JP7789381B2 - Payment system and payment method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a settlement system and settlement method used to settle the price of goods and services.

For example, hospitals and clinics sometimes use bills and receipts, in which a medical bill and receipt are printed on a single sheet of paper. After treatment, the customer is presented with the bill and receipt, pays the medical fee, and receives the bill and receipt. Some bills and receipts have the medical fee (receipt amount) to be charged to the customer printed as a barcode. A known settlement system reads this barcode, extracts the medical fee (receipt amount), and receives the extracted medical fee from the customer. For example, an settlement system like this is described in JP 2021-071775 A. This type of settlement system also has a function that, if an amount more than the medical fee is deposited, it will withdraw the difference as change.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-071775

The barcode printed on the invoice/receipt contains information on medical fees (amount received), but does not contain information identifying the customer for whom the fees are paid. The settlement system can obtain information on medical fees (amount received) from the barcode on the invoice/receipt, but is unable to obtain information identifying the customer for whom the fees are paid. As a result, the settlement system is able to receive medical fees based on the information on medical fees (amount received) on the barcode, but is unable to identify the customer for whom the fees are paid.

The settlement system of the present invention comprises reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on a medium, deposit and withdrawal means for receiving a fee, storage means, and deposit and withdrawal management means for controlling the reading means, the deposit and withdrawal means, and the storage means, wherein the deposit and withdrawal management means is provided with a decoding unit for decoding the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracting information, and the deposit and withdrawal management means causes the reading means to read a pair of a first medium on which a first code including a billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID for identifying a customer is recorded, to obtain the first code and the second code, decodes the first code and the second code using the decoding unit, and executes the above-mentioned The billing amount and the customer ID are extracted, the extracted billing amount is set as the settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means, the extracted set of billing amounts and the customer ID are associated and stored in the memory means , and before the settlement amount is received by the deposit/withdrawal means, if a next set of the first medium and the second medium is read by the reading means to extract a new billing amount and the customer ID, the newly extracted billing amount is added to the settlement amount to update the setting of the settlement amount, and the newly extracted set of billing amounts and the customer ID are associated and stored in the memory means, and the updated settlement amount is received by the deposit/withdrawal means .
Another settlement system of the present invention comprises reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on a medium, deposit and withdrawal means for receiving a fee, storage means, and deposit and withdrawal management means for controlling the reading means, the deposit and withdrawal means, and the storage means, wherein the deposit and withdrawal management means has a decoding unit for decoding the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracting information, and the deposit and withdrawal management means causes the reading means to read a first medium on which a first code including a billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID for identifying a customer is recorded, obtains the first code and the second code, and combines the first code and the second code. the decryption unit decrypts the code, extracts the billing amount and the customer ID, sets the extracted billing amount as the settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means, causes the deposit/withdrawal means to receive the set settlement amount, and associates the billing amount with the customer ID and stores them in the storage means; the deposit/withdrawal management means comprises an input means for inputting the customer ID, a customer ID storage means for storing the inputted customer ID, and a generation means for generating the second code based on the stored customer ID, and a first printing means for printing the second code generated by the generation means.

The settlement method of the present invention is a settlement method for a settlement system having reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on a medium, deposit and withdrawal means for receiving a fee, storage means, and deposit and withdrawal management means which controls the reading means, the deposit and withdrawal means, and the storage means, and which is equipped with a decoding unit for decoding the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracting information, wherein the deposit and withdrawal management means includes the steps of: causing the reading means to read a pair of a first medium on which a first code including a billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID that identifies a customer is recorded; acquiring the first code and the second code; decoding the acquired first code and the second code using the decoding unit to extract the billing amount and the customer ID; a step of setting the extracted billing amount as the settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means; a step of associating the extracted set of billing amounts with the customer ID and storing them in the storage means; a step of associating the extracted set of billing amounts with the customer ID and storing them in the storage means; a step of having the next set of the first medium and the second medium read by the reading means to extract a new billing amount and the customer ID before receiving the settlement amount by the deposit/withdrawal means; a step of adding the newly extracted billing amount to the settlement amount to update the setting of the settlement amount, and associating the newly extracted set of billing amounts with the customer ID and storing them in the storage means; and a step of having the updated settlement amount received by the deposit/withdrawal means .

The settlement system and settlement method of the present invention have the advantage that medical fees can be received based on the medical fee (received amount) information in the barcode printed on the invoice/receipt, making it possible to identify the customer for whom the medical fees are received.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the settlement system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an invoice/receipt. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a patient registration card. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart illustrating the operation of the settlement system. FIG. 5 is a second flowchart illustrating the operation of the settlement system. FIG. 6 is a first diagram illustrating a display example of the settlement system. FIG. 7 is a second diagram illustrating an example of a display of the settlement system. FIG. 8 is a third diagram illustrating a display example of the settlement system.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Each figure is merely a schematic illustration to allow a full understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. Furthermore, in each figure, common or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

The settlement system will be explained using Figures 1 to 8.

Figure 1 is a diagram of the settlement system. The settlement system is configured to enable a provider of goods or services to receive payment for those goods or services, and to identify the person who paid the payment after receiving the payment.

The sales management system 1 comprises a sales management device 3, a first operation panel 4, a first printing device 5, and a first storage means 6. The settlement system 2 comprises a cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8, a second storage means 9, a second operation panel 10, a third printing device 11, a scanner 12, a cash deposit/withdrawal device 13, and a second printing device 14. The sales management system 1 prints first predetermined information, such as a barcode or two-dimensional code containing the medical fee billing amount, on a printable medium such as paper or a plastic sheet.

The settlement system 2 obtains the medical fee billing amount output by the sales management system 1 and can receive medical fees from customers. The settlement system 2 reads the information recorded on the first barcode recording medium 7, decodes the read data, and extracts first predetermined information, such as the medical fee billing amount, which can be used for control purposes. That is, the settlement system 2 is equipped with a decoding unit that decodes the read data. The second barcode recording medium 15 is printed with a barcode or two-dimensional code containing second predetermined information, such as a customer ID. The settlement system 2 also scans the second barcode recording medium 15 and uses the decoding unit to extract the second predetermined information, such as the customer ID on the patient registration card, which can be used for control purposes. The settlement system 2 can also be considered a POS (Point of Sales) system equipped with a means for receiving payment for goods and services. The settlement system 2 can read barcodes from multiple different media, such as a first code from a first medium and a second code from a second medium, and decode and extract the code recorded on each medium. The settlement system 2 sets the read medical fees as the settlement amount and receives medical fees from the customer by using the deposit/withdrawal device 13 to pay in cash, electronic money, or credit card.

The sales management system 1 and the settlement system 2 are not connected by wire or other means to enable data communication, and operate independently. Data can be passed between the two systems via barcodes or two-dimensional codes without using a communication means to connect them for data communication, which simplifies the device configuration.

The sales management device 3 is a computer that operates according to a program, can control various connected devices, and is a sales management means that manages data such as the sales amounts of products and services (details will be described later). The first operation panel 4 is connected to the sales management device 3 and includes an input means such as a keyboard for inputting data into the sales management device 3 and a display means for displaying characters and figures based on output from the sales management device 3. The first operation panel 4 is, for example, a touch panel. The first printing device 5 is connected to the sales management device 3 and is a printer that prints characters, symbols, figures, etc. on recording media such as paper or plastic sheets based on commands from the sales management device 3. The first storage means 6 is connected to the sales management device 3, can send and receive data to and from the sales management device 3, and is memory that stores various information, programs, etc. used for control. The first storage means 6 may be a storage device such as a hard disk drive built into the sales management device 3, or it may be a file server connected to a network and located in a remote location.

The sales management system 1 is a system used, for example, in hospitals, including a receipt computer that creates medical fee statements. The sales management device 3 inputs information about the services provided and operates dedicated software that creates medical fee statements based on pre-stored data and functions defining the relationship between services and compensation. The sales management device 3 creates medical fee statements and also creates medical invoices based on the medical fee statements. Furthermore, the sales management device 3 creates receipts corresponding to the created medical fee invoices. The invoice and receipt may be integrated. The sales management device 3 also generates print data for printing the medical fee invoice amount (receipt amount) as a barcode. The sales management device 3 outputs print data for the invoice/receipt, including barcode print data, along with a print instruction, to the first printing device 5. The invoice/receipt, which combines the medical fee invoice and receipt, is printed by the first printing device 5 on the first barcode recording medium 7 along with the medical fee barcode. The sales management system 1 is not limited to the system described above, but may be any accounting system that can generate a code such as a barcode containing the amount billed as consideration for the provision of goods or services to a customer and print it on an invoice or receipt.

The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 is a computer that operates according to a program, can control various connected devices, and is a deposit and withdrawal management means that manages deposits and withdrawals; details will be described later. The second operation panel 10 is connected to the deposit and withdrawal management device 8, and is equipped with input means such as a keyboard for inputting data into the deposit and withdrawal management device 8, and display means for displaying characters and figures based on output from the deposit and withdrawal management device 8. The second operation panel 10 is, for example, a touch panel.

The second printing device 14 is connected to the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 and is a printer that prints characters, symbols, figures, etc. on recording media such as paper or plastic sheets based on commands from the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8. The second printing device 14 can print receipts when money is deposited via the cash deposit and withdrawal device 13.

The second storage means 9 is connected to the deposit/withdrawal management device 8, is capable of sending and receiving data to and from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8, and is a storage means for storing information such as various setting values and programs used for control. The second storage means 9 may be a storage means such as a semiconductor memory or hard disk drive built into the deposit/withdrawal management device 8, or may be a storage means such as a file server connected to a network and located in a remote location.

The scanner 12 is an image reading device that reads barcodes, two-dimensional codes, and the like printed on a recording medium. The scanner 12 is connected to the cash management device 8, reads barcodes and two-dimensional codes recorded on a recording medium based on commands from the cash management device 8, and outputs the data to the cash management device 8. The scanner 12 can also be considered a reading means that outputs the read code data to the cash management device 8. The cash management device 8 uses the code data obtained from the scanner 12 for various control purposes. A medium with an embedded NFC tag can also be used instead of the barcodes or two-dimensional codes recorded on the recording medium, and an NFC tag reader can be used instead of the scanner 12. The settlement system 2 may be configured to include two scanners 12: one for optically reading barcodes and two-dimensional codes, and one for electromagnetically reading NFC tags. In this way, the sales management system 1 can be configured to receive data from the NFC tag instead of the barcode using the scanner 12.

The deposit/withdrawal device 13 is a deposit/withdrawal means for receiving and settling payments and fees. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 is, for example, a settlement device that deposits coins and dispenses change. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 may also be a settlement means that is connected to an external payment server of a financial institution or the like and allows payments by cash card or electronic money. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 is connected to the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 and receives payment for goods and services based on commands from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 has a built-in computer that operates according to a program and is controlled by that computer.

The scanner 12 reads the medical fee barcode recorded on the first barcode recording medium 7 and the customer ID barcode recorded on the second barcode recording medium 15 and outputs them to the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8. The read barcodes are acquired by the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8, and the medical fee and customer ID are extracted. The cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 associates the customer ID with the medical fee and stores them in the second storage means 9. Because the customer ID and medical fee are associated and stored in the second storage means 9, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can search for and display the medical fee associated with the customer ID from the customer ID. The cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 also sets the medical fee extracted from the read barcode as the settlement amount and outputs a settlement request to the cash deposit and withdrawal device 13 to settle the settlement amount. The cash deposit and withdrawal device 13 authorizes the deposit, transitions to a deposit-enabled state, and receives the medical fee from the customer. If the amount deposited in cash exceeds the settlement amount, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 will dispense the difference as change. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 can also settle medical fees using a cash card or electronic money.

The ID issuing system 16, indicated by a dotted line, shares the cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8, second storage means 9, and second operation panel 10 with the settlement system 2, and further includes a third printing device 11. The ID issuing system 16 can also be configured separately from the settlement system 2. The ID issuing system 16 generates and manages customer IDs that identify those paying medical fees, and prints barcodes or two-dimensional codes of the customer IDs that are recorded on the second barcode recording medium 15. Instead of printing, the ID issuing system 16 can also display the barcodes on the second operation panel 10. The ID issuing system 16 also inputs customer IDs and customer information from the second operation panel 10, associates the input customer ID, customer information, and issue date, stores them in the second storage means 9, generates print data for the customer ID barcode, and prints it using the third printing device 11. Alternatively, the print data can be displayed on the second operation panel 10. For customers who already have a customer ID, the second storage unit 9 can search for the customer ID based on customer information such as the customer name, generate print data for a customer ID barcode, and print the data using the third printing device 11 or display it on the second operation panel. The ID issuing system 16 also includes a generator that generates customer IDs and customer ID barcodes. For example, a customer ID is a unique number consisting of a predetermined number of numeric and alphabetic characters. A customer ID can also be automatically generated that is unique to existing customer IDs stored in the ID issuing system 16. The ID issuing system 16 can also be considered a generator that generates customer IDs and customer ID barcodes. The customer ID and related customer information are input into the sales management system 1 and stored in the first storage unit 6 in association with the customer information managed by the sales management system 1. The customer ID may also be the unique number assigned to each customer managed by the sales management system 1.

The third printing device 11 is connected to the cash management device 8 and is a printer that prints characters, symbols, figures, etc. on recording media such as paper or plastic sheets based on commands from the cash management device 8. The third printing device 11 can print a customer ID barcode, which is a barcode version of a customer ID, on a sheet with adhesive on the back, for example. Even if a patient registration card does not have a customer ID barcode printed on it, by attaching this sheet, it becomes a patient registration card with a customer ID barcode printed on it and can be used as the second barcode recording medium 15. The ID issuing system 16 can also print the customer ID, such as letters and numbers, the customer's name, etc., on this sheet in addition to the customer ID barcode.

The ID issuing system 16 has been described as an example of a configuration that shares part of the configuration of the settlement system 2. This means that by switching the programs running on the computer, the hardware can be shared, allowing the two systems to be used together. However, with frequently used systems, there is a possibility that they will be used at the same time, so it is preferable that the husband's and wife's systems be independent rather than being configured to switch between them.

Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an invoice/receipt. The first barcode recording medium 7 is an example of an invoice/receipt printed by the first printing device 5.

A medical fee barcode 17 containing information on the amount of medical fees is printed on the first barcode recording medium 7. This medical fee barcode 17 is read by the scanner 12, and the data is acquired by the cash receipt management device 8 and used for control. Since the first barcode recording medium 7 is an invoice/receipt, it is printed with the name of the person who received medical treatment, the medical fee amount of "1,000 yen," and the customer ID "0123." The customer ID is managed by the sales management system 1 and is a number assigned individually to each customer. The invoice/receipt also records information identifying the person who received the medical fee and date and time information. The invoice/receipt can also be printed with a medical statement. The sales management system 1 associates various information such as name, address, medical record, insurance card number, and medical fees with the customer ID and stores them as a database in the first storage means 6, and is capable of searching, extracting, storing, deleting, updating, and adding information, thereby managing various information. The sales management system 1 extracts the information necessary for printing from stored information, performs calculations according to the program, and prints the invoice/receipt. The medical fee barcode 17 may be a two-dimensional code.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a patient ID card. The second barcode recording medium 15 is a patient ID card for "△△ Hospital," issued for each customer. This card contains a customer ID. The customer ID is a unique number consisting of numbers and letters, and is specific to each customer. The sales management system 1 stores and manages information about the customer, such as the customer's personal information, medical information, and accounting information, in association with the customer ID. The patient ID card contains the customer ID, the customer's name, and a customer ID barcode 18. The customer ID barcode 18 is read by the scanner 12, and the customer ID is obtained from the data read by the cash management device 8. The cash management device 8 uses the obtained customer ID for control purposes. The customer ID barcode 18 may be a two-dimensional code. The second barcode recording medium 15 is a medium on which the customer ID is recorded, and is not limited to a patient ID card; it may also be a medium such as a membership card or the display screen of a mobile device such as a smartphone that can display barcodes.

Next, the operation of settling medical fees using the settlement system 2 will be described. Figure 4 is a first flowchart explaining the operation of the settlement system. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is a flowchart explaining the control of the cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8 and the cash deposit/withdrawal device 13. Figure 6 is a first diagram explaining an example of a display of the settlement system. Figure 6 shows a first example of the transition of the display screen displayed on the second operation panel 10 in accordance with the operation of the settlement system 2. Figure 7 is a second diagram explaining an example of a display of the settlement system. Figure 7 shows a second example of the transition of the display screen displayed on the second operation panel 10 in accordance with the operation of the settlement system 2. The operation of the settlement system 2 will be described using Figures 4, 6, and 7. The settlement system 2 starts processing from a standby state for acquiring medical fees and a customer ID. The operation of the settlement system 2 will be described by combining the operation of the cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8 with the operation of the cash deposit/withdrawal device 13.

In step S1, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 displays an instruction display on the second operation panel 10 prompting the user to enter the medical fees and customer ID. Furthermore, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 reads the medical fees and customer ID using the scanner 12, and acquires the read information on the medical fees and customer ID. The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 assigns a unique transaction number to each transaction, associates the information related to each transaction with the transaction number, and stores and manages it in the second storage means 9. The medical fees are recorded as barcodes on the invoice/receipt, and the customer ID is recorded as barcodes on the patient registration card.

For example, the first screen 20 in Figure 6 displays the message "Please scan the medical fees," prompting the user to enter the medical fees. It also displays a "Cancel" button. The "Cancel" button interrupts the process and returns the process to the initial state. The first barcode recording medium 7 is held over the scanner 12, and the cash management device 8 acquires the medical fees. Once the medical fees have been acquired by the cash management device 8, the screen transitions to a display similar to the second screen 21 in Figure 6. The screen displays the medical fees acquired from the first barcode recording medium 7, for example, "1,000 yen." The second screen 21 in Figure 6 displays the message "Please scan your customer ID," prompting the user to enter the customer ID. The second barcode recording medium 15 is held over the scanner 12, and the cash management device 8 acquires the customer ID. If the customer ID is unavailable or unreadable and cannot be entered, the ID issuing system 16 is operated, the customer ID is set, the customer ID barcode is printed or displayed, and the customer ID barcode is read by the scanner 12, which is then acquired by the cash management device 8.

In step S2, the cash management device 8 determines whether both the medical fee and the customer ID have been entered. If both the medical fee and the customer ID have been entered, the cash management device 8 proceeds to step S3; if not, it returns to step S1.

In step S3, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 associates the transaction number, medical fees, and customer ID and stores them in the second storage means 9. The stored data is used for control by the deposit and withdrawal management device 8.

In step S4, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 sets the acquired medical fees as the billing amount. After acquiring the medical fees and customer ID, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 displays a screen that allows the user to choose whether to settle based on the acquired information or to further read the medical fees and customer ID. The third screen 22 in Figure 6 displays "Settle or combine? Please select," as well as a "Settle" button and an "Combine" button. The third screen 22 in Figure 6 has an outline that is highlighted, indicating that the button has been selected.

In step S5, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 determines whether the user has selected to settle or add up the medical fees. If the "Settle" button is selected, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S10 and executes a process to receive medical fees based on the acquired medical fees. If the "Add up" button is selected, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S6 and executes a process to acquire multiple medical fees and customer IDs and add up the acquired multiple medical fees. If the medical fees are added up, the total amount is set as the billing amount, and the payment can be settled in a single settlement process.

First, we will explain what happens when the "Settle" button is selected. In step S10, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 outputs at least a deposit request to the deposit/withdrawal device 13 that is waiting for a deposit request. It is preferable that the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 output the set transaction number and the amount to be claimed along with the deposit request.

In step S19, when the deposit/withdrawal device 13, which is waiting for a deposit request, receives a deposit request, it generates a request number. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 stores an operation log along with the various data received with the deposit request. When a deposit request is made, the operation log is stored in association with the request number. The request number is a number uniquely assigned to the log data of the operation of the deposit/withdrawal device 13, and may be, for example, a serial number.

In step S20, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 transitions to a state where deposits can be made. The customer can deposit medical fees into the deposit/withdrawal device 13. For example, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 displays a deposit guide on a display panel (not shown) and starts driving the belt of the deposit unit, which had been stopped. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 also enters a state where it waits for a deposit amount transmission request from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8.

In step S11, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 outputs a deposit amount transmission request to the deposit/withdrawal device 13 to transmit the deposited amount in order to obtain the amount deposited from the deposit/withdrawal device 13. The deposit amount transmission request is preferably transmitted at short intervals, for example, every 0.5 seconds. It is preferable that the request interval for the deposit amount transmission request can be set depending on the length of the device response that the customer finds favorable.

In step S21, when the deposit/withdrawal device 13 receives a request to send the deposit amount from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8, it replies with the deposited amount. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 is equipped with a currency identification device (not shown), which determines the denomination of the deposited currency, obtains the denomination and number of the deposited currency, and can use the obtained information for control. Deposited currency is stored in a storage container by denomination. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 can dispense the currency stored in the storage container one by one. For example, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 inputs the withdrawal amount to be dispensed from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 calculates the denomination and number of currency equivalent to the dispensed amount, and dispenses currency of the denomination and number according to the calculation result from the storage container.

In step S22, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 determines whether a request to stop deposits and withdraw change has been input from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8. If no such request has been input, the process proceeds to step S20; if so, the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S12, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 obtains the deposit amount sent from the deposit/withdrawal device 13 and compares it with the amount claimed. If the deposit amount is less than the amount claimed, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S11. If the deposit amount is equal to or greater than the amount claimed, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 controls the second operation panel 10 to display the message "Is the deposit complete?" and a "Yes" button to confirm the deposit, as shown in the fourth screen 23 of Figure 6. It also subtracts the billed amount from the deposited amount to calculate the change amount, and displays the medical fees (i.e., the billed amount), the deposited amount, and the change amount on the second operation panel 10. The cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 determines whether the "Yes" button was selected. For example, it waits one second for the "Yes" button to be pressed, and if there is an input during that time, it proceeds to step S14; if there is no input, it proceeds to step S11. Because the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 and the cash deposit and withdrawal device 13 operate in parallel, the deposit amount in the cash deposit and withdrawal device 13 may increase while waiting for button input. The second operation panel 10 displays the medical fees, customer ID, deposited amount, change amount, transaction number, "Yes" button, and "Cancel" button, as shown in the fourth screen 23 of Figure 6. In the fourth screen 23 in Figure 6, the outline of the "Yes" button becomes thicker, indicating that it has been selected.

In step S14, if the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 determines that the deposit has been confirmed, it calculates the change and updates the display on the fourth screen 23 of the second operation panel 10.

In step S15, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 outputs a request to the deposit/withdrawal device 13 to stop deposits and withdraw change. After outputting the request, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 waits to receive transaction data output from the deposit/withdrawal device 13.

In step S23, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 stops deposits. When deposits are stopped, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 ejects the inserted coins without taking them into the device. The request from the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 to stop deposits and dispense change includes the change amount calculated in step S14.

In step S24, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 dispenses currency equivalent to the entered change amount.

In step S25, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 associates the request number with the billing amount, deposit amount, withdrawal amount, transaction date and time information, and transaction number and transmits them to the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 as transaction data corresponding to the deposit request.

In step S26, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 associates the request number with the billing amount, deposit amount, withdrawal amount, transaction date and time information, and transaction number, and stores these as a log.

In step S16, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 stores the transaction data obtained from the deposit/withdrawal device 13 in the second storage means 9. The transaction data stored in the second storage means 9 can be read and written by the deposit/withdrawal management device 8, and the data can also be searched. For example, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 can search for information such as a request number that is stored in association with a transaction number, using the transaction number.

In step S17, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 displays "Please receive your change and details" on the second operation panel 10, as shown in the fifth screen 24 of Figure 6. This allows the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 to notify the customer that the settlement has been completed.

In step S18, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can print a receipt from the second printing device 14 and hand it over to the customer. The receipt can print the item to be settled and that the settlement has been completed. As part of hospital procedures, the hospital can also hand over the patient card and bill/receipt to the customer in exchange for this receipt.

As described above, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 generates a transaction number for each transaction and stores and manages information related to the transaction in the second storage means 9 in association with that transaction number. The deposit/withdrawal device 13 generates a request number for each deposit request and stores the operation of the deposit/withdrawal device 13 and information associated with that operation as log data in association with the request number. In this way, information is stored and managed independently even between devices. Furthermore, by storing transaction numbers and corresponding request numbers in association with each other in both the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 and the deposit/withdrawal device 13, it is possible to later search for and manage deposit/withdrawal information for each transaction in either device. Furthermore, while an example using two numbers, a transaction number and a request number, has been explained, it is possible to use only one of these numbers, or the same number.

The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can receive medical fees via the deposit and withdrawal device 13, and the date and time of the transaction is stored. The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can associate medical fees with a customer ID and store them in the second storage means 9, and can also associate the date and time of the transaction and store them in the second storage means 9. The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 is also equipped with a program for searching transaction data stored in the second storage means 9. When the settlement system 2 receives medical fees via the deposit and withdrawal device 13, the transaction number, request number, or both, customer ID, and date and time information are associated and stored in the second storage means 9. For example, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can operate the second operation panel 10 to search for the payment amount and payment date and time associated with the customer ID of the person paying the medical fees, and display or print them. The deposit and withdrawal management device 8 can also operate the second operation panel 10 to search for the customer ID of the person paying the medical fees, payment amount, and payment date and time from the request number used in the deposit and withdrawal device 13 log, and display or print them.

Next, in step S4, the outline of the "Add up" button is highlighted as shown on the sixth screen 25 in Figure 7, and the case where this button is selected will be described. In step S5, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 determines whether the selection is to settle or add up. If the "Add up" button is selected, the deposit and withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the cash management device 8 displays a message on the second operation panel 10 prompting the user to enter the medical fees and customer ID, and then has the user enter this information using the scanner 12 to acquire the medical fees and customer ID information. For example, the seventh screen 26 in Figure 7 displays the message "Please scan the medical fees," prompting the user to enter the medical fees. It also displays "1,000 yen," the total amount of medical fees to be settled up to the previous time. It also displays a "Cancel" button. The first barcode recording medium 7 is held over the scanner 12, and the cash management device 8 acquires the medical fees. Once the medical fees have been acquired by the cash management device 8, the screen transitions to the eighth screen 27 in Figure 7. The medical fees acquired from the first barcode recording medium 7 are displayed on the screen; for example, "2,000 yen." The cash management device 8 then calculates the total of the medical fees up to the previous time and the medical fees acquired this time, and displays "3,000 yen" as the total on the second operation panel 10. The eighth screen 27 in Figure 7 displays the message "Please read your customer ID," prompting the user to enter their customer ID. The second barcode recording medium 15 is held over the scanner 12, and the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 acquires the customer ID.

In step S7, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 determines whether both the medical fees to be added up and the customer ID have been entered. If both the medical fees to be added up and the customer ID have been entered, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S8; if not, it returns to step S6.

In step S8, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 associates the transaction number, the medical fees to be added together, and the customer ID and stores them in the second storage means 9. Since the stored information is associated with the transaction number, it is also associated with the data before addition. This information stored in the second storage means 9 is used for control by the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8.

In step S9, the cash management device 8 calculates the medical expenses to be added together and sets the calculated value to the billing amount. After acquiring the medical expenses and customer ID, the cash management device 8 displays a screen that allows the user to select whether to settle based on the acquired information or to further read the medical expenses and customer ID. The ninth screen 28 in Figure 7 displays "Settle or Combine? Please Select," a "Settle" button, an "Combine" button, and individual medical expenses and customer IDs. For example, the first acquired medical expense of "1,000 yen," customer ID "0123," the second acquired medical expense of "2,000 yen," customer ID "0456," the total amount of the two medical expenses of "3,000 yen," and transaction number "0001" are displayed on the second operation panel 10 as shown in the ninth screen 28. On the ninth screen 28, the outline of the "Settle" button is highlighted, indicating that the button is selected. When the "Combine" button is selected, the outline of the "Combine" button will be highlighted.

Processing proceeds to step S5 after step S9. In step S5, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 determines whether the input is to settle or add up the amounts, and proceeds to processing according to the selection. If the "Settle" button is selected, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 proceeds to step S10 described above. The deposit/withdrawal management device 8 outputs a deposit request to the deposit/withdrawal device 13 so that a deposit is made by the deposit/withdrawal device 13. The deposit processing executed by the deposit/withdrawal device 13 is as described above. Processing proceeds, and in step S13, the deposit/withdrawal management device 8 controls the second operation panel 10 to display the message "Is the deposit complete?" and a "Yes" button to confirm the deposit, as shown in the tenth screen 29 of Figure 7. The second operation panel 10 also displays the total medical fee of "3,000 yen," the customer IDs for that medical fee of "0123" and "0456," the deposit amount of "5,000 yen" deposited into the cash deposit/withdrawal device 13, and the calculated change of "2,000 yen." When the deposit is confirmed and the change is dispensed by the cash deposit/withdrawal device 13, the cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8 acquires and stores the transaction data. As the processing progresses, in step S17, the cash deposit/withdrawal management device 8 displays "Please accept your change and details" on the second operation panel 10, as shown in the eleventh screen 30 in Figure 7, to notify the customer. The display may also include a message indicating that the settlement is complete, such as "Settlement is complete."

Next, we will explain the second mode of the settlement system 2. Figure 5 is a second flowchart explaining the operation of the settlement system. Figure 8 is a third diagram explaining an example of the settlement system display. The second mode is a mode in which multiple bills/receipts are read, the medical fees are totaled, and the payment is made in one go. In the second mode, multiple bill amounts are totaled, the total amount is converted into a barcode and printed on a recording medium, and the barcode showing the total amount is read to settle the payment.

Steps S30 to S33 correspond to steps S6 to S9. The cash management device 8 reads the medical fee and customer ID, associates the transaction number, customer ID, and medical fee, stores them in the second storage means 9, calculates the total medical fee, and sets it as the billing amount.

In step S34, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 displays on the second operation panel 10 whether there are any medical fees to be combined and settled at once, and allows the user to select. The cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 determines the result of the selection, and if there are any medical fees to be combined, proceeds to step S30; if there are no medical fees, proceeds to step S35.

In step S35, the cash deposit and withdrawal management device 8 converts the billing amount into a barcode and prints a billing statement including the barcode of the billing amount on a recording medium using the second printing device 14 or the third printing device 11. A message is displayed on the second operation panel 10, as shown on the twelfth screen 31 in Figure 8. The message indicates that a billing statement including a barcode of the total billing amount will be printed, and that the billing statement can be read by the scanner 12 to settle the bill. Because the barcode printed on the billing statement includes the total billing amount, the medical expenses can be settled by processing from step S1.

In addition to the barcode of the total medical fees, the billing statement can also print a barcode of the transaction number. By printing the transaction number barcode on the billing statement, the transaction number can be read instead of the customer ID in the processing from step S1, allowing multiple medical fees to be settled with a single payment. The second storage means 9 also stores the total billed amount and customer ID read from the individual bills/receipts and patient registration cards, along with the transaction number.

Although a hospital system has been used as an example, the sales management system 1 can also be applied to systems that manage membership and sales at retail stores and leisure facilities. Even if the sales management system 1 and settlement system 2 are not connected to a network and the data used in the two systems is not linked, the deposit/withdrawal device 13 can obtain two types of printed or displayed codes to identify and manage the person who paid for the product or service.

1 Sales management system 2 Settlement system 3 Sales management device 4 First operation panel 5 First printing device 6 First storage means 7 First barcode recording medium 8 Cash deposit and withdrawal management device 9 Second storage means 10 Second operation panel 11 Third printing device 12 Scanner 13 Cash deposit and withdrawal device 14 Second printing device 15 Second barcode recording medium 16 ID issuing system 17 Medical fee barcode 18 Customer ID barcode

Claims (6)

reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on the medium;
a deposit/withdrawal means for receiving fees;
a storage means;
a deposit/withdrawal management means for controlling the reading means, the deposit/withdrawal means, and the storage means,
The deposit/withdrawal management means includes a decoding unit that decodes the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracts information,
the deposit/withdrawal management means reads a pair of a first medium on which a first code including a billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID that identifies a customer is recorded by the reading means, acquires the first code and the second code, decodes the first code and the second code by the decoding unit, extracts the billing amount and the customer ID, sets the extracted billing amount as the settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means, and associates the extracted pair of the billing amount and the customer ID and stores them in the storage means ;
before the settlement amount is received by the deposit/withdrawal means, if the next set of the first medium and the second medium is read by the reading means to extract a new billing amount and the customer ID, the newly extracted billing amount is added to the settlement amount to update the settlement amount setting, and the newly extracted set of billing amounts and the customer ID are stored in the storage means in association with each other;
A settlement system characterized in that the updated settlement amount is received by the deposit/withdrawal means . reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on the medium;
a deposit/withdrawal means for receiving fees;
a storage means;
a deposit/withdrawal management means for controlling the reading means, the deposit/withdrawal means, and the storage means,
The deposit/withdrawal management means includes a decoding unit that decodes the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracts information,
the deposit/withdrawal management means causes the reading means to read a first medium on which a first code including a billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID that identifies a customer is recorded, acquires the first code and the second code, decodes the first code and the second code using the decoding unit, extracts the billing amount and the customer ID, sets the extracted billing amount as a settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means, causes the deposit/withdrawal means to receive the set settlement amount, and stores the billing amount and the customer ID in association with each other in the storage means;
the deposit/withdrawal management means comprises input means for inputting the customer ID, customer ID storage means for storing the input customer ID, and generation means for generating the second code based on the stored customer ID ,
A settlement system comprising a first printing means for printing the second code generated by the generating means. When the deposit/withdrawal management means associates the extracted set of the billing amount and the customer ID and stores them in the storage means, it generates a unique transaction number and stores the set of the billing amount and the customer ID in association with the transaction number in the storage means,
2. The settlement system according to claim 1 , wherein when the billing amounts are totaled, a plurality of sets of the billing amounts and the customer IDs are stored in the storage means in association with one of the transaction numbers . The settlement system described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the billing amount and the customer ID stored in association with each other in the storage means are further associated with and stored with information on the date and time the money was received by the deposit/withdrawal means. a second printing means controlled by the deposit/withdrawal management means for printing the settlement amount;
The deposit/withdrawal management means has a generation unit that generates print data for a bill including the code of the settlement amount,
The settlement system described in claim 1, characterized in that the printing data of the billing statement including a code of the settlement amount which is the sum of multiple billing amounts is generated by the generation unit, and the generated printing data is printed by the second printing means. reading means for reading a predetermined code recorded on the medium;
a deposit/withdrawal means for receiving fees;
a storage means;
a deposit/withdrawal management means for controlling the reading means, the deposit/withdrawal means, and the storage means, and the deposit/withdrawal management means is provided with a decoding unit for decoding the predetermined code read by the reading means and extracting information,
The deposit and withdrawal management means
a step of reading, as a set, a first medium on which a first code including the billing amount is recorded and a second medium on which a second code including a customer ID for identifying the customer is recorded, by the reading means;
obtaining the first code and the second code;
a step of decrypting the acquired first code and second code by the decryption unit and extracting the billing amount and the customer ID;
a step of setting the extracted billing amount as a settlement amount to be received by the deposit/withdrawal means;
a step of storing the extracted set of the billing amount and the customer ID in association with each other in the storage means;
before receiving the settlement amount by the deposit/withdrawal means, further reading a next set of the first medium and the second medium by the reading means to extract the new bill amount and the customer ID;
a step of adding the newly extracted billing amount to the settlement amount to update the settling amount, and storing the newly extracted set of billing amounts and the customer ID in association with each other in the storage means;
a step of receiving the updated settlement amount by the deposit/withdrawal means;
A settlement method comprising: