JP7469052B2 - Information processing device, payment system and program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing device, a payment system, and a program.

Recently, in restaurants and other establishments, payment for consumed goods can be made, for example, at table terminals installed on each table in the store. Similarly, payment for consumed goods can be made at handheld terminals carried by store staff. Once a customer has made a payment at a table terminal or handheld terminal, they can leave the store without doing anything.

However, this system made it possible for customers to pretend to pay using a tabletop terminal or handheld terminal, and then leave the store without actually making any payment.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide an information processing device, a payment system, and a program that can prevent a shop from being opened without making a payment.

The information processing device of the embodiment comprises a receiving unit, a payment registration means for transmitting registration information that pre -registers to make payment for a product ordered from an ordering device to a payment server, an approval determination means for determining whether the receiving unit has received a payment confirmation signal from the ordering device for the pre-registered product ordered from the ordering device, and an approval transmission means for transmitting an approval signal to the payment server approving payment for the product when it is determined that the confirmation signal has been received .

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a payment system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the station. FIG. 3 is a memory map showing the configuration of the order management unit. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the order information section. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the table terminal. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the kitchen terminal. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a POS terminal. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the station and the table terminal. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the table terminal. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the kitchen terminal. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the station. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing of the POS terminal.

The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, a station will be described as an example of an information processing device. In the embodiments, a table terminal will be described as an example of an ordering device. In the embodiments, a POS (Point of Sales) terminal will be described as an example of an external device. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a payment system according to an embodiment. The payment system 10 is a system that processes sales and manages sales of products such as food to be eaten at a store T such as a restaurant, and is installed within the store T. The payment system 10 comprises a station 1, a table terminal 3 (ordering device), a kitchen terminal 5, and a POS terminal 7. The station 1, the table terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 5, and the POS terminal 7 are connected by a communication line L1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and can send and receive information and signals between them.

The payment system 10 is also connected to the payment server 9 via a communication line L2, such as a dedicated line or a public line. The payment server 9 is installed in a company that manages payments using an application installed on a mobile terminal K (such as a smartphone, mobile phone, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)) to make payments for product purchases at a store T, as described below.

Here, we will explain payment using an application installed on mobile terminal K (hereafter referred to as "app payment"). Here, we will explain as an example the case where a product is purchased at store T, sales registration processing for the product is performed using a POS (Point of Sales) terminal or the like, and then the app payment is performed.

First, the user downloads and installs an application onto mobile terminal K from the website of the company that operates the payment system. Next, the user uses the camera function and application on mobile terminal K to read a code symbol (such as a two-dimensional code) prepared by the company. The read code symbol contains at least access information to the site operated by the company. The user then inputs the amount to be paid (for example, the payment amount for the purchased product (the product whose sales have been registered at the POS terminal)) into mobile terminal K. Mobile terminal K can communicate with payment server 9 via wireless communication line L3. Therefore, information on the payment amount is sent from mobile terminal K to payment server 9. Payment server 9 executes payment processing for the app payment related to the payment amount received.

The payment server 9 that processed the payment sends information to the station 1 indicating that the payment processing for the transaction has been completed, and the station 1 that receives the information forwards the information to the POS terminal 7. The POS terminal 7 then issues a receipt for the payment. The issued receipt includes product information, payment information, and the name of the company that operates the payment server 9 that processed the payment.

It is also possible to display a code symbol on the customer's mobile terminal K, and have the POS terminal 7 read it, allowing the payment server 9 to carry out the payment process. In this case, the code symbol contains, in addition to the access information, member information that identifies the member, the address of the mobile terminal K, and other information.

The payment server 9 executes payment processing for a transaction for shopping at store T based on amount information received by running an application installed on mobile terminal K. The payment server 9 transmits the payment information to mobile terminal K and station 1.

Station 1 is, for example, a server equipped with a microcomputer. Station 1 is installed in the back yard of store T. Station 1 manages the sales (sales quantity and sales amount) of products (food, drinks, goods, etc.) ordered from table terminal 3. Station 1 also manages the serving of ordered products to determine whether or not they are served (provided) to customers.

When making an app payment, station 1 transmits registration information to the payment server 9 to pre-register that the app payment will be made. Station 1 manages whether or not pre-registration for app payment has been made. For customers who have pre-registered for app payment, station 1 transmits an approval signal to the payment server 9 to approve making an app payment for the product each time the product ordered is served, to the payment server 9. Station 1 also stores and manages information for each product ordered from the table terminal 3 indicating whether or not payment has been made for the app.

One table terminal 3 is installed at each table. The table terminal 3 is, for example, a tablet terminal installed on each table. The table terminal 3 has a display unit 42 (see FIG. 5) and displays all products sold at store T in a selectable manner. The customer selects the product to eat or drink from the displayed products.

When the order key 413 (see Figure 5) is operated, the tabletop terminal 3 places an order for cooking of the selected item.

When the product is served, the table terminal 3 displays an approval key 414 (see FIG. 5). The approval key 414 is a key for the customer to approve the payment process for the served (provided) product using a pre-registered app payment. The customer operates the approval key 414 when approving the app payment.

The table terminal 3 also has a function for pre-registration for app payment. Specifically, a customer seated at a table operates a registration key 411 (see FIG. 5) displayed on the table terminal 3 installed at the table. When the registration key 411 is operated, the table terminal 3 reads the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal K and submits a pre-registration request to the payment server 9 via the station 1. The payment server 9 that receives the request associates it with the membership information contained in the code symbol and sets up pre-registration for app payment. The station 1 stores the membership information of the pre-set member.

The kitchen terminal 5 is installed in the kitchen where the product is prepared. When the cook of the product has finished cooking, he/she operates the serving key 611 (see FIG. 6) for that product displayed on the kitchen terminal 5. The kitchen terminal 5 transmits a serving signal to the station 1 indicating that the product has been served for the product for which the serving key 611 was operated. The product that has been completely cooked is served by a staff member of store T to the table where the customer who ordered the product is seated.

The POS terminal 7 is installed near the exit of store T. The POS terminal 7 is a device that settles the bill for food and drink purchased at store T. If there are any products for which app payment has not been made at the table terminal 3, the POS terminal 7 performs payment processing for those products. For example, customers who do not carry a mobile terminal K or who do not have an app payment application installed on their mobile terminal K pay for the products they ate and drink in the store using the POS Tanmatsu. The POS terminal 7 can make both cash and non-cash payments. The POS terminal 7 transmits the information entered to make the payment (total price of the products, deposit amount, terminal code, etc.) and a payment signal to station 1.

A mobile terminal K with an application for app payment installed can display a code symbol on the display unit, including company information about the company that operates the app payment, member information, charge amount information, and the address of the mobile terminal K. The code symbol includes at least the member information. Other information is stored in a member server (not shown) where the member is registered, and can also be obtained from the member server based on the member information.

From here, the hardware configuration of station 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of station 1. As shown in FIG. 2, station 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a memory unit 14, and the like. CPU 11 is the main controller. ROM 12 stores various programs. RAM 13 expands programs and various data. Memory unit 14 stores various programs. CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and memory unit 14 are connected to each other via a bus 15. CPU 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 constitute a control unit 100. That is, the control unit 100 executes control processing related to station 1, which will be described later, by CPU 11 operating according to a control program stored in ROM 12 or memory unit 14 and expanded in RAM 13.

RAM 13 includes an order management unit 131. The order management unit 131 manages information on pre-registration for app payments and the status of ordered products. The order management unit 131 will be described later with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

The memory unit 14 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 14 includes a control program unit 141 and a product master 142. The control program unit 141 stores a control program for controlling the station 1. The product master 142 stores product information (product name, unit price, product image, etc.) related to each product. The memory unit 14 also stores product sales (number of products sold, total sales amount, etc.) at store T.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the operation unit 21 and the display unit 22 via the bus 15 and the controller 16. The controller 16 receives instructions from the control unit 100 and controls the operation unit 21 and the display unit 22. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the control actually performed by the controller 16 is performed directly by the control unit 100.

The operation unit 21 is a keyboard or the like that is operated by an operator to operate station 1. The display unit 22 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays information to the operator of station 1.

The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 24 via the bus 15. The communication unit 24 transmits and receives information to and from the table terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 5, and the POS terminal 7 via the communication line L1. The control unit 100 is also connected to the communication unit 25 via the bus 15. The communication unit 25 transmits and receives information to and from the payment server 9 via the communication line L2.

Next, the order management unit 131 will be described. Figure 3 is a memory map showing the configuration of the order management unit 131. For convenience of explanation, Figure 3 shows an example of the order status of a customer seated at one table (e.g., table A) installed in store T. In reality, the order management unit 131 stores the information in Figure 3 for each table, for each table.

As shown in FIG. 3, the order management unit 131 has a terminal code unit 1311, a registration information unit 1312, and an order information unit 1313. The terminal code unit 1311 stores a terminal code (in this embodiment, the terminal code identifying table A) that identifies the table at which the customer is seated (in this embodiment, the terminal code identifying table A). The registration information unit 1312 stores information about the customer who has pre-registered for app payment (the name of the company that provided the application for app payment, member information identifying the customer, address information for sending email to the mobile terminal K on which the application carried by the member is installed, etc.). The order information unit 1313 stores information about the product ordered from the table terminal 3 installed at the table identified by the terminal code. The order information unit 1313 will be described later in FIG. 4.

Next, the order information section 1313 will be described. FIG. 4 is a memory map showing the configuration of the order information section 1313. As shown in FIG. 4, the order information section 1313 has an ordered item section 13131, a serving information section 13132, and a payment information section 13133. The ordered item section 13131 stores information on all items ordered from the table terminals 3 installed at one table (e.g., item codes identifying the items). The serving information section 13132 stores information on whether the ordered items have been served. If the items have been served, flag 1 is stored. That is, for items ordered from the table terminals 3 and for which the serving key 611 has been operated on the kitchen terminal 5, flag 1 is stored as the item has been served. Note that if the item has not been served, the serving information section 13132 stores flag 0.

The payment information unit 13133 stores information on whether or not app payment has been made for the served item. The payment information unit 13133 stores flag 1 for items for which app payment has been completed. The payment information unit 13133 stores flag 0 for items for which app payment has not been completed or for which app payment has not been made.

From here, the hardware configuration of the table terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the table terminal 3. As shown in FIG. 5, the table terminal 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a memory unit 34, and the like. The CPU 31 is the main controller. The ROM 32 stores various programs. The RAM 33 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 34 stores various programs. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the memory unit 34 are connected to one another via a bus 35. The CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 constitute the control unit 300. That is, the control unit 300 executes control processing related to the table terminal 3, which will be described later, by the CPU 31 operating in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the memory unit 34 and expanded in the RAM 33.

The RAM 33 includes an order information section 331. The order information section 331 stores information about the product ordered from the table terminal 3 (product code, product name, price, order time, etc.).

The memory unit 34 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 34 comprises a control program unit 341, a product master 342, and a terminal code unit 343. The control program unit 341 stores a control program for controlling the table terminal 3. The product master 342 stores product information (information equivalent to the product master 142) related to each product. The terminal code unit 343 stores a terminal code that identifies the table terminal 3.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the operation unit 41, display unit 42, printing unit 43, and symbol reading unit 44 via the bus 35 and controller 36. The operation unit 41, which is composed of a touch panel provided on the display unit 42, has a registration key 411, a product key 412, an order key 413, an approval key 414, and an end key 415. The registration key 411 is operated when pre-registering app payment. The product key 412 is operated when selecting one or more products to be consumed (i.e., food and drinks to be ordered). The order key 413 is operated when ordering the selected products. The approval key 414 is operated when approving the pre-payment for the delivered products. The end key 415 is operated when paying for the ordered products.

The display unit 42 displays information (information on the product to be selected, information on the product ordered, total price of the ordered products, payment amount at the time of payment, etc.) to the customer seated at the table. The keys include a registration key 411, a product key 412, an order key 413, an approval key 414, and an end key 415, which function as the operation unit 41 on a touch panel provided on the display unit 42.

When the end key 415 is operated, the printing unit 43 issues a slip on which a code symbol including specific information (e.g., a terminal code) related to the payment at the table terminal 3 is printed. The customer takes the issued slip and presents it at the POS terminal 7 to make the payment.

The controller 36 receives instructions from the control unit 300 and controls the operation unit 41, the display unit 42, the printing unit 43, and the symbol reading unit 44. For the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the control actually performed by the controller 36 is performed directly by the control unit 300.

The symbol reader 44 captures an image of the code symbol or reads it optically. The symbol reader 44 reads the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal K.

The control unit 300 is also connected to the communication unit 45 via the bus 35. The communication unit 45 transmits and receives information to and from the station 1, the kitchen terminal 5, and the POS terminal 7 via the communication line L1.

From here, the hardware configuration of the kitchen terminal 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the kitchen terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 6, the kitchen terminal 5 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a memory unit 54, and the like. The CPU 51 is the main controller. The ROM 52 stores various programs. The RAM 53 deploys programs and various data. The memory unit 54 stores various programs. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, the RAM 53, and the memory unit 54 are connected to one another via a bus 55. The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the RAM 53 constitute the control unit 500. That is, the control unit 500 executes control processing related to the kitchen terminal 5, which will be described later, by the CPU 51 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 52 and the memory unit 54 and deployed in the RAM 53.

The RAM 53 includes an order receiving unit 531. The order receiving unit 531 receives and stores information about products ordered from the table terminal 3 via the station 1.

The memory unit 54 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 54 includes a control program unit 541. The control program unit 541 stores a control program for controlling the kitchen terminal 5.

The control unit 500 is also connected to the operation unit 61 and display unit 62 via the bus 55 and controller 56. The operation unit 61 has a serving key 611. The serving key 611 is operated by the chef when cooking of the received product is completed and the product is served. The display unit 62 displays product information stored in the order receiving unit 531 to the chef cooking in the kitchen. The chef cooks based on the product information displayed on the display unit 62.

The control unit 500 is also connected to the communication unit 63 via the bus 55. The communication unit 63 transmits and receives information to and from the station 1, the table terminal 3, and the POS terminal 7 via the communication line L1.

From here, the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 7 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the POS terminal 7. As shown in FIG. 7, the POS terminal 7 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and a memory unit 74. The CPU 71 is the main controller. The ROM 72 stores various programs. The RAM 73 expands programs and various data. The memory unit 74 stores various programs. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, the RAM 73, and the memory unit 74 are connected to one another via a bus 75. The CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 constitute the control unit 700. That is, the control unit 700 executes control processing related to the POS terminal 7, which will be described later, by the CPU 71 operating in accordance with the control programs stored in the ROM 72 and the memory unit 74 and expanded in the RAM 73.

RAM 73 includes a product information section 731. The product information section 731 receives and stores product information for products for which app payment has not been made at the table terminal 3 from station 1. The POS terminal 7 reads a code symbol including a terminal code printed on a slip given by a customer, receives product information for unpaid products corresponding to the terminal code from station 1, stores the product information in the product information section 731, and executes payment processing based on the stored product information.

The memory unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD or flash memory that retains stored information even when the power is turned off. The memory unit 74 has a control program unit 741 and a product master 742. The control program unit 741 stores a control program for controlling the POS terminal 7. The product master 742 stores product information (information equivalent to the product master 142) related to each product. The product master 742 is used for payment processing at the POS terminal 7.

The control unit 700 also includes an operation unit 81, a display unit 82, a printing unit 83, and a code reading unit 84, via a bus 75 and a controller 76. The operation unit 81 includes a payment key 811. The payment key 811 is operated when making a payment at the POS terminal 7. The display unit 82 displays product information and payment information for the product for which payment has been processed to the store clerk or customer operating the POS terminal 7.

When payment processing is performed at the POS terminal 7, the printing unit 83 issues a receipt on which information related to the paid item (item information and payment information) is printed. The code reading unit 84 reads the code symbol printed on the slip issued by the printing unit 43 of the table terminal 3. The control unit 700 executes payment processing for the unpaid items ordered at the table identified by the read code symbol.

The settlement process in the POS terminal 7 refers to the process of displaying product information of the ordered product, information on the cash deposit received from the customer, change information, etc., and the process of instructing the change dispenser to issue change. It also includes the process of issuing a receipt on which this information is printed.

The control unit 700 is also connected to the communication unit 85 via the bus 75. The communication unit 85 transmits and receives information to and from the station 1, the table terminal 3, and the kitchen terminal 5 via the communication line L1.

From here, the functional configuration of the table terminal 3 and station 1 will be explained. Figure 8 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the table terminal 3 and station 1. The control unit 300 functions as a registration application means 301, an approval display means 302, and an approval means 303 by following the control program stored in the ROM 32 or the control program unit 341 of the memory unit 34.

The registration application means 301 applies for pre-registration for app payment. Specifically, the registration application means 301 transmits a registration application signal (including company information, member information, charge amount information, and mobile terminal K address information) for pre-registration for app payment to station 1.

The approval display means 302 displays the approval key 414. Specifically, when the approval display means 302 receives a display signal from station 1, it displays the approval key 414 on the display unit 42.

The approval means 303 transmits an approval signal to the station 1 approving the payment for the ordered product when the product is provided. Specifically, when the approval key 414 displayed by the approval display means 302 is operated, the approval means 303 transmits a confirmation signal, which is an approval signal approving the payment for the product, to the station 1.

The control unit 100 also functions as a payment registration means 101, a display signal transmission means 102, an approval determination means 103, and an approval transmission means 104 by following the control programs stored in the ROM 12 and the control program unit 141 of the memory unit 14.

The payment registration means 101 transmits registration information to the payment server 9 to pre-register that payment will be made for the ordered product. Specifically, when the payment registration means 101 receives a registration application signal transmitted by the registration application means 301, it transmits registration information to the payment server 9 to pre-register that payment will be made for the ordered product.

The display signal transmitting means 102 transmits a display signal to cause the tabletop terminal 3, which is the ordering device, to display an approval key 414 to be operated when approving making payment for the served products when the ordered products are served. Specifically, when the display signal transmitting means 102 receives a serving signal indicating the serving of the products from the kitchen terminal 5, it transmits a display signal to the tabletop terminal 3, which is the ordering device, to display an approval key 414 to be operated when approving making payment for the served products when the ordered products are served.

The approval determination means 103 determines whether payment can be made for the provided product. Specifically, when the approval determination means 103 determines that a confirmation signal has been received from the table terminal 3, it determines whether the product can be approved for app payment based on the charge amount received and stored from the table terminal 3 and the price of the product for which app payment is made. The approval determination means 103 determines that the app payment can be approved if the charge amount is equal to or greater than the price of the product. The approval determination means 103 determines that the app payment cannot be approved if the charge amount is less than the price of the product.

The approval sending means 104 sends an approval signal to the payment server 9 approving payment for a product each time the product is provided to a pre-registered customer. Specifically, the approval sending means 104 sends an approval signal to the payment server 9 approving payment for the product each time the approval determination means 103 determines that the app payment is approveable.

Next, the control of the tabletop terminal 3 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the tabletop terminal 3. The control unit 300 of the tabletop terminal 3 judges whether the registration key 411 has been operated (S11). If it is judged that the registration key 411 has been operated (Yes in S11), it judges whether the symbol reading unit 44 has read the code symbol displayed on the mobile terminal K (S12). It waits until it has been read (No in S12), and if it is judged that the code symbol has been read (Yes in S12), the registration application means 301 transmits a registration application signal (including company information, member information, charge amount information, and information on the address of the mobile terminal K) for pre-registering the app payment to the station 1 (S13).

The control unit 300 then determines whether a registration signal has been received from station 1 indicating that pre-registration for app payment has been completed (S14). The control unit 300 waits until a registration signal is received (No in S14), and if it determines that a registration signal has been received (Yes in S14), the control unit 300 displays a message indicating that app payment has been pre-registered on the display unit 42 (S15). The control unit 300 then returns to S11. This message may be displayed on the mobile terminal K.

If it is determined that the registration key 411 has not been operated (No in S11), the control unit 300 determines whether the product key 412 has been operated (S21). If it is determined that the product key 412 has been operated (Yes in S21), the control unit 300 stores the product information (product name, price, etc.) of the product selected for consumption that corresponds to the operated product key 412 in the order information unit 331 (S22). The control unit 300 then returns to S11.

Furthermore, if it is determined that the product key 412 has not been operated (No in S21), the control unit 300 determines whether the order key 413 has been operated (S23). If it is determined that the order key 413 has been operated (Yes in S23), the control unit 300 performs an order process for the product based on the product information stored in the order information unit 331 (S24). That is, the control unit 300 transmits the product code and an order signal for the product to the station 1 together with a terminal code that identifies the table terminal 3 based on the product information stored in the order information unit 331 (S24). The control unit 300 then returns to S11.

Also, if it is determined that the order key 413 has not been operated (No in S23), the control unit 300 determines whether a display signal (a signal resulting from the processing of S65 in FIG. 11) has been received from the station 1 (S31). If it is determined that a display signal has been received (Yes in S31), the approval display means 302 displays the approval key 414 on the display unit 42 (S32). Next, the control unit 300 determines whether the approval key 414 has been operated (S33). The control unit 300 waits until the approval key 414 has been operated (No in S33), and if it is determined that the approval key 414 has been operated (Yes in S33), the approval means 303 transmits a confirmation signal, which is an approval signal approving the payment for the product, to the station 1 (S34). The control unit 300 then returns to S11.

Furthermore, if it is determined that a display signal has not been received (No in S31), the control unit 300 determines whether a payment impossible signal (signal resulting from processing in S76 in FIG. 11) has been received from station 1 (S35). If it is determined that a payment impossible signal has been received (Yes in S35), the control unit 300 displays a message on the display unit 42 indicating that app payment is impossible due to insufficient charge amount, etc. (S36). When a customer sees this message, they cancel app payment for the item in question and any subsequent items ordered. The control unit 300 then returns to S11.

If it is determined that the payment impossible signal has not been received (No in S35), the control unit 300 determines whether the End key 415 has been operated (S37). If it is determined that the End key 415 has been operated (Yes in S37), the control unit 300 transmits to the station 1 an end signal indicating that eating and drinking is finished and a terminal code identifying the table terminal 3 (S38). The control unit 300 then issues a slip from the printing unit 43 on which a code symbol including the transmitted terminal code is printed (S39). The control unit 300 then returns to S11. If it is determined that the End key 415 has not been operated (No in S37), the control unit 300 returns to S11.

From here, the control of the kitchen terminal 5 will be explained. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the kitchen terminal 5. As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 500 of the kitchen terminal 5 determines whether an order signal has been received from station 1 (S41). If it is determined that an order signal has been received from station 1 (Yes in S41), the control unit 500 displays the received order information on the display unit 62 (S42). In other words, the control unit 500 displays the product information of the ordered product. The control unit 500 then returns to S41.

If it is determined that the signal has not been an order signal (No in S41), the control unit 500 determines whether the serving key 611 has been operated (S43). If it is determined that the serving key 611 has been operated (Yes in S43), the control unit 500 transmits a serving signal indicating that the displayed product has been cooked and will be served to the station 1 together with the received terminal code that identifies the tabletop terminal 3 (S44). The control unit 500 then returns to S41.

Next, the control of station 1 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of station 1. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 100 of station 1 judges whether a registration application signal has been received from the table terminal 3 (S51). If it is determined that a registration application signal has been received from the table terminal 3 (Yes in S51), the payment registration means 101 transmits registration information to the payment server 9 to pre-register that the ordered item will be paid for by app (S52).

Next, the control unit 100 judges whether registration permission information has been received from the payment server 9, indicating that the transaction for which the registration request signal was sent has been pre-registered to be an app payment (S53). The control unit 100 waits until registration permission information is received (No in S53), and if it judges that registration permission information has been received (Yes in S53), the control unit 100 stores information indicating that the transaction has been pre-registered to be an app payment (e.g., information indicating that the pre-registration flag is 1) and the registration information included in the registration request signal (at least the member information and charge amount information) in the registration information unit 1312 (S54). The control unit 100 then transmits a registration signal indicating that the app payment has been pre-registered to be a app payment to the table terminal 3 identified by the terminal code (S55). The control unit 100 then returns to S51.

Furthermore, if it is determined in S51 that a registration application signal has not been received (No in S51), the control unit 100 determines whether an order signal has been received from the tabletop terminal 3 (S61). If it is determined that an order signal has been received from the tabletop terminal 3 (Yes in S61), the control unit 100 associates the product code with the terminal code included in the received order signal and stores it in the order product unit 13131 (S62). The control unit 100 then transmits an order signal corresponding to the order signal to the kitchen terminal 5 (S63). The order signal includes a terminal code that identifies the tabletop terminal 3 that received the order signal and a product code that identifies the ordered product. The control unit 100 then returns to S51.

Also, in S61, if it is determined that the signal has not been an order signal (No in S61), the control unit 100 determines whether a serving signal has been received from the kitchen terminal 5 (S64). If it is determined that a serving signal has been received from the kitchen terminal 5 (Yes in S64), the control unit 100 stores flag 1 indicating that the item has been served in the serving information unit 13132 associated with the terminal code received from the kitchen terminal 5 at the same time (S65). Next, the display signal sending means 102 sends a display signal to the table terminal 3, which is the ordering device, indicating that the ordered item has been served and causing the table terminal 3 to display the approval key 414, which is operated when approving the payment for the served item when the ordered item is served (S65). The control unit 100 then returns to S51.

Also, in S64, if it is determined that the signal for serving food has not been received (No in S64), the approval determination means 103 determines whether a confirmation signal has been received from the table terminal 3 (S71). If it is determined that a confirmation signal has been received (Yes in S71), the approval determination means 103 determines whether app payment is possible for the served product (S72). Specifically, the approval determination means 103 compares the charge amount stored in the registration information unit 1312 with the price of the served product, and if the charge amount is equal to or greater than the price of the product, it determines that app payment is possible for the served product. On the other hand, if the charge amount is less than the price of the product, the approval determination means 103 determines that app payment is not possible for the served product.

If it is determined that payment via app is possible for the laid out item (Yes in S72), the approval sending means 104 sends an approval signal to the payment server 9 approving payment for that item (S73). The control unit 100 then stores flag 1 in the payment information unit 13133 corresponding to that item (S74). The control unit 100 then subtracts the price of the item for which payment via app was made from the charge amount stored in the registration information unit 1312, and stores the new charge amount resulting from the subtraction (S75). The control unit 100 then returns to S51.

If it is determined that payment via app is not possible for the served item (No in S72), the control unit 100 sends payment impossible information to the tabletop terminal 3 (S76). The control unit 100 then returns to S51.

Also, in S71, if it is determined that a confirmation signal has not been received (No in S71), the control unit 100 determines whether an end signal has been received from the table terminal 3 (S81). If it is determined that an end signal has been received (Yes in S81), the control unit 100 transmits to the POS terminal 7 the end signal, the terminal code, and product information for products for which flag 1 is stored in the serving information unit 13132 and flag 1 is not stored in the payment information unit 13133 (S82). The control unit 100 then returns to S51. Note that if it is determined that an end signal has not been received (No in S81), the control unit 100 returns to S51.

Next, the control of the POS terminal 7 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the control process of the POS terminal 7. As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 700 of the POS terminal 7 judges whether it has received from the station 1 a terminal code, an end signal, and product information for a product for which flag 1 is stored in the serving information unit 13132 and flag 1 is not stored in the payment information unit 13133 (S91). If it is determined that product information for a product for which flag 1 is stored in the terminal code, end signal, and serving information unit 13132 and flag 1 is not stored in the payment information unit 13133 has been received (Yes in S91), the control unit 700 stores the terminal code, end signal, and the product information in the product information unit 731 (S92). The control unit 700 then returns to S91.

When all items have been served and flag 1 is stored in the payment information section 13133, in S92, the product information is not stored in the product information section 731. In other words, since payment has been made via app for all items that have been served, there are no items to be paid for at the POS terminal 7. Instead, information indicating that all items have been paid for is stored in the product information section 731 in association with the terminal code.

In addition, if the control unit 700 determines that the product information of a product for which flag 1 is stored in the terminal code, end signal, and serving information unit 13132 and flag 1 is not stored in the payment information unit 13133 has not been received (No in S91), the control unit 700 determines whether the code symbol printed on the slip issued by the printing unit 43 has been read by the code reading unit 84 (S93). If it determines that the code symbol printed on the slip has been read (Yes in S93), the control unit 700 determines whether the payment key 811 has been operated (S94). The control unit 700 waits until the payment key 811 is operated (No in S94), and if it determines that the payment key 811 has been operated (Yes in S94), then the control unit 700 determines whether product information is stored in the product information unit 731 (S95). If it determines that product information is stored in the product information unit 731 (Yes in S95), the control unit 700 executes the payment process based on the product information stored in the product information unit 731 (S96). That is, the control unit 700 executes the payment process for the products that have not been paid for through the app payment. The control unit 700 then returns to S91.

Also, if it is determined that no product information is stored in the product information section 731, but instead that information indicating that all products have been paid for is stored in association with the terminal code (No in S95), the control section 700 displays paid information indicating that all products have been paid for (S97). The control section 700 then returns to S91.

If it is determined that the code symbol printed on the slip is not being read (No in S93), the control unit 700 returns to S91.

Thus, station 1 of the embodiment includes payment registration means 101 that transmits registration information to the payment server 9 for pre-registering that payment will be made for the ordered product, and approval transmission means 104 that transmits an approval signal to the payment server 9 approving payment for the product each time the product is provided to a pre-registered customer. According to this embodiment, if a customer pre-registers that payment will be made via app, payment via app can be made for the product each time it is served. This makes it possible to prevent a stall from being opened without making payment.

The station 1 of the embodiment further includes a display signal transmitting means 102 for transmitting a display signal to cause the table terminal 3 ordering the product to display an approval key 414, which is operated when the customer approves making an app payment for the served product when the ordered product is served. According to this embodiment, the customer operates the approval key 414 displayed on the table terminal 3 at their own will, thereby making an app payment each time the product is served. Therefore, app payment is not made against the customer's will.

In addition, the station 1 of the embodiment further includes approval determination means 103 for determining whether or not it is possible to make an app payment for the provided product. According to this embodiment, if the charge amount is insufficient for the product to be paid for by the app, the app payment is not approved.

The payment system 10 of the embodiment is a payment system including a table terminal 3 for products and a station 1, where the station 1 includes a payment registration means 101 that transmits registration information to the payment server 9 to pre-register that an app payment will be made for the ordered product, the table terminal 3 includes an approval means 303 that transmits an approval signal to the station 1 to approve the app payment for the ordered product when the product is provided, and the station 1 includes an approval sending means 104 that transmits an approval signal to the payment server 9 to approve the payment for the product for which the approval signal has been received. With this payment system 10, if the user pre-registers that an app payment will be made, an app payment can be made each time a product is served. This makes it possible to prevent a stall from opening without making a payment.

Although the embodiment and its variations of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and variations are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment and its variations can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

For example, in the embodiment, the table terminal 3 has been described as an example of an ordering device. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ordering device may be, for example, a handheld terminal carried by a store clerk into which a customer inputs information about the product he or she wishes to order.

In addition, in the embodiment, the table terminal 3 displays an approval key 414 for the customer to approve the app payment. However, this is not limited to the above, and the display of the approval key 414 and the customer's operation are not essential. For example, when the station 1 receives a food delivery signal, it may send an approval signal to the payment server 9 without obtaining approval from the customer.

In the embodiment, the station 1, the table terminal 3, the kitchen terminal 5, and the POS terminal 7 are described as the payment system 10. However, this is not limited, and the payment system 10 only needs to include at least the station 1 and the table terminal 3.

The program executed by station 1 in this embodiment is provided as a file in an installable or executable format recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk).

The program executed by station 1 of the embodiment may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by downloading it via the network. The program executed by station 1 of the embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

The program executed by station 1 in the embodiment may also be configured to be provided by being pre-installed in a ROM or the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Station 3 Tabletop terminal 5 Kitchen terminal 7 POS terminal 9 Payment server 10 Payment system 41 Operation unit 42 Display unit 43 Printing unit 44 Symbol reading unit 61 Operation unit 62 Display unit 81 Operation unit 82 Display unit 83 Printing unit 84 Code reading unit 100 Control unit 101 Payment registration means 102 Display signal transmission means 103 Approval determination means 104 Approval transmission means 131 Order management unit 300 Control unit 301 Registration application means 302 Approval display means 303 Approval means 411 Registration key 414 Approval key 500 Control unit 700 Control unit 1311 Terminal code unit 1312 Registration information unit 1313 Order information unit 13131 Ordered item unit 13132 Food delivery information unit 13133 Payment information section K Mobile terminal

JP 2012-93833 A

Claims (6)

A receiving unit;
A payment registration means for transmitting registration information for pre-registering that payment will be made for the product ordered from the ordering device to a payment server;
an approval determination means for determining whether the receiving unit has received a confirmation signal of payment from the ordering device for the pre-registered product ordered from the ordering device ;
an approval sending means for sending an approval signal to the payment server when it is determined that the confirmation signal has been received, the approval signal approving the payment for the product ;
An information processing device comprising: a display signal transmitting means for transmitting a display signal to cause an ordering device that has ordered the product to display an approval key, which is operated when approving payment for the delivered product, when the ordered product is delivered,
the approval determination means determines whether the confirmation signal transmitted from the ordering device in response to the operation of the approval key displayed on the ordering device has been received;
The information processing device according to claim 1 . the display signal transmitting means transmits the display signal when a signal indicating the serving of the ordered product is received.
The information processing device according to claim 2 . The system further includes an approval determination means for determining whether or not payment for the product for which the confirmation signal has been received can be approved,
the approval sending means sends the approval signal to a payment server when it is determined that the payment can be approved;
4. The information processing device according to claim 1. A payment system including a product ordering device and an information processing device,
The information processing device includes:
Receiving section and
A payment registration means for transmitting registration information for pre-registering payment for the product ordered from the ordering device to a payment server,
The ordering device includes:
an approval means for transmitting a confirmation signal to the information processing device when the ordered product is provided, the confirmation signal approving the payment for the product;
The information processing device includes:
an approval determination means for determining whether the receiving unit has received the confirmation signal from the ordering device for the pre-registered product ordered from the ordering device;
an approval sending means for sending an approval signal to the payment server when it is determined that the confirmation signal has been received, the approval signal approving the payment for the product ;
A payment system with. A computer as an information processing device having a receiving unit ,
A payment registration means for transmitting registration information for pre-registering that payment will be made for the product ordered from the ordering device to a payment server;
an approval determination means for determining whether the receiving unit has received a settlement confirmation signal from the ordering device for the pre-registered product ordered from the ordering device ;
an approval sending means for sending an approval signal to the payment server when it is determined that the confirmation signal has been received, the approval signal approving the payment for the product ;
A program to make it function as such.

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