JP7258997B2 - Registered settlement device and information processing program for its control - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a registered settlement apparatus and an information processing program for controlling the apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Transactions in which a store clerk receives an order from a customer and provides merchandise in a store is widely performed.
In a registration/payment device used for this type of transaction, a store clerk asks a customer who has come to the store about the product to be offered, and registers the product as a purchased product.

For this reason, the clerk must ask the customer about all the products to be dealt with one by one and register them in the registration/settlement device, which may lengthen the work time per transaction. was there.
Under these circumstances, it has been desired to shorten the work of product registration.

JP 2009-43185 A

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a registration/payment device capable of shortening the work of registering products and an information processing program for controlling the same.

The registration/payment apparatus of the embodiment includes acquisition means, input means, registration means, and payment means. The obtaining means obtains from the mobile information terminal, by operating the mobile information terminal brought into the store by the customer, the product list created and stored in the mobile information terminal. The input means is provided in the store and inputs designation of merchandise. The registration means, when the list is acquired by the acquisition means, registers the commodities shown in the said list, and when the designation is input by the input means, the specified commodities, until the closing operation is performed, of the same transaction. Register as a target purchase product. The settlement means performs processing for settlement of the price for the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an order receiving system according to an embodiment, and circuit configurations of main parts of a POS terminal and a smartphone included in the order receiving system; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information processing executed by a processor provided in the smartphone in FIG. 1 based on an order application; FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of information processing by a processor provided in the POS terminal in FIG. 1; FIG.

An example of an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an order receiving system using a POS (point-of-sale) terminal as a product registration and settlement device will be described as an example.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an order receiving system according to the present embodiment, and main circuit configurations of a POS terminal and a smart phone included in the order receiving system.

The order receiving system 100 is configured by linking the POS terminal 10 and the smartphone 20 .
The POS terminal 10 performs processing for registering purchases of products based on the above-mentioned orders and for settlement of payments for the products, in relation to transactions in which a store clerk receives an order from a customer and provides the product. The POS terminal 10 is generally operated by a store clerk, but may be operated by a customer. A typical example of the above transaction form is take-out sales of food and drink.
The smartphone 20 is a mobile information terminal owned by a customer.

The POS terminal 10 includes a processor 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, a display device 14, an input device 15, a reading device 16, a printer 17, a communication interface 18, a transmission line 19, and the like. It should be noted that FIG. 1 mainly shows the elements necessary for explaining the characteristic configuration and operation of this embodiment, and includes other elements provided in another known POS terminal of the same type or other arbitrary elements. It doesn't matter if

In the POS terminal 10 , the processor 11 , main memory 12 and auxiliary storage device 13 are connected via a transmission line 19 to constitute a computer that performs information processing for controlling the POS terminal 10 .
The processor 11 corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The processor 11 controls each part to realize various functions of the POS terminal 10 according to the operating system and application programs.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 12 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system and application programs in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 12 may also store data necessary for the processor 11 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 12 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11 .

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary memory device 13 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory). As the auxiliary storage device 13, an HDD (hard disc drive), SSD (solid state drive), or other well-known various storage devices can be used. Auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by processor 11 in performing various processes and data generated by processes in processor 11 . The auxiliary storage device 13 may also store application programs.

The display device 14 displays various screens for notifying the operator of various information. As the display device 14, for example, a well-known device such as a liquid crystal display device can be applied.
The input device 15 inputs various instructions from the operator. As the input device 15, well-known devices such as touch sensors or keyboards can be applied singly or in combination.

A reading device 16 reads data stored or displayed on a recording medium. As the reading device 16, well-known devices such as barcode scanners or card readers can be applied singly or in combination. Note that in this embodiment, the reading device includes a reader capable of optically reading a code symbol, which will be described later.
The printer 17 prints a receipt image on a receipt paper and issues a receipt.

The communication interface 18 performs data communication via the communication network 30 . As the communication interface 18, for example, a well-known interface configured to perform well-known processing for data communication via a LAN (local area network) can be used. The other party of data communication by the communication interface 18 is a POS server or the like.
The transmission line 19 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between connected units.

The POS terminal 10 stores in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 an application program describing information processing, which will be described later. The application program may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 when the hardware of the POS terminal 10 is transferred, or may be transferred separately from the hardware. In the latter case, the application program is recorded on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., or transferred via a network. In the latter case, the information processing program may be provided as an upgraded program and used in place of another information processing program of the same type already stored in the main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 .

The smartphone 20 includes a processor 21, a main memory 22, an auxiliary storage device 23, a touch panel 24, a wireless communication unit 25, a transmission line 26, and the like. Note that FIG. 1 mainly shows the elements necessary for explaining the characteristic configuration and operation of the present embodiment, and includes other elements provided in other known smartphones of the same type, or other arbitrary elements. I don't mind.

In the smartphone 20 , a computer that performs information processing for controlling the smartphone 20 is configured by connecting the processor 21 , the main memory 22 and the auxiliary storage device 23 via the transmission path 26 .
The processor 21 corresponds to the central portion of the computer. The processor 21 controls each part to realize various functions of the smart phone 20 according to an operating system and application programs.

The main memory 22 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. Main memory 22 includes a non-volatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 22 stores an operating system and application programs in a non-volatile memory area. The main memory 22 may also store data necessary for the processor 21 to execute processing for controlling each unit in a non-volatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 22 uses a volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 21 .

The auxiliary storage device 23 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 23 is, for example, an EEPROM. An HDD, SSD, or the like may be used as the auxiliary storage device 23 . The auxiliary storage device 23 stores data used by the processor 21 for various processes and data generated by the processes performed by the processor 21 . The auxiliary storage device 23 stores application programs.

One of the application programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 is an information processing program (hereinafter referred to as an order application) P11 representing information processing described later. However, typically, the order application P11 is downloaded via, for example, the Internet and written to the auxiliary storage device 23 in response to the operation of the smartphone 20 by the user. In other words, the transfer of the smartphone 20 to the user of the smartphone 20 is performed while the order application P11 is not stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 . However, the smartphone 20 with the ordering application P11 stored in the auxiliary storage device 23 may be transferred to the user of the smartphone 20 .
The touch panel 24 functions as an input device and display device of the smart phone 20 .

A wireless communication unit 25 performs data communication via a wireless communication network. As the wireless communication unit 25, for example, a well-known communication device for performing data communication via a mobile communication network can be used.
The transmission path 26 includes an address bus, a data bus, control signal lines, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected units.

Next, the operation of the order receiving system 100 configured as described above will be described.
A customer who intends to purchase a product at a store operates his or her own smartphone 20 to activate the order application P11 before going to the store. Then, the processor 21 executes the following information processing based on the order application P11.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of information processing executed by the processor 21 based on the order application P11. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

In Act 1, the processor 21 confirms whether or not an instruction to start creating a list has been given. Then, if the corresponding instruction is not given, the processor 21 determines No, and proceeds to Act2.
As Act 2, the processor 21 confirms whether or not display of code symbols has been instructed. Then, if the corresponding instruction is not given, the processor 21 determines No, and returns to Act1.
Thus, in Act1 and Act2, the processor 21 waits for a start instruction or a display instruction. Note that the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the home screen before shifting to the standby state. The home screen represents an image that notifies the operator of the standby state described above. The home screen also represents buttons for a start instruction and a display instruction, respectively. When creating a list of products that the customer intends to purchase at the store, the customer touches a button for a start instruction. In response to this, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act1, and proceeds to Act3.

As Act 3, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the product has been designated. If the designation is not made, the processor 21 determines No, and proceeds to Act4.
As Act 4, the processor 21 confirms whether or not the end of list creation has been instructed. Then, the processor 21 determines No if the relevant instruction is not given, and returns to Act3.
Thus, in Acts 3 and 4, the processor 21 waits for the product to be specified or for the end to be instructed. It should be noted that the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display a designated screen before shifting to the standby state. This designation screen represents a GUI (graphical user interface) for allowing the operator to view information on products sold at the store and for receiving designation of products to be purchased from among those products. The designation screen also represents a button for instructing the end of list creation. The customer performs an operation to specify the product to be purchased while confirming the product sold at the store on this specification screen. In response to this, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act3, and proceeds to Act5.

As Act 5 processor 21 updates the list to include the items specified above. Specifically, the processor 21 creates list data in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 when Act 5 is first executed after proceeding from Act 1 to the standby state of Act 3 and Act 4 . At this time, if another list data is already stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23, the processor 21 does not erase the list data. Then, the processor 21 manages the plurality of list data in association with a list code that is determined to be distinguishable from other list data. However, the processor 21 may overwrite the already stored list data with new list data. The list data includes product codes for identifying the specified products. When the processor 21 executes Act 5 for the second time or later, it adds the product code of the newly specified product to the above list data. After updating the list, the processor 21 returns to the standby state of Act3 and Act4. Thus, if the customer repeatedly designates products, the list data becomes data representing a list of product codes for those products. Note that this list is hereinafter referred to as a schedule list.

When the customer has finished designating all of the products to be purchased, the customer touches a button for instructing the end of the purchase, for example. In response to this, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act4, and returns to the standby state of Act1 and Act2.

When the customer goes to the store, the customer touches a display instruction button on the home screen to instruct display of the code symbol. In response to this, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act2, and proceeds to Act6.
As Act 6, the processor 21 waits for the list to be specified. Note that the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the selection screen before shifting to the standby state. The selection screen displays a GUI for allowing the operator to browse lists represented by the list data stored in the main memory 22 or the auxiliary storage device 23 and to allow the operator to select one of the lists. While confirming the list on this selection screen, the customer designates the list of commodities to be purchased at the store. In response to this, the processor 21 determines Yes in Act6, and proceeds to Act7.

As Act7, the processor 21 causes the touch panel 24 to display the symbol screen. Specifically, the processor 21 generates a code symbol representing a character string showing all of the product codes included in the designated list in a predetermined format, and displays the symbol screen as a screen including the code symbol on the touch panel 24. to display. The code symbol is an optically readable representation of the character string according to a predetermined standard. Any code symbol standard may be used, but QR Code (registered trademark) is assumed to be used. Also, the processor 21 displays a button on the symbol screen for instructing termination of display of the symbol screen.

The customer presents the smartphone 20 on which the symbol screen is displayed to the clerk. Then, when the code symbol displayed on the symbol screen is read as described later, the customer touches a button for instructing the end of the display to instruct the end of the display.
The processor 21 waits for an end instruction while displaying the symbol screen on the touch panel 24 . Then, if the end instruction is issued as described above, the determination is YES, and the process returns to the standby state of Act1 and Act2.

On the other hand, when the POS terminal 10 is operating in the operation mode for product purchase registration and settlement, the processor 11 performs the following information processing based on the application program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Execute.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of information processing by the processor 11 . Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.
As Act11, the processor 11 performs initialization such as clearing the order list. The order list is a list of product codes that identify products to be traded. The order list also includes flags associated with each of the product codes. The order list may be stored in either main memory 12 or auxiliary storage device 13 .

As Act 12, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the product has been designated. If the corresponding designation is not made, the processor 11 determines No, and proceeds to Act13.
As Act 13, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the code symbol has been scanned. Then, if the corresponding scan has not been performed, the processor 11 determines No, and proceeds to Act14.
As Act 14, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the tightening operation has been performed. If the corresponding operation has not been performed, the processor 11 determines No, and returns to Act12.
Thus, in Act12-Act14, the processor 11 waits for any one of product specification, code symbol scanning and closing operation.

When the customer tells the store clerk which product to order, the store clerk performs a predetermined operation for specifying the product. The operation is an operation of pressing or touching a button provided on the input device 15 and associated with the product code of the ordered product, or an operation of causing the reading device 16 to read the barcode representing the product code of the ordered product. . Thus, the input device 15 and reading device 16 are examples of input means or input devices for inputting product designations.

If the processor 11 is in the waiting state of Act12-Act14 and an order is specified by the above operation, the processor 11 determines Yes in Act12 and proceeds to Act15.
As Act15, the processor 11 adds the product code of the designated product to the order list. At this time, the processor 11 resets the flag associated with the added product code. The processor 11 then returns to the standby state of Act12-Act14.

When the customer orders a product included in the schedule list generated by the smartphone 20 as described above, the customer presents the smartphone 20 with the symbol screen displayed as described above to the store clerk. Then, the clerk causes the reading device 16 to read the code symbol displayed on the symbol screen. The reading device 16 reads the code symbol displayed on the symbol screen in response to such a store clerk's operation. Then, if the reading device 16 scans the code symbol in response to this, the processor 11 determines Yes in Act 13 and proceeds to Act 16 .

As Act16, the processor 11 adds all product codes included in the planned list indicated by the code symbols scanned by the reading device 16 to the order list. At this time, the processor 11 sets the flag associated with the added product code. The processor 11 then returns to the standby state of Act12-Act14. Thus, the processor 11 retrieves the to-do list from the data obtained by optically reading the code symbols with the reading device 16 as an acquisition device. As a result, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the information processing program, so that the computer having the processor 11 as a central part functions as a retrieval means.
As described above, the flag indicates whether the associated product code was specified based on hearing at the store or obtained by reading the code symbol from the smartphone 20. becomes.

The store clerk appropriately repeats product designation and code symbol scanning based on hearing, and adds product codes of products ordered by customers to the order list. After adding all product codes, the sales clerk performs a closing operation. The tightening operation is, for example, an action of pressing or touching a tightening button provided on the input device 15 . Then, if the tightening operation has been performed, the processor 11 determines Yes in Act 14 and proceeds to Act 17 .
As Act 17, the processor 11 confirms whether or not the order list includes a set flag. If the set flag is included, the processor 11 determines Yes, and proceeds to Act18.

As Act18, the processor 11 performs discount processing. Specifically, the processor 11 reduces the selling price of the product identified by the product code associated with the set flag from the standard selling price of the product by a predetermined discount amount or value. The discounted amount shall be the discounted rate. As the discount amount or discount rate, the same value may be applied regardless of the product, or a value set individually for each product may be applied. More specifically, the processor 11 acquires standard sales prices recorded in the product master database for product codes included in the order list. The processor 11 determines the discount amount or discount rate to be applied to the product in question. Then, the processor 11 subtracts the determined discount amount or discount rate from the obtained standard selling price to calculate the current selling price. The product master database may be stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13, or may be stored in a storage device provided in an external device such as a POS server capable of communicating via the communication network 30. good. When the processor 11 has finished calculating the current sales prices of all the products identified by the product codes associated with the set flags, the processor 11 proceeds to Act19. If the order list does not include the set flag, the processor 11 determines No in Act 17, skips Act 18, and proceeds to Act 19.

As Act 19, the processor 11 calculates the settlement amount associated with the provision of all the products identified by the product codes included in the order list. Specifically, the processor 11 determines the standard selling price of each product identified by the product code associated with the reset flag and each product identified by the product code associated with the set flag. The settlement amount is calculated as the sum of the respective sales prices after the discount processing as described above. Specifically, the processor 11 acquires, for example, standard sales prices recorded in the product master database for product codes associated with reset flags. Then, for example, the processor 11 calculates the sum of each of the acquired standard selling prices and each of the selling prices calculated in Act18. As a result, the discount privilege is given only to the products added from the planned list to the order list. This is equivalent to not requiring different benefits for the product added from the planned list to the order list and the other products. As a result of the processor 11 executing information processing based on the information program, the computer having the processor 11 as its central part functions as granting means for granting such privileges. Note that the processor 11 may calculate the settlement amount by performing a discount process different from Act 18 on the above sum.

In Act20, the processor 11 performs settlement processing for settlement of the settlement amount calculated in Act19. For this payment processing, a known payment processing using cash, credit card, debit card, electronic money, points, or the like can be applied as it is. As a result of the processor 11 executing information processing based on the information processing program, the computer having the processor 11 as its central part functions as a settlement means. When the settlement is completed, the processor 11 returns to Act 11 and prepares for the start of processing for the next new transaction.

As described above, according to the order receiving system 100, all the products included in the schedule list generated by the smartphone 20 can be imported into the order list by scanning the code symbols. This makes it possible to shorten the work of product registration compared to the case where the store clerk asks the customer about each product included in the schedule list and registers the purchase.

Further, according to the order receiving system 100, it is possible to add the product specified at the POS terminal 10 to the order list. As a result, even when performing purchase registration from the schedule list generated by the smartphone 20, it is possible to receive an additional order at the store. As a result, it is possible to reduce the customer's reluctance to place an order using the schedule list, and improve the usage rate of ordering using the schedule list. As the usage rate of orders using the schedule list increases, the effect of shortening the product registration work can be increased.

Furthermore, according to the order receiving system 100, in the POS terminal 10, the product identified by the product code imported from the schedule list to the order list is subject to the discount processing in Act 18, and the product ordered at the store is subject to the discount processing. Not applicable. Thus, customers can receive special discounts for using the to-do list ordering, which motivates them to use the to-do list ordering. If this improves the utilization rate of orders using the schedule list, the effect of shortening the work of product registration is enhanced.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The details of the discount in Act 18 in FIG. 3 can be changed arbitrarily. As an example, a predetermined discount amount may be subtracted from the sum of the respective standard selling prices of all products associated with the set flag. As another example, discounts may be applied only to products that meet predetermined conditions among the products associated with set flags.

The method of giving the privilege can be changed arbitrarily. As an example, points may be awarded only for products associated with set flags. As another example, the right to receive a gift may be granted only with respect to the purchase of a product associated with a set flag.

Benefits may also be given to products associated with flags in the reset state. However, the privilege is more disadvantageous to the customer than the privilege given to the product associated with the set flag.

The schedule list may be imported into the POS terminal 10 using wireless communication such as NFC (near field communication) or infrared communication.

In the standby state of Act12-Act14 in FIG. 3, the processor 11 adds a determination as to whether or not a deletion instruction has been issued, and in response to the deletion instruction being issued by the operator, the product code included in the order list is deleted. May be deleted.

Instead of the POS terminal 10, the registration/payment device can be implemented as another arbitrary device such as a cash register. Moreover, even the POS terminal 10 can be realized as a self-service type or a semi-self-service type.

As the mobile information terminal, instead of the smart phone 20, any other device such as a tablet terminal or a portable personal computer may be applied.

Each function realized by the processor 11 or the processor 21 by information processing can also be partially or entirely realized by hardware such as a logic circuit that executes information processing not based on a program. Further, each of the functions described above can be implemented by combining hardware such as the logic circuit described above with software control.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The following is a supplementary description of the inventions originally claimed in this application.
[Appendix 1] Acquisition means for acquiring a list of products from outside;
input means for inputting product designation;
When the list is acquired by the acquisition means, the product shown in the list is registered as the purchased product, and when the designation is input by the input means, the designated product is transferred to the list. a registration means for registering as a purchased product distinguishable from the products registered from;
granting means for granting different benefits to the purchase of the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means depending on whether or not the product registered as the purchased product includes the product registered from the list; ,
settlement means for performing processing for settlement of the price for the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means;
A registered payment device comprising:
[Appendix 2] The acquisition means is
obtaining the list stored in the portable information terminal from data obtained by optically reading a code symbol displayed by the portable information terminal;
The registered settlement device according to appendix 1.
[Appendix 3] an acquisition device that acquires data representing a list of products from the outside;
an input device for entering product specifications;
a computer that executes information processing for controlling a registered settlement device equipped with
a retrieval means for retrieving the list from data acquired by the acquisition device;
When the list is retrieved by the retrieval means, the merchandise shown in the list is registered as the purchased merchandise, and when the designation is input by the input means, the designated merchandise is transferred to the list. a registration means for registering as a purchased product distinguishable from the products registered from;
granting means for granting different benefits to the purchase of the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means depending on whether or not the product registered as the purchased product includes the product registered from the list; ,
settlement means for performing processing for settlement of the price for the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means;
Information processing program to function as

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... POS terminal 11... Processor 12... Main memory 13... Auxiliary memory device 14... Display device 15... Input device 16... Reading device 17... Printer 18... Communication interface 19... Transmission line 20 Smartphone 21 Processor 22 Main memory 23 Auxiliary storage device 24 Touch panel 25 Wireless communication unit 26 Transmission line 30 Communication network 100 Ordering system.

Claims (5)

Acquisition means for acquiring, from the mobile information terminal, a list of products created and stored in the mobile information terminal by operating the mobile information terminal brought into the store by a customer;
input means provided in the store for inputting product designation;
When the list is acquired by the acquisition means, the product shown in the list is used, and when the designation is input by the input means, the specified product is processed until the closing operation is performed. A registration means for registering as a target purchase product;
settlement means for performing processing for settlement of the price for the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means;
A registered payment device comprising: When the designation is input by the input means, the registration means registers the designated product as a purchased product so as to be distinguishable from the products registered from the list,
granting means for granting different benefits to the purchase of the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means, depending on whether or not the product registered as the purchased product includes the product registered from the list;
The registration and settlement apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising: The acquisition means acquires the list stored in the portable information terminal from data obtained by optically reading a code symbol displayed by the portable information terminal.
The registered settlement apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 . The acquisition means acquires the list from the mobile information terminal by close proximity wireless communication.
The registered settlement apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2. Controlling a registered payment apparatus comprising an acquisition device for acquiring data representing a list of commodities created and stored in the portable information terminal by operating the portable information terminal brought into the store by the customer from the portable information terminal. a computer that processes information to
a retrieval means for retrieving a list from data acquired by said acquisition device;
input means provided in the store for inputting product designation;
If the list is acquired by the retrieval means, the product shown in the list is used, and if the designation is input by the input means, the specified product is used until the closing operation is performed. A registration means for registering as a target purchase product;
settlement means for performing processing for settlement of the price for the product registered as the purchased product by the registration means;
Information processing program to function as

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