CHECKOUT DEVICE AND METHOD

According to an embodiment, a checkout device has a processor configured to acquire merchandise information for an item being registered for purchase in a transaction, and then execute a settlement process for the transaction based on the acquired merchandise information. The processor is configured to cause a display screen to display, on the same screen at the same time, a first display area in which a transaction amount for the transaction is displayed, a second display area in which at least one settlement method to be used for the settlement process is displayed in a selectable manner, and a third display area in which information about a selected settlement method is displayed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-152543, filed Sep. 26, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a checkout device and a method for a checkout device.

BACKGROUND

In a store in which merchandise or services (hereinafter collectively referred to as “merchandise”) are sold, a checkout device such as a point-of-sales (POS) terminal is used. The POS terminal acquires information about the items of merchandise being purchased by a customer and executes a settlement process based on the acquired merchandise information.

The POS terminal displays various information necessary for the operations of an operator in the settlement process. For example, the POS terminal displays information such as registered merchandise information, a transaction amount (a total amount due for purchased merchandise), and a settlement method selection operation element. The POS terminal could have improved operability by improving the display method for the various information displayed in the settlement process.

In related art, there is a proposed POS terminal in which two display areas are formed on a single display screen, and a software keyboard operable by an operator is displayed in one of these display areas to improve operability. However, in such a POS terminal in the related art, there remains room for improvement with regard to display of information related selections and changes of a settlement method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a technological solution to existing problems related to ease of operation of checkout devices in the related art and provides a checkout device and a method having improved operability.

According to an embodiment, a checkout device includes a processor configured to acquire merchandise information for an item being registered for purchase in a transaction, and execute a settlement process for the transaction based on the acquired merchandise information. The processor is also configured to cause a display screen to display, on the same screen at the same time, a first display area in which a transaction amount for the transaction is displayed, a second display area in which at least one settlement method to be used for the settlement process is displayed in a selectable manner, and a third display area in which information about a selected settlement method is displayed.

Hereinafter, a checkout device and a method according to an example embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific example embodiments. For example, in one embodiment a POS terminal used in a two-person POS system operated by two operators is used as the checkout device, but in other examples the checkout device may be a typical POS terminal operated by a single operator.

In some examples, the checkout device may be a device operated by a customer (such as one in a semi-self-service-type POS system with a registration device at which a store clerk performs merchandise registration, and a checkout device at which a customer performs a settlement process or a self-service POS terminal at which a customer performs merchandise registration and a settlement process. In some examples, the checkout device may be a tablet-type POS terminal connected in a wired or wireless manner to a peripheral device such as a printer that prints a receipt or a scanner that reads a merchandise code for identifying a merchandise. The checkout device may execute a settlement process according to a settlement method selectable by a customer.

FIG.1is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a POS system1. The POS system1includes a reading device10operated by a checker who performs an operation related to merchandise registration, a POS terminal20operated by a cashier who performs an operation related to a settlement process, and a settlement terminal30(seeFIG.2). In the following description, when the checker and the cashier are not particularly distinguished from each other, the checker and/or the cashier may be referred to as an operator.

The reading device10and the POS terminal20are communicably connected via a network. In addition, the POS terminal20is communicably connected to the settlement terminal30. The POS terminal20may incorporate the function of the settlement terminal30. The reading device10reads merchandise information from merchandise being purchased by a customer and transmits the merchandise information to the POS terminal20. The POS terminal20executes a settlement process based on the received merchandise information. The settlement terminal30executes a process related to payment in a cashless settlement in cooperation with the POS terminal20. The settlement process is a process performed by the POS terminal20to complete payment of the purchase price. The POS terminal20is an example of a checkout device.

The reading device10is provided on a sacker table2on which a shopping basket or the like containing merchandise can be placed. The sacker table is in a position between a checker and a customer facing each other. The POS terminal20is provided in the vicinity of one end of the sacker table2.

The reading device10includes a main body11, an imaging unit12, a checker display unit13, an operation unit14, and a customer display unit15.

The main body11is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and is erected on the sacker table2. An imaging window16is provided in the main body11on a side where the checker stands. The imaging unit12is provided behind the imaging window16. The imaging unit12includes an imaging element, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a complementary MOS (CMOS), and an imaging lens.

The imaging unit12captures an image of an item merchandise held in front of the imaging window16. The reading device10extracts, from the image captured by the imaging unit12, a code symbol such as a bar code attached to the merchandise and reads a merchandise code from the extracted code symbol. Here, the merchandise code is an example of merchandise information for identifying the merchandise. In some examples, reading device10may read the merchandise code by generic object recognition (object recognition). In this example, reading device10transmits the read merchandise code to the POS terminal20.

In addition, the imaging unit12captures an image of a code symbol on a medium (e.g., a membership card, a smartphone, or the like) owned by the customer. The reading device10extracts the code symbol from the image and reads a membership code from the extracted code symbol. The reading device10transmits the just read membership code to the POS terminal20.

The checker display unit13is a display device that displays information to the checker that operates the reading device10. The checker display unit13is provided above the imaging window16. The checker display unit13is a display implemented by a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD). The checker display unit13displays merchandise information such as a merchandise name and a price that were acquired based on the merchandise code read by the reading device10. The reading device10acquires the merchandise information from the POS terminal20that stores a merchandise master in which merchandise codes are associated with information such as a merchandise name, a price, and the like.

The operation unit14is adjacent to the checker display unit13. The operation unit14is implemented as a keyboard and includes various keys for manually inputting a merchandise code or the like. The operation unit14is operated for inputting a merchandise code of merchandise without a readable code symbol attached.

The customer display unit15is a display device that displays information to the customer and is supported by a side portion of the main body11. The customer display unit15is, for example, a display device such as an LCD equipped with a touch panel. The customer display unit15can display the merchandise information based on the merchandise code read by the reading device10. In addition, the customer display unit15displays an input screen for the customer to input information as necessary. For example, the customer display unit15displays an input screen on which an operation element to be pressed/selected when the customer wants to purchase a plastic bag or wants disposable chopsticks is displayed.

Next, the POS terminal20will be described. The POS terminal20includes a display unit21, an operation unit22, a receipt printer23, and a drawer24.

The display unit21includes a first display unit211(cashier display unit) and a second display unit212(customer display unit). The first display unit211displays, to the cashier, various types of information such as merchandise information about an item of merchandise being subjected to merchandise registration, a transaction amount, an operation element for selecting a settlement method, and an operation element for inputting information necessary for a settlement process which may vary according to the selected settlement method. The first display unit211displays a first display area, a second display area, and a third display area on one screen. The second display unit212displays, to the customer, various types of information such as a total transaction amount.

The operation unit22includes a touch panel provided on a surface of the first display unit211. The operation unit22provides information corresponding to a position touched by the cashier to a control unit200(seeFIG.2).

The receipt printer23is implemented by, for example, a thermal printer, and dispenses a receipt on which information about a transaction is printed. The information about a transaction is merchandise information (e.g., a list of registered items and names), a transaction amount, or the like for a merchandise purchased by the customer in the transaction.

The drawer24is an openable and closable storage device that stores money according to denominations and can be opened (released) according to an instruction signal from the control unit200.

FIG.2is a block diagram of the POS terminal20. The POS terminal20includes a control unit200, a memory220, a first display unit211, a second display unit212, an operation unit22, a receipt printer23, a drawer24, and a communication unit230. The control unit200, the memory220, the first display unit211, the second display unit212, the operation unit22, the receipt printer23, the drawer24, and the communication unit230are connected via a bus240or the like.

The control unit200can have a computer configuration and includes a central processing unit (CPU)201, a read-only memory (ROM)202, and a random access memory (RAM)203. The CPU201, the ROM202, and the RAM203are connected via the bus240.

The CPU201controls the overall operation of the POS terminal20. The ROM202stores various programs such as programs used for driving the CPU201and various types of data. The RAM203is used as a work area of the CPU201and various programs and various types of data stored in the ROM202and the memory220are loaded into the RAM203. The control unit200executes various control processes of the POS terminal20when the CPU201operates according to a control program that is stored in the ROM202or the memory220.

In addition, the RAM203includes a merchandise information unit2031. The merchandise information unit2031stores merchandise information regarding items of merchandise being purchased by the customer. Specifically, the merchandise information unit2031stores the merchandise information read from the memory220based on the merchandise codes acquired from the reading device10or the like. Registration of the merchandise information in the merchandise information unit2031is also referred to as merchandise registration or a merchandise registration operation.

The memory220includes a storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash memory and maintains stored contents even when power is off. The memory220stores a control program221and a merchandise master222.

The control program221is a program for implementing the functions of registering merchandise information, executing a settlement process based on the registered merchandise information, displaying various types of information on the display unit21, and the like.

The merchandise master222is a master file in which merchandise information for all items of merchandise sold by the store is stored. The merchandise master222can be transmitted from a store server and stored in the memory220. Since merchandise available in the store might change every day or the like, the merchandise master222can be updated as appropriate. In the merchandise master222, information about merchandise, such as a merchandise name, a price, and a merchandise image, is stored in association with a corresponding merchandise code.

The configurations and functions of the first display unit211, the second display unit212, the operation unit22, the receipt printer23, and the drawer24are described above, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. The communication unit230is an interface for communicating with external devices such as the reading device10and the settlement terminal30. The control unit200can transmit and receive information (data) to and from an external device by being connected to the external device via the communication unit230.

Next, a functional configuration of the control unit200of the POS terminal20will be described.FIG.3is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the control unit200of the POS terminal20. By the CPU201operating according to the control program stored in the ROM202or the memory220, the control unit200functions as a transmission and reception unit2001, an input unit2002, a registration unit2003, a settlement process unit2004, a display control unit2005, and a receipt dispensing unit2006. Each function may be implemented by using hardware such as a dedicated circuit.

The transmission and reception unit2001transmits and receives various types of information to and from the reading device10and the settlement terminal30. For example, the transmission and reception unit2001receives, from the reading device10, the merchandise code read by the reading device10from the code symbol attached to the merchandise. The transmission and reception unit2001functions as an acquisition unit that acquires merchandise information about a transaction object. The transmission and reception unit2001also transmits merchandise information registered by the registration unit2003to the reading device10.

When the customer pays a purchase price by cashless settlement such as credit settlement, electronic money settlement, and code settlement, the transmission and reception unit2001transmits transaction information for one transaction including a transaction amount and the like to the settlement terminal30. After the settlement terminal30communicates with a settlement server of a settlement provider to complete a process related to transaction amount settlement, the transmission and reception unit2001receives a settlement completion notification from the settlement terminal30.

Various types of information are input to the input unit2002from the operation unit22. For example, information for specifying a settlement method related to a transaction is input to the input unit2002. In addition, information indicating an amount of cash deposited by the customer and information indicating an amount of a gift certificate or a coupon voucher are input to the input unit2002.

The registration unit2003executes merchandise registration. Specifically, the registration unit2003reads, from the merchandise master222, information corresponding to the merchandise code received by the transmission and reception unit2001. Then, the registration unit2003registers, in the merchandise information unit2031, merchandise information in which the merchandise code is associated with the read information.

The settlement process unit2004executes a settlement process of a transaction based on the merchandise information acquired by the transmission and reception unit2001. In other words, the settlement process unit2004executes a process for the customer to complete the payment of the purchase price. For example, the settlement process unit2004calculates a total amount (transaction amount) of merchandise subjected to merchandise registration. When the customer pays by cash settlement, the settlement process unit2004compares an amount received from the customer with the transaction amount and calculates a coin amount as necessary.

When the customer pays by money coupon settlement such as by a gift certificate or a coupon voucher, the settlement process unit2004compares a money coupon amount input to the input unit2002to the transaction amount and calculates the change back amount as necessary. At this time, the settlement process unit2004refers to money coupon information stored in the memory220to determine whether a money coupon being used by the customer is a type for which change back may be paid to the customer. If the customer pays the purchase price by cashless settlement such as credit settlement, electronic money settlement, or code settlement, the settlement process unit2004determines information to be transmitted to the settlement terminal30. The settlement process unit2004determines that the process necessary for settlement has been completed based on a settlement completion notification received by the transmission and reception unit2001from the settlement terminal30.

The display control unit2005displays, on the display unit21, various types of information. For example, in the settlement process, the display control unit2005displays, on one screen of the first display unit211, a first display area81in which the transaction amount of the transaction on which the settlement process is performed by the settlement process unit2004is displayed, a second display area82in which a settlement method to be performed by the settlement process unit2004according to the transaction amount is displayed in a selectable manner, and a third display area83in which information for a selected settlement method is displayed.

The receipt dispensing unit2006controls the receipt printer23to dispense a receipt according to one transaction from the receipt printer23. The receipt dispensing unit2006may dispense an electronic receipt. For example, the receipt dispensing unit2006may output an instruction to send (dispense) the electronic receipt to an electronic receipt server that transmits electronic receipt information to a mobile terminal of the customer.

Next, the settlement terminal30will be described. The settlement terminal30enables payment by electronic money settlement. For example, the settlement terminal30acquires transaction information including the transaction amount from the POS terminal20. In addition, the settlement terminal30accesses a medium storing amount information indicating a remaining balance of electronic money by using a near-range wireless communication technology such as near field communication (NFC) to read the amount information. The settlement terminal30writes an amount information obtained by subtracting the transaction amount from the read amount information in the medium. The settlement terminal30transmits a user ID read from the medium to an electronic money server. The settlement terminal30can also transmit the written amount information, the transaction amount, and the like in association with the user ID to the electronic money server.

In addition, the settlement terminal30enables payment by credit settlement and code settlement. For example, the settlement terminal30acquires transaction information including the transaction amount from the POS terminal20. In addition, the settlement terminal30reads customer information necessary for credit settlement or code settlement from a credit card or a medium. The settlement terminal30transmits the acquired transaction information and the read customer information to a settlement server.

Next, a transaction flow using the POS system1will be described.FIG.4is a flow chart showing the transaction flow in the POS system1.

When the customer brings a purchased merchandise to the POS system, a transaction start input is performed by an operation of the operator. Accordingly, the POS system1receives the transaction start input (ACT1). The transaction start input is performed, for example, by the checker operating the operation unit14of the reading device10or by the cashier operating the operation unit22of the POS terminal20.

Next, the reading device10reads a merchandise code of the merchandise purchased by the customer and transmits the merchandise code to the POS terminal20based on an operation of the checker. The POS terminal20executes merchandise registration based on the received merchandise code (ACT2).

FIG.6shows a registration screen displayed on the first display unit211at the time of merchandise registration. On the registration screen, a header50is disposed at the top, a footer60is disposed at the bottom, and an information display section70is disposed in the middle.

In the header50, a current time, characters of “registration details” indicating that the screen is a screen for displaying registration details, a register number indicating the number of the POS terminal20, names of the cashier and the checker, and the like are displayed. A subtotal button61and various buttons62are displayed in the footer60.

The information display section70includes a first merchandise information display section71, a second merchandise information display section72, a customer information display section73, a shift button74, and a transaction information display section75. The first merchandise information display section71displays information about the merchandise subjected to merchandise registration so far. The displayed merchandise information may include a merchandise attribute (such as special sale flag or the like), a merchandise name, quantity (number of items), a unit price, a price reduction amount, an extended price, and a tax treatment type. The second merchandise information display section72displays information about the merchandise registered most recently. The displayed merchandise information includes a merchandise name, quantity, a purchase amount, and the like.

The customer information display section73displays customer information such as points owned by the customer. The customer information is displayed based on a membership code acquired by the POS terminal20from the reading device10. The shift button74is operated when a merchandise to which no code symbol is attached is registered. When the shift button74is operated, the first display unit211displays a registration button screen on which a plurality of registration buttons corresponding to different merchandise are displayed. The transaction information display section75displays a total number of items and a total amount for all merchandise subjected to merchandise registration.

Referring back toFIG.4, the transaction flow will be described. When the customer makes a payment, the subtotal button61is operated by an operation of the cashier. Accordingly, a settlement input for declaring settlement of a price is performed, and the POS system1receives the settlement input (ACT3). The registration screen may also be displayed on the checker display unit13of the reading device10.

Next, the POS terminal20executes a checkout process (ACT4). When the checkout process executed by the POS terminal20is completed, the transaction ends. The checkout process includes a settlement process performed by the settlement process unit2004, a display control process performed by the display control unit2005, and a receipt dispensing process performed by the receipt dispensing unit2006.

Next, the checkout process executed by the POS terminal20will be described below according to a screen displayed by the first display unit211.FIG.5is a flow chart showing a flow of the checkout process performed by the control unit200of the POS terminal20.

When the subtotal button61is operated on the registration screen inFIG.6and settlement input is performed on the input unit2002, the display control unit2005displays a selection screen on the first display unit211(ACT11). The selection screen is a screen for selecting a settlement method. The settlement method can be rephrased as a payment method. In the embodiment, the customer can pay by one or more settlement methods among cash, gift certificate, credit card, coupon voucher, electronic money, and code settlement.

FIG.7shows the selection screen. In the following description of the screen, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those on the previously described screen, and description thereof may be omitted. In the header50on the selection screen, characters of “payment” indicating that the screen is a screen for payment are displayed, and only the name of the cashier is displayed without displaying the name of the checker, which is different from the header50on the registration screen. No information is displayed in the footer60on the selection screen, which is different from the footer60on the registration screen. The information display section70on the selection screen includes the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83.

In the first display area81, a transaction amount of the transaction on which the settlement process unit2004performs the settlement process is displayed. More specifically, the first display area81includes a transaction information display section811, a remaining amount display section812, a return button813, and a customer information display section814.

Information displayed on the transaction information display section811is the same information as that on the transaction information display section75on the registration screen. Specifically, the transaction information display section811displays a total number of items and a transaction amount for merchandise purchased by the customer. The transaction information display section811may also display the merchandise information about the merchandise purchased by the customer. The remaining amount display section812displays an unpaid amount (balance due) left for the transaction amount. In the shown example, the customer purchases five items of merchandise, the total amount due for the merchandise is 12,345 yen, and the remaining amount not paid by the customer is also 12,345 yen.

The return button813is a button operated when returning to the registration screen. The return button813is operated, for example, when the customer wants to cancel purchase of any of the already registered merchandise or when the customer wants to purchase another item of merchandise. Information displayed on the customer information display section814can be the same as that on the customer information display section73on the registration screen. Specifically, the customer information display section814displays customer information such as points held (accumulated) by the customer.

In the second display area82, the settlement method to be performed by the settlement process unit2004according to the transaction amount is displayed in a selectable manner. Specifically, in the second display area82, buttons for selecting various settlement methods, that is, operation elements corresponding to the settlement methods are displayed. More specifically, in the second display area82, a cash button821for selecting cash settlement, a gift certificate button822for selecting gift certificate settlement, a credit button823for selecting credit settlement, a coupon voucher button824for selecting coupon voucher settlement, an electronic money button825for selecting electronic money settlement, and a code settlement button826for selecting code settlement are displayed. In the following description, when the buttons821to826are not particularly distinguished from each other, the buttons may each be referred to as a “settlement method selection button”. In the second display area82, a subtotal price reduction button827above the cash button821and a subtotal discount button828are displayed.

Icons91,92,93are displayed in association with a part or all of the settlement method selection buttons. The icons91,92,93indicate information for a subsequent process to be performed by the settlement process unit2004when the corresponding settlement method selection button is operated.

For example, the icon91provided on each of the cash button821and the coupon voucher button824is an icon represented by a numeric keypad mark. The icon91indicates that a numeric keypad will be displayed in the third display area83when the cash button821or the coupon voucher button824is operated. The icon92provided on each of the gift certificate button822, the electronic money button825, and the code settlement button826is an isosceles triangle mark whose apex is on a right side. The icon92indicates that a selection button will be displayed in the third display area83when the gift certificate button822, the electronic money button825, or the code settlement button826is operated. The icon91and the icon92are icons indicating that a screen for inputting certain information will be displayed thereafter when the corresponding operation element (settlement method selection button) is operated. In other words, the icon91and the icon92are icons indicating that an operation element for inputting information will be displayed during a subsequent step (display in the third display area).

The icon93provided on the coupon voucher button824is an icon represented by a mark on which diagonal lines are drawn on an illustration of cash. The icon93indicates that no change (currency) back will be paid in the coupon voucher settlement. Specifically, the icon93indicates that, when an amount of a coupon voucher used by the customer is larger than the transaction amount, a difference therebetween will not be paid as change (currency) back.

The number of settlement method selection buttons is not limited to that shown in the drawing and can be set as desired according to an operation of the store using the POS system1. When the number of settlement method selection buttons is large, the second display area82can be scrolled up and down to display all the settlement method selection buttons.

Although nothing is depicted in the third display area on the selection screen in an embodiment, certain information may be displayed therein. For example, in the third display area on the selection screen, guidance for a subsequent operation may be displayed for the cashier. If the POS terminal20is a self-service POS terminal operated by the customer, advertisement information or the like may be displayed in the third display area on the selection screen.

Referring back to the flow chart inFIG.5, the checkout process will be described. In a state in which the selection screen shown inFIG.7is displayed on the first display unit211, the settlement process unit2004determines whether information indicating that cash settlement is selected is input to the input unit2002(ACT12). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the cash button821is operated on the selection screen. When cash settlement is selected (Y in ACT12), the display control unit2005displays, on the first display unit211, a cash settlement screen (ACT13).

FIG.8shows the cash settlement screen.FIG.8shows a state after the cashier inputs an amount of cash deposited by the customer. The header50and the footer60on the cash settlement screen are similar to the header50and the footer60on the selection screen.

When the cash button821is operated on the selection screen, a numeric keypad831and a return button832are displayed in the third display area83. The numeric keypad831is used to input the amount of cash deposited by the customer and includes a numeric key, a clear key, a character deletion key, an input key, an input amount display section, and the like. The return button832is a button for returning to the selection screen.

On the cash settlement screen, when an amount is input by the numeric keypad831, the settlement method selection buttons other than the cash button821are grayed out and are inoperable. On the cash settlement screen, in a state in which no amount is input by the numeric keypad831, the settlement method selection buttons other than the cash button821are not grayed out and are operable.

The cash settlement screen displays, on one screen, the transaction amount and the remaining amount displayed in the first display area81, the settlement method selection button displayed in the second display area82, and the numeric keypad displayed in the third display area83. Accordingly, the cashier can browse various types of information on settlement on the one screen, and thus operability can be improved for the cashier as compared with a case where the numeric keypad831pops up on the selection screen. For example, the cashier can input an amount by operating the numeric keypad831while checking the transaction amount, the remaining amount, and the settlement method, and thus the operation is facilitated.

When the selection screen is shifted to the cash settlement screen, positions and area sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83can be left unchanged in the first display unit211. Therefore, when the selection screen is shifted to the cash settlement screen, the cashier can easily check a position of the displayed information, and thus operability can also be improved in this respect.

If the cash button821is operated but no amount has been input with the numeric keypad831, another settlement method selection button can be operated. Therefore, if another settlement method selection button is operated, the settlement method can be changed without returning to the selection screen, and thus operability can also be improved in this respect. In some examples, other settlement method selection buttons may also be selectable even after an amount is input via the numeric keypad831.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. In a state in which the cash settlement screen shown inFIG.8is displayed on the first display unit211, the settlement process unit2004determines whether an amount is input to the input unit2002(ACT14). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether an amount is input by the numeric key of the numeric keypad831and the input key is operated on the cash settlement screen.

When no amount is input to the input unit2002(N in ACT14), specifically, when no amount is input and the settlement method selection buttons other than the cash button821are selectable, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the settlement method is changed (ACT15). When no settlement method selection button other than the cash button821is operated and the settlement method is not changed (N in ACT15), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT14and waits for input of an amount via the numeric keypad831. When the payment method is changed on the cash settlement screen (Y in ACT15), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT12.

When an amount is input to the numeric keypad831and the input key is not operated, that is, when the return button832is operated in the state shown inFIG.8, the control unit200returns to the process in ACT11.

When an amount is input to the input unit2002(Y in ACT14), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the input amount is equal to or larger than the transaction amount (ACT16). When the input amount is less than the transaction amount (N in ACT16), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT11. At this time, the display control unit2005displays the selection screen, an amount displayed as the remaining amount in the first display area is not the transaction amount but a shortage amount, that is, an amount obtained by subtracting the input amount from the transaction amount. The customer can select the settlement method for the remaining amount again.

When the input amount is equal to or larger than the transaction amount (Y in ACT16), the receipt dispensing unit2006instructs the receipt printer23to dispense a receipt (ACT17). Next, the display control unit2005displays a settlement completion screen on the first display unit211(ACT18). The settlement completion screen is a screen indicating to the cashier that the settlement is completed. Then, the control unit200ends the checkout process.

FIG.9shows the settlement completion screen. The header50on the settlement completion screen is similar to the header50on the cash settlement screen. An end button63is displayed in the footer60on the settlement completion screen. The end button63is a button for declaring the end of the transaction and is operated when payment of the purchase price is completed. For example, once the cashier checks the settlement completion screen and then hands over change to the customer, the end button63is operated.

The information display section70on the settlement completion screen includes the transaction information display section75. The transaction information display section75displays a total number of items and a total amount for the merchandise purchased by the customer, an amount deposited by the customer (an amount input by the numeric keypad831) and a coin (change due) amount. The transaction information display section75displays a message prompting the cashier to pass the receipt to the customer. The cashier checks the change due amount displayed on the transaction information display section75, and, when change is to be paid, the cashier can take out the change (currency) from the drawer24and pass the currency to the customer.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. In the process in ACT12, when input of the cash settlement is not performed (N in ACT12), the settlement process unit2004determines whether information indicating that the money coupon settlement is selected is input to the input unit2002(ACT19). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the gift certificate button822or the coupon voucher button824is operated on the selection screen. When the money coupon settlement is selected (Y in ACT19), the display control unit2005displays a money coupon settlement screen on the first display unit211(ACT20). Then, the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT14.

FIG.10shows the money coupon settlement screen. Here, a case where the gift certificate button822is operated will be described. The header50and the footer60on the money coupon settlement screen are similar to the header50and the footer60on the cash settlement screen.

When the gift certificate button822is operated on the selection screen, a plurality of type buttons833corresponding to types of gift certificates usable in the store are displayed in the third display area83. When the gift certificate button822is operated, the settlement method selection buttons are not grayed out and are operable until the type button833is operated. The type buttons833are disposed in two columns, left and right, with five rows up and down in the left column and four rows up and down in the right column. The plurality of type buttons833can be classified into three groups, that is, A, B, and C.

The group A is the type button833on which a name of a company issuing the gift certificate and the icon91are displayed, and includes the type button833in an uppermost row in the left column. The type button833of the group A corresponds to a gift certificate of an amount other than amounts set for the other type buttons, for example, 1,500 yen. The cashier needs to separately input an amount after operating the type button833of the group A. Therefore, when the type button833of the group A is operated, the first display unit211pops up a numeric keypad for inputting the amount, for example. The type button833of the group A is provided with the icon91indicating that a numeric keypad is to be displayed thereafter.

The group B is the type button833on which a name of a company issuing the gift certificate, an amount, and the icon93are displayed, and includes five type buttons833in an uppermost row in the right column, in second rows in the left and right columns, and third rows in the left and right columns. Each type button833of the group B is a button on which the name of the issuing company and the amount are preset. The cashier can complete input of the amount simply by operating the type button833of the group B. No coin (currency) back can be received for the gift certificate corresponding to the type button833of the group B. The type button833of the group B is provided with the icon93indicating that no change (currency) will be issued after the use of the gift certificate. Accordingly, the cashier can notify the customer who is to use a gift certificate corresponding to the type button833of the group B that no change (currency) will be paid out as part of the transaction.

The group C is the type button833on which a name of a company issuing the gift certificate and an amount are displayed, and includes three type buttons833in fourth rows in the left and right columns and a fifth row in the left column. The type button833of the group C is a button on which the name of the issuing company and the amount are preset. The cashier can complete input of the amount simply by operating the type button833of the group C. Change back can be received for the gift certificate corresponding to the type button833of the group C. The type button833of the group C is not provided with the icon93indicating that no change will be paid.

When the coupon voucher button824is operated, the numeric keypad831is displayed in the third display area83. The cashier operates the numeric keypad831to input an amount of a coupon voucher. When the coupon voucher button824is operated, type buttons may be displayed in the third display area83as inFIG.10. In this case, the type buttons displayed in the third display area83may each be a button on which only an amount is displayed or an amount and an icon are displayed.

The money coupon settlement screen displays, on one screen, the transaction amount and the remaining amount displayed in the first display area81, the settlement method selection buttons displayed in the second display area82, and the type buttons833displayed in the third display area83. Accordingly, as on the cash settlement screen, the cashier can browse various types of information about settlement on the one screen, and thus operability can be improved for the cashier.

When the selection screen is shifted to the money coupon settlement screen, the positions and the area sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83can be left unchanged, and the settlement method can be easily changed by operating another settlement method selection button as on the cash settlement screen. Therefore, the money coupon settlement screen is similar in this respect to the cash settlement screen in the above respects, and thus operability can be improved for the cashier.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. In the process in ACT19, when input of the money coupon settlement is not performed (N in ACT19), the settlement process unit2004determines whether information indicating that the credit settlement is selected is input to the input unit2002(ACT21). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the credit button823is operated on the selection screen. When the credit settlement is selected (Y in ACT21), the display control unit2005displays a credit settlement screen on the first display unit211(ACT22).

FIG.11shows the credit settlement screen. The header50and the footer60on the credit settlement screen are similar to the header50and the footer60on the cash settlement screen.

When the credit button823is operated on the selection screen, a guidance display section834and a stop button835are displayed in the third display area83. When the credit button823is operated, transaction information including the transaction amount is transmitted to the settlement terminal30, a process of the settlement terminal30is started, and thus the other settlement methods cannot be selected. Therefore, the other settlement method selection buttons are grayed out and inoperable.

The guidance display section834displays information for the cashier to guide the customer to operate the settlement terminal30. For example, an operation method of the settlement terminal30according to a type of a credit card is displayed. The stop button835is a button for stopping the credit settlement and selecting another settlement method. Since the other settlement method selection buttons cannot be operated on the credit settlement screen, it is possible to return to the selection screen by operating the stop button835.

The credit button823may be provided with an icon. In this case, the icon indicates guidance related to the operation of the settlement terminal30during the credit settlement as information for the selected settlement method.

The credit settlement screen is similar to the cash settlement screen in that the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83are displayed in parallel on one screen, and that the positions and the area sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83are not changed when the selection screen is shifted to the credit settlement screen. Therefore, in the above respects, operability can be improved for the cashier in the same manner as the cash settlement screen.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. The settlement process unit2004determines whether the stop button835is operated on the credit settlement screen to stop the credit settlement (ACT23). When the credit settlement is stopped (Y in ACT23), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT11and waits for selection of a settlement method on the selection screen.

When the credit settlement is not stopped (N in ACT23), for example, when the stop button835is not operated even when predetermined time elapses after the credit button823is operated, the transmission and reception unit2001transmits the transaction information including the transaction amount to the settlement terminal30(ACT24). The settlement process unit2004determines whether the transmission and reception unit2001receives the settlement completion notification from the settlement server (ACT25).

When the transmission and reception unit2001does not receive the settlement completion notification (N in ACT25), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT25. Based on the transaction information transmitted to the settlement terminal30, the control unit200stands by until the settlement terminal30communicates with the settlement server to complete the settlement.

When the transmission and reception unit2001receives, from the settlement terminal30, information indicating that the settlement cannot be performed, the display control unit2005displays error information on the first display unit211and the second display unit212. The error information is information indicating that the credit settlement cannot be performed. When the transmission and reception unit2001receives the settlement completion notification from the settlement terminal30(Y in ACT25), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT17.

When input of the credit settlement is not performed in the process in ACT21(N in ACT21), the settlement process unit2004determines whether information indicating that the electronic money settlement is selected is input to the input unit2002(ACT26). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the electronic money button825is operated on the selection screen. When the electronic money settlement is selected (Y in ACT26), the display control unit2005displays an electronic money settlement screen on the first display unit211(ACT27).

FIG.12shows the electronic money settlement screen. The header50and the footer60on the electronic money settlement completion screen are similar to the header50and the footer60on the cash settlement screen.

When the electronic money button825is operated on the selection screen, a plurality of electronic money type buttons836corresponding to types of electronic money are displayed in the third display area83. When the electronic money button825is operated, the settlement method selection buttons are not grayed out and are operable until the electronic money type button836is operated. The electronic money type buttons836are disposed in two columns, left and right.

When the electronic money type button836is operated, the other settlement methods are not selectable. Therefore, when the electronic money type button836is operated, the other settlement method selection buttons are grayed out in the second display area82on a screen shifted from the electronic money settlement screen. In the third display area83, a stop button can be displayed. The stop button can be operated when the electronic money settlement is to be canceled.

The electronic money settlement screen is similar to the cash settlement screen in that the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83are displayed in parallel on one screen. The positions and the area sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83can be left unchanged when the selection screen is shifted to the electronic money settlement screen. The settlement method can thus be easily changed by operating the other settlement method selection buttons. Therefore, in the above respects, operability can be improved for the cashier in the same manner as with the described cash settlement screen.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. The settlement process unit2004determines whether the electronic money type button836is operated on the electronic money settlement screen and an electronic money type is input (ACT28). When the electronic money type is input (Y in ACT28), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the stop button is operated on the screen shifted from the electronic money settlement screen and the electronic money settlement is stopped (ACT29).

When the electronic money settlement is stopped (Y in ACT29), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT11and waits for selection of a settlement method on the selection screen. When the electronic money settlement is not stopped (N in ACT29), for example, when the stop button is not operated even when predetermined time elapses after the electronic money type button836is operated, the control unit200shifts to the process in ACT24and instructs the settlement terminal30to perform settlement according to the selected electronic money type.

In the process in ACT28, when the electronic money type is not input (N in ACT28), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the settlement method is changed by operating another settlement method selection button (ACT30). When the settlement method is not changed (N in ACT30), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT28. When the settlement method is changed (Y in ACT30), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT12.

In the process in ACT26, when the electronic money settlement is not selected (N in ACT26), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the code settlement is selected (ACT31). In other words, the settlement process unit2004determines whether the code settlement button826is operated on the selection screen. When the code settlement is selected (Y in ACT31), the display control unit2005displays a code settlement screen on the first display unit211(ACT32).

FIG.13shows the code settlement screen. The header50and the footer60on the code settlement screen are similar to the header50and the footer60on the cash settlement screen.

When the code settlement button826is operated on the selection screen, a plurality of code settlement type buttons837corresponding to types of the code settlement are displayed in the third display area83. When the code settlement button826is operated, the settlement method selection buttons are not grayed out and are operable until the code settlement type button837is operated. The code settlement type buttons837are disposed in two columns, left and right.

When the code settlement type button837is operated, the other settlement methods are not selectable. Therefore, when the code settlement type button837is operated, the other settlement method selection buttons are grayed out in the second display area82on a screen shifted from the code settlement screen. In the third display area83, a stop button can be displayed. The stop button can be operated when the code settlement is to be canceled.

The code settlement screen is similar to the cash settlement screen in that the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83are displayed in parallel on one screen. The positions and the area sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83can be left unchanged when the selection screen is shifted to the code settlement screen. Thus, the settlement method can be easily changed by operating the other settlement method selection buttons. Therefore, operability can be improved for the cashier in the same manner as the described cash settlement screen.

The description returns to the flow chart inFIG.5. The settlement process unit2004determines whether the code settlement type is input by operating the code settlement type button837on the code settlement screen (ACT33). When the code settlement type is input (Y in ACT33), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the stop button is operated on the screen shifted from the code settlement screen and the code settlement is stopped (ACT34).

When the code settlement is stopped (Y in ACT34), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT11and waits for selection of a settlement method on the selection screen. When the code settlement is not stopped (N in ACT34), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT24and instructs the settlement terminal30to perform settlement according to the selected code settlement type.

In the process in ACT33, when the code settlement type is not input (N in ACT33), the settlement process unit2004determines whether the settlement method is changed by operating another settlement method selection button (ACT35). When the settlement method is not changed (N in ACT35), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT33. When the settlement method is changed (Y in ACT35), the control unit200proceeds to the process in ACT12.

In the process in ACT31, when the code settlement is not selected (N in ACT31), the control unit200returns to the process in ACT12.

Through the above checkout process, the customer can pay the purchase price by any one of the cash settlement, the gift certificate settlement, the credit settlement, the coupon voucher settlement, the electronic money settlement, the code settlement, or a combination of these settlement methods. As described above, the POS terminal20can improve the operability for the cashier by implementation of the above checkout process.

Next, a modification of the POS terminal20will be described. In the modification, the POS terminal20includes an automatic coin machine instead of the drawer24. The automatic coin machine is a well-known machine and has a function of receiving cash such as paper money or coins, recognizing the amount of the deposited money, and dispensing change as necessary. Therefore, in the POS terminal20according to the modification, the cashier does not normally need to input the amount of cash deposited by the customer at the time of the cash settlement.

FIG.14shows a cash settlement screen in the present modification.FIG.14shows a state before the cashier (or customer) inserts cash into the automatic coin machine. Here, differences from the cash settlement screen inFIG.8will be described.

On the cash settlement screen in this modification, a deposit amount display section841, an insertion start button842, a deposit/cash total button843, a stop button844, and a manual input button845are displayed in the third display area83.

The deposit amount display section841displays a message “please insert cash into the coin machine”, a deposit insertion amount, a manual input amount, and a deposit total amount. The deposit insertion amount indicates an amount of cash that has been inserted into the automatic coin machine. The manual input amount indicates the amount of money that has been manually input. A case where the amount must be manually input is, for example, a case where the amount of cash inserted into the automatic coin machine cannot be recognized or the cash is returned by the automatic coin machine. The deposit total amount indicates the total of the deposit insertion amount and the manual input amount. A remaining amount indicates the amount obtained by subtracting the deposit total amount from the transaction amount.

The insertion start button842is a button operated when cash is inserted into the automatic coin machine. The deposit/cash total button843is a button operated when input of the amount into the coin machine is completed. The deposit/cash total button843is grayed out and inoperable until the amount inserted into the automatic coin machine is equal to or larger than the transaction amount. When the deposit/cash total button843is operated, the first display unit211displays the settlement completion screen.

The stop button844is a button operated when the cash settlement is stopped. The stop button844is grayed out and inoperable after cash is inserted into the automatic coin machine. In a state in which no cash is inserted into the automatic coin machine shown inFIG.14, the stop button844may be grayed out, and the other settlement method selection buttons displayed in the second display area may not be grayed out. In this case, it is possible to select another settlement method without operating the stop button844. The manual input button845is operated when the cashier manually inputs an amount of cash deposited by the customer. When the manual input button845is operated, a numeric keypad for inputting an amount is displayed. The numeric keypad may be popped up on (displayed on top of or the like) the cash settlement screen or may be displayed by shifting to the cash settlement screen shown inFIG.8.

The cash settlement screen in the modification is a display screen suitable for the POS terminal20including the automatic coin machine and can improve the operability for the cashier as in the above-described example.

Next, a modification of the customer information display section814displayed in the first display area will be described. In this modification, the customer information display section814can be displayed in an enlarged manner as necessary. The customer information display section814normally displays first customer information and displays second customer information in addition to the first customer information when enlarged.

FIG.15shows an example of the customer information display section814in the modification. The customer information display section814displays a first information display section8141and an enlargement arrow8142.

The first information display section8141displays a type of a card and the number of points associated with the card as the first customer information. For example, the first information display section8141displays a name of a store membership card and the number of points of a point service that is associated with the store membership card and managed independently by the store. The enlargement arrow8142is operated when the customer information display section814is to be displayed in an enlarged manner.

When the enlargement arrow8142is operated, the customer information display section814is displayed in an enlarged manner, and a second information display section8143and a reduction arrow8144are displayed in addition to the first information display section8141. The second information display section8143displays a name of the customer, a name of another point service, and the number of points of the other point service as the second customer information. The reduction arrow8144is operated when the customer information display section814is to be displayed in a normal manner, that is, to be reduced in size.

In the embodiment, when the enlargement arrow8142is operated, the customer information display section814is enlarged upward to overlap a display field of the remaining amount. However, a direction of the enlargement is not limited to the upward direction, and the enlargement can be performed in any direction.

FIG.16shows another example of the customer information display section814in the modification. In this example, the second customer information displayed on the second information display section8143is different from the example inFIG.15. In the second customer information inFIG.16, additional information is shown in addition to the name of the customer and the number of points owned by the customer.

The additional information is a card payment icon, a disposable chopstick icon, a paper bag icon, a plastic bag icon, or the like. The card payment icon is displayed, for example, when the customer selects card payment at the time of membership registration and a membership code is associated with the card payment. The disposable chopstick icon, the paper bag icon, and the plastic bag icon are displayed when the customer inputs a request for disposable chopsticks, a paper bag, or a plastic bag on a touch panel of the customer display unit15of the reading device10. The cashier can check these icons and hand over the disposable chopsticks, the paper bag, and the plastic bag to the customer as necessary.

As described above, a POS terminal20according to an embodiment includes a transmission and reception unit2001(acquisition unit) that acquires the merchandise information about a transaction object, a settlement process unit2004that executes the settlement process for the transaction based on the merchandise information acquired by the transmission and reception unit2001, and a display control unit2005that displays, on one screen of the first display unit211(display unit), the first display area81in which the transaction amount for the transaction being settled by the settlement process unit2004is displayed, the second display area82in which a settlement method to be performed is displayed in a selectable manner, and the third display area83in which the information for the selected settlement method is displayed.

Accordingly, the cashier can browse various types of information for settlement on one screen, and thus the POS terminal20can improve operability for the cashier.

The display control unit2005of the POS terminal20according to the embodiment displays, in the third display area83, an operation element (a numeric keypad or a button) for inputting information necessary for a settlement process related to the selected settlement method as information for the selected settlement method.

Accordingly, the cashier can check the transaction amount and the settlement method and input information necessary for the settlement process on one screen, and thus the POS terminal20can further improve the operability for the cashier.

Further, the display control unit2005of the POS terminal20according to the embodiment displays, in the third display area83, an operation guidance that guides an operation according to the selected settlement method as information for the selected settlement method.

Accordingly, the cashier can recognize the operation necessary for the settlement process according to the selected settlement method, and thus the POS terminal20can improve the operability for the cashier also in this respect.

In addition, the display control unit2005of the POS terminal20according to the embodiment shifts the screen without changing the positions and the sizes of the first display area81, the second display area82, and the third display area83.

Accordingly, for example, when the first display unit211shifts from the selection screen to the cash settlement screen, the operator can easily check a position of information displayed in each display area, and thus the POS terminal20can improve the operability for the operator also in this respect.

In addition, the display control unit2005of the POS terminal20according to the embodiment displays an operation element (settlement method selection button) corresponding to the settlement method in the second display area82and displays an icon indicating information for a subsequent process to be performed by the settlement process unit2004in association with the operation element when the operation element is operated.

Accordingly, since the operator can recognize the information for the subsequent process when the operation element is selected in the second display area82, the POS terminal20can further improve the operability for the operator.

In an embodiment, a control program executed by the POS terminal20may be provided by being recorded in a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, a control program executed by the POS terminal20in an embodiment may be stored in a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided by being downloaded or accessed via the network such as the Internet.

A checkout device of an embodiment may be of a cloud type. In an example, the checkout device may not include the merchandise master222and the merchandise information unit2031, and information stored therein may be managed on a cloud server capable of communicating with the checkout device as needed. In such a case, the checkout device includes a control program for displaying the above-described various display screens, and a program for communicating with peripheral devices, such as a receipt printer, and a cloud server.

Although the embodiment according to the present disclosure is described above, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. The embodiment and the modification thereof are included in the scope and gist of the present disclosure and are included in the scope of the present disclosure disclosed in the claims and equivalents thereof.