JP6657366B2 - Checkout system, registration device, payment device and control program - Google Patents

Description

  The embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system, a registration device and a settlement device included in the system, and a control program for causing a computer to function as a registration device or a settlement device.

  As a checkout system for a mass retailer, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of a transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that processes settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. . The registration device waits for input of data related to the sale of the product. Then, when data is input by the operator, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data, and transmits the accounting data to the settlement device. The payment device waits for input of payment data for the accounting data. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the settlement device processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. Such a checkout system in which the registration device and the settlement device are separated includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the settlement device are operated by different clerks, and a clerk that operates the registration device and the shopper operates the settlement device. There is a so-called semi-self system in which the system operates.

  In the case of the semi-self system, if a shopper takes time to operate the settlement apparatus, a subsequent shopper waits for settlement. In order to avoid such a situation, usually, a plurality of settlement apparatuses are connected to one registration apparatus. Then, the registration device monitors the status of each payment device, automatically selects a vacant payment device, and transmits payment information to the payment device. Alternatively, the registration device displays the status of each payment device on the display, and the clerk selects a vacant payment device and transmits payment information to the payment device.

  However, in any case, in order for the registration device to monitor the status of each payment device, the registration device needs an information analysis function of collecting and analyzing status information (status) from the payment device.

JP 2013-242839 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system in which a registration device does not need an information analysis function for monitoring the status of each payment device, and a registration device and a payment device used in this system. It is assumed that.

In one embodiment, the checkout system connects a registration device for registering a product and a plurality of payment devices for executing a payment process of the product registered by the registration device via a network.
The registration device includes a transmission unit and a notification unit. The transmission unit transmits data necessary for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to any of the payment devices via the network. The notifying unit notifies the settlement device that can execute the settlement processing.
The settlement device includes a receiving unit, an executable notification unit, and a transfer unit . The receiving means receives the data and the list via a network. The execution notifying unit receives the data and the list by the receiving unit, and notifies the registration device that the payment process based on the data can be executed when the payment device is in a state where the payment device can execute the payment process. I do. The transfer unit receives the data and the list by the receiving unit, but when the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order shown in the list is higher than the order of the payment device. The data and the list received by the receiving unit with the payment device of the next rank as a transmission destination are transferred via a network.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a registration device and a payment device included in the checkout system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing main data memory areas formed in respective RAMs of a registration device and a settlement device. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a main data memory area formed in a RAM and an auxiliary storage device of the registration device. 5 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a CPU of a registration device according to a control program. 5 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by a CPU of a registration device according to a control program. The flowchart which shows the main procedure of the information processing which CPU of a payment apparatus performs according to a control program. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a registration screen displayed on a touch panel of the registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel of a registration device. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen when a transaction possible response is received. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen at the time of receiving a transaction impossible response. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment method selection screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the payment screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows an example of the completion screen displayed on the touch panel of a payment apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a checkout system in which a registration device does not need an information analysis function for monitoring the status of each payment device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a semi-self checkout system in which a clerk operates a registration device and a shopper operates a payment device is illustrated.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and a larger number of payment devices 12 than the registration devices 11. The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of a store.

  FIG. 1 shows a case where two registration devices 11 and six payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes. In FIG. 1, one registration device 11 and three settlement devices 12 are arranged for one checkout lane. The number of registration devices 11 and the number of settlement devices 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary. Further, the ratio of the number of registration devices 11 and the number of payment devices 12 arranged in the checkout lane is also arbitrary.

  In the registration device 11, the clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker is the operator. The settlement apparatus 12 is operated by a shopper 22 who purchases a product sold in a store. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be operated by the clerk 21 in some cases.

  The registration device 11 is attached to the work table 23 in FIG. The work table 23 has a rectangular top plate. By arranging the plurality of work tables 23 so that the longitudinal directions of the top plate are substantially parallel, a passage (checkout lane) for the shopper 22 is formed.

  The registration device 11 has functions of registering sales merchandise, generating accounting data, transferring accounting data to the settlement device 12, and performing settlement processing. The registration of a sale product means registering a product purchased by the shopper 22 as a sale product in the registration device 11. For example, by scanning a barcode attached to a product with a scanner, the product is registered in the registration device 11 as a sale product. The accounting data is data relating to the accounting of the sales product registered as one transaction. A product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, a price, and the like, which are identification codes of sales products, are included in the accounting data. The settlement process is to process the settlement of a transaction, which is a product trading activity, based on accounting data. For settlement, cash, credit card, electronic money, and the like are used as payment.

  The settlement device 12 has a settlement processing function. That is, when the accounting data is transferred from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is a network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server has a product database in which product information such as a product name and a unit price is set in association with a product code of each product.

  The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13. The network may use another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN instead of the LAN 13. Further, information may be exchanged between the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server.

  The registration device 11 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11a, a read-only memory (ROM) 11b, a random-access memory (RAM) 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a drawer opening unit 11e, a scanner 11f, and two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2. , A printer 11h, a card reader / writer 11i, a communication unit 11j, and a transmission system 11k.

The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k, and forms a computer.
The CPU 11a corresponds to a central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit to realize various functions as the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to a main storage of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or the application program. The ROM 11b may store data to be referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to a main storage of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for temporarily storing data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to an auxiliary storage part of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used when the CPU 11a performs various processes, or data generated by the process of the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD) can be used.

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program describing information processing performed by the registration device 11. Generally, the transfer of the registration device 11 is performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the registration device 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11 separately transferred.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.
The scanner 11f reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may correspond to only one of various known types, or may correspond to a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed type or a handy type two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a scanner of a type for identifying a product from an image of the product using an image recognition technique.

  Of the two touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, one touch panel 11g1 is for a clerk and the other touch panel 11g2 is for a customer. Each of the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device sets its display screen to an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. A well-known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display device. The touch sensor is arranged so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

  The clerk touch panel 11g1 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space of the clerk 21. The customer touch panel 11g2 is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the passage for the shopper 22.

  The printer 11h issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. As this type of printer 11h, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer can be used.

  The card reader / writer 11i has a function of reading data recorded on a card and a function of writing data on the card. The card may include a payment card such as a credit card, a debit card, an electronic money card, and a prepaid card, as well as a membership card called a members card or a point card. The card reader / writer 11i reads and rewrites electronic money data (balance, etc.) stored in the electronic money card. The card reader / writer 11i may be a magnetic, contact, or non-contact device, or may include a plurality of types of devices.

  The communication unit 11j performs data communication with a plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11j can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, the auxiliary storage unit 11d, the drawer opening unit 11e, the scanner 11f, the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, the printer 11h, the card reader / writer 11i, and the communication unit 11j. . As the transmission system 11k, a well-known transmission system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits for connecting these buses and each unit can be used.

  As such hardware of the registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

  The settlement apparatus 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, an automatic change machine 12e, a scanner 12f, a touch panel 12g, a printer 12h, a card reader / writer 12i, a communication unit 12j, and a transmission system 12k.

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills to be inserted. The automatic change machine 12e discharges coins and bills as change.

  Other functions of the CPU 12a, the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, the auxiliary storage unit 12d, the scanner 12f, the touch panel 12g, the printer 12h, the card reader / writer 12i, the communication unit 12j, and the transmission system 12k are as follows. Unit 11d, touch panels 11g1 and 11g2, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, communication unit 11j, and transmission system 11k are equivalent.

  That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11k to configure a computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12, based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program describing information processing executed by the settlement apparatus 12. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In this case, the control program is recorded and transferred on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the separately transferred settlement apparatus 12 described above.

  As hardware of such a settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with a self-method can be used.

  The checkout system 10 including the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas 31 and 32 shown in FIG. 3 in the RAMs 11c and 12c of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12, respectively.

  The data memory area 31 is an area for storing data of sales products in one transaction. The data includes items such as a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and a price. The product code is a unique code for identifying each product individually. Each product is provided with a product code represented by, for example, a barcode, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11f. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per point. The number is the number sold of the product, and the amount is the amount (sales amount) of the number sold. Hereinafter, the data memory area 31 is referred to as a transaction memory. The registration device 11 is represented by a transaction memory 31a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by a transaction memory 31b.

  The data memory area 32 is an area for storing the total number and the total amount. The total quantity is the sum of the sales quantity stored in the transaction memory 31. The total price is the sum of the sales prices stored in the transaction memory 31. Hereinafter, the data memory area 32 is referred to as a total memory. The registration device 11 is represented by the total memory 32a, and the settlement device 12 is represented by the total memory 32b.

  Further, the checkout system 10 forms the data memory area 41 shown in FIG. 4 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11, and forms the data memory area 42 in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11.

  The data memory area 41 is an area for temporarily storing a product code, a product name, a unit price, a quantity, and a price of one sales product. Hereinafter, the data memory area 41 is referred to as a temporary buffer 41.

  The data memory area 42 stores a settlement device ID and an identification name in association with a series of list numbers (account data transfer order) starting from “1”. The payment device ID is assigned to each payment device 12 in order to identify each payment device 12, and is a unique ID stored in, for example, the ROM 12b. Incidentally, a similar registration device ID is stored in the ROM 11b for each registration device 11. The identification name is a unique name individually set for each settlement device 12. The operator of the registration device 11 can determine which payment device 12 is indicated from the identification name. Hereinafter, the data memory area 42 is referred to as a list table 42.

  In the list number “1” of the list table 42, the payment device ID and the identification name of the payment device 12 installed at the closest place to the registration device 11 are set in advance, and the list number “2” is set in the list number “1”. Is set in advance with the payment device ID and the identification name of the payment device 12 installed at the second closest place to the registration device 11. As described above, the transfer order of the transaction data is set in the order of the shortest distance from the registration device 11. Note that such a setting is an example, and the transfer order does not necessarily have to be set in the order of decreasing distance from the registration device 11.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by CPU 12a of settlement apparatus 12 according to a control program. 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams showing various screen examples displayed on the touch panels 11g1 and 11g2 of the registration device 11. FIG. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating various screen examples displayed on the touch panel 12g of the settlement apparatus 12. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to these drawings. Note that the contents of the processing described below are merely examples, and various processings that can obtain similar results can be appropriately used.

  The registration device 11 has a registration mode as one of the operation modes. When the registration device 11 is started in this registration mode, the CPU 11a starts the control processing of the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a initializes the RAM 11c (Act1). With this initialization, the transaction memory 31a, the total memory 32a, and the temporary buffer 41 are cleared.

  Next, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g (Act2).

  The registration screen SC1 shows the contents of the temporary buffer 41, the transaction memory 31a, and the total memory 32a, and allows the store clerk 21 to confirm the status of the registration process. FIG. 8 shows an example of the registration screen SC1. Registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 includes a display column r11 for displaying the product name and unit price of the product most recently registered for sale, a display column r12 for displaying the number, a display column r13 for displaying the amount, and one transaction. A display field r14 is formed in which the total number and the total price of each product registered for sale are displayed. In the display area R2, a list of the product name, quantity, unit price, and price of the product registered for sale before the product shown in the display area R1 is formed.

  Although not shown, the CPU 11a provides a product button for the clerk 21 to specify a product outside the registration screen SC1 of the screen of the touch panel 11g, and a command for the clerk 21 to output a subtotal. Various function buttons such as subtotal buttons are also displayed.

  When the store clerk 21 confirms that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11g, the store clerk 21 recognizes that the product purchased by the shopper 22 can be registered. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the clerk 21 operates the scanner 11f or the product button, for example, and sequentially inputs the product code of the product. Then, when the input of the product codes of all the products is completed, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. With the above operation, registration of the product purchased by one shopper (sales registration of one transaction) is completed.

  In response to such a registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a having displayed the registration screen SC1 waits for the input of a product code (Act 3). When the product code is input via the scanner 11f or the product button (YES in Act 3), the CPU 11a acquires the product information such as the product name and the unit price set in the product database in association with the product code. . The CPU 11a calculates the amount of money by multiplying the unit price by the number. The number is a numerical value when the product code is set by a numeric keypad or the like before being input, and is “1” when the product code is not set. After generating the product sales data including the product code, the product name, the unit price, the quantity, and the price, the CPU 11a stores the product sales data in the temporary buffer 41 (Act 4). At this time, if the merchandise sales data has already been stored in the temporary buffer 41, the CPU 11a moves the stored merchandise sales data to the transaction memory 31, and then stores the new merchandise sales data in the temporary buffer 41. To be stored.

  The CPU 11a adds the number and the amount stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the total memory 32a. Then, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 so that the contents of the temporary buffer 41 and the total memory 32a are displayed in the display area R1, and the contents of the transaction memory 31a are displayed in the display area R2 (Act5).

  After updating the registration screen SC1, the CPU 11a checks whether the next product code has been input (Act 6). When the product code has not been input (NO in Act 6), the CPU 11a checks whether the subtotal button has been touched (Act 7). If the subtotal button has not been touched (NO in Act 7), the CPU 11a checks again whether or not a product code has been input (Act 6). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the product code or the touch of the subtotal button as Act6 and Act7. When the CPU 11a confirms the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby state, the CPU 11a shifts to a process corresponding to the event. Such an operation is the same in other standby states.

  In the standby state of Act6 and Act7, when the commodity code is input (YES in Act6), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act4. Then, the CPU 11a repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If the subtotal button is touched in the standby state of Act6 and Act7 (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a executes the processing of Act8 and Act9. Note that the processing procedure of Act8 and Act9 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

  In Act 8, the CPU 11a moves the merchandise sales data stored in the temporary buffer 41 to the transaction memory 31. Then, the CPU 11a generates transaction data from the data in the transaction memory 31a and the data in the total memory 32a (generation means). In Act 9, the CPU 11a displays a transaction confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of the transaction confirmation screen SC2. The checkout screen SC2 includes a display area R3 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4. The display area R3 displays the total number of the total memory 32a, the total amount, and the like. The buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the clerk 21 to specify that a discount or discount is applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the clerk 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is an accounting button B4 for the clerk 21 to instruct the registration of the product for one transaction and to shift to accounting.

  The CPU 11a displaying the checkout screen SC2 checks whether or not the checkout button has been input (Act10). If the checkout button has not been input (NO in Act10), the CPU 11a checks whether the return button B3 has been input (Act11). If the return button B3 has not been input (NO in Act11), the CPU 11a checks again whether the checkout button has been input (Act10). Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the input of the checkout button B4 or the return button B3 as Act10 and Act11.

  The clerk 21 who has confirmed the transaction confirmation screen SC2 confirms whether or not the registration of the product purchased by the shopper 22 remains. If there is, the clerk 21 touches the return button B3. If not, the clerk 21 touches the checkout button B4.

  When the return button B3 is input in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act11), the CPU 11a returns a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1 (Act12). After that, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act 6, and repeats the subsequent processes in the same manner as described above.

  When the checkout button B4 is touched in the standby state of Act10 and Act11 (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act13 in FIG. That is, the CPU 11a reads the list of the IDs and the identification names of the settlement apparatuses 12 from the list table 42 (Act 13). Next, the CPU 11a detects the payment device ID of the list number “1” from the list table 42 (Act 14). Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11j to transmit the accounting data generated in the Act 8 process and the list data acquired in the Act 13 process to the settlement device ID of the list number “1” as a destination (Act 15). In response to this command, the communication unit 11j transmits “account data + list data” to the settlement apparatus ID of the list number “1” as the destination and the registered apparatus ID stored in the ROM 11b as the transmission source on the LAN 13. . This “accounting data + list data” is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose settlement apparatus ID as the destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 11a forms a transmitting unit in cooperation with the communication unit 11j.

  When the CPU 12a of each payment device 12 receives the "account data + list data" via the communication unit 12j, does the payment device ID added to the data as a transmission destination match the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b? Confirm. If they do not match, the CPU 12a discards "account data + list data". If they match, the CPU 12a takes in “account data + list data”. Then, the CPU 12a starts the reception interruption process specifically shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 12a forms a receiving unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

  When the reception interrupt processing is started, the CPU 12a first checks the busy flag F (Act 21). The busy flag F is 1-bit data that is set to "1" while the CPU 12a processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, and is reset to "0" when the processing is completed, and is stored in the RAM 12c. I have. As described above, while the busy flag F is set, the settlement apparatus 12 is executing settlement of the transaction. For this reason, the settlement apparatus 12 cannot settle a new transaction. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a determination unit that determines whether or not the transaction can be settled by the processing of Act21.

  When the busy flag F is reset, that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is in a state where the settlement of the transaction can be executed (YES in Act 21), the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act 22, Act 23, and Act 24. The processing procedure of Act 22, Act 23, and Act 24 is not limited to this order. The order may be changed.

In Act 22, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to “1”.
In Act 23, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit command data of an accountable response to the registration device 11 of the data transmission source. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sets the destination to the registered device ID set as the transmission source of “account data + list data” and sets the command data of the accounting-enabled response to the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the transmission source. Is transmitted on the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a forms a permission responding unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

In Act 24, the CPU 12a executes accounting processing based on the received accounting data (processing means). The accounting process will be described later. When the accounting process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to “0” (Act 25).
As described above, the reception interruption processing of “account data + list data” in a state where the busy flag F is reset is completed.

  On the other hand, when the busy flag F is set, that is, when the settlement apparatus 12 is in a state where the settlement of the transaction cannot be executed (NO in Act 21), the CPU 12a searches the received list data (Act 26). . Then, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b is associated with the final list number of the list data (Act 27).

  When the payment device ID is not associated with the final list number (NO in Act 27), the CPU 12a adds “1” to the list number associated with the payment device ID stored in the ROM 12b from the list data. Is detected (Act 28). Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12j to transfer "account data + list data" to the detected settlement apparatus ID as a destination (Act 29). In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sends “account data + list data” to the LAN 13 with the detected settlement device ID as the destination and the registered device ID indicating the transmission source as it is. This “accounting data + list data” is received by the settlement apparatus 12 whose settlement apparatus ID as the destination matches the settlement apparatus ID stored in the ROM 12b. Here, the CPU 12a forms a transfer unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.

On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus ID is associated with the final list number (the maximum value of the list number) (YES in Act 27), the CPU 12a sends a non-accounting response to the registration apparatus 11 of the data transmission source. It instructs the communication unit 12j to transmit command data. In response to this command, the communication unit 12j sets the destination to the registered device ID set as the source of the “account data + list data”, and sets the settlement device ID stored in the ROM 12b as the source. Is transmitted on the LAN 13. This command data is received by the registration device 11 whose destination registration device ID matches the registration device ID stored in the ROM 11b. Here, the CPU 12a forms an error response unit in cooperation with the communication unit 12j.
With the above, the reception interruption processing of “account data + list data” in a state where the busy flag F is set is completed.

  The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted “account data + list data” in Act 15 of FIG. 6 waits for a response from the settlement device 12 (Act 16). When the command data indicating the response is received via the communication unit 11j (YES in Act 16), the CPU 11a identifies whether the command data is a transaction-acceptable response or a transaction-impossible response (Act 17).

  In the case of an accountable response (YES in Act 17), the CPU 11a searches the list table 42 and reads out the identification name stored in association with the payment device ID that is the transmission source of the command data. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 11a displays a message indicating that the payment device 12 with this identification name is ready for accounting in a partial area R4 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (Act 18). The clerk who confirms this message notifies the shopper to perform the transaction with the settlement device 12 specified by the identification name.

  On the other hand, in the case of the accounting unsuccessful response (NO in Act 17), the CPU 11a sends a message indicating that the accounting data could not be transmitted to a partial area R5 of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 as shown in FIG. It is displayed (Act 19). After that, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disable process.

  The transmission disable processing waits, for example, for the input of the checkout button B4 again, and if it is input, executes the processing after Act 13 again. In this case, the clerk who has confirmed the message touches the checkout button B4.

  The transmission-disabled process attaches a unique identification code to the transaction data, transmits the transaction data to the server, drives the printer 11h, and issues a transaction ticket on which a barcode indicating the identification code is printed. In this case, the clerk who confirms the message hands the accounting ticket to the shopper. For example, the shopper causes the scanner 12f of the settlement apparatus 12 prepared at a location different from the chuck out lane to read the barcode of the transaction ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 acquires transaction data attached with the identification code obtained from the barcode from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act22, Act24, and Act25 in FIG. 7 based on the transaction data.

  Thus, the clerk 21 registers the merchandise purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11. When the registration is completed, the clerk 21 touches the checkout button B4 on the checkout screen SC2. Then, the accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction with the shopper 22 is transmitted together with the list data in the list table 42. The transmission destination of the “account data + list data” is the settlement device 12 (settlement device 12-1) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number “1”.

  Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-1 can execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 0), the settlement apparatus 12-1 transmits the command data of the accounting possible response to the registration apparatus 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name of the settlement device 12-1. The settlement device 12-1 is notified to perform accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-1 cannot execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 1), “accounting data + list data” is transferred from the settlement apparatus 12-1 to another settlement apparatus 12. You. The transfer destination is the settlement apparatus 12 identified as the settlement apparatus ID of the list number “2” (hereinafter referred to as settlement apparatus 12-2).

  Here, if the settlement device 12-2 can execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 0), the settlement device 12-2 transmits the command data of the accountable response to the registration device 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name representing the settlement device 12-2. The settlement device 12-2 is instructed to perform accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-2 cannot execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 1), “account data + list data” is transferred from the settlement apparatus 12-2 to the other settlement apparatus 12. You. The transfer destination is the settlement device 12 (settlement device 12-3) identified by the settlement device ID of the list number “3”.

  Here, if the settlement device 12-3 can execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 0), the settlement device 12-3 transmits the command data of the accountable response to the registration device 11. As a result, on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, a message indicating that the transaction is ready is displayed together with the identification name of the settlement device 12-3. The settlement device 12-3 is instructed to perform accounting.

  On the other hand, if the settlement device 12-3 cannot execute the settlement of the transaction (the busy flag F = 1), the settlement of the transaction is performed by all of the three settlement devices 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3. Is impossible. In this case, the settlement device 12-3 transmits the command data of the accounting-impossible response to the registration device 11. As a result, a message indicating that transmission is impossible is displayed on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 of the registration device 11, and the clerk 21 touches the transaction button B4 again. Alternatively, since a transaction ticket is issued together with a message indicating that transmission is impossible, the clerk 21 passes the transaction ticket to the shopper 22.

  The shopper 22 notified by the clerk 21 to perform the transaction with any of the settlement devices 12 moves to the place of the settlement device 12. At this time, the settlement device 12 has started the accounting process. When the accounting process starts, the payment device 12 displays a payment method selection screen SC3 (see FIG. 12) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of the payment method selection screen SC3. Payment method selection screen SC3 includes display areas R11, R12 and buttons B11, B12. The display area R11 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R12 displays the total number and the total amount stored in the total memory 32b. The button B11 is a payment method button B11 for the shopper to specify one of the plurality of payment methods. The button B12 is a clerk call button B13 for the shopper 22 to specify to call the clerk 21.

  In the present embodiment, cash, credit card, and electronic money are exemplified as payment methods, but the payment method is not limited to these. Other payment methods may be added. Further, any payment method may be omitted.

  The shopper 22 who has confirmed the payment method selection screen SC3 determines the payment method of the price, and touches the payment method button B11. When the payment method button B11 is touched, the payment device 12 displays a payment screen SC4 (see FIG. 13) of the payment method selected by the payment method button B11 on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of the payment screen SC4. FIG. 13 shows a payment screen SC4 when cash is selected as the payment method. Payment screen SC4 includes display areas R13, R14 and button B13. The display area R13 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R14 displays the total amount, the input amount, and the remaining amount. The button B13 is a payment button B13 for the shopper who has completed the cash input to specify execution of the payment.

  The shopper who has selected cash as the payment method puts cash into the automatic change machine 12e. Then, when cash more than the total amount has been inserted, the user touches the settlement button B13. When the settlement button B13 is touched, the settlement device 12 executes a settlement process using the selected payment method. Since such a settlement process is well known, a detailed description is omitted.

  When the payment process is completed, the payment device 12 displays a completion screen SC5 (see FIG. 14) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 12g.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the completion screen SC5 for cash payment. The completion screen SC5 includes display areas R15, R16, and R17. The display area R15 displays operation guidance for the shopper 22 who operates the settlement apparatus 12. The display area R16 displays a guidance image. The guide image is an image for guiding the shopper 22 to the receipt issuing port and the change payout port. Therefore, the shopper can easily know the place where the receipt is issued and the place where the change is paid out from the guide image. The display area R16 displays the change amount. Therefore, the shopper can know the change amount from the data in the display area R16.

  The shopper who has confirmed the completion screen SC8 receives the receipt and the change according to the guide image. In response, the settlement apparatus 12 resets the busy flag F to “0” and enters the accounting standby state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the registration device 11 may transmit the accounting data to the payment device 12 set to the list number “1” regardless of the state of each payment device 12. Therefore, there is no need for an information analysis function for the registration device 11 to monitor the status of each settlement device 12.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
For example, in the above embodiment, the registration device 11 may have a data (payment device ID / identification name) setting mode for the list table 42 so that the data in the list table 42 can be arbitrarily changed. In the case of the above-described embodiment, first, the transaction data is transmitted to the settlement apparatus 12 set to the list number “1”, so that the settlement apparatus 12 processes the transaction more frequently. Therefore, by changing the data in the list table 42 at an appropriate timing, the frequency at which the settlement of the transaction is processed can be equalized.

  Further, the screens SC1, SC2, SC3, SC4, and SC5 illustrated and described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and it is needless to say that the layout is not limited to the illustrated layout.

In addition, although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the present application will be additionally described.
[1] Checkout by connecting a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction and a plurality of settlement devices that process the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data via a network In the system, the registration device transmits the accounting data via the network together with a list indicating an accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices, and a transmission unit that transmits the payment data to any one of the payment devices. Notification means for notifying information for identifying the payment apparatus that has transmitted the permission response in response to receiving a permission response from any one of the payment apparatuses via the network, Receiving means for receiving the accounting data and the list via the network, and determining whether or not the transaction can be settled And a permission response means for transmitting the permission response to the registration device via the network when the accounting data and the list are received in a state where the settlement of the transaction can be executed. Transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any of the other payment devices via the network based on the list, when the accounting data and the list are received in an unexecutable state; A check-out system comprising:
[2] When the settlement device receives the accounting data and the list in a state where the settlement of the transaction cannot be executed, all the other settlement devices cannot execute the settlement of the transaction. Further recognizing that there is an error response means for transmitting an error response to the registration device via the network, wherein the registration device receives the error response from any of the settlement devices via the network The check-out system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying an error.
[3] For each transaction, generating means for generating accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction, and one of a plurality of settlement apparatuses for processing the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, Transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data via a network together with a list indicating the accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of payment apparatuses; and receiving a permission response from any of the payment apparatuses via the network. Notification means for notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus that has transmitted the permission response.
[4] Receiving, via a network, the accounting data and a list indicating a transfer order of accounting data set among a plurality of settlement devices from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction. Receiving means, processing means for processing the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, determining means for judging whether or not the settlement of the transaction can be executed, and a state in which the settlement of the transaction can be executed When the accounting data and the list are received, a license response unit that transmits a license response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the list in a state where the settlement of the transaction cannot be executed. Transfer means for transferring the accounting data and the list to any one of the other settlement apparatuses based on the list via the network. And settlement system.
[5] For each transaction, the computer of the registration device that generates the accounting data necessary for the settlement of the transaction is sent to one of the plurality of settlement devices that processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data. A function of transmitting the accounting data via a network together with a list indicating an accounting data transfer order set among the plurality of settlement apparatuses, and receiving a permission response from any of the settlement apparatuses via the network And a function for notifying information for identifying the settlement apparatus that has transmitted the permission response in response to the request.
[6] Receiving the accounting data and a list indicating the order of transfer of accounting data set among a plurality of settlement devices via a network from a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction. A function of causing a computer of a settlement apparatus having a receiving unit to perform settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data, a function of determining whether or not the transaction can be settled, and a settlement of the transaction Receiving the accounting data and the list in a state in which the transaction data can be executed, a function of transmitting a license response to the registration device via the network, and the accounting data and the Receiving the list and the function of transferring the accounting data and the list to any of the other settlement apparatuses via the network based on the list. Control program for.

  11 registration device, 12 settlement device, 11a, 12a CPU, 11b, 12b ROM, 11c, 12c RAM, 11d, 12d auxiliary storage unit, 11e drawer opening unit, 12e automatic change machine, 11f 12f scanner, 11g1, 11g2, 12g touch panel, 11h, 12h printer, 11i, 12i card reader / writer, 11j, 12j communication unit, 11k, 12k transmission system, 13 LAN, 31 (31a, 31b) ... transaction memory, 32 (32a, 32b) ... total memory, 41 ... temporary buffer, 42 ... list table.

Claims (7)

In a checkout system in which a registration device for registering a product and a plurality of payment devices for performing payment processing of the product registered by the registration device are connected via a network,
The registration device,
Transmitting means for transmitting data necessary for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to any of the payment devices via the network;
Notification means for notifying the payment device capable of executing the payment processing,
With
The payment device,
Receiving means for receiving the data and the list via the network;
When the receiving unit receives the data and the list and is in a state where the payment device can execute the payment process, the registration device is notified that the payment process based on the data can be executed. Notification means;
When the data and the list are received by the receiving means, but the payment processing cannot be performed by the payment apparatus, the data transfer order indicated by the list is the next to the order of the payment apparatus. Transfer means for transferring the data and the list received by the receiving means with the settlement device of the rank as a transmission destination via the network ;
A checkout system comprising: The payment device,
The data and the list are received by the receiving means, but in a state where the payment device cannot execute the payment process, when the data transfer order indicated by the list of the payment device is the lowest, Execution impossible notification means for notifying the registration device that the settlement process based on the data is not executable,
Further comprising
The registration device,
Notifying means for notifying an error in response to the notification by the execution impossible notification means,
Further checkout system according to claim 1, further comprising a. The registration device,
A display device for displaying a screen representing the content of the registered product,
3. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the display device of information that identifies the payment apparatus that can execute the payment processing by displaying the information on the display device. 4. A registration device for registering a product,
A checkout system is configured by connecting to a plurality of payment devices that execute the payment process of the goods registered by the registration device via a network, and the payment device transmits data necessary for the payment process via the network. And a list indicating a data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and when the payment device can execute the payment process, the payment process based on the data can be performed. Is notified to the registration device, and if the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order indicated by the list is set to the destination of the next payment device with respect to the order of the payment device. Transferring the received data and the list via the network as
Transmission means for transmitting data required for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices to any one of the payment devices via the network,
Notification means for notifying the payment device capable of executing the payment processing,
A registration device comprising: A payment device that performs a payment process for a product registered by the registration device,
The registration device and other payment devices are connected via a network to form a checkout system,
Via the network, receiving means for receiving data required for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set among the plurality of payment devices,
When the receiving unit receives the data and the list and is in a state where the payment device can execute the payment process, the registration device is notified that the payment process based on the data can be executed. Notification means;
When the data and the list are received by the receiving means, but the payment processing cannot be performed by the payment apparatus, the data transfer order indicated by the list is the next to the order of the payment apparatus. Transfer means for transferring the data and the list received by the receiving means with the settlement device of the rank as a transmission destination via the network;
Payment device comprising: A registration device for registering a product,
A checkout system is configured by connecting to a plurality of payment devices that execute the payment process of the goods registered by the registration device via a network, and the payment device transmits data necessary for the payment process via the network. And a list indicating a data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and when the payment device can execute the payment process, the payment process based on the data can be performed. Is notified to the registration device, and if the payment device cannot execute the payment process, the data transfer order indicated by the list is set to the destination of the next payment device with respect to the order of the payment device. said and said received data and the list in the computer of der Ru registration device and transfers via the network as,
A function of transmitting data required for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices to any one of the payment devices via the network,
A function of notifying the payment device that can execute the payment process,
Control program for realizing A payment device that performs a payment process for a product registered by the registration device,
A computer of the payment device that constitutes a checkout system by connecting to the registration device and another payment device via a network,
Via the network, a function required to receive data required for the payment process and a list indicating a data transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices;
A function of receiving the data and the list, and in a case where the payment device is in a state where the payment device can execute the payment process, a function of notifying the registration device that the payment process based on the data can be executed,
If the data and the list are received, but the payment processing cannot be performed by the payment apparatus, the data transfer order indicated by the list is the next highest rank of the payment apparatus with respect to the order of the payment apparatus. A function of transferring the received data and the list as a transmission destination via the network,
Control program for realizing