Method for exchanging information between a cash register and a payment-processing device

[0007] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/981,182, filed Mar. 2, 1998, now abandoned which was the 35 USC 371 national phase of International application PCT/SE96/00710 filed on May 30, 1996.

[0008] In the retrail trade it is known to use a cash register for keying in the prices of the goods which a customer is purchasing and also for keying in the amount which a customer has paid. According to the prior art, a cash register comprises means for calculating the total cost of the goods, also called the requested amount, and means for calculating the difference between the amount tendered and the requested amount.

[0009] According to the prior art, the cash register is coupled to a receipt printer. The cash register has a function for supplying information to the receipt printer so that the latter is able to print out a receipt. It additionally has a command function which activates the receipt printer. The cash register furthermore comprises a data processing unit for calculating for example, the difference between the amount tendered and the requested amount, this unit functioning in compliance with software specially adapted for the cash register.

[0010] It is also known to couple to a cash register a device for processing the means of payment, this device being of the CashGuard type (registered trademark) which is described in EP-A-0 615 643 and whose purpose is to process, i.e. receive and assess, banknotes and coins in a reliable manner. The object of this device is moreover to supply the correct amount of change and in this way to eliminate or reduce the risk of financial loss and/or the possibility of taking money which is not due. However, if this device for processing payment is to be able to perform its tasks, it needs to share the information which the cash register processes. An example of information of this kinds is the requested amount.

[0011] According to the prior art, it is necessary to adapt the abovementioned software in the cash register in order to supply the correct information to the device processing the means of payment, and in order to ensure that the correct printouts are supplied from the cash register to the receipt printer.

[0012] The cash register and the device for processing the payment have been coupled together by connecting the latter directly to an interface in the cash register, which interface, depending on the manufacture and design of the cash register, it has been necessary to modify in order to obtain the desired function. This has been shown to be complicated and time consuming since it has to be done for each model and manufacture of cash register which is to be used together with a payment-processing device. One is forced to make changes to the cash register's computer program, and this may require the assistance or the permission of the cash register manufacturer. In addition to this, today's cash registers are often built into a computer network, and this may mean that it is not possible for modifications or connections to be made without the entire checkout system having to be closed down.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the invention compared to the nearest prior art is to enable joining up of a payment-processing device to a cash register and to a display arrangement without making it necessary to make modifications to the cash register.

[0014] One object of the present invention is to make available a system for the processing of means of payment including a payment-processing device which can be joined up, in an advantageously simple way, to a cash register and its receipt printer.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to produce a payment-processing device which can be joined up to different types of cash registers without it being necessary to make modifications to the cash register, either in relation to its hardware or to its software.

[0016] A further object of this invention is to produce a device which, in a simple and cost-effective way, can upgrade existing cash registers, and can also, at limited expense, increase the reliability of processing of the means of payment.

[0017] These objects, and other ones which are evident from the following description, are achieved by a signal-processing device comprising a first data port for communication with a cash register, a second data port for communication with a display arrangement; and a third data port for communication with a payment-processing device. The signal-processing device also comprises means for receiving a first message at the first data port, control means for generating a second message as a function of the first messages and means for transmitting the second messages in a predetermined manner to the second data port as well as means for receiving a third message on the third data port, and means for generating an information quantity in response to the third message received on the third data port, the control means operating to deliver the generated information quantity to the second data port.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment the system, according to the invention, for the processing of means of payment includes a signal processing device for cooperation with a computer program product such that control of the communication between the cash register, the payment-processing device and the display arrangement is effected. Such a computer program product comprises

[0019] a recording medium;

[0020] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device to receive a first message from a cash register,

[0021] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device, responsive to the received first message, to generate a second message; and

[0022] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device to transmit the second message in a predetermined manner to a display arrangement;

[0023] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device to await reception of a third message from a payment-processing device;

[0024] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device to generate an information quantity in response to the third message;

[0025] means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device to deliver the generated information quantity to the display arrangement.

[0026] The claimed recording medium is illustrated in an example below by a memory element, and the claimed means, recorded on the recording medium, for directing the signal-processing device is illustrated in an example below by a program routine stored in the memory element.

[0027] In order to ensure that the present invention can be readily understood and implemented, it will be described by way of illustrative examples, with reference being made to the attached drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a device according to the prior art;

[0029] FIG. 2 shows a basic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the signal-processing device according to the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a first embodiment of a procedure according to the invention;

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a flow chart of a second embodiment of the procedure;

[0032] FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the system according to the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a system for processing means of payment according to one embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of the signal-processing unit 50.

[0038] FIG. 2 is a basic circuit diagram of an embodiment of the system.

[0039] A cash register 10 comprises members 20 for keying in data, for example price information, and a data port 30 for data communication. The cash register 10 is connected via the data port 30 to a first data port 40 of a signal-processing arrangement 50, hereinafter called the arrangement 50.

[0040] The arrangement 50 comprises a second data port 60 for communication with the display arrangement 70, and a third data port 80 for communication with a device 90 for processing the means of payment, hereinafter called the device 90.

[0041] The display arrangement 70 can consist of a printer such as a receipt printer. Alternatively, it can be a screen or a combination of printer and screen.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of a procedure according to the invention. According to a first embodiment of the procedure, the latter comprises the stages of:

[0043] S1A Generating a first data quantity as a function of information keyed into the cash register 10, and making available the first data quantity in coded form in accordance with a first predetermined code;

[0044] S1B Delivering the first data quantity to the data port 40 via the data port 30;

[0045] S1C Receiving data from the data port 40. Tis data can comprise text and/or numerals, such as price information together with associated goods designation and number, for example “Toothbrush, 2′, at X kronor”;

[0046] S2 Deciding if the received data indicates a predetermined event such as the event that all price information and all goods information have been entered. This predetermined event could be indicated by a predetermined indicator signal or by a predetermined message indicating “receipt finalized”. This message, or indicator signal, is generated by a cash register 10 which is connected to the data port 40;

[0047] S3 In the case where the received data does not correspond to the predetermined message, conveying the said data onwards to the data port 60. The data which is supplied to the data port 60 is conveyed onwards to the display arrangement 70, in order to control the function thereof. This control data can include such information as, for example, numerals and/or text which is to be printed out, configuration and set-up of the information, and information on whether the transmitted information is to be displayed. Stage S1 then follows once again.

[0048] S4 In the case where the received data does correspond to the predetermined message, the arrangement 50 requests information concerning the actual value of the amount tendered. This value is generated by the device 90 as banknotes and/or coins are fed into the device 90. Alternatively, the actual value of the amount tendered can be generated by means of a card reader which reads an account card in a well known manner;

[0049] S5 Receiving information on the tendered amount from the device 90 via the data port 80;

[0050] S6 Checking the information. This check can include a calculation of whether the ratio between the amount tendered and the requested amount satisfies certain conditions;

[0051] S7 In the case where the check conditions have not been satisfied, stage S5 must be repeated. If the check conditions are satisfied, information concerning the requested amount and information concerning the amount tendered will be supplied to the data port 60 (stage S8);

[0052] S9 When this stage in the procedure is reached, the data which has been received from the data port 40 has been treated in accordance with the stages described above, which means that a secure payment for goods has been obtained at the device 90. The arrangement 50 controls the display arrangement 70 so that the latter displays selected information.

[0053] A second embodiment of the procedure is illustrated in FIG. 4. According to the second embodiment, the first stages correspond to the above-described stages S1A, S1B, S1C, S2 and S3.

[0054] The predetermined message which is checked in stage S2 is the message indicating receipt finalized, i.e. a confirmation from the cash register that the price information for all the goods a customer wishes to purchase has been keyed in. When, in stage S2, the predetermined message has been received and has been found to be correct, the stages carried out according to the second embodiment are:

[0055] S4B Sending a message to the device 90 for processing the means of payment, with an instruction to request that the operator feed in the means of payment.

[0056] Stages S5B and S6B are then carried out.

[0057] In stage S5B the device 90 generates a request signal to an operator to the effect that means of payment need to be fed in. This signal can be displayed via a display member 100 arranged on the device 90. According to one variant of the invention, the request signal is delivered to the display arrangement 70 in order thereby to draw the operator's attention to the fact that means of payment need to be fed in.

[0058] According to the second embodiment, the stage S6B comprises calculating a difference D between the amount tendered B_iand the requested amount B_a.

[0059] D=B_i−B_a.

[0060] According to the second embodiment of the procedure, the difference D is compared with a preset value K. The value K determines what difference D can be accepted between the amounts B_iand B_a.

[0061] According to one variant of the invention, the variable K has the value zero, and the criterion for the check stage S7bis that D be greater than or equal to K.

[0062] If the variable K has the preset value zero, this check stage means that the amount tendered must be greater than or equal to the requested amount if the device 90 is to be able to dispense any money. This provides the advantageous effect of limiting the amount of money dispensed by to a value lower than or equal to the amount received. Thereby financial losses, due to the wrong amount of change being handed out, are eliminated.

[0063] The stage S8B is performed if the above-described checking criteria have been satisfied. In stage S8B, information, such as amount tendered B_i, requested amount B_aand the difference D, is delivered to the display arrangement 70 via the data port 60.

[0064] After stage S8B, the above-described stage S9 is carried out.

[0065] S10 After stage S9, the arrangement 50 generates a proceed signal which is delivered to the device 90.

[0066] On receiving the proceed signal, the device 90 carries out the measures which are needed for dispensing money amounting to a sum corresponding to the difference D. In addition, a counter mechanism which is internal to the payment-processing device 90, and which counts the tendered amounts relating to the current transaction, can be reset so that a new function cycle can be begun.

[0067] According to a first embodiment of the invention, which is shown in FIG. 5, the signal-processing unit 50 constitutes an individual unit which is physically separate from a cash register 10, a display arrangement 70 and a device 90 for processing payment means.

[0068] The second, third and fourth embodiments, which are shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, respectively, show how the signal-processing unit 50 is an integrated part of, respectively, the cash register 10, the display arrangement 70 and the payment-processing device 90.

[0069] According to one version of the invention, which is useful at least in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, the signal-processing device 50 emulates the communications interface of a display arrangement, such as a receipt printer. Hence, the communication between the device 50 and the device 10 is performed such that messages or signals may be transmitted in both directions.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of a system for processing payment means according to one embodiment. The system comprises a data input unit 20 which is integrated in the cash register 10. The data input unit 20 is intended for keying in a first data quantity, from which data quantity the first numerical value Ba can be calculated.

[0071] The data input unit 20 is arranged to provide the first data quantity in coded form, according to a first predetermined code, to the data bus 30 of the cash register. The term “first predetermined code” includes the manner and the order of delivery of the price information, the goods designation and the number of items of the goods. One type of input unit 20 may present the information in accordance to one specific code, while another type of cash register provides the same information in accordance to another specific code.

[0072] The first predetermined code may also be defined as the manner of transmission of the information which is supplied to the data port 40. Moreover the predetermined message indicating receipt finalized from the cash register 10 may differ from one type of cash register to another.

[0073] The system moreover comprises a storage member 200 which is integrated in the device 90 for processing payment means and which is used for storing the payment means, such as banknotes and coins. These payment means are arranged in the storage member 200 in a theft-proof manner and can be removed from the storage member only by means of a dispensing member 220 in compliance with a dispense signal.

[0074] The device 90 comprises at least one input unit 210 for feeding payment means into the storage member 200.

[0075] The input unit for payment means comprises a detector means 230 for generating a second numerical value Bi as a function of the payment means which are fed in. The second numerical value Bi corresponds to the amount of money tendered by a customer at the checkout point to which the device 90 is coupled.

[0076] The system moreover comprises a signal-processing arrangement 50 comprising a control means which is arranged to generate the dispense signal as a function of the first numerical value, i.e. the requested amount Ba, and the second numerical value, i.e. the amount tendered Bi. The control means comprises a first memory element 240 in which at least one selectable program routine is stored in a memory segment 250.

[0077] A second selectable program routine is stored in a second memory segment 260. A computer unit 270 is arranged to operate in accordance with the selected program routine. The memory element 240 can comprise a plurality of program routines, with each of the program routines being adapted so as to cause the computer unit to interpret the first data quantity in accordance with their respective specific codes. To set up the device 50 for communication with a specific type of cash register, a program routine is chosen which is adapted for this purpose. Thereby the signal-processing device 50 can be joined up to different types of cash registers as illustrated in FIG. 2 and to different types of display arrangements in an advantageously simple way.

[0078] The program routine can be selected by using a selector member 280 which can communicate with the computer unit 270. The selector member can comprise an array of hardware switches which can be set to the desired position by an operator. Alternatively, the selection can be made automatically on joining up the arrangement 50 to a cash register 10 or to a display member 70.

[0079] The arrangement 50 also comprises a memory element 290 for temporary storage of a predetermined number of messages constituting a part of the first data quantity. The signal-processing device 50 cooperates with the memory element 290, in accordance with instructions recorded in the memory 290, to control the communication between the cash register 10, the payment-processing device 90 and the display arrangement 70. The computer unit 270 is arranged to operate in accordance with the selected program routine such that the computer unit 270 in cooperation with the memory element 290 and the data ports 40, 60 and 80 at least temporarily stores a received message until the next consecutive message is received on data port 40. The resulting function of the signal-processing device 50 is described in connection with FIG. 10 below.

[0080] FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram of the signal-processing device 50. A first data quantity which is received from the port 40 passes through a detector means 300 which has the task of reading off data and detecting the data message 310 for receipt finalized.

[0081] The first data quantity comprises one or more messages or data sets. Each data set can comprise a character combination and one or more digits. The character combination can be, for example, a goods description, and the digits can represent quantity information and/or price information.

[0082] As long as the message indicating receipt finalized 310 does not appear, all data are conveyed onwards via a data buffer 320 to the data port 60. The data buffer 320 may, in physical embodiment, comprise a micro processor cooperating with a memory element 290 as described in connection with FIG. 9 above.

[0083] A receipt printer 70 can be coupled to the data port 60. The receipt printer 70 provides printouts of the data coming from the data port 60.

[0084] The data buffer 320 stores an arbitrary quantity of the data received from the port 40 in accordance with the “first in, first out” principle, and then delivers the information to the data port 60. Data destined for the receipt printer 70 is thereby initially delayed, but for such a short time that this does not affect the processing or the function of the cash register 10, and for a time which is sufficiently long for the signal-processing unit 50 to have the opportunity to process the data located in the buffer 320. A second data quantity is generated during this processing, and the final printout is thus manipulated.

[0085] When the detector means 300 detects the data code for receipt finalized 310, the receipt printer 70 is stopped instantaneously, after which a detection signal 330 is generated by the detector 300 and is delivered to a transmitter unit 340 which, via a data bus 350, delivers a request signal which requests the payment-processing device 90 to deliver information concerning the amount tendered Bi.

[0086] On receiving this request signal, the device 90 delivers information concerning the tendered amount Bi via the data bus 350 to a receiving unit 360. The receiving unit 360 and the transmitter unit 340 are included in the data port 80.

[0087] A calculating unit 370 calculates the difference D between the amount Bi from the device 90 processing the payment means, and the requested amount Ba delivered from the cash register 10. The requested amount Ba is located in the data buffer. The requested amount Ba is located in the first data quantity among the data which arrived at the buffer 320 before the data code for receipt finalized 310. This data set comprises a reference which is usually “subtotal” or “total”, and a figure corresponding to the requested amount Ba.

[0088] If the amount Bi which is paid into the payment-processing device 90 is greater than or equal to the requested amount Ba from the cash register 10, the receipt will be finalized by supplying an information quantity 380 into the data buffer 320. The information quantity 380 is supplied ahead of the data code for receipt finalized 310. This information quantity 380 is preferably data sets comprising texts and sums of the requested amount Ba, the amount tendered Bi and any change to be returned D. This information quantity 380 and the data code for receipt finalized 310 constitute the concluding part of the second data quantity. When the whole of the second data quantity has been delivered to the data port 60, the receipt printer 70 is instructed to execute the final printout and finalize the receipt.

[0089] The calculating unit 370 generates a signal 390 as a function of the finalizing of the receipt, which signal 390 is delivered via the transmitting unit 340 to the payment-processing device 90 which is requested to pay out any difference D as change if the difference D is greater than zero. A counter mechanism which is internal to the payment-processing device 90 and is used for payments relating to the current transaction can then be reset so that a new function cycle can be begun.

[0090] If the response Bi from the payment-processing device 90 does not come to the requested amount, the transmitting unit 340 of the arrangement 50 delivers, according to one embodiment, a request signal to the payment-processing device 90. As a function thereof, the payment-processing device 90 communicates the message that further payment is required.

[0091] The receipt printer 70 will finalize the receipt only when it receives the code for receipt finalized 310. This does not occur until the payment comes to at least the amount requested by the cash register 10. The cash register 10 can also receive a wait signal 400 from the receipt printer 70 via a bus 410. Alternatively, the wait signal can be generated by the calculating unit 370 and is delivered to the cash register. The wait signal indicates that the printout is not yet ready, which can prevent the cash register 10 from beginning to register new entries in a new transaction corresponding to a new receipt