JP2021068485A - Settlement device and control program, and settlement method - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable settlement for a customer who makes payment with a cash voucher to be processed smoothly with a commodity registration device in a semi-self-service type checkout system.SOLUTION: A commodity registration device compares the amount to be paid with a cash voucher and the total amount of a commodity to be purchased, and determines whether it is a cash voucher having been set such that a change can be paid back or a cash voucher having been set such that a change cannot be paid back. When it is determined that it is a cash voucher having been set such that a change can be paid back, the commodity registration device issues a receipt in a case where the amount to be paid with the cash voucher is equal to the total amount of the commodity to be purchased. In other cases, the commodity registration device transmits settlement information to a settlement device. When it is determined that it is a cash voucher having been set such that a change cannot be paid back, the commodity registration device issues a receipt in a case where the amount to be paid with the cash voucher is more than or equal to the total amount of the commodity to be purchased. In other cases, the commodity registration device transmits settlement information to the settlement device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product registration method of a product registration device used in a semi-self-type checkout system.

A semi-self-type system is known as a checkout system for mass retailers such as supermarkets. In this system, each process of registration and settlement of purchased products is performed by different product registration devices and payment devices. The product registration device is operated by the employee, and the payment device is operated by the shopper. In such a system, the payment information for payment processing is transferred from the product registration device to the payment device in the vacant state.

By the way, one of the payment methods is a cash voucher such as a gift certificate. In addition, there are two types of cash vouchers, one is a type that pays out change when the cash voucher amount is larger than the total amount (settlement amount), and the other is a type that does not pay out change even when it is overtended. For this reason, when a shopper offers to settle with a cash voucher, the store must determine whether the cash voucher is a type that pays out change or a type that does not pay out. Therefore, even if a semi-self-type checkout system is introduced, it is necessary for the product registration device to settle the customer who pays at least a part of the price with a cash voucher. However, when change occurs, I would like to pay out the change from one of the payment devices.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-344123

An object to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide a product registration method of a product registration device capable of smoothly processing payment of a customer paying with a cash voucher in a semi-self-type checkout system.

In one embodiment, the product registration method of the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device is as follows.

The product registration device acquires the total amount of the purchased products, the payment amount by the cash voucher, and the type of the cash voucher.

When the payment amount is less than the total amount, or when the type of cash voucher is a cash voucher capable of paying out change and the payment amount is larger than the total amount, the product registration device causes the payment device to perform payment processing. The information required for the payment process and the cash voucher information including the payment amount are output.

The product registration device issues a receipt when the payment amount is equal to or greater than the total amount and the type of cash voucher is a cash voucher for which change cannot be paid out.

The perspective view of the checkout system which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram of the product registration device and the payment device of the checkout system shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the data table formed in the RAM of the product registration apparatus shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the denomination total file stored in the auxiliary storage device of the product registration apparatus shown in FIG. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a product registration apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a product registration apparatus executes according to a control program. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control process which the CPU of a product registration apparatus executes according to a control program. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the registration screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of the product registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the notification screen displayed on the touch panel of a product registration device. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the control processing which the CPU of a payment apparatus executes according to a control program.

Hereinafter, in a semi-self-type checkout system, an embodiment of a product registration device capable of smoothly processing payments of customers paying with cash vouchers will be described with reference to drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12. The number of the checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 is also arbitrary. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store, who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the store. However, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage for the shopper 22 is formed.

The product registration device 11 includes functions for registering purchased products, generating payment information, payment processing, and notifying the payment device 12 of payment information. The registration process is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settling a commercial transaction of a purchased product. Payment information is information required for payment processing.

When the payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is a network. As the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used instead of the LAN 13. Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The product registration device 11 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11a, a ROM (read-only memory) 11b, a RAM (random-access memory) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, a touch panel 11g, and a printer 11h. , Card reader / writer 11i, communication unit 11j and transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to form a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to realize various functions as the product registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a to perform various processes or data generated by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or the like can be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately transferred product registration device 11 described above.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for accommodating money. The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As the printer 11h of this type, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. The card may include a membership card called a member's card, a point card, or the like, in addition to a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, or a prepaid card. A membership card records at least information that identifies the member who owns the card. The card reader / writer 11i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of payment devices 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another product registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

As the hardware of such a product registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader / writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the payment device 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

The ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the operating system. The ROM 12b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 12a for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a to perform various processes or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like can be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described for the control process described later. The transfer of the payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the payment device 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred to a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via the network, and the control program may be written to the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred payment device 12 described above.

The automatic change machine 12e collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper. As this type of printer, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like can be used.

The card reader / writer 12i has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and loyalty cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 12i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 12j performs data communication with a plurality of product registration devices 11 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another payment device 12 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used.

As the hardware of such a payment device 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

The checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 configured as described above includes the following configuration in the product registration device 11 so that the payment of the customer paying with the cash voucher can be smoothly processed. .. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the product registration device 11 forms the registered product table 31 and the cash ticket information table 32 in the RAM 11c. Further, the product registration device 11 stores the total file 40 for each cash voucher having the data structure shown in FIG. 4 in the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

The registered product table 31 is a data table for registering sales data of products for which purchase registration has been completed. The cash voucher information table 32 is a data table for registering information regarding the cash voucher used for settlement.

The cash voucher-specific aggregation file 40 stores the overtend flag OTF in the types of cash vouchers that can be used for settlement, and aggregates the payment data by the cash vouchers. The payment data includes the number of payments and the payment amount. The overtend flag OTF is information that identifies whether the corresponding cash voucher is a type that pays out change or a type that does not pay out change. For example, in the overtend flag OTF, the information of the type that pays out change is set to "1", and the information of the type that does not pay out change is set to "0". Incidentally, in the present embodiment, there are two types of cash vouchers that can be used for settlement, "cash voucher 1" and "cash voucher 2". The "gold ticket 1" is a type that pays out change, and the "gold ticket 2" is a type that does not pay out change.

5 to 7 are flow charts showing the main procedures of the control process executed by the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 according to the control program. 8 to 11 are schematic views showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 by the control process. FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of control processing executed by the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 according to the control program. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these figures. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

When the product registration device 11 is started in the mode for registering the purchased product, the CPU 11a starts the process shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table 31 and the cash ticket information table 32 (Act1). Next, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the registered product table 31 and the like, and causes the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2. The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, and unit price of the most recently registered product, and the total quantity and total price of the purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts related to products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown on the registration screen SC1.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a has various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the area of the touch panel 11g screen to be the registration screen SC1. indicate.

The CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act 3). When the subtotal button is not touched (NO in Act3), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act4). If the product code has not been acquired (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the subtotal button has been touched (Act3). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched or the product code to be acquired as Act3 and Act4. In the standby mode, the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

The product code can be obtained by a well-known process based on the operation by the employee 21. When the product code is acquired (YES in Act 4), the CPU 11a registers the sales data of the product specified by the product code in the registered product table 31 (Act 5: registration means). The sales data includes a product code, a product name, quantity and unit price of the product specified by the product code, and an amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the quantity. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the total points and the total amount of the purchased products registered during the registration period based on the sales data registered in the registered product table 31 (Act 6: calculation means). After that, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so as to conform to the contents of the registered product table 31 after the sales data is registered (Act 7).

After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 and Act4. If the subtotal button is touched in this standby state (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 8 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a generates payment information based on the contents of the registered product table 31 at this time (Act 8). The payment information includes a list of product names, quantities, unit prices and amounts of registered products, and the total quantity and total amount of purchased products.

Next, the CPU 11a displays the transfer destination selection screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act9). FIG. 9 shows an example of the transfer destination selection screen SC2. The transfer destination selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, and B8.

The display area AR1 displays the total number and the total amount included in the payment information. The display area AR2 displays various messages. Buttons B1 and B2 are for the employee 21 to specify that the discount is applied to the total amount included in the payment information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify the transition to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product. The button B4 is for the employee 21 to specify that a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is returned to the registration screen SC1.

The display areas AR3 to AR6 display whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12. Buttons B5 to B8 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information while the payment process is being executed. "Transfer not possible" is displayed in the display areas AR3 to AR6 associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. On the contrary, "transferable" is displayed in the display areas AR3 to AR6 associated with the payment device 12 that accepts the transfer of payment information. The display form of the buttons B5 to B8 may be different depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. Alternatively, if the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information, the buttons B5 to B8 may be hidden.

When the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is displayed, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired (Act 10). When the product code is not acquired (NO in Act 10), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified (Act 11). When the payment device 12 is not specified (NO in Act 11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not it is specified to shift to the selection of the payment method (Act 12). When it is not specified to shift to the selection of the payment method (NO in Act12), the CPU 11a again confirms whether or not the product code has been acquired (Act10). Therefore, the CPU 11a waits for Act 10 to Act 12 to be designated to acquire the product code, to specify the payment device 12, or to shift to the selection of the payment method. In the standby mode, the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event. For example, in the CPU 11a, if any of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and it is detected by the touch panel 11g, the total amount included in the payment information is set according to the subsequent instruction by the employee 21. change.

When the product code is acquired in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a returns a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 5 in FIG. 5, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When any of the buttons B5 to B8 of the transfer destination selection screen SC2 is touched by the employee 21 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, the CPU 11a considers that the payment device 12 has been designated. When the payment device 12 is designated (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a transmits the payment information generated in the processing of Act 8 to the designated payment device 12 (Act 14). Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the payment information is transmitted to the payment device 12 via the LAN 13.

Further, the CPU 11a causes the notification screen SC4 (see FIG. 11) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 15). An example of the notification screen SC4 is shown in FIG. The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11, AR12 and button B11.

The display area AR 11 displays an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. The semi-self settlement is a settlement form in which the settlement device 12 executes the settlement process in response to the operation by the shopper 22.

The display area AR 12 represents the total number and the total amount of money included in the payment information, and displays to which of the four payment devices 12 the payment information including such contents has been transferred.

The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4. The CPU 11a returns to the process of Act1 in FIG. 5 in response to the touch of the button B11, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

When the buttons B5 to B8 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information are touched, the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act11. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information. Therefore, if all of the payment devices 12 are in the stopped operation state or the operation state in which the transfer of the payment information is not accepted, the CPU 11a does not wait for the designation of the payment device 12.

When the payment method selection button B3 is touched by the employee 21 in the standby state of Act 10 to Act 12, the CPU 11a considers that it has been specified to shift to the selection of the payment method. When it is specified to shift to the selection of the payment method (YES in Act 12), the CPU 11a displays the payment screen SC3 (see FIG. 10) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 16). An example of the payment screen SC3 is shown in FIG. The payment screen SC3 displays buttons B9 and B10 in place of the buttons B1, B2, and B3 of the transfer destination selection screen SC2, and the remaining portion is the same as the transfer destination selection screen SC2. .. However, the contents of the message displayed in the area where the buttons B9 and B10 are displayed and the display area AR2 are different.

Buttons B9 and B10 are for the employee 21 to specify the type of cash voucher, which is one of the payment methods. As described above, in the present embodiment, there are two types of cash tickets, "gold ticket 1" in which change can be paid out and "gold ticket 2" in which change cannot be paid out. On the payment screen SC3, the button B9 is a button for the employee 21 to specify the "money ticket 1". Button B10 is a button for the employee 21 to specify "gold ticket 2".

After displaying the payment screen SC3, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 17 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a waits for the cash ticket information to be input (Act17: reception means). The cash voucher information includes the type and number of cash vouchers used for settlement and the face value. When the shopper 22 offers the employee 21 to use the cash voucher for settlement, the employee 21 confirms whether the cash voucher is "cash voucher 1" or "cash voucher 2". Then, in the case of "gold ticket 1", the employee 21 touches the button B9. In the case of "gold ticket 2", the employee 21 touches the button B10. Then, for example, since the numeric keypad by the soft key is displayed on the payment screen SC3, the employee 21 sequentially places the number of the cash vouchers and the face value. The face value is the amount stated on the cash voucher. If only one cash voucher is used for payment, the input of the number of cash vouchers can be omitted. Further, a numeric keypad may be connected to the product registration device 11 as a hard key instead of a soft key, and the employee 21 may use the numeric keypad to place the number of sheets, the face value, and the like.

When the cash voucher information including the type, number and face value of the cash voucher is input (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a registers the cash voucher information in the cash voucher information table 32 (Act 18). Next, the CPU 11a compares the payment amount of the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased products included in the payment information generated in the processing of Act 8 (Act 19: comparison means). The payment amount by the cash voucher is the total face value of the number of sheets input in the processing of Act17.

As a result of comparing the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products, if the payment amount is smaller than the total amount (NO in Act 19), the product registration device 11 cannot complete the settlement. In this case, the CPU 11a reduces the amount paid by the cash voucher from the total amount to calculate the shortfall amount (Act 20). Then, the CPU 11a displays this shortage amount on a part of the payment screen SC3, for example, the display area AR2, and notifies the employee 21 and the shopper 22 (Act 21: notification means). Further, the CPU 11a displays a message for notifying the employee 21 that the payment device 12 to be the transfer destination of the payment information is specified in a part of the payment screen SC3, for example, the display area AR2 (Act 22). Then, the CPU 21 waits for the payment device 12 to be designated (Act23: selection means).

Here, when any of the buttons B5 to B8 of the payment screen SC3 is touched by the employee 21, the CPU 21 includes the cash voucher information stored in the process of Act 18 in the payment information generated in the process of Act 8. Let me. Then, the CPU 21 transmits the payment information including the cash voucher information to the designated payment device 12 (Act24: transmission means). Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information including the cash voucher information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the payment information including the cash voucher information is transmitted to the designated payment device 12.

Further, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen SC4 similar to the processing of Act 15 on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act 25).

On the other hand, when the total amount and the payment amount by the cash voucher are equal to each other or the payment amount by the cash voucher exceeds the total amount (YES in Act 19), the CPU 11a searches the total amount file 40 for each cash voucher. Then, the CPU 11a examines the overtend flag OTF corresponding to the cash voucher input in the process of Act 17 (Act 26).

When the overtend flag OTF is "1" (YES in Act26), the cash voucher entered in the processing of Act17 can be paid out. In this case, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the total amount and the payment amount by the cash voucher are equal (Act 27). If the total amount and the amount paid by the cash voucher are not equal, that is, if the amount paid by the cash voucher exceeds the total amount (NO in Act27), change will occur. In this system 10, change is paid out from the payment device 12. Therefore, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act22, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the total amount and the amount paid by the cash voucher are equal (YES in Act27), no change is generated. That is, the payment is completed by the product registration device 11. In this case, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h to issue a receipt (Act 28: issuing means). At least the sales data of the purchased product, the total amount, and the payment amount by the cash voucher are recorded on the receipt.

On the other hand, when the overtend flag OTF is "0" (NO in Act26), the cash voucher entered in the processing of Act17 cannot be paid out. Therefore, the product registration device 11 completes the payment. In this case, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h to issue a receipt representing the information shown in the payment information, the information shown in the cash voucher information, and the like (Act 28: issuing means).

When the processing of Act25 or Act28 is completed, the CPU 11a performs the aggregation processing for each cash voucher (Act29). This process is a process of adding the number of gold tickets and the payment amount input in the same process to the total number and the total amount of the total file 40 for each gold ticket corresponding to the type of gold ticket input in the process of Act17. .. When the total processing for each cash ticket is completed, the CPU 11a returns to Act 1 in FIG. 5 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, when the payment device 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts the process shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen (Act 31). The standby screen indicates that the user is not in a situation where payment processing is performed, and what kind of information may be displayed may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen represents a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like as a screen saver. After the screen of the touch panel 12g is set as the standby screen, the CPU 12a waits for the payment information to be received (Act 32).

As described above, the CPU 11a of the product registration device 11 transmits payment information from the communication unit 11j to the LAN 13 in the processing of Act 14 or Act 24. This payment information is received by the communication unit 12j provided in the destination payment device 12, and is stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

The CPU 12a determines that the payment information has been received according to the payment information being stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d (YES in Act 32). Then, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen (Act33).

The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on the received payment information. The payment screen displays, for example, at least the total amount shown in the payment information. The payment screen may also display a total number of items and a list of purchased products.

The CPU 12a confirms whether or not the payment information includes cash voucher information (Act 34). If the payment information does not include the cash voucher information (NO in Act34), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act38.

On the other hand, when the payment information includes the cash voucher information (YES in Act 34), the CPU 12a compares the total amount included in the payment information with the payment amount by the cash voucher (Act 35). As a result of this comparison, if the total amount is larger than the payment amount by the cash voucher (YES in Act35), the CPU 12a displays the difference between the total amount and the payment amount by the cash voucher as the shortage amount on the payment screen (YES in Act35). Act36). After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 38.

On the other hand, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount (NO in Act35), the CPU 12a displays the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount as a change amount on the payment screen (Act37). ). After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act40.

In Act 38, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. The shopper performs an operation for settlement of the total amount or the shortage amount displayed on the settlement screen on the automatic change machine 12e or the card reader / writer 12i.

If it is detected that a payment operation has been performed on the automatic change machine 12e or the card reader / writer 12i (YES in Act38), the CPU 12a executes the payment process (Act39). This payment process is a process for settling the total amount or the shortage amount shown in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in response to the operation by the shopper 22. For this payment process, for example, the process performed by an existing self-POS terminal or the like can be applied as it is. When the settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act40.

In Act 40, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt. At least the sales data and the total amount of the purchased product and the payment information for settling the purchased product are recorded on the receipt. In addition, if a change amount has been generated, the change amount is also recorded. When the payment information includes the cash voucher information, the payment amount by the cash voucher is recorded as the payment information.

After issuing the receipt, the CPU 12a returns to the processing of Act31 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

As described above, in the checkout system 10 of the present embodiment, when the shopper 22 offers to settle with a cash voucher, the employee 21 makes the settlement using the product registration device 11. At this time, the employee 21 determines whether the ticket is set so that the change can be paid out or the ticket cannot be paid out. Then, in the case of a cash voucher set so that change can be paid out, the employee 21 touches the button B9 on the payment screen SC3. In the case of a cash voucher in which change cannot be paid out, the employee 21 touches the button B10 on the payment screen SC3.

When the button B9 is touched, the product registration device 11 compares the payment amount by the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased products. Then, when the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products are equal, the product registration device 11 issues a receipt. That is, the settlement is completed in the product registration device 11. In this case, the shopper 22 does not need to make a payment with the payment device 12.

When the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products are not equal, a message for notifying the employee 21 to specify the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is displayed on the payment screen SC3. Will be done. Therefore, the employee 21 selects a payment device 12 capable of transferring payment information, and touches buttons B5 to B8 corresponding to the payment device 12 at the transfer destination. Then, the employee 21 notifies the shopper 22 of the transfer to the payment device 12 of the transfer destination.

The shopper 22 moves to the notified payment device 12. A payment screen is displayed on the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12. When the amount paid by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products, the change amount is displayed on the settlement screen, and the change corresponding to the change amount is paid out from the automatic change machine 12e. In addition, the printer 12h operates and a receipt is issued.

On the other hand, if the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, the shortage amount is displayed on the payment screen. Therefore, the shopper 22 makes a payment operation for this shortage amount, for example, with cash or electronic money. Then, the printer 12h operates and a receipt is issued.

On the other hand, when the button B10 is touched, the product registration device 11 compares the payment amount by the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased products. If the amount paid by the cash voucher is equal to or greater than the total amount of the purchased products, the product registration device 11 issues a receipt. That is, the settlement is completed in the product registration device 11. In this case, the shopper 22 does not need to make a payment with the payment device 12.

When the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, a message for notifying the employee 21 to specify the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is displayed on the payment screen SC3. Is displayed. Therefore, the employee 21 selects a payment device 12 capable of transferring payment information, and touches buttons B5 to B8 corresponding to the payment device 12 at the transfer destination. Then, the employee 21 notifies the shopper 22 of the transfer to the payment device 12 of the transfer destination.

The shopper 22 moves to the notified payment device 12. On the touch panel 12g of the payment device 12, a payment screen is displayed together with the shortage amount. Therefore, the shopper 22 makes a payment operation for this shortage amount, for example, with cash or electronic money. Then, the printer 12h operates and a receipt is issued.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case of a commercial transaction with a shopper 22 who pays the price of the purchased product with a cash voucher set so that the change cannot be paid out, the payment amount by the cash voucher is equal to or more than the total amount of the purchased product. Payment can be made with the product registration device 11. Further, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, the commercial transaction is settled by processing the payment of the cash voucher by the product registration device 11 and processing the payment for the shortage amount by the settlement device 12. Can be done.

On the other hand, with respect to a commercial transaction with a shopper 22 who pays for the purchased product with a cash voucher set so that change can be paid out, the product registration device 11 is used to settle the transaction when the payment amount of the voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased product. be able to. Further, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is smaller than the total amount of the purchased products, the commercial transaction can be settled by processing the payment product registration device 11 by the cash voucher and processing the payment for the shortage amount by the settlement device 12. it can. Further, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products, the change can be paid out from the payment device 12 and the commercial transaction can be settled by processing the payment by the cash voucher by the product registration device 11. it can.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, a case where a cash voucher in which change cannot be paid out and a cash voucher in which change can be paid out coexist will be illustrated. In this embodiment, even when only one of the cash vouchers exists, the above-described embodiment can be applied by partially revising the control program of the product registration device 11. Specifically, when there is only a cash voucher in which change cannot be paid out, the process of Act 26 in FIG. 7 is omitted. When there is only a cash voucher set so that change can be paid out, the processing of Act 26 and Act 27 in FIG. 7 is omitted.

If the processing of Act26 is omitted, as a result of comparing the payment amount by the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased products, if the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, the processing of Act20 to Act25 is executed. .. Further, even when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products, the processes of Act22 to Act25 are executed. That is, the payment information including the cash voucher information is transmitted to the designated payment device 12 (transmission means). On the other hand, when the payment amount by the cash voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased products, the processing of Act28 is executed. That is, a receipt is issued (issuing means).

When the processing of Act26 and Act27 is omitted, as a result of comparing the payment amount by the cash voucher with the total amount of the purchased products, if the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, the processing of Act20 to Act25 Is executed. That is, the payment information including the cash voucher information is transmitted to the designated payment device 12 (transmission means). On the other hand, if the payment amount by the cash voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased products or the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products, the processing of Act28 is executed. That is, a receipt is issued (issuing means).

Further, in the above embodiment, the buttons B9 and B10 for the employee 21 to specify the type of the cash voucher are arranged on the payment screen SC3. Then, the type of the cash voucher is specified by the selection input of these buttons B9 and B10, and the face value of the gold face is input by the subsequent numeric keypad operation. The means of accepting cash tickets is not limited to this. For example, some cash vouchers have an optical reading type code such as a bar code. Therefore, by scanning this code with the scanner 11f, the type and amount of the cash voucher may be automatically input.

Further, when the type of the gold ticket is determined, the following message may be displayed on the touch panel 11g of the registration device 11. That is, when the overtend flag OTF is a "1" gold voucher, the message "This voucher is a voucher that can give change" is displayed. When the overtend flag OTF is "0", the message "This money ticket is a money ticket that cannot be changed" is displayed. By displaying such a message to the clerk 21, it becomes possible to confirm the availability to the shopper 22 before the cash voucher is used. Further, it is more effective if such a message is displayed not only on the clerk 21 side but also on the shopper 22 side.

Further, in the above embodiment, a checkout system 10 having a plurality of payment devices 12 will be illustrated. Even in the checkout system 10 in which only one payment device 12 exists, only one payment device 12 is displayed on the transfer destination selection screen SC2 and the payment screen SC3, and the present embodiment has the present embodiment. , Can be applied as it is.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the notification by the display output to the touch panel 11g is exemplified as the notification means for notifying the shortage amount. The notification means is not limited to notification by display output. For example, when the product registration device 11 is provided with a voice synthesizer, the shortage amount may be notified by voice output.

In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims immediately before the division of the application of the present application will be added.
[1] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and is a registration means for acquiring a product code that identifies a purchased product and registering sales data of the purchased product, and until the end of registration is instructed. A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased products based on the sales data of the purchased products registered by the registration means during the registration period of the above, and a reception means for accepting input of a cash voucher used for payment of the purchased products. , When the payment amount by the cash voucher received by the reception means is less than the total amount of the purchased products calculated by the calculation means, the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products is calculated. The difference calculation means to be calculated, the determination means for determining whether the cash voucher for which input is received by the reception means is a cash voucher set to allow change to be paid out or a cash voucher set to not be able to pay out change, and the cash voucher When the cash voucher is set so that the change can be paid out, the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, or the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products. In order to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product in the payment device, the payment information including the sales data of the purchased product and the total price of the purchased product, and the payment amount of the cash voucher are included. When the money ticket information is transmitted to the payment device and the money ticket is set so that the change cannot be paid out, the payment device uses the payment device when the payment amount by the money ticket is less than the total amount of the purchased products. In order to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products, a transmission means for transmitting the payment information and the cash voucher information to the payment device, and a setting that the cash voucher can pay out the change. In the case of a cash voucher, if the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product are equal, a receipt in which the sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the cash voucher, and the total price of the purchased product are recorded. When the cash voucher is issued and the change cannot be paid out, the receipt is issued when the payment amount by the cash voucher is equal to or more than the total amount of the purchased products. A product registration device characterized by.
[2] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and is a registration means for acquiring a product code that identifies a purchased product and registering sales data of the purchased product, and until the end of registration is instructed. A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased products based on the sales data of the purchased products registered by the registration means during the registration period of the above, and a setting for paying out change used for payment of the purchased products. When the amount paid by the receiving means for accepting the input of the cash voucher and the payment amount by the cash voucher receiving the input by the receiving means is less than the total amount of the purchased products calculated by the calculating means, the payment amount by the cash voucher and the purchase When the difference calculation means for calculating the difference from the total price of the products and the payment amount by the cash voucher are less than the total price of the purchased products, or when the payment amount by the cash vouchers is larger than the total price of the purchased products. , Payment information including the sales data of the purchased product and the total amount of the purchased product for calculating the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased product in the payment device, and the payment amount of the cash voucher. When the transmission means for transmitting the cash voucher information including the above to the payment device and the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product are equal, the sales data of the purchased product, the payment amount by the cash voucher, and the purchased product A product registration device provided with an issuing means for issuing a receipt in which the total amount of the goods is recorded.
[3] A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device, and is a registration means for acquiring a product code that identifies a purchased product and registering sales data of the purchased product, and until the end of registration is instructed. A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased products based on the sales data of the purchased products registered by the registration means during the registration period of the above, and a non-payable setting used for payment of the purchased products. When the payment amount of the receipt means for accepting the input of the cash voucher and the payment amount of the cash voucher for which the input is accepted by the reception means is less than the total amount of the purchased products calculated by the calculation means, the payment amount of the cash voucher and the above A difference calculation means for calculating the difference from the total amount of the purchased products, and when the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, the total amount of the payment amount by the cash voucher and the purchased products by the payment device. A transmission means for transmitting the sales data of the purchased product, the payment information including the total amount of the purchased product, and the money ticket information including the payment amount of the money ticket to the payment device for calculating the difference from the amount, and the above. When the payment amount by the cash voucher is equal to or more than the total amount of the purchased products, it is provided with an issuing means for issuing a receipt in which the sales data of the purchased products, the payment amount by the cash vouchers and the total amount of the purchased products are recorded. A product registration device characterized by the fact that it has been done. [4] When there are a plurality of the payment devices, the selection means for selecting one payment device is further provided, and the transmission means transmits the payment information to the selected one payment device. The product registration device according to any one of the following appendices [1] to [3].
[5] The product registration device according to any one of the appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a notification means for notifying the difference calculated by the difference calculation means as a shortage amount.
[6] The computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device is instructed to acquire the product code that identifies the purchased product, register the sales data of the purchased product, and complete the registration. A calculation means for calculating the total amount of the purchased products based on the sales data of the purchased products registered by the registration means during the registration period up to, and a reception means for accepting input of a cash voucher used for payment of the purchased products. When the payment amount by the cash voucher received by the reception means is less than the total amount of the purchased products calculated by the calculation means, the difference between the payment amount by the cash voucher and the total amount of the purchased products is calculated. The difference calculation means, the determination means for determining whether the cash voucher for which input is received by the reception means is a voucher with a setting that allows change to be paid out or a voucher for which change cannot be paid out, and the cash voucher is for the change. When the cash voucher is set to be payable, the payment device uses the payment device when the payment amount by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products or when the payment amount by the cash voucher is larger than the total amount of the purchased products. In order to calculate the difference between the payment amount of the cash voucher and the total price of the purchased product, the settlement information including the sales data of the purchased product and the total price of the purchased product, and the cash voucher information including the payment amount of the cash voucher. Is transmitted to the payment device, and when the money ticket is a money ticket set so that the change cannot be paid out, the money ticket in the payment device is less than the total amount of the purchased products. A transmission means for transmitting the payment information and the cash voucher information to the payment device for calculating the difference between the payment amount and the total price of the purchased products, and a cash voucher set so that the cash voucher can pay out the change. When the amount paid by the cash voucher is equal to the total amount of the purchased product, a receipt is issued in which the sales data of the purchased product, the amount paid by the cash voucher, and the total amount of the purchased product are recorded. , A control program for functioning as an issuing means for issuing the receipt when the payment amount of the money ticket is equal to or more than the total amount of the purchased products when the money ticket is set so that the change cannot be paid out. ..

10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration device, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... Communication unit, 11k ... Transmission system, 12 ... Payment device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... Automatic change machine, 12f ... Scanner, 12g ... Touch panel , 12h ... Printer, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 12j ... Communication unit, 12k ... Transmission system, 31 ... Registered product table, 32 ... Gold ticket information table, 40 ... Aggregate file by gold ticket.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a payment device and control program used in a semi-self-type checkout system, and a payment method.

In one embodiment, it is a product registration device that transmits payment information including the total amount of purchased products to a payment device, and accepts input of a cash voucher used for payment of the purchased product, and the cash voucher is set so that change can be paid out. If the amount paid by the cash voucher is less than the total amount of the purchased products, or if the payment amount is larger than the total amount, or if the cash voucher is set so that change cannot be paid out, payment by the cash voucher is made. When the amount is less than the total amount, the payment device constituting the checkout system together with the product registration device that transmits the payment information and the cash voucher information including the payment amount to the payment device is a receiving means and a comparison means. , A shortage amount display means, a change amount display means, and a payment processing means.

The receiving means receives payment information from the product registration device. When the payment information received by the receiving means includes the cash voucher information, the comparison means compares the purchase amount included in the payment information with the payment amount included in the cash voucher information.

When the total amount is larger than the payment amount as a result of comparison by the comparison means, the shortage display means displays the difference obtained by subtracting the payment amount from the total amount as the shortage amount. When the payment amount is equal to or greater than the total amount as a result of comparison by the comparison means, the change amount display means displays the difference obtained by subtracting the total amount from the payment amount as the change amount.

The payment processing means is the total that the payment information received by the receiving means does not include the cash voucher information, or the payment information includes the cash voucher information and is included in the payment information rather than the payment amount included in the cash voucher information. If the amount is larger, the payment process is executed.

Claims (5)

It is a product registration method of a product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device connected via a network.
The product registration device is
Calculate the total amount of purchased products,
Obtain the amount paid by the cash voucher and the type of the voucher,
As a result of acquiring the payment amount by the cash voucher and the type of the cash voucher, the payment amount is less than the total amount, or the type of the cash voucher is a cash voucher capable of paying out change and the payment amount is the said. If it is larger than the total amount, the information required for the payment process and the cash voucher information including the payment amount are transmitted to the payment device in order to calculate the difference between the payment amount and the total amount in the payment device.
If the payment amount is equal to or greater than the total amount and the type of the cash voucher is a cash voucher for which change cannot be paid out, a receipt is issued.
Product registration method. The product registration device is
As a result of acquiring the payment amount by the cash voucher and the type of the voucher, even if the type of the voucher is a voucher capable of paying out change, a receipt is issued if the payment amount is equal to the total amount. , The product registration method according to claim 1. The product registration device is
If the payment amount is less than the total amount as a result of acquiring the payment amount by the cash voucher and the type of the cash voucher, the difference between the payment amount and the total amount is calculated.
The product registration method according to claim 1 or 2, which notifies the calculated difference. The product registration device is
When there are a plurality of the payment devices, a screen for selecting one payment device is displayed, and the screen is displayed.
If the payment amount is less than the total amount, or if the type of the cash voucher is a voucher capable of paying out change and the payment amount is larger than the total amount, the one selected from the screen. The product registration method according to claim 1, wherein the information required for the payment process and the cash voucher information including the payment amount are transmitted to the payment device. The product registration device is
The product registration method according to claim 4, wherein a button image for designating the type of the cash voucher is displayed on a part of the screen.

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