System, registration device, and program

Abstract

To provide a system that enables smooth registration and adjustment processing to be advanced.SOLUTION: The system includes: generation means (step 1-1) for generating registration data by registration processing; termination accepting means (step 1-5) for accepting termination of the registration processing; inquiry means (step 1-7) for inquiring whether or not adjustment processing can be made with the content of the registration data based on an operation of the termination accepting means; and control means for, in a case where the registration processing is terminated based on a result of the inquiry means ("Y" in step 1-8), transmitting the registration data to adjustment means 20 or 40, and in a case where the content of the registration data is corrected based on the result of the inquiry means ("N" in step 1-8), not transmitting the registration data to the adjustment means 20 or 40 (step 1-10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a registration device, and a program suitable for use in registering and settling goods and services.

Background Art

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <000002%)However, conventionally, for example, when there is a defect in the registration data generated by the registration device, there has been a risk that the operation of the settlement device cannot be performed smoothly. <000%027> The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object ther%of is to provide a system, a registration device, and a program that can perform smooth registration and settlement processing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention includes a generation means for generating registration data by a registration process, an end reception means for receiving a notification that the registration process has ended, <%%00034>an inquiry means for inquiring whether it is possible to perform a settlement process based on the content of the registration data based on the operation of the end reception means, and a control means for ending the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means. The aforementioned It is in a system equipped with The registration data includes point information for a first number of points held by the customer and a second number of points used in the settlement process, and the control means, if the result of the inquiry means indicates that settlement processing is possible with the contents of the registration data including the point information, terminates the registration process and transmits registration data for performing settlement processing on an amount obtained by subtracting the amount equivalent to the second number of points, and also instructs the updating of the information for the first number of points when transmitting the registration data. this. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of System 1. [Figure 2] This diagram shows an example of a functional block for the in-store server 10. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the external configuration of the product sales data processing device 200, as seen from the settlement device side. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product sales data processing device 200. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the operation flow of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 (or face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and self-service POS device 40) in System 1. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the product registration details display screen (sub-plan registration details screen) G10. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the point details display screen (the screen for awarding benefits on the sub-plan) G20. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the G30 screen during the inquiry process. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing the registration data transmission completion screen G40. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing screen G50, which indicates that registration data cannot be sent. [Figure 11] This is a diagram of the settlement details change screen G60. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing the G70 screen, which indicates that the operation is not possible. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system (sales processing system, product registration and settlement system) 1 to which the present invention is applied. This system 1 is a system that registers and settles the products and services that customers intend to purchase using a POS device, for example, in a mass retail store. As shown in the figure, system 1 is configured by connecting multiple store-specific systems 1A, 1B, 1C, etc., a cloud server 100, and a point server (customer information management server) 110 via a network 130 such as the Internet.

[0009] Since each store's system 1A, 1B, 1C, etc., has the same configuration, we will explain system 1A. System 1A comprises an in-store server (management device, store controller) 10, a face-to-face self-POS device (product sales data processing device) 20 used as a product registration device and self-checkout device, and multiple self-POS devices (product sales data processing devices) 40 (40A, 40B, etc.) used as self-checkout devices, and each device is connected to enable communication via LAN 80. The LAN 80 connection can be wired or wireless. This system 1A, 1B, 1C, etc., is installed, for example, in supermarkets and general merchandise stores.

[0010] The in-store server 10 is a computer that controls system 1A and manages various types of information such as product master files, member information files, and benefit information files. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional blocks of the in-store server 10. As shown in the figure, the in-store server 10 has a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, display unit 14, hard disk 15, operation unit 16, and communication unit 17, and these components are connected to each other via a communication line 18. The CPU 11 controls the operation of the in-store server 10 by executing a control program stored in ROM 12. ROM 12 stores various types of information such as the control program. RAM 13 temporarily stores various types of information. The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays information to the store clerk operating the in-store server 10. The hard disk 15 is a storage means that stores various files (for example, product master files, member information files, benefit information files, print format files, accounting files, etc.). The operation unit 16 has various keys for receiving various instructions from the store clerk operating the in-store server 10. The communication unit 17 is a communication interface for communicating with various external devices via the LAN 80.

[0011] The face-to-face self-service POS system 20 and the self-service POS system 40 (hereinafter, both systems may be collectively referred to as "self-service POS system 20 or 40") are both structurally identical devices (the product sales data processing device 200 described below), and are devices that combine the function of a registration device in which a store clerk registers the products that a customer intends to purchase, and the function of a self-checkout device in which the customer, when facing the store clerk, performs the checkout themselves. The face-to-face self-service POS system 20 uses the product sales data processing device 200 as both a registration device and a self-checkout device, while the self-service POS system 40 uses the product sales data processing device 200 only as a self-checkout device.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the appearance configuration of the above-described product sales data processing apparatus 200 (self-POS apparatus 20 or 40) as viewed from the cashier device side. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the product sales data processing apparatus 200. As described above, this product sales data processing apparatus 200 can be used as a face-to-face self-POS apparatus (semi-self-POS apparatus) in which a store clerk registers the products to be purchased while facing the customer, and the customer settles the registered products. It can also be used as a registration device that only performs product registration, or as a settlement device that only performs settlement, or as a POS device for store clerk operation or a full-self-POS device for customer operation that performs both registration and settlement from the same side.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3, on the customer operation side (front side) of the product sales data processing apparatus 200, a customer operation screen 203 composed of a touch panel is installed above the base 201, a customer scanner 205 and a receipt issuing port 207a are installed below the customer operation screen 203, and a non-cash settlement processing unit 209 for performing settlement by non-cash settlement means such as credit cards, prepaid cards, and mobile terminals is installed on the side of the customer operation screen 203. A bill insertion port 211 is installed on the front side of the base 201, a coin insertion port 213 is installed diagonally below the bill insertion port 211, and a change discharge port 215 is installed below the bill insertion port 211.

[0014] On the store clerk operation side (back side) of the product sales data processing apparatus 200, a store clerk operation screen 204 composed of a touch panel is installed above the base 201, and a store clerk scanner 260 (not shown in FIG. 3, see FIG. 4) is installed.

[0015] The block diagram shown in Fig. 4 shows the block structure of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 200. As shown in the figure, the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 200 includes a CPU 251, a ROM 253, a RAM 255, a clerk operation screen 204, a clerk scanner 260, a customer operation screen 203, a customer scanner 205, a printing unit 207, a communication unit 257, an audio output unit 259, a cash settlement processing unit 261, and a non-cash settlement processing unit 209, which are interconnected by a communication circuit 263.

[0016] The CPU 251 controls the operation of the merchandise sales data processing apparatus 200 by reading and executing programs stored in the ROM 253. The ROM 253 stores programs and the like. The RAM 255 stores various kinds of information, such as merchandise files, membership information, and membership privilege information such as points. The clerk scanner 260 and the customer scanner 205 are acquisition means for optically acquiring code information (such as merchandise registration information) such as barcodes attached to merchandise.

[0017] The touch panels that constitute the clerk operation screen 204 and the customer operation screen 203 have the functions of a display unit that displays various kinds of information to the clerk and the customer, and an input unit that inputs various commands by touching the screen. In this example, the printing unit 207 prints on a receipt and issues the printed receipt from the receipt issuing port 207a. The communication unit 257 communicates with other devices via the LAN 80. The audio output unit 259 notifies the customer of various operation information and the like by voice.

[0018] The cash settlement processing unit 261 is configured to include a change dispenser, its control unit, etc., and performs settlement processing with cash. The change dispenser includes the banknote insertion slot 211, the coin insertion slot 213, and the change discharge port 215. The non-cash settlement processing unit 209 includes a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc.

[0019] When this product sales data processing device 200 is used as a face-to-face self-service POS device 20, the store clerk is positioned facing the registration operation side (rear side in Figure 3), and the customer is positioned facing the payment operation side (front side in Figure 3). The store clerk registers the products, and the customer makes the payment after the registration is complete. When used as a self-service POS device 40, the customer is positioned on the payment operation side and makes the payment only. When used as a registration device that only registers products, the store clerk is positioned on the registration operation side and registers the products only. When used as a regular POS device operated by a store clerk, the store clerk is positioned on the payment operation side and makes both product registration and payment. When used as a fully self-service POS device, the customer is positioned on the payment operation side and makes both product registration and payment.

[0020] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation flow of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 (or face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and self-service POS device 40) in the above system 1. Specifically, if a store employee is on the registration operation side of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and performs the registration operation using that side, and a customer is on the payment operation side and performs the payment operation using that side, then only the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 is used. On the other hand, if a store employee is on the registration operation side of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and performs the registration operation using that side, and a customer performs the payment operation using the payment operation side of another self-service POS device 40, then both the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and the self-service POS device 40 are used.

[0021] First, a store employee is present on the registration operation side of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20. The employee registers one or more items that the customer wishes to purchase using the employee scanner 260 and the employee operation screen 204 installed on the registration operation side, generating registration data and displaying, for example, the product registration details display screen (sub-planning screen registration details screen) G10 as shown in Figure 6 (step 1-1 "Y" → step 1-2).

[0022] The product registration details display screen G10 shows the following fields: Member information display field G101, Registered product display field G103, Purchase quantity display field G105, Subtotal field G107, Total field G109, Points used display field G111, Insufficient amount display field G113, Instruction button field G115, etc. The Member information display field G101 displays the member number and the number of points the member has. The Points used display field G111 displays the number of points to be used (in Figure 6, since no points to be used have been specified yet, it displays "0"). The Insufficient amount display field G113 displays the payment amount that cannot be covered by points alone (in Figure 6, since no points to be used yet, it is blank).

[0023] The instruction button section G115 displays various instruction buttons, including the point usage instruction button G117, the point usage cancellation button G118, the payment device specification button G119, and the receipt issuance instruction button G121.

[0024] The point usage instruction button G117 will use 500 points when pressed once, and n x 500 points when pressed n times, reducing the payment amount by the number of points used. Note that 500 points is just an example, and the setting can be arbitrarily changed. For example, instead of 500, you can set 100, 300, 1000, etc., and this can be pre-set on any device on this system 1 (such as the in-store server 10, the face-to-face self-POS device 20, or the cloud server 100).

[0025] The point usage cancellation button G118 cancels the use of 500 points when pressed once, and cancels the use of n x 500 points when pressed n times, increasing the payment amount by the amount of points that were canceled.

[0026] The payment device selection button G119 is used by the store clerk to select the POS device on which the customer will make a payment. In this example, pressing "1" selects the counter self-service POS device 20, pressing "2" selects the self-service POS device 40A, and pressing "3" selects the self-service POS device 40B.

[0027] The payment ticket issuance instruction button G121, when pressed instead of the payment device designation button G119, causes the printing unit 207 of the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 to issue a payment ticket. The customer then has the barcode or 2D code printed on the payment ticket read by the customer scanner 205 of either the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 or the self-service POS device 40 to which they wish to make a payment, and the customer makes the payment at that self-service POS device 20 or 40.

[0028] Then, for example, press the point usage instruction button G117 once on the product registration details display screen G10 ("Y" in step 1-3). This will display the point details display screen (sub-plan reward granting screen) G20 shown in Figure 7 (step 1-4).

[0029] The difference between the points display screen G20 and the product registration details display screen G10 is that the points used display field G123 is displayed instead of the registered product display field G103 of the product registration details display screen G10. The other parts are the same as the product registration details display screen G10, so they are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 6 and their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0030] The points usage display area G123 displays the points display area G125 and the points accounting area G127. The points display area G125 displays the number of points to be used by pressing the point usage instruction button G117 once. In this example, 500 points are used, so the total payment in the points accounting area G127 displays "¥500". If the point usage instruction button G117 is pressed twice, "2. Points 500 1" will be displayed below "1. Points 500 1" in the points display area G125 shown in Figure 7, and the total payment in the points accounting area G127 will display "¥1000". This display format can be changed in various ways; for example, the display of "1. Points 500 1" in the points display area G125 shown in Figure 7 can be changed to "1. Points 500 2". Furthermore, if you press the point usage cancellation button G118 once at this point, the point display field G125 will revert to displaying "1. 500 points, 1 card," and the total payment in the point accounting field G127 will display "¥500."

[0031] Next, on the point details display screen G20 (or the product registration details display screen G10 if points are not used), the customer can specify the payment device to be used by pressing "1", "2", or "3" on the payment device specification button G119, or by pressing the payment ticket issuance instruction button G121 ("Y" in step 1-5), which moves to step 1-6. In this case, since points are being used, a query is sent to the point server 110 (step 1-7). At this time, a query in progress screen G30, as shown in Figure 8, is displayed as a pop-up on the point details display screen G20. The query in progress screen G30 indicates that a query is currently being sent to the point server 110. At the same time, if there are no problems with point usage, the system is instructed to update the customer's point information.

[0032] The point server 110, upon receiving an inquiry, determines whether the requested points are usable. This determination involves various factors, such as whether the customer's current point balance is equal to or greater than the requested point balance, whether the customer's points meet any restrictions (e.g., usage time or period), and whether there are any communication problems between the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and the point server 110. If there are no problems with point usage, the point server 110 updates the point information. The point server 110 also processes customer information searches, point deductions due to point usage, and point additions due to point generation, and the type of inquiry is not limited to just one. Therefore, for example, when an inquiry is made to the point server 110, it is possible to simultaneously deduct points to be used and add newly generated points from a product purchase.

[0033] Alternatively, point accrual may be performed by communicating with the point server 110 after the settlement process at settlement device 20 or 40, where all transactions have been completed. Since this inquiry occurs after the transaction is finished, the processing takes place after the customer has left settlement device 20 or 40, and does not tie the customer to settlement device 20 or 40.

[0034] If the points to be used are deemed valid as a result of the query to the point server 110 ("Y" in step 1-8), the registration data is sent to either the designated settlement device 20 or 40, or the printing unit 207 issues a receipt (step 1-9). If the registration data is sent to either the designated settlement device 20 or 40, a registration data transmission completion screen G40, as shown in Figure 9, is displayed as a pop-up on the point content display screen G20. The registration data transmission completion screen G40 indicates that the points have been used correctly and also displays the destination to which the registration data was sent. If a receipt is issued, although not shown in the figure, a similar pop-up screen indicates that a receipt has been issued.

[0035] Customers are required to perform a settlement procedure at the settlement device 20 or 40 that receives the registration data, which will result in a settlement of 100 yen, calculated by subtracting 500 points from the transaction amount of 600 yen. This 600-500 calculation can be performed when the face-to-face self-POS device 20 is used as the registration device, and the registration data for a 100 yen charge can be sent to the settlement device 20 or 40 that is instructed to perform the settlement. Alternatively, all information, including the transaction amount of 600 yen and the points used of 500, can be sent as registration data to the settlement device 20 or 40 that is instructed to perform the settlement, and the settlement device 20 or 40 can then perform the 600-500 calculation. In other words, the reduction calculation can be performed at either the registration device or the settlement device.

[0036] On the other hand, in step 1-8, if the declaration of point usage is not permitted due to the result of querying the point server 110 and finding that the points to be used are invalid ("N" in step 1-8) or due to a communication failure between the point servers 110, a registration data transmission impossible screen G50 as shown in Figure 10 will pop up (step 1-10). In other words, the transmission of registration data and the issuance of the payment voucher will be canceled. The registration data transmission impossible screen G50 displays a message informing the user that the points to be used cannot be used and that they should select another payment method, along with a confirmation button G51. After understanding the message on the registration data transmission impossible screen G50 and pressing the confirmation button G51, the user returns to step 1-2 and displays the product registration details display screen G10 as shown in Figure 6. In other words, the transaction is changed back to the original transaction details with the point usage canceled (the discount using points is removed), and the designation of the settlement devices 20 and 40 and the instruction to issue a payment voucher are canceled. From there, the user selects a settlement method that does not use points (or a settlement method with a changed number of points used) and proceeds with the settlement process in the same way as above.

[0037] In steps 1-9 described above, when the payment device 20 or 40 to which the registration data has been transmitted, or when the payment device 20 or 40 to which the barcode or 2D code printed on the payment slip has been entered, receives or inputs the registration data (step 2-1), displays the payment screen on the customer operation screen 203 of the payment device 20 or 40 (step 2-2), performs the payment process by customer operation (step 2-3), and completes the series of registration and payment processes.

[0038] In the settlement device 20 or 40 that performs settlement, if the settlement details are to be changed, for example, the settlement details change screen G60 shown in Figure 11 is displayed. The settlement details change screen G60 displays a cancellation button G61 to cancel a transaction, a product cancellation button G63 to cancel a registered product, a deposit cancellation button G65 to cancel a deposit, an interruption button G67 to interrupt the settlement process, and a rewards display field G69, which indicates that points are being used.

[0039] If you are not using points, you can operate these various buttons (use their functions). On the other hand, if you are using points, when you press either the cancel button G61 or the interrupt button G67, an operation unavailable display screen G70 will pop up, as shown in Figure 12. The operation unavailable display screen G70 displays an operation unavailable display field G71 that shows why the operation cannot be performed and the reason why, and a confirmation button G73 to press after confirming that the operation is unavailable.

[0040] In other words, since the points have already been used at the registration stage (points updated on point server 110), it is not permitted to cancel them at the settlement stage. For this reason, the system is configured so that it is not possible to cancel or interrupt a transaction using points at the settlement stage.

[0041] As described above, System 1 comprises: generation means (such as a CPU 251 that executes step 1-1) that generates registration data through a registration process; termination acceptance means (such as a CPU 251 that executes step 1-5) that receives notification that the registration process will be terminated; inquiry means (such as a CPU 251 that executes step 1-7) that inquires whether or not settlement processing can be performed with the contents of the registration data based on the operation of the termination acceptance means; and control means (such as a CPU 251 that executes steps 1-8, 9, and 10) that terminates the registration process (or modifies the contents of the registration data) based on the result of the inquiry means.

[0042] According to System 1 described above, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not payment processing is possible based on the registered data when the registration process is completed, that is, before the payment process begins. For example, in a so-called semi-self-service system like System 1 described above, where store staff register products and customers pay for the registered products, it is possible to reliably prevent unfamiliar customers from having to perform operations such as redoing the payment process.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above system 1, if the control means terminates the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means ("Y" in step 1-8), it transmits the registration data to the settlement device (settlement means) 20 or 40 (step 1-9). On the other hand, if the content of the registration data is modified based on the result of the inquiry means ("N" in step 1-8), it does not transmit the registration data to the settlement device 20 or 40 (step 1-10). Therefore, only registration data that can be processed as is is transmitted to the settlement device 20 or 40, eliminating the need for the settlement device to perform complicated operations such as settlement reprocessing. As a result, even if the customer performs the settlement themselves, for example, the settlement device 20 or 40 does not need to perform complicated operations such as settlement reprocessing.

[0044] Furthermore, if the inquiry means determines that settlement processing can be performed using the contents of the registered data including point information, the point information is updated (step 1-7) when the registered data is transmitted to the settlement device (settlement means) 20 or 40 (while processing steps 1-7, 8, and 9). In other words, the point information is not updated until the registered data is transmitted to the settlement device 20 or 40, thus reducing the burden on the point server 110 that updates the point information.

[0045] This is because, as described above, System 1 allows the user to press the point usage instruction button G117 and the point usage cancellation button G118 multiple times during the product registration process. Therefore, if a point usage communication were to be sent to the point server 110 each time these buttons are pressed, it would be inefficient and place a heavy burden on the server.

[0046] Specifically, if there is more than one POS device (registration device) 20 installed in a store, or if there are multiple stores such as a chain store, communication with the point server 110 becomes one-to-many. As mentioned above, the point server 110 has a wide range of processing tasks, including customer information retrieval, point deduction and addition, and updating of changed point information, and it is necessary to handle these processes in parallel for each POS device 20, which increases the load. If the point server 110 is under heavy load, delays may occur in each process, and as a result, the POS device 20 may have to wait longer for processing from the point server 110. Furthermore, communication with the point server 110 may be impossible for reasons other than processing load, such as network failures or power outages, and in this case, the POS device 20 will also have to wait for a response from the point server 110 for a certain period of time, which increases the waiting time of the POS device 20. For the above reasons, in order to minimize the number of communications with the POS device 20, the communication to the point server 110 is performed in association with the final operation of the registration process, which is the transmission of registration data.

[0047] Furthermore, updating the points before the start of settlement ensures that problems related to points (such as communication failures with the point server 110 or insufficient points) do not occur during settlement. In other words, if the settlement device 20 or 40 receives the registration data and then communicates with the point server 110 about point usage, an error may occur, requiring the customer to deal with the error themselves, which could create a difficult situation for the customer and is therefore inefficient.

[0048] For these reasons, the system is designed to execute point redemption communication only upon completion of the registration process, thereby suppressing multiple communications and ensuring that customer operations at the settlement device 20 or 40 are not disrupted.

[0049] In the example above, the point details display screen G20 was constructed by displaying the point specification field G123 shown in Figure 7 instead of the registered product display field G103 shown in Figure 6. However, instead, the product details display screen G10 could be used as a substitute (for both) for the point details display screen G20 by displaying something like "Point 1 ¥500" in the last column of the registered product display field G103 on the product details display screen G10.

[0050] In the above embodiment, a face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and multiple self-service POS devices 40 are installed, but it goes without saying that the number of each device installed can be varied. In other words, one or more of each device may be installed. Also, the self-service POS devices 40 may be omitted, and only the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 may be used.

[0051] In the above system 1, both the face-to-face self-service POS device 20 and the self-service POS device 40 are configured as the same product sales data processing device 200, which combines the functions of a registration device and a settlement device. However, instead of these face-to-face self-service POS devices 20 and 40, the devices having the functions of a registration device and the devices having the functions of a settlement device may be configured as separate, independent devices.

[0052] Alternatively, communication with the point server 110 may be performed at the time a subtotal operation declaring the completion of product registration is received.

[0053] Furthermore, in the case of fully self-service POS systems that do not transmit registration data, or traditional POS systems where store employees handle registration and settlement, communication with the point server 110 may be performed not in conjunction with the transmission operation, but at the time the subtotal operation or the current total operation (which declares the end of the transaction) is received. If the inquiry results in a failure to deduct points, the transaction cannot be completed, and the customer will be asked to settle the amount that could not be deducted. If the communication with the point server 110 results in the point deduction being successfully executed, a receipt is printed and the transaction is completed.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which communication with the point server 110 is performed in association with the operation of the settlement device designation button (transmit button), the subtotal button, and the current total button. However, as another example, a separate inquiry button for querying the point server 110 may be provided. If such an inquiry button is provided, the operator, such as a store clerk or customer, will press the button at their own initiative during the registration of the operator or the settlement operation process. When the button is pressed, a message or options such as "Communication with the point server will begin. Do you wish to add or cancel points? Yes / No" can be displayed to prompt the user to avoid repeated server communication.

[0055] Furthermore, if a user declares their intention to use points but attempts to end the transaction by pressing the settlement device designation button or the current total button without pressing the inquiry button, the system can display the message, "Points have been declared for use. Please press the 'Inquiry Button'," and prevent the transmission or current total processing from being executed.

[0056] System 1 described above illustrates an example in which the present invention is configured as a system for selling various goods to customers, such as in a mass retail store. However, it may also be used as a system that provides various services to customers instead of goods, such as a system that provides food in a restaurant. In that case, kitchen equipment such as a kitchen monitor and kitchen printer installed near the kitchen should be connected to the LAN 80.

[0057] Furthermore, the processing of System 1 described above may be performed by recording a program for realizing the functions of System 1 (or the face-to-face self-POS device 20 or self-POS device 40, etc., hereafter the same in this paragraph) on a computer-readable recording medium, loading the program recorded on this recording medium into System 1 as a computer system, and executing it. Here, "loading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing it" includes installing the program into the computer system. Here, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. Also, "computer system" may include multiple computer devices connected via a network including communication lines such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated lines. Also, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Thus, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Also, the recording medium includes internal or external recording media that can be accessed from a distribution server (cloud server) for distributing the program. The program code stored on the distribution server's recording medium does not need to be the same as the program code in an executable format on the terminal device (information terminal). In other words, as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in an executable format on the terminal device, the format in which it is stored on the distribution server is irrelevant. Furthermore, the program may be divided into multiple parts, downloaded at different times, and then combined on the terminal device, and each of the divided programs may be distributed by a different distribution server. In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" includes volatile memory (RAM) within computer systems that act as servers or clients when a program is transmitted over a network, which retains the program for a certain period of time. Moreover, the above program may only be used to implement some of the functions described above.Furthermore, the above-mentioned functions may be realized in combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, such as so-called differential files (differential programs).

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings. Furthermore, any configuration not directly described in the specification and drawings is within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as long as it achieves the function and effect of the present invention. Also, the embodiments described above and shown in the figures can be combined as long as there is no contradiction in their purpose and configuration. Moreover, even a part of the descriptions above and shown in the figures can constitute an independent embodiment, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to a single embodiment combining the above descriptions and figures.

[0059] Summary of Embodiments [Technical field] This invention relates to a system and registration device suitable for use in registering and settling payments for goods and services. [Background technology] Conventionally, a so-called semi-self-service system has been used in various mass retailers and other establishments, in which a registration device for registering goods and services and a payment device for settling payments for those registered goods and services are separated, with the registration device operated by store staff and the payment device operated by the customer themselves (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art document] [Patent] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-138807 [Overview of the prefecture] [Problems the invention aims to solve] However, in a semi-self-service system where the registration device and payment device are separated, for example, if an abnormality occurs in the processing performed by the payment device that receives registration data from the registration device, it would be difficult for the customer operating the payment device alone to deal with the abnormality, potentially preventing smooth payment processing. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned points, and its purpose is to provide a system and registration device that can facilitate smooth registration and settlement processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0060] The present invention relates to a system comprising: generation means for generating registration data through a registration process; termination reception means for receiving notification that the registration process will be terminated; inquiry means for inquiring whether or not settlement processing can be performed with the contents of the registration data based on the operation of the termination reception means; and control means for terminating the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means. The system is comprised of, for example, a POS (point-of-sale) device (including devices that integrate a registration device for registering products and a payment device for settling payments for registered products, as well as devices where these are separate). The termination acceptance means include various termination acceptance means that accept the termination of the registration process, such as subtotal operation by pressing a subtotal button on a POS device, settlement declaration by pressing a settlement button on a POS device, designation of the settlement device (direct designation) on the registration device of a POS device where the registration device and settlement device are separate, and issuance of a settlement ticket (to be used on the settlement device) on the registration device (by pressing a settlement ticket button, etc.). The means of inquiry include, for example, a points server (customer management server) connected to this system via a communication line. The determination of whether or not settlement processing is possible may involve, for example, checking whether the number of points that the customer intends to use, which is part of the registered data, is usable. For example, if the points that the customer intends to use are unusable for some reason, it will be determined that settlement processing is not possible based on the contents of the registered data. According to the present invention, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not settlement processing is possible based on the contents of the registered data when the registration process is completed, that is, before the settlement process is started. This system is particularly suitable for use in a so-called semi-self-service system where, for example, store employees register items, while customers pay for the registered items, thus separating the registration device and the payment device. This is because if, during the payment process executed by the payment device after receiving registration data from the registration device, it is discovered that payment cannot be processed based on the contents of the registration data, an unfamiliar customer would have to perform operations such as re-processing the payment. According to the present invention, such a risk can be reliably prevented.

[0061] In addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that the control means terminates the registration process or modifies the contents of the registration data based on the result of the inquiry means.

[0062] Furthermore, in addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that, when the control means terminates the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means, it transmits the registration data to the settlement means. This means the settlement device only receives registered data that can be processed for settlement, eliminating the need for the settlement device to perform operations such as re-processing settlements. This is particularly effective in systems where customers themselves operate the settlement device.

[0063] Furthermore, in addition to the above features, the present invention is characterized in that, when the control means modifies the content of the registration data based on the result of the inquiry means, it does not transmit the registration data to the settlement means. When modifying the content of registered data, the data is not sent to the settlement mechanism. This allows the generation and control mechanisms to modify the content of the registered data, eliminating the need for the settlement mechanism to perform operations such as re-processing the settlement. This is particularly effective in systems where the customer themselves operates the settlement mechanism.

[0064] In addition to the above features, the present invention is also characterized in that the registration data includes point information of points held by the customer, and if the inquiry means determines that settlement processing can be performed with the contents of the registration data including said point information, the point information is updated when the registration data is transmitted to the settlement means. According to the present invention, for example, when settling a payment using points, the point information is updated in advance before the settlement is performed, so that problems related to points (such as communication failures with the point server or insufficient points) can be reliably prevented during settlement.

[0065] The present invention also relates to a registration device comprising: generation means for generating registration data through a registration process; termination reception means for receiving a notification that the registration process will be terminated; inquiry means for inquiring whether or not settlement processing can be performed with the contents of the registration data based on the operation of the termination reception means; and control means for terminating the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means. According to the present invention, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not settlement processing is possible based on the contents of the registered data when the registration process is completed, that is, before the settlement process is started.

[0066] The present invention also relates to a program that causes a computer as a system to function as a generation means for generating registration data through a registration process, a termination reception means for receiving a notification to terminate the registration process, an inquiry means for inquiring whether or not it is possible to perform settlement processing with the contents of the registration data based on the operation of the termination reception means, and a control means for terminating the registration process based on the result of the inquiry means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1(1A,1B,1C)...System (Sales Processing System, Product Registration and Settlement System), 100...Cloud Server, 110...Point Server (Customer Information Management Server), 130...Network, 10...In-Store Server (Management Device, Store Controller), 20...Self-Service POS Device (Product Sales Data Processing Device), 40(40A,40B,··)...Self-Service POS Device (Product Sales Data Processing Device), 80...LAN, 200...Product Sales Data Processing Device, 201...Base, 203...Customer Operation Screen (Touch Panel), 204...Employee Operation Screen (Touch Panel), 205...Customer Scanner, 207...Printing Unit, 209...Non-Cash Payment Processing Unit, 211...Banknote Slot, 213...Coin Slot, 215... G10... Change dispenser, 251... CPU, 253... ROM, 255... RAM, 257... Communication unit, 259... Audio output unit, 260... Employee scanner, 261... Cash payment processing unit, 263... Communication circuit, G10... Product registration details display screen, G115... Instruction button field, G117... Point usage instruction button, G118... Point usage cancellation button, G119... Payment device specification button, G121... Payment ticket issuance instruction button, G20... Point details display screen, G123... Used points display field, G125... Point display field, G127... Point payment field, G30... Inquiry in progress screen, G40... Registration data transmission complete screen, G50... Registration data transmission impossible screen, G60... Payment details change screen, G70... Operation impossible display screen.

Claims

1. A generation means that generates registration data through a registration process, A termination acceptance means for receiving a notification that the registration process has been terminated, A settlement means that performs settlement processing based on the registration data after the registration process has been completed, An inquiry means for inquiring whether it is possible to perform the settlement process based on the contents of the registered data based on the operation of the termination acceptance means, A control means that terminates the registration process based on the result of the query means, Equipped with, The registration data includes point information for the first number of points held by the customer and the second number of points used for the settlement process. The control means is If the result of the inquiry means indicates that settlement processing is possible with the contents of the registration data including the point information, the registration process is terminated and registration data is transmitted for settlement processing of the amount obtained by subtracting the amount equivalent to the second number of points, and instructions are given to update the information of the first number of points when transmitting the registration data. A system characterized by the following features.

2. The inquiry means is, An inquiry is made to determine whether the second number of points can be used in the settlement process. The system according to feature 1.

3. The control means is If the inquiry by the aforementioned inquiry means fails to be performed successfully, the registration process will not be terminated, and the contents of the registration data will be modified. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The control means is If the query means results in a statement that the second point value cannot be used in the settlement process, the registration process is not terminated, and the contents of the registration data are modified. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

5. A generation means that generates registration data through a registration process, A termination acceptance means for receiving a notification that the registration process has been terminated, A settlement means that performs settlement processing based on the registration data after the registration process has been completed, An inquiry means for inquiring whether or not it is possible to perform the settlement process based on the contents of the registered data based on the operation of the termination acceptance means, A control means that terminates the registration process based on the result of the query means, Equipped with, The registration data includes point information for the first number of points held by the customer and the second number of points used for the settlement process. The control means is If the result of the inquiry means indicates that settlement processing is possible with the contents of the registration data including the point information, the registration process is terminated and registration data is transmitted for settlement processing of the amount obtained by subtracting the amount equivalent to the second number of points, and instructions are given to update the information of the first number of points when transmitting the registration data. A registration device characterized by the following features.

6. A computer as a system A generation means that generates registration data through a registration process. Termination reception means for receiving a notification that the registration process will be terminated, Settlement means that performs settlement processing based on the registration data after the registration process has been completed. An inquiry means for inquiring whether or not it is possible to perform the settlement process based on the contents of the registered data based on the operation of the termination acceptance means. Based on the results of the query means, control means terminates the registration process. To make it function as, The registration data includes point information for the first number of points held by the customer and the second number of points used for the settlement process. The control means, If the result of the inquiry means indicates that settlement processing is possible with the contents of the registration data including the point information, the system will terminate the registration process and transmit registration data for performing settlement processing on the amount obtained by subtracting the amount equivalent to the second number of points, and will also be configured to instruct the system to update the information for the first number of points when transmitting the registration data. A program characterized by the following features.

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