amount differs depending on whether or not the specific payment method is used. On the other hand, the accounting apparatus is configured to receive a selection of a payment method after displaying the calculated transaction amount in order to enable the customer to select a payment method according to the transaction amount.

[0004] As described above, when giving a price cut to a customer who uses a specific payment method, information as to whether or not the customer uses the specific payment method is input to the accounting apparatus before the customer selects a payment method, and the transaction amount is calculated based on the input information. Then, it is common practice for the customer to select a payment method after the calculated transaction amount is displayed. If the accounting apparatus is a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal operated by a store clerk, when an input is made indicating that the customer uses a specific payment method for which a price cut can be received, the store clerk can operate it to cause the customer to pay by the payment method.

[0005] However, when the accounting device is operated by the customer himself / herself, fraud may occur where, after information indicating that a specific payment method for receiving a discount is to be used is input, the customer selects another payment method during payment method selection. In this case, a discount is given even for a transaction that is not eligible for a discount, resulting in damage to the store.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an accounting device and a program capable of suppressing fraud by customers when providing a service that gives benefits such as discounts to customers who use a specific payment method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The accounting device according to the embodiment is an accounting device that executes accounting processing for a customer to make a payment related to one transaction by the customer's operation, and includes a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a selection screen on which any payment method can be selected from a plurality of payment methods, and an input unit into which privilege-related information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a specific payment method for which the customer is given a privilege is input. When the privilege-related information is input into the input unit, the display processing unit displays a selection screen on which only the specific payment method can be selected.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

Figure 21

Figure 22

[0009] Hereinafter, an accounting apparatus and a program according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. For example, in the embodiments described below, an example in which a mobile terminal for inputting information on products purchased by a customer is a smartphone owned by the customer will be described. However, the mobile terminal may be a tablet terminal or the like prepared by the store. Further, in the embodiments described below, an example in which an accounting apparatus not having a product registration function is used will be described. However, the accounting apparatus may be any apparatus that can be operated by a customer. For example, the accounting apparatus may be a self-POS terminal in which a customer performs operations related to product registration and accounting processing, or a semi-self-POS accounting apparatus including a registration apparatus in which a store clerk performs operations related to product registration and an accounting apparatus in which a customer performs operations related to accounting processing.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an accounting apparatus and a program according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an accounting system including the accounting apparatus. The accounting system 1 of the present embodiment is applied to, for example, a supermarket. The accounting system 1 includes a store server 2, a plurality of accounting apparatuses 3, and a mobile terminal 4. In the figure, SC is a shopping cart installed in a store sales floor and used for transporting products purchased by a customer C.

[0011] The store server 2 and the accounting device 3 are communicably connected to each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). Also, when the installed shopping application program is launched on the mobile terminal 4, the mobile terminal 4 is communicably connected to the store server 2 and the accounting device 3 via a wireless LAN or the like.

[0012] The store server 2 receives from each accounting device 3 settlement information regarding product information of products paid in the accounting process, the settlement method, and the like. Also, the store server 2 receives from each accounting device 3 sales information indicating the sales amount for a predetermined period (for example, one day). The store server 2 centrally manages the product information, settlement information, sales information, etc. received from each accounting device 3, and performs sales management of a store.

[0013] Also, the store server 2 stores a product master that associates a product code with product information (product name, price, etc.) for products handled in the store, and transmits product information to the mobile terminal 4 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 4. Further, the store server 2 transmits transaction information of one transaction to the accounting device 3 in response to a request from the accounting device 3.

[0014] The accounting device 3 is, for example, a self-service type accounting device in which a customer C performs an operation related to the accounting process by himself / herself. The accounting device 3 reads a transaction code displayed on the mobile terminal 4, and acquires transaction information related to the transaction code from the store server 2. The accounting device 3 executes an accounting process related to payment by cashless payment such as cash payment or credit payment based on the acquired transaction information. The accounting process is a process for paying the price of products purchased by the customer C.

[0015] In addition, the accounting device 3 can receive information indicating that a customer C uses a specific payment method, which is a condition for the customer C to receive a preferential service, that is, a privilege is granted to the customer C (hereinafter also referred to as "privilege information"), or information indicating that a payment method other than the specific payment method is used (hereinafter also referred to as "non-privilege information"). When the privilege information is input, the accounting device 3 acquires information related to privileges such as a preferential price from the store server 2 and executes accounting processing based on the acquired information. In the following description, the specific payment method that is a condition for granting a privilege to the customer C may be simply referred to as the "specific payment method".

[0016] In this embodiment, the privilege granted to the customer C is a service that allows the customer to purchase a predetermined product at a preferential price when purchasing the product. However, the privilege granted to the customer C is not limited to this, and can be arbitrarily set by the store. For example, the privilege granted to the customer C may be a service that discounts the transaction amount of one transaction by a certain percentage regardless of the product purchased by the customer C, or a service that grants special points. Here, one transaction refers to a transaction in which the customer C makes a payment in one accounting process.

[0017] In this embodiment, the specific payment method is payment by electronic money managed by the company operating the store (hereinafter also referred to as "payment by specific electronic money"). That is, payment by specific electronic money is an example of the specific payment method and also an example of the payment method using a prepaid medium. The above payment by specific electronic money may be made using an electronic money card, using an application program associated with the electronic money card, using a gift card, etc. The specific payment method can be arbitrarily set by the store and can be set to payment by cash, for example.

[0018] The mobile terminal 4 is, for example, a smartphone owned by the customer C, and a shopping application program is installed therein. When the shopping application program is launched, the mobile terminal 4 is communicably connected to the store server 2 and the accounting device 3 via a wireless LAN or the like.

[0019] The mobile terminal 4 can realize the following functions when the shopping application program operates. For example, the mobile terminal 4 reads a product code from a code symbol attached to a product, and acquires product information of the product identified by the product code from the store server 2. Further, the mobile terminal 4 acquires a transaction code for specifying one transaction from the store server 2, generates a barcode indicating the transaction code, and displays it on the display unit of the own device. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 4 communicates with the store server 2 and the accounting device 3 to execute other processes necessary for shopping.

[0020] Next, the store server 2 will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the store server 2. The store server 2 includes a control unit 20, a memory unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, the memory unit 21, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the communication unit 24 are connected to each other via a bus 25 or the like.

[0021] The control unit 20 is composed of a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203. The CPU 201, the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 are connected to each other via the bus 25.

[0022] The CPU 201 controls the overall operation of the store server 2. The ROM 202 stores various programs such as programs used for driving the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21. The control unit 20 executes various control processes of the store server 2 by operating according to the control programs stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 and expanded in the RAM 203 by the CPU 201.

[0023] Also, the RAM 203 includes a transaction information section 2031. In the transaction information section 2031, transaction information is stored in which information for identifying the mobile terminal 4 and product information of the product that customer C intends to purchase (hereinafter also referred to as "purchased product"), which are acquired from the mobile terminal 4 during customer C's shopping, are associated with information for specifying the transaction issued by the store server.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the transaction information section 2031. Each data registered in the transaction information section 2031 has the transaction code, terminal ID, product code, product name, price, and quantity information associated with each other. The information indicating the product code, product name, price, and quantity constitutes the product information of the purchased product.

[0025] In the item of the transaction code, a transaction code for specifying one transaction is registered. The transaction code is issued by the control unit 20 when the control unit 20 receives a transaction information request from the mobile terminal 4. In the item of the terminal ID, a terminal ID for identifying the mobile terminal 4 is registered. The terminal ID is set when a shopping application program is installed in the mobile terminal 4. In the item of the product code, a product code for identifying the product is registered. When there are multiple types of purchased products of customer C, multiple product codes are registered in the item of the product code.

[0026] In the item of product name, information indicating the name of the product is registered. In the item of price, information indicating the unit price of the product is registered. In the item of quantity, information indicating the quantity corresponding to the purchased product is registered. The information indicating the product name and price is read from the product master 212 described later based on the product code acquired by the control unit 20 from the mobile terminal 4. Further, when the control unit 20 acquires privilege information from the accounting device 3, the information indicating the price is rewritten to the information indicating the preferential price as necessary (when a preferential price is set for the purchased product).

[0027] The memory unit 21 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a flash memory, and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 21 stores the control program 211 and the product master 212.

[0028] The control program 211 is a program for realizing functions such as a function for managing store sales, a function for transmitting product information to the mobile terminal 4 in response to a request from the mobile terminal 4, a function for transmitting transaction information to the accounting device 3 in response to a request from the accounting device 3, and a function for transmitting transaction information based on the preferential price after discount to the accounting device 3 when receiving privilege information from the accounting device 3.

[0029] The product master 212 is a master file storing product information of products handled in the store. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the product master 212. Each data registered in the product master 212 has information indicating the product code, product name, price, and preferential price associated with each other. Since the products handled in the store change daily, the product master 212 is updated as appropriate.

[0030] The product code is a code for identifying a product and is an example of product identification information. The product name is information indicating the name of the product. The price is information indicating the unit price of the product. In the preferential price item, information indicating the preferential price, that is, the price after discount, is registered. The preferential price may be set for all products or only for some products determined by the store. Note that the information indicating the price and the preferential price may be the tax-included price including consumption tax or the body price not including consumption tax.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 2, the hardware configuration of the store server 2 will be described. The display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 22 displays a registration screen for registering various information in the product master 212.

[0032] The operation unit 23 is for inputting information to the control unit 20 and is composed of a keyboard, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 22, and the like. For example, the operation unit 23 inputs various information to be registered in the product master 212 to the control unit 20.

[0033] The communication unit 24 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the accounting device 3 and the mobile terminal 4. The control unit 20 can transmit and receive information (data) with the external device by being connected to the external device via the communication unit 24.

[0034] Subsequently, the main functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 20 of the store server 2. The control unit 20 functions as an input unit 2001, a registration unit 2002, a transaction information processing unit 2003, and an output unit 2004 by operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 202 and the memory unit 21 by the CPU 201. Note that each of these functions may be configured by hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0035] In the input unit 2001, various types of information are input from the accounting device 3, the mobile terminal 4, and the like. For example, in the input unit 2001, the product code and the terminal ID read by the mobile terminal 4 by the customer C during shopping are input from the mobile terminal 4. Further, when the customer C inputs an accounting instruction to the mobile terminal 4, a transaction information request is input to the input unit 2001 from the mobile terminal 4. Furthermore, a transaction information request, privilege available information, or privilege not available information, etc. are input to the input unit 2001 from the accounting device 3.

[0036] The registration unit 2002 registers information in the transaction information unit 2031. Specifically, the registration unit 2002 reads out product information corresponding to the product code input from the mobile terminal 4 to the input unit 2001 from the product master 212 and registers it in the transaction information unit 2031. Also, when a transaction information request is input from the mobile terminal 4 to the input unit 2001, the registration unit 2002 issues a transaction code and registers it in the transaction information unit 2031.

[0037] The transaction information processing unit 2003 executes necessary processing related to transaction information. For example, when the terminal ID and a transaction information request are input from the mobile terminal 4 to the input unit 2001, the transaction information processing unit 2003 reads out the transaction information corresponding to the terminal ID from the transaction information unit 2031 and calculates the transaction amount. Also, when a transaction code and privilege available information are input from the accounting device 3 to the input unit 2001, the transaction information processing unit 2003 reads out the transaction information corresponding to the transaction code from the transaction information unit 2031 and checks whether there is a product with a discounted price set. If there is a product with a discounted price set, the transaction information processing unit 2003 reads out the discounted price of the product from the product master 212 and rewrites the price item of the product in the transaction information unit 2031 to the discounted price. In addition, the transaction information processing unit 2003 recalculates the transaction amount of one transaction based on the rewritten discounted price. Note that the above calculation and recalculation of the transaction amount may be performed by the accounting device 3.

[0038] The output unit 2004 outputs various types of information to the accounting device 3 and the mobile terminal 4. For example, the output unit 2004 outputs the transaction information extracted by the transaction information processing unit 2003, the transaction amount calculated by the transaction information processing unit 2003, and the transaction ID issued by the registration unit 2002 to the mobile terminal 4. Further, the output unit 2004 outputs the transaction information rewritten by the transaction information processing unit 2003 and the transaction amount recalculated by the transaction information processing unit 2003 to the accounting device 3.

[0039] The store server 2 with the above configuration outputs the product information of the product identified by the product code to the mobile terminal 4 that has read the product code. As a result, the customer C can confirm the product information of the purchased product displayed on the mobile terminal 4. Further, the store server 2 outputs the product information of the product to which the privilege application is applied and the transaction amount to which the privilege application is applied to the accounting device 3 in which privilege information is input. As a result, the customer C can browse the product information and the transaction amount displayed on the accounting device 3 and confirm that a privilege has been granted, in other words, a discount has been made.

[0040] Next, the accounting device 3 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the accounting device 3. The accounting device 3 includes a control unit 30, a memory unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a scanner 34, a card reader 35, a change dispenser 36, and a communication unit 37. The control unit 30, the memory unit 31, the display unit 32, the operation unit 33, the scanner 34, the card reader 35, the change dispenser 36, and the communication unit 37 are connected to each other via a bus 38 or the like.

[0041] The control unit 30 is composed of a computer including a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301, the ROM 302, and the RAM 303 are connected to each other via a bus 38.

[0042] The CPU 301 controls the overall operation of the accounting device 3. The ROM 302 stores various programs such as the programs used to drive the CPU 301 and various data. The RAM 303 is used as a work area for the CPU 301 and expands various programs and various data stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31. The control unit 30 executes various control processes of the accounting device 3 by operating according to the control program stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 and expanded in the RAM 303 by the CPU 301.

[0043] Also, the RAM 303 includes a privilege transaction information section 3031. The privilege transaction information section 3031 stores information indicating whether a transaction by the customer C is subject to privilege grant, in other words, privilege transaction information indicating whether a transaction by the customer C is paid by a specific payment method.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the privilege transaction information section 3031. Each data registered in the privilege transaction information section 3031 has information indicating the presence or absence of privilege and a transaction code associated therewith.

[0045] In the item of presence or absence of privilege, information indicating whether the transaction specified by the corresponding transaction code is subject to privilege grant is registered. When privilege information is input from the operation unit 33 to the control unit 30, information indicating "privilege present" is registered in the item of presence or absence of privilege, and when privilege absence information is input from the operation unit 33 to the control unit 30, information indicating "privilege absent" is registered in the item of presence or absence of privilege. In the item of transaction code, a transaction code specifying one transaction is registered. The transaction code is the transaction code read by the scanner 34.

[0046] The memory unit 31 is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or a flash memory and maintains the stored content even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 31 stores the control program 311.

[0047] The control program 311 is a program for realizing functions such as a function of causing the display unit 22 to display various selection screens such as a selection screen for selecting any payment method from a plurality of payment methods, a function of accepting input of privilege information or non-privilege information, and the like.

[0048] The display unit 32 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel and displays various information. For example, the display unit 32 displays transaction information and transaction amounts acquired from the store server 2. In addition, the display unit 32 displays a selection screen for selecting a payment method for the purchase price. Further, the display unit 32 displays a selection screen for selecting privilege information or non-privilege information, that is, a selection screen for selecting whether to use payment by specific electronic money. The display unit 32 displays various other screens.

[0049] The operation unit 33 is for inputting information to the control unit 30 and is composed of, for example, a touch panel provided on the surface of the display unit 32. The operation unit 33 is operated by the customer C and inputs various information to the control unit 30. For example, the operation unit 33 inputs the information selected on various selection screens displayed on the display unit 32 to the control unit 30.

[0050] The scanner 34 reads a transaction code for specifying a transaction from the barcode displayed on the mobile terminal 4 of the customer C. When the customer C makes a payment by electronic money using the shopping app, the scanner 34 reads information necessary for the payment from the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal 4 of the customer C.

[0051] The card reader 35 reads credit information necessary for credit card settlement from the credit card of the customer C. Also, when the customer C makes a payment by an electronic money card or a gift card, the card reader 35 reads information necessary for the payment from these cards.

[0052] The change machine 36 accepts the banknotes and coins paid by the customer C when the customer C pays the purchase price in cash and pays out change as necessary.

[0053] The communication unit 37 is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the store server 2 and the mobile terminal 4. By being connected to an external device via the control unit 30, the control unit 30 can transmit and receive information (data) to and from the external device.

[0054] Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main functional configuration of the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3. The control unit 30 functions as an input unit 3001, an output unit 3002, an acquisition unit 3003, a display processing unit 3004, and an accounting processing unit 3005 by operating according to a control program stored in the ROM 302 and the memory unit 31 by the CPU 301. Note that each of these functions may be configured using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

[0055] The input unit 3001 receives privilege information indicating that the customer C makes a payment by a specific payment method to which a privilege is granted to the customer C, or privilege non-information indicating that the customer C makes a payment by another payment method that is not a specific payment method. Specifically, information indicating whether to make a payment by specific electronic money is input to the input unit 3001 by operating the operation unit 33. Note that the privilege information and the privilege non-information may be input from the mobile terminal 4.

[0056] In addition, a transaction code read from a barcode displayed on the mobile terminal 4 by the scanner 34 is input to the input unit 3001. Various other information is input to the input unit 3001. For example, information indicating the start of accounting processing and information indicating the payment method selected by the customer C are input to the input unit 3001 from the operation unit 33.

[0057] The output unit 3002 outputs various information. For example, when a transaction code and privilege information are input to the input unit 3001, the output unit 3002 outputs a transaction information request to the store server 2 together with the transaction code and the privilege information. Similarly, when a transaction code and privilege non-information are input to the input unit 3001, the output unit 3002 outputs a transaction information request to the store server 2 together with the transaction code and the privilege non-information.

[0058] The acquisition unit 3003 acquires the transaction information of one transaction on the condition that privilege information or non-privilege information is input to the input unit 3001. Specifically, the acquisition unit 3003 acquires the transaction information output by the store server 2 in response to the transaction information request output by the output unit 3002 after the privilege information or non-privilege information is input to the input unit 3001. Note that the acquisition unit 3003 may acquire the transaction information from the mobile terminal 4. In this case, when privilege information is input to the input unit 3001, the accounting device 3 recalculates the transaction amount.

[0059] The display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a selection screen on which any one of a plurality of payment methods can be selected. Further, when privilege information is input to the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 displays a selection screen on which only a specific payment method can be selected. For example, when privilege information is input to the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 grays out an icon for selecting a payment method other than the specific payment method on the selection screen on which the payment method can be selected. Alternatively, when privilege information is input to the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 may display only an icon for selecting a specific payment method on the selection screen on which the payment method can be selected.

[0060] Further, the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display an input screen for inputting privilege information or non-privilege information. Specifically, when information indicating the start of accounting processing is input to the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display an input screen for inputting whether to make a payment using specific electronic money.

[0061] The accounting processing unit 3005 executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit 3003. The accounting processing is processing for the customer C to pay the purchase price. In the case of payment in cash, the accounting processing includes processing for calculating and displaying change, and processing for instructing the change machine to issue the change. Further, the accounting processing includes communication with a settlement server for completing the settlement in the case of cashless settlement using electronic money, a credit card, or the like.

[0062] The outline of the operation of the accounting system 1 with the above configuration will be described. FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the accounting system 1. This sequence chart shows the operation when a specific payment method is selected, that is, when privilege information is input.

[0063] When customer C shops at the store, the mobile terminal 4 activates the shopping application program by the operation of the customer C or by detecting that the mobile terminal 4 is located inside the store (step S1). The mobile terminal 4 reads the product code of the purchased product using a camera or the like provided in the own device (step S2). The mobile terminal 4 transmits (outputs) the terminal ID for identifying the own device and the read product code to the store server 2 (step S3).

[0064] The store server 2 registers transaction information in the transaction information section 2031 based on the received terminal ID and product code (step S4). More specifically, the store server 2 reads product information corresponding to the received product code from the product master 212. Then, the store server 2 associates the received terminal ID with the read product information and registers it in the transaction information section 2031. Note that the product registration for registering product information performed in this step S4 may be performed by the mobile terminal 4.

[0065] The processes of steps S2 to S4 are performed each time the product code is read by the mobile terminal 4. When the reading of the product codes for all the purchased products of customer C is completed, an accounting instruction input is made to the mobile terminal 4 (step S5). When the accounting instruction input is made, the mobile terminal 4 transmits the terminal ID and a transaction information request to the store server 2 (step S6).

[0066] The store server 2 refers to the transaction information section 2031, extracts the transaction information corresponding to the terminal ID received from the mobile terminal 4, and calculates the total amount of the purchase price, that is, the transaction amount, based on the transaction information (step S7). At this time, the store server 2 issues a transaction code and registers it in the transaction information section 2031. Next, the store server 2 transmits the transaction information including the transaction code and the calculated transaction amount to the mobile terminal 4 (step S8).

[0067] The mobile terminal 4 displays the received transaction information and the transaction amount (step S9). The transaction information to be displayed is the product information included in the transaction information. In addition, the mobile terminal 4 barcodes the transaction code included in the received transaction information and displays it (step S10). The barcode indicating the transaction code is displayed on the display screen where the transaction information is displayed or on another display screen transitioned from the display screen.

[0068] Customer C moves to the installation location of the accounting device 3 and makes a payment with the accounting device 3. When making a payment, first, an accounting start input is made to the accounting device 3 (step S11). When customer C uses a specific payment method, privilege information is input to the accounting device 3 (step S12). Next, the accounting device 3 reads the transaction code from the barcode displayed on the mobile terminal 4 (step S13). Then, the accounting device 3 transmits a transaction information request to the store server 2 together with the input privilege information and the read transaction code (step S14).

[0069] The store server 2 extracts the transaction information corresponding to the received transaction code from the transaction information section 2031. If the transaction information includes product information of a product with a preferential price set, the store server 2 corrects the transaction information and recalculates the transaction amount (step S15). Specifically, the store server 2 rewrites the price corresponding to the product with the preferential price set among the prices stored in the transaction information section 2031 to the preferential price, and calculates the transaction amount based on the rewritten information. Subsequently, the store server 2 transmits the corrected transaction information and the recalculated transaction amount to the accounting device 3 (step S16).

[0070] The accounting device 3 executes accounting processing based on the received transaction information and the transaction amount (step S17). As a result, a privilege is granted to the customer C.

[0071] Next, the payment processing by the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the payment processing by the control unit 30 of the accounting device 3.

[0072] First, the control unit 30 determines whether an accounting start input has been made to the input unit 3001 (step S21). If not (N in step S21), the process returns to step S21 and waits.

[0073] When an accounting start input is made to the input unit 2001 (Y in step S21), the control unit 30 determines whether the customer C has selected to make a payment by a specific payment method, that is, by specific electronic money (step S22). Specifically, the control unit 30 determines whether privilege information has been input to the input unit 3001 by the operation of the customer C.

[0074] FIG. 11 is an input screen for inputting whether to make a payment by a specific payment method. That is, the selection screen shown in FIG. 11 is an example of an input screen for inputting privilege information or non-privilege information. The input screen is formed with a message display section A and a selection button display section B.

[0075] In the message display section A, for example, a message such as "Will you pay with ○○ card, ○○ app, ○○ gift card? If you pay with ○○ card, ○○ app, ○○ gift card, ○○ brand products will be discounted" is displayed. In the selection button display section B, a "Yes" button and a "No" button are displayed. When the "Yes" button is operated, payment by specific electronic money, which is a specific payment method, is selected and privilege information is input to the control unit 30. When the "No" button is operated, payment by specific electronic money is not selected and non-privilege information is input to the control unit 30.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 10, when a specific payment method is selected (Y in step S22), in other words, when the "Yes" button in FIG. 11 is operated, the control unit 30 registers "Yes" for the privilege in the privilege transaction information unit 3031 (step S23). On the other hand, when a specific payment method is not selected (N in step S22), in other words, when the "No" button in FIG. 11 is operated, the control unit 30 registers "No" for the privilege in the privilege transaction information unit 3031 (step S24).

[0077] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether a transaction code has been input from the scanner 34 to the input unit 3001 (step S25). In other words, the control unit 30 determines whether the scanner 34 has read the barcode displayed on the customer C's mobile terminal 4.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a guidance screen for guiding the customer C to read the transaction code. A character display section C and an illustration display section D are formed on the guidance screen. These character display section C and illustration display section D provide guidance on the operation of causing the scanner 34 to read the barcode displayed on the mobile terminal 4.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 10, when the transaction code is not input to the input unit 3001 (N in step S25), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S25 and waits. When the transaction code is input to the input unit 3001 (Y in step S25), the output unit 3002 outputs a transaction information request to the store server 2 together with the transaction code (step S26). At this time, in the privilege transaction information unit 3031, when "Yes" is registered in the item indicating whether there is a privilege corresponding to the transaction code input to the input unit 3001, that is, when a specific payment method has been selected by the customer C, the output unit 3002 also outputs privilege information. Also, when "No" is registered in the above item indicating whether there is a privilege, the output unit 3002 outputs privilege absence information together with the transaction information request.

[0080] Next, the control unit 30 determines whether the acquisition unit 3003 has acquired transaction information from the store server 2 (step S27). If the transaction information has not been acquired (N in step S27), the process returns to step S27 and waits. When the acquisition unit 3003 acquires the transaction information from the store server 2 (Y in step S27), the display processing unit 3004 displays a transaction information display screen on the display unit 32 (step S28).

[0081] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transaction information display screen. On the transaction information display screen, a message display section E, a product information display section F, and a transaction amount display section G are formed. Also, on the transaction information display screen, buttons for calling a store clerk, buttons for canceling a transaction, and buttons for proceeding to settlement processing are displayed.

[0082] The message display section E displays a message for guiding the customer C to perform an operation. The product information display section F displays the product information included in the transaction information, more specifically, the product name, quantity, and price. The transaction amount display section G displays the transaction amount, that is, the total amount of the purchased products.

[0083] Returning to FIG. 10, when the button for proceeding to the settlement processing in FIG. 13 is operated, the control unit 30 determines whether the item indicating the presence or absence of a privilege in the privilege transaction information section 3031 has "Yes" registered for the privilege (step S29). If "Yes" is registered for the privilege (Y in step S29), that is, if a specific payment method has been selected by the customer C, the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a first selection screen (step S30).

[0084] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first selection screen. On the first selection screen, a message display section H, a payment method selection section I, and a transaction amount display section J are formed. Also, on the first selection screen, buttons for checking the balance of electronic money, buttons for calling a store clerk, and buttons for returning to the previous screen are displayed.

[0085] The message display unit H displays a message for guiding the customer C to perform an operation. The payment method selection unit I displays a plurality of icons for the customer to select a payment method. However, icons other than the icon for selecting payment by specific electronic money are grayed out so that information is not input to the control unit 30 even if the customer C operates them. As a result, payment by a specific payment method is surely performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent fraud such as receiving benefits without using a specific payment method. The transaction amount display unit J displays the transaction amount. The first selection screen shown in FIG. 14 is an example of a selection screen in which only a specific payment method can be selected when privilege information is input to the input unit 3001.

[0086] Returning to FIG. 10, the control unit 30 determines whether a specific payment method (payment by specific electronic money) has been selected (step S31). When a specific payment method is selected (Y in step S31), in other words, when an icon that is not grayed out on the first selection screen shown in FIG. 14 is operated, the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a second selection screen (step S32).

[0087] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the second selection screen. The second selection screen is formed with a payment method selection unit K and a transaction amount display unit L. Also, on the second selection screen, similar to the first selection screen, buttons for checking the balance of electronic money, buttons for calling a store clerk, and buttons for returning to the previous screen are also displayed.

[0088] The payment method selection unit K displays a plurality of icons for making a payment by specific electronic money. In other words, all the icons displayed on the payment method selection unit K correspond to a specific payment method. More specifically, the payment method selection unit K displays an icon for making a payment using an electronic money card, an icon for making a payment using an application program linked to the electronic money card, and an icon for making a payment using a gift card. The transaction amount display unit L displays the transaction amount.

[0089] Returning to FIG. 10, the control unit 30 determines whether any payment method has been selected (step S33). When a payment method is selected (Y in step S31), in other words, when any of the icons shown in FIG. 15 is operated, the control unit 30 determines whether the balance of the electronic money is insufficient (step S34). For example, the control unit 30 communicates with an electronic money server that manages the balance based on the information of the electronic money card read by the card reader 35 to check the balance and determines whether the balance is insufficient. When the balance of the electronic money is insufficient (Y in step S34), the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a third selection screen (step S35).

[0090] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a third selection screen. A message display section O and a shortage information display section P are formed on the third selection screen. Also, a button for calling a store clerk and a plurality of buttons 321 to 323 are displayed on the third selection screen.

[0091] The message display section O displays a message indicating that it is necessary to call a store clerk when canceling the payment by specific electronic money, a message indicating that no privilege can be received when canceling the payment by specific electronic money, and a message for confirming whether all of the balance of the electronic money may be used. The shortage information display section P displays the total amount (transaction amount), the card balance (the balance of the electronic money), and the shortage amount. The third selection screen shown in FIG. 17 is an example of a screen that displays a message indicating that no privilege is granted for a payment method other than a specific payment method when the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for the transaction amount of one transaction.

[0092] Button 321 is a button for inputting information indicating that all of the card balance may be used. When button 321 is operated, a transition is made to a fourth selection screen described later. Button 322 is a button for charging cash to the electronic money card. When button 322 is operated, a transition is made to a charging screen (not shown). Button 323 is a button for inputting information indicating that payment is to be made by another payment method using specific electronic money, for example, payment by gift card or application program. When button 323 is operated, a transition is made to the first selection screen. Note that when button 323 is operated, a transition may be made to the second selection screen. When customer C wishes to cancel payment by specific electronic money, the customer operates the clerk call button.

[0093] Returning to FIG. 10, control unit 30 determines whether information indicating that the remaining balance of the electronic money is to be used has been input (step S36). In other words, control unit 30 determines whether button 321 has been operated on the third selection screen shown in FIG. 17. When information indicating that the remaining balance of the electronic money is to be used is input (Y in step S36), display processing unit 3004 causes display unit 32 to display the fourth selection screen (step S37).

[0094] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the fourth selection screen. On the fourth selection screen, a payment method selection section Q and a shortage amount display section R are formed. Also, on the fourth selection screen, a button for calling a clerk and a button for returning to the previous screen are displayed.

[0095] Payment method selection section Q displays a plurality of icons indicating payment methods that can be selected by customer C. On the first selection screen shown in FIG. 14, icons other than the icon for payment by specific electronic money are grayed out, but on the fourth selection screen, all icons can be selected. This is to enable customer C to receive benefits even if the remaining balance is paid by another payment method because at least a part of the transaction amount is paid by payment using specific electronic money. Note that benefits may be provided on the condition that the entire transaction amount is paid by payment using specific electronic money. Shortage amount display section R displays the shortage amount of the electronic money.

[0096] Returning to FIG. 10, the control unit 30 determines whether a payment method has been selected for the shortage amount (step S38). In other words, the control unit 30 determines whether any icon has been operated on the fourth selection screen shown in FIG. 18. If the payment method is not selected (N in step S38), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S38 and waits.

[0097] When the payment method is selected (Y in step S38), the accounting processing unit 3005 executes accounting processing (step S39). Then, the control unit 30 ends the payment process.

[0098] In addition, in the process of step S29, if the privilege "none" is registered (N in step S29), the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a fifth selection screen (step S40).

[0099] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the fifth selection screen. The fifth selection screen is formed with a payment method selection section M and a transaction amount display section N. Also, on the fifth selection screen, a button for calling a store clerk and a button for returning to the previous screen are displayed.

[0100] Similar to the payment method selection section I on the first selection screen shown in FIG. 14, the payment method selection section M displays a plurality of icons for the customer to select a payment method. However, contrary to the above payment method selection section I, only the icon for selecting payment by specific electronic money is grayed out, and the other icons are not grayed out. Thus, even if the customer C operates the icon for selecting payment by specific electronic money, no information is input to the control unit 30. The transaction amount display section G displays the transaction amount.

[0101] Returning to FIG. 10, the control unit 30 determines whether a payment method has been selected (step S41). In other words, the control unit 30 determines whether any of the non - grayed - out icons has been operated on the fifth selection screen shown in FIG. 16.

[0102] If a payment method is not selected (N in step S41), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S41 and waits. If a payment method is selected (Y in step S41), the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S39.

[0103] In the process of step S31, if a specific payment method is not selected (N in step S31), the control unit 30 determines whether a clerk call has been input to the input unit 3001 (step S42). That is, the control unit 30 determines whether the customer C has called the clerk to cancel the payment by specific electronic money.

[0104] If there is no clerk call input (N in step S42), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S31. If there is a clerk call input (Y in step S42), the control unit 30 performs a call notification process (step S43). The call notification process is for calling the clerk and is executed, for example, by lighting a lighting unit (not shown) provided in the cash register 3 or outputting a call notification to a terminal device (not shown) held by the clerk. Then, the control unit 30 ends the payment process. In this case, the called clerk performs an operation to cancel the payment by specific electronic money so that the customer C can make a payment by another payment method.

[0105] In the process of step S33, if a payment method is not selected (N in step S33), the control unit 30 determines whether a clerk call has been input to the input unit 3001 (step S44). Similar to the process in step S42, the control unit 30 determines whether the customer C has called the clerk to cancel the payment by specific electronic money.

[0106] If there is no clerk call input (N in step S44), the control unit 30 returns to the process of step S33. If there is a clerk call input (Y in step S44), it proceeds to the process of step S43.

[0107] Through the above payment process, when customer C selects a specific payment method, the customer can receive a privilege, that is, a preferential service. In addition, when a specific payment method is selected by customer C, since the payment is surely made by the selected payment method, fraud by the customer can be suppressed.

[0108] As described above, the accounting device according to the first embodiment is an accounting device 3 that executes accounting processing for customer C to make a payment related to one transaction by operating customer C, and includes a display processing unit 3004 that causes a display unit 32 to display a selection screen (fifth selection screen) on which any payment method can be selected from a plurality of payment methods, and an input unit 3001 into which privilege information indicating that customer C makes a payment by a specific payment method to which a privilege is given is input. When the privilege information is input into the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 displays a selection screen (first selection screen) on which only the specific payment method can be selected.

[0109] Thereby, when customer C selects a specific payment method that is a condition for receiving a privilege, the payment can be surely made by the selected specific payment method. Therefore, after customer C selects a specific payment method that is a condition for receiving a privilege, fraud of making a payment by another payment method can be suppressed.

[0110] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that when a payment method other than the specific payment method is selected by customer C after the privilege information is input, an error message is displayed without accepting the selection operation. Hereinafter, the description of the same configurations and functions as those of the first embodiment may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0111] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of payment processing by the control unit 20 of the accounting apparatus 3 according to the second embodiment. Differences from the payment processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 10 will be described. The processing from step S21 to step S29 is the same as the payment processing in the first embodiment.

[0112] In the process of step S29, if the privilege "yes" is registered (Y in step S29), the display processing unit 3004 causes the fourth selection screen shown in FIG. 18 to be displayed on the display unit 32 (step S51). That is, the display processing unit 3004 causes the display unit 32 to display a selection screen in which all payment methods are selectable even after privilege information is input.

[0113] Then, when a specific payment method ("XX payment" in FIG. 18) is selected on the fourth selection screen (Y in step S31), the processing after step S32 is executed. When a payment method other than the specific payment method is selected on the fourth selection screen (N in step S31), the display processing unit 3004 causes an error message display screen to be displayed on the display unit 32 (step S52).

[0114] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the error message display screen. On the error message display screen, an error message S is displayed on the fourth selection screen. That is, when the customer C selects a payment method other than the specific payment method on the fourth selection screen, the error message S is pop-up displayed. Note that when the customer C operates an icon of a payment method other than the specific payment method, the control unit 30 does not accept or invalidates the input information based on the operation. Then, the control unit 30 executes the processing after step S42.

[0115] Through the above payment process, similar to the first embodiment, when the customer C selects a specific payment method, the customer can receive a privilege, that is, a preferential service. Also, if an operation is performed to execute another payment method even though a specific payment method has been selected by the customer C, the accounting device 3 displays a prompt for payment using the selected payment method and does not accept an operation to execute another payment method. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, when a specific payment method is selected by the customer C, payment is surely made using the selected payment method, so fraud by the customer can be suppressed.

[0116] As described above, the accounting device 3 of the second embodiment is an accounting device 3 that executes accounting processing for the customer C to make a payment related to one transaction by the operation of the customer C, and includes a display processing unit 3004 that causes the display unit 32 to display a selection screen (fifth selection screen) on which any one of a plurality of payment methods can be selected, and an input unit 3001 into which privilege information indicating that the customer C makes a payment using a specific payment method to which a privilege is given is input. When the privilege information is input into the input unit 3001, the display processing unit 3004 displays an error message S when a payment method other than the specific payment method is selected.

[0117] Thereby, similar to the first embodiment, after the customer C selects a specific payment method that is a condition for receiving a preferential service, fraud of making a payment using another payment method can be suppressed.

[0118] Also, the display processing unit 3004 of the accounting device 3 of the first and second embodiments causes the display unit 32 to display an input screen for inputting privilege information or non-privilege information.

[0119] Thereby, the customer C can input privilege information or non-privilege information when paying the purchase price. Therefore, since the above input can be performed in a series of operations for making a payment by the accounting device 3, it is easy for the customer C to operate.

[0120] (Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that privilege information can be input from the mobile terminal 4. In the following description as well, the description of the same configurations and functions as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0121] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the data configuration of the transaction information section 2031 provided in the RAM 203 of the store server 2 according to the third embodiment. In the transaction information section 2031, information indicating the presence or absence of a privilege is also registered in association with a transaction code or the like. The information indicating the presence or absence of a privilege is registered based on the privilege information or non-privilege information received from the mobile terminal 4.

[0122] The operation of the accounting system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 22 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the accounting system 1 according to the third embodiment. This sequence chart shows the operation when privilege information is input, similar to FIG. 9. Differences from the processing of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9 will be described. The processing from step S1 to step S5 is the same as the processing of the first embodiment.

[0123] When a specific payment method is selected by the operation of the customer C and privilege information is input to the mobile terminal 4 (step S61), the mobile terminal 4 transmits the terminal ID, a transaction information request, and the privilege information to the store server 2 (step S62).

[0124] The store server 2 registers the privilege information in the transaction information including the received terminal ID, and corrects the transaction information as necessary (step S63). Specifically, if there is a product with a preferential price set among the products stored in the transaction information section 2031, the store server 2 corrects the transaction information by rewriting the price corresponding to the product to the preferential price. At this time, the store server 2 issues a transaction code and registers it in the transaction information section 2031.

[0125] In addition, when the store server 2 receives no privilege information from the mobile terminal 4, it registers the no privilege information in the transaction information section 2031 and does not correct the transaction information. The processing from step S7 to step S13 is the same as the processing in the first embodiment.

[0126] When the accounting device 3 reads the transaction code from the mobile terminal 4 (step S13), it transmits the transaction code and the transaction information request to the store server 2 (step S64). The store server 2 extracts the transaction information and the transaction amount based on the received transaction code (step S65). The subsequent processing is the same as the processing in the first embodiment.

[0127] As described above, according to the third embodiment, the customer C can input privilege information using the mobile terminal 4. Therefore, the operations of the customer C on the accounting device 3 can be reduced. Thus, according to the third embodiment, in addition to suppressing fraud by the customer C, the efficiency of customer reception by the accounting device 3 can be improved. Further, the customer C can confirm the preferential price using the mobile terminal 4.

[0128] Also, each accounting device 3 in the first to third embodiments described above can have no privilege information indicating that the customer C pays by a payment method other than a specific payment method input to the input section 3001. On the condition that privilege information or no privilege information is input to the input section 3001, the accounting device 3 further includes an acquisition section 3003 that acquires transaction information for one transaction, and an accounting processing section 3005 that executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition section 3003.

[0129] Thereby, the accounting device 3 can acquire transaction information corresponding to the input privilege information or no privilege information. For example, if privilege information is input after the accounting device 3 has acquired transaction information to which the preferential service is not applied, it is necessary to acquire the transaction information to which the preferential service is applied again. However, according to the accounting device 3 in each embodiment, such re-acquisition of transaction information does not occur, and smooth accounting processing becomes possible.

[0130] In addition, when the balance of prepaid electronic money is insufficient for the transaction amount of one transaction, the display processing unit 3004 of the accounting device 3 according to the first to third embodiments displays a message indicating that no privilege is given for payment methods other than specific payment methods.

[0131] Thereby, when the customer C changes to another payment method in a state where the balance of the electronic money, which is a specific payment method, is insufficient, the accounting device 3 can make the customer C recognize that no privilege is given. For this reason, troubles that may occur between the store and the customer C can be prevented in advance.

[0132] In each of the above embodiments, the control programs executed by the devices of the store server 2, the accounting device 3, and the mobile terminal 4 may be configured to be recorded and provided on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Further, the control programs executed by the above devices may be configured to be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded via the network. Furthermore, it may be configured to be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0133] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described. However, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0134] 3 Accounting device 32 Display unit 3001 Input unit 3002 Output unit 3003 Acquisition unit 3004 Display processing unit 3005 Accounting processing unit

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0135]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. An accounting device that executes accounting processing for a customer to make a payment related to one transaction by the customer's operation, comprising: a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a selection screen on which any one of a plurality of payment methods can be selected; an input unit into which privilege information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a specific payment method to which a privilege is granted to the customer is input; and when the privilege information is input to the input unit, the display processing unit displays a selection screen on which only the specific payment method can be selected. An accounting device characterized by the above.

2. An accounting device that executes accounting processing for a customer to make a payment related to one transaction by the customer's operation, comprising: a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a selection screen on which any one of a plurality of payment methods can be selected; an input unit into which privilege information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a specific payment method to which a privilege is granted to the customer is input; and when the privilege information is input to the input unit, the display processing unit displays an error message when a payment method other than the specific payment method is selected. An accounting device characterized by the above.

3. The input unit can input privilege-free information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a payment method other than the specific payment method. An acquisition unit that acquires transaction information of the one transaction on condition that the privilege information or the privilege-free information is input to the input unit; An accounting processing unit that executes accounting processing based on the transaction information acquired by the acquisition unit. The accounting device according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising the above.

4. The input unit can input privilege-free information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a payment method other than the specific payment method. The display processing unit causes the display unit to display an input screen for inputting the privilege information or the privilege-free information. The accounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. The specific payment method is a payment method using prepaid electronic money. When the balance of the electronic money is insufficient for the transaction amount of the one transaction, the display processing unit displays a message indicating that no privilege is granted for a payment method other than the specific payment method. The accounting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. A program for controlling, by a computer, an accounting device that executes accounting processing for a customer to make a payment related to one transaction by the operation of the customer, wherein the computer is caused to function as a display processing unit that causes a display unit to display a selection screen on which any one payment method can be selected from a plurality of payment methods, and an input unit into which privilege information indicating that the customer makes a payment by a specific payment method to which a privilege is granted to the customer is input, and the display processing unit causes the display unit to display a selection screen on which only the specific payment method can be selected when the privilege information is input into the input unit. A program for causing the above functions to be performed.

Images