Registered payment device

Abstract

To enable a plurality of types to be used separately.SOLUTION: A registration settlement device of an embodiment includes first and second determination means, determination control means, settlement means, and settlement control means. The first and second determination means determine content of transactions in response to operations made by first and second operators. The determination control means controls the first and second determination means so as to enable either one of them. The settlement means settles a settlement amount using one of a plurality of settlement methods. The settlement control means causes the settlement means to perform settlement processing using a settlement method designated by the first operator when a determination is made by the first determination means and when a determination is made by the second determination means and an operation is not performed by the second operator before a settlement instruction and using a settlement method designated by the second operator when the determination is made by the second determination means and an operation is performed before the settlement instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiment of the present invention is a registration payment device. Place Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, there are various types of registration and payment devices known as POS terminal devices, such as face-to-face, semi-self-service, and full-self-service types. In face-to-face registration and payment devices, a store clerk performs both the registration operation for registering transaction details, such as adding purchased items to a product list, and the payment operation for paying for the transaction. In semi-self-service registration and payment devices, a store clerk performs the registration operation and the customer performs the payment operation. In full-self-service registration and payment devices, both the registration operation and the payment operation are performed by the customer.

[0003] Each of these types of registered payment devices has its own advantages and disadvantages, so in large stores such as supermarkets, multiple types of registered payment devices may be installed so that customers can choose which one to use. However, in a relatively small store such as a convenience store, it is difficult to install a large number of registered payment devices. For these reasons, it has been desired to be able to use multiple types. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Application No. 2010-86202 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registered payment device that allows multiple types to be used separately. Place The purpose is to provide. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The registered settlement device of the embodiment includes a first determination means, a second determination means, a determination control means, and a settlement means. 、 Payment Control Methods and release means The first determination means determines the content of the transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator. The second determination means determines the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator. The determination control means In response to a switching instruction from a second operator The first determination means and the second determination means are controlled so that one of them is valid. The switching from the state in which the second determination means is enabled to the state in which the first determination means is enabled is performed only in the state in which a person in charge is registered. The payment means determines the payment amount for the transaction content and performs a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods. , th Operator 1 or The payment means is controlled so as to perform the payment process using the payment method designated by the second operator. The canceling means cancels the function of automatically canceling the registered status of the person in charge if no operation is performed for a certain period of time when the judgment control means switches from a state in which the second judgment means is enabled to a state in which the first judgment means is enabled. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a POS terminal device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 5] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of information processing by the processor in FIG. 2; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in this embodiment, a POS (point-of-sale) terminal device having a function as a registration settlement device will be described as an example. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a POS terminal device 100 according to this embodiment. The POS terminal 100 is placed, for example, at a cash register counter that separates the clerk's workspace from the sales floor. The POS terminal 100 is operated by the clerk and the customer. The clerk who operates the POS terminal 100 is located on the right rear side in FIG. 1. The customer who operates the POS terminal 100 is located on the left front side in FIG. 1. Therefore, hereinafter, the right rear side and the left front side in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the clerk side and the customer side, respectively.

[0009] The POS terminal device 100 includes a customer-side touch panel 1, a fixed scanner 2, a coin unit 3, a bill unit 4, a credit card reader 5, a proximity communication unit 6, a prepaid card reader / writer (prepaid card R / W) 7, a receipt printer 8, a store clerk-side touch panel 9, and a keyboard 10.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the customer-side touch panel 1 is provided facing the customer. The customer-side touch panel 1 displays a screen for presenting information to customers. The customer-side touch panel 1 also inputs instructions by touching the screen. The customer-side touch panel 1 is an example of a first operation device.

[0011] The fixed scanner 2 has a reading window 2a facing the customer. The fixed scanner 2 captures an image of a product held in front of the reading window 2a and recognizes the barcode information represented by the barcode formed on the product through image processing. The fixed scanner 2 then outputs the recognized barcode information to a processor 11, which will be described later. Note that the fixed scanner 2 may also be another type of well-known device that optically reads barcodes using the reflection of laser light. The fixed scanner 2 may also be a well-known device that has the function of identifying a product using object recognition technology from an image of the product itself obtained by capturing an image of the product. The fixed scanner 2 is an example of a first operation device.

[0012] The coin unit 3 includes a coin insertion slot 3a, a coin discharge slot 3b, and a coin tray 3c. The coin insertion slot 3a is configured to allow coins to be inserted from the customer side. The coin unit 3 counts the value of coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 3a and stores them in an internal storage. The coin unit 3 discharges coins stored in the storage to the coin tray 3c via the coin discharge slot 3b. The coin tray 3c is configured to allow coins to be removed from the customer side.

[0013] The banknote unit 4 has a banknote insertion slot 4a and a banknote ejection slot 4b. The banknote insertion slot 4a is formed so that banknotes can be inserted from the customer side. The banknote unit 4 counts the value of banknotes inserted from the banknote insertion slot 4a and stores them in an internal storage. The banknote unit 4 ejects banknotes stored in the storage from the banknote ejection slot 4b. The banknote ejection slot 4b holds the ejected banknotes with a portion of them exposed to the outside. The banknote ejection slot 4b is formed so that the banknotes held as described above can be removed from the customer side.

[0014] The credit card reader 5 reads card information from a credit card that is slid along the slit 5a. The credit card reader 5 is positioned with the slit 5a facing the customer side so that a customer positioned on the customer side can easily slide their credit card through the reader.

[0015] The proximity communication unit 6 is provided to form a communication range on the customer side. The proximity communication unit 6 performs proximity wireless communication with a wireless tag brought close to the customer side, and acquires data stored in the wireless tag. The proximity communication unit 6 also writes arbitrary information to the wireless tag through the proximity wireless communication.

[0016] The prepaid card reader / writer 7 has a slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 reads card data magnetically recorded on a prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a. The prepaid card reader / writer 7 also writes any data onto the prepaid card inserted into the slot 7a.

[0017] The receipt printer 8 prints an image of a receipt or a voucher such as a sales slip onto receipt paper, and then discharges the receipt paper with the image printed on it from the receipt discharge port 8a to the outside.

[0018] The clerk-side touch panel 9 is provided facing the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 displays a screen for presenting information to the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 also inputs instructions by touching the screen by the clerk. The clerk-side touch panel 9 is an example of a second operation device.

[0019] The keyboard 10 has many keys for easy operation by a store clerk located near the store clerk. The store clerk inputs instructions by pressing these keys on the keyboard 10. The keyboard 10 is an example of a second operation device.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the POS terminal device 100. In Fig. 2, the same elements as those shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The POS terminal 100 includes a processor 11, a main memory unit 12, an auxiliary memory unit 13, a handy scanner 14, a communication unit 15, and a transmission path 16 in addition to the elements shown in FIG. The customer side touch panel 1, fixed scanner 2, coin unit 3, banknote unit 4, credit card reader 5, proximity communication unit 6, prepaid card reader / writer 7, receipt printer 8, clerk side touch panel 9, keyboard 10, processor 11, main memory unit 12, auxiliary memory unit 13, handheld scanner 14 and communication unit 15 are connected to a transmission path 16.

[0021] The processor 11, the main storage unit 12, and the auxiliary storage unit 13 are connected by a transmission line 16 to form a computer that executes information processing for controlling the POS terminal device 100. The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part of the POS terminal 100 to realize various functions of the POS terminal 100 based on information processing programs such as an operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the main storage unit 12 and the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0022] The main memory unit 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory unit 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 may also store data required for the processor 11 to execute various information processes in either the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory unit 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten by the processor 11 as needed.

[0023] The auxiliary storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 13 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data used by the processor 11 when performing various types of information processing, and data generated by the processing in the processor 11. The auxiliary storage unit 13 may also store the information processing program.

[0024] The handy scanner 14 is held by the operator and optically reads a barcode placed in front of the reading port. The handy scanner 14 outputs barcode information represented by the read barcode to the processor 11.

[0025] The communication unit 15 performs communication processing for the processor 11 to exchange various data with any device, such as a POS server, via the communication network 200. A LAN (local area network) is typically used as the communication network 200. However, other than a LAN, the Internet, a VPN (virtual private network), a public communication network, a mobile communication network, etc. can also be used as the communication network 200, either alone or in appropriate combination. A well-known device conforming to the communication method of the communication network 200 can be used as the communication unit 15. The transmission path 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc. The transmission path 16 transmits data and signals exchanged between the components connected thereto.

[0026] The basic hardware of the POS terminal 100 can be, for example, the hardware of another existing POS terminal. In this case, the POS terminal 100 is generally transferred with an information processing program describing the information processing described below stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. However, the hardware of the POS terminal 100 and the information processing program may be transferred separately without the information processing program being stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13. The information processing program may then be written into the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 in response to an operation by an administrator of the POS terminal 100, for example. The information processing program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, or semiconductor memory, or by communication via a network.

[0027] Next, the operation of the POS terminal device 100 configured as above will be described. When the POS terminal device 100 is started in the mode for registration and settlement, the processor 11 performs the information processing described below in accordance with the information processing program stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13 . 3, 4, 5, and 6 are flowcharts of information processing by the processor 11. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and it is possible to change the order of some of the processing, omit some of the processing, or add other processing as appropriate.

[0028] In ACT1, the processor 11 clears the product list and the payment method data. The product list is a list of products registered as purchase items. The processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list so that it does not include any purchase items. The table data is stored, for example, in the main memory unit 12 or the auxiliary memory unit 13. The payment method data is setting data representing the setting status of the payment method used in the payment process. In this embodiment, it is assumed that cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid are applicable to payments at the POS terminal device 100. In this case, the payment method data takes one of five states representing cash, credit, electronic money, prepaid, and no designation. Note that when the payment method data represents cash, a numerical value representing the deposit amount is set. In ACT1, the processor 11 sets the payment method data to a state representing no designation. The payment method data is stored, for example, in the main memory unit 12 or the auxiliary memory unit 13.

[0029] In ACT2, the processor 11 sets the semi-self-service mode as the operating mode of the POS terminal 100. That is, the processor 11 resets, for example, a mode flag. The reset state of the mode flag indicates the semi-self-service mode, and the set state of the mode flag indicates the full-self-service mode. The mode flag is stored in the main storage unit 12 or the auxiliary storage unit 13.

[0030] In ACT3, the processor 11 displays a standby screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that it will be a screen displaying an advertisement, for example. The standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering the purchased item. As ACT4, the processor 11 displays a home screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The home screen is a basic screen on which the clerk performs operations to register items for purchase. The clerk can perform operations to specify items for purchase on this home screen or on another screen that can be accessed from this home screen.

[0031] In ACT5, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm this instruction, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT6. In ACT6, the processor 11 checks whether an instruction to switch the operation mode has been issued. If the instruction has not been issued, the processor 11 determines that the instruction has been issued and returns to ACT5. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a product to be specified or an instruction to switch the operation mode as ACT5 and ACT6. Processor 11 may also check whether any other instruction operation has been performed in the standby state in ACT5 and ACT6 and in the standby state described below. If processor 11 checks whether any other instruction operation has been performed, it proceeds to processing according to that operation.

[0032] A customer picks up the products they want to purchase from the sales floor and brings them to the cash register. The store clerk operating the POS terminal device 100 set in semi-self-service mode is positioned on the workspace side, across the POS terminal device 100 from the customer who is positioned on the sales floor side. The store clerk uses the store clerk touch panel 9 and handy scanner 14 to specify the products that the customer has brought to the cash register as the products to be purchased. The store clerk's operations at this time may be similar to those performed on other existing POS terminal devices.

[0033] As mentioned above, the standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering a product for purchase, and therefore, no operation for designating a product as a purchased product is performed on the customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, processor 11 does not use the recognition results from fixed scanner 2 to register the product for purchase. In other words, processor 11 disables customer-side touch panel 1 and fixed scanner 2 in semi-self mode, which determines the content of the transaction to be settled based on the operation by the store clerk. By disabling customer-side touch panel 1 and fixed scanner 2 in this way, it is possible to prevent the product from being mistakenly registered as a purchased product through the customer's operation.

[0034] If an operation to designate a product as a purchased product has been performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT5 and proceeds to ACT7 in FIG. In ACT 7, processor 11 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. For example, processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list so that the product table includes a product code for identifying the specified product.

[0035] As ACT8, the processor 11 displays a summary screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The summary screen is a screen that shows an overview of the current status of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at that time. The summary screen shows, for example, the product name, unit price, and quantity of the product that was most recently registered as a purchased item, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount for the registered items. The summary screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items. As ACT9, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen is a screen that shows the current details of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at that time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as purchased items, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total price of the registered items.

[0036] In ACT 10, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm that the product has been designated, it determines "NO" and proceeds to ACT 11. In ACT11, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm that the method has been designated, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT12. In ACT 12, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the instruction has not been confirmed, the processor 11 determines that the instruction has been issued and returns to ACT 10. Thus, the processor 11, in ACT10 and ACT12, waits for a product to be specified, a payment method to be specified, or payment to be instructed.

[0037] When a customer brings multiple items to the cash register counter, the store clerk performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as purchased items while processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT10 to ACT12. If such an operation is performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT10 and executes ACT7 to ACT9 in the same manner as described above. As a result, the multiple items brought by the customer to the cash register counter are each added to the item list. As described above, the overview screen does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items, so no operation is performed on the customer-side touch panel 1 to designate an item as a purchased item. Furthermore, the processor 11 does not use the recognition results from the fixed scanner 2 to register the purchased items. Thus, processor 11 determines the content of the transaction, i.e., which product is being bought and sold, in response to the operation by the store clerk as the second operator. Thus, by processor 11 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having processor 11 as its central part functions as second determination means for making the above determination.

[0038] When the clerk has finished specifying all the items brought to the cash register as purchase items, the clerk instructs payment by performing a predetermined operation on the clerk-side touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. This operation is, for example, pressing a customer type key included on the keyboard 10. The clerk can also ask the customer about the desired payment method and perform an operation to specify the payment method before performing an operation to instruct payment. The operation to specify cash payment is, for example, pressing a key included on the keyboard 10 and assigned to cash payment. Alternatively, the operation to specify cash payment is touching a soft key displayed on the clerk-side touch panel 9 and assigned to cash payment. The operation to specify cash payment is, for example, pressing a key or touching a soft key assigned to cash payment followed by entering the deposit amount on the clerk-side touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. The operation to specify credit, electronic money, or prepaid payment is, for example, pressing a key included on the keyboard 10 and assigned to credit, electronic money, or prepaid, respectively. Alternatively, the operation of specifying payment by credit, electronic money, or prepaid is performed by touching a soft key displayed on the touch panel 9 on the clerk side and assigned to credit, electronic money, or prepaid, respectively.

[0039] If an operation to specify a payment method has been performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT11 and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT 13, processor 11 updates the method data to a state that represents the specified payment method. If cash is specified, processor 11 sets the deposit amount entered as described above to the method data. Processor 11 then returns to the standby state of ACTs 10 to 12. Processor 11 may store the deposit amount in main memory unit 12 or auxiliary memory unit 13 as data separate from the method data.

[0040] The processor 11 determines YES in ACT12 in response to the operation instructing payment being performed as described above, and proceeds to ACT14. In ACT 14, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If the method data indicates that no method has been specified, the processor 11 determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT 15. As ACT15, the processor 11 displays a selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The selection screen is a screen for accepting an operation by a customer to select a payment method. For example, the selection screen displays multiple soft keys each associated with an applicable payment method. That is, the selection screen displays, for example, four soft keys each associated with cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. Note that electronic money and prepaid may each include multiple soft keys each associated with multiple payment services belonging to that payment method. Alternatively, when a soft key associated with electronic money or prepaid is touched, the processor 11 may display a lower-level selection screen on the customer-side touch panel 1 that displays soft keys each associated with multiple payment services belonging to that payment method.

[0041] In ACT 16, the processor 11 checks whether an instruction to return to registering the purchased items has been issued. If the instruction is not confirmed, the processor 11 determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT 17. In ACT 17, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm that the method has been designated, it determines "NO" and returns to ACT 16. Thus, in ACT16 and ACT17, the processor 11 waits for an instruction to return to registration or for a payment method to be specified.

[0042] If the customer wishes to add an item to the purchase, the customer instructs the system to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation may be, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen for this instruction. If there are still items left to purchase that have not been registered, the store clerk instructs the system to return to registration by a predetermined operation on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. This operation may be, for example, pressing a key included on the keyboard 10 that is assigned to return to registration. This operation may be, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the store clerk-side touch panel 9 that is assigned to return to registration. In response to the fact that the operation in question has been performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 16 and returns to ACT 8. The processor 11 then executes the processing from ACT 8 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0043] If the customer proceeds with payment, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by performing a predetermined operation on the selection screen, such as touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen and associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 11 determines YES in ACT17 in response to the operation being performed, and proceeds to ACT18. In ACT 18, processor 11 updates the method data to a state that represents the specified payment method. If cash payment is specified here, processor 11 sets the numerical value representing the deposit amount to be set in the method data to a predetermined invalid value. Then, processor 11 proceeds to ACT 34 in FIG. 6.

[0044] On the other hand, if the store clerk has specified a payment method before issuing a payment instruction, the method data indicates any of the payment methods. In this case, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT14 and proceeds to ACT19. In ACT 19, the processor 11 checks whether the specified payment method is cash. If the method data indicates credit, electronic money, or prepaid, the processor 11 determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT 34 in Fig. 5. If the method data indicates cash, the processor 11 determines the answer as YES in ACT 19 and proceeds to ACT 40 in Fig. 5. Thus, if a payment method is specified before issuing a payment instruction, the processor 11 skips ACT15 to ACT18 and does not accept the customer's specification of the payment method. The processing from ACT34 onwards will be described later.

[0045] When a store clerk wants to change the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 to the full self-service mode, the store clerk instructs the change of operation mode by a predetermined operation on the store clerk touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. For example, the operation is touching a soft key that is displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 and that is assigned to change the operation mode. For example, the operation is pressing a key that is included in the keyboard 10 and that is assigned to change the operation mode.

[0046] If such a switching instruction is given when processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT5 and ACT6 in Figure 3, that is, when it is waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, it will judge YES in ACT6 and proceed to ACT20 in Figure 5. In ACT20, the processor 11 sets the operation mode to the full self mode. That is, the processor 11 changes the mode flag to the set state, for example.

[0047] As ACT21, the processor 11 displays a guidance screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The guidance screen is a screen for informing the customer that the customer should perform operations to register the purchased items. The guidance screen may show what operations should be performed to register the purchased items. In ACT22, the processor 11 displays a standby screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9. The content of the standby screen may be arbitrary, but it is assumed that it will be a screen saver screen, for example. The standby screen does not include any operation elements for registering the purchased item.

[0048] In ACT 23, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm this instruction, it determines NO and proceeds to ACT 24. In ACT 24, the processor 11 checks whether an instruction to switch the operation mode has been issued. If the instruction has not been issued, the processor 11 determines that the instruction has been issued and returns to ACT 23. Thus, the processor 11 waits in ACT23 and ACT24 for a product to be specified or for an instruction to switch the operation mode.

[0049] When a store clerk wants to change the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 to the semi-selfie mode, the store clerk instructs the change of operation mode by a predetermined operation on the store clerk touch panel 9 or keyboard 10. For example, the operation is touching a soft key that is displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 and that is assigned to change the operation mode. For example, the operation is pressing a key that is included in the keyboard 10 and that is assigned to change the operation mode.

[0050] If such a switching instruction is given when the processor 11 is in the standby state for ACT23 and ACT24, that is, when it is waiting for the start of registration of purchased items for one transaction, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT 25, the processor 11 sets the semi-self mode as the operating mode of the POS terminal 100. That is, the processor 11 resets the mode flag, for example. The processor 11 then returns to ACT 3 in FIG. 3 and executes ACT 3 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. This causes the POS terminal 100 to transition to a state where it operates in semi-self mode.

[0051] When a customer brings a product to the checkout counter, the customer uses the customer-side touch panel 1 or the fixed scanner 2 to designate the product as a purchase item in the POS terminal device 100 set to the full self-service mode. The customer's operation at this time may be the same as that performed in other existing self-service POS terminal devices. If the operation to designate the product as a purchase item has been performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT23 and proceeds to ACT26. In ACT 26, processor 11 updates the product list to include the product specified by the above operation. For example, processor 11 updates the table data representing the product list so that the product table includes a product code for identifying the specified product.

[0052] In ACT27, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The details screen is a screen that shows the current details of the registration of purchased items according to the contents of the product list at this time. For example, the details screen shows a list of the product names, unit prices, and quantities of each product registered as purchased items, the total amount of discounts applied to the registered items, and the total amount of the registered items. In ACT28, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen displayed on the clerk's touch panel 9 here displays the same information as that displayed in ACT9, and also indicates that the device is in full self-service mode. The details screen displayed on the clerk's touch panel 9 does not include any operation elements for registering purchased items.

[0053] In ACT 29, the processor 11 checks whether or not a product to be registered as a purchased product has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm this instruction, it determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT 30. In ACT 30, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment instruction has been issued. If the instruction has not been confirmed, the processor 11 determines that the answer is NO and returns to ACT 29. Thus, in ACT29 and ACT30, the processor 11 waits for a product to be specified or for a payment instruction to be given.

[0054] When a customer brings a plurality of items to the checkout counter, the customer performs an operation to designate the second and subsequent items as items to be purchased while the processor 11 is in the standby state as ACT29 and ACT30. If the above operation is performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 29 and executes ACT 26 to ACT 28 in the same manner as described above. As a result, the multiple products brought by the customer to the cash register counter are each added to the product list.

[0055] Thus, processor 11 determines the content of the transaction, i.e., which commodity the transaction is buying and selling, in response to operations by a customer as a first operator. Thus, processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having processor 11 as its core functions as first determination means for making the above-mentioned determination. Processor 11 enables this first determination means in full self-time mode, and enables the second determination means as described above in semi-self-time mode. Thus, processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer having processor 11 as its core functions as determination control means for making such switching.

[0056] When the customer has finished selecting all the products they have brought to the cash register counter as items to be purchased, they instruct payment by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation is, for example, touching a soft key that is included in the details screen displayed on the customer-side touch panel 1 and to which a payment instruction is assigned. The processor 11 determines YES in ACT30 in response to the operation being performed, and proceeds to ACT31. In ACT31, the processor 11 displays on the customer-side touch panel 1 a selection screen similar to the selection screen displayed in ACT15 in FIG.

[0057] In ACT 32, the processor 11 checks whether an instruction to return to registering the purchased items has been issued. If the instruction is not confirmed, the processor 11 determines the answer as NO and proceeds to ACT 33. In ACT 33, the processor 11 checks whether or not a payment method has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the instruction, it determines NO and returns to ACT 32. Thus, the processor 11 waits for an instruction to return to registration or for a payment method to be specified as ACT32 and ACT33.

[0058] If the customer wishes to add an item to the purchase, the customer can return to the registration screen by performing a predetermined operation on the customer-side touch panel 1. This operation can be, for example, touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen for that instruction. In response to the fact that the operation has been performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT 32 and returns to ACT 27. The processor 11 then executes the processes from ACT 27 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0059] If the customer proceeds with payment, the customer specifies the payment method to be used by performing a predetermined operation on the selection screen, such as touching a soft key displayed on the selection screen and associated with the payment method to be used. The processor 11 determines YES in ACT 33 in response to the operation being performed, and proceeds to ACT 34 in FIG. As described above, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 34 in Figure 5 in response to confirming the designation of the payment method in ACT 33 when in full self-service mode, or in ACT 17 as described above when in semi-self-service mode.

[0060] As ACT34, processor 11 displays a payment screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The payment screen shows the amount to be paid and provides instructions on how to make the payment. There are multiple predefined payment screens, each corresponding to a different payment method. Processor 11 displays the payment screen associated with the specified payment method on the customer-side touch panel 1. When displaying the payment screen, processor 11 determines the payment amount for the sale of the purchased items registered in the item list. This determination may be made, for example, by a well-known process. In ACT35, the processor 11 displays a details screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9. The details screen may be the same as the details screen displayed in ACT9 or ACT28. However, the details screen displayed in ACT35 is a screen indicating that the customer is making a payment.

[0061] As ACT36, the processor 11 activates a payment unit corresponding to the specified payment method. For example, the processor 11 activates a payment unit that is predetermined in association with the payment method represented by the method data. For example, if cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the coin unit 3 and the bill unit 4. For example, if credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the credit card reader 5. For example, if electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the near-field communication unit 6. For example, if prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 activates the prepaid card reader / writer 7.

[0062] In ACT37, the processor 11 waits for a payment operation to be performed according to the specified payment method. For example, if cash is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 determines YES when coins and banknotes are inserted into the coin unit 3 and banknote unit 4. For example, if credit is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 determines YES when a credit card is slid through the slit 5a of the credit card reader 5. For example, if electronic money is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 determines YES when a wireless tag for electronic money is brought into proximity with the proximity communication unit 6. For example, if prepaid is specified as the payment method, the processor 11 determines YES when a prepaid card is inserted into the slot 7a of the prepaid card reader / writer 7. If the processor 11 determines YES in either case, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT38. As ACT 38, processor 11 performs payment processing. Specifically, processor 11 executes processing to settle the payment amount determined in ACT 34 using the specified payment method, for example, in a well-known manner. In this way, processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, and the computer with processor 11 as its central part functions as a payment means.

[0063] The payment method represented by the method data is the payment method designated by the clerk if the clerk designated the payment method prior to the operation to instruct payment. The payment method represented by the method data is the payment method designated by the customer if the clerk did not designate the payment method prior to the operation to instruct payment. In other words, processor 11 controls the payment means to process the payment using the payment method designated by the clerk as the second operator or the customer as the first operator. Thus, by processor 11 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer with processor 11 as its central part functions as payment control means. In ACT 39, the processor 11 stops the settlement unit that was started in ACT 36. Then, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT 42.

[0064] Whether the operation mode is set to full self-service mode or semi-self-service mode, payment is basically carried out in accordance with the payment operation by the customer as described above. However, in this embodiment, if the operation mode is set to semi-self-service mode and the store clerk specifies cash as the payment method before instructing payment, the process proceeds from ACT 19 in Figure 4 to ACT 40 in Figure 6 as described above.

[0065] If the operation mode of the POS terminal device 100 is set to semi-self-service mode and the customer wishes to pay in cash, the store clerk receives a deposit from the customer that is equal to or greater than the amount to be paid. Then, before issuing a payment instruction, the store clerk specifies that payment is to be made in cash and inputs the amount of the deposit. As a result, the processor 11 sets the amount of the deposit in the method data in ACT 13 in Figure 4, as described above. In ACT40, the processor 11 displays a payment screen on the clerk's touch panel 9. The payment screen displays the difference between the deposit amount set in the method data and the amount to be settled as change.

[0066] In ACT41, the processor 11 displays a receipt screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The receipt screen displays the change amount and guides the customer to receive that amount of change from the store clerk. The receipt screen also guides the customer to receive the receipts discharged from the receipt discharge port 8a. The processor 11 then proceeds to ACT42. The clerk and the customer give and receive change according to the payment screen and receipt screen.

[0067] As ACT42, the processor 11 controls the receipt printer 8 to issue a receipt on receipt paper with a receipt image showing the details of the transaction and the settlement result. In addition, if the payment was made using credit or electronic money, the processor 11 may issue a sales slip for the credit or electronic money separately from the receipt.

[0068] In ACT43, the processor 11 clears the product list. As ACT44, the processor 11 displays an end screen on the customer-side touch panel 1. The end screen is a screen that notifies the customer that the transaction has been completed. In ACT 45, processor 11 checks whether the operating mode is semi-self mode. If the mode flag is reset, processor 11 determines YES and returns to ACT 3 in Fig. 3. If the mode flag is set, processor 11 determines NO and returns to ACT 21 in Fig. 5. Processor 11 then repeats the processing from ACT 3 or ACT 21 onwards in the same manner as described above.

[0069] In addition, when an event occurs that requires maintenance, such as replacing receipt paper or replenishing or collecting coins, processor 11 displays an error screen to notify the customer that maintenance is required. When the mode flag is reset, i.e., when the device is in semi-self-service mode, processor 11 displays an error screen for the clerk on clerk-side touch panel 9. The clerk performs maintenance in response to this error screen. When the mode flag is set, i.e., when the device is in full-self-service mode, processor 11 displays an error screen for the customer on customer-side touch panel 1. Furthermore, when the device is in full-self-service mode, processor 11 also displays an error screen for the clerk on clerk-side touch panel 9. The error screen for the clerk includes a release key for canceling the display of the error screen. The customer calls a clerk in response to the display of the error screen for the customer. The called clerk confirms the situation using the error screen for the clerk, performs maintenance as appropriate, and then uses the release key to instruct the device to cancel the display of each error screen.

[0070] As described above, in the POS terminal device 100, the processor 11 registers the purchased items in ACT3 to ACT12, and then performs payment and related processes in ACT15 to ACT17 and ACT34 to ACT39. As a result, registration is performed according to the operation of the store clerk, and payment is performed according to the operation of the customer, thereby realizing a semi-self-service mode. Even in semi-self-service mode, the POS terminal 100 can allow a store clerk to specify the payment method. In this case, the clerk can guide the customer through the payment process, thereby avoiding inconvenience to customers who are unfamiliar with operating the POS terminal 100. The POS terminal 100 can also perform face-to-face operations, with the clerk even handling the exchange of cash. This allows for appropriate support for customers who have difficulty operating the payment process, such as young children. Furthermore, the processor 11 registers the purchased items in ACT21 to ACT30, and then performs payment and related processes in ACT31 to ACT39. As a result, both registration and payment are performed in response to customer operations, realizing a full self-service mode. Thus, the POS terminal 100 allows multiple types to be used selectively.

[0071] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The same implementation as the above embodiment can also be carried out in other types of registration and settlement devices such as cash registers.

[0072] Processor 11 may check whether a declaration has been made that the clerk will specify the payment method in ACT 11. If processor 11 receives a declaration that the clerk will specify the payment method here, it may receive the clerk's specification of the payment method after the payment instruction has been given.

[0073] Even when a cash payment is specified by a store clerk, cash may be handed over and received using the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4. Furthermore, the payment process using a payment method other than cash may be different depending on whether the payment method is specified by a customer or a store clerk.

[0074] Applicable payment methods may include other payment methods such as code payment or vouchers in addition to the above-mentioned cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid, and may not include at least one of cash, credit, electronic money, and prepaid. In code payment, the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the display device of the information terminal carried by the customer is read by the fixed scanner 2, the handy scanner 14, or a separately provided scanner. Alternatively, in code payment, the barcode or two-dimensional code displayed on the customer's touch panel 1, the store clerk's touch panel 9, or a separately provided display device, or prepared as a separately printed document, is photographed with the camera of the information terminal carried by the customer.

[0075] The payment methods that can be applied may differ between the semi-self-service mode and the full-self-service mode. For example, payment using a cash voucher may be selectable only in the semi-self-service mode.

[0076] A single transaction may be settled using multiple payment methods. The settlement process using multiple payment methods can be performed using the same process as that used by existing POS terminal devices, for example.

[0077] Processor 11 may switch from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode only when a responsible person is registered.

[0078] When switching from the semi-selfie mode to the full-selfie mode, the processor 11 may record that fact in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 11 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0079] When switching from semi-self-service mode to full-self-service mode, processor 11 may display a message such as "Switching to full-self-service mode. Are you sure?" and may also pop up a confirmation screen with "Yes" and "No" buttons on the store clerk's touch panel 9. Processor 11 may switch modes if the "Yes" button is touched, or may not switch modes if the "No" button is touched.

[0080] The processor 11 may not switch modes if the error is that the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4 are disconnected. In this case, the processor 11 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 showing a warning message such as "Mode switching is not possible because the change dispenser is not connected."

[0081] When switching from semi-selfie mode to full-selfie mode, processor 11 may automatically input a predetermined number, such as "999," as the person in charge number.

[0082] When switching from semi-selfie mode to full-selfie mode, processor 11 may turn off the automatic person in charge cancellation function. The automatic person in charge cancellation function is a function that erases the set person in charge number and automatically cancels the person in charge registration status if no operation is performed for a certain period of time.

[0083] Before or after switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, processor 11 may display a screen on clerk-side touch panel 9 to prompt the clerk to input the supervisor number. Processor 11 then inputs the supervisor number in response to the clerk's operation on this screen.

[0084] When switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 may record that fact in the electronic journal. At this time, the processor 11 may also record the name or identification code of the person in charge in the electronic journal.

[0085] When switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, processor 11 may display a message such as "Switching to semi-self-service mode. Are you sure?" and may also pop up a confirmation screen with "Yes" and "No" buttons on the store clerk's touch panel 9. Processor 11 may then switch modes if the "Yes" button is touched, or may not switch modes if the "No" button is touched.

[0086] When switching from full self-service mode to semi-self-service mode, the processor 11 may check the status of the coin unit 3 and the banknote unit 4. If there is a separation error, the processor 11 may display a screen on the clerk-side touch panel 9 showing a message such as "Drawer in operation."

[0087] The processor 11 may be configured to display on the screen on the store clerk's touch panel 9 in the semi-selfie mode a message indicating that the mode is the semi-selfie mode.

[0088] The processor 11 may turn on the automatic responsible person release function when switching from the full self-service mode to the semi-self-service mode.

[0089] In full self-service mode, processor 11 may print "Self" as the name of the responsible person on the receipt.

[0090] In the full self mode, the processor 11 may record a predetermined number such as "999" as the responsible person number in the electronic journal. In this case, the processor 11 may set the responsible person name to "self" when referencing the journal.

[0091] The processor 11 may display "self" as the name of the person in charge on the screen displayed on the store clerk touch panel 9 in the full self-service mode.

[0092] The processor 11 may prohibit the use of the person in charge number used in the full self mode as the person in charge number in the semi self mode.

[0093] In the full self-service mode, processor 11 may use a predetermined customer demographic as customer demographic information.

[0094] In the semi-self-service mode, processor 11 may adopt, as customer demographic information, the customer demographic corresponding to the customer demographic key pressed by the store clerk after the product has been registered.

[0095] Some or all of the functions realized by the processor 11 through information processing can be realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Each of the above functions can also be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0096] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be 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 and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. The inventions described in the original claims of this application are set forth below. [Supplementary Note 1] A first determination means for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in accordance with an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so that one of them is valid; a payment means for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods; a payment control means for controlling the payment means so that, when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination means and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods, and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and the predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment control means A registered payment device comprising: [Supplementary Note 2] The payment control means determines that the predetermined operation has been performed when an operation to specify a payment method to be used in the payment process is performed by the second operator. 10. The registered payment device of claim 1. [Supplementary Note 3] The payment control means controls the payment means to perform different payment processing depending on whether the payment method is designated by the first operator or the second operator, with respect to at least one payment method. A registered payment device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] A first operation device; a second operating device; Furthermore, the first determination means and the payment control means determine that the operation on the first operation device is an operation by the first operator, the second determination means and the payment control means determine that the operation on the second operation device is an operation by the second operator; 10. The registered payment device of claim 1. [Supplementary Note 5] Either a first determination process for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in accordance with an operation by a first operator or a second determination process for determining the content of the transaction in accordance with an operation by a second operator different from the first operator is enabled; a payment process for determining a payment amount for the transaction details and settling the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods, wherein the payment process is performed using the payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods when the transaction details are determined by the first determination process and when the transaction details are determined by the second determination process and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given; and the payment process is performed using the payment method designated by the second operator from among the plurality of payment methods when the transaction details are determined by the second determination process and a predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given. Registered payment method. [Appendix 6] A computer that controls a registered payment device, a first determination means for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator; a determination control means for controlling the first determination means and the second determination means so that one of them is valid; a payment means for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods; a payment control means for controlling the payment means so that, when the content of the transaction is determined by the first determination means and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and a predetermined operation is not performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment process is performed using a payment method designated by the first operator from among the plurality of payment methods, and when the content of the transaction is determined by the second determination means and the predetermined operation is performed by the second operator before an instruction to start the payment process is given, the payment control means An information processing program that functions as a [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1...customer-side touch panel, 2...fixed scanner, 3...coin unit, 4...banknote unit, 5...credit card reader, 6...proximity communication unit, 7...prepaid card reader / writer, 8...receipt printer, 8a...receipt outlet, 9...clerk-side touch panel, 10...keyboard, 11...processor, 12...main memory unit, 13...auxiliary memory unit, 14...handheld scanner, 15...communication unit, 16...transmission path, 100...POS terminal device, 200...communication network.

Claims

1. a first determination means for determining the content of a transaction to be settled in response to an operation by a first operator; a second determination means for determining the content of the transaction in response to an operation by a second operator different from the first operator; a judgment control means for controlling the first judgment means and the second judgment means so as to enable either one of them in response to a switching instruction from the second operator, and for switching from a state in which the second judgment means is enabled to a state in which the first judgment means is enabled only when a person in charge is registered; a payment means for determining a payment amount for the content of the transaction and performing a payment process to settle the payment amount using at least one of a plurality of payment methods; a payment control means for controlling the payment means so as to perform the payment process using a payment method designated by the first operator or the second operator; a canceling means for canceling a function of automatically canceling the registration state of a person in charge when no operation is performed for a certain period of time, when the state in which the second determination means is enabled is switched to the state in which the first determination means is enabled by the determination control means; A registered payment device comprising:

2. a first recording means for recording in an electronic journal, when the determination control means switches from a state in which the second determination means is enabled to a state in which the first determination means is enabled; The registration payment device of claim 1 further comprising:

3. The first recording means also records the name or identification code of the responsible person in the electronic journal. The registration and settlement device according to claim 2.

4. a second recording means for recording in an electronic journal, when the determination control means switches from a state in which the first determination means is enabled to a state in which the second determination means is enabled; The registration payment device of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The second recording means also records the name or identification code of the responsible person in the electronic journal. The registration and settlement device according to claim 4.

6. an input means for displaying a screen for inputting a person in charge number in response to an operation by the second operator on a display device before the judgment control means switches from enabling the first judgment means to enabling the second judgment means, and for inputting the person in charge number in response to an operation on this screen; The registration payment device of claim 1 further comprising:

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