JP6876161B2 - Payment device and its control program - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system and a payment device used in this system.

As a checkout system for mass retailers, there is a type in which a registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of the transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that executes settlement processing of the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. The registration device waits for the input of data related to product sales. Then, when the operator inputs data related to product sales, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data and transmits the accounting data to the settlement device. The payment device listens for input of payment data for accounting data. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the payment device executes the payment processing of the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. The checkout system of the type in which the registration device and the payment device are separated includes a two-person system in which the registration device and the payment device are operated by separate clerk, and a shopper who operates the registration device and the payment device is a shopper. There is a so-called semi-self system, which is a shared system operated by.

In the case of the semi-self method, if the shopper takes time to operate the payment device, the subsequent shoppers will wait for the payment. In order to avoid such a situation, a plurality of payment devices are connected to one registration device. Then, the registration device selects one of the payment devices for each transaction and sends the accounting data to the payment device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-242839

An object to be solved by an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a checkout system that does not select a payment device to which accounting data is transmitted in a registration device, and a payment device used in this system.

In one embodiment, the payment device includes a registration device having a product sales registration function and a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing based on the data of the product registered for sale by the registration device. It is a payment device of a checkout system in which a data transfer order is set between two payment devices. The payment device has a determination means and a transfer means. The determination means executes the payment processing on the own payment device or executes the payment processing on another payment device based on the information indicating the priority of the payment processing set for each time zone for a plurality of payment devices. Determine if you want to. Transfer means, in accordance with the transfer order of the data set between the plurality of the settlement device, when determining to perform the settlement processing with due Ri own payment device to the determining means is identification information of its own payment device, other When it is determined that the payment device executes the payment process, the identification information of the other payment device is transferred.

The schematic diagram of the checkout system which concerns on this embodiment. The block diagram which shows the main circuit composition of a registration device and a payment device. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the priority list memory. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the accounting data and the accounting machine response command. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the information processing executed by the CPU of a registration apparatus. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of a payment apparatus. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of a payment apparatus. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of a registration screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of the accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of the accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows the structure of the accounting data in 2nd Embodiment. The flow chart which shows the main procedure of the accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus in 2nd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes a plurality of registration devices 11 and a payment device 12. The number of payment devices 12 is larger than that of the registration device 11.
The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged in each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. FIG. 1 shows a case where one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes, respectively. Specifically, one registration device 11 and three payment devices 12 (12-A, 12-B, 12-C) are arranged for one checkout lane. The payment device 12-A has the closest distance to the registration device 11, the payment device 12-B has the second closest distance to the registration device 11, and the payment device 12-C has the closest distance to the registration device 11. The farthest.

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self system. That is, the operator of the registration device 11 is a clerk 21 who plays a role called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is the shopper 22 whose sales registration of the purchased product is made by the registration device 11.

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 plates are substantially parallel to each other, a passage (checkout lane) for the shopper 22 is formed.
The registration device 11 has functions of registering sales of goods, creating accounting data, and transferring accounting data to the settlement device 12. The product sales registration is to register the data of the product purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11. For example, by scanning the barcode attached to the product with a scanner, data such as the number of points sold and the sales amount of the product is registered in the registration device 11. Accounting data is data related to the accounting of products registered for sale as one transaction. The accounting data includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of items sold, sales amount and the total number of items, total amount, etc. of the registered product.
The registration device 11 sets one of the three payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the transmission destination of the accounting data. Which payment device 12 is used as the transmission destination is arbitrary. The registration device 11 transmits accounting data to one payment device 12 set as a destination.

The payment device 12 has a payment processing function. That is, when the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data from the registration device 11, the settlement device 12 processes the settlement of the transaction based on the accounting data. The settlement process is to process the settlement of a transaction, which is an act of buying and selling goods, based on accounting data. Cash, credit cards, electronic money, etc. are used for payment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of the registration device 11 and the payment device 12. The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 of each checkout lane are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13 which is an in-store network. Although not shown, a server is connected to the LAN 13. The server stores a product database in which product information such as a product name and a unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may further store other databases.

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

The registration device 11 includes a CPU 11a, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, an auxiliary storage unit 11d, a scanner 11e, a touch panel 11f, a printer 11g, a communication unit 11h, and a transmission system 11i.
The CPU 11a is connected to the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, and the auxiliary storage unit 11d via the transmission system 11i to form a computer. The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 11a controls each unit in order to realize various functions as the registration device 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 11b and the RAM 11c.

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the middleware or application program. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11a for performing various processes.
The auxiliary storage unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a to perform various processes or data created by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like can be used. The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described for information processing executed by the registration device 11.

The scanner 11e reads the barcode attached to the product and obtains the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f has a touch panel for a clerk and a touch panel for a customer. The touch panel 11f for the clerk is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space side of the clerk 21. The customer touch panel 11f is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shopper 22. The printer 11g issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on the receipt paper. The communication unit 11h performs data communication with a plurality of payment devices 12 connected via the LAN 13. The communication unit 11h can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11i transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, the ROM 11b, the RAM 11c, the auxiliary storage unit 11d, the scanner 11e, the touch panel 11f, the printer 11g, and the communication unit 11h. As the transmission system 11i, a well-known one including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits connecting these buses and each part can be used. As the hardware of such a registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

The payment device 12 includes a CPU 12a, a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c, an auxiliary storage unit 12d, a scanner 12e, a touch panel 12f, a printer 12g, a communication unit 12h, a card reader / writer 12j, an automatic change machine 12k, a clock unit 12m, and a transmission system 12i.
The card reader / writer 12j has a function of reading data recorded on the card and a function of writing data to the card. Cards include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards and prepaid cards. The automatic change machine 12k collects coins and banknotes to be inserted. Further, the automatic change machine 12k discharges coins and banknotes as change. The clock unit 12m measures the current date and time. The other CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, scanner 12e, touch panel 12f, printer 12g, communication unit 12h, and transmission system 12i have the same functions as those of the registration device 11. That is, the CPU 12a is connected to the ROM 12b, the RAM 12c, and the auxiliary storage unit 12d via the transmission system 12i to form a computer. Then, the CPU 12a controls each unit in order to realize various operations as the payment device 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program 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 described for information processing executed by the payment device 12. As the hardware of such a payment device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-method can be used.

The checkout system 10 having such a configuration forms the data memory areas M1 and M2 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11. The data memory area M1 is an area for storing the product code, product name, unit price, number of points sold, and sales amount of each product registered for sale as one transaction. The product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. For example, a product code represented by a bar code is attached to each product, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the bar code with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the product name and the price per item identified by the corresponding product code. Hereinafter, the data memory area M1 is referred to as a registration memory M1.

The data memory area M2 stores destination information. The destination information is information for identifying the settlement device 12 that is the destination of the accounting data. In the present embodiment, the transfer order of accounting data is preset between the three payment devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11. Then, the information that can identify the payment device 12 whose transfer order is No. 1 is stored in the data memory area M2 as the destination information. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 11d stores the default value of the destination information, and the CPU 11a writes this default value in the data memory area M2 at the time of startup. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as destination information. Alternatively, a number, a symbol, a code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each payment device 12 to serve as destination information. Hereinafter, the data memory area M2 is referred to as a destination memory M2.

The checkout system 10 forms data memory areas M3, M4 and M5 in the RAM 12c of the payment device 12. The data memory area M3 is an area for storing accounting data. Hereinafter, the data memory area M3 will be referred to as an accounting buffer M3.

The data memory area M4 stores transfer destination information. The transfer destination information is information for identifying another payment device 12 to which the accounting data is transferred, that is, a payment device 12 whose transfer order is next to its own. Note that the transfer destination information is not set in the payment device 12 whose transfer order is the last. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 12d stores the default value of the transfer destination information, and the CPU 12a writes this default value in the data memory area M4 at the time of startup. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as the transfer destination information. Alternatively, a number, a symbol, a code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each payment device 12 to serve as transfer destination information. Hereinafter, the data memory area M4 is referred to as a transfer destination memory M4.

The data memory area M5 stores the priority list table. The priority list table shows the priority of payment processing set for each time zone for a plurality of payment devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane.
FIG. 3 is an example of the priority list table T when three payment devices 12 are arranged in one checkout lane as shown in FIG. The priority list table T stores information for identifying each of the payment devices 12 having the first, second, and third priorities for each hourly time zone. The information is, for example, an ID unique to each payment device. Incidentally, in FIG. 3, the ID of the payment device 12-A is set to "A", the ID of the payment device 12-B is set to "B", and the ID of the payment device 12-C is set to "C". Needless to say, the time zone is not limited to one hour.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to a control program. 6 and 7 are flow charts showing a main procedure of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 according to a control program when receiving accounting data. 8 to 10 are plan views showing an example of a screen displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration device 11. Hereinafter, the operation of the checkout system 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10. The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
When the registration device 11 is started in the mode for registering the purchased product, the CPU 11a starts the control process of the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 11a displays the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 8) on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act1.
The registration screen SC1 represents the contents of the registration memory M1 and causes the clerk 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process. An example of the registration screen SC1 is shown in FIG. The registration screen SC1 includes display areas R1 and R2. The display area R1 displays the product name, unit price, number of items sold (quantity) and sales amount of the most recently registered product, and the total number of items and total amount of purchased items after the product is registered. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, unit prices, sales points (quantities), and sales amounts related to products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown in the display area R1.
Although not shown, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the area of the touch panel 11f screen to be the registration screen SC1. To do.

After confirming that the registration screen SC1 is displayed on the touch panel 11f, the clerk 21 recognizes that the sales registration of the purchased product is possible. Then, when the shopper 22 comes to the work table 23 with the purchased product, the clerk 21 operates, for example, the scanner 11e or the product button to sequentially input the product code of the purchased product. Then, when the product codes of all the purchased products have been entered, the clerk 21 touches the subtotal button. By the above operation, the sales registration of the product purchased by one shopper is completed.

In response to such a sales registration operation, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 executes the following information processing. First, the CPU 11a waits for product registration as Act2. When the product code is input via the scanner 11e or the product button (YES in Act 2), the CPU 11a executes the product sales data registration process as Act 3. That is, the CPU 11a acquires product information such as a product name and a unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. Further, the CPU 11a calculates the amount of sales points, that is, the so-called sales amount, by multiplying this unit price by the number of sales points. The number of items sold is a numerical value when the number is placed by the numeric keypad or the like before the product code is input, and "1" when the number is not placed. Thus, the CPU 11a creates product sales data including a product code, a product name, a unit price, a number of items sold, and a sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a stores the product sales data in the registration memory M1. At this time, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 based on the data in the registration memory M1.

The CPU 11a confirms whether or not the end of registration of the product for sale is declared as Act4. For example, when the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines that the registration end has been declared. If the registration completion is not declared (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a returns to Act2 and waits for product registration. When the registration completion is declared (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a generates accounting data as Act5 based on the data in the registration memory M1. Here, the CPU 11a constitutes a generation means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of a transaction based on input data (data related to product sales) by processing Act2 to Act5.

When the accounting data is generated, the CPU 11a causes the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 9) to be displayed on a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g1 as Act6.
An example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The accounting confirmation screen SC2 includes display areas R3 and R4 and buttons B1, B2, B3 and B4. The display area R3 displays the total number of items, the total amount of money, etc. of the products stored in the registration memory M1. 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 that a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g1 is returned to the registration screen SC1. Button B4 is an accounting button B4 for the clerk 21 to instruct the clerk 21 to complete the registration of the product for one transaction and shift to accounting. The display area R4 displays the status of each payment device 12. The state of the payment device 12 includes "accounting", "warning", "waiting", and the like. “Under accounting” is a state in which payment processing is being performed by the payment device 12. The CPU 12a of the payment device 12 performing the payment processing has a function of generating a processing signal. This processing signal is output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13. “With warning” means that the payment device 12 has, for example, a shortage of change amount or a shortage of receipt paper. The automatic change machine 12k has a function of generating a warning signal of insufficient change amount when the remaining amount of money stored as change becomes less than the threshold value. The printer 12g has a function of generating a warning signal of insufficient receipt paper when the remaining amount of receipt paper becomes less than the threshold value. These warning signals are output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13. “Waiting” is a state in which the payment device 12 is waiting for payment processing. The CPU 12a of the payment device 12 which does not perform the payment processing and does not give a warning such as a shortage of receipts or a shortage of change has a function of generating a standby signal. This standby signal is output from the communication unit 12h to the registration device 11 via the LAN 13.
When the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 receives the processing signal, the warning signal, or the standby signal issued from each payment device 12, the state information of the display area R4 is updated.

The clerk 21 who has confirmed the accounting confirmation screen SC2 touches the accounting button B4 when the shopper 22 may be transferred to the accounting.
When the checkout button B4 is touched (YES in Act7), the CPU 11a acquires the destination information stored in the destination memory M2 as Act8. Further, the CPU 11a sets the accounting machine information to the initial value "0" as Act9. The accounting machine information is information that identifies the settlement device 12 that preferentially executes accounting processing. A unique ID is preset in each payment device 12. This ID can be used as accounting machine information. At present, the settlement device 12 that preferentially executes accounting processing has not been determined. Therefore, the accounting machine information has an initial value of “0”.

As Act10, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data generated in the processing of Act5, the destination information acquired in the processing of Act8, and the accounting machine information set in the processing of Act9 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11h to transmit a data transmission including accounting data and accounting machine information to the settlement device 12 identified by the destination information. In response to this command, in the communication unit 11h, as shown in FIG. 4A, an accounting data message including a destination address, a source address, accounting data, and accounting machine information is created, and is displayed on the LAN 13. Will be sent. The destination address is the communication address of the payment device 12 identified by the destination information. The source address is the communication address of the registration device 11. The accounting data message is received by one of the plurality of payment devices 12 connected to the LAN 13 in which the destination address is set as the communication address. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement device 12 receives the accounting data transmission whose destination address is its own communication address among the accounting data transmissions transmitted on the LAN 13. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 cooperates with the communication unit 11h by the processing of Act8 to Act10, and accounts for one payment device 12 set as the transmission destination among the plurality of payment devices 12. A transmission means for transmitting data together with accounting machine information having an initial value of "0" is configured. On the other hand, the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 cooperates with the communication unit 12h to form a receiving means.

When the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 receives the accounting data transmission via the communication unit 12h, the CPU 12a starts information processing of the procedure shown in the flow charts of FIGS. 6 and 7. First, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an error has occurred as Act 21. The error is, for example, when the automatic change machine 12k runs out of money for change (no change error). Alternatively, for example, in the printer 12g, when the receipt paper runs out (paper out error). The error is not limited to the above aspect. For example, if the amount of change money is less than the specified amount (change near end), or if the remaining amount of receipt paper is less than the specified amount (paper near end), it may be determined that an error has occurred. .. If an error has occurred (YES in Act21), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

If no error has occurred (NO in Act21), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the busy flag F has been reset to "0" as Act22. The busy flag is 1-bit information that is reset to "0" while the payment device 12 is not executing the payment process, and is set to "1" until the payment process is completed when the payment process is started. The busy flag F is stored in, for example, the RAM 12c. When the busy flag F is set to "1" (NO in Act22), since the settlement processing of other accounting data is being executed in the settlement device 12, the settlement processing of the accounting data included in the accounting data message is executed. Can't do. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

When the busy flag F is reset to "0" (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a determines whether or not the accounting machine information of the accounting data transmission is "0" as Act23. When the accounting machine information is "0" (YES in Act23), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act27.
When the accounting machine information is other than "0", that is, the identification information of another payment device 12, the CPU 12a acquires the current time measured by the clock unit 12m as Act24. Then, the CPU 12a searches the priority list table T as Act 25, and recognizes the priority of each payment device in the time zone including the current time. The CPU 12a compares with other payment devices identified by the accounting machine information as Act 26, and determines whether or not the CPU 12a has a higher priority.

As a result of this determination, if oneself has a higher priority (YES in Act26), the settlement device is another settlement device identified by the accounting machine information, that is, another settlement with a transfer order first. Priority is given to the payment processing for the device. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act27. On the other hand, if oneself has a lower priority (NO in Act26), the other payment device having the transfer order first executes the payment process with priority. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a determination means by processing Act23 to Act26. Specifically, when the accounting machine information included in the accounting data message has an initial value of "0", it is determined that the accounting data settlement process is preferentially executed by itself. When the accounting machine information is the identification information of another payment device, it is compared with the other payment device based on the information of the current time clocked by the clock unit 12 m and the data set in the priority list table T. Then, it is determined whether or not it is executed preferentially.

In Act27, the CPU 12a rewrites the accounting machine information in the accounting data transmission to its own identification information (ID). Further, the CPU 12a stores the accounting data included in the accounting data message as Act 28 in the accounting buffer M3. Further, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transmit a clear command as Act29. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates a clear command and transmits it on the LAN 13. The clear command can be received by the payment device connected to the LAN 13. Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the RAM 12c by the processing of the Act 27 to form the storage means. Further, the CPU 12a cooperates with the communication unit 12h by the processing of Act29 to form a command means. The order of each process of Act 27 to Act 29 is not limited to the order described above. The order of processing may be changed as appropriate. When each process of Act 27 to Act 29 is completed, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act 30.

In Act 30, the CPU 12a acquires the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M4. Then, the CPU 12a determines the presence / absence of the transfer destination as Act31. When the transfer destination information is the identification information of another payment device, the CPU 12a determines that there is a transfer destination. If the transfer destination information is not set, the CPU 12a determines that there is no transfer destination.

When there is a transfer destination (YES in Act 31), the CPU 12a outputs the transfer destination information to the communication unit 12h as Act 32. Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transfer the accounting data transmission. In response to this command, in the communication unit 12h, as shown in FIG. 4A, an accounting data message including a destination address, a source address, accounting data, and accounting machine information is created, and is displayed on the LAN 13. Will be sent. The destination address is a communication address of another payment device identified by the transfer destination information. The source address is the communication address of the payment device 12. As the accounting data, the accounting data of the received accounting data message is diverted as it is. When the accounting machine information is updated in the processing of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement device 12. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information in the received accounting data message is diverted as it is. Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the communication unit 12h by processing Act 30 to Act 32 to form a transfer means.

On the other hand, when there is no transfer destination (NO in Act31), the CPU 12a commands the communication unit 12h to transmit the accounting machine response command as Act33. In response to this command, in the communication unit 12h, as shown in FIG. 4B, an accounting machine response command including a destination address, a source address, and accounting machine information is created and transmitted on the LAN 13. .. The destination address is a communication address that can be received by the registration device 11 and other payment devices. The source address is the communication address of the payment device 12. When the accounting machine information is updated in the processing of Act 27, the accounting machine information becomes the updated accounting machine information, that is, the identification information of the settlement device 12. If it has not been updated, the accounting machine information in the received accounting data message is diverted as it is. Here, the CPU 12a cooperates with the communication unit 12h by the processing of Act 33 to form the notification means.

The CPU 12a that has transferred the accounting data in Act 32 waits for the reception of the command as Act 41. When a command is received via the LAN 13 (YES in Act 41), the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the command is an accounting machine response command. If it is an accounting machine response command (YES in Act42), the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act45.

If the received command is not an accounting machine response command (NO in Act42), the CPU 12a confirms whether the command is a clear command. When the clear command is issued (YES in Act42), the CPU 12a clears the accounting data in the accounting buffer M3 as Act44. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data reception process. The clear command is transmitted from the settlement device 12 that has determined that it preferentially executes the accounting process. Therefore, in the settlement device 12 whose transfer order is earlier than that of the settlement device 12, the accounting data is cleared from the accounting buffer M3. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a clearing means by the processing of Act44. When the clear command is received while the accounting data is not stored in the accounting buffer M3, the CPU 12a does not perform substantially any processing.

When the accounting machine response command is transmitted in Act33 or the accounting machine response command is received in Act42, the CPU 12a determines whether the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command as Act45 matches its own identification information. Check if. If they do not match (NO in Act 45), the CPU 12a ends the accounting data reception process.

When the accounting machine information included in the accounting machine response command matches the own identification information (YES in Act 45), the settlement device 12 is confirmed as the accounting machine. In this case, the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1" as Act46. Further, the CPU 12a causes the touch panel 12f to display the payment screen as Act 47. Then, the CPU 12a executes the settlement processing of the transaction based on the accounting data stored in the accounting buffer M3 as Act48. The payment screen is a screen that supports the payment operation by the shopper 22. On the payment screen, for example, the total amount of purchased products is displayed. In addition, a button for selecting a payment method such as cash, credit card, or electronic money is also displayed. The settlement process is a process for settling the transaction shown in the accounting data according to the operation by the shopper 22, and is the same as the process performed by the existing self-POS terminal or the like, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. When the payment process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to “0” as Act 49. With the above, the CPU 12a ends the accounting data reception process.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the accounting data in Act 10 waits for the accounting machine response command as Act 11. When the accounting machine response command is received (YES in Act 11), the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the accounting machine information included in the response command is the initial value "0" as Act 12. If the accounting machine information is not the initial value "0", that is, if it is the identification information of any of the payment devices, the CPU 11a performs a guidance display on the accounting confirmation screen SC2 as Act13.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 with the guidance display. In this example, the settlement device 12-C sends an accountable response command. The guidance display is a display that guides the customer to the payment device 12-C that has notified that the payment processing is possible. The guidance display is performed in the display area R4. The clerk 21 who has confirmed this guidance display guides the shopper 22 to perform accounting with the payment device 12-C notified by the guidance display. For example, the shopper 22 who has been guided to the payment device 12-C moves to the place where the payment device 12-C is installed. Here, the CPU 11a cooperates with the touch panel 11f by processing Act 11 to Act 13 to form a notification means.

On the other hand, when the accounting machine information is the initial value "0", the CPU 11a indicates that the accounting data cannot be transmitted to a part of the area of the accounting confirmation screen SC2, for example, the display area R4 as Act14. Display a transmission error message. After that, the CPU 11a executes the transmission disabling process. In the non-transmission processing, for example, the accounting data is transmitted to the server with a unique identification code, and the printer 11g is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a barcode indicating the identification code is printed. The accounting ticket is given to the shopper. For example, the shopper has the scanner 12e of the payment device 12 prepared at a place other than the checkout lane read the barcode of the accounting ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 acquires the accounting data attached by the identification code obtained from the barcode from the server. Then, the CPU 12a executes the settlement process based on the accounting data.

For example, the transfer order of the three payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C connected to the registration device 11 is the payment device 12-A, the payment device 12-B, and the payment device 12-C in this order. Is set. Further, it is assumed that the priority list table T of the data shown in FIG. 3 is set in the memory areas M5 of each of the payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C. In this example, when each of the payment devices 12-A, 12-B, and 12-C can process payment, in the time zone of 10 am, the payment device 12-A to the payment device 12-B , The accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the settlement device 12-A is set is transferred. The accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the payment device 12-A is set is also transferred from the payment device 12-B to the payment device 12-C. Then, from the payment device 12-C, an accounting machine response command in which the identification information "A" of the payment device 12-A is set is transmitted to the registration device 11 and the other payment devices 12-A and 12-B. .. As a result, the registration device 11 performs a guidance display to the payment device 12-A. Further, the payment device 12-A displays a payment screen and enables payment processing.

On the other hand, in the time zone of 11:00 am, the accounting data message in which the identification information "A" of the payment device 12-A is set is transferred from the payment device 12-A to the payment device 12-B. However, the accounting data message in which the identification information "B" of the payment device 12-B is set is transferred from the payment device 12-B to the payment device 12-C. Then, from the payment device 12-C, an accounting machine response command in which the identification information "B" of the payment device 12-B is set is transmitted to the registration device 11 and the other payment devices 12-A and 12-B. .. As a result, the registration device 11 performs a guidance display to the payment device 12-B. Further, the payment device 12-B displays a payment screen and enables payment processing.

Even in the time zone of 10 am, as shown in FIG. 9, if an error occurs in the payment device 12-A and the payment device 12-B is busy, the accounting is performed. The accounting data message with the machine information set to the initial value "0" is transferred to the settlement device 12-C. Then, from the payment device 12-C, an accounting machine response command in which the identification information "C" is set is transmitted to the registration device 11 and the other payment devices 12-A and 12-B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the registration device 11 performs a guidance display to the payment device 12-C. Further, the payment device 12-C displays a payment screen and enables payment processing.

As described above, according to the checkout system 10, the registration device 11 only needs to transmit the accounting data to the settlement device 12 identified by the destination information stored in the destination memory M2, so that the accounting data may be transmitted for each transaction. It is not necessary to select the payment device to which the accounting data is sent. Therefore, for example, the work load of the clerk 21 can be reduced as compared with the case where the clerk 21 who operates the registration device 11 selects the payment device 12 as the destination of accounting data for each transaction. Further, the processing load of the registration device 11 can be reduced as compared with a mechanism in which the registration device 11 selects a destination of accounting data for each transaction based on the state of each payment device 12. Moreover, since the clerk only has to guide the shopper 22 according to the guidance display, there is no need to visually confirm which payment device 12 can perform the payment processing.

Moreover, each payment device 12 changes the priority order, which is a determination condition for determining whether or not to preferentially execute the payment process by itself as compared with other payment devices, for each time zone. Therefore, since the payment device that executes the payment process does not concentrate on the model having the higher priority, it is possible to reduce the frequency of errors such as no change error or paper out error.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described. This second embodiment is also applied to the checkout system 10 shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following, only the part different from the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a data structure of an accounting data message. As can be seen by comparing FIG. 4A and FIG. 11, in the second embodiment, the item “comparison value” is added to the accounting data message. The comparison value is a value of a comparison object that causes an error that occurs in the payment device 12. For example, in the payment device 12, if the receipt paper of the printer 12 g runs out, a paper out error occurs. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the receipt paper is used as the value of the comparison object.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a main procedure of accounting data reception processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12, and the processing blocks common to FIG. 6 are designated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the accounting machine information of the accounting data transmission is "0" as Act23. Then, when the accounting machine information is "0" (YES in Act23), the CPU 12a detects the actually measured value of the comparison object as Act51. That is, the CPU 12a detects the remaining amount of the receipt paper from the remaining amount sensor mounted on the printer 12g. After that, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act27.

When the accounting machine information is other than "0", that is, the identification information of another payment device 12, the CPU 12a acquires a comparison value from the accounting data message as Act 52. Further, the CPU 12a detects the measured value of the comparison object as Act 53. Then, the CPU 12a determines whether or not the actually measured value is larger than the comparison value as Act 54. If the measured value is larger than the comparison value (YES in Act54), that is, if the transfer order is larger than the other payment devices, the transfer order of the payment device is larger than that of the other payment devices. Priority is given to executing the payment process for the other payment device. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act27. On the other hand, if the measured value is less than or equal to the comparison value (NO in Act54), that is, if the transfer order is less or the same as the other payment devices, the transfer order is earlier. The other payment device preferentially executes the payment process. In this case, the CPU 12a proceeds to the process of Act30.

The CPU 12a determines the presence or absence of a transfer destination as Act31. Then, when there is a transfer destination (YES in Act31), the CPU 12a rewrites the comparison value of the accounting data message as Act55 to the actually measured value acquired in the process of Act51 or Act53. After that, the CPU 12a executes the processing after Act 32 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

According to the second embodiment, regardless of the transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices 12, the payment device having the largest remaining amount of receipt paper among the payment devices capable of executing payment processing has priority. Is determined as an accounting machine. Therefore, it is not necessary for the registration device 11 to select the settlement device to which the accounting data is transmitted for each transaction, and the frequency of occurrence of the paper out error can be reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
In the first embodiment, each payment device 12 stores the priority list table T. In another embodiment, the priority list table T is stored in the server on the LAN 13. Each payment device 12 accesses the server and acquires the data of the priority list table T. By adopting such a configuration, it is easy to change the priority list table T.

In the second embodiment, the remaining amount of the receipt paper is used as the value of the comparison object. In another embodiment, the remaining amount of change in the automatic change machine 12k is used as the value of the comparison object. By doing so, the frequency of occurrence of change-free errors can be suppressed. Needless to say, the value of the comparison object is not limited to the remaining amount of the receipt paper and the remaining amount of change.

In each of the above embodiments, the destination address of the accounting machine response command is a communication address that can be received by the registration device 11 and the other payment devices 12. In another embodiment, the destination address of the accounting machine response command is the communication address of the registration device 11. In this case, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the accounting machine response command transmits the accounting execution command to the settlement device 12 that is the source of the accounting machine response command. The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 that has received this accounting execution command executes the processes of Act 46 to Act 49 of FIG.

The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are generally transferred in a state where a program such as a control program is stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like transferred separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to an operation by a user or the like. The control program or the like can be transferred by recording on a removable recording medium or by communicating via a network. The recording medium may be in any form as long as it can store a program such as a CD-ROM or a memory card and the device can read it. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading the program may be one that realizes the function in cooperation with the OS (operating system) or the like inside the device.
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 novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.
[1] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data and a plurality of settlement devices that execute settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network. A checkout system for sequentially transmitting the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, wherein the plurality of payment devices are used. The receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted via the network and the settlement processing of the accounting data received by the receiving means are prioritized by themselves as compared with other settlement devices having the transfer order earlier. Judgment means for determining whether or not to execute based on a predetermined determination condition, and if the transfer order set by the user is not the last, or if the determination means determines that the data is preferentially executed, the user himself / herself. When it is determined that the other payment device whose transfer order is earlier executes the identification information preferentially, the transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data is set by itself. When the transfer order is the last, when it is determined by the determination means that it is preferentially executed, it is determined that its own identification information is preferentially executed by another payment device whose transfer order is earlier. Provided a notification means for notifying the registration device of the identification information of the other payment device, and the registration device sends a customer to the payment device identified by the identification information notified by the notification means. A checkout system characterized in that it is equipped with a notification means for providing guidance.
[2] The determination means refers to the time zone priority information assigned among the plurality of payment devices, and preferentially executes the payment process for the one with the higher time zone priority. Judgment, the checkout system described in Appendix [1].
[3] The plurality of payment devices further include a detection means for detecting an actually measured value of a comparison object possessed by the payment device, and the determination means is the same as the other payment device having a transfer order first. Addendum: Comparing the actual measurement value of the comparison object detected by the detection means with the actual measurement value of the comparison object detected by its own detection means, and determining that the one with the larger actual measurement value is preferentially executed. The checkout system described in [1].
[4] When the payment device determines that the storage means for storing the accounting data received by the receiving means and the determination means preferentially execute the payment device, the transfer order is for the other payment device. Further provided with a command means for instructing the clearing of the accounting data and a clearing means for clearing the accounting data stored in the storage means when the clearing of the accounting data is instructed by another payment device. The checkout system according to any one of the appendices [1] to [3].
[5] A registration device that generates accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data and a plurality of settlement devices that execute settlement processing based on the accounting data are connected by a network. A payment device of a checkout system that sequentially transmits the accounting data generated by the registration device via the network according to a transfer order set between the plurality of payment devices, and is a payment device of the checkout system. Whether or not the receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted by the user and the payment processing for the accounting data received by the receiving means are preferentially executed by the receiving means as compared with other payment devices whose transfer order is earlier. When the determination means for determining the above is based on a predetermined determination condition, and when the transfer order set by the user is not the last, and when the determination means determines that the data is preferentially executed, the identification information of the user is used. When it is determined that the other payment device whose transfer order is earlier is preferentially executed, the transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device together with the accounting data and the transfer order set by itself are the last. In the case of, if it is determined by the determination means that it is preferentially executed, its own identification information is transmitted, and if it is determined that the other settlement device whose transfer order is earlier is preferentially executed, the other settlement is made. A payment device including a notification means for notifying the registration device of identification information of the device.

11 ... Registration device, 12 ... Payment device, 11a, 12a ... CPU, 11b, 12b ... ROM, 11c, 12c ... RAM, 11d, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Scanner, 11f, 12f ... Touch panel, 11g, 12g ... Printer, 11h, 12h ... Communication unit, 11i, 12i ... Transmission system, 12j ... Card reader / writer, 12k ... Automatic change machine, 12m ... Clock unit, M1 ... Registration memory, M2 ... Destination memory, M3 ... Accounting buffer, M4 ... Transfer destination memory, T ... Priority list table.

Claims (5)

A registration device having a product sales registration function and a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing based on the data of the products registered for sale by the registration device are provided, and data is generated between the plurality of payment devices. It is a payment device of the checkout system that sets the transfer order of
Whether to execute the payment process on the own payment device or the payment process on another payment device based on the information indicating the priority of the payment processing set for each of the plurality of payment devices for each time zone. Judgment means to judge
According transfer order of the data set between said plurality of settlement apparatus, the identification information of the when determining to perform the settlement processing with due Ri own payment device to the determining means is self settling apparatus, other payment When it is determined that the device executes the payment process, a transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device and a transfer means.
A payment device equipped with. When the transfer means is determined by the determination means to execute the payment process in the self-payment device when the transfer order in the self-payment device is not the last, the identification information of the self-payment device is used in the other payment device. the identity of the other payment devices when determining to execute the process, the transfer order than the own payment device is transferred to another payment system of the lower, settlement apparatus according to claim 1. When the transfer order in the self-payment device is the last, the transfer means determines that the self-payment device executes the payment process, the identification information of the self-payment device is used for the payment by another payment device. The payment device according to claim 1 or 2, which transfers the identification information of the other payment device to the registration device when it is determined to execute the process. A storage means for storing data of products registered for sale by the registration device, and
When it is determined by the determination means that the self- payment device executes the payment process, the command means for instructing the other payment device whose transfer order is earlier to clear the data, and the command means.
When the clearing of the data is instructed by another payment device, the clearing means for clearing the data stored in the storage means and the clearing means for clearing the data.
The payment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising. A registration device having a product sales registration function and a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing based on the data of the products registered for sale by the registration device are provided, and data is generated between the plurality of payment devices. The computer in the payment device of the checkout system, which is made by setting the transfer order of
Whether to execute the payment process on the own payment device or the payment process on another payment device based on the information indicating the priority of the payment processing set for each of the plurality of payment devices for each time zone. Judgment means for determining
According transfer order of the data set between said plurality of settlement apparatus, the identification information of the when determining to perform the settlement processing with due Ri own payment device to the determining means is self settling apparatus, other payment A transfer means for transferring the identification information of the other payment device when it is determined that the device executes the payment process.
A control program to function as.

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