JP7607976B2 - system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a system.

A POS system is known in which a store clerk scans a barcode attached to an item with a registration device, which registers transaction information based on the barcode data in a storage device, and then executes settlement based on the registered transaction information (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-249175 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-192170

However, there is a problem in that it does not adequately support multiple types of settlement methods (payment methods).

The present invention was made in consideration of the above points, and aims to provide a technology that can be used effectively when multiple types of settlement methods are available.

The POS system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a registration device having a registration means for registering transaction information based on a product to be purchased, a display means for displaying operation keys on the screen of the registration device, a transmission means for transmitting the transaction information registered by the registration means so that the transaction can be settled at a selected settlement device when a transmission key, which is an operation key for transmitting the transaction information, is operated, and a non-cash settlement selection means for enabling non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when a non-cash key, which is an operation key for selecting settlement by non-cash other than cash, is operated, and a settlement device having a cash settlement means for executing cash settlement based on the transaction information transmitted by the transmission means, wherein the display means displays the transmission key and the non-cash key on the same screen, and the transmission means transmits the transaction information so that the transaction can be settled at the selected settlement device after the operation of a completion key, which is an operation key for declaring that product registration has been completed by the registration means. The POS system is characterized in that the display means displays the transmission key and the non-cash key on the same screen, and the transmission means transmits the transaction information so that the transaction can be settled at the selected settlement device after the operation of a completion key, which is an operation key for declaring that product registration has been completed by the registration means.

1 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of a transaction process using a POS system in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention; 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a registration device in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of discount rates for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an image for inputting a discount rate for each purchase amount in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a first example of an image displayed on the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of an image displayed on the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an accounting ticket in one embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the registration device in one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of selection images displayed on a settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a guidance image displayed on the settlement device in one embodiment of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the flow of accounting processing using a POS system. The POS system is installed in, for example, a store. The POS system includes a registration device 100 and a settlement device 200. There may be multiple registration devices 100 and multiple settlement devices 200. The registration device 100 is operated by a store clerk to scan the barcode attached to the product purchased by the customer. The registration device 100 registers product transaction information in a memory unit based on the barcode data. The product transaction information may include, for example, a transaction identification number, a product identification number, and information indicating the number of products.

When the registration of the product transaction information for the barcodes of all products purchased by the customer is completed, the registration device 100 prints the barcode or two-dimensional code on an accounting ticket (described later using FIG. 8) based on an operational input to declare the completion of the registration of the product transaction information (for example, the store clerk pressing a completion key), and issues the accounting ticket to the customer.

After receiving the bill, the customer proceeds to the settlement device 200 and uses the scanner unit of the settlement device 200 to read the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the bill. The customer then operates the operation keys of the settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total price of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an example of the configuration of a POS system. The POS system may further include a store controller 400 (high-level management device). The POS system includes the store controller 400, N registration devices 100 (N is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and M settlement devices 200 (M is an integer equal to or greater than 1). The registration devices 100, the settlement devices 200, and the store controller 400 are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 300.

The store controller 400 pre-stores product information (e.g., the price of the product) as product master data. The registration device 100 may register product transaction information in the store controller 400 based on the read barcode data. In other words, the store controller 400 may store the transaction information transmitted from the registration device 100.

Note that there may be registration devices 100 that are not connected to the store controller 400 and registration devices 100 that are connected to the store controller 400 via the LAN 300.

First, the details of the registration device will be described. FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the registration device in a block diagram. The registration device 100 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a scanner unit 104, a store clerk display unit 105, a customer display unit 106, an operation unit 107, a communication unit 108, a buzzer 109, a printing unit 111, an electronic money reading unit 112, and a credit card reading unit 113. These units are connected to each other via a bus 1. The printing unit 111 has a receipt issuing port 110.

The scanner unit 104 optically reads the barcode (product code) attached to the product. The ROM 102 is a read-only memory that pre-stores a program for operating the registration device 100.

The CPU 101 is a central processing unit. The CPU 101 reads out a program stored in the ROM 102 and loads it into the RAM 103. The CPU 101 controls each part of the registration device 100 by executing each step of the loaded program.

The CPU 101 registers product transaction information in the RAM 103 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104. The CPU 101 may also register product transaction information in the store controller 400 via the communication unit 108 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.

The CPU 101 identifies the settlement method (payment method) selected by the customer. For example, the CPU 101 identifies the settlement method selected by the customer based on identification information indicating cash, credit card, electronic money, or a gift certificate input by a store clerk operating the operation unit 107.

The CPU 101 also controls the printing unit 111 to print a receipt in a format corresponding to the identified settlement method and issue the receipt. More specifically, if the identified settlement method is a settlement method other than cash, the CPU 101 controls the printing unit 111 to print detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information settled at the own registration device on a receipt and issue the receipt. In other words, if the settlement method information input to the CPU 101 via the operation unit 107 indicates "credit declaration," "electronic money declaration," or "gift certificate," the CPU 101 instructs the printing unit 111 to issue a receipt on which detailed information after the settlement process is executed at the own settlement device is printed.

On the other hand, if the identified payment method includes at least a cash payment method, the CPU 101 controls the printing unit 111 to issue an accounting ticket on which the transaction information is printed. Here, the CPU 101 may control the printing unit 111 to issue an accounting ticket on which identification information indicating the transaction information is printed. In other words, if the payment method information input to the CPU 101 via the operation unit 107 indicates "cash" or "accounting ticket", the CPU 101 instructs the printing unit 111 to issue an accounting ticket on which the information necessary for the customer to operate the settlement device 200 and make settlement is printed.

RAM 103 is a read/write memory that stores various information. The various information is, for example, the discount rate for each purchase amount. The purchase amount is the total price of all the products purchased. Programs read from ROM 102 are loaded into RAM 103. RAM 103 also stores various data generated by the execution of the programs.

In FIG. 4, examples of discount rates are shown for each purchase amount. In FIG. 4, the purchase amount is associated with the discount rate. Specifically, as an example, a purchase amount of "less than 2000 yen" is associated in advance with a discount rate of "5" [%]. Also, as an example, a purchase amount of "2000 yen or more but less than 4000 yen" is associated in advance with a discount rate of "7" [%].

Returning to FIG. 3, we will continue to explain the configuration example of the registration device. The clerk display unit 105 is a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The clerk display unit 105 displays various images (described later using FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) such as operation keys.

The clerk display unit 105 has a touch panel on which touch keys (soft keys) that are transparent contact switches are provided. In other words, the clerk display unit 105 has a touch panel as the operation unit 107. The clerk display unit 105 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, settings, or registrations via the displayed operation keys. This setting may be, for example, a discount rate for each purchase amount (see FIG. 4).

Figure 5 shows an image for inputting the discount rate for each purchase amount. The image for inputting the discount rate for each purchase amount may also be displayed on the clerk display unit 105 when the bill key or bill key displayed on the clerk display unit 105 is pressed (the completion key is pressed). The image for inputting the discount rate for each purchase amount may also be displayed on the clerk display unit 105 during initial setup immediately after the power to the registration device 100 is turned on. The clerk may input the discount rate for each purchase amount by operating the operation keys displayed on the clerk display unit 105 or the numeric keys of the operation unit 107 while checking the image for inputting the discount rate for each purchase amount.

The contents of the bonus (for example, a discount rate (see FIG. 4), other discount amount, or a certain product given free of charge) may be preset. The CPU 101 may give a bonus to a customer when the customer presses an accounting ticket key or accounting key displayed on the store clerk display unit 105. In this way, the POS system can give a bonus to a customer without the store clerk having to set a discount rate or the like for every customer who uses the settlement device.

In addition, a special benefit can be given to a customer using the payment device by the store clerk simply performing the operations required for the payment process, such as pressing the bill key or billing key displayed on the store clerk display unit 105. The POS system also eliminates forgetting to give special benefits and improves operability for store clerks.

The CPU 101 may also display on the store clerk display unit 105 a change means for allowing a specific customer only to change the discount rate (see FIG. 4) before the bill key or bill key displayed on the store clerk display unit 105 is pressed. This allows the POS system to provide special benefits as a service suited to each customer.

Figure 6 shows a first example of an image displayed on the registration device. The clerk display unit 105 displays product details determined by transaction information based on barcode data read by the scanner unit 104 under the control of the CPU 101. For example, the clerk display unit 105 displays the name of the purchased product, the product price, the character string "inclusive" indicating that the price is inclusive of tax, the number of items purchased, the subtotal (amount), and the total (purchase amount) in table format for each product.

The store clerk display unit 105 displays various operation keys. The various operation keys include, for example, an extension key, an electronic money declaration key 500, a credit declaration key 510, an interrupt key, a ticket issue key, an accounting ticket key 520, a QR reissue key, an operator screen key, and a registration screen key.

The electronic money declaration key 500, the credit declaration key 510, and the accounting ticket key 520 are operation keys (completion keys) (declaration means) for completing the registration of transaction information. More specifically, the electronic money declaration key 500 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process will be performed using electronic money. The credit declaration key 510 is an operation key for declaring to the CPU 101 that a settlement process will be performed using a credit card.

The accounting ticket key 520 is an operation key for issuing an accounting ticket from the receipt issuing port 110. When the accounting ticket key 520 is pressed, the customer receives the issued accounting ticket and moves to the settlement device 200. After receiving the accounting ticket, the customer moves to the settlement device 200 and uses the scanner unit of the settlement device 200 to read the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket, and then operates the operation keys of the settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total amount of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information.

Figure 7 shows a second example of an image displayed on the registration device. The clerk display unit 105 may display a settlement device selection key 530 and an accounting key 540. The settlement device selection key 530 is an operation key for the clerk to select a settlement device 200. The accounting key 540 is an operation key for completing the registration of transaction information. When the accounting key 540 is pressed following one of the settlement device selection keys 530, the CPU 101 causes the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information to the selected settlement device 200. In this case, the CPU 101 may cause the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information directly to the selected settlement device 200. The CPU 101 may also cause the communication unit 108 to transmit transaction information to the selected settlement device 200 via the store controller 400 (higher device). The customer moves to the selected settlement device 200 and operates the operation keys of the selected settlement device 200 to settle the purchase amount (the total amount of the purchased items) determined by the transaction information received by the settlement device 200.

Returning to FIG. 3, we will continue to explain the configuration example of the registration device. The customer display unit 106 is a display device. The customer display unit 106 may be an emissive display device using a liquid crystal display or the like. The customer display unit 106 displays images such as character strings, for example, using a seven-segment display or a dot display (full dot display). For example, the customer display unit 106 displays to a customer who has completed registration of transaction information the registered transaction information, the purchase amount (total amount) of the purchased item, information that a bonus will be granted, or information that payment is required at the settlement device 200.

The operation unit 107 includes an operation means for operating the registration device 100. This operation means (input device) is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The operation means may be, for example, a completion key for declaring the completion of product registration (for example, an accounting key or an accounting ticket key), a correction key, a preset key, a numeric key, a product ticket key, a credit declaration key, or an electronic money declaration key.

The operation means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or may be displayed as images of operation keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the store clerk display unit 105.

The communication unit 108 communicates with the store controller 400 and the settlement device 200 via the network. The network may be any communication line (e.g., a wireless communication line, a wired communication line) and is not limited to the LAN 300. The buzzer 109 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 101.

The receipt issuing port 110 ejects and issues various sheets printed by the printing unit 111. The various sheets are, for example, credit receipts, electronic money receipts, gift certificate receipts, or accounting vouchers.

Here, a credit receipt is a receipt issued after the credit declaration key is pressed and the settlement process is completed in the registration device 100. An electronic money receipt is a receipt issued after the electronic money declaration key is pressed and the settlement process is completed in the registration device 100. A gift certificate receipt is a receipt issued after the gift certificate key is pressed and the settlement process is completed in the registration device 100. An accounting ticket is issued when the accounting ticket key is pressed. The purchase amount for one transaction may be printed on the accounting ticket.

The printing unit 111 prints information on the sheet. The printing unit 111 has a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is placed in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head and is driven by a stepping motor. The stepping motor is driven in response to a control signal from the CPU 101, and the sheet is transported a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller. The sheet is issued from the receipt issuing port 110 as, for example, a credit receipt, electronic money receipt, gift certificate receipt, or accounting ticket.

Figure 8 shows an example of an accounting ticket. Figure 8(a) shows an example of an accounting ticket 40 (accounting ticket) on which a barcode C2 is printed. The barcode C2 is a code representing identification information indicating transaction information. The transaction information registered in the store controller 400 is searched from the store controller 400 based on the identification information (transaction identification number) indicating the transaction information represented by the barcode C2. Meanwhile, Figure 8(b) shows an example of an accounting ticket 40 (accounting ticket) on which a two-dimensional code C1 is printed. The two-dimensional code C1 is a code representing product detail information determined by the transaction information of all products purchased by the customer. In this case, the transaction information does not need to be searched from the store controller 400 because it is all recorded in the two-dimensional code C1.

At least a portion of the transaction information, such as the number of items purchased and the purchase amount, may be printed on the accounting ticket 40 as the purchase details. At least a portion of the transaction information, such as the date and time of the transaction, may also be printed on the accounting ticket 40. A coupon (not shown) may also be printed on a portion of the accounting ticket 40 (e.g., the lower half of the area).

Returning to FIG. 3, the description of the configuration example of the registration device will continue. The electronic money reading unit 112 has a structure into which an electronic money card (medium) can be inserted. The electronic money reading unit 112 wirelessly reads the amount information stored in the inserted electronic money card and outputs the read amount information to the CPU 101. The electronic money reading unit 112 stores the amount information, with the purchase amount input from the CPU 101 deducted, in the inserted electronic money card.

The credit card reading unit 113 has a structure that allows a credit card (medium) to be inserted. The credit card reading unit 113 reads the customer information stored on the inserted credit card using magnetism or the like, and outputs the read information to the CPU 101.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure of the registration device (see FIG. 3).
(Step S1) The scanner unit 104 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product. The CPU 101 registers product transaction information in the RAM 103 or the store controller 400 based on the barcode data read by the scanner unit 104.

(Step S2) The CPU 101 determines whether or not the registration of transaction information for all purchased items has been completed, i.e., whether or not a completion key (e.g., the accounting key 540 or the accounting ticket key 520) on the operation unit 107 has been operated to declare the completion of item registration. If the registration of transaction information has been completed (Step S2: Yes), the process proceeds to Step S3. On the other hand, if the registration of transaction information has not been completed (Step S2: No), the CPU 101 returns the process to Step S1.

(Step S3) The CPU 101 determines whether the payment method is at least cash (payment method information). For example, when the operation unit 107 receives a predetermined operation input (e.g., pressing the accounting key 540 or the accounting ticket key 520), the CPU 101 determines that the payment method is at least cash.

Even if a customer selects payment with electronic money or a gift certificate, if the amount stored on the electronic money card (medium) or the face value of the gift certificate is less than the purchase amount, the shortfall may be paid in cash.

If the settlement method is at least cash settlement (step S3: Yes), the CPU 101 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the settlement method is not cash settlement (step S3: No), the CPU 101 proceeds to step S4.

(Step S4) The CPU 101 executes settlement using a method other than cash (e.g., gift certificate, electronic money, credit card) according to the settlement method information, and ends the process.

(Step S5) The CPU 101 causes the customer display unit 106 to display an image indicating that a special benefit will be awarded.
(Step S6) The CPU 101 issues, from the receipt issuing port 110, an accounting ticket 40 on which a barcode (see FIG. 8(a)) on which identification information indicating the transaction information is printed. The communication unit 108 sends the transaction information to the store controller 400 for registration. The communication unit 108 may also send the transaction information to the selected settlement device 200. The CPU 101 may also issue, from the receipt issuing port 110, an accounting ticket 40 on which a two-dimensional code (see FIG. 8(b)) indicating the contents of the transaction information is printed.

The communication unit 108 may transmit the transaction information when a human detection sensor (not shown) detects that a customer is standing in front of the selected settlement device 200. The communication unit 108 may transmit the transaction information when a customer operates the selected settlement device 200.

Next, the settlement device will be described in detail.
10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the settlement device. The settlement device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a display unit 205, an operation unit 206, an imaging unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, a receipt issuing port 210, a printing unit 211, a change/change note unit 212, and a hard disk 213. The various units of the settlement device 200 are connected to each other via a bus 2. The scanner unit 204 and the imaging unit 207 may be separate units (external) that can be attached to and detached from the settlement device 200.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit. The CPU 201 reads out a program stored in the ROM 202 and loads it into the RAM 203. The CPU 201 controls each part of the settlement device 200 by executing each step of the loaded program.

The CPU 201 also recognizes the content of the code printed on the sheet read by the scanner unit 204. For example, the CPU 201 recognizes the content indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket 40 issued for transaction information that has been registered by the registration device 100 but for which settlement has not been completed.

More specifically, the CPU 201 recognizes the contents indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code printed on the accounting ticket 40 by performing OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the image data read by the scanner unit 204. Here, the contents indicated by the barcode are, for example, identification information indicating transaction information registered in the store controller 400. Also, the contents indicated by the two-dimensional code are, for example, detailed product information determined by the transaction information registered by the settlement device 200.

The CPU 201 stores the transaction information in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 also stores the transaction information stored in the RAM 203 in the hard disk 213. The CPU 201 settles the purchase amount (price) of the product determined by the transaction information based on the contents indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code.

The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode or two-dimensional code attached to a sheet (for example, an accounting ticket 40).
The ROM 202 is a read-only memory that prestores programs for operating the settlement device 200 .

RAM203 is a read/write memory that stores various information. The various information is, for example, transaction information. Furthermore, programs read from ROM202 are expanded in RAM203. Furthermore, RAM203 stores various data generated by the execution of the programs.

The operation unit 206 includes an operation means for operating the settlement device 200. This operation means (input device) is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device (mouse, tablet, etc.), a button, or a touch panel. The operation means is, for example, a settlement key. The settlement key is an operation key operated by a customer when inputting an instruction to execute a settlement process to the CPU 201.

The operation means may be arranged as buttons such as mechanical keys (hard keys), or may be displayed as images of operation keys on a touch panel provided on the display surface of the display unit 205.

The display unit 205 is a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL display. The display unit 205 has a touch panel provided with touch keys (soft keys) that are transparent contact switches. The display unit 205 may have a touch panel as the operation unit 206. The display unit 205 accepts operation inputs such as mode switching, setting, or registration. The display unit 205 displays product details (e.g., purchase amount) determined by the contents (transaction information) indicated by the barcode or two-dimensional code recognized by the CPU 201.

Figure 11 shows an example of a selection image displayed on a payment device. When a customer makes a payment without using an accounting ticket 40 (see Figure 8), the selection image is displayed on the display unit 205 of the selected payment device 200 when one of the payment device selection keys 530 is pressed followed by the accounting key 540 (see Figure 7). Therefore, when a customer goes to the selected payment device 200, the selected payment device 200 already displays the selection image and is ready for payment. On the other hand, when a customer makes a payment using an accounting ticket 40, the barcode printed on the accounting ticket 40 is read by the scanner unit 204 of the payment device 200 to identify transaction information, and the selection image is displayed based on the identified transaction information.

The display unit 205 displays an image for the customer to select a payment method (settlement method) under the control of the CPU 201. In FIG. 11, the image for selecting a payment method displays the text "Please select a payment method," the purchase amount (total amount) "580 yen in total," and the operation keys for selecting the payment method "Cash," "Credit," and "Electronic Money A."

The image for selecting the payment method may also display an operation key "Check electronic money" for checking the amount stored on the electronic money card (medium), an operation key "Check purchase details" for checking detailed information on the product determined by the transaction information, and the current date and time.

Figure 12 shows an example of a guidance image displayed on the settlement device. When a customer presses the operation key "Cash" (see Figure 11) displayed in the selection image, the display unit 205 displays a guidance image to proceed with the cash settlement process. In Figure 12, the following are displayed: "Please check the purchase amount and insert money", the string "Purchase amount: 580 yen", the string "Discount amount: 29 yen", "Since you are paying at the settlement machine, we will give you a 5% discount", the string "Deposit amount: 0 yen", and the string "Change amount". The guidance image may also display a moving image showing the appearance and operation procedure of the change slip unit 212.

The guidance image also displays the operation key "Settlement" (settlement key) for causing the settlement device 200 to start the settlement process. When the operation key "Settlement" is pressed, the CPU 201 starts the settlement process, such as subtracting the discounted purchase amount from the amount of cash inserted (deposit amount) and calculating the difference between them, and controls the printing unit 211 to issue a purchase sheet from the receipt issuing port 210. The change/note unit 212 also pays out change or a note from the cash dispensing port in an amount according to the difference information input from the CPU 201. The CPU 201 may also control the printing unit 211 to issue a coupon from the receipt issuing port 210.

Returning to FIG. 10, the explanation of the configuration example of the settlement device will continue. The imaging unit 207 captures images and generates image data. The imaging unit 207 outputs the generated image data to the CPU 201. The image data may include, for example, an image of a customer operating the settlement device 200. The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound under the control of the CPU 201.

The communication unit 208 communicates with the store controller 400 and the registration device 100 via a network. Note that the network may be any type of network (e.g., a wireless communication network) and is not limited to the LAN 300.

The receipt issuing port 210 issues a receipt sheet. On the receipt sheet, detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information for which settlement has been completed is printed by the printing unit 211. The printing unit 211 prints information (for example, detailed information of the product determined by the transaction information) on the receipt sheet. The printing unit 211 has a thermal head (not shown) and a platen roller (not shown). The platen roller is placed in a state where it is pressed against the thermal head and is driven by a stepping motor. By driving the stepping motor in response to a control signal from the CPU 201, the receipt sheet is transported a predetermined amount through the gap between the thermal head and the platen roller.

The change and slip unit 212 has a cash input port and a cash payout port. When cash is inserted into the cash input port, the change and slip unit 212 outputs information on the type and amount of the inserted cash to the CPU 201. The change and slip unit 212 also pays out change or slips from the cash payout port in an amount according to the difference information input from the CPU 201.

The hard disk 213 is, for example, a recording device that uses magnetism. The hard disk 213 stores various information. For example, the hard disk 213 stores in advance character information indicating the contents to be printed on the purchase sheet. The hard disk 213 stores in advance character information representing a gift certificate, for example. Character information representing a gift certificate is, for example, character information such as "gift certificate" or "coupon."

The hard disk 213 also stores in advance character information representing, for example, the purchase amount. The character information representing the purchase amount is, for example, character information such as "purchase amount", "total amount", and "total". The hard disk 213 also stores in advance character information representing, for example, the shortfall amount. The character information representing the shortfall amount is, for example, character information such as "shortfall amount" and "payment amount". The hard disk 213 also stores in advance character information representing, for example, the change. The character information representing the change is, for example, character information such as "change" and "change". The hard disk 213 may store a program for operating the CPU 201 instead of the RAM 203.

As described above, the POS system includes a registration device 100 having a registration unit (e.g., CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the product being purchased, an operation unit 107 that accepts a predetermined operation input (e.g., pressing the accounting ticket key 520) when completing the registration of the transaction information, a CPU 201 (cash settlement unit) that executes settlement at least with cash based on the registered transaction information, a CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether the operation unit 107 has accepted the predetermined operation input, and a bonus granting unit (e.g., CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing port 210) that grants a bonus (e.g., a discount) to a customer who settles at the settlement device 200 when the operation unit 107 has accepted the predetermined operation input.

With this configuration, when the operation unit 107 of the registration device 100 receives a predetermined operation input, the bonus granting unit of the settlement device 200 (e.g., CPU 201, printing unit 211, receipt issuing port 210) grants a bonus to a customer who settles at the settlement device 200. This prevents the POS system from delaying the accounting process. In other words, by attempting to grant a bonus to customers who settle at the settlement device 200, the POS system can motivate customers to settle at the settlement device 200 and prevent the queue of customers waiting at the registration device 100 from becoming too long.

The registration device 100 may have a non-cash settlement unit (e.g., a credit card reading unit 113, an electronic money reading unit 112, a scanner unit 104) that performs settlement with means other than cash (e.g., credit cards, electronic money, gift certificates).

The operation unit 107 may accept an operation input for issuing an accounting ticket (see FIG. 8) (e.g., pressing the accounting ticket key 520), an operation input for specifying a settlement device 200 (e.g., pressing the settlement device selection key 530), or an operation input for sending transaction information (e.g., pressing the accounting key 540) as a predetermined operation input that also serves as an operation for granting a privilege. In other words, pressing the accounting ticket key 520, the settlement device selection key 530, or the accounting key 540 also serves as an operation for granting a privilege to a customer. This allows the registration device 100 to reliably grant a privilege to a customer who operates the settlement device 200 himself and settles the bill using an accounting ticket.

The registration device 100 may have a customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) that displays predetermined information (e.g., an image, a character string using a seven-segment display or a dot display, etc.) to a customer who registers transaction information. When the operation unit 107 accepts a predetermined operation input, the customer display unit 106 (registration display unit) may display predetermined information (e.g., an image, a character string using a seven-segment display or a dot display, etc.) indicating that a special benefit (e.g., a discount) will be granted.

The settlement device 200 may have a display unit 205 (settlement display unit) that displays an image to a customer who operates the settlement device 200. When the operation unit 107 accepts a predetermined operation input, the display unit 205 (settlement display unit) may display an image indicating that a special benefit will be awarded.

When a predetermined operation input is received, the operation unit 107 may also receive an operation input (e.g., see FIG. 5) that determines a discount rate for the discount as a special benefit.

The registration device 100 includes a registration unit (e.g., CPU 101) that registers transaction information based on the product being purchased, and an operation unit 107 that accepts operation inputs for issuing a medium on which a code indicating the transaction information is recorded, operation inputs for designating a settlement device, or operation inputs for transmitting the transaction information as predetermined operation inputs that also serve as operations for granting benefits.

The settlement device 200 includes a CPU 201 (cash settlement unit) that executes settlement at least with cash based on transaction information based on the purchased product, a CPU 201 (determination unit) that determines whether or not a bonus will be granted when the transaction information is read out, and a display unit 205 that displays information associated with the transaction information (e.g., "purchase amount" shown in FIG. 12) and a message indicating that a bonus will be granted (e.g., the character string "We will give you a 5% discount" shown in FIG. 12) when a bonus will be granted. The settlement device 200 may also print a message indicating that a bonus will be granted on a receipt issued at the time of settlement of the transaction. In this way, the settlement device 200 notifies the customer that a bonus will be granted when the customer settles the payment at the settlement device, so that the customer can be motivated to use the settlement device 200 to settle the next and subsequent purchases.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the settlement method at the settlement device 200 is not limited to settlement with cash only. For example, the amount shown on a gift certificate (coupon, gift certificate) may be input to the registration device 100. In this case, the customer may add cash to the amount input to the registration device 100 and settle at the settlement device 200. Also, even if the customer adds the amount paid by electronic money or credit card to the amount input to the registration device 100 and settles at the settlement device 200, a special benefit may be given to the customer who operates the settlement device 200.

The programs for implementing the registration device, settlement device, and POS system described above may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the programs recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform the execution process. Note that the "computer system" referred to here may include hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

In addition, if a WWW system is used, the term "computer system" also includes the homepage provision environment (or display environment). Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to storage devices such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, writable non-volatile memories such as flash memory, portable media such as CD-ROMs, and hard disks built into computer systems.

Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" also includes a memory that holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (e.g., a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)) inside a computer system that serves as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system in which the program is stored in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium, or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" that transmits the program refers to a medium that has a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be a program for implementing part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

1... Bus 2... Bus 40... Accounting ticket C1... Two-dimensional code C2... Barcode 100... Registration device 101... CPU
102...ROM
103...RAM
104: Scanner unit 105: Store clerk display unit 106: Customer display unit 107: Operation unit 108: Communication unit 109: Buzzer 110: Receipt issuing port 111: Printing unit 112: Electronic money reading unit 113: Credit card reading unit 200: Payment device 201: CPU
202...ROM
203...RAM
204: Scanner unit 205: Display unit 206: Operation unit 207: Image capture unit 208: Communication unit 209: Buzzer 210: Receipt issuing unit 211: Printing unit 212: Change unit 213: Hard disk 300: LAN
400... Store controller 500... Electronic money declaration key 510... Credit declaration key 520... Accounting ticket key 530... Payment device selection key 540... Accounting key

Claims (1)

A registration means for registering transaction information based on a product to be purchased;
a display means for displaying on a screen a first operation key for declaring settlement at the settlement device and a second operation key for declaring settlement by non-cash ;
an issuing means for issuing a medium on which identification information for identifying the transaction information of the commodity registered by the registration means is printed when the first operation key is operated;
a non-cash settlement means for executing a non-cash settlement based on the transaction information when the second operation key is operated;
a registration device having
a reading means for reading the identification information of the medium issued by the issuing means;
a cash settlement means for executing settlement based on the information read by the reading means;
A settlement device having the
and pressing the first operation key also serves to provide a special benefit.
A system characterized by:

Images