Transaction processing device, transaction processing system, and program

Abstract

To make an accounting of a customer for self-service smoother.SOLUTION: A device registers data related to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales floor. The device generates a machine-readable code to acquire data related to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data related to an electronic settlement used by the customer. The device displays the machine-readable code on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to a payment instruction from the first terminal. The device acquires data related to the transaction corresponding to the machine-readable code read by the reading part and data related to the electronic settlement on the basis of the machine-readable code, and processes the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the data related to the electronic settlement.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a transaction processing apparatus, a transaction processing system, and a program for a server in the system.

Background Art

[0002] A transaction processing system in which a customer operates a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal to input data related to purchased goods when shopping at a sales floor where goods are displayed is already known.

[0003] This type of transaction processing system processes the accounting of customers who input data related to purchased goods themselves, that is, so-called self-service customers, using a dedicated self-checkout machine. Therefore, self-service customers are distinguished from non-self-service customers in terms of the checkout machine. Moreover, in the self-checkout machine, in principle, data related to purchased goods is not input. For this reason, self-service customers have the advantage of being able to perform accounting smoothly.

[0004] By the way, a self-service customer who has finished shopping at the sales floor gives an accounting instruction from the mobile terminal. Due to this accounting instruction, a barcode for accounting is displayed on the display device of the mobile terminal, so the customer scans the barcode with a scanner provided in the self-checkout machine. Then, data related to the customer's purchased goods is taken into the self-checkout machine, and the settlement amount calculated based on that data is displayed on the display device of the self-checkout machine, so the customer pays the settlement amount. The payment may be made in cash, by credit card, electronic money, or the like.

[0005] However, self-service customers always need an operation for payment after the operation of scanning the accounting barcode. By eliminating the operation for payment, accounting can be made even smoother.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-107122 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve is to provide a technology that can make the self-service customer payment process even smoother. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the transaction processing device comprises a registration means, a generation means, a display control means, and a processing means. The registration means registers data relating to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales counter. The generation means generates a machine-readable code for obtaining data relating to a transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to the electronic payment used by the customer. The display control means displays the machine-readable code on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to an accounting instruction from the first terminal. The processing means obtains data relating to a transaction and data relating to electronic payment corresponding to the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, and processes the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the electronic payment data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the main data structure of member records stored in the member database. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of a gate device with an accounting machine. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of a gate device with an accounting machine. [Figure 5]This is a sequence diagram used to explain the steps a customer takes before making a purchase using the transaction processing system. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram used to explain the actions of a customer during their shopping and before they pay. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram used to explain the operation of the customer's dedicated payment machine. [Figure 8] This sequence diagram is used to explain the operation of the customer's payment system at the gate with an accounting machine. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen for reading an entry code displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a scanning screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a registration screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of an accounting screen displayed on a smartphone. [Figure 14] This is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment gate device when the electronic money balance is sufficient. [Figure 15] This is an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel when the electronic money balance is insufficient. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in this embodiment, when a customer purchases a product at a sales floor where the products are displayed, the customer operates a smartphone, which is a mobile terminal, to input data related to the purchased product, and the customer also performs self-checkout using a dedicated cash register. The smartphone is an example of the first terminal operated by the customer. The smartphone is also an example of the second terminal used by the customer. That is, in this embodiment, the first terminal and the second terminal are the same terminal. In the following description, the customer may be referred to as a consumer or a member.

[0011] [Configuration of Transaction Processing System 100] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a transaction processing system 100 according to this embodiment. The transaction processing system 100 includes a server system 10 that utilizes cloud computing and a POS (Point Of Sales) system 20 constructed in a franchise store. The server system 10 and the POS system 20 enable two-way data communication through a network 30 that utilizes the Internet protocol. The network 30 is a wide-area network that uses a public line or a dedicated line as a relay network and a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, a mobile phone communication network, etc. as access networks. Therefore, a smartphone 40 that uses a mobile phone communication network can access the server system 10 via the network 30.

[0012] The franchise store is a store that has entered into a usage contract with the management company of the server system 10. In FIG. 1, a POS system 20 of one franchise store is shown. Needless to say, the POS systems of other franchise stores are also connected to the network 30 in the same manner. However, the POS systems of other franchise stores are not necessarily configured in the same way as the POS system 20 shown in FIG. 1. There may be cases where a part of the configuration of the POS system differs depending on the franchise store.

[0013] The server system 10 includes a database server 11, a management server 12, and a virtual POS server 13, and connects each server with a communication line 14. The server system 10 also connects a router 15 to the communication line 14 and connects to the network 30 through this router 15.

[0014] The database server 11 is a computer that provides services for managing a franchise database 111, a member database 112, a first product master 113 of each franchise, and the like.

[0015] The franchise database 111 is an aggregate of franchise records created for each franchise. A franchise record is a data record that records a unique store ID set for each franchise and various data related to the franchise. The data of the franchise record includes a network address and the like necessary for data communication between the franchise and the network 30.

[0016] The member database 112 is an aggregate of member records created for each consumer who has registered as a member to shop using the transaction processing system 100. A member record is a data record that records a unique member ID set for each consumer and various data related to the consumer. As shown in FIG. 2, the data of the member record includes an electronic money ID of the electronic money used by the consumer. The electronic money ID is an example of data related to electronic payment. Incidentally, the electronic money of each consumer is managed in association with the consumer-specific electronic money ID on the server of the electronic money management company.

[0017] The first product master 113 of each franchise is an aggregate of product records created for each product sold at the corresponding franchise. A product record is a data record that records a unique product code set for each product and various data related to the product. The data of the product record includes a product name, a price, and the like. Each first product master 113 is uploaded from the POS system 20 of the corresponding franchise to the database server 11 at a predetermined time before opening, for example.

[0018] Incidentally, the first product master 113 may be managed by the virtual POS server 13. Alternatively, the management server 12 can manage the merchant database 111 and the member database 112, and the database server 11 can be omitted.

[0019] The management server 12 is a computer that works in cooperation with the database server 11 and the virtual POS server 13 to provide a service that manages information related to customer transactions when customers shop at affiliated stores using the transaction processing system 100. The virtual POS server 13 is a computer that provides a service that virtually registers sales data of products purchased by customers according to the POS application. The main functions of the management server 12 and the virtual POS server 13 will be clarified in the operation description below.

[0020] The POS system 20 comprises a store server 21, an accounting server 22, a monitoring terminal 23, a POS terminal 24, a dedicated accounting machine 25, and an accounting machine gate device 26, all connected by an in-store network 27. The POS system 20 also connects a router 28 to the in-store network 27, and through this router 28, connects to network 30. Furthermore, the POS system 20 connects an access point 29 to the in-store network 27, enabling wireless LAN data communication with mobile devices such as smartphones 40 and tablet terminals via this access point 29.

[0021] The store server 21 is a computer that provides services for managing sales information, product inventory information, and order information of a merchant based on transaction information settled at the merchant where the POS system 20 is installed.

[0022] The store server 21 includes a second product master 211. The second product master 211 is a collection of product records created for each product sold at the affiliated store. A product record is a data record that records a unique product code set for each product and various data related to that product. The data in a product record includes the product name, price, etc. In other words, the second product master 211 becomes the first product master 113 when uploaded to the server system 10. However, if the price, etc., changes during business hours, the change is reflected in the data of the second product master 211. Therefore, the price, etc., may differ between the first product master 113 and the second product master 211 for some products.

[0023] The store server 21 is a computer that provides services to support the member monitoring function of the monitoring terminal 23. The member monitoring function monitors the status of customers who are shopping using the transaction processing system 100. With this member monitoring function, the monitor of the monitoring terminal 23 displays a list of purchased items entered by the customer using a smartphone 40 at the sales floor. The monitor also displays a warning if an event occurs that should be reported to the store staff as a result of that data entry. Events that should be reported to the store staff include, for example, when a customer purchases alcohol or cigarettes with age restrictions, or when a registration error occurs because the product code of the scanned barcode is not set in the second product master 211.

[0024] The accounting server 22 is a computer that provides services to support member accounting using a dedicated accounting machine 25 or an accounting machine-equipped gate device 26. The functions of the accounting server 22 will be clarified in the operation description below.

[0025] The POS terminal 24 is primarily an accounting machine for settling transactions with customers who do not use the transaction processing system 100. The POS terminal 24 is operated by a store employee. The POS terminal 24 can also settle transactions with customers who do use the transaction processing system 100. The POS terminal may be a semi-self-service POS terminal, separated into a registration machine and a payment machine, with the registration machine operated by a store employee and the payment machine operated by the customer. The POS terminal may also be a fully self-service POS terminal, where the customer performs both the registration and payment processing themselves.

[0026] The dedicated accounting machine 25 is an accounting machine for settling transactions with customers using the transaction processing system 100. The dedicated accounting machine 25 is operated by the customer. Customers who do not use the transaction processing system 100 cannot settle transactions using the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0027] The dedicated accounting machine 25 has functions such as scanning an accounting barcode displayed on a smartphone 40 used by a customer using the transaction processing system 100, processing payments for various payment methods such as electronic money, credit cards, and cash, and charging electronic money.

[0028] The gate device with an accounting machine 26 includes an accounting unit 261 and a gate unit 262. The accounting unit 261 has the function of scanning a two-dimensional code for accounting displayed on a smartphone 40 used by a customer using the transaction processing system 100, and a function of processing payment amounts for electronic money payments. The gate unit 262 has the function of controlling the exit of members from the sales floor. The following describes the general configuration of the gate device with accounting machine 26 using the schematic diagram showing the external configuration in Figure 3 and the block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration in Figure 4.

[0029] As shown in Figure 3, the gate device with an accounting machine 26 is installed in the passage Pa through which customers who have completed payment exit the sales area. In Figure 3, a customer who has completed payment proceeds in the direction of arrow A and exits the sales area through passage Pa. The accounting unit 261 is installed on the sales area side of passage Pa. The accounting unit 261 includes a touch panel 55, a scanner 56 reading window 561, and a receipt issuing slot 571. The touch panel 55, reading window 561, and receipt issuing slot 571 are positioned so that customers can operate them before entering passage Pa. The gate unit 262 includes a gate 61 installed along passage Pa. In Figure 3, the gates 61 form a pair, and one gate moves in the direction of arrow B by a drive mechanism (not shown) to block passage Pa and prevent customers from passing through. In this embodiment, the gate 61 is always blocking passage Pa. The gate 61 is opened when a member who has completed payment needs to pass through.

[0030] Note that gate 61 is not limited to the one shown in Figure 3. In short, any configuration that can appropriately block passage through passage Pa is acceptable. Furthermore, instead of physically blocking passage, it may be used to intentionally block passengers' passage by illuminating a lamp, issuing an audio guidance, etc.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the accounting unit 261 includes a processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, communication interface 54, touch panel 55, scanner 56, printer 57, gate interface 58, and system transmission line 59, etc. The system transmission line 59 includes an address bus, data bus, control signal lines, etc. The system transmission line 59 connects the processor 51 and the other units directly or via signal input / output circuits and transmits data signals exchanged between them.

[0032] The accounting unit 261 constitutes a computer by connecting the processor 51, main memory 52, auxiliary storage device 53, and communication interface 54 via a system transmission path 59. The accounting unit 261 then connects devices such as a touch panel 55, scanner 56, and printer 57, as well as device interfaces such as a gate interface 58, to this computer via the system transmission path 59.

[0033] The processor 51 corresponds to the central part of the computer described above. The processor 51 controls each part in order to realize various functions as the accounting unit 261 according to the operating system or application program. The processor 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0034] Main memory 52 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. Main memory 52 includes non-volatile memory areas and volatile memory areas. In the non-volatile memory area, main memory 52 stores the operating system or application programs. Main memory 52 may also store data necessary for the processor 51 to perform processing to control each part in non-volatile or volatile memory areas. Main memory 52 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is rewritten as needed by the processor 51. The non-volatile memory area is, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0035] The auxiliary storage device 53 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. For example, EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be auxiliary storage devices 53. The auxiliary storage device 53 stores data used by the processor 51 in performing various processes, data created by the processing performed by the processor 51, etc. The auxiliary storage device 53 may also store the application programs described above.

[0036] The communication interface 54 connects to the in-store network 27. The accounting unit 261 communicates data with the store server 21, accounting server 22, etc., which are connected to the in-store network 27, via the communication interface 54.

[0037] The touch panel 55 is an input / output device that includes a display for displaying various images related to accounting and a touch sensor for detecting touch operations on those images.

[0038] The scanner 56 is an input device for optically reading machine-readable codes such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes held over the reading window 561. The scanner 56 is an example of a reading unit that reads machine-readable codes.

[0039] The printer 57 is an output device that prints data onto receipt paper, cuts it out, and issues purchase receipts, etc., from the receipt issuing slot 571.

[0040] The gate interface 58 is an interface for exchanging data signals between the controller 62, motion sensor 63, and light-emitting element 64 of the gate unit 262. The controller 62 controls the opening and closing of the gate 61. The motion sensor 63 detects a person standing in front of the accounting unit 261. The light-emitting element 64 lights up a lamp to inform the person whether passage through the passage Pa is permitted or not. For example, the light-emitting element 64 lights up green when passage is permitted and red when passage is not permitted. The accounting unit 261 with this configuration is an example of an accounting machine equipped with a reading unit.

[0041] [Operation of Transaction Processing System 100] Next, we will explain the main operations of the transaction processing system. The operations will be explained in the following order: preparation, before shopping, during shopping, before payment, and payment.

[0042] <Preparation> Consumers who wish to shop at participating stores using the transaction processing system 100 first install a dedicated application program (hereinafter referred to as the shopping app) on their smartphone 40 and register as members. Member registration is performed via the network 30 to the management server 12 of the server system 10. The management server 12 issues a unique member ID to the registered consumer and registers a member record containing that member ID in the member database 112. The management server 12 also notifies the registered consumer's smartphone 40 of the member ID via the network 30. The smartphone 40 stores the member ID in association with the shopping app.

[0043] By registering as a member, consumers become members. Members can register to use electronic money that can be used at participating stores. Registration is performed from a smartphone 40 via the network 30 to the management server 12. The management server 12 records the electronic money ID of the registered electronic money in the member record, which contains the member ID of the member. Note that registration of electronic money is not mandatory.

[0044] <Before shopping (see Figures 5 and 9)> Before entering a participating store, members operate their smartphone 40 to launch the shopping app. When the shopping app is launched, the touch panel screen on the smartphone 40 transitions to the entry code reading screen Sa (Figure 9). The entry code reading screen Sa is a screen for reading the entry code Cin (Figure 5) with the camera installed in the smartphone 40.

[0045] The entry code Cin is available at the entrance of the participating store. For example, the entry code Cin may be printed on paper and posted at the entrance. For example, the entry code Cin may be displayed on a screen placed at the entrance. The entry code Cin is a code representing the settings information of the participating store, for example, using a two-dimensional code system. The settings information includes the store ID set for the participating store, wireless LAN data, etc. The wireless LAN data includes the SSID, password, security information, etc., necessary for the smartphone 40 to connect to the access point 29 using wireless LAN.

[0046] As shown in Figure 9, the entry code reading screen Sa displays a camera activation button Ba. The member touches the camera activation button Ba. This activates the camera on the smartphone 40, and the member points the camera lens at the entry code Cin. The camera scans the entry code Cin.

[0047] When the entry code Cin is scanned, the smartphone 40 sends an entry request command CMa (Figure 5) to the management server 12 via the network 30. The entry request command CMa includes at least the member ID and the store ID contained in the entry code Cin.

[0048] The management server 12 obtains the member ID from the entry request command CMa and performs member authentication (Figure 5, ACT1). Member authentication is performed by checking whether the member ID is managed as a valid member ID. For example, a member record containing the member ID of a consumer who has lost their membership status due to reasons such as withdrawal application or fraudulent activity has an invalid flag recorded. If the management server 12 obtains the member ID of a member record with an invalid flag recorded from the entry request command CMa, it denies the member authentication. If the management server 12 obtains the member ID of a member record without an invalid flag recorded from the entry request command CMa, it approves the member authentication.

[0049] The management server 12 determines whether to approve or deny the member authentication (Figure 5, ACT2). If the member authentication is denied, the management server 12 sends an entry denial command CMb back to the smartphone 40. The entry denial command CMb is sent to the smartphone 40 via the network 30. Upon receiving the entry denial command CMb, the smartphone 40 stops the shopping app. Therefore, the customer cannot perform so-called self-service shopping at the affiliated store, where they manually input data related to their purchases using their smartphone 40.

[0050] The management server 12 issues a customer ID if it approves the member authentication (Figure 5, ACT3). The customer ID is a unique ID assigned to each purchase, i.e., each transaction of buying and selling goods, made by a member at a participating store. For example, a unique customer ID is issued by combining the store code, date, and serial number. The management server 12 associates the member ID and store ID obtained from the entry request command CMa with the issued customer ID and writes it in the linkage table 70 (Figure 5). In other words, the linkage table 70 is a data table that stores the member ID of a consumer making a self-service purchase, associating it with the store ID of the participating store where the purchase is made and the unique customer ID issued for that transaction.

[0051] The management server 12 sends an entry approval command CMc to the smartphone 40. The entry approval command CMc is sent to the smartphone 40 via the network 30. Upon receiving the entry approval command CMc, the smartphone 40 connects to the access point 29 via wireless LAN using wireless LAN data obtained from the entry code Cin. Once the smartphone 40 is connected to the access point 29 via wireless LAN, the touch panel screen transitions to the shopping start screen. The shopping start screen prompts the consumer to begin shopping. The shopping start screen displays a shopping start button.

[0052] Meanwhile, the management server 12, which sent the entry approval command CMc, sends a transaction file creation instruction command CMd to the virtual POS server 13. The creation instruction command CMd includes the store ID and customer ID stored in association with the member ID in the linkage table 70. Upon receiving the creation instruction command CMd, the virtual POS server 13 creates a transaction file 80 (Figure 5) in its storage unit. The virtual POS server 13 then writes the store ID and customer ID included in the creation instruction command CMd into the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 is a data file that records sales data of products purchased by a member identified by the customer ID in a transaction with that member, and payment data for the settlement amount of that transaction.

[0053] <Shopping (See Figures 6, 10, 11, and 12)> After viewing the shopping start screen, the member touches the shopping start button. The touch panel screen then transitions to the registration screen Sb (Figure 10). As shown in Figure 10, the registration screen Sb displays the total number of items and the total amount of the items to be registered. However, since the purchased items have not yet been registered, both the total number of items and the total amount are "0". The registration screen Sb also displays the no barcode button Bb, the scan button Bc, and the checkout button Bd. The no barcode button Bb is the button to touch when entering data for items without barcodes. The scan button Bc is the button to touch when entering data for items with barcodes. The checkout button Bd is the button to touch when the shopping is finished and the member wants to proceed to checkout. However, since the items have not yet been registered, the checkout button Bd is disabled. For example, the checkout button Bd is grayed out. The checkout button Bd may also be hidden.

[0054] When a member finds an item they wish to purchase in the sales area where the products are displayed, they check whether the item has a barcode BC (Figure 6). If barcode BC is present, the member touches the scan button Bc. When the scan button Bc is touched, the touch panel screen transitions to the scanning screen Sc (Figure 11). As shown in Figure 11, the scanning screen Sc displays a frame AR indicating the barcode reading area. It also displays a no-barcode button Bb and a back button Be. The back button Be is touched to cancel the scanning of barcode BC.

[0055] The member operates their smartphone 40 so that the barcode BC of the purchased product is within the framed AR area. When the barcode BC is within the framed AR area, it is scanned by the camera of the smartphone 40.

[0056] The smartphone 40, having scanned the barcode BC, sends a registration request command CMe (Figure 6) to the management server 12 via the wireless LAN. The registration request command CMe includes the member ID and the data of the barcode BC, also known as barcode data. The registration request command CMe is received by the access point 29 and then sent from the router 28 to the management server 12 via the network 30.

[0057] The management server 12 searches the linkage table 70 using the member ID included in the registration request command CMe and retrieves the store ID and customer ID associated with that member ID. Then, the management server 12 sends a registration request command CMf to the virtual POS server 13, in which the member ID has been replaced with the store ID and customer ID.

[0058] The virtual POS server 13 obtains the store ID, customer ID, and barcode data from the registration request command CMf. The virtual POS server 13 then obtains the product code from the barcode data. The virtual POS server 13 searches the first product master 113 of the affiliated store identified by the store ID and obtains the product record containing the product code. The virtual POS server 13 then registers product sales data, consisting of the product code, product name, price, number of units sold, sales amount, etc., based on the product data of that product record, in the transaction file 80 which contains the store ID and customer ID. Here, the virtual POS server 13 functions as a registration means.

[0059] The management server 12 retrieves the transaction file 80 containing the product sales data from the virtual POS server 13. The management server 12 then sends a registration response command CMg (Figure 6) to the smartphone 40, which is the source of the registration request command CMe. The registration response command CMg contains the data from the transaction file 80 retrieved from the virtual POS server 13. The registration response command CMg is sent from the router 15 to the POS system 20 via the network 30, and then from the access point 29 to the smartphone 40.

[0060] Upon receiving the registration response command CMg, the smartphone 40 transitions to the registration screen Sd (Figure 12). The registration screen Sd is displayed when the sales data for the first item, AAA, has been registered in the transaction file 80. As shown in Figure 12, the registration screen Sd displays the sales price of AAA, "¥100", and the number of items sold, "1 item". The total number of items becomes "1 item", and the total amount becomes "¥100". The payment button Bd becomes available for input.

[0061] From this point onward, the member touches the scan button Bc to scan the barcode of each additional item purchased. As a result, the management server 12 and the virtual POS server 13 operate in the same manner as described above. Consequently, the registration screen Sb displays the product name, sales price, and number of items sold, as well as the total number of items and the total sales price.

[0062] As mentioned earlier, the sales amount of the product sales data stored in transaction file 80 is calculated based on the price in the first product master 113. This price in the first product master 113 is not reflected even if there is a price change during business hours. Therefore, the sales amount and total amount displayed on the registration screen Sd may differ from the amount based on the current price. For this reason, the sales amount and total amount displayed on the registration screen Sd should be considered merely as reference amounts during the shopping process.

[0063] If the purchased item does not have a barcode, the member touches the "No Barcode" button Bb. A list of items without barcodes is then displayed on the touch panel of the smartphone 40, and the member selects the item they wish to purchase from this list. A registration request command CMe, including the product ID of the purchased item, is then sent to the management server 12. Subsequent operations are the same as when the product's barcode BC is scanned with the smartphone 40.

[0064] <Before payment (see Figures 6 and 13)> When a member finishes shopping at the store and proceeds to checkout, they touch the checkout button Bd on the registration screen Sd. When the checkout button Bd is touched, the smartphone 40 sends a checkout request command CMh (Figure 6) to the management server 12 via the wireless LAN. The checkout request command CMh includes the member ID. The checkout request command CMh is received by the access point 29 and sent from the router 28 to the management server 12 via the network 30.

[0065] The management server 12 issues an accounting code (Figure 6, ACT11). The accounting code is a combination of, for example, a date, time, and a sequential number, and no duplicate accounting codes are issued for at least one business day. The management server 12 generates a first image Ca (Figure 13) (Figure 6, ACT12). The first image Ca is an image of the accounting code converted into a barcode, in other words, an image of the accounting barcode.

[0066] The management server 12 obtains the member ID from the accounting request command CMh (Figure 6, ACT13). The management server 12 then searches the member database 112 and obtains the electronic money ID from the member record containing the member ID (Figure 6, ACT14). The management server 12 generates the second image Cb (Figure 13) (Figure 6, ACT15). The second image Cb is an image of the accounting code and electronic money ID encoded in two dimensions, in other words, an image of the two-dimensional code for accounting.

[0067] The management server 12 sends an accounting approval command CMi to the smartphone 40, which is the source of the accounting request command CMh. The accounting approval command CMi includes a first image Ca and a second image Cb.

[0068] Note that members who have not registered to use electronic money cannot obtain an electronic money ID. In that case, the management server 12 does not generate the second image Cb. The management server 12 sends an accounting approval command CMi, which includes the first image Ca, to the smartphone 40.

[0069] The accounting approval command CMi is transmitted to the POS system 20 via the network 30, and then transmitted from the access point 29 to the smartphone 40 via wireless LAN. Upon receiving the accounting approval command CMi, the smartphone 40's touch panel screen transitions to the accounting screen Se (Figure 13). As shown in Figure 13, the accounting screen Se displays the first image Ca and the second image Cb. The accounting screen Se also displays an exit button Bf. The exit button Bf is the button to touch when canceling the transaction. Here, the management server 12 functions as a generation means and a display control means. The accounting two-dimensional code is an example of a machine-readable code.

[0070] Furthermore, the management server 12 retrieves the store ID and customer ID stored in the linkage table 70 in association with the member ID obtained from the accounting request command CMh. The management server 12 then retrieves the transaction file 80 containing the store ID and customer ID from the virtual POS server 13. The management server 12 then sends the transaction file 80 and accounting code to the POS system 20 of the affiliated store identified by the store ID. As a result, the transaction file 80 and accounting code data are sent to the store server 21 of the corresponding affiliated store via the network 30. The store server 21 transfers the transaction file 80 and accounting code data received from the management server 12 to the accounting server 22. The accounting server 22 stores the transaction file 80 in memory in association with the accounting code.

[0071] <Accounting (See Figures 7, 8, 14, and 15)> Members who have confirmed the payment screen Se will use the dedicated payment machine 25 or the payment machine gate device 26 to make their payment. In principle, members paying with electronic money will use the payment machine gate device 26. Members paying with other payment methods will use the dedicated payment machine 25. It is also possible to pay with electronic money using the dedicated payment machine 25.

[0072] First, Figure 7 will be used to explain the operation of accounting using the dedicated accounting machine 25. The member scans the first image Ca on the accounting screen Se, which is the accounting barcode, with the scanner on the dedicated accounting machine 25. Then, the accounting barcode data, also known as barcode data BCD (Figure 7), is transmitted from the dedicated accounting machine 25 to the accounting server 22.

[0073] The accounting server 22 obtains the accounting code from the barcode data BCD (Figure 7, ACT21). The accounting server 22 then retrieves the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code from its memory (Figure 7, ACT22). The accounting server 22 then sends the transaction file 80 to the dedicated accounting machine 25.

[0074] The dedicated accounting machine 25 recalculates the settlement amount by referring to the second product master 211 managed by the store server 21. Specifically, the dedicated accounting machine 25 retrieves the product code registered in the transaction file 80. Then, the dedicated accounting machine 25 searches the second product master 211 and retrieves the price of the product record containing the product code. The dedicated accounting machine 25 multiplies that price by the number of units sold, which was registered in the transaction file 80 along with the product code, to calculate the sales amount of the purchased product identified by that product code. The dedicated accounting machine 25 performs the above process for all product codes registered in the transaction file 80. Then, the dedicated accounting machine 25 calculates the settlement amount by summing up the sales amounts of all purchased products.

[0075] The dedicated payment machine 25 displays the recalculated payment amount on its screen. It then waits for the customer to select a payment method (Figure 7, ACT32). The recalculated payment amount may differ from the total amount displayed on the smartphone 40. In this case, since the total amount on the smartphone 40 is only a reference amount, the customer will pay the payment amount displayed on the dedicated payment machine 25.

[0076] The member selects a payment method. For example, if cash is selected, the dedicated payment machine 25 executes the payment process to receive the settlement amount in cash (Figure 7, ACT33). For example, if a credit card is selected, the dedicated payment machine 25 executes the payment process to receive the settlement amount by credit card. Since these payment processes are well-known, a detailed explanation is omitted here.

[0077] Once payment processing is complete, the dedicated accounting machine 25 sends a payment completion notification command CMj to the accounting server 22. The payment completion notification command CMj contains payment data. For example, in the case of a cash payment, the payment data includes the amount received, the amount of change given, etc. For example, in the case of a credit card payment, the payment data includes the amount paid by credit card, etc.

[0078] The accounting server 22 registers payment data in the transaction file 80. The accounting server 22 also sets an exit status in the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 with the exit status set is stored in the recording unit of the accounting server 22 or the store server 21.

[0079] Incidentally, members who have finished paying at the dedicated payment machine 25 exit the sales area through the passage Pa equipped with a payment machine gate device 26. At this time, since the gate 61 is closed, the member scans the payment barcode or payment QR code on the payment screen Se with the scanner 56 of the payment unit 261. Once the payment barcode or payment QR code is scanned, the payment unit 261 transmits the data of that payment barcode or payment QR code to the payment server 22.

[0080] The accounting server 22 checks whether an exit status is set in the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code obtained from the accounting barcode or accounting QR code data. If an exit status is set, the accounting server 22 sends a gate open command CMk to the accounting unit 261. The accounting unit 261 controls the controller 62 to open the gate 61. Thus, the member can exit the sales floor through aisle Pa.

[0081] On the other hand, even if a member who has not paid using the dedicated accounting machine 25 scans the accounting barcode with the scanner 56 of the accounting unit 261, the transaction file 80 associated with the accounting code obtained from the barcode data does not have an exit status set, so the accounting server 22 does not send a gate open command to the accounting unit 261. Therefore, the gate 61 does not open. Consequently, members who have not paid cannot exit the sales floor by passing through aisle Pa.

[0082] Next, we will explain the operation of accounting using the gate device with accounting machine 26, using Figures 8, 14, and 15.

[0083] The member holds the second image Cb of the accounting screen Se, which is the accounting QR code, over the reading window 561 of the accounting unit 261. The scanner 56 then scans the accounting QR code, and the accounting unit 261 sends the accounting QR code data, also known as the QR code data QRD (Figure 8), to the accounting server 22.

[0084] The accounting server 22 obtains an accounting code from the two-dimensional code data QRD (Figure 8, ACT41). The accounting server 22 then retrieves the transaction file 80 associated with that accounting code from memory (Figure 8, ACT42). As explained in the section on accounting operations using the dedicated accounting machine 25, the accounting server 22 checks whether an exit status is set in the transaction file 80 (Figure 8, ACT43). If an exit status is set, the accounting server 22 sends a gate open command CMk to the accounting unit 261. If no termination status is set, the accounting server 22 obtains the electronic money ID from the two-dimensional code data QRD (Figure 8, ACT44). The accounting server 22 then accesses the electronic money management company's server via the network 30 to obtain the balance of the electronic money managed in association with that electronic money ID (Figure 8, ACT45). The accounting server 22 sends the transaction file 80 and data showing the electronic money balance to the accounting unit 261.

[0085] The accounting unit 261, like the dedicated accounting machine 25, recalculates the settlement amount by referring to the second product master 211. The accounting unit 261 then checks whether the electronic money balance is insufficient for the settlement amount (Figure 8, ACT52). If the balance is insufficient, the accounting unit 261 displays a screen Da on the touch panel 55 prompting the user to top up their electronic money, as shown in Figure 14.

[0086] After viewing screen Da, the member charges their electronic money at the dedicated payment machine 25 according to the instructions on screen Da. Once the charging is complete, the member again holds the payment QR code over the reading window 561 of the payment unit 261. Alternatively, the member scans the payment barcode with the scanner on the dedicated payment machine 25 and pays using a payment method other than electronic money. In addition, after charging their electronic money, the member may pay using electronic money at the dedicated payment machine 25.

[0087] If the electronic money balance is sufficient, the accounting department 261 checks whether the settlement amount matches the reference amount (Figure 8, ACT53). As mentioned above, the reference amount is the total transaction amount calculated using the prices of the first product master 113 managed by the server system 10, and may not match the settlement amount, i.e., the total transaction amount calculated using the prices of the second product master 211 managed by the POS system 20.

[0088] If the payment amount does not match the reference amount, the accounting unit 261 displays a screen Db on the touch panel 55 to notify the customer of the discrepancy in the amount, as shown in Figure 15 (Figure 8, ACT 54). Screen Db displays the payment amount, the reference amount, the electronic money balance, and a notification message. A staff call button Bg and an OK button Bh are also displayed. The staff call button Bg is a button to touch, for example, if the customer wants to confirm with a staff member that the payment amount is different from the reference amount. The OK button Bh is a button to touch when the customer agrees to pay the payment amount.

[0089] When the staff call button Bg is touched, the accounting unit 261 sends a call signal to the monitoring terminal 23. As a result, the monitoring terminal 23 is notified that a staff member has been called, and the attendant, who is the operator of the monitoring terminal 23, goes to the aisle Pa to assist the customer.

[0090] If the OK button Bh is touched, or if the payment amount matches the reference amount, the accounting unit 261 executes the electronic money payment process (Figure 8, ACT55). That is, the accounting unit 261 executes the process of deducting the payment amount from the electronic money balance. The accounting unit 261 also executes the process of driving the printer 57 to print a purchase receipt. The purchase receipt is issued from the receipt issuing slot 571, and the member receives the receipt.

[0091] When a member receives a receipt, the accounting unit 261 sends a payment completion notification command CMl to the accounting server 22. The payment completion notification command CMl includes payment data for electronic money.

[0092] The accounting server 22 registers payment data in the transaction file 80. The accounting server 22 also sets an exit status in the transaction file 80. The transaction file 80 with the exit status set is stored in the recording unit of the accounting server 22 or the store server 21.

[0093] The accounting server 22 sends a gate open command CMk to the accounting unit 261. The accounting unit 261 controls the controller 62 to open the gate 61. Thus, the member can exit the sales area through the aisle Pa. The timing of outputting the gate open command CMk may be before or after setting the exit status in the transaction file 80. Here, the accounting server 22 functions as a processing means and an authorization means in cooperation with the accounting machine gate device 26.

[0094] This concludes the explanation of the transaction processing system's operation. As is clear from this description of operation, the virtual POS server 13 of the transaction processing system 100 functions as a registration means. The management server 12 functions as a generation means and a display control means. The accounting server 22 functions as a processing means and an authorization means in cooperation with the accounting machine gate device 26. The accounting machine gate device 26 also functions as an accounting machine equipped with a reader (scanner 56) that reads machine-readable codes (accounting two-dimensional codes). Therefore, the virtual POS server 13, the management server 12, and the accounting server 22 can be referred to as servers of the transaction processing system 100. These servers can also be referred to as transaction processing devices.

[0095] [Effects of Transaction Processing System 100] According to this embodiment, members who have registered to use electronic money usable at participating stores can make payments at the payment terminal gate device 26. In this case, the member simply holds the second image Cb of the payment screen Se displayed on the smartphone 40, that is, the payment QR code, over the reading window 561. Unlike conventional methods, there is no need to go through multiple steps such as scanning the first image Ca of the payment screen Se, that is, the payment barcode, selecting electronic money from the payment method selection screen, and having the electronic money ID read by the payment terminal. Therefore, payments can be made even smoother.

[0096] The gate device 26 with a payment machine is installed in the passageway Pa used for exiting the sales floor. Customers who have finished paying at the gate device 26 can exit the sales floor through passageway Pa. Therefore, exiting the sales floor is also smooth. As a result, congestion at the checkout counter can be reduced, and a large number of customers can be served in a short amount of time.

[0097] Incidentally, the management server 12 generates a first code, i.e., an accounting code, corresponding to transaction data, and a second code, i.e., a machine-readable code including an electronic money ID, i.e., a two-dimensional code for accounting, corresponding to data related to electronic payment. Therefore, the accounting server 22 can obtain not only the accounting code but also the electronic money ID simultaneously from the two-dimensional code for accounting, thus reducing processing time.

[0098] The smartphone 40 used by members is not only used to input data related to purchased items, but also functions as a display medium for the second image Cb, which shows the two-dimensional code for payment. Therefore, members can use the smartphone 40 to handle a series of actions from self-service product registration to payment, resulting in excellent usability.

[0099] If there is a discrepancy between the total amount displayed on the smartphone during shopping and the actual payment amount, the system displays a screen Db on the touch panel 55 at the payment gate device 26 to notify the member of the discrepancy and prompt them to confirm. This prevents disputes with members due to discrepancies in the amount.

[0100] The embodiments of the transaction processing system 100 have been described above, but the embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the first terminal operated by the customer in the sales area and the second terminal used by the customer are the same terminal. The first terminal may be a tablet terminal attached to a shopping cart, and the second terminal may be a smartphone. Alternatively, the first terminal may be a smartphone lent to the customer by the store, and the second terminal may be a smartphone owned by the customer personally.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the generation means generates a machine-readable code, i.e., a two-dimensional code for accounting, which includes an electronic money ID corresponding to the data related to electronic payment, along with an accounting code corresponding to the data related to the transaction. The machine-readable code does not necessarily have to include the electronic money ID. The electronic money ID is stored in the member database 112 in association with the member ID. Therefore, the generation means generates a machine-readable code that includes the member ID along with the accounting code. The accounting server 22, which functions as a processing means, queries the server system 10 for the electronic money ID associated with the member ID obtained from the machine-readable code. The accounting server 22 then obtains the electronic money ID from the server system 10 and may execute the processing from ACT45 onwards in Figure 8. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the accounting server 22 checked the balance of the electronic money and sent the transaction file 80 along with the balance data to the accounting unit 261. Alternatively, the accounting server 22 may send the transaction file 80 along with the electronic money ID to the accounting unit 261, and the accounting unit 261 may check the balance of the electronic money and execute the payment process using the electronic money.

[0103] In the above embodiment, electronic money was given as an example of electronic payment. However, electronic payment is not limited to electronic money. If it is possible to include data related to a credit card as a machine-readable code, the electronic payment may be a credit card payment. Alternatively, if it is possible to include point data used for point payments as a machine-readable code, the electronic payment may be a point payment.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the server system 10 was constructed using cloud computing. In this regard, the POS system 20 may also include the functionality of the server system 10. That is, it is also possible to construct the transaction processing system 100 in a single store.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the server system 10 is configured with a database server 11, a management server 12, and a virtual POS server 13. The server system 10 may also be configured with a single server that integrates the functions of the database server 11, the management server 12, and the virtual POS server 13. Similarly, in each store's POS system 20, instead of separating the functions between the store server 21 and the accounting server 2, the functions of both the store server 21 and the accounting server 22 may be consolidated into a single server.

[0106] In addition, several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out 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 variations are included within the scope of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A transaction processing device comprising: registration means for registering data relating to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by a customer at a sales counter; generation means for generating a machine-readable code for obtaining data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to the electronic payment used by the customer; display control means for displaying the machine-readable code on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to an accounting instruction from the first terminal; and processing means for obtaining data relating to the transaction and data relating to the electronic payment corresponding to the machine-readable code based on the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, and processing the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the data relating to the electronic payment. [2] The transaction processing apparatus described in Appendix [1], wherein the reading unit is provided in the passage of a customer who has completed payment, and further comprises a permit means that permits passage through the passage on the condition that the payment of the payment amount has been processed with data relating to the electronic payment. [3] The transaction processing apparatus according to Appendix [1] or [2], wherein the generating means generates a machine-readable code including a first code corresponding to the transaction data and a second code corresponding to the electronic payment data. [4] The transaction processing device described in any one of the appendices [1] to [3], wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are the same terminal. [5] A transaction processing system comprising: an accounting machine equipped with a reading unit for reading machine-readable codes; and a server that communicates with the accounting machine, wherein the server includes: registration means for registering data relating to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by a customer in the sales area; generation means for generating machine-readable codes for obtaining data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to electronic payment used by the customer; display control means for displaying the machine-readable codes on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to accounting instructions from the first terminal; and processing means for obtaining data relating to the transaction and data relating to electronic payment corresponding to the machine-readable codes read by the reading unit, and processing the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the data relating to electronic payment. [6] The transaction processing system as described in Appendix [5], wherein the accounting machine is installed in a passageway for customers who have completed payment, and the server further comprises a permit means that permits passage through the passageway on the condition that the payment of the payment amount has been processed with data relating to the electronic payment. [7] The transaction processing system described in Appendix [5] or [6], further comprising: a reference amount calculation means for calculating a reference settlement amount based on the transaction data registered by the registration means; and a notification means for notifying when the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data obtained based on the machine-readable code differs from the settlement amount calculated by the reference amount calculation means. [8] A program that causes a computer that communicates with an accounting machine equipped with a reading unit for reading machine-readable codes to function as: a registration means for registering data relating to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by a customer in the sales area; a generation means for generating machine-readable codes for obtaining data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to electronic payment used by the customer; a display control means for displaying the machine-readable codes on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal in response to accounting instructions from the first terminal; and a processing means for obtaining data relating to the transaction and data relating to electronic payment corresponding to the machine-readable code read by the reading unit, and processing the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data using the data relating to electronic payment. [9] The accounting machine is provided in a passageway for customers who have completed payment, and the program described in Appendix [8] causes the computer to function as a permitting means that permits passage through the passageway on the condition that the payment of the payment amount has been processed with data relating to the electronic payment. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 10...Server system, 11...Database server, 12...Management server, 13...Virtual POS server, 20...POS system, 21...Store server, 22...Accounting server, 23...Monitoring terminal, 24...POS terminal, 25...Dedicated accounting machine, 26...Gate device with accounting machine, 30...Network, 40...Smartphone, 100...Transaction processing system, 111...Franchise database, 112...Member database, 113...First product master, 211...Second product master, 261...Accounting department, 262...Gate department.

Claims

1. A registration means that registers data related to transactions with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales counter, A first generation means for generating a first machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal at the first accounting machine, A second generation means for generating a second machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to the electronic payment used by the customer, A display control means that, in response to accounting instructions from the first terminal, causes the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code to be displayed on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal, A first output means that, based on the first machine-readable code read by the first accounting machine, acquires data relating to the transaction corresponding to the first machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired data relating to the transaction to the first accounting machine, A second output means that, based on the second machine-readable code read by a reader installed in the passageway through which customers who have completed payment exit the sales area, acquires transaction data and electronic payment data corresponding to the second machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired transaction data and electronic payment data to a second accounting machine, When the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data has been completed at the first accounting machine, or when the payment of the settlement amount has been completed at the second accounting machine using data related to electronic payment, a permit means is provided to permit passage through the passage. A transaction processing device equipped with the following.

2. The transaction processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second generation means generates a second machine-readable code including a first code corresponding to the transaction data and a second code corresponding to the electronic payment data.

3. The transaction processing device according to claim 1, wherein the second output means outputs data indicating the balance of electronic money as data relating to the electronic payment to the second accounting machine.

4. A second accounting machine, which is provided in a passageway for customers to exit the sales area after completing payment, and a server that communicates with the second accounting machine, The aforementioned server, A registration means that registers data related to transactions with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales counter, A first generation means for generating a first machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal at the first accounting machine, A second generation means for generating a second machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to the electronic payment used by the customer, A display control means that, in response to accounting instructions from the first terminal, causes the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code to be displayed on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal, A first output means that, based on the first machine-readable code read by the first accounting machine, acquires data relating to the transaction corresponding to the first machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired data relating to the transaction to the first accounting machine, A second output means that, based on the second machine-readable code read by the reading unit, acquires transaction data and electronic payment data corresponding to the second machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired transaction data and electronic payment data to the second accounting machine, When the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data has been completed at the first accounting machine, or when the payment of the settlement amount has been completed at the second accounting machine using data related to electronic payment, a permit means is provided to permit passage through the passage. A transaction processing system equipped with the following features.

5. The transaction processing system according to claim 4, wherein the second generation means generates a second machine-readable code including a first code corresponding to the transaction data and a second code corresponding to the electronic payment data.

6. The transaction processing system according to claim 4, wherein the second output means outputs data indicating the balance of electronic money as data relating to the electronic payment to the second accounting machine.

7. The transaction processing system according to claim 6, wherein the second accounting machine instructs the first accounting machine to charge electronic money when the balance of the electronic money output from the server is insufficient for the settlement amount.

8. A computer equipped with a reader unit for reading machine-readable codes and located in a passageway through which customers exit the sales area after completing their payment communicates with the second payment machine. A registration means that registers data related to a transaction with a customer based on data received from a first terminal operated by the customer at the sales counter. A first generation means for generating a first machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal at a first accounting machine, A second generation means for generating a second machine-readable code for acquiring data relating to the transaction with the customer operating the first terminal and data relating to the electronic payment used by the customer. Display control means that, in response to accounting instructions from the first terminal, causes the first machine-readable code and the second machine-readable code to be displayed on a second terminal used by the customer operating the first terminal. A first output means that, based on the first machine-readable code read by the first accounting machine, acquires data relating to the transaction corresponding to the first machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired data relating to the transaction to the first accounting machine. A second output means that, based on the second machine-readable code read by the reading unit, acquires transaction data and electronic payment data corresponding to the second machine-readable code, and outputs the acquired transaction data and electronic payment data to the second accounting machine, If the payment of the settlement amount calculated from the transaction data has been completed at the first accounting machine, or if the payment of the settlement amount has been completed at the second accounting machine using data related to electronic payment, a permit means to permit passage through the passage, A program designed to function as such.

9. The program according to claim 8, wherein the second output means outputs data indicating the balance of electronic money as data relating to the electronic payment.

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