JP7516620B2 - Accounting machine and its control program - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a product sales data processing device and its control program.

Examples of preferential treatment systems at stores include shareholder preferential treatment systems and employee preferential treatment systems. These preferential treatment systems generally provide preferential treatment to shareholders or employees who use the system by offering discounts on the cost of shopping, dining, etc. When using such a preferential treatment system, there may be restrictions on the method of payment. For example, payment may be allowed with the company's own credit card or electronic money, but not with other companies' credit cards or electronic money.

In conventional stores, when a user of a preferential treatment scheme requests payment using an unavailable payment method, the store clerk will verbally guide the user to change to a payment method that is available. However, with product sales data processing devices such as POS (Point Of Sales) terminals, it is possible to settle a transaction to which a preferential treatment scheme is applied using a payment method that is unavailable under that preferential treatment scheme.

JP 2014-132405 A

The problem that the embodiment of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a product sales data processing device that can reliably prevent a transaction to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied from being settled with a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system.

In one embodiment, the product sales data processing device includes a calculation means, an acceptance means, a restriction means, and a settlement means. The calculation means calculates a transaction amount based on the product sales data. The acceptance means accepts preferential treatment information. The restriction means activates a specific payment method in response to the acceptance of the preferential treatment information by the acceptance means. If the payment method for the transaction amount calculated by the calculation means is a payment method that has been activated by the restriction means, the settlement means processes the payment using that payment method.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a checkout system according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a registration machine in the checkout system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main key layout of a keyboard of the registration machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a data table included in the registration machine. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a payment machine in the checkout system. 4 is a flowchart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor of the registration machine. 7 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the preferential treatment 1 input process of FIG. 6; 7 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the preferential treatment 2 input process of FIG. 6; 7 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the transfer input process in FIG. 6 . 7 is a flowchart specifically showing the procedure of the closing input process in FIG. 6; 2 is a flow chart showing the main information processing steps executed by the processor of the accounting machine. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a notification screen displayed on a second display of the registration machine. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on a touch panel of the payment machine. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a payment method selection screen displayed on a touch panel of the payment machine.

Below, we will use the drawings to explain an embodiment of a product sales data processing device that can reliably prevent a transaction to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied from being paid for using a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system.
In this embodiment, a product sales data processing device is illustrated for a store that has a semi-self-service checkout system. The store has a first preferential treatment plan that provides a 10% discount on the price of purchased products, and a second preferential treatment plan that provides a 5% discount on the price of purchased products. The first preferential treatment plan is, for example, a shareholder preferential treatment plan. The second preferential treatment plan is, for example, an employee preferential treatment plan.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a semi-self-service checkout system 1. The checkout system 1 comprises multiple registration machines 10, multiple accounting machines 20, a store server 30, and a network 40. The network 40 connects each of the registration machines 10, each of the accounting machines 20, and the store server 30 so that two-way communication is possible. The network 40 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). The LAN may be a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

Figure 1 shows an example of a checkout system 1 equipped with three registration machines 10 and six accounting machines 20, with the product sales data processing device 2 being made up of one registration machine 10 and two accounting machines 20. The one registration machine 10 and two accounting machines 20 that make up the product sales data processing device 2 are installed in one checkout lane. The registration machine 10 is operated by a store clerk who plays the role of a checker. The accounting machine 20 is operated by a purchaser, or customer, who buys the product.

The registration machine 10 has the functions of registering product sales data, generating accounting data, transmitting accounting data, and making face-to-face payments. Registering product sales data is the process of registering product sales data, such as the number of items and price of the products purchased by the customer, in memory.

Generating accounting data refers to the process of generating data related to the accounting of a product registered as one transaction. Data related to accounting, or so-called accounting data, includes the product code, which is the product's identification code, the product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount, total number of items, total amount, etc.

Transmitting accounting data refers to the process of sending accounting data to the accounting machine 20. The accounting data is transmitted to the accounting machine 20 via the network 40. The accounting data may also be transmitted to the accounting machine 20 via the store server 30. The destination of the accounting data is typically one of the accounting machines 20 that together with the registration machine 10 constitute the product sales data processing device 2. The accounting data may also be transmitted simultaneously to multiple accounting machines 20 that constitute the product sales data processing device 2. There may also be cases where accounting data is transmitted to an accounting machine 20 that together with another registration machine 10 constitutes the product sales data processing device 2.

Face-to-face payment is a process in which a store clerk completes a transaction by receiving payment from a customer, which is the transaction amount. The transaction amount is the total price, including tax, of the items purchased by the customer. If there is a discount on the items or the transaction, the discount amount is deducted from the total. There are various types of payment methods. In this embodiment, the registration machine 10 allows six types of payment methods: cash, the store's own credit card, another company's credit card, the store's own electronic money, another company's electronic money, and gift certificates.

The accounting machine 20 has a self-service payment function. Self-service payment is a process in which a transaction is completed by the customer paying the price themselves. Of the payment methods, voucher payment requires a store clerk to check the voucher, such as a gift certificate, used for the payment. For this reason, in this embodiment, the five payment methods that can be used with the accounting machine 20 are cash, the company's credit card, another company's credit card, the company's electronic money, and another company's electronic money.

The store server 30 manages a product master file that accumulates product data such as product code, product name, and unit price for each product sold in the store. The store server 30 also aggregates the product sales data registered by each registration device 10 and manages the store's sales, product inventory, etc.

The ratio of the number of registration machines 10 and the number of accounting machines 20 constituting the product sales data processing device 2 is not limited to 1:2 as shown in FIG. 1. For example, the product sales data processing device 2 may have one registration machine 10 and three or more accounting machines 20. Alternatively, the product sales data processing device 2 may have two registration machines 10 and one or two accounting machines 20.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the registration machine 10. The registration machine 10 includes a processor 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a clock 104, a drawer 105, a communication interface 106, a keyboard 107, a scanner 108, a first display 109, a second display 110, a reader 111, a printer 112, and a system transmission path 113. The system transmission path 113 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 113 interconnects the processor 101 with the main memory 102, the auxiliary storage device 103, the clock 104, the drawer 105, the communication interface 106, the keyboard 107, the scanner 108, the first display 109, the second display 110, the reader 111, and the printer 112. The processor 101, the main memory 102, and the auxiliary storage device 103 are connected by the system transmission path 113 to form the computer of the registration machine 10.

The processor 101 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 101 controls each part to realize various functions of the registration device 10 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 102 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 102 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 102 may also store data required for the processor 101 to execute processes for controlling each part in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 102 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 101. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory). The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory).

The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 103 may be an EEPROM (Electric Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used by the processor 101 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 101, etc. The auxiliary storage device 103 may also store the application programs described above.

The application programs stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 include a control program that describes the information processing executed by the registration machine 10. There are no particular limitations on the method of installing the control program in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. The control program can be installed in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 by recording it on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control program by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store a program and is readable by the device.

The clock 104 functions as a time information source for the registration device 10. The processor 101 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 104.

Drawer 105 is for storing cash, gift certificates, etc. Drawer 105 opens automatically upon a signal from processor 101.

The communication interface 106 communicates data between the store server 30, the accounting machine 20, or other registration machines 10 connected via the network 40.

The keyboard 107 and the scanner 108 function as input devices for the registration machine 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the keyboard 107 is a dedicated keyboard for the registration machine 10 and includes a numeric keypad K1 and multiple function keys such as a clear key K2, a multiplication key K3, a cancel key K4, a subtotal key K5, a transfer key K6, a closing key K7, a preferential treatment 1 key K8, and a preferential treatment 2 key K9.

The closing key K7 includes a cash total key K71 corresponding to cash payments, a company credit key K72 corresponding to the company's credit card payments, a company credit key K73 corresponding to other company's credit card payments, a company electronic money key K74 corresponding to the company's electronic money payments, a company electronic money key K75 corresponding to other company's electronic money payments, and a voucher key K76 corresponding to voucher payments.

The preferential treatment 1 key K8 is a key for inputting the application of the first preferential treatment system. The preferential treatment 2 key K9 is a key for inputting the application of the second preferential treatment system.

Scanner 108 is an example of a reading device that reads code symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional data codes. Scanner 108 may be a type that reads code symbols by scanning with laser light, or a type that reads code symbols from images captured by an imaging device.

The first display 109 and the second display 110 function as display devices for the registration machine 10. The first display 109 displays various information to the store clerk who operates the registration machine 10. The second display 110 displays various information to a customer who is registering products to be purchased in the registration machine 10. Examples of this type of display device that can be used include a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. A touch panel may be used as the first display 109 or the second display 110.

The reader 111 is for reading data from a recording medium. The reader 111 can intercept, for example, credit card data, point card data, electronic money data, etc. The reader 111 may also be a reader/writer that can write data to a recording medium.

The printer 112 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 112 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer.

A well-known POS terminal can be used as the registration machine 10 with such a configuration. In this embodiment, a POS terminal is also used as the registration machine 10. The registration machine 10 has a semi-self-service mode and a stand-alone mode as operation modes. When the semi-self-service mode is selected, the registration machine 10 functions as a product sales data processing device by cooperating with the accounting machine 20. When the stand-alone mode is selected, the registration machine 10 functions as a product sales data processing device by itself.

When the registration machine 10 operates in stand-alone mode, the registration machine 10 can settle transactions using any of the following payment methods: cash, the company's credit card, another company's credit card, the company's electronic money, another company's electronic money, or gift certificates. When the registration machine 10 operates in semi-self-service mode, transactions in which the price is paid with cash, the company's credit card, another company's credit card, the company's electronic money, or another company's electronic money other than gift certificates can be settled at the accounting machine 20. Gift certificates are settled at the registration machine 10 because the contents of the gift certificate must be confirmed by a store clerk.

However, for transactions to which benefits under the preferential treatment system are applied, there may be restrictions on the payment method. In this embodiment, for transactions to which benefits under the first preferential treatment system are applied, payment is possible with cash, gift certificates, the company's credit card, or the company's electronic money, but payment is not possible with other companies' credit cards or other companies' electronic money. For transactions to which benefits under the second preferential treatment system are applied, payment is possible with cash, gift certificates, the company's electronic money, or other companies' electronic money, but payment is not possible with the company's credit card or other companies' credit cards.

To manage the restrictions on the payment methods described above, the registration machine 10 has a data table 50 with the data structure shown in FIG. 4. The data table 50 describes payment type data, preferential treatment 1 data, and preferential treatment 2 data for each of the following payment methods: cash, the company's credit card, another company's credit card, the company's electronic money, another company's electronic money, and gift certificates.

The payment machine data indicates the machine type that is implemented for each payment method when the registration machine 10 is in semi-self mode. Payment methods for which the payment machine data is "accounting machine" are implemented by the accounting machine 20. Payment methods for which the payment machine data is "registration machine" are implemented by the registration machine 10.

The preferential treatment 1 data indicates whether or not each payment method is valid for paying for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system is applied. A payment method for which the preferential treatment 1 data indicates "valid" is a payment method that is valid for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system is applied. A payment method for which the preferential treatment 1 data indicates "invalid" is a payment method that is invalid for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system is applied.

The preferential treatment 2 data indicates whether or not each payment method is valid for paying for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system is applied. A payment method for which the preferential treatment 2 data indicates "valid" is a payment method that is valid for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system is applied. A payment method for which the preferential treatment 2 data indicates "invalid" is a payment method that is invalid for a transaction to which a preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system is applied.

The data table 50 is created, for example, by the store server 30 and downloaded to each registration machine 10 via the network 40. The data table 50 is then stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 of the registration machine 10. Thus, each registration machine 10 can be provided with its own data table 50. Here, the data table 50 functions as a setting means for setting valid payment methods for each type of preferential information.

The data table 50 does not necessarily have to be provided in the registration machine 10. For example, the store server 30 may be provided with the data table 50. Or, the accounting machine 20 may be provided with the data table 50. If the store server 30 or the accounting machine 20 is provided with the data table 50, the processor 101 of the registration machine 10 will access the store server 30 or the accounting machine 20 via the network 40 when necessary to refer to the data table 50.

Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the accounting machine 20. The accounting machine 20 comprises a processor 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a clock 204, a communication interface 205, a touch panel 206, a reader 207, a printer 208, a change machine interface 209, and a system transmission path 210. The system transmission path 210 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, and the like. The system transmission path 210 interconnects the processor 201 with the main memory 202, the auxiliary storage device 203, the clock 204, the communication interface 205, the touch panel 206, the reader 207, the printer 208, and the change machine interface 209. The processor 201, the main memory 202, and the auxiliary storage device 203 are connected by the system transmission path 210 to form a computer for the accounting machine 20.

The processor 201 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 201 controls each part to realize various functions of the accounting machine 20 according to an operating system or an application program. The processor 201 is, for example, a CPU.

The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 202 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The main memory 202 stores an operating system or application programs in the nonvolatile memory area. The main memory 202 may also store data required for the processor 201 to execute processes for controlling each part in a nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The main memory 202 uses the volatile memory area as a work area where data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 201. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a ROM. The volatile memory area is, for example, a RAM.

The auxiliary storage device 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. For example, the auxiliary storage device 203 can be an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 203 stores data used by the processor 201 when performing various processes, data created by the processes in the processor 201, etc. The auxiliary storage device 203 may also store the application programs described above.

The application programs stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203 include control programs that describe the information processing executed by the accounting machine 20. There are no particular limitations on the method for installing the control programs in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203. The control programs can be installed in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203 by recording them on a removable recording medium, or by distributing the control programs by communication via a network. The recording medium can be in any form, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, as long as it can store the programs and is readable by the device.

The clock 204 functions as a time information source for the accounting device 20. The processor 201 measures the current date and time based on the time information measured by the clock 204.

The communication interface 205 communicates data between the store server 30, the registration machine 10, or other accounting machines 20 connected via the network 40.

The touch panel 206 functions as an input device and a display device for the payment machine 20. The touch panel 206 displays necessary information to a customer making a payment at the payment machine 20 and accepts touch operations from the customer.

The reader 207 is for reading data from a recording medium. The reader 207 can intercept, for example, credit card data, point card data, electronic money data, etc. The reader 207 may be a reader/writer that can write data to a recording medium.

The printer 208 issues receipts by printing various characters or images on receipt paper. This type of printer 208 can be, for example, a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer.

The change machine interface 209 communicates data with the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 209 receives data on the amount inserted, the number of stored coins, etc. from the automatic change machine. The change machine interface 209 transmits the change data to the automatic change machine.

Figures 6 to 10 are flow charts showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 101 of the registration machine 10 in accordance with the control program. Figure 11 is a flow chart showing the main information processing procedures executed by the processor 201 of the accounting machine 20 in accordance with the control program. The operation of the product sales data processing device 2 will be explained below with reference to these flow charts. Note that the information processing procedures are not limited to the procedures shown in each flow chart. As long as similar results can be obtained, the information processing procedures can be implemented with various modifications.

First, we will explain the operation when the semi-self mode is selected as the operating mode of the registration device 10.

When a customer comes to the checkout lane to pay for the purchased items, the store clerk has the scanner 108 of the registration machine 10 read the code symbols attached to each purchased item. Then, when the code symbols of all the purchased items have been read, the store clerk enters the subtotal key K5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the processor 101 of the registration machine 10 waits for product registration in ACT 1. Here, when the scanner 108 reads a code symbol and detects a product code from the code symbol data, the processor 101 recognizes that a product has been registered. In other words, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 1 and proceeds to ACT 2.

In ACT 2, the processor 101 performs a registration process of the product sales data based on the product code. Specifically, the processor 101 acquires product data such as the product code, product name, and unit price that are stored in association with the product code, and generates product sales data based on the product data. The product sales data includes the product code, product name, unit price, sales points, sales amount, etc. If a multiplier was input using the numeric keypad K1 and multiplication key K3 immediately before the code symbol reading operation, the sales point will be the multiplier, and if no multiplier was input, it will be "1". The sales amount is the amount obtained by multiplying the unit price by the sales point. The processor 101 registers the product sales data in the transaction area. The transaction area is a memory area for registering product sales data of products sold as one transaction. The transaction area is formed in a volatile area of the main memory 102.

When the processor 101 finishes the registration process, it checks in ACT 3 whether or not the subtotal key K5 has been pressed. If the subtotal key K5 has not been pressed, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 3 and returns to ACT 1. Then, when the processor 101 recognizes that the next product has been registered, it executes the registration process in ACT 2 again. In this way, the processor 101 repeats the registration process each time it recognizes a product registration. Then, when it detects that the subtotal key K5 has been pressed, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 3 and proceeds to ACT 4. The processor 101 displays the subtotal in ACT 4. Specifically, the processor 101 calculates the subtotal amount based on the product sales data registered in the transaction area and displays it on the first display 109 and the second display 110. The subtotal amount is the total price of the products purchased by the customer, including tax. The customer pays for this amount including tax. In other words, the subtotal amount is the transaction amount. Here, the computer, which is mainly the processor 101 of the registration device 10, constitutes a calculation means by executing the processing of ACT 4.

The clerk who entered the subtotal key K5 checks whether the customer will use the preferential treatment system. If the customer will use the first preferential treatment system, the clerk enters the preferential treatment 1 key K8. If the customer will use the second preferential treatment system, the clerk enters the preferential treatment 2 key K9. If the preferential treatment system will not be used, the clerk enters the transfer key K6. However, if the customer requests payment with a gift certificate, the clerk enters the gift certificate key K76.

After displaying the subtotal, the processor 101 checks in ACT 5 whether the preferential treatment 1 key K8 has been input. If the preferential treatment 1 key K8 has not been input, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 6. The processor 101 checks in ACT 6 whether the preferential treatment 2 key K9 has been input. If the preferential treatment 2 key K9 has not been input, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 7. The processor 101 checks in ACT 7 whether the transfer key K6 has been input. If the transfer key K6 has not been input, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 8. The processor 101 checks in ACT 8 whether the closing key K7 has been input. If the closing key K7 has not been input, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 9. The processor 101 checks in ACT 9 whether the cancel key K4 has been input. If the cancel key K4 has not been input, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 9 and returns to ACT 5.

Here, the processor 101 waits in ACT5 to ACT9 for the preferential treatment 1 key K8, preferential treatment 2 key K9, transfer key K6, closing key K7, or cancel key K4 to be entered. Although not shown, if a product is registered in this standby state, the processor 101 returns to ACT2 to perform the registration process. Then, if the subtotal key K5 is entered again, the processor 101 displays the subtotal and then enters the standby state for ACT5 to ACT9.

When the processor 101 detects that the preferential treatment 1 key K8 has been input during the standby state of ACT 5 to ACT 9, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 5 and proceeds to ACT 20. The processor 101 executes preferential treatment 1 input processing in ACT 20.

Figure 7 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the preferential treatment 1 input process. When the processor 101 enters the preferential treatment 1 input process, it checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" (ACT 201). The preferential treatment 1 flag is 1-bit data stored in a volatile area of the main memory 102. The preferential treatment 1 flag is reset to "0" in the initial state.

When the processor 101 confirms that the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set to "1", it judges NO in ACT 201 and proceeds to ACT 202. In ACT 202, the processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1". The preferential treatment 2 flag is 1-bit data stored in the volatile area of the main memory 102. The preferential treatment 2 flag is reset to "0" in the initial state.

When the processor 101 confirms that the preferential treatment 2 flag is not set to "1", it judges NO in ACT 202 and proceeds to ACT 203. The processor 101 executes preferential treatment 1 processing in ACT 203. Specifically, the processor 101 applies a 10% discount to the subtotal amount, which is the transaction amount.

When the special offer 1 process is completed, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 in ACT 204 to obtain the payment method for which "valid" is described as the special offer 1 data. The processor 101 then performs notification processing to notify the customer of the valid payment methods in ACT 205. For example, the processor 101 displays the valid payment methods on the second display 110.

Figure 12 is an example of a screen SC1 displayed on the second display 110 by the notification process. As shown in Figure 12, screen SC1 displays information indicating that there are four possible payment methods when using the benefits under the first preferential treatment system: cash, the company's credit card, the company's electronic money, and gift certificates. Screen SC2 also displays the transaction amount before the benefit is applied, the discount rate for the benefit, and the transaction amount after the benefit is applied. The transaction amount before the benefit is applied is displayed as "subtotal amount." The transaction amount after the benefit is applied is displayed as "payment amount."

When the processor 101 finishes the notification process, it sets the preferential treatment 1 flag to "1" in ACT 206. The processor 101 then returns to ACT 5 in FIG. 6 and again enters the standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10.

The preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" when preferential treatment 1 processing is executed. Therefore, if the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" in ACT 201, i.e., if preferential treatment 1 processing has already been executed, the processor 201 judges that the answer is YES and returns to ACT 5 of FIG. 6 without executing the processing of ACT 203 to ACT 206.

Similarly, the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1" when the preferential treatment 2 process is executed. The preferential treatment 2 process is a process for applying preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system. In this embodiment, the combined use of the first preferential treatment system and the second preferential treatment system is not permitted. Therefore, even if the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1" in ACT 202, the processor 101 judges YES and returns to ACT 5 of FIG. 6 without executing the processes of ACT 203 to ACT 206. The processor 101 then again enters a standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10. Incidentally, if the combined use of the first preferential treatment system and the second preferential treatment system is permitted, the process of ACT 202 is skipped.

In this way, when the store clerk inputs the subtotal key K5 and then the preferential treatment 1 key K8, the registration machine 10 applies the preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system. In other words, the transaction amount is reduced to a 10% discount amount. In addition, the data table 50 is referenced to obtain the payment method that is valid when the preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system is applied. This payment method is then notified to the customer via the second display 110.

The computer, mainly the processor 101 of the registration device 10, constitutes a reception means by executing the process of ACT 5 in cooperation with the preferential treatment 1 key K8 of the keyboard 107. The same computer also constitutes an application means by executing the process of ACT 203. The same computer also constitutes a notification means by executing the process of ACT 205 in cooperation with the second display 110.

If the processor 101 detects that the preferential treatment 2 key K9 has been input during the standby state of ACT 5 to ACT 9, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 6 and proceeds to ACT 30. The processor 101 executes preferential treatment 2 input processing in ACT 30.

Figure 8 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the preferential treatment 2 input process. When the processor 101 enters the preferential treatment 2 input process, it checks whether the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1" in ACT 301. If the processor 101 checks that the preferential treatment 2 flag is not set to "1", it judges NO in ACT 301 and proceeds to ACT 302. The processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" in ACT 302. If the processor 101 checks that the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set to "1", it judges NO in ACT 302 and proceeds to ACT 303. The processor 101 executes the preferential treatment 2 process in ACT 303. Specifically, the processor 101 applies a 5% discount to the subtotal amount.

When the special offer 2 process is completed, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 in ACT 304 to obtain the payment method for which "valid" is described as the special offer 2 data. The processor 101 then performs notification processing to notify the customer of the valid payment methods in ACT 305. For example, the processor 101 displays the valid payment methods on the second display 110 in the same manner as in the special offer 1 input process.

When the processor 101 finishes the notification process, it sets the preferential treatment 2 flag to "1" in ACT 306. The processor 101 then returns to ACT 5 in FIG. 6 and again enters the standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10.

The preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1" when preferential treatment 2 processing is executed. Therefore, if the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1" in ACT 301, i.e., if preferential treatment 2 processing has already been executed, the processor 201 judges that the answer is YES and returns to ACT 5 of FIG. 6 without executing the processing of ACT 203 to ACT 206.

Similarly, the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" when the preferential treatment 1 process is executed. In this embodiment, the combined use of the second preferential treatment system and the first preferential treatment system is not permitted. Therefore, even if the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1" in ACT 302, the processor 101 judges YES and returns to ACT 5 of FIG. 6 without executing the processes of ACT 303 to ACT 306. The processor 101 then again enters a standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10. Incidentally, if the combined use of the second preferential treatment system and the first preferential treatment system is permitted, the process of ACT 302 is skipped.

In this way, when the store clerk inputs the subtotal key K5 and then the preferential treatment 2 key K9, the registration machine 10 applies the preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system. In other words, the transaction amount is reduced by 5%. In addition, the data table 50 is referenced to obtain the payment method that is valid when the preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system is applied. This payment method is then notified to the customer via the second display 110.

The computer, mainly the processor 101 of the registration device 10, constitutes a reception means by executing the process of ACT 6 in cooperation with the preferential treatment 2 key K9 of the keyboard 107. The same computer also constitutes an application means by executing the process of ACT 303. The same computer also constitutes a notification means by executing the process of ACT 305 in cooperation with the second display 110.

The store clerk who inputs the preferential treatment 1 key K8 or preferential treatment 2 key K9 checks whether the customer wishes to cancel use of the first preferential treatment system or the second preferential treatment system. From the information on screen SC1, the customer can check the payment methods that can be used if the customer receives a preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system or the second preferential treatment system. Here, if the payment method that the customer intended to use is not valid, the customer may cancel use of the preferential treatment system. If the customer cancels use of the preferential treatment system, the store clerk inputs the cancellation key K4.

If the processor 101 detects that the cancel key K4 has been input during the standby state of ACT 5 to ACT 9, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 9 and proceeds to ACT 10. In ACT 10, the processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag or the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1".

As described above, when the preferential treatment 1 process is executed, the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1". When the preferential treatment 2 process is executed, the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1". Therefore, if neither the preferential treatment 1 flag nor the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1", that is, if neither the preferential treatment 1 process nor the preferential treatment 2 process is executed, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 10 and returns to ACT 5. The processor 101 then again enters a standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10.

In contrast, if the preferential treatment 1 flag or preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1", the processor 101 executes the preferential treatment cancellation process in ACT 11. Specifically, if the preferential treatment 1 flag is set, the processor 101 returns the transaction amount that has been discounted by 10% through the preferential treatment 1 process to the amount before the discount. If the preferential treatment 2 flag is set, the processor 101 returns the transaction amount that has been discounted by 5% through the preferential treatment 2 process to the amount before the discount.

When the preferential treatment cancellation process is completed, the processor 101 resets the preferential treatment 1 flag or preferential treatment 2 flag that was set to "1" in ACT 12 to "0". The processor 101 then returns to ACT 5 and again enters the standby state for ACT 5 to ACT 10.

In this way, when the cancel key K4 is entered after completing the preferential treatment 1 input process, the preferential treatment 1 process is canceled. As a result, the transaction amount returns to the amount before the 10% discount. Similarly, when the cancel key K4 is entered after completing the preferential treatment 2 input process, the preferential treatment 2 process is canceled. As a result, the transaction amount returns to the amount before the 5% discount.

If the processor 101 detects that the transfer key K6 has been input during the standby state of ACT 5 to ACT 9, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 7 and proceeds to ACT 40. The processor 101 executes a transfer input process in ACT 40.

Figure 9 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the transfer input process. When the processor 101 enters the transfer input process, it checks in ACT 401 whether the operating mode is semi-self mode. If the operating mode is semi-self mode, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 401 and proceeds to ACT 402. The processor 101 generates accounting data in ACT 402. Specifically, the processor 101 generates accounting data based on the product sales data registered in the transaction area, including the product code, product name, and unit price of the purchased product, the number of items in all purchased products, the subtotal amount, and the discount amount. If the first preferential treatment process has been executed, the discount amount is the amount obtained by discounting the subtotal amount at a discount rate of 10%. If the second preferential treatment process has been executed, the discount amount is the amount obtained by discounting the subtotal amount at a discount rate of 5%.

The processor 101 that generated the accounting data controls the communication interface 106 to transfer the accounting data to the accounting machine 20 as ACT 403. This control causes the accounting data to be sent from the communication interface 106 to the accounting machine 20 via the network 40. The accounting machine 20 to which the data is sent is one of the two accounting machines 20 that make up the registration machine 10 and the product sales data processing device 2.

If the accounting machine 20 that received the accounting data is capable of processing the payment, that accounting machine 20 sends response data indicating that the payment is possible to the registration machine 10. If payment processing is not possible, that accounting machine 20 transfers the accounting data to the other accounting machine 20. Then, if payment processing is possible in the other accounting machine 20, response data indicating that the payment is possible is sent from the other accounting machine 20 to the registration machine 10. Therefore, if payment processing is possible in at least one of the two accounting machines 20 that together with the registration machine 10 make up the product sales data processing device 2, response data indicating that the payment is possible is sent to the registration machine 10.

The processor 101, which has transferred the billing data, waits for response data indicating that billing is possible in ACT 404. If response data indicating that billing is possible is received via the communication interface 106 within a certain period of time after transferring the billing data, the processor 101 determines YES in ACT 404 and proceeds to ACT 405. The processor 101 refers to the data table 50 in ACT 405 to obtain the payment method for which "billing machine" is described as the payment type data.

Then, the processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag is set in ACT 406. If the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 406 and proceeds to ACT 407. The processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 2 flag is set in ACT 407. If the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 407 and proceeds to ACT 410. The processing of ACT 410 will be described later.

If the processor 101 confirms in ACT 406 that the preferential treatment 1 flag is set, it judges it as YES and proceeds to ACT 408. In ACT 408, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 and extracts the payment method for which "valid" is written as preferential treatment 1 data from among the payment methods selected in the processing of ACT 405. After that, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 410.

If the processor 101 confirms in ACT 407 that the preferential treatment 2 flag is set, it determines that the answer is YES and proceeds to ACT 409. In ACT 409, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 and extracts the payment methods for which "valid" is written as preferential treatment 2 data from among the payment methods selected in the processing of ACT 405. After that, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 410.

The processor 101 controls the communication interface to send the payment method data to the accounting machine 20 to which the accounting data is to be transferred in ACT 410. With this control, when neither the preferential treatment 1 flag nor the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1", the payment method data selected in the processing of ACT 405 is sent to the accounting machine 20. When the preferential treatment 1 flag is set to "1", the payment method data extracted in the processing of ACT 408 is sent to the accounting machine 20. When the preferential treatment 2 flag is set to "1", the payment method data extracted in the processing of ACT 409 is sent to the accounting machine 20.

Then, the processor 101 notifies the accounting machine 20 to which the accounting data is to be sent (ACT 411). For example, the processor 101 displays information identifying the accounting machine 20 to which the accounting data is to be sent on the first display 109 and the second display 110. For example, a series of numbers is assigned to each accounting machine 20, and the processor 101 displays this number on the first display 109 and the second display 110. With this, the processor 101 ends the information processing for one customer.

Incidentally, if the operating mode is not the semi-self mode in ACT 401, or if the response data indicating that the transaction can be performed is not received within a certain period of time in ACT 404, the processor 101 treats the input of the transfer key K6 as an error and ends the transfer input process.

In this way, when the store clerk inputs the transfer key K6, the registration machine 10 generates accounting data and sends it to the accounting machine 20. Here, if the accounting machine 20 is capable of processing the payment, response data indicating that the transaction is possible is sent to the registration machine 10. When the registration machine 10 receives this response data, payment method data is sent from the registration machine 10 to the accounting machine 20. In the case of a transaction to which no preferential treatment under the preferential treatment system is applied, the payment method data is data on a payment method that can be executed by the accounting machine 20 in semi-self-service mode. In the case of a transaction to which preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system is applied, the payment method data is data on a payment method that is permitted under the first preferential treatment system among the payment methods that can be executed by the accounting machine 20 in semi-self-service mode. In the case of a transaction to which preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system is applied, the payment method data is data on a payment method that is permitted under the second preferential treatment system among the payment methods that can be executed by the accounting machine 20 in semi-self-service mode.

Here, the computer mainly consisting of the processor 101 of the registration device 10 constitutes a restriction means by executing the processes of ACT405 to ACT410 in cooperation with the communication interface 106 and the data table 50.

11 is a flow chart showing the procedure of information processing executed by the processor 201 of the payment machine 20 that has received the payment data. The processor 201 checks whether or not the payment is possible in ACT 601. For example, if the payment data is received while the processor 101 is busy processing the payment of the previous customer, the processor 101 determines that the payment is impossible. For example, if the payment data is received while an error has occurred in the automatic change dispenser, the processor 101 also determines that the payment is impossible. If the payment is impossible, the processor 201 determines NO in ACT 601 and proceeds to ACT 602. The processor 201 controls the communication interface 205 to transfer the payment data to the other payment machine 20 in ACT 6. This control transfers the payment data from the communication interface 205 to the other payment machine 20 via the network 40. Incidentally, the payment data receiving process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 11 is also started in the payment machine 20 that received the payment data.
After transferring the accounting data to the other accounting machine, the processor 201 ends this process.

If the transaction is possible, the processor 201 determines YES in ACT 601 and proceeds to ACT 603. In ACT 603, the processor 201 controls the communication interface 205 to send response data indicating that the transaction is possible to the registration device 10 that sent the transaction data. This control causes the communication interface 205 to send response data indicating that the transaction is possible to the registration device 10 that sent the transaction data.

After transmitting the response data indicating that the transaction is possible, the processor 201 waits for the payment method data in ACT 604. If the processor 201 receives the payment method data via the communication interface 205, the processor 201 judges that the result is YES in ACT 604 and proceeds to ACT 605. The processor 201 displays a payment method selection screen on the touch panel 206 in ACT 605.

Figures 13 and 14 are examples of payment method selection screens SC2 and SC3. Figure 13 shows the payment method selection screen SC2 that is displayed to customers who are not receiving preferential treatment under the preferential treatment system. The payment method selection screen SC2 displays a cash button BT1, a company's electronic money button BT2, a company's credit button BT3, a company's electronic money button BT4, and a company's credit button BT5, along with the payment amount, which is the transaction amount.

The cash button BT1 is touched when the customer wishes to pay with cash. The company's electronic money button BT2 is touched when the customer wishes to pay with the company's electronic money. The company's credit button BT3 is touched when the customer wishes to pay with the company's credit card. The other company's electronic money button BT4 is touched when the customer wishes to pay with another company's electronic money. The other company's credit button BT5 is touched when the customer wishes to pay with another company's credit card.

Figure 14 shows the payment method selection screen SC3 displayed to a customer who has received preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system. Along with the payment amount, which is the transaction amount, the payment method selection screen SC3 displays the cash button BT1, the company's electronic money button BT2, the company's credit button BT3, the other company's electronic money button BT4, and the other company's credit button BT5. However, under the first preferential treatment system, payment cannot be made with other company's credit cards or other company's electronic money cards. For this reason, the other company's electronic money button BT4 and the other company's credit button BT5 are both grayed out, and selection and input are not possible.

After displaying the payment method selection screen SC2 or SC3, the processor 201 waits for a payment method to be selected in ACT 606. When the processor 201 detects that one of the valid payment method buttons on the payment method selection screen SC2 or SC3 has been touched, it judges YES in ACT 606 and proceeds to ACT 607. The processor 201 executes the payment process using the payment method corresponding to that button in ACT 607. For example, if the cash button BT1 is touched, the processor 201 executes the payment process using cash payment. For example, if the company's electronic money button BT2 is touched, the processor 201 executes the payment process using the company's electronic money payment. The same applies when the company's credit button BT3, the other company's electronic money button BT4, or the other company's credit button BT5 is input. Note that these payment processes are well known, so a description of them will be omitted here. When the processor 201 finishes the payment process, it ends the accounting data reception process.

Here, the computer mainly consisting of the processor 201 of the accounting machine 20 constitutes a payment means by executing the processes of ACT605 to ACT607.

In this way, when a customer who has not used the preferential treatment system makes a payment at the payment machine 20, a payment method selection screen SC2 is displayed on the touch panel 206, allowing the customer to select the payment method of cash, the company's electronic money, the company's credit card, the other company's electronic money, or the other company's credit card. Therefore, the customer can pay the transaction amount with cash, the company's electronic money, the company's credit card, the other company's electronic money, or the other company's credit card.

On the other hand, when a customer who has received preferential treatment under the first preferential treatment system makes a payment using the payment machine 20, a payment method selection screen SC3 is displayed on the touch panel 206, allowing the customer to select the payment method of cash, the company's electronic money, or the company's credit card. Therefore, the customer can pay the transaction amount with cash, the company's electronic money, or the company's credit card. Since the other company's electronic money button BT4 and the other company's credit button BT5 are disabled, the customer cannot pay the transaction amount with other company's electronic money or other company's credit card.

Similarly, when a customer who has received preferential treatment under the second preferential treatment system makes a payment using the payment machine 20, a payment method selection screen is displayed on the touch panel 206, allowing the customer to select the payment method of cash, the company's electronic money, or another company's electronic money. Therefore, the customer can pay the transaction amount with cash, the company's electronic money, or another company's electronic money. Because the company's credit button BT3 and the other company's credit button BT5 are disabled, the customer cannot pay the transaction amount with the company's credit card or another company's credit card.

Thus, in a product sales data processing device 2 consisting of a registration machine 10 and a payment machine 20 set in semi-self mode, a transaction to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied can be reliably prevented from being settled with a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system.

If the processor 101 detects that the closing key K7 has been input during the standby state of ACT 5 to ACT 9, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 8 and proceeds to ACT 50. The processor 101 executes the closing input process in ACT 50.

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing the main steps of the closing input process. That is, when the processor 101 enters the closing input process, in ACT 501, it checks whether the operating mode is semi-self mode or not. If the operating mode is semi-self mode, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 501 and proceeds to ACT 502. In ACT 502, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 and acquires a payment method in which "registered machine" is described as the payment type data. Thereafter, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 503. If the operating mode is not semi-self mode, that is, if it is stand-alone mode, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 501, skips the processing in ACT 502, and proceeds to ACT 503.

In ACT 503, the processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag is set. If the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 503 and proceeds to ACT 504. In ACT 504, the processor 101 checks whether the preferential treatment 1 flag is set. If the preferential treatment 1 flag is not set, the processor 101 judges NO in ACT 504 and proceeds to ACT 507. The processing in ACT 507 will be described later.

If the processor 101 confirms that the preferential treatment 1 flag is set, it determines YES in ACT 505 and proceeds to ACT 505. In ACT 505, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 and extracts the payment method for which "valid" is written as the preferential treatment 1 data. After that, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 507.

If the processor 101 confirms that the preferential treatment 2 flag is set, it determines YES in ACT 504 and proceeds to ACT 506. In ACT 506, the processor 101 refers to the data table 50 and extracts the payment method for which "valid" is written as the preferential treatment 2 data. After that, the processor 101 proceeds to ACT 507.

The processor 101 checks whether the payment method of the closing key K7 input in ACT 507 is valid. For example, in the semi-self mode, only a cash voucher is the payment method selected in ACT 502. Also, a cash voucher is a valid payment method in both the preferential treatment system of preferential treatment 1 and the preferential treatment system of preferential treatment 2. Therefore, if the cash voucher key K76 is input as the closing key K7, the processor 101 judges YES in ACT 507 and proceeds to ACT 508. In ACT 508, the processor 101 generates accounting data in the same manner as the processing of ACT 402 described above. Then, the processor 101 performs a payment process in ACT 509. In this case, the payment method is a cash voucher, so a payment process is executed by payment with a cash voucher. This payment process is also a well-known process, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

When the payment process is completed, the processor 101 resets the preferential treatment 1 flag or preferential treatment 2 flag to "0" if they were set to "1" in ACT 510. This completes the information processing for one customer by the processor 101.

On the other hand, in ACT 507, if the payment method of the entered closing key K7 is not valid, the processor 101 determines NO and causes the closing input process to be an error. In semi-self mode, an error in the closing input process can occur when the entered closing key is other than the voucher key K76. Also, even if the entered closing key is the voucher key K76, there are cases where the voucher cannot be used in the preferential treatment system to which the preferential treatment is applied.

Therefore, even if the price is paid with a voucher in a registration machine 10 set to semi-self mode, a transaction to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied can be reliably prevented from being settled with a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system.

Next, we will explain the operation when the standalone mode is selected as the operating mode of the registration device 10.

As explained using the flow charts of Figures 6 to 10, the processes related to the case where the stand-alone mode is selected are the transfer input process of Figure 9 and the closing key input process of Figure 10. In the transfer input process, if the transfer key K6 is input, it is determined to be NO in ACT 401, and the transfer input process results in an error. In other words, in the stand-alone mode, the input of the transfer key K6 is invalid.

In the closing key input process, since the result is determined to be NO in ACT 501, the process of ACT 502 is skipped and the process proceeds to ACT 503. Therefore, in the case of a transaction to which the preferential treatment under the preferential treatment system is not applied, payment can be made with cash, the company's credit card, other companies' credit card, the company's electronic money, other companies' electronic money, and gift certificates, to which the closing key K7 is assigned.

In contrast, in the case of a transaction to which the first preferential treatment system is applied, payment can be made with cash, the company's credit card, the company's electronic money, or a gift certificate. In the case of payment with another company's electronic money or another company's credit card, an error is generated as a result of the determination of NO in ACT 507, and payment cannot be made.

Similarly, in the case of a transaction to which the second preferential treatment system is applied, payment can be made with cash, the company's credit card, another company's credit card, or a gift certificate. In the case of payment with another company's electronic money or the company's electronic money, an error is generated as a result of the determination of NO in ACT 507, and payment cannot be made.

Thus, even in a product sales data processing device consisting of a single registration device 10 set in registration mode, for transactions to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied, it is possible to reliably prevent payment from being made using a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system.

The above describes an embodiment of a product sales data processing device that can reliably prevent transactions to which a preferential treatment under a preferential treatment system is applied from being paid for using a payment method that cannot be used under that preferential treatment system, but such an embodiment is not limited to this.

In the above embodiment, the preferential treatment under the preferential treatment system was a discount on the transaction amount, but the preferential treatment is not limited to discounts. For example, the preferential treatment may be a discount on the transaction amount, the issuance of a coupon, an increase in the rate of service points awarded, etc.

In the above embodiment, the selection buttons for unavailable payment methods are grayed out on the payment method selection screen SC3. In this regard, the selection buttons for unavailable payment methods may be erased.

Although several other 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 forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope of the invention and the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.
The invention as originally claimed in the present application is set forth below.
[1] A product sales data processing device comprising: a calculation means for calculating a transaction amount based on product sales data; a reception means for receiving preferential information; a restriction means for validating a specific payment method upon receipt of the preferential information by the reception means; and a payment means for processing payment using the payment method when the payment method for the transaction amount calculated by the calculation means is a payment method validated by the restriction means.
[2] A product sales data processing device as described in appendix [1], further comprising an application means for applying a preferential treatment to a transaction of the transaction amount calculated by the calculation means when the preferential treatment information is received by the reception means.
[3] A product sales data processing device as described in appendix [1] or [2], further comprising a setting means for setting a valid payment method for each type of preferential information, wherein the restriction means validates the payment information set by the setting means for the type of preferential information accepted by the acceptance means.
[4] The product sales data processing device according to any one of appendices [1] to [3], further comprising a notification means for notifying a specific payment method that is made valid by the restriction means.
[5] A product sales data processing device comprising: a registration machine; and a payment machine, wherein the registration machine comprises: a calculation means for calculating a transaction amount based on product sales data; a reception means for receiving preferential information; a restriction means for validating a specific payment method upon receipt of the preferential information by the reception means; and a notification means for notifying the payment machine of the specific payment method that has been validated by the restriction means, and the payment machine comprises: a payment means for processing payment using the payment method notified by the notification means.
[6] A control program for causing a computer of a product sales data processing device to function as a calculation means for calculating a transaction amount using product sales data, a reception means for receiving preferential information, a restriction means for validating a specific payment method upon receipt of the preferential information by the reception means, and a payment means for processing payment using the payment method when the payment method for the transaction amount calculated by the calculation means is a payment method validated by the restriction means.

1...checkout system, 2...product sales data processing device, 10...registration machine, 20...accounting machine, 30...store server, 40...network, 101, 201...processor, 102, 202...main memory, 103, 203...auxiliary storage device, 104, 204...clock, 105...drawer, 106, 205...communication interface, 107...keyboard, 108...scanner, 109...first display, 110...second display, 111, 207...reader, 112, 208...printer, 206...touch panel, 209...change machine interface, 50...data table, K1...numeric keypad, K2...clear key, K3...multiplication key, K4...cancel key, K5...subtotal key, K6...transfer key, K7...closing key, K8...preferential treatment 1 key, K9...preferential treatment 2 key.

Claims (6)

a communication means for communicating with a registration machine having a function of accepting the application of a preferential treatment system that discounts a transaction amount calculated from product sales data , acquiring a plurality of types of payment methods that can be used for a transaction to which the preferential treatment system is applied , and notifying an accounting machine of the transaction amount of the transaction to which the preferential treatment system is applied and the acquired plurality of types of payment methods;
a display means for displaying a payment method selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of payment methods notified from the registration machine ;
a payment means for settling the transaction for the notified transaction amount using the payment method selected from the payment method selection screen;
An accounting machine equipped with the above. a data table storing data for identifying whether the payment methods can be used for a transaction to which the preferential treatment system is applied, for each of the plurality of types of payment methods;
2. The payment machine according to claim 1 , wherein the registration machine refers to the data table to acquire payment methods available for a transaction to which the preferential treatment program is applied . 2. The payment machine according to claim 1 , wherein said payment method selection screen is a screen on which a plurality of buttons are arranged for selecting one of a plurality of types of payment methods notified from said registration machine. 2. The payment method selection screen of claim 1, wherein a plurality of buttons are arranged for selecting each of a plurality of payment methods available for transactions to which the preferential treatment system is not applied, and wherein it is not possible to input any button among the plurality of buttons for selecting a payment method other than the payment method notified by the registration machine. 5. The payment machine according to claim 3, wherein said payment method selection screen displays said transaction amount together with a plurality of buttons for selecting each of said payment methods. a computer for a checkout machine, the computer comprising: a communication means for communicating with a registration machine having a function of accepting the application of a preferential treatment system that discounts a transaction amount calculated from product sales data, acquiring a plurality of types of payment methods that can be used for a transaction to which the preferential treatment system is applied, and notifying the checkout machine of the transaction amount of the transaction to which the preferential treatment system is applied and the plurality of types of payment methods acquired;
a display means for displaying on a display device a payment method selection screen for selecting one of the plurality of payment methods notified from the registration machine; and
a payment means for settling the transaction for the notified transaction amount using the payment method selected from the payment method selection screen;
A control program that functions as a