JP6900460B2 - Checkout system and how it works - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system and a method of operation thereof.

In the self-POS system, a monitoring terminal may be installed in a checkout corner so that an employee of a store or the like can monitor an abnormality of the self-POS terminal. Then, the storage status of money in the change machine provided in the self-POS terminal can be monitored by the monitoring terminal.

Apart from the self-POS system, a semi-self-type checkout system (here, abbreviated as semi-self system) is known. In this method, each process of registration and settlement of purchased products in a supermarket or the like is performed by the product registration device and the settlement device, respectively. The product registration device is operated by an employee. The payment device is operated by the shopper.

Even in the semi-self system, it is necessary for employees to be able to monitor abnormalities in payment devices. However, in the semi-self system, it is necessary to assign employees to operate the product registration device.

Under these circumstances, it has been desired that the operator of the product registration device can monitor an abnormality in the storage status of money in the payment device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-152524

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout system and an operation method thereof in which an operator of a product registration device can monitor an abnormality in the storage status of money in a payment device.

The checkout system of the embodiment includes a product registration device including an acquisition means for acquiring a product code for identifying a product, and a plurality of payment devices connected to the product registration device via a network to execute a payment process for the product. The product registration device includes a determination means, an inquiry means, a reception means, and a display means. The payment device includes a transmission means. The determination means determines a payment device for inquiring about the amount of money from a plurality of payment devices according to an operation by the operator. Inquiry means inquires of the monetary the inventory amount against payment device determined by the determining means. The transmission means transmits the amount information of the change machine of the payment device provided with the transmission means to the product registration device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry means. The receiving means receives the current amount information transmitted by the transmitting means. Display means displays the inventory amount information received by the receiving means.

The perspective view of the checkout system which concerns on one Embodiment. The block diagram of the product registration device and the payment device in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control process of the CPU included in the product registration apparatus in FIG. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st confirmation screen as an example. The figure which shows the success screen.

Hereinafter, an example of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment.

The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and at least one payment device 12. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12. The number of the checkout system 10 including the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 to the payment device 12 is also arbitrary.

The product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are installed in a checkout corner of a store such as a supermarket.

The product registration device 11 is operated by an employee 21 of the store. The employee 21 who operates the product registration device 11 is sometimes called a checker. The operator of the payment device 12 is a shopper 22 who purchases a product to be sold at the above-mentioned store. However, some operations of the product registration device 11 may be performed by the shopper 22. In addition, the payment device 12 may be operated by an employee.

The product registration device 11 is attached to the work table 31 in FIG. The work table 31 has a rectangular top plate. The plurality of work tables 31 are arranged so that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel to each other, thereby forming a passage for the shopper 22.

The product registration device 11 includes purchase registration, payment information generation, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment device 12. Purchase registration is a process of registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchase product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of purchased products. Payment information is information required for payment processing.

When the payment information is notified from the product registration device 11, the payment device 12 performs a payment process based on the payment information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12.

Both the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or wireless LAN can be used. Alternatively, information may be exchanged between the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 via a server.

The server 200 is also connected to the LAN 13. A deposit / withdrawal machine 300 is connected to the server 200. The connection form between the server 200 and the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 may be arbitrary. The server 200 and the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 may be connected via the LAN 13.

The server 200 has a function of managing the deposit / withdrawal machine 300. The server 200 is, for example, a POS server.

The deposit / withdrawal machine 300 is installed in the office of the above-mentioned store. The deposit / withdrawal machine 300 stores the deposited money and withdraws the stored money. The money withdrawn by the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 is used, for example, to replenish the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12. Further, the money collected from the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12 is deposited in the deposit / withdrawal machine 300. The deposit / withdrawal machine 300 can generally accommodate a larger amount of money than the individual of the product registration device 11 or the settlement device 12 can accommodate.

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

The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k 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 operations as the product 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 described above. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may also store data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 11c stores data that the CPU 11a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is 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 generated by the processes in the CPU 11a. As the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), 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 the control process described later. The transfer of the product registration device 11 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the product 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, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The control program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communicating via a network.

The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens the drawer for accommodating money.

The scanner 11f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 11f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 11f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 11f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 11f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device has an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. 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 printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 11i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and loyalty cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 11i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 11j communicates via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 11k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c, auxiliary storage unit 11d, drawer opening unit 11e, scanner 11f, touch panel 11g, printer 11h, card reader / writer 11i, and communication unit 11j. As the transmission system 11k, 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 the product 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 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 CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to form a computer.

The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. 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 ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer described above. The ROM 12b stores the above operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may also store data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes.

The RAM 12c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer described above. The RAM 12c stores data that the CPU 12a refers to when performing various processes. Further, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 12a for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage unit 12d corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer described above. The auxiliary storage unit 12d stores data used by the CPU 12a to perform various processes or data generated by the processes in the CPU 12a. As the auxiliary storage unit 12d, for example, EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like can be used.

The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program describing control processing for controlling each unit in order to realize various operations as the payment device 12. The transfer of the payment device 12 is generally performed with the control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement device 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, and the separately transferred control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. The control program can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by communicating via a network.

The change machine 12e collects the inserted coins and banknotes. Further, the change machine 12e discharges coins and banknotes as change.

The scanner 12f reads the product information and obtains the product code of the product. As the scanner 12f, various well-known types can be used as they are. The scanner 12f may be compatible with only one of the various well-known types, or may be compatible with a plurality of types. That is, the scanner 12f may include a fixed or handy two-dimensional code scanner. Further, the scanner 12f may include a type that identifies a product from an image of the product by using an image recognition technique.

The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, a well-known device such as a color LCD can be used. 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 12a. A well-known device can be used as the touch sensor.

The printer 12h is, for example, a thermal printer, a dot impact printer, or the like, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings, images, and the like on the receipt paper.

The card reader / writer 12i reads the data recorded on the card and writes the data to the above card. Cards may include payment cards such as credit cards, debit cards, electronic money cards, and prepaid cards, as well as various cards such as member's cards and loyalty cards that record information related to payment processing. The card reader / writer 12i may be any of magnetic, contact, or non-contact devices, and may include a plurality of types of devices.

The communication unit 12j communicates via the LAN 13.

The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged between the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, 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 the payment device 12, for example, an existing self-POS terminal can be used.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described.
The content of the process described below is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

When the product registration device 11 is started in the mode for registering the purchased product, the CPU 11a starts the control process according to the control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

3 and 4 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 11a.

In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information about products for which purchase registration has been completed.

In Act2, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen shows the contents of the registered product table and the like, and causes the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example.

The registration screen SC1 includes areas R1 and R2, a height button B1 and a subtotal button B2.

The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, quantity, and unit price of the most recently registered product, and the total quantity and total price of the purchased products after the product is registered. The area R2 is an area for displaying a list of product names, quantities, unit prices, and amounts related to products for which purchase registration has been made prior to the products shown on the registration screen SC1.

The registration screen SC1 shows a state showing various information related to the product for which the purchase registration has been made. However, the registration screen in Act2 does not represent various information about the product, but only the predetermined basic form.

In Act3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the subtotal button B2 is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the subtotal button B2 has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act4.

In Act4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act5.

In Act5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the height button B1 is touched.
Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the height button B1 has been touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act3.

Thus, in Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button B2 or the balance button B1 to be touched or the product code to be acquired. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

The CPU 11a acquires the product code based on the operation by the employee 21 by a well-known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Then, when the CPU 11a acquires the product code, it determines Yes in Act4 and proceeds to Act6.

In Act6, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen so as to conform to the contents of the registered product table after the update. Then, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5 after this.

If the subtotal button B2 is touched while the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act3 and proceeds to Act7.

In Act7, the CPU 11a generates payment information for payment regarding the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time.
The payment information includes information such as a list of registered products and the total number and amount of purchased products. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a generation unit.

In Act8, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first selection screen.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC2 as an example.

The first selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B11, B12, B13, B14, B15, B16, B17.

The CPU 11a represents the total number and the total amount of money included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment devices 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. Note that the payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information during the execution of the payment process, and the CPU 11a indicates "transfer not possible" in the display area associated with the payment device 12 in such a state. That is, when a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the first selection screen SC2, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment process.

Buttons B11 and B12 are for the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the payment information.

Buttons B13 to B16 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment devices 12. The display form of the buttons B13 to B16 may be different depending on whether or not the associated payment device 12 accepts the transfer of payment information. Further, the buttons B13 to B16 may be hidden when the associated payment device 12 does not accept the transfer of payment information.

The button B17 is for the employee 21 to specify to return to the state where a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g is used as the registration screen.

In Act9, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act10.

In Act 10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 as the transfer destination of the payment information is specified. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, the CPU 11a returns to Act9.

Thus, the CPU 11a waits for either the product code to be acquired or the payment device 12 to be designated in Act9 and Act10. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

Although not shown, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B11 and B12 to be touched in this standby state. Then, if, for example, any of the buttons B11 and B12 is touched by the employee 21 and it is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a responds to the subsequent instruction by the employee 21 with the total amount included in the payment information. To change.

If the CPU 11a acquires the product code, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act9 and proceeds to Act11.

In Act11, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The CPU 11a then returns to Act3 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the payment device 12 is designated by the employee 21 or the like when any of the buttons B13 to B16 is touched while the Act9 and Act10 are in the standby state, the CPU 11a determines Yes in the Act10. Proceed to Act12. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 10 even if the button B13 to B16 associated with the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept the designation of the payment device 12 that does not accept the transfer of payment information.

In Act 12, the CPU 11a transfers the payment information generated in Act 7 to the designated payment device 12. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. As a result, the transfer information is notified to the payment device 12. Thus, the communication unit 11j is an example of a first transmitting device. Further, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as the transmission control unit. Then, the function as a transmission unit is realized by the cooperation between the communication unit 11j and the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part.

In Act 13, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen. The notification screen represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the payment information has been transferred to the designated payment device 12 for the semi-self payment. The semi-self settlement is a settlement form in which the settlement device 12 executes the settlement process in response to the operation by the shopper 22.

The notification screen includes a button for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen. The CPU 11a returns to Act1 in response to the touch of this button, and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

If the height button B1 is touched while the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act3 to Act5, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act5 and proceeds to Act14 in FIG.

In Act 14, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC3 as an example.

The second selection screen SC3 represents the image IM1 overlaid on the image displayed on the registration screen when the height button B1 is touched. Image IM1 includes buttons B21, B22, B23, B24. Buttons B21 to B24 are for the employee 21 to specify the payment device 12 to be inquired about the amount of money among the four payment devices 12.

In Act 15, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the payment device 12 to be inquired about the amount of money is specified. The CPU 11a repeats Act 15 if the payment device 12 is not specified. Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the payment device 12 to be inquired about the amount of money to be designated in Act15. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event. Then, if any of the buttons B21 to B24 is touched by the employee 21 and the payment device 12 is designated, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act15 and proceeds to Act16.

In Act 16, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the inquiry information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as the destination. The inquiry information includes at least a command indicating that the inquiry is for the amount of money stored in the change machine 12e, and identification information for identifying the product registration device 11 that is the source of the inquiry. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the above control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a selection unit and a query unit.

In Act 17, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the current amount information has been received by the communication unit 11j. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the current amount information has not been received, the CPU 11a repeats Act17. Thus, the CPU 11a waits for the current amount information to be received in Act17. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

When the inquiry information reaches the destination payment device 12 via the LAN 13, the communication unit 12j provided in the payment device 12 receives the inquiry information.

On the other hand, in the payment device 12, the change machine 12e periodically monitors the amount of money stored for each denomination and updates the amount information. In the present embodiment, the amount information represents the amount of money for each denomination as the number of sheets that can be accommodated. In addition, the amount information includes state information indicating what kind of abnormal state is in association with the denomination in the abnormal state. Here, the state information indicates any of "immediate replenishment", "replenishment", "recovery", and "immediate recovery". "Immediate replenishment" is a state in which the number of sheets to be accommodated is equal to or less than the first threshold value. "Replenishment" is a state in which the number of sheets accommodated is equal to or less than the second threshold value. “Recovery” is a state in which the number of sheets accommodated is equal to or greater than the third threshold value. "Immediate collection" is a state in which the number of sheets accommodated is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value. Each threshold has a relationship of first threshold <second threshold <third threshold <fourth threshold. The first and second threshold values are predetermined as values close to 0. The third and fourth threshold values are predetermined as values close to the number of sheets that can be accommodated. The product registration device 11 may determine the abnormal state.

The payment device 12 provided with the communication unit 12j that has received the inquiry information transmits the above-mentioned amount information as a response to the inquiry based on the inquiry information. Specifically, the CPU 12a of the payment device 12 controls the communication unit 12j so as to transmit the amount information to the LAN 13 to the product registration device 11 identified by the identification information shown in the inquiry information. ..

When the current amount information reaches the destination product registration device 11 via the LAN 13, the communication unit 11j provided in the product registration device 11 receives the existing amount information. Thus, the communication unit 12j is an example of a receiving unit.

In the product registration device 11, if the communication unit 11j receives the current amount information, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act17 and proceeds to Act18.

In Act 18, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the amount of money notified by the amount of money information is in an abnormal state. Then, the CPU 11a determines Yes if the status information includes the status information, and proceeds to Act 19. If the status information is not included in the current amount information, the CPU 11a determines No and proceeds to Act20.

In Act 19 or Act 20, the CPU 11a uses a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second confirmation screen. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act21 with a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the first or second confirmation screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a first confirmation screen SC4 as an example.

The first confirmation screen SC4 represents the image IM2 on top of the image displayed on the registration screen when the height button B1 is touched. Image IM2 includes list L1, notification button B31 and close button B32.

List L1 shows the amount of money for each denomination shown in the amount of money information. Here, the amount of money is represented by the number of sheets that can be accommodated. List L1 also represents the abnormal state represented by the state information with respect to the denomination with which the state information is associated. In the list L1, the display form of the denomination and the number of sheets to be accommodated may be different depending on whether or not the state information is associated. For example, a display line related to a denomination to which status information is not associated has a white background color. The display line for the denomination associated with the status information indicating "replenishment" or "recovery" has a yellow background. The background color of the display line related to the denomination associated with the status information indicating "immediate replenishment" or "immediate collection" is red.

The second confirmation screen is a screen in which the notification button B31 is omitted from the first confirmation screen. Of course, unlike the first confirmation screen SC4, the second confirmation screen does not represent an abnormal state.

Thus, the touch panel 11g is an example of a display device. Further, when the CPU 11a executes the above control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as a display control unit. Then, the function as a display unit is realized by the cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion and the touch panel 11g.

In Act21, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the notification button B31 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the notification button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act22.

In Act22, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B32 is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the close button B32 has been touched, the CPU 11a returns to Act21.

Thus, in Act21 and Act22, the CPU 11a waits for the notification button B31 or the close button B32 to be touched. However, when a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second confirmation screen, the notification button B31 is not touched. Therefore, in this case, the CPU 11a always determines No in the Act 21, and waits for the close button B32 to be touched. The CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and shift to the processing according to the occurrence event.

The employee 21 can confirm the amount of money in the payment device 12 designated by Act 15 on the first confirmation screen. When the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishing or collecting money, he / she takes measures for that purpose.

However, when there is a shopper waiting for purchase registration, the employee 21 may not be able to leave the product registration device 11. In some cases, it is a rule of the store that the replenishment and collection of money should be performed by a specific employee who has the authority. Therefore, in such a case, the employee 21 touches the notification button B31.

If the touch panel 11g detects that the notification button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act21 and proceeds to Act23.

In Act23, the CPU 11a transmits the notification information to the server 200. Specifically, the CPU 11a generates notification information including at least a command indicating that there is a payment device 12 that needs to be promptly replenished or collected. Then, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so that the generated notification information is transmitted to the LAN 13 with the server 200 as the destination. As a result, the notification information is transmitted to the payment device 12. Thus, the communication unit 11j is an example of a second transmitting device. Further, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central portion functions as the notification control unit. Then, the function as the notification unit is realized by the cooperation between the communication unit 11j and the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part.

The notification information may include various other information. One of the information included in the notification information is the identification information of the payment device 12 included in the received amount information. One of the information included in the notification information is information representing a denomination in an abnormal state. One of the information included in the notification information is the status information included in the received information on the amount of money. Alternatively, all of the received information on the amount of money may be included in the notification information.

When the server 200 receives the notification information, the server 200 transfers the notification information to the deposit / withdrawal machine 300, or instructs the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 to execute an alarm operation.

When the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 receives the instruction to transfer the notification information or execute the alarm operation from the server 200, the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 executes the alarm operation. The alarm operation is at least an operation for making the staff member recognize that there is a payment device 12 in which the amount of the change machine 12e is in an abnormal state. As the alarm operation, for example, an alarm sound may be sounded, a message may be displayed on the display device, an alarm lamp may be turned on, vibration may be generated, or the like. When the notification information includes the identification information of the payment device 12, the alarm operation may include an operation for causing the staff member to recognize the payment device 12 in which the abnormal state has occurred.
When the notification information includes information indicating the denomination in the abnormal state, the alarm operation may include an operation for causing the staff to recognize the denomination in the abnormal state. When the notification information includes all of the current amount information, the alarm operation may include, for example, an operation for causing the staff member to recognize the list L1 shown in FIG.

The staff will take necessary measures to resolve the abnormal condition based on the alarm issued by the deposit / withdrawal machine 300. For example, the clerk withdraws the money to be replenished from the deposit / withdrawal machine 300, takes it to the checkout corner, and replenishes the change machine 12e in an abnormal state. Alternatively, the clerk collects money from the change machine 12e in an abnormal state and deposits the money into the deposit / withdrawal machine 300. When the notification information indicates the number of sheets to be accommodated for each denomination, the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 automatically withdraws the money to be replenished, and whether the deposited money matches the money to be collected. You may perform operations such as checking.

The alarm operation may be performed on a device provided on the server 200 or a device provided on a computer connected to the server 200. Further, the alarm operation may be performed on a mobile terminal owned by a staff member.

In Act24, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the transmission of the notification information is normally completed. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act25 if it ends normally, and proceeds to Act26 otherwise.

In Act 25 or Act 26, the CPU 11a sets a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a success screen or a failure screen. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act27 with a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a success screen or a failure screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a success screen SC5.

The success screen SC5 represents the image IM3 overlaid on the image represented by the first confirmation screen when the notification button B31 is touched. The image IM3 represents a character message M1 indicating that the notification has been completed and a close button B41.

The failure screen is a screen in which the character message M1 on the success screen SC5 is replaced with something like "Failed to notify the cash deposit / withdrawal machine of replenishment" to indicate that the notification has failed.

In Act27, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the close button B41 has been touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g has not detected that the close button B41 has been touched, the CPU 11a repeats Act27. Thus, in Act 27, the CPU 11a waits for the close button B41 to be touched. Then, when the touch panel 11g detects that the close button B41 is touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act28 if it determines Yes in Act27. If the close button B32 is touched while the Act21 and Act22 are in the standby state, the CPU 11a passes the processes of Act23 to Act27 and proceeds to Act28.

In Act 28, the CPU 11a returns a part of the screen area of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen. Then, the CPU 11a then returns to the standby state of Act3 to Act5 in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the employee 21 in charge of operating the product registration device 11 uses the confirmation screen displayed on the touch panel 11g of the product registration device 11 to display the money of the change machine 12e provided in the payment device 12. You can check the amount of money. Then, when the employee 21 recognizes the necessity of replenishing or collecting money, he / she can notify the staff stationed in the vicinity of the deposit / withdrawal machine 300 by touching the notification button displayed on the confirmation screen. ..

Thus, it is not necessary to assign personnel for monitoring the amount of money of the change machine 12e to the checkout corner.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.

The touch of the balance button may be valid only in the situation where the registered delivery table does not contain any product code. That is, the confirmation of the amount of money may be prohibited during the period during which the product registration process for one accounting is performed.

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 original claims of the present application are described below.
[Appendix 1] A checkout system is configured with a payment device equipped with a change machine for accommodating money and executing payment processing for the purchase of goods in response to an operation by a customer.
A generation unit that registers information about the product and generates payment information for payment of the registered product.
A transmission unit that transmits the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device, and a transmission unit.
An inquiry unit that inquires about the amount of money stored in the change machine to the payment device,
A receiving unit that receives the amount information transmitted by the payment device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry unit, and a receiving unit.
A display unit that displays the amount of money received by the receiving part and the amount of money represented by the amount of information.
When there is a predetermined abnormality in the height represented by the height information, a notification unit that notifies the predetermined notification destination of the height abnormality in response to a notification instruction by the operator, and a notification unit.
Product registration device equipped with.
[Appendix 2] When the checkout system includes a plurality of the payment devices, a selection unit for selecting one of the plurality of payment devices according to the operation of the operator is further provided.
The inquiry unit makes the inquiry to the payment device selected by the selection unit.
The product registration device described in Appendix 1.
[Appendix 3] The change machine can store money of a plurality of denominations and transmits the amount information indicating the amount of money for each denomination.
The notification unit considers a case where an abnormality exists when the amount of money for each denomination represented by the amount of money information deviates from the specified range defined for each of the plurality of denominations.
The product registration device according to Appendix 1 or 2.
[Appendix 4] The notification unit transmits notification information representing the amount of deviation of the amount of money represented by the amount of money from the specified range to the notification destination.
The product registration device according to Appendix 3.
[Appendix 5] The notification unit sets the notification destination to a deposit / withdrawal machine that stores money, withdraws money to be replenished to the change machine, and deposits money collected from the change machine.
The product registration device according to any one of Appendix 1-4.
[Appendix 6] A computer equipped with a change machine for accommodating money and controlling a product registration device constituting a checkout system together with a payment device that executes payment processing according to an operation by a customer.
A generator that registers information about the product to be settled and generates payment information for the settlement of the registered product.
A transmission control unit that controls a first transmission device so as to transmit the payment information generated by the generation unit to the payment device.
An inquiry unit that inquires about the amount of money stored in the change machine to the payment device,
A display control unit that controls a display device so as to display the amount of money represented by the amount of money received by the receiving unit that receives the amount of money information transmitted by the payment device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry unit.
When there is a predetermined abnormality in the height represented by the height information, the notification information for notifying the height abnormality is transmitted to the predetermined notification destination in response to the notification instruction by the operator. A notification control unit that controls the second transmitting device,
A control program to make it work.

100 ... Checkout system, 200 ... Server, 300 ... Deposit / withdrawal machine, 11 ... Product registration device, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer opening unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... Communication unit, 11k ... Transmission system, 12 ... Payment device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... Change Machine, 12f ... Scanner, 12g ... Touch panel, 12h ... Printer, 12i ... Card reader / writer, 12j ... Communication unit, 12k ... Transmission system, 13 ... LAN.

Claims (8)

In a checkout system including a product registration device provided with an acquisition means for acquiring a product code for identifying a product, and a plurality of payment devices connected to the product registration device via a network to execute payment processing for the product.
A determination means provided in the product registration device and determining a payment device for inquiring about the amount of money from the plurality of payment devices according to an operation by an operator.
An inquiry means provided in the product registration device and inquiring about the amount of money in the settlement device determined by the determination means.
A transmission means provided in the payment device and transmitting information on the amount of change machines provided in the payment device to the product registration device in response to an inquiry by the inquiry means.
A receiving means provided in the product registration device and receiving the presence information transmitted by the transmitting means, and a receiving means.
A display means provided in the product registration device and displaying the amount information received by the receiving means, and a display means.
Checkout system with. The product registration device is a selection means for selecting a payment device for executing the payment process from among a plurality of the payment devices displayed on the display unit according to an operation by the operator. ,
An output means for outputting payment information for the payment device selected by the selection means to execute the payment process, and an output means.
With more
The determination means determines the payment device that inquires about the amount of money from the same payment devices as the plurality of payment devices displayed on the display unit for selection in the selection means.
The checkout system according to claim 1. The plurality of payment devices displayed on the display unit for selection in the selection means also include the payment device that cannot receive the payment information.
The checkout system according to claim 2. The change machine can accommodate multiple denominations of money.
The display means displays a state in which the height of each denomination deviates from the specified range defined for each of the plurality of denominations as an abnormality of the height.
The checkout system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A method of operating a checkout system including a product registration device provided with an acquisition means for acquiring a product code for identifying a product, and a plurality of payment devices connected to the product registration device via a network to execute payment processing for the product. There,
In the product registration device, a payment device for inquiring about the amount of money is determined from the plurality of payment devices according to the operation by the operator.
The product registration device inquires about the amount of money in the determined payment device, and then inquires about the amount of money.
At was the subject of the inquiry the payment system, to send the money amount information of fishing Qian machine of the settlement device to the commodity registration apparatus,
The product registration device receives the transmitted information on the amount of money and receives it.
The product registration device displays the received information on the amount of money.
How it works. In the product registration device, the payment device for executing the payment process is selected from among the plurality of the payment devices displayed on the display unit according to the operation by the operator.
The product registration device outputs payment information for the selected payment device to execute the payment process.
From among the plurality of payment devices displayed on the display unit for the selection, which are the same as the payment devices, the payment device for inquiring about the amount of money is determined.
The operation method according to claim 5. The plurality of payment devices displayed on the display unit for the selection include the payment device that cannot receive the payment information.
The operation method according to claim 6. The change machine can accommodate multiple denominations of money.
The state in which the existing amount of each denomination deviates from the specified range defined for each of the plurality of denominations is displayed as an abnormality of the existing amount.
5. The operation method according to any one of claims 5.

Images