JP7314214B2 - Checkout system, registration device and control program - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a checkout system , a registration device and a control program 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 each transaction for each transaction and a settlement device that executes settlement processing for the transaction based on the accounting data are separated. The registration device waits for input of data relating to product sales. Then, when the operator inputs data relating to product sales, the registration device generates accounting data based on the data, and transmits this accounting data to the settlement device. The settlement device waits for input of payment data for accounting data. Then, when the payment data is input by the operator, the settlement device executes settlement processing for the transaction based on the accounting data and the payment data. Such a checkout system in which the registration device and the settlement device are separated includes a two-person system in which separate clerks operate the registration device and the settlement device, and a so-called semi-self system in which the registration device is operated by the clerk and the settlement device is operated by the shopper.

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

JP 2013-242839 A

The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system in which the registration device does not select a payment device to which accounting data is to be sent, and a registration device and control program used in this system.

In one embodiment, the checkout system comprises a network connecting first and second registration devices and a plurality of payment devices. The first registration device has generation means, first transmission means , first registration side reception means, second transmission means and third transmission means. The generating means generates accounting data necessary for transaction settlement based on the input data. The first transmission means transmits the accounting data generated by the generation means to the settlement device set as the transmission destination. The first registration side receiving means receives accounting data transmitted from the second registration device and transmitted via the network. The second transmitting means transmits the accounting data received by the first registration-side receiving means to the settlement device set as the transmission destination. The third transmitting means transmits the accounting data generated by the generating means to the second registration device. The plurality of settlement devices have settlement-side receiving means and processing means. The settlement-side receiving means receives accounting data transmitted via the network. The processing means executes settlement processing based on the accounting data received by the settlement-side receiving means.

1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system according to this embodiment; FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of a registration device and a settlement device; 4 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU of the registration device; 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the settlement apparatus; 4 is a flowchart showing main procedures of reception interrupt processing executed by the CPU of the registration device; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a display example of a registration screen; The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen. The schematic diagram which shows one display example of an accounting confirmation screen.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a checkout system 10 according to this embodiment. The checkout system 10 includes multiple registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 . The number of settlement devices 12 is larger than that of the registration devices 11 .
The registration device 11 and the payment device 12 are arranged for each checkout lane of the store. The number of registration devices 11 and settlement devices 12 arranged in one checkout lane is arbitrary. FIG. 1 shows a case where one registration device 11 and three settlement devices 12 are arranged in two checkout lanes, respectively. Each checkout lane is assigned a unique number. In FIG. 1, lane number "1" is assigned to the upper checkout lane in the figure, and lane number "2" is assigned to the lower checkout lane in the figure. One registration device 11 (11-1) and three settlement devices 12 (12-1A, 12-1B, 12-1C) are arranged in the checkout lane with lane number "1". One registration device 11 (11-1) and three payment devices 12 ( 12-1A , 12-1B, 12-1C) are arranged in the checkout lane with lane number "2".

The checkout system 10 is a semi-self system. That is, the registration device 11 is operated by the store clerk 21 who plays the role of a checker. The operator of the settlement device 12 is the shopper 22 whose sales of the purchased product are registered in 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. A passage (checkout lane) for shoppers 22 is formed by arranging a plurality of work tables 23 such that the longitudinal directions of the top plates are substantially parallel.
The registration device 11 has the functions of product sales registration, accounting data creation, and accounting data transfer to the settlement device 12 . Product sales registration is to register data of products purchased by the shopper 22 in the registration device 11 . For example, by scanning a bar code attached to a product with a scanner, data such as the sales number and sales amount of the product are registered in the registration device 11 . Accounting data is data relating to accounting for products registered for sale as one transaction. Accounting data includes the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales, sales price, total number of sales, total price, etc. of the products registered for sale.
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 the destination is arbitrary. The registration device 11 transmits accounting data to one settlement device 12 set as a transmission destination. Further, the registration device 11 sets a registration device (another registration device) 11 arranged in another checkout lane as a change destination of accounting data transmission. Which checkout lane's registration device 11 is to be changed to is arbitrary. The registration device 11 transmits accounting data to one settlement device 12 set as a transmission destination or another registration device 11 set as a change 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 settlement of transactions based on the accounting data. Settlement processing is to process the settlement of transactions, which are commodity trading actions, based on accounting data. Cash, credit cards, electronic money, etc. are used for settlement.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing main circuit configurations of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12. As shown in FIG. 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. A server (not shown) is connected to the LAN 13 . The server stores a product database in which product information such as product name and unit price is set in association with the product code of each product. The server may also store other databases.

The registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 exchange information via the LAN 13 . As for the network, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN may be used instead of the LAN 13 . Information such as accounting data may be exchanged between the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 via a server. Alternatively, the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 may be connected by a communication network for each checkout lane, and the registration devices 11 may be connected by another communication network between other checkout lanes.

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

The ROM 11b corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The ROM 11b stores the operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware or application programs. The ROM 11b may store data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.
The RAM 11c corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The RAM 11c stores data referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. The RAM 11c is also used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.
The auxiliary memory unit 11d corresponds to the auxiliary memory portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage unit 11d stores data used by the CPU 11a in performing various processes, or data created by the processes performed by the CPU 11a. For example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD can be used as the auxiliary storage unit 11d. The application programs stored in the ROM 11 b or the auxiliary storage unit 11 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the registration device 11 .

The scanner 11e reads the bar code attached to the product to obtain the product code of the product. The touch panel 11f includes a display device and a touch sensor. The touch panel 11f has a clerk's use and a customer's use. The clerk touch panel 11f is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the work space of the clerk 21 . The touch panel 11f for customers is provided on the work table 23 so that the display screen faces the aisle side for the shoppers 22.例文帳に追加The printer 11g issues receipts by printing various character strings or images on receipt paper. The communication unit 11h connects to the LAN13. The communication unit 11 h performs data communication with a plurality of settlement devices 12 connected via the LAN 13 . The communication unit 11 h can also perform data communication with another registration device 11 via the LAN 13 . Here, the communication unit 11h constitutes communication means.

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

The settlement 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, and a transmission system 12i.
The card reader/writer 12j has a function of reading data recorded on a 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 dispenser 12k receives inserted coins and bills. Also, the automatic change machine 12k discharges coins and banknotes as change. 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. FIG. That is, the CPU 12a is connected to a ROM 12b, a RAM 12c and an auxiliary storage unit 12d via a transmission system 12i to form a computer. The CPU 12a controls each part to realize various operations of the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application programs stored in the ROM 12b and RAM 12c. The application programs stored in the ROM 12 b or the auxiliary storage unit 12 d include control programs describing information processing executed by the settlement device 12 . As the hardware of such a settlement device 12, for example, an existing POS terminal compatible with the self-service system can be used.

The checkout system 10 having such a configuration forms data memory areas M1 to M4 in the RAM 11c of the registration device 11. FIG. The data memory area M1 is an area for storing lane numbers. In the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11, the lane number of the checkout lane in which the registration device 11 is arranged is set. The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 acquires the lane number from the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, when starting up the system, and writes it in the data memory area M1. The data memory area M1 is hereinafter referred to as a lane number memory M1.

The data memory area M2 is an area for storing the product code, product name, unit price, number of sales points, and sales amount of each product registered for sale as one transaction. A product code is a unique code for individually identifying each product. Each product has a product code represented by a barcode, for example, and the registration device 11 can acquire the product code by scanning the barcode with the scanner 11e. The product name and unit price are the name of the product identified by the corresponding product code and the price per item. The data memory area M2 is hereinafter referred to as a registration memory M2.

The data memory area M3 stores destination information. The destination information is information for identifying the settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be transmitted. Any one of the plurality of settlement devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11 becomes the transmission destination of the accounting data. In the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11, destination information is set that can identify the settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be sent. The CPU 11a acquires the destination information from the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, when starting up the system, and writes it in the data memory area M3. A unique ID is preset in each settlement device 12 . This ID can be used as destination information. Alternatively, a number, symbol, code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each settlement device 12 and used as destination information. The data memory area M3 is hereinafter referred to as a destination memory M3.

The data memory area M4 stores destination information. The change destination information is information for identifying another registration device 11 to which accounting data transmission is to be changed. Any one of the registration devices 11 placed in a checkout lane different from the checkout lane in which the registration device 11 is placed becomes the change destination. In the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the registration device 11, change destination information that enables identification of the registration device 11 that is the change destination is set. The CPU 11a acquires the change destination information from the auxiliary storage unit 11d, for example, when starting up the system, and writes it in the data memory area M4. Each registration device 11 is preset with a unique ID. This ID can be used as transfer destination information. Alternatively, a number, symbol, code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each registration device 11 as destination information. The data memory area M4 is hereinafter referred to as a destination memory M4.

The checkout system 10 forms data memory areas M5 and M6 in the RAM 12c of the settlement device 12. FIG. The data memory area M5 is an area for storing accounting data. The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 stores the accounting data in the data memory area M5 when the accounting data can be processed for settlement. The data memory area M5 is hereinafter referred to as accounting buffer M5.
The data memory area M6 stores transfer destination information. The forwarding destination information is information for identifying another settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be forwarded. Any one of the other settlement devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane is set as a transfer destination of accounting data for the settlement device 12 concerned. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 12d stores a default value of transfer destination information that can identify the settlement device 12 set as the transfer destination, and the CPU 12a writes this default value to the data memory area M4 at startup. A unique ID is preset in each settlement device 12 . This ID can be used as destination information. Alternatively, a number, symbol, code, or the like may be assigned in association with the ID of each settlement device 12 and used as destination information. The data memory area M6 is hereinafter referred to as a transfer destination memory M6.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 according to the control program. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 12a of the settlement apparatus 12 when accounting data transmitted via the LAN 13 is received. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing main procedures of information processing executed by the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 when accounting data transmitted from another registration device 11 via the LAN 13 is received. 6 to 9 are plan views showing examples of screens displayed on the touch panel 11f of the registration device 11. FIG. The operation of the checkout system 10 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. FIG. Note that the contents of the processing described below are only examples, and various processing that can obtain similar results can be used as appropriate.

First, the operation of the registration device 11 will be described.
When the registration device 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased products, the CPU 11a starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. This processing follows a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

First, the CPU 11a causes the registration screen SC1 (see FIG. 6) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11f as Act1.
The registration screen SC1 displays the contents of the registration memory M2 and allows the store 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. A display area R1 displays the product name, unit price, number of sales points (number) and sales amount of the most recently registered merchandise, and the total points and total amount of the purchased merchandise after the registration of the merchandise. The display area R2 displays a list of product names, unit prices, number of sales (number), and sales amounts of products registered for purchase prior to the product displayed in the display area R1.
Although not shown, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the store clerk 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button outside the registration screen SC1 area of the screen of the touch panel 11f.

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

In response to such 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 Act2), the CPU 11a executes a product sales data registration process as Act3. That is, the CPU 11a acquires product information such as the product name and unit price associated with the product code and set in the product database. Further, the CPU 11a multiplies the unit price by the number of sales points to calculate the amount corresponding to the number of sales points, that is, the so-called sales amount. The number of sales points is the numerical value if the product code is entered with a numeric keypad or the like before the product code is entered, and is "1" if the number is not entered. Thus, the CPU 11a creates merchandise sales data including the merchandise code, merchandise name, unit price, number of items sold, and sales amount. Then, the CPU 11a stores the merchandise sales data in the registration memory M2. At this time, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen SC1 based on the data in the registration memory M2.

In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the end of registration of the merchandise for sale has been declared. For example, when the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines that the end of registration has been declared. If the end of registration has not been declared (NO in Act4), the CPU 11a returns to Act2 and waits for product registration. When the end of registration is declared (YES in Act4), the CPU 11a generates accounting data in Act5 based on the data in the registration memory M2 . Here, the CPU 11a constitutes generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data (data relating to product sales) through the processing of Act2 to Act5.

After generating the accounting data, the CPU 11a causes the accounting confirmation screen SC2 (see FIG. 7) to be displayed on part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as Act6.
An example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 is shown in FIG. The payment confirmation screen SC2 includes a display area R3 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5. The display area R3 displays the total number of items, the total price, etc. of the products stored in the registration memory M2. The buttons B1 and B2 are a subtotal discount button B1 and a subtotal discount button B2 for the store clerk 21 to specify that a discount or discount should be applied to the total amount. The button B3 is a return button B3 for the store clerk 21 to specify to return a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g to the registration screen SC1. The button B4 is a checkout button B4 for the store clerk 21 to instruct the transition to checkout after the product registration for one transaction is completed. The button B5 is a lane change button B5 for the clerk to instruct the payment device 12 to be the destination of the accounting data to be the payment device 12 arranged in another checkout lane instead of the payment device 12 arranged in the same checkout lane (the payment device 12-1A, 12-1B or 12-1C in the case of the registration device 11-1, or the payment device 12-2A, 12-2B or 12-2C in the case of the registration device 11-2). After confirming the payment confirmation screen SC2, the store clerk 21 touches the payment button B4 or the lane change button B5. Normally, the store clerk 21 touches the checkout button B4. For example, when it can be visually confirmed that all settlement devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane are incapable of settlement processing, or when the shopper 22 wants to pay in another checkout lane, the clerk 21 touches the lane change button B5.

The CPU 11a that has displayed the payment confirmation screen SC2 waits for the payment button B4 to be touched or the lane change button B5 to be touched in Act7. When any of the buttons B1 to B3 other than the checkout button B4 or the lane change button B5 is touched, the CPU 11a executes processing based on that button.
In Act7, when detecting that the lane change button B5 has been touched ("change" in Act7), the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act14, which will be described later. When it is detected that the transaction button B4 has been touched ("Account" in Act7), the CPU 11a acquires the destination information stored in the destination memory M3 in Act8. Then, in Act9, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data generated in the process of Act5 and the destination information acquired in the process of Act8 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a commands the communication unit 11h to transmit the accounting data and the destination information to the settlement apparatus 12 identified by the destination information. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates a data message with the communication address of the settlement device 12 identified by the destination information as the destination address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. This data message includes accounting data and destination information. The transmission source address of this data message is the communication address of the registration device 11 concerned. This data message is received by one of the plurality of settlement devices 12 connected to the LAN 13, the destination address of which is set as the communication address. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement apparatus 12 receives data messages transmitted over the LAN 13 whose destination address is its own communication address. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 constitutes first transmission means for transmitting accounting data to the settlement device 12 set as the transmission destination in cooperation with the communication unit 11h through Act8 and Act9 processing. The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 cooperates with the communication unit 12h to constitute settlement-side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted via the network (LAN 13).

When the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 receives the data message via the communication unit 12h, it starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. This processing follows a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.
First, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an error has occurred in Act21. Errors include a no-change error when the automatic change machine 12k runs out of money for change.
Errors also include out-of-paper errors when the printer 12g runs out of receipt paper. The content of the error is not particularly limited. Further, for example, a change near-end state in which the amount of money for change is less than a predetermined amount, or a paper near-end state in which the remaining amount of receipt paper is less than a predetermined amount may also be recognized as an error occurrence.

If no error has occurred (NO in Act21), the CPU 12a determines in Act22 whether or not the busy flag F has been reset to "0". The busy flag is 1-bit information that is reset to "0" while the settlement device 12 is not executing settlement processing, and is set to "1" until settlement processing is completed once settlement processing is started. The busy flag F is stored in the RAM 12c, for example.

If the busy flag F has been reset to "0" (YES in Act22), the CPU 12a sets the busy flag F to "1" in Act23. The CPU 12a also stores the accounting data included in the data message in the accounting buffer M5 as Act24. Further, in Act 25, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transmit a transaction-enabled response command to the registration device 11, which is the source of the data message. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h creates an accountable response command with the source address of the data message received via the LAN 13 as the destination address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. The transmission source address of this response command is the communication address of the settlement device 12 . This response command is received by the registration device 11 in which the destination address is set as the communication address. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes a possibility notification means for notifying the registration device 11 that the settlement process is possible when the settlement process of the accounting data received by the settlement side receiving means is possible by the processing of Act21 to Act25.

The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12, which has transmitted the transaction-enabled response command, executes transaction settlement processing based on the accounting data stored in the accounting buffer M3 in Act26. The settlement process is a process for settlement of transactions indicated in the accounting data according to the operation by the shopper 22, and since it is the same as the process performed by existing self-service POS terminals and the like, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
When the settlement process is completed, the CPU 12a resets the busy flag F to "0" in Act27. Here, the CPU 12a constitutes processing means for executing settlement processing based on the accounting data received by the settlement-side receiving means through the processing of Act26.

On the other hand, if an error has occurred (YES in Act21) or if the busy flag F is set to "1" (NO in Act22), the CPU 12a acquires the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M6 in Act28. Then, in Act 29, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not this transfer destination information matches the transmission destination information included in the data message.

If the transfer destination information does not match the destination information (NO in Act29), the CPU 12a outputs the accounting data and the destination information included in the data message to the communication unit 12h in Act30. Then, the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h to transfer the data message to another settlement device 12 identified by the transfer destination information. Upon receiving this command, the communication unit 12h creates a data message by changing the transmission destination address of the data message to the communication address of the settlement device 12 identified by the transfer destination information, and transmits the data message over the LAN 13. This data message is received by one of the plurality of settlement devices 12 connected to the LAN 13, the destination address of which is set as the communication address. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement apparatus 12 receives data messages transmitted over the LAN 13 whose destination address is its own communication address.

If the transfer destination information matches the transmission destination information (YES in Act 29), the CPU 12a instructs the communication unit 12h in Act 31 to transmit a transaction impossible response command to the registration device 11, which is the source of the data message. In response to this command, the communication unit 12h generates a non-accounting response command with the source address of the data message received via the LAN 13 as the destination address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. The transmission source address of this response command is the communication address of the settlement device 12 . This response command is received by the registration device 11 in which the destination address is set as the communication address.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the accounting data in Act9 of FIG. 3 waits for a response command in Act10. When receiving a transaction-enabled response command via the communication unit 11h (YES in Act10), the CPU 11a performs Act11 to display guidance on the transaction confirmation screen SC2.
FIG. 8 shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 with guidance display. In this example, the settlement device 12-1C arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11 transmits a transaction-enabled response command. The guidance display is a display that guides the customer to the payment device 12-1C that has notified that payment processing is possible. Guidance display is performed in the display area R4. The store clerk 21 confirming this guidance display guides the shopper 22 to make a payment at the settlement device 12-1C of the same checkout lane notified by the guidance display. For example, the shopper 22 guided to the payment device 12-1C moves to the place where the payment device 12-1C is installed and makes a payment.

On the other hand, when a response command indicating that payment is not possible is received from the settlement device 12 (NO in Act10), the CPU 11a performs Act12 to display the self-lane disapproval on the payment confirmation screen SC2.
FIG. 9 shows an example of the checkout confirmation screen SC2 displaying that own lane is not allowed. The self-lane disapproval display is, for example, a display that indicates that payment cannot be made with the payment device 12 arranged in the same checkout lane as the registration device 11, and that the user can select whether or not to pay with another checkout lane. The own lane impossibility display is performed in the display area R5. In the display area R5, a YES button B6 that is operated when checking out in another checkout lane and a NO button B7 that is operated when not checking out are further displayed. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 cooperates with the touch panel 11f to constitute reception means for receiving a selection input as to whether or not to transmit the accounting data generated by the generation means to the other registration device 11.

The store clerk 21 who confirms the own lane impossibility display decides whether or not to have the shopper 22 check out in another checkout lane. For example, if the payment device 12 of another checkout lane is vacant, the clerk 21 touches the YES button B6. If the settlement devices 12 of other checkout lanes are not available, the clerk 21 touches the NO button B7.

The CPU 11a that displays the own lane impossibility checks in Act 13 whether or not to change lanes. If the NO button B7 is touched (NO at Act13), the checkout lane is not changed. In this case, the CPU 11a executes a transmission disabling process. In the transmission prohibition processing, for example, a unique identification code is attached to the accounting data and transmitted to the server, and the printer 11g is driven to issue an accounting ticket on which a bar code indicating the identification code is printed.
The accounting ticket is handed over to the shopper. The shopper has the scanner 12e of the settlement device 12 prepared at a place other than the checkout lane, for example, to read the barcode of the checkout ticket. Then, the CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 acquires from the server accounting data attached with an identification code obtained from the bar code. Then, the CPU 12a executes settlement processing based on this accounting data.

On the other hand, if the YES button B6 is touched (YES in Act 13), the checkout lane is changed. In this case, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act14. That is, when detecting that the lane change button B5 is touched in the process of Act7, or when detecting that the YES button B6 is touched in the process of Act13, the CPU 11a proceeds to the process of Act14.
In Act14, the CPU 11a acquires change destination information stored in the change destination memory M4. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act9. That is, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data generated in the process of Act5 and the destination information acquired in the process of Act14 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11h to transmit accounting data to another registration device 11 identified by the destination information. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates a data message with the communication address of another registration device 11 identified by the change destination information as the transmission destination address and the communication address of the registration device 11 as the transmission source address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. This data message contains accounting data. This data message is received by one of the other registration devices 11 connected to the LAN 13, the destination address of which is set as the communication address. That is, the communication unit 11h of the registration device 11 receives data messages transmitted over the LAN 13 whose destination address is its own communication address. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 configures third transmission means for transmitting accounting data to the other registration device 11 set as the change destination in cooperation with the communication unit 11h by the processing of Act14 and Act9.

Upon receiving the data message via the communication unit 11h, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 starts information processing according to the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. First, the CPU 12a acquires the destination information stored in the destination memory M3 as Act41. Then, in Act 42, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data included in the data message and the destination information acquired in the process of Act 41 to the communication unit 11h. Then, the CPU 11a commands the communication unit 11h to transmit the accounting data and the destination information to the settlement apparatus 12 identified by the destination information. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates a data message with the communication address of the settlement device 12 identified by the destination information as the destination address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. This data message includes accounting data and destination information. The source address of this data message is the source address of the data message received via LAN 13 . This data message is received by one of the settlement devices 12 connected to the LAN 13, to which the communication address, which is the destination address, is set. That is, the communication unit 12h of the settlement apparatus 12 receives data messages transmitted over the LAN 13 whose destination address is its own communication address. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 cooperates with the communication unit 11h to constitute registration side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted via the network (LAN 13). In addition, the CPU 11a, in cooperation with the communication unit 11h, constitutes second transmission means for transmitting accounting data received by the registration-side receiving means to the settlement apparatus 12 set as the transmission destination by the processing of Act41 and Act42.

The CPU 12a of the settlement device 12 that has received this data message performs the same information processing as the procedure shown in the flow chart of FIG. That is, when no error has occurred in the settlement device 12 and the busy flag is reset to "0", the CPU 12a executes the processes of Act23 to Act27. On the other hand, if an error has occurred in the payment device 12 or if the busy flag is set to "1", the CPU 12a executes Act28, Act29 and Act30 or Act28, Act29 and Act31.

Therefore, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has transmitted the accounting data in Act42 of FIG. 5 waits for a response command in Act43. When receiving a transaction-enabled response command via the communication unit 11h (YES at Act43), the CPU 11a acquires the lane number stored in the lane number memory M1 at Act44. Then, in Act 45, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11h to return the lane number and a transaction-enabled response command to another registration device that is the transmission source of the data message received via the LAN 13. FIG. In response to this command, the communication unit 11h creates an accountable response command with the source address of the data message received via the LAN 13 as the destination address, and transmits it over the LAN 13. FIG. This response command contains the lane number. The transmission source address of this response command is the transmission source address of the response command received via LAN 13, that is, the communication address of the settlement device that transmitted the accountable response command. This response command is received by the registration device 11 in which the destination address is set as the communication address. Here, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 cooperates with the communication unit 11h through the processing of Acts 41 to 45 to configure notification transfer means for transferring the notification to the other registration device 11, which is the transmission source of the accounting data, when receiving the notification that the settlement process is possible after the accounting data is transmitted by the second transmission means.

The CPU 11a of the registration device 11, which has received the transaction-enabled response command including the lane number, displays guidance on the transaction confirmation screen SC2 in Act11.

FIG. 10 shows an example of the accounting confirmation screen SC2 with guidance display. This example is a case where a settlement device 12-2A arranged in a checkout lane different from the registration device 11-1 transmits a transaction-enabled response command. The guidance display is a display that guides the customer to the payment device 12-2A that has notified that payment processing is possible. Guidance display is performed in the display area R6. The store clerk 21 confirming this guidance display guides the shopper 22 to make a payment at the settlement device 12-2A of the other checkout lane notified by the guidance display. Here, the CPU 11a, in cooperation with the touch panel 11f, constitutes an informing means for informing the shopper to guide the shopper to the payment apparatus that has sent the notification when receiving the notification that the payment processing is possible after the accounting data is transmitted by the first or the third transmission means.

In Act43 of FIG. 5, when a response command indicating that transmission is not possible is received via the communication unit 11h (NO in Act43), the CPU 11a acquires the change destination information stored in the change destination memory M4 in Act46. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to the processing of Act42. That is, the CPU 11a outputs the accounting data included in the data message received via the LAN 13 to the communication unit 11h together with the change destination information acquired in the processing of Act46. Then, the CPU 11a instructs the communication unit 11h to transmit accounting data to another registration device 11 identified by the destination information. Since the subsequent operation is as described above, the explanation is omitted.

Assume that in the checkout system 10 shown in FIG. 1, the settlement device 12-1A is set as the transmission destination for the registration device 11-1 of lane number 1. FIG. It is also assumed that the other payment device set as the transfer destination for the payment device 12-1A is 12-1B, the other payment device set as the transfer destination for this payment device 12-1B is 12-1C, and the other payment device set as the transfer destination for this payment device 12-1C is 12-1A. Furthermore, it is assumed that another registered device set as a change destination for the registered device 11-1 is the registered device 11-2 with lane number 2. FIG. Assume also that the settlement device set as the transmission destination for this registration device 11-2 is the settlement device 12-2A.

In this case, the registration device 11-1 transmits accounting data to the settlement device 12-1A specified by the destination information. This accounting data includes destination information that identifies the settlement device 12-1A. Here, if the settlement device 12-1A cannot execute settlement of the transaction, the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M6 of the settlement device 12-1A does not match the destination information received together with the accounting data. Therefore, accounting data is transferred from the settlement device 12-1A to the settlement device 12-1B. This accounting data also includes destination information that identifies the settlement device 12-1A.
Here, if the settlement apparatus 12-1B is also unable to execute settlement of the transaction, the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M6 of the settlement apparatus 12-1B does not match the destination information received together with the accounting data. Therefore, accounting data is transferred from the settlement device 12-1B to the settlement device 12-1C. This accounting data also includes destination information that identifies the settlement device 12-1A.
Here, if the settlement device 12-1C is able to execute settlement of the transaction, the settlement device 12-1C transmits a transaction-enabled response command to the registration device 11-1. In response to this response command, the registration device 11-1 displays an instruction to the settlement device 12-1C on the checkout confirmation screen SC2, as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the settlement apparatus 12-1C is also unable to execute settlement of the transaction, the transfer destination information stored in the transfer destination memory M6 of the settlement apparatus 12-1C matches the destination information received together with the accounting data. Therefore, the settlement device 12-1C sends a response command indicating that the transaction is not possible to the registration device 11-1. In response to this command, the registration device 11-1 displays that the own lane cannot be used on the checkout confirmation screen SC2, as shown in FIG.

Assume here that the store clerk 21 touches the YES button B6. In that case, the registration device 11-1 transmits accounting data to another registration device 11-2 specified by the destination information. Another registration device 11-2 transmits accounting data to the payment device 12-2A specified by the destination information. This accounting data includes destination information that identifies the settlement device 12-2A. Here, if the settlement device 12-2A is able to execute settlement of the transaction, the settlement device 12-2A transmits a transaction-enabled response command to the registration device 11-2. Upon receiving this response command, the registration device 11-2 acquires the lane number from the lane number memory M1. Then, the registration device 11-2 transmits a transaction-enabled response command including this lane number to the registration device 11-1.
When the registration device 11-1 receives the transaction-enabled response command including the lane number, guidance display including the lane number is performed as shown in FIG.

Thus, according to the checkout system 10, the registration device 11 does not need to select a settlement device to which accounting data is to be sent for each transaction. Therefore, the work load on the salesclerk 21 can be reduced compared to the case where the salesclerk 21 who operates the registration device 11 selects the settlement device 12 to which accounting data is to be sent for each transaction, for example. In addition, the processing load on the registration device 11 can be reduced compared to a scheme in which the registration device 11 selects the destination of accounting data for each transaction based on the status of each settlement device 12 . Moreover, since the store clerk can guide the shopper 22 according to the guidance display, there is no need to visually check which settlement device 12 is available for settlement processing.

Further, in this embodiment, a lane change button B5 is arranged on the checkout confirmation screen SC2. When the lane change button B5 is touched, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 acquires the change destination information set in the change destination memory M4, and transfers the accounting data to the registration device 11 of the other checkout lane specified by the change destination information. Therefore, for example, even if at least one of a plurality of settlement devices 12 arranged in the same checkout lane is ready for settlement, it is possible to respond to the request of the shopper 22 who has offered to pay in another checkout lane.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the transaction-impossible response command in Act10 of FIG. As another embodiment, the CPU 11a of the registration device 11 that has received the response command indicating that accounting is not allowed may unconditionally proceed to the processing of Act 14, acquire the change destination information, and transmit the accounting data to another registration device 11 identified by this information with change.

Note that the transfer of the registration device 11 and the settlement device 12 is generally performed in a state in which programs such as control programs are stored in the ROM. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a control program or the like assigned separately from the computer device may be written in a writable storage device included in the computer device according to the user's operation. Transfer of the control program or the like can be performed by recording it on a removable recording medium or by communication via a network. The recording medium may be of any form, such as CD-ROM, memory card, etc., as long as it can store the program and can be read by the device. Also, the functions obtained by installing or downloading a program may be realized in cooperation with an OS (Operating System) or the like inside the device.

Additionally, while several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.
The following is a supplementary description of the inventions originally claimed in this application.
[Appendix 1] A plurality of registration devices and a plurality of settlement devices are connected via a network,
The plurality of registration devices are
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data;
registration-side receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted from another registration device via the network;
a first transmission means for transmitting the accounting data generated by the generation means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a second transmitting means for transmitting the accounting data received by the registration side receiving means to the payment device set as the transmission destination;
a third transmitting means for transmitting accounting data generated by the generating means to another registration device set as a change destination;
and
The plurality of payment devices are
settlement-side receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted via the network;
processing means for executing payment processing based on the accounting data received by the payment-side receiving means;
A checkout system characterized by comprising:
[Appendix 2] The plurality of registration devices are
The checkout system according to Supplementary Note 1, characterized in that, if the settlement device does not execute the settlement processing for the accounting data transmitted by the first or second transmission means, the third transmission means transmits the accounting data to another registration device set as the change destination.
[Appendix 3] The plurality of registration devices are
receiving means for receiving a selection input as to whether or not to transmit the accounting data generated by the generating means to another registration device;
further comprising
The checkout system according to supplementary note 1, wherein when a selection input to the effect of transmission is received, the accounting data is transmitted by the third transmission means to another registration device set as the change destination.
[Appendix 4] The plurality of payment devices are
enable notification means for notifying the registration device that settlement processing is possible when settlement processing of the accounting data received by the settlement-side receiving means is possible;
further comprising
The plurality of registration devices are
notification transfer means for transferring the notification to another registration device that is the transmission source of the accounting data when the notification is received after the accounting data is transmitted by the second transmission means;
notification means for, when the notification is received after the accounting data is transmitted by the first or third transmission means, guiding the shopper to the settlement device that has sent the notification;
4. The checkout system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, further comprising:
[Appendix 5] Communication means for connecting to a network to which a plurality of payment devices that execute payment processing based on accounting data are connected;
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data;
receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted from another registration device connected to the network;
a first transmission means for transmitting the accounting data generated by the generation means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a second transmission means for transmitting the accounting data received by the reception means to the settlement device set as the transmission destination;
a third transmitting means for transmitting accounting data generated by the generating means to another registration device set as a change destination;
A registration device comprising:

11 (11-1, 11-2) ... registration device, 12 (12-1A, 12-1B, 12-1C, 12-2A, 12-2B, 12-2C) ... 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, M1... lane number memory, M2... registration memory, M3... destination memory, M4... change destination memory, M5... accounting buffer, M6... transfer destination memory.

Claims (6)

connecting the first and second registration devices and a plurality of settlement devices via a network,
The first registration device
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data;
a first transmission means for transmitting the accounting data generated by the generation means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a first registration side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted from the second registration device and transmitted via the network;
a second transmitting means for transmitting accounting data received by the first registration-side receiving means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a third transmission means for transmitting accounting data generated by the generation means to the second registration device;
and
The plurality of payment devices are
settlement-side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted via the network;
a processing means for executing payment processing based on the accounting data received by the payment-side receiving means;
checkout system with The first registration device
a display device;
notification means for displaying, on the display device, information indicating the payment apparatus that has sent the notification, when receiving from the payment apparatus a notification indicating that payment processing of the accounting data transmitted by the first transmission means or the second transmission means is possible;
The checkout system of Claim 1 , further comprising: The second registration device
a second registration-side receiving means for receiving the accounting data transmitted by the third transmitting means and transmitted via the network;
a fourth transmitting means for transmitting accounting data received by the second registration-side receiving means to a payment device set as a transmission destination;
3. The checkout system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: payment side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted via a network, processing means for executing payment processing based on the accounting data received by the payment side receiving means, a plurality of payment devices provided respectively, and first and second registration devices;
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data;
a first transmission means for transmitting the accounting data generated by the generation means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a first registration side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted from the second registration device and transmitted via the network;
a second transmitting means for transmitting accounting data received by the first registration-side receiving means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a third transmission means for transmitting accounting data generated by the generation means to the second registration device;
A registration device comprising: a display device;
notification means for displaying, on the display device, information indicating the payment apparatus that has sent the notification, when receiving from the payment apparatus a notification indicating that payment processing of the accounting data transmitted by the first transmission means or the second transmission means is possible;
5. The registration device of claim 4 , further comprising: A computer that is used as the first registration device in a checkout system comprising payment-side receiving means for receiving accounting data transmitted via a network, processing means for executing payment processing based on the accounting data received by the payment-side receiving means, a plurality of payment devices provided in each of the payment devices, and first and second registration devices, and for controlling a registration device provided with a communication unit that performs communication via the network,
generating means for generating accounting data necessary for settlement of transactions based on the input data;
a first transmission control means for causing the communication unit to transmit the accounting data generated by the generation means to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
first registration side reception control means for causing the communication unit to receive accounting data transmitted from the second registration device and transmitted via the network;
a second transmission control means for causing the communication unit to transmit the accounting data received by the communication unit to a settlement device set as a transmission destination;
a third transmission control means for causing the communication unit to transmit accounting data generated by the generation means to the second registration device;
control program to function as