JP7552784B2 - Payment device, payment support method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to technology for a POS (Point Of Sale) cash register system in which the checkout process, which is part of the cash register process, is performed by a checkout device provided separately from the product registration device.

At a cash register terminal in a store such as a supermarket, two processes are carried out: (1) a process for registering the products to be paid for (such as reading barcodes) and (2) a process for paying for the registered products (such as receiving the payment and returning any change).

One method of operation is to separate the processing of such a cash register terminal into two devices, with processing (1) and processing (2) being carried out by different devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sales management system in which a registration device used for processing (1) and an accounting device used for processing (2) are separately provided. According to this system, a store clerk uses the registration device to register products, and upon completion of product registration, the registration device issues a registration receipt. The customer has the accounting device read the registration receipt, and the accounting device carries out accounting based on the contents of the registration receipt. The customer operates the accounting device (such as inserting money) to carry out the transaction.

In the above-mentioned operating method, the customer can freely select the accounting device at which to make the payment. In contrast, there is a method in which the store clerk operates the screen displayed on the registration device to specify the accounting device at which the customer will make the payment. In this case, a registration receipt as described in Patent Document 1 below is not required, and the store clerk informs the customer of the specified accounting device verbally or via a customer display, etc. The customer goes to the specified accounting device and operates it to make the payment for the products registered on the registration device.

JP 2013-186495 A

In the above-mentioned operating method, some of the settlement processing that was previously performed at the cash register terminal is left to the customer's operation of the accounting device (referred to as the settlement device in this specification). However, there are operations that require the involvement of a store clerk, such as making payments using vouchers, canceling already registered products, and changing discount amounts. When such operations that require the involvement of a store clerk occur, the above-mentioned operating method envisages returning the settlement information from the settlement device to the product registration device or another device used by the store clerk. However, transferring the settlement information from the settlement device to another device would require a great deal of time and effort for the customer to settle the account.

The present invention provides a technology that improves the convenience of cash registers in an operation method in which the settlement process, which is part of the cash register process, is performed by a settlement device provided separately from the product registration device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, each aspect of the present invention adopts the following configuration.

The first aspect relates to a settlement device.
A settlement device according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises:
An acquisition means for acquiring payment information of products to be purchased by a customer registered in the registration device;
a control means for displaying on a display unit a first screen that allows a customer to select a payment method in a settlement process;
The control means
When an operation by a store clerk that is different from the settlement process by the customer is performed, a second screen including a deposit amount to be paid by a payment method that cannot be selected on the first screen is further displayed on the display unit.

The second aspect relates to a settlement assistance method executed by a settlement device implemented by one or more computers.
A settlement support method according to a second aspect of the present invention includes:
the one or more computers,
Acquire payment information for products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device;
displaying a first screen on the display unit that allows the customer to select a payment method in a settlement process;
Furthermore, when an operation by a store clerk that is different from the settlement process by the customer is performed, a second screen including the deposit amount to be paid by a payment method that cannot be selected on the first screen is displayed on the display unit.

Another aspect of the present invention is a program for causing at least one computer to execute the method of the second aspect. Another aspect is a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. This recording medium includes a non-transitory tangible medium.

The above aspects provide a technology that improves the convenience of a cash register in an operation method in which the settlement process, which is part of the cash register process, is performed by a settlement device provided separately from the product registration device.

The above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects, features and advantages, will become more apparent from the preferred embodiments described below and the accompanying drawings.

1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a POS register system according to a first embodiment. A diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the processing configuration of a settlement device in the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a screen flow displayed on the settlement device in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device in the first embodiment. A figure showing an example of a screen flow displayed on the settlement device in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device in the third embodiment.

The following describes embodiments of the present invention. Each of the embodiments described below is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each of the following embodiments.

[First embodiment]
[System Configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a POS register system 1 in a first embodiment. The POS register system 1 in the first embodiment has a product registration device 10, a server device 15, and a settlement device 20. The product registration device 10 performs a process of registering products to be settled in response to an operation by a store clerk, and transmits settlement information of the registered products to the server device 15. The server device 15 transmits the settlement information sent from the product registration device 10 to the settlement device 20. The settlement device 20 performs a settlement process based on the settlement information received from the server device 15 in response to an operation by a customer. The specific processing content of each device will be described later.

The settlement device 20 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a memory 3, a communication unit 4, an input/output interface (I/F) 5, etc. These hardware elements are connected, for example, by a bus or the like. The CPU 2 corresponds to at least one of a general CPU, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The memory 3 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an auxiliary storage device (hard disk, etc.), etc. The communication unit 4 communicates with other devices (such as the server device 15) wirelessly or via a wired connection.

The input/output I/F 5 is connected to a display device 6, an input/output device 7, etc. The display device 6 is at least one of a customer display, a touch panel display, etc. The input/output device 7 includes a touch panel sensor section, a change machine (for banknotes and coins), a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, a receipt printer, a speaker, etc. The input/output device 7 can also include a keyboard, etc., which is placed in a position where its fixed position is not exposed. The input/output I/F 5 outputs screen display, sound, etc. to an output device in accordance with the processing executed by the CPU 2. The input/output I/F 5 also accepts input signals from the input/output device 7.

The settlement device 20 uses the hardware elements described above to accept user operations such as customer input of instructions to the settlement device 20 and customer payment operations, and performs settlement processing. The "settlement processing" performed by the settlement device 20 refers to processing performed according to customer operations on the settlement device 20 based on settlement information generated by the product registration device 10. Therefore, the "settlement processing" performed by the settlement device 20 is distinguished from processing for completing settlement (hereinafter referred to as special settlement processing) performed according to clerk operations on a cash register operation screen displayed on the settlement device 20 (described below). Customer payment operations include, for example, inserting coins and bills, taking out change, credit card payments, and electronic money payments.

The product registration device 10, like the settlement device 20, has hardware elements such as a CPU 2, memory 3, a communication unit 4, and an input/output I/F 5. The display device 6 connected to the input/output I/F 5 of the product registration device 10 is at least one of a display for store staff and customers, a touch panel display unit, etc. The input/output device 7 includes a touch panel sensor unit, a keyboard, a scanner device, a speaker, etc. It is desirable that the input/output device 7 connected to the input/output I/F 5 of the product registration device 10 includes the same device as the input/output device 7 connected to the settlement device 20. This is because it allows people who have difficulty operating the settlement device 20 independently, such as the elderly, to complete payment using the product registration device 10.

The product registration device 10 uses these hardware elements to accept product registration operations by the store clerk, instructions input by the store clerk to the product registration device 10, etc., and performs product registration processing. Product registration operations by the store clerk include, for example, scanning barcodes attached to products and inputting product prices from a keyboard.

The server device 15 is a so-called computer, and as shown in FIG. 1, has a CPU 2, memory 3, communication unit 4, input/output I/F 5, etc., which are interconnected by a bus. Although not shown, a display device or an input/output device may be connected to the input/output I/F 5.

The hardware configuration of each device included in the POS register system 1 is not limited to the example in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the number of each device and the number of hardware elements of each device are not limited to the example in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the POS register system 1 does not need to include a server device 15. In this case, the settlement device 20 only needs to obtain settlement information from the product registration device 10. Furthermore, the POS register system 1 only needs to support an operation method in which the settlement process, which is part of the processing of the register terminal, is left to the customer's operation of a settlement device provided separately from the product registration device, and there are no restrictions on the specific operation method supported by the POS register system 1.

For example, as in Patent Document 1, the POS register system 1 can support an operation method (hereinafter referred to as the "accounting ticket method") in which the settlement device performs settlement processing using information obtained from a portable medium (accounting ticket, membership card, mobile terminal, etc.) carried by the customer. In this case, the input/output device 7 connected to the settlement device 20 only needs to include a reader device that reads information from the portable medium. The settlement device 20 can obtain settlement information corresponding to the identification information from the server device 15 by sending the identification information (accounting identification information, etc.) read from the portable medium to the server device 15. The POS register system 1 can also support an operation method (hereinafter referred to as the "designated method") in which the product registration device 10 itself, the server device 15 itself, or a settlement device 20 designated by the operator of the device performs settlement processing.

[Processing configuration]
2 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the processing configuration of the settlement device 20 in the first embodiment. The settlement device 20 has an acquisition unit 21, a detection unit 22, a control unit 23, etc. The acquisition unit 21, the detection unit 22, and the control unit 23 are realized, for example, by the CPU 2 executing a program stored in the memory 3. The program may also be installed, for example, from a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc) or a memory card, or from another computer on a network, via the communication unit 4, and stored in the memory 3.

The acquisition unit 21 acquires settlement information for products registered in the product registration device 10. The settlement information includes identification data for each product registered as a settlement target, product name, price, quantity, discount information, transaction number, total amount, etc. However, the specific content of the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 is not limited as long as the settlement device 20 can complete the settlement process using that settlement information. The total amount may also be calculated by the control unit 23.

There are also no limitations on the method by which the acquisition unit 21 acquires the settlement information. For example, in the case of the accounting ticket method, the acquisition unit 21 acquires settlement information corresponding to the identification information from the server device 15 by sending the identification information (transaction number, membership number, etc.) read from a portable medium (paper, magnetic card, mobile terminal, etc.) by a reader device (not shown) of the settlement device 20 to the server device 15. In the case of the designated method, the acquisition unit 21 may receive settlement information from the product registration device 10 or the server device 15.

The detection unit 22 detects user operations on the settlement device 20. For example, the detection unit 22 detects user operations based on input signals from the input/output device 7, such as a sensor unit of a touch panel, a change machine, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, etc. The user operations detected by the detection unit 22 include user operations that are broadly divided into two types. One is a group of operations (hereinafter referred to as normal user operations) that are predefined to perform settlement processing based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21, and the other is other predetermined operations (hereinafter referred to as specific user operations) that are different from normal user operations. In other words, normal user operations are user operations for advancing or returning processing in the settlement processing flow, and specific user operations are special user operations that are not included in the settlement processing flow. In general, normal user operations are operations performed by customers, and specific user operations are operations that cannot be performed by customers and can only be performed by store clerks.

The detection unit 22 detects, for example, a predetermined input operation for a specific input device (input/output device 7) as a specific user operation. It is desirable that this "predetermined input operation for the specific input device" is set to a state in which the customer cannot operate, has difficulty in operating, or does not want to operate. Such a state may be realized by the arrangement or form of the specific input device, or by a method of a predetermined input operation. For example, the specific input device is a (hidden) keyboard housed in a removable state in the housing of the settlement device 20, and the detection unit 22 detects the operation of pressing a certain key (e.g., a switching key) on the keyboard as a specific user operation. In addition, the specific input device may be an operator provided at a location different from the location where an operator (not shown) provided for normal user operation is provided. In addition, the specific input device may be an operation button provided under a recess that is large enough that a finger cannot enter, or under a recess that is closed by an openable/closable lid. Furthermore, if multiple such operators are provided, the detection unit 22 can detect that the multiple operators are operated in a predetermined order as the specific user operation.

As another example of a specific user operation, the detection unit 22 detects a secret operation on the screen displayed on the display device 6. A secret operation here means an operation that is kept secret from the customer and only known to the store clerk. Therefore, the customer cannot perform this secret operation. For example, the detection unit 22 detects, as a secret operation, pressing a certain fixed position on the display screen for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds). A secret operation may also be an operation of pressing the four corners of the display screen in a fixed order, or an operation of inputting a password known only to the store clerk into an input field on the screen. The content of such a secret operation is not limited. As another example of a specific user operation, the detection unit 22 detects an operation of having the reader unit (input/output device 7) read the identification information of the store clerk from a portable medium such as a store clerk card. Since the store clerk card is not given to the customer, the customer cannot perform this operation.

The content of specific user operations such as those described above is not limited as long as they are not included in the payment process flow, cannot be performed by customers, and can only be performed by store clerks. Specific examples of normal user operations are described below.

The control unit 23 performs a settlement process based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 in response to a user operation detected by the detection unit 22. Specifically, when a normal user operation is detected by the detection unit 22, the control unit 23 performs the settlement process based on the normal user operation. The settlement process executed by the control unit 23 includes a process of presenting the total amount to the customer, a process of having the customer select a payment method, a process of accepting payment using the selected payment method, a process of paying out change, a process of outputting a receipt, and a process of presenting completion of settlement. The settlement process may include other processes that follow a general settlement flow, such as a process of having the customer select whether or not a receipt is required, a process of having the customer select whether or not a receipt is required, a process of outputting a receipt, and a process of reading a membership card. Furthermore, in cases where the payment method is fixedly determined or where the customer suddenly performs a payment operation, the settlement process may not include a process of having the customer select a payment method.

On the other hand, when a specific user operation is detected, the control unit 23 displays on the display device 6 a cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the above-mentioned settlement process. For example, the control unit 23 can display on the display device 6, as a cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the settlement process, a product registration screen that allows the product information included in the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to be changed, or an accounting screen that allows the selection of a payment method that cannot be selected on the screen displayed during the settlement process. Since the settlement process is a process based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21, it is not premised on the change of the settlement information. Therefore, such a product registration screen is not displayed in the settlement process. Here, the change of product information that is possible on the product registration screen includes the cancellation of a registered product, the registration of a new product, the application and change of the amount of discount and discount, etc. In addition, in this operation method, the settlement process is basically left to the customer's operation on the settlement device 20, so it does not include a process based on an operation that should be involved by a store clerk, such as a payment using a gift certificate or a coupon. In other words, there are payment methods that cannot be selected on the screen displayed on the flow of the settlement process executed by the settlement device 20. Therefore, the above mentioned accounting screen will not be displayed during the checkout process.

The control unit 23 may also display on the display device 6 a screen identical to the screen displayed on the product registration device 10 as a cash register operation screen that is not displayed during the settlement process. This allows the store clerk to use the cash register operation screen in the same way that they are accustomed to using the product registration device 10, preventing erroneous operations or confusion by the store clerk and improving work efficiency. There are no restrictions on the content of the cash register operation screen displayed by the control unit 23, so long as it is screen content that is not displayed during the settlement process described above.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen flow displayed on the settlement device 20 in the first embodiment. First, a specific example of the settlement process executed by the control unit 23 will be described with reference to Figure 3. At the beginning of the settlement process, the control unit 23 displays a screen G1 that allows the customer to select a payment method. The operation of the customer selecting a payment method on this screen G1 corresponds to the above-mentioned normal user operation. When the detection unit 22 detects an operation (normal user operation) in which one of button B1 indicating cash payment, button B2 indicating credit card payment, and button B3 indicating electronic money payment is pressed, the control unit 23 displays screen G2 or G3 corresponding to the payment method indicated by the pressed button.

Screen G2 is a screen that supports cash payments. While displaying screen G2, the control unit 23 receives information on coins and bills inserted from the input/output device 7 and calculates the amount inserted and the remaining amount. The control unit 23 reflects the calculated amount inserted and the remaining amount on screen G2. Screen G3 is a screen that supports credit card payments. While displaying screen G3, the control unit 23 performs credit settlement processing using information from the credit card reader of the input/output device 7. Note that FIG. 3 does not show a screen that supports electronic money payments. When the "Cancel cash" button B21 on screen G2 or the "Cancel credit" button B31 on screen G3 is pressed, the control unit 23 displays screen G1 again. In this case, if coins and bills have already been inserted, the control unit 23 can also perform a refund process.

Although not shown in FIG. 3, when payment is completed using the selected payment method, the control unit 23 outputs a receipt from the printer of the input/output device 7 and transmits the settlement information to the server device 15 together with information indicating the completion of payment. The control unit 23 can also execute a receipt issuing process.

Next, the cash register operation screen displayed upon detection of a specific user operation will be described with reference to FIG. 3. When the detection unit 22 detects a specific user operation as described above, the control unit 23 displays a product registration screen G11 on which product information included in the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 can be changed. The detection of the specific user operation may be performed when the screen G2 or G3 or another screen is displayed. The product registration screen G11 displays a list of registered products included in the settlement information. The control unit 23 changes the settlement information in response to a user operation on the product registration screen G11. Changes to the settlement information include canceling a registered product, registering a new product, changing the amount of a discount or reduction, etc. The product registration screen G11 may be the same screen as the screen displayed by the product registration device 10 when registering a product.

When the "Subtotal" button B11 on the product registration screen G11 is selected, the control unit 23 displays the accounting screen G12. The accounting screen G12 allows payment by gift certificate, which is not an option on screen G1. The control unit 23 allows any payment method to be selected based on user operation on the accounting screen G12. When the control unit 23 detects operation of button B12, it performs settlement processing (special settlement processing) using the payment method selected on the accounting screen G12. In operation, the product registration screen G11 and accounting screen G12 shown in FIG. 3 are operated by a store clerk.

The screen flow shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example. When the detection unit 22 detects a specific user operation as described above, the control unit 23 may display, on the screen G1, a button for transitioning to the product registration screen G11 and a button for transitioning to the checkout screen G12. In this case, the control unit 23 may display the product registration screen G11 or the checkout screen G12 depending on the button that was operated.

[Example of operation]
An example of the operation of the settlement device 20 in the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20 in the first embodiment. For example, each illustrated process is executed by each processing module possessed by each device. Each process is similar to the above-mentioned processing content of each device, and therefore details of each process will be omitted as appropriate.

The settlement device 20 acquires settlement information from the server device 15 (S41). The settlement device 20 may acquire the settlement information from the product registration device 10. The content of the settlement information and the method of acquiring it are as described above.

The settlement device 20 starts the settlement process based on the acquired settlement information (S42). At this time, the customer moves from in front of the product registration device 10 to in front of the settlement device 20 to settle the payment for the products registered in the product registration device 10. When starting the settlement process, the settlement device 20 displays a screen for selecting a payment method as shown in FIG. 3.

The settlement device 20 detects user operations (S43; NO, S44). The detected user operations include user operations on the screen displayed in the settlement process of (S42), normal user operations such as inserting coins and bills into the change dispenser and reading credit cards and electronic money, and specific user operations that are not included in normal user operations. Normal user operations are operations performed by customers, and specific user operations are operations that cannot be performed by customers and are performed by store clerks.

If the operation detected in (S44) is a normal user operation (S45; NO), the settlement device 20 proceeds with the settlement process according to that operation (S42). For example, when the settlement device 20 detects a payment operation by the customer user on a change dispenser (input/output device 7) or credit card reader, etc., it accepts the payment based on that operation and displays the inserted amount and the remaining balance. When the settlement device 20 has completed accepting a payment such as a cash payment, credit card payment, or electronic money payment, it executes a change output process, a receipt issuing process, etc., and completes the settlement process. Completion of the settlement process may be determined by the customer user selecting a completion button. When the settlement process is completed (S43; YES), the settlement device 20 ends the process.

In this way, under normal circumstances, a customer can complete the payment for the products registered in the product registration device 10 while operating the settlement device 20 by himself/herself. However, special circumstances may arise, such as when a customer wishes to cancel a product that has already been registered, or when the customer realizes that the number or price of the registered product is incorrect, or that a discount has not been applied. In such cases, the customer will call a store clerk because the screen displayed during the settlement process by the settlement device 20 cannot handle the situation. The store clerk will then perform a specific user operation on the settlement device 20. For example, the store clerk may remove a keyboard (input/output device 7) hidden inside the housing of the settlement device 20 and press the switch key on the keyboard (specific user operation).

When the settlement device 20 detects a specific user operation during the settlement process (S42) as described above (S45; YES), it displays a product registration screen or an accounting screen that is not displayed during the settlement process (S42) (S46). The settlement device 20 detects the clerk user's operation on the screen displayed in (S46) (S47), and based on the operation, changes the settlement information, sets a specific payment method, or executes a special settlement process (S48). For example, if an operation to change the product information (price, discount, discount, etc.) displayed on the product registration screen is detected, the settlement device 20 changes the settlement information in response to the operation. Also, if an operation to select a specific payment method (such as a gift certificate payment) that cannot be selected on the screen displayed in the settlement process of (S42) is detected, the settlement device 20 sets the specific payment method.

When the settlement information and payment method are confirmed, the settlement device 20 executes a special settlement process based on the confirmed information (S48). The special settlement process in (S48) is the same as part of the settlement process executed in (S42). The customer makes the payment while being prompted by the store clerk, and completes the settlement. When the settlement device 20 has completed accepting the payment, it executes a change output process, a receipt issuing process, and the like, and completes the special settlement process. Completion of the special settlement process may be determined by the customer user selecting a completion button. When the special settlement process is completed (S49; YES), the settlement device 20 ends the process.

[Actions and Effects of the First Embodiment]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the product registration device 10 and the settlement device 20 are provided separately, and the register process is separated into product registration process in the product registration device 10 and settlement process in the settlement device 20. That is, in the settlement device 20, settlement information of the products registered in the product registration device 10 is acquired, and settlement process based on the settlement information is executed by normal user operation. In this way, settlement of the products registered by the store clerk's operation of the product registration device 10 can be completed by the customer's own operation in the settlement device 20.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the settlement device 20 detects a specific user operation that is not included in the normal user operations in the settlement process flow, a product registration screen or accounting screen that is not displayed in the settlement process is displayed. An operation on the product registration screen changes the settlement information of the product registered in the product registration device 10. Furthermore, an operation on the accounting screen sets a payment method that cannot be selected in the settlement process. Thus, according to the first embodiment, even after the register process has moved to the settlement process at the settlement device 20, it is possible for the settlement device 20 to perform processes that require the involvement of a store clerk due to special circumstances. Therefore, even if a special circumstance occurs, the customer does not have to go elsewhere and can simply call a store clerk, thereby improving the convenience of the register.

In the first embodiment, the specific user operation that triggers the display of the product registration screen or the checkout screen is set to an operation that is difficult for a customer to perform, such as a predetermined input operation on an input device that is located in an unexposed fixed position. This makes it possible to prevent the customer from performing operations that require the involvement of a store clerk, such as changing information about an already registered product or selecting a special payment method.

[Second embodiment]
In the first embodiment described above, when a cash register operation screen that is not displayed during the settlement process is displayed on the settlement device 20, the settlement is completed based on an operation on that cash register operation screen (e.g., an accounting screen) (special settlement process). In the second embodiment, it is possible to return from the cash register operation screen that is not displayed during the settlement process to the screen for the settlement process. The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the following description, the same contents as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[Processing configuration]
The detection unit 22 detects a first specific user operation, a second specific user operation, and a third specific user operation as other predetermined operations different from the above-mentioned normal user operation. The first, second, and third specific user operations are determined in advance. The "first specific user operation" is the "specific user operation" in the first embodiment. That is, the "first specific user operation" is an operation for causing the settlement device 20 to display a cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the settlement process. The "second specific user operation" is an operation for switching from the cash register operation screen to a screen that is displayed in the flow of the settlement process, so the detection unit 22 detects the second specific user operation when the cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the settlement process is displayed.

The first and second specific user operations may be the same operation. In this case, for example, the detection unit 22 detects, as the second specific user operation, a predetermined input operation on a specific input device, a secret operation on a screen displayed on the display device 6, or an operation that causes the reader unit (input/output device 7) to read the clerk's identification information from a portable medium such as a clerk card. In this way, it is possible to switch between the settlement processing screen and the cash register operation screen with the same operation. Also, the screen displayed on the product registration device 10 and the cash register operation screen displayed on the settlement device 20 can be the same. This improves usability for the clerk.

The second specific user operation may be an operation different from the first specific user operation. In this case, for example, the detection unit 22 detects the pressing of an operation button (e.g., a "back" button, etc.) provided on the displayed cash register operation screen as the second specific user operation. However, the second specific user operation detected by the detection unit 22 is not limited to this example.

The "third specific user operation" is an operation for completing settlement on the cash register screen. For this reason, the detection unit 22 detects the third specific user operation when the cash register screen, which is not displayed during the settlement process, is displayed. The second and third specific user operations are different operations. For example, the detection unit 22 detects the pressing of "Deposit/Cash" (button B12 in the example of FIG. 3) on the accounting screen, which is the cash register screen, as the third specific user operation. However, the third specific user operation detected by the detection unit 22 is not limited to this example. Both the second and third specific user operations are operations detected when the cash register screen is displayed, and therefore, like the first specific user operation, are generally operations performed by a store clerk.

When a second specific user operation is detected while a cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the checkout process is being displayed, the control unit 23 changes the display from the cash register operation screen that is not displayed in the checkout process to a screen that is displayed in the checkout process flow. The screen that is switched from the cash register operation screen to be displayed may be any screen that is displayed in the checkout process flow. The control unit 23 may display the screen that was displayed before the cash register operation screen was displayed, or may display the top screen in the checkout process flow.

When a third specific user operation is detected while a cash register operation screen that is not displayed during the settlement process is being displayed, the control unit 23 executes a special settlement process without changing the display to the screen that is displayed during the settlement process flow, thereby completing the payment.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen flow displayed on the settlement device 20 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the settlement process executed by the control unit 23 is similar to that in the first embodiment. In the example of Figure 5, as in the first embodiment, screen G1 and screen G2 or G3 are displayed in the settlement process flow.

When the detection unit 22 detects the first specific user operation described above, the control unit 23 displays a product registration screen G11 that allows the product information included in the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 to be changed. The detection of the first specific user operation may be performed when the screen G2 or G3 or another screen is displayed. The control unit 23 changes the settlement information in response to a user operation on the product registration screen G11, as in the first embodiment. Also, when the "Subtotal" button B11 on the product registration screen G11 is selected, the control unit 23 displays the accounting screen G12, as in the first embodiment. When the control unit 23 detects the selection operation of the "Deposit/Cash" button B12 on the accounting screen G12, it executes a special settlement process to complete the settlement. In the example of FIG. 5, the third specific user operation is the selection operation of the "Deposit/Cash" button B12 on the accounting screen G12.

In the second embodiment, the product registration screen G11 and the checkout screen G12 are provided with "Back" buttons B15 and B16. When the detection unit 22 detects a user operation of selecting the "Back" button B15 or B16, the control unit 23 changes the display from the product registration screen G11 or the checkout screen G12 to the screen G1 displayed in the checkout process flow. In the example of FIG. 5, the second specific user operation is an operation of selecting the "Back" button B15 or B16. Thereafter, the control unit 23 executes the checkout process based on the checkout information and payment method information changed by the user operation on the product registration screen G11 and the checkout screen G12, in accordance with the customer's operation on screen G1, etc. As a result, the checkout process is advanced by the customer's operation after the checkout information and payment method are changed by the store clerk's operation.

The screen flow shown in FIG. 5 is merely an example. The control unit 23 may switch the display from the product registration screen G11 or the checkout screen G12 to a screen other than the screen G1 for selecting a payment method. For example, if a payment method has already been selected on the screen G1 before the first specific user operation is detected, the control unit 23 may switch the display from the product registration screen G11 or the checkout screen G12 to the screen G2 or G3.

[Example of operation]
An example of the operation of the settlement device 20 in the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20 in the second embodiment. For example, each illustrated process is executed by each processing module possessed by each device. Each process is similar to the above-mentioned processing content of each device, and therefore details of each process will be omitted as appropriate.

(S61), (S62), and (S63) are similar to (S41), (S42), and (S43) shown in FIG. 4.

The settlement device 20 detects a user operation (S63; NO, S64). The user operation detected here is an operation performed in the settlement process flow, and is therefore basically a normal user operation such as a user operation on the screen displayed in the settlement process of (S62), an operation of inserting coins and bills into the change machine, or an operation of reading a credit card or electronic money.

If the operation detected in (S64) is a normal user operation (S65; YES), the settlement device 20 proceeds with the settlement process according to that operation (S62). The specific contents of the settlement process are as described in the first embodiment. The settlement device 20 proceeds with the settlement process according to the normal user operation, and ends the process when the settlement process is completed (S63; YES). In this way, under normal circumstances, the customer can complete the settlement of the products registered in the product registration device 10 while operating the settlement device 20 themselves.

However, if special circumstances arise, a store clerk rushes to the settlement device 20 and performs a first specific user operation on the settlement device 20. For example, the store clerk removes a keyboard (input/output device 7) hidden inside the housing of the settlement device 20 and presses the switch key on the keyboard (first specific user operation). If the operation detected in (S64) is not a normal user operation (S65; NO), the settlement device 20 detects the first specific user operation. The second and third specific user operations are not detected here because they can only be detected when the cash register operation screen is displayed. In this way, a normal user operation is an operation performed by a customer, and a first specific user operation is basically an operation performed by a store clerk.

When the settlement device 20 detects a first specific user operation in the settlement process flow (S65; NO), it displays a product registration screen or an accounting screen (cash register operation screen) that is not displayed in the settlement process (S62) (S66). The settlement device 20 detects an operation by a store clerk user while the cash register operation screen is displayed (S67). If the operation detected in (S67) is neither a second specific user operation nor a third specific user operation (S68; NO, S69; NO), the settlement device 20 changes the settlement information or sets a specific payment method based on the operation (S70). For example, if an operation to change the product information (price, discount, discount, etc.) displayed on the product registration screen is detected, the settlement device 20 changes the settlement information according to the operation. Also, if an operation to select a specific payment method (such as a gift certificate payment) that cannot be selected on the screen displayed in the settlement process of (S62) is detected, the settlement device 20 sets the specific payment method.

When the operation of the store clerk user detected while the cash register operation screen is displayed is a second specific user operation (S68; YES), the settlement device 20 changes the display from the cash register operation screen displayed in (S66) to a screen displayed in the flow of the settlement process, and executes the settlement process based on the settlement information changed in (S70) or the specific payment method set in (S70) (S62). In this case, the change in the settlement information and the setting of the specific payment method are performed by the store clerk's operation, and the customer can complete the settlement by their own operation.

When the operation of the clerk user detected while the cash register operation screen is displayed is a third specific user operation (S68; NO, S69; YES), the settlement device 20 executes a special settlement process (S71) in accordance with the clerk's operation on the cash register operation screen, and completes the settlement. The special settlement process executed in (S71) is the same as part of the settlement process executed in (S62). In this case, the operation on the settlement device 20 is performed by the clerk, and the customer makes the payment while being prompted by the clerk, and completes the settlement.

[Functions and Effects of the Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, a first specific user operation displays a product registration screen or an accounting screen (cash register screen) that is not displayed in normal checkout processing, and when a second specific user operation is performed in that state, the display changes from the cash register screen to a screen that is displayed in the checkout processing flow. Thus, according to the second embodiment, when the processing that should involve a store clerk due to special circumstances is completed at the checkout device 20, the customer can complete the checkout by themselves. As a result, the time that the store clerk stays at the checkout device 20 can be shortened, and the work efficiency of the store clerk can be improved.

[Third embodiment]
The settlement device and the settlement support method according to the third embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 7. The third embodiment may be a program for causing at least one computer to execute the settlement support method, or a recording medium having such a program recorded therein and readable by the at least one computer.

The settlement device in the third embodiment has a hardware configuration similar to that of the settlement device 20 shown in FIG. 1, and a processing configuration similar to that of the settlement device 20 shown in FIG. 2. The acquisition unit 21, detection unit 22, and control unit 23 of the settlement device 20 in the third embodiment are also realized in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The acquisition unit 21 acquires settlement information for products registered in the product registration device. The detection unit 22 detects a specified operation. Here, the detected specified operation means any one of a group of operations defined for performing settlement processing. The control unit 23 performs settlement processing based on the settlement information acquired by the acquisition unit 21 by the specified operation detected by the detection unit 22. Here, the content of the settlement processing executed by the control unit 23 is not limited as long as it can complete the settlement of products registered in the product registration device. In other words, the settlement processing only needs to include at least a process for accepting payment and a process for paying change as necessary.

The detection unit 22 further detects a first specific operation different from the above-mentioned predetermined operation in the flow of the settlement process. The first specific operation different from the above-mentioned predetermined operation means an operation different from the group of operations defined for performing the settlement process, and means at least one operation defined in advance. A specific example of this "first specific operation" is the "specific user operation" in the first embodiment, and the "first specific user operation" in the second embodiment. When the detection unit 22 detects the above-mentioned first specific operation, the control unit 23 displays a screen that is not displayed in the above-mentioned settlement process on the display unit (display device 6).

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the settlement device 20 in the third embodiment. As shown in Figure 7, the settlement support method in the third embodiment is executed by at least one computer such as the settlement device 20. For example, each of the illustrated steps is executed by each processing module possessed by the settlement device 20.

The settlement support method in the third embodiment includes acquiring settlement information (S71), detecting an operation (S72), and performing settlement processing based on the acquired settlement information by the predetermined operation if the detected operation is a predetermined operation (S73; YES). Here, the detected predetermined operation means any one of the operation group defined for performing the settlement processing (S75). Furthermore, the settlement support method in the third embodiment further includes detecting a first specific operation different from the above-mentioned predetermined operation in the flow of the settlement processing of (S75) (S72). Here, the first specific operation different from the above-mentioned predetermined operation means at least one operation defined in advance, which is different from the operation group defined for performing the settlement processing (S75). The settlement support method in the third embodiment further includes displaying a screen that is not displayed in the settlement processing of (S75) on the display device 6 if the above-mentioned first specific operation is detected (S73; NO, S74; YES) (S76). Examples of screens that are not displayed during the checkout process are the product registration screen and the checkout screen, as mentioned above.

After displaying a screen that is not displayed in the settlement process (S76), the settlement device 20 may execute a special settlement process as described in the first embodiment, or may selectively execute the settlement process of (S75) or the special settlement process as described in the second embodiment. In the special settlement process, the settlement device 20 may complete the settlement by a process different from (S75) after displaying a screen that is not displayed in the settlement process. Also, in FIG. 7, the detection of a predetermined operation (S72, S73; YES) and the execution of the settlement process (S75) are shown in a single flow, but the settlement process proceeds in accordance with the predetermined operation.

The third embodiment can provide the same effects as the first and second embodiments described above.

In the multiple flow charts used in the above explanation, multiple steps (processing) are described in order, but the order of execution of the steps in each embodiment is not limited to the order described. In each embodiment, the order of the illustrated steps can be changed to the extent that does not cause any problems in terms of content. In addition, each of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined to the extent that the content is not contradictory.

This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-039637, filed February 27, 2015, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-131453, filed June 30, 2015, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Claims (10)

An acquisition means for acquiring payment information of products to be purchased by a customer registered in the registration device;
a control means for causing a display unit to display a first screen that allows a customer to select a payment method in a settlement process;
The control means
when an operation by a store clerk is performed that is different from the settlement process by the customer, a second screen including a column for a deposit amount to be paid by a payment method that cannot be selected on the first screen is further displayed on the display unit , and a payment process including the deposit amount is performed .
Clearing device. The control means
The settlement device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit configured to display the second screen when an operation by a store clerk that is different from the settlement process by the customer is performed after the first screen is displayed on the display unit. The settlement device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means causes the first screen to be displayed when an operation is performed by a store clerk while the second screen is being displayed. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display unit is a touch panel. The settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which has a storage unit that stores settlement information for products registered as targets for the settlement process. A settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, having an input/output unit. The settlement device according to claim 6, wherein the input/output unit has at least one of a touch panel sensor, a change dispenser, a credit card reader, an electronic money reader, a receipt printer, a speaker, and a keyboard. A settlement device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which performs settlement processing via a server device. A settlement support method for supporting a settlement process executed by a settlement device implemented by one or more computers, comprising:
the one or more computers,
Acquire payment information for products to be purchased by the customer registered in the registration device;
displaying a first screen on the display unit that allows the customer to select a payment method in a settlement process;
Furthermore, when an operation by a store clerk is performed that is different from the settlement process by the customer, the settlement support method displays a second screen on the display unit, which includes a column for the deposit amount to be paid using a payment method that cannot be selected on the first screen , and performs payment processing including the deposit amount . A computer implementing the settlement device,
An acquisition process for acquiring payment information of products to be purchased by a customer registered in a registration device;
a control process for displaying on the display unit a first screen that allows the customer to select a payment method in a settlement process;
In the control process,
When an operation by a store clerk is performed that is different from the settlement process by the customer, the program causes the display unit to further display a second screen including a column for a deposit amount to be paid using a payment method that cannot be selected on the first screen , and performs a payment process including the deposit amount .

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