Payment device and program

Abstract

To enable smooth settlement by a self-operation of a customer even if an unmanned store system has malfunction.SOLUTION: A settlement device includes acquisition means, display control means, correction reception means, first settlement means and second settlement means. The acquisition means acquires information on a commodity obtained by a settling person in a commodity selling area from an external system. The display control means allows a display device to display the information on the commodity acquired by the acquisition means. The correction reception means receives a correction instruction for the information on the commodity. The first settlement means makes settlement on the basis of the information on the commodity acquired by the acquisition means when receiving no correction instruction. The second settlement means discards the information on the commodity acquired by the acquisition means and makes settlement on the basis of information acquired via an input device when receiving the correction instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device and a program therefor. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, unmanned store systems have been developed that associate products purchased by customers in a product sales area with the customers in real time, and when the customers enter the payment area, display information about the products associated with the customers on a display device of a payment device, allowing them to make payments. These systems are already in practical use in train station kiosks, etc. In such unmanned store systems, there is a demand for payment devices that customers can operate themselves and make payments smoothly even if there is a malfunction in the system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-108208 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a payment device that allows customers to operate it themselves and make payments smoothly even if there is a malfunction in the unmanned store system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the payment device includes an acquisition means, a display control means, a correction receiving means, a first payment means, and a second payment means. The acquisition means acquires information about a product that a payer has purchased in a product sales area from an external system. The display control means displays the product information acquired by the acquisition means on a display device. The correction receiving means receives an instruction to correct the product information. If the first payment means does not accept a correction instruction, it makes a payment based on the product information acquired by the acquisition means. If the second payment means accepts a correction instruction, it discards the product information acquired by the acquisition means and makes a payment based on the product information acquired via the input device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a store 1 in which an unmanned store system is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in a transaction file. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the payment terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the payment terminal. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the payment terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the payment terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main steps of the information processing executed by the processor of the payment terminal. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the initial screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the member confirmation screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the shopping bag selection screen. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the statement screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment selection screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment completion screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment cancellation screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the confirmation screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the calling screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a payment device that allows customers to make payments smoothly by themselves even if there is a malfunction in the unmanned store system will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] [Unmanned store system configuration explanation] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a store 1 in which an unmanned store system has been implemented. Store 1 includes a product sales area 2, a payment area 3, and a sales clerk area 4. The product sales area 2 is an area where product shelves are installed on which multiple items are displayed by item. The payment area 3 is an area where customers who purchase products in the product sales area 2 make payments. The sales clerk area 4 is an area where sales clerks are on standby to replenish products, deal with system failures, etc.

[0009] The product sales area 2 has an entrance / exit 5 through which customers can enter and exit. The payment area 3 has an exit 6 through which customers can exit the store after completing payment. The product sales area 2 and the payment area 3 are separated by a partition. An entrance 7 is formed in the partition. A gate 70 is provided at the entrance 7.

[0010] Customers who enter product sales area 2 through entrance 5 pick up the products they wish to purchase from those displayed on the shelves. They can hold the products in their hands or place them in a bag or similar. Once they have acquired the products, they enter payment area 3 through entrance 7. By entering payment area 3, customers become payment persons. Once they have become payment persons, they pay for the products they have acquired themselves. Once they have completed payment, they leave store 1 through exit 6.

[0011] The product sales area 2 of such a store 1 is configured with a flow line tracking system 21, a behavior detection system 22, a product identification system 23, a file system 24, and a gate system 25. The payment area 3 is equipped with a payment terminal 30 as a payment device that supports self-operation by customers. The clerk area 4 is equipped with a clerk terminal 40.

[0012] The clerk terminal 40 is a terminal that performs an alerting operation in response to a call command from the payment terminal 30. The alerting operation is performed by sound, voice, display, etc. The clerk terminal 40 may be carried by the clerk. When the clerk carries the clerk terminal 40, the clerk area 4 may be located away from the product sales area 2 and the payment area 3, as long as the clerk can respond promptly when a call is received.

[0013] The flow line tracking system 21 is a system that tracks the flow lines of customers who enter the product sales area 2 from the entrance / exit 5. The flow line tracking system 21 tracks the flow lines of customers by processing frame images taken by a number of video cameras attached to the ceiling or the like of the product sales area 2 in chronological order.

[0014] The behavior detection system 22 is a system that detects the behavior of a customer standing in front of a display shelf. For example, the behavior detection system 22 estimates the human skeleton by analyzing 3D images taken by a three-dimensional camera that captures an image of a customer standing in front of a product shelf, and detects the behavior of the customer picking up a product from the product shelf from the hand movements obtained by estimating the skeleton.

[0015] The product identification system 23 analyzes signals from sensors such as weight sensors and infrared sensors installed on the product shelves to identify products taken out from the product shelves. The movement tracking system 21, behavior detection system 22, and product identification system 23 are well-known systems used in existing unmanned store systems, so detailed explanations will be omitted here.

[0016] The file system 24 is a system that manages a transaction file 240 (see FIG. 2) that is created for each customer who enters the product sales area 2. The file system 24 can simultaneously manage the transaction files 240 of multiple customers.

[0017] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main data stored in the transaction file 240. As shown in the figure, the transaction file 240 stores the customer ID, the date and time of entry into the store, the number of items purchased n, product sales data for the number n, the total amount, a payment flag, a deletion flag, etc.

[0018] The customer ID is a unique code assigned to a customer by the flow line tracking system 21, which recognizes the customer who entered the product sales area 2 through the entrance / exit 5. The flow line tracking system 21 tracks the movement of the customer whose customer ID has been assigned within the product sales area 2. The entry date and time is the date and time when the customer who entered the product sales area 2 was recognized by the flow line tracking system 21.

[0019] The number of purchased items n is the number of items that the customer identified by the customer ID is presumed to have purchased from the shelf. Information on which items the customer purchased is determined by the behavior detection system 22 and the product identification system 23. The product sales data is information on the items presumed to have been purchased. The information includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, discount amount, sales amount, etc. The product code, product name, and unit price are information that is set in advance in the product master file. The number of items sold is the number of items identified by the product code purchased. The discount amount is the amount derived from the discount amount or discount rate if a discount amount or discount rate is set for the product identified by the product code. The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the number of items sold and subtracting the discount amount. The total amount is the sum of the sales amounts of the product sales data for the number of purchased items n. Note that in this embodiment, it is assumed that the tax levied on the product is inclusive of tax.

[0020] The payment flag is one-bit data used to identify whether or not a customer identified by the customer ID is a payer. In this embodiment, the value of the payment flag is "0" when the customer is not a payer, and "1" when the customer is a payer. Based on the flow tracked by the flow track system 21, it is possible to determine whether or not a customer has passed through the entrance 7 and entered the payment area 3 from the product sales area 2. When it is determined that a customer has entered the payment area 3, that customer becomes a payer. Then, the payment flag of the transaction file 240 that stores that customer ID changes from "0" to "1."

[0021] The deletion flag is one-bit data for identifying whether the transaction file 240 is in a deletion state. In this embodiment, the value of the deletion flag is "0" when the transaction file 240 is not in a deletion state, and the value of the deletion flag is "1" when the transaction file 240 is in a deletion state. The transaction file 240 must be saved until payment for the customer identified by the customer ID is completed. Once payment is completed, there is no need to save the transaction file 240. As a result, the deletion flag changes from "0" to "1." Such changes in the values ​​of the payment flag and deletion flag are controlled by the file system 24.

[0022] The gate system 25 is a system that controls the opening and closing of the gate 70 provided at the entrance 7. While the gate 70 is open by the gate system 25, customers can enter the payment area 3 through the entrance 7. However, when the gate 70 is closed, customers cannot enter the payment area 3. Furthermore, customers in the payment area 3 cannot return to the product sales area 2 through the entrance 7.

[0023] [Payment terminal configuration] 3 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of payment terminal 30. Payment terminal 30 includes processor 31, main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, communication interface 35, change dispenser interface 36, multiple device interfaces 371-374, and system transmission path 38. System transmission path 38 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. Payment terminal 30 constitutes a computer by connecting processor 31 with main memory 32, auxiliary storage device 33, clock 34, communication interface 35, change dispenser interface 36, and multiple device interfaces 371-374 via system transmission path 38. Payment terminal 30 connects various devices, including a touch panel 391, a scanner 392, a card reader 393, and a printer 394, to each of device interfaces 371-374, respectively.

[0024] The processor 31 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 31 controls each part to realize various functions of the payment terminal 30 in accordance with an operating system or an application program. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0025] The main memory 32 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 32 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 32 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 32 may store data required for the processor 31 to execute processes for controlling each part in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 32 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 31 as appropriate. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0026] The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be the auxiliary storage device 33. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the processor 31 when performing various processes, or data created by the processes in the processor 31. The auxiliary storage device 33 may also store the application programs described above.

[0027] The clock 34 keeps track of the date and time. The processor 31 processes the date and time kept by the clock 34 as the current date and time.

[0028] The communication interface 35 is a circuit for performing data communication with an external computer system via a communication network. The external computer system includes the file system 24 and gate system 25 described above.

[0029] The change machine interface 36 is a circuit for communicating data with the automatic change machine 300. The automatic change machine 300 has the function of counting the number of banknotes or coins inserted through an insertion slot by denomination to determine the inserted amount and outputting the inserted amount data to the payment terminal 30, and the function of dispensing banknotes or coins equivalent to the change from a dispensing slot based on the change data received from the payment terminal 30. In other words, the change machine interface 36 has the function of receiving the inserted amount data from the automatic change machine 300 and the function of transmitting the change data to the automatic change machine 300.

[0030] Device interface 371 is a circuit for performing data communication with touch panel 391. Touch panel 391 is a display device capable of displaying display elements such as characters, symbols, and images on a display screen. Touch panel 391 is also an input device that detects a touch operation position on the display screen with a sensor and processes the display element at that position as if it were input.

[0031] Device interface 372 is a circuit for communicating data with scanner 392. Scanner 392 is an optical input device that reads machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes by scanning them with light. Scanner 392 may also be an imaging input device that reads machine-readable codes from images captured by a camera. Scanner 392 can read not only machine-readable codes attached to products, etc., but also machine-readable codes displayed on the display of a device such as a smartphone.

[0032] The device interface 373 is a circuit for communicating data with the card reader 393. The card reader 393 is an input device that reads data from a card medium such as a credit card, electronic money card, or membership card, and processes the read card data. The card reader 393 may be a magnetic card reader compatible with magnetic cards, or an IC card reader compatible with IC cards. A magnetic card reader and an IC card reader may also be used in combination. The IC card reader may be a contactless IC card reader or a contact IC card reader. The card reader may also be a card reader / writer with a data writing function.

[0033] The device interface 374 is a circuit for communicating data with the printer 394. The printer 394 is a printing device that prints transaction settlement data on paper media and issues a receipt. Note that the receipt may be issued to the customer as an electronic receipt instead of a paper receipt.

[0034] In order for the payment terminal 30 configured in this way to function as a payment device that allows customers to make payments smoothly by operating it themselves even if there is a malfunction in the unmanned store system, the processor 31 has the functions of an acquisition means 310, a display control means 311, a correction acceptance means 312, a first payment means 313, a second payment means 314, a first notification means 315, a call means 316, an opening / closing means 317, a cancellation acceptance means 318 and a second notification means 319.

[0035] The acquisition means 310 is a function that acquires information about the product that the payer purchased in the product sales area 2 from an external computer system. Specifically, the external computer system is the file system 24. That is, the acquisition means 310 acquires from the file system 24 data of the transaction file 240 in which a customer ID that identifies the payer is set.

[0036] The display control means 311 has a function of displaying on a display device the information about the products acquired by the acquisition means 310. Specifically, the display device is a touch panel 391. That is, the display control means 311 displays on the touch panel 391 the number of purchased products, the total amount, and information such as the product name, unit price, number of products sold, discount amount, and sales amount of one or more product sales data, which are stored in the transaction file 240 acquired by the acquisition means 310.

[0037] The correction receiving means 312 has a function of receiving a correction instruction for the product information. The correction instruction is generated, for example, by a touch operation on any display element displayed on the touch panel 391. That is, when the correction receiving means 312 detects a touch operation on any display element, it receives the operation as a correction instruction for the product information.

[0038] The first payment means 313 has a function of performing payment based on the product information acquired by the acquisition means 310 when a correction instruction has not been received. The second payment means 314 has a function of discarding the product information acquired by the acquisition means 310 when a correction instruction has been received, and performing payment based on the product information acquired via an input device. The input device is specifically a scanner 392. The input device may be a touch panel 391. The input device may be a combination of the scanner 392 and the touch panel 391.

[0039] The first notification means 315 has a function of notifying an external computer system, i.e., the file system 24, of the deletion of the product information acquired by the acquisition means 310, in response to the completion of payment by the first payment means 313 or the second payment means 314. Upon receiving this notification, the file system 24 deletes the corresponding transaction file 240. Specifically, the file system 24 changes the value of the deletion flag of the corresponding transaction file 240 from "0" to "1."

[0040] The calling means 316 has a function of outputting a signal to call an attendant when the acquisition means 310 fails to acquire product information. The signal is output to the store clerk terminal 40. Upon receiving this signal, the store clerk terminal 40 performs a notification operation to call an attendant. The notification operation is as described above.

[0041] The opening / closing means 317 has a function of closing the entrance 7 from the product sales area 2 to the payment area 3 when the payment person enters the payment area 3, and opening the entrance 7 when payment by the first payment method 313 or the second payment method 314 is completed. The opening / closing means 317 is linked to the gate system 25. Specifically, when the payment person enters the payment area 3, the opening / closing means 317 outputs a signal to the gate system 25 to close the gate 70 provided at the entrance 7. In response to this signal, the gate system 25 closes the gate 70. Thereafter, when the payment by the payment person is completed, the opening / closing means 317 outputs a signal to the gate system 25 to open the gate 70. In response to this signal, the gate system 25 opens the gate 70.

[0042] Cancellation receiving means 318 has a function of receiving a payment cancellation instruction based on the product information acquired by acquisition means 310. A cancellation instruction is generated, for example, by a touch operation on any display element displayed on touch panel 391. That is, when cancellation receiving means 318 detects a touch operation on any display element, it accepts the operation as a payment cancellation instruction.

[0043] When the second notification means 319 receives the cancellation instruction, it notifies the external computer system, i.e., the file system 24, of the deletion of the product information acquired by the acquisition means 310. In this case, the file system 24 also changes the value of the deletion flag of the corresponding transaction file 240 from "0" to "1."

[0044] The functions of the acquisition means 310, display control means 311, correction acceptance means 312, first payment means 313, second payment means 314, first notification means 315, calling means 316, opening / closing means 317, cancellation acceptance means 318, and second notification means 319 are realized by information processing executed by the processor 31 in accordance with a payment program. The payment program is installed in the auxiliary storage device 33. The payment program may also be installed in the main memory 32. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the payment program in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. The payment program can be installed in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 by recording it on a removable storage medium or by distributing it via communication over a network. The form of the storage medium is not important as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device, such as an SD memory card or USB memory.

[0045] [Explanation of the operation of the unmanned store system] 4 to 7 are flow charts showing the main steps of the information processing executed by processor 31 of payment terminal 30 in accordance with the payment program. Also, FIGS. 8 to 16 are examples of images displayed on touch panel 391 of payment terminal 30 in response to this information processing. Below, the main operations of an unmanned store system including payment terminal 30 are explained using each figure. The information processing steps and content explained below are examples. The steps and content can be modified as appropriate as long as similar effects can be achieved. Also, the images shown in FIGS. 8 to 16 are examples. The number of display elements, layout, text, etc. can be modified as appropriate.

[0046] First, when a customer enters the merchandise sales area 2 through the entrance / exit 5, a unique customer ID is assigned to that customer by the action of the flow line tracking system 21. Then, a transaction file 240 including that customer ID is created by the action of the file system 24. At this time, the values ​​of the settlement flag and deletion flag stored in the transaction file 240 are both "0".

[0047] When a customer moves within the product sales area 2, the customer's movement is tracked by the action of the movement line tracking system 21. Then, when the customer picks up a product to purchase from the product shelf, the action detection system 22 and the product identification system 23 identify the product, and product sales data is saved in a transaction file 240 that includes the customer ID of the customer. In addition, the number of purchased products n in the transaction file 240 is incremented by one, and the total price is calculated.

[0048] When a customer has acquired the products they wish to purchase, they pass through the open gate 70 and enter the payment area 3 from the entrance 7. If the gate 70 is blocked, the customer waits for the gate 70 to open before entering the payment area 3. When the flow tracking system 21 detects that a customer has entered the payment area 3 from the entrance 7, the value of the payment flag in the transaction file 240 that stores the customer ID of that customer is changed from "0" to "1." Thus, the customer who entered the payment area 3 becomes the payer. The customer who entered the payment area 3 operates the payment terminal 30 themselves to pay for the products they have acquired.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, processor 31 of payment terminal 30 displays an image of initial screen SCa (see Fig. 8) on touch panel 391 in ACT1. Then, processor 31 waits for a start operation in ACT2.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the initial screen SCa. As shown in the figure, the initial screen SCa has an image of a first button BTa with the text "Start" displayed on it and a second button BTb with the text "Do not purchase product. Leave the store." The first button BTa and the second button BTb are both software keys that are input by touch operation. Note that the third button BTc to the nineteenth button BTa, which will be described later, are also similar software keys. That is, the processor 31 waits for input of the first button BTa in ACT2.

[0051] After checking the initial screen SCa, the customer touches the first button BTa, which displays the text "Start." When the first button BTa is touched, processor 31 accepts the start operation. Processor 31 proceeds from ACT2 to ACT3.

[0052] Processor 31, as ACT3, functions as opening / closing means 317, and outputs a signal to gate system 25 instructing the closing of gate 70. Upon receiving this signal, gate system 25 closes gate 70. In this way, when a customer who has entered payment area 3 starts operating payment terminal 30, gate 70 is closed. Therefore, other customers can be prevented from entering payment area 3.

[0053] Furthermore, the processor 31, as ACT4, functions as the acquisition means 310 to output a signal to the file system 24 to request a transaction file 240 containing product sales data for the products acquired by the customer. Upon receiving this signal, the file system 24 selects a transaction file 240 whose settlement flag value is "1" and whose deletion flag value is "0" and transfers it to the settlement terminal 30. In principle, the only such transaction file 240 that exists is the transaction file 240 containing the customer ID of the customer who entered the settlement area 3.

[0054] After outputting the signal to the file system 24, the processor 31 displays an image of an inquiry screen on the touch panel 391 in ACT 5. This image may include, for example, the text "Inquiring about transaction details." In ACT 6, the processor 31 checks whether the transaction file 240 has been received within a predetermined time. If the transaction file 240 has been received within the predetermined time, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT 6 to ACT 7. However, if, for example, there is a communication problem between the file system 24 and the payment terminal 30 and the transaction file 240 cannot be received within the predetermined time, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT 6 to ACT 14. The processing from ACT 14 onward will be described later.

[0055] Upon receiving the transaction file 240, the processor 31 displays an image of the member confirmation screen SCb (see FIG. 9) on the touch panel 391 in ACT7.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the member confirmation screen SCb. As shown, the member confirmation screen SCb displays an image of a third button BTc displaying the text "Customer with a Membership Card" and a fourth button BTd displaying the text "Customer without a Membership Card." A customer who checks the member confirmation screen SCb touches the third button BTc if they are a member of store 1, and touches the fourth button BTd if they are a non-member. Furthermore, a customer who touches the third button BTc, i.e., a member customer, performs an operation to input their membership code into the payment terminal 30. For example, a customer who possesses a membership card with a recorded membership code has the data on the membership card read by card reader 393. A customer who has member-only application software installed on their smartphone scans the barcode or two-dimensional code representing the membership code displayed on their smartphone with scanner 392.

[0057] Having displayed the image of the member confirmation screen SCb, processor 31 waits in ACT8 for the third button BTc or the fourth button BTd to be pressed. When the third button BTc is pressed, processor 31 proceeds from ACT8 to ACT9. In ACT9, processor 31 acquires the member code. That is, when data on a member card is read by card reader 393, processor 31 acquires the member code from that data. When a barcode or two-dimensional code representing the member code is scanned by scanner 392, processor 31 acquires the member code from that barcode or two-dimensional code.

[0058] On the other hand, if the fourth button BTd is touched in ACT 8, the processor 31 skips the processing in ACT 9. After executing or skipping the processing in ACT 9, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 10. In ACT 10, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 391 to display an image of the shopping bag selection screen SCc (see FIG. 10).

[0059] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the shopping bag selection screen SCc. As shown in the figure, the shopping bag selection screen SCc has an image of a fifth button BTe with a "-" symbol and an image of a sixth button BTf with a "+" symbol, depending on the size of the shopping bag. The shopping bag selection screen SCc also has an image of a seventh button BTg with the text "Confirm" and an image of an eighth button BTh with the text "Do not purchase." Note that while FIG. 10 shows three sizes of shopping bags—"S size," "M size," and "L size"—there may be two or four or more sizes. Alternatively, there may be only one size of shopping bag. After checking the shopping bag selection screen SCc, customers determine whether or not they need a shopping bag. Customers who do not need a shopping bag touch the eighth button BTh. Customers who need a shopping bag operate the fifth button BTe or the sixth button BTf to set the number of bags of the desired size to purchase, and then touch the seventh button BTg.

[0060] After displaying the image of the shopping bag selection screen SCc, processor 31 waits in ACT11 for the seventh button BTg or the eighth button BTh to be pressed. When the seventh button BTg is pressed, processor 31 proceeds from ACT11 to ACT12. In ACT12, processor 31 adds the product sales data for the shopping bag to transaction file 240. For example, if a customer touches the seventh button BTg to purchase one "small size" shopping bag, processor 31 adds the product sales data for the "small size" shopping bag, its product code and product name, the unit price of 3 yen, the number of items sold of 1, the discount amount of 0 yen, and the sales amount of 3 yen to transaction file 240. In addition, processor 31 adds 1 to the number of items purchased n, increasing the total amount by 3 yen.

[0061] On the other hand, if the eighth button BTh is input by touch operation in ACT 11, the processor 31 skips the processing of ACT 12. After executing or skipping the processing of ACT 12, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 13. In ACT 13, the processor 31, by functioning as the display control means 311, causes the touch panel 391 to display an image of the detail screen SCd (see FIG. 11).

[0062] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the detail screen SCd. As shown in the figure, an image of a purchase item list TAa is displayed on the detail screen SCd. Also displayed on the detail screen SCd are images of a ninth button BTi displaying the text "Checkout," a tenth button BTj displaying the text "Edit," and an eleventh button BTk displaying the text "Cancel."

[0063] The purchased item list TAa is created based on the number of purchased items n contained in the transaction file 240, the product sales data for that number n, and the total price. Incidentally, the purchased item list TAa shown in FIG. 10 is a list for a customer who purchased one each of a small shopping bag with a unit price of 3 yen, product AAA with a unit price of 100 yen, and product BBB with a unit price of 200 yen and a discount of 10 yen. The customer checks the statement screen SCd and determines whether the contents of the purchased item list TAa are correct. If they are correct, the customer touches the ninth button BTi.

[0064] However, for example, when a customer acquires a product from a shelf, a malfunction in the product identification system 23 may cause the product sales data of a different product to be saved in the transaction file 240. Furthermore, a malfunction in the behavior detection system 22 may prevent the product sales data of the acquired product from being saved in the transaction file 240. Alternatively, when a customer moves from the product sales area 2 to the payment area 3, a malfunction in the movement tracking system 21 may cause the payment flag in the transaction file 240 of another customer to be changed to "1." When such a malfunction occurs in an unmanned store system, the contents of the purchased product list TAa displayed on the details screen SCd will be incorrect. In this case, the customer touches the tenth button BTj.

[0065] Furthermore, if a customer enters the payment area 3 but decides to cancel the payment because, for example, they have forgotten their wallet, they touch the 11th button BTk.

[0066] After displaying the image of the detail screen SCd, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT21 in FIG. 5. In ACT21, the processor 31 checks whether the ninth button BTi has been pressed. If the ninth button BTi has not been pressed, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 31, using its function as the correction receiving means 312, checks whether the tenth button BTj has been pressed. If the tenth button BTj has not been pressed, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT23. In ACT23, the processor 31, using its function as the cancellation receiving means 318, checks whether the eleventh button BTk has been pressed. If the eleventh button BTk has not been pressed, the processor 31 returns to ACT21. In this way, after displaying the image of the detail screen SCd, the processor 31 waits for the ninth button BTi, the tenth button BTj, or the eleventh button BTk to be pressed in ACT21 to ACT23.

[0067] In the standby state of ACT21 to ACT23, when the ninth button BTi displaying the text "Checkout" is pressed, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT21 to ACT24. In ACT24, the processor 31 causes the touch panel 391 to display an image of the payment selection screen SCe (see FIG. 12).

[0068] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment selection screen SCe. As shown in the figure, the payment selection screen SCe has a 12th button BTm with the text "Credit" displayed, a 13th button BTn with the text "Code Payment" displayed, a 14th button BTp with the text "Cash" displayed, and a 15th button BTq with the text "Electronic Money" displayed. After checking the payment selection screen SCe, a customer who wishes to pay the total amount by credit card touches the 12th button BTm. A customer who wishes to pay by code payment touches the 13th button BTn. A customer who wishes to pay by cash touches the 14th button BTp. A customer who wishes to pay by electronic money touches the 15th button BTq.

[0069] After displaying the image of the payment selection screen SCe, processor 31 waits for input of any of the twelfth button BTm, the thirteenth button BTn, the fourteenth button BTp, or the fifteenth button BTq in ACT 25. When input of any of the twelfth button BTm, the thirteenth button BTn, the fourteenth button BTp, or the fifteenth button BTq is received, processor 31 proceeds from ACT 25 to ACT 26. In ACT 26, processor 31, by functioning as first payment means 313, executes payment processing according to the selected payment method.

[0070] For example, when the 12th button BTm is pressed, i.e., when credit card payment is selected, processor 31 executes credit card payment processing based on the credit card data read by card reader 393. When the 13th button BTn is pressed, i.e., when code payment is selected, processor 31 executes code payment processing based on the barcode or two-dimensional code data read by scanner 392. When the 14th button BTp is pressed, i.e., when cash payment is selected, processor 31 executes cash payment processing in conjunction with automatic change dispenser 300. When the 15th button BTq is pressed, i.e., when electronic money payment is selected, processor 31 executes electronic money payment processing based on the electronic money data read by scanner 392 or card reader 393. These credit card payment processing, code payment processing, cash payment processing, and electronic money payment processing are well-known processes, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0071] After completing the payment process, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT 27. In ACT 27, the processor 31 controls the printer 394 to print a receipt. In ACT 28, the processor 31 also causes the touch panel 391 to display an image of the payment completion screen SCf (see FIG. 13).

[0072] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment completion screen SCf after the cash payment process has been completed. As shown in the figure, an image of an amount list TAb is displayed on the payment completion screen SCf. The amount list TAb displays the total points and total amount, the amount deposited in the automatic change dispenser 300, and the amount of change dispensed from the automatic change dispenser 300. After checking the payment completion screen SCf, the customer takes the receipt printed by the printer 394 and exits through the exit 6.

[0073] After displaying the image of the payment completion screen SCf, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT29. In ACT29, the processor 31, by functioning as the opening / closing means 317, outputs a signal to the gate system 25 instructing it to open the gate 70. Upon receiving this signal, the gate system 25 opens the gate 70. In this way, when the payment of the customer who entered the payment area 3 is completed, the gate 70 is opened. As a result, the next customer can enter the payment area 3.

[0074] Furthermore, the processor 31, as ACT30, functions as the first notification means 315, and outputs a signal to the file system 24 to request the deletion of the acquired transaction file, that is, the transaction file 240 received in ACT6. Upon receiving this signal, the file system 24 selects the transaction file 240 whose settlement flag value is "1" and whose deletion flag value is "0", and changes the value of the deletion flag of that transaction file 240 from "0" to "1". Then, the file system 24 returns an approval response signal to the payment terminal 30.

[0075] Processor 31, which has requested the deletion of transaction file 240, proceeds to ACT31. Processor 31 waits for an approval response signal in ACT31. Then, when processor 31 receives the approval response signal, processor 31 proceeds to ACT32. Processor 31 erases the payment completion screen SCf in ACT32. With this, processor 31 ends the information processing when the ninth button BTi on the detail screen SCd is input. Processor 31 returns to the idle state. Processor 31 returns the screen of touch panel 391 to the image of the initial screen SCa.

[0076] If the tenth button BTj, which displays the text "Edit," is pressed during the standby state of ACT21 to ACT23, processor 31 proceeds from ACT22 to ACT41 in FIG. 6. In ACT41, processor 31 determines whether a shopping bag has already been purchased. If product sales data for the shopping bag has been added to transaction file 240 in ACT12, processor 31 determines that the shopping bag has already been purchased. If a shopping bag has not already been purchased, processor 31 proceeds from ACT41 to ACT42. In ACT42, processor 31 deletes all product sales data stored in transaction file 240 received in ACT6. Therefore, the number of purchased items n becomes "0." The total amount becomes 0 yen.

[0077] On the other hand, if a shopping bag has already been purchased, processor 31 proceeds from ACT41 to ACT43. In ACT43, processor 31 deletes all product sales data except for the product sales data for the shopping bag from the transaction file 240 received in ACT6. Therefore, the number of purchased items n becomes "1." The total amount is the price of the purchased shopping bag.

[0078] After completing the processing of ACT42 or ACT43, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT44. In ACT44, the processor 31 updates the purchased item list TAa on the detail screen SCd. That is, after the processing of ACT42, the processor 31 updates the purchased item list TAa so that the product name, unit price, sales quantity, discount amount, and sales price of the purchased items are all cleared. After the processing of ACT43, the processor 31 updates the purchased item list TAa so that the product name, unit price, sales quantity, discount amount, and sales price of the purchased items are all cleared, excluding shopping bags.

[0079] After updating the details screen SCd, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT45. In ACT45, the processor 31 waits for product registration. For example, the processor 31 waits for the barcode of a product to be scanned by the scanner 392. Incidentally, a customer who touches the tenth button BTj, which displays the text "Edit," will scan the barcodes attached to the products purchased in the product sales area 2, one by one, with the scanner 392.

[0080] Each time a product barcode is scanned, processor 31 proceeds from ACT45 to ACT46. In ACT46, processor 31 adds to transaction file 240 the product sales data of the product identified by the product code obtained from the scanned barcode. This process displays the product name, unit price, sales quantity, discount amount, and sales price of the added product in the purchased product list TAa on the detail screen SCd. The total number of items and total price are also updated. Processor 31 then returns to ACT45 and waits for the barcode of the next product to be scanned.

[0081] After scanning the barcodes of all the purchased products, the customer touches the ninth button BTi on the receipt screen SCd, which displays the text "Checkout." In ACT47, the processor 31 checks whether the ninth button BTi has been pressed. If the ninth button BTi has been pressed, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT47 to ACT48. In ACT48, the processor 31 displays an image of the payment selection screen SCe on the touch panel 391. The image of the payment selection screen SCe is the same as the image described in the processing of ACT24 above. Thereafter, in ACT48 to ACT55, the processor 31 executes the same processing as ACT24 to ACT32 described above. That is, the processor 31, functioning as the second payment means 314, executes payment processing for the products scanned by the scanner 392 using the payment method selected on the payment selection screen SCe. The processor 31 controls the issuance of a receipt and displays an image of the payment completion screen SCf on the touch panel 391. The processor 31 outputs a signal to the gate system 25 instructing the gate 70 to be opened. The processor 31, functioning as the first notification means 315, outputs a signal to the file system 24 requesting the deletion of the transaction file 240 received in ACT6. Thereafter, upon receiving an approval response signal, the processor 31 erases the payment completion screen SCf. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing when the tenth button BTj on the statement screen SCd is input. The processor 31 returns to the idle state. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 391 to the image of the initial screen SCa.

[0082] Thus, the settlement with the customer who touched the tenth button BTj, which displays the text "Edit," is completed. The customer exits through exit 6. Furthermore, upon completion of the settlement, gate 70 is opened. The transaction file 240 received in ACT6 and managed by file system 24 has the value of the deletion flag changed from "0" to "1."

[0083] In the standby state of ACT21 to ACT23, if the eleventh button BTk displaying the text "Cancel" is pressed, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT23 to ACT61 in FIG. 7. In ACT61, the processor 31, by functioning as the second notification means 319, outputs a signal to the file system 24 to request deletion of the acquired transaction file 240, that is, the transaction file 240 received in ACT6. Then, in ACT62, the processor 31 waits for an acceptance response signal. Then, upon receiving the acceptance response signal, the processor 31 proceeds to ACT63. In ACT63, the processor 31 displays an image of the payment cancellation screen SCg (see FIG. 14) on the touch panel 391.

[0084] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the payment cancellation screen SCg. As shown in the figure, the payment cancellation screen SCg displays an image of a 16th button BTr with the text "Confirm" displayed along with a message indicating that the payment has been canceled. After checking the payment cancellation screen SCg, the customer touches the 16th button BTr.

[0085] After displaying the image of the payment cancellation screen SCg, the processor 31 waits for the 16th button BTr to be input in ACT 64. When the 16th button BTr is input by a touch operation, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT 64 to ACT 65. In ACT 65, the processor 31 displays the image of the confirmation screen SCh (see FIG. 15) on the touch panel 391.

[0086] 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the confirmation screen SCh. As shown in the figure, the confirmation screen SCh displays an image of a 17th button BTs with the text "Return to Shopping" and an 18th button BTt with the text "Exit Store," along with a message requesting the customer to confirm whether or not they have any unpaid items. A customer who checks the confirmation screen SCh determines whether or not they have any unpaid items. A customer who has unpaid items touches the 17th button BTs. A customer who has no unpaid items touches the 18th button BTt.

[0087] After displaying the image of the confirmation screen SCh, the processor 31 waits for the seventeenth button BTs to be pressed in ACT66 or the eighteenth button BTt to be pressed in ACT67. If the seventeenth button BTs is pressed while waiting for ACT66 and ACT67, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT66 to ACT68. The processor 31 displays an image of the statement screen SCd on the touch panel 391 in ACT68. At this point, the transaction file 240 acquired from the file system 24 has been deleted, and therefore the purchase item list TAa has been cleared. The processor 31 then proceeds to ACT45 in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the processor 31 executes the processes of ACT45 to ACT55 in the same manner as described above. However, the processes of ACT53 and ACT54 are skipped.

[0088] That is, a customer who has unpaid items uses scanner 392 to scan the barcodes of those unpaid items. After scanning all the barcodes of the items, the customer touches button 9 BTi, which displays the text "Checkout" on the detail screen SCd. This completes the payment with the customer who touches button 17 BTs, which displays the text "Return to Shopping." The customer then exits through exit 6. Furthermore, gate 70 opens upon completion of the payment.

[0089] If the 18th button BTt is pressed during the standby state of ACT66 or ACT67, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT67 to ACT69. In ACT69, the processor 31 outputs a signal to the gate system 25 instructing the gate 70 to be opened. In ACT70, the processor 31 also erases the confirmation screen SCh. With this, the processor 31 ends the information processing when the 11th button BTk on the detail screen SCd is pressed. The processor 31 returns to the idle state. The processor 31 returns the screen of the touch panel 391 to the image of the initial screen SCa.

[0090] That is, customers who have not yet paid for any products can exit through exit 6 without making a payment. Gate 70 is then opened.

[0091] The processing from ACT14 onwards in FIG. 4 will be explained. If the processor 31 fails to receive the transaction file 240 within the predetermined time in ACT6, then in ACT14, it outputs a signal to command a store clerk call to the store clerk terminal 40 by functioning as the calling means 316. The processor 31 also causes the touch panel 391 to display an image of the calling screen SCi (see FIG. 16).

[0092] 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the calling screen SCi. As shown in the figure, the calling screen SCi displays an image of the 19th button BTu with the text "Staff member will confirm" along with a message notifying the customer that a staff member is being called.

[0093] Upon receiving the clerk call command signal, the clerk terminal 40 executes a notification operation. After confirming this notification operation, the clerk moves to the payment area 3. The clerk then notifies the customer that an error has occurred that prevents the transaction file 240 from being acquired, and touches the 19th button BTu.

[0094] After displaying the image of the calling screen SCi, the processor 31 waits for the 19th button BTU to be pressed in ACT 16. When the 19th button BTU is pressed, the processor 31 proceeds from ACT 16 to ACT 17. The processor 31 erases the calling screen SCi in ACT 17. The processor 31 then proceeds to ACT 7. The processor 31 then executes the processes from ACT 7 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0095] Therefore, when a customer operates the member confirmation screen SCb and then the shopping bag selection screen SCc, the screen on the touch panel 391 changes to the details screen SCd. In this case, the customer touches the tenth button BTj, which has the text "Edit." The customer then scans the barcode of the purchased item with the scanner 392. By doing so, the customer can pay for the purchased item by themselves. The store clerk who is called can simply explain the operation procedure to the customer as described above.

[0096] As described above in detail, by using a payment terminal 30 equipped with a processor 31 having the functions of an acquisition means 310, a display control means 311, a correction acceptance means 312, a first payment means 313 and a second payment means 314, even if there is an error in the data of the transaction file 240 acquired from the file system 24 due to a malfunction of the unmanned store system, the customer can operate the payment terminal 30 themselves and make a smooth payment.

[0097] Furthermore, since the processor 31 has the function of the first notification means 315, not only the transaction file 240 of a customer who has completed payment, but also the transaction file 240 of another customer can be put into a deleted state if the transaction file 240 is transferred to the payment terminal 30 due to a system malfunction.

[0098] Furthermore, since the processor 31 functions as a calling means 316, even if the transaction file 240 cannot be obtained from the file system 24, a store clerk can come and quickly deal with the problem. As a result, the customer can operate the payment terminal 30 themselves and make a smooth payment.

[0099] The processor 31 also functions as an opening / closing means 317. Therefore, while one customer or a group of customers is making a payment, other customers cannot enter the payment area 3.

[0100] Moreover, since the processor 31 has the functions of the cancellation acceptance means 318 and the second notification means 319, a customer who enters the payment area 3 can also cancel the payment.

[0101] The above describes an embodiment of a payment device that allows customers to make payments smoothly by themselves even if there is a malfunction in the unmanned store system, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0102] For example, in the above embodiment, the product sales area 2 is illustrated as being equipped with the movement line tracking system 21, the behavior detection system 22, the product identification system 23, the file system 24, and the gate system 25. The configuration of the product sales area 2 is not limited to this. The key point is that it is sufficient that the payment terminal 30 is configured to be able to acquire information about the products purchased by the payer in the product sales area 2.

[0103] For example, if the system is applied to a store that does not have a membership system, the processes in ACT7 to ACT9 can be omitted in Fig. 4. Also, if the system is applied to a store that does not sell paid shopping bags, the processes in ACT10 to ACT12 can be omitted in Fig. 4.

[0104] It should be noted that the embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...store, 2...product sales area, 3...payment area, 4...clerk area, 21...traffic path tracking system, 22...behavior detection system, 23...product identification system, 24...file system, 25...gate system, 30...payment terminal, 31...processor, 32...main memory, 33...auxiliary storage device, 34...clock, 35...communication interface, 36...change machine interface, 40...clerk terminal, 240...transaction file, 300...automatic change machine, 310...acquisition means, 311...display control means, 312...correction acceptance means, 313...first payment means, 314...second payment means, 315...first notification means, 316...call means, 317...opening / closing means, 318...cancellation acceptance means, 319...second notification means, 371-374...multiple device interfaces, 391...touch panel, 392...scanner, 393...card reader, 394...printer.

Claims

1. An acquisition means for acquiring information on the product purchased by the payer in the product sales area from an external system; a display control means for displaying the information about the product acquired by the acquisition means on a display device; a correction receiving means for receiving a correction instruction for the product information; a first payment means for performing payment based on the product information acquired by the acquisition means when the correction instruction is not received; a second payment means for discarding the product information acquired by the acquisition means when the correction instruction is received, and performing payment based on the product information acquired via an input device; A payment device comprising:

2. a first notification means for notifying the external system of deletion of the product information acquired by the acquisition means in response to completion of payment by the first payment means or the second payment means; The payment device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. a calling means for outputting a signal to call an attendant when the acquiring means fails to acquire the product information; The payment device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. an opening / closing means for closing an entrance from the product sales area to the payment area when the person making the payment enters a payment area in which a payment device is installed, and for opening the entrance upon completion of payment by the first payment means or the second payment means; 4. The settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a cancellation receiving means for receiving a cancellation instruction for the payment based on the information of the product acquired by the acquiring means; a second notification means for notifying the external system of the deletion of the product information acquired by the acquisition means when the cancellation instruction is received; Further comprising:

5. The settlement device according to claim 4, wherein said opening / closing means opens said entrance on condition that a response indicating that deletion of said product information is permitted is received from said external system.

6. A computer of a payment device having an interface with an external system, a display device, and an input device, an acquisition means for acquiring information on the product purchased by the settlement person in the product sales area from the external system via the interface; a display control means for displaying the product information acquired by the acquisition means on the display device; a correction receiving means for receiving a correction instruction for the product information; a first payment means for making a payment based on the product information acquired by the acquisition means when the correction instruction has not been received; and a second payment means for discarding the product information acquired by the acquisition means when the correction instruction is received, and making a payment based on the product information acquired via an input device; A program to function as a

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