JP2013029952A - Accounting processor and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress maximum electric power consumption when an accounting processor and an automatic change machine shares one power supply.SOLUTION: The accounting processor includes: a power supply unit for generating operation power supply; a first hardware which operates by receiving operation power supply from the power source unit; a second hardware which is different from the first hardware and operates by receiving the operation power supply from the power supply unit; and control means for activating one of the first hardware and the second hardware and activating the other after the activated one completes the operation.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an accounting apparatus and a computer program used for accounting for various transactions.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in stores that sell products or provide services, transactions are accounted for using an accounting processing device such as a POS (Point Of Sales) terminal or an ECR (Electric Cash Register). A general accounting processing device accepts registration of products and services (hereinafter referred to as products) that a customer intends to purchase using a barcode scanner, etc., calculates the total price of the registered products, and displays it on the display. The payment of the price is accepted, a receipt on which detailed transaction information is printed is issued by a receipt printer, and accounting for one transaction is completed. Also, the accounting processing device may be used together with an automatic change machine that automatically discharges a change made of coins or banknotes.

JP 2003-272026 A

  The conventional accounting processing apparatus and the power supply unit of the automatic change machine are provided separately. That is, the printer and display provided in the accounting processing apparatus operate by receiving power from the power supply unit of the accounting processing apparatus, and the automatic change machine operates by receiving power from the dedicated power supply unit. Therefore, when the accounting processing apparatus and the automatic change machine are integrated and an operation power is supplied from one power supply unit to the printer, the display, and the automatic change machine, the maximum power consumption of the power supply unit increases. In this case, various inconveniences occur, such as the necessity of increasing the size of the power supply unit.

  Under these circumstances, it is necessary to consider means for suppressing the maximum power consumption when the accounting processing apparatus and the automatic change machine are commonly used.

  The accounting processing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a power supply unit that generates an operating power supply, first hardware that operates by receiving the operation power supply from the power supply unit, and an operation power supply from the power supply unit. Operate second hardware different from the first hardware that operates, and either the first hardware or the second hardware, and operate the other after completion of the one operation And control means for causing

1 is an external perspective view of a POS terminal according to an embodiment. The block diagram which shows the control circuit of the POS terminal. The figure for demonstrating the flag formed in RAM with which the POS terminal is provided. The flowchart of the setting process which the same POS terminal performs. The flowchart of the accounting process which the same POS terminal performs. The flowchart of the accounting process which the same POS terminal performs.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example of the accounting processing device, a change machine integrated POS terminal used in a store that sells products or provides services is disclosed.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. The upper surface of the main body of the POS terminal 1 is inclined toward the front side (the operator's standing position side), and the keyboard 8, the store clerk side display 9, the card reader 11, the receipt printer 12, and the like are provided on the inclined surface. ing. Further, on the back side of the POS terminal 1, there is provided a customer-side display 10 that is not shown in FIG.

  The keyboard 8 is composed of a PLU (Price Look Up) key for declaring the start of merchandise registration, a tightening key for declaring the closing of the transaction, a numeric keypad for entering numbers from 0 to 9, and the like. . In addition, the keyboard 8 is provided with a key switch 8a that can be rotated when, for example, a key possessed by a store clerk is inserted. By the rotation of the key switch 8a, the operation mode of the POS terminal 1 is, for example, between a product registration mode for performing product registration work, a maintenance mode for performing various settings, and a sleep mode for shifting the POS terminal 1 to a sleep state. Switch.

  In the product registration mode, registration of the person in charge of the operation of the POS terminal 1 is requested, and the product registration business cannot be performed unless this registration is performed. In a state where the person in charge of the operation is not registered, for example, by operating the keyboard 8 or reading a barcode printed on a name tag possessed by the store clerk by a bar code scanner 6 (see FIG. 2) to be described later, When the identification information is input, under the control of the CPU 2, the store clerk indicated by the identification information is registered as the person in charge of operation. Thereafter, when the registration of the person in charge of the operation is declared by operating the keyboard 8, or when the operation mode of the POS terminal 1 is switched to a mode other than the product registration work by the key switch 8a, the CPU 2 controls the operation person in charge. Registration is canceled.

  The clerk-side display 9 is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) with a touch panel, information on registered products, total amount of transactions, payment amount from customers, change amount, operation guidance, information on settings of the POS terminal 1 Etc. are selectively displayed. The customer-side display 10 is, for example, an LCD with a touch panel, and selectively displays information on registered products, the total amount of transactions, payments from customers, change amounts, commercial information for customers, and the like.

  The card reader 11 is, for example, a magnetic type card reader, and reads credit information, point information, and the like from a credit card or point card slid into a slide groove. The receipt printer 12, for example, is a thermal printer that prints letters and figures by selectively energizing a plurality of heating elements to generate heat, and prints characters and figures. Information, total price, payment amount, change amount, store information, information on the person in charge of operation during registration, etc. are printed on a receipt sheet and issued from the receipt outlet 12a.

  Near the front end of the POS terminal 1, a coin slot 101, a bill slot 102, a change slot 103, a coin tray 104, and the like are provided. In the coin insertion slot 101 and the bill insertion slot 102, coins and bills paid by customers in the accounting process are respectively inserted. From the change discharge port 103, change (including both banknotes and coins) to be returned to the customer in the accounting process is discharged. The discharged coins are stored in the coin tray 104, and the discharged banknotes are stationary with one end held at the change discharge port 103.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment. The POS terminal 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 that functions as a control center. The CPU 2 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, a communication I / F (Interface) 5, a barcode scanner 6, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) via a chip set, a bus line, and the like. 7, keyboard 8, salesclerk display 9, customer display 10, card reader 11, receipt printer 12, automatic change machine 13, and the like are connected.

  The ROM 3 stores various kinds of fixed data including a computer program for causing the POS terminal 1 to perform operations such as accounting processing.

  The RAM 4 functions as a main memory of the POS terminal 1, and various work storage areas are formed according to processing scenes.

  The communication I / F 5 transmits / receives various data to / from various devices connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) in the store or the Internet via the communication cable 5a. The bar code scanner 6 is a handy type scanner that a store clerk operates by hand, for example, and optically reads the bar code. By reading the barcode attached to the product by the barcode scanner 6, a PLU code which is identification information of the product is input.

  The HDD 7 stores various application files and databases. The automatic change machine 13 includes a coin depositing unit 131, a bill depositing unit 132, a coin dispensing unit 133, a bill dispensing unit 134, and the like.

  The coin depositing unit 131 conveys the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 101 to the inside of the POS terminal 1 and counts them by denomination, calculates the total amount of these coins, and stores a coin storage unit (not shown). Store in. The banknote depositing unit 132 transports the banknotes inserted into the banknote insertion slot 102 to the inside of the POS terminal 1 and counts them into denominations, calculates the total amount of these banknotes, and displays a banknote storage unit (not shown). Store in.

  The coin dispensing unit 133 takes out coins of the number and type corresponding to the amount to be returned to the customer as coins out of the change amount calculated by the CPU 2, and discharges them from the change outlet 103. The banknote dispensing unit 134 takes out banknotes of the number and type corresponding to the amount to be returned to the customer with banknotes from the change amount calculated by the CPU 2, and discharges it from the change outlet 103.

  The hardware included in the POS terminal 1, that is, CPU 2, ROM 3, RAM 4 communication I / F 5, barcode scanner 6, HDD 7, keyboard 8, salesperson side display 9, customer side display 10, card reader 11, receipt printer 12, And the automatic change machine 13 etc. operate | move in response to the supply of the operating power generated by the power supply unit 14.

  The power supply unit 14 takes in electric power from an external power supply 20 such as a commercial AC power supply through an outlet, and generates the operation power supply by performing AC-DC conversion or the like. The power supply unit 14 is designed so that the maximum power consumption of the POS terminal 1 becomes a rated power value, for example. When the POS terminal 1 is activated, flags F1, F2, and F3 are formed in the RAM 4 as shown in FIG. These flags F1 to F3 are stored in the HDD 7 when the operating system is shut down, and loaded into the RAM 4 from the HDD 7 when the operating system is started. It is supposed to be retained.

  The flag F1 indicates the order of execution of change discharge by the automatic change machine 13 and receipt issuance by the receipt printer 12 in the accounting process. “0” indicates the order of change discharge and receipt issuance. Indicates the order of receipt issuance and change change. The flag F2 indicates ON / OFF of power saving control of the clerk-side display 9 in the accounting process, “0” indicates power saving control ON, and “1” indicates power saving control OFF. The flag F3 indicates ON / OFF of the power saving control of the customer display 10 in the accounting process, “0” indicates the power saving control ON, and “1” indicates the power saving control OFF.

  Next, the operation of the POS terminal 1 will be described. When the operation mode of the POS terminal 1 is switched to the maintenance mode by the key switch 8a and the setting of the flags F1 to F3 is selected by the operation of the keyboard 8 or the touch operation on the store clerk side display 9, the flow shown in the flowchart of FIG. The setting process is started. This setting process is realized by the CPU 2 executing a computer program stored in the ROM 3.

  In the setting process, first, the CPU 2 accepts the setting of the operation order of the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 in the accounting process (step S101). At this time, the operator operates the keyboard 8 or the touch operation on the clerk-side display 9 to select either “0” (change discharge order, receipt issue order) or “1” (receipt issue order, change change order). The operation order can be specified by entering the number. After step S101, the CPU 2 determines the designated operation order (step S102). At this time, if “0” is designated (“0” in step S102), the CPU 2 sets the flag F1 of the RAM 4 to “0” (step S103), and if “1” is designated. (“1” in step S102), the flag F1 of the RAM 4 is set to “1” (step S104).

  Next, the CPU 2 accepts the setting of the store clerk display 9 in the accounting process (step S105). At this time, the operator can enter either “0” (power saving control ON) or “1” (power saving control OFF) by operating the keyboard 8 or touching the clerk-side display 9. The setting of the clerk side display 9 can be designated. After step S105, the CPU 2 determines the designated setting (step S106). At this time, if “0” is designated (“0” in step S106), the CPU 2 sets the flag F2 of the RAM 4 to “0” (step S107), and if “1” is designated. (“1” in step S106), the flag F2 of the RAM 4 is set to “1” (step S108).

  Next, CPU2 receives the setting of the customer side display 10 in an accounting process (step S109). At this time, the operator can enter either “0” (power saving control ON) or “1” (power saving control OFF) by operating the keyboard 8 or touching the clerk-side display 9. The settings of the customer display 10 can be specified. After step S109, the CPU 2 determines the designated setting (step S110). At this time, if “0” is designated (“0” in step S110), the CPU 2 sets the flag F3 of the RAM 4 to “0” (step S111), and if “1” is designated. (“1” in step S110), the flag F3 of the RAM 4 is set to “1” (step S112). This completes the setting process. Thereafter, the POS terminal 1 operates in accordance with the contents set in this setting process.

  When the operation mode of the POS terminal 1 is switched to the product registration mode by the key switch 8a and the person in charge of operation is registered, the accounting process of the flow shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 is started. This accounting process is realized by the CPU 2 executing a computer program stored in the ROM 3.

  In the accounting process, first, the CPU 2 accepts registration of a product to be purchased by a customer (step S201) and waits for the completion of registration (No in step S202). At this time, when the barcode attached to the product is read by the barcode scanner 6 or the purchased product is specified by the preset key displayed on the store clerk display 9, the PLU code of the product is input. Product information (product name, price, etc.) corresponding to the PLU code is acquired from a product master or the like stored in the HDD 7 and registered in a product registration buffer formed in the RAM 4.

  When the subtotal key provided on the keyboard 8 is operated, the product registration in this transaction is completed (Yes in step S202). At this time, the CPU 2 calculates the total price of each transaction by summing the prices of the products registered in the product registration buffer, and displays them on the store clerk display 9 and the customer display 10 (step S203). And CPU2 waits for completion of payment in the state which receives payment of a price (step S204) (step S204 No). Here, the price may be paid by various media such as cash, credit card, electronic money, gift certificate, etc., but the case where the price is paid in cash will be described in the following description.

  When the price is paid in cash, the store clerk who is the operator deposits cash from the customer, inserts the coin into the coin slot 101, and inserts the banknote into the banknote slot 102. If it does so, the coin in which the coin depositing unit 131 of the automatic change machine 13 was thrown in will be counted, and the banknote in which the banknote depositing unit 132 was thrown in will be counted.

  The CPU 2 displays the sum of the amounts counted by the respective deposit units 131 and 132 on the clerk side display 9 and the customer side display 10 as the amount of payment from the customer. Thereafter, when the closing key provided on the keyboard 8 is operated, the CPU 2 determines that the payment has been completed (Yes in step S205), and then calculates the total amount calculated in step S203 from the payment amount. Is subtracted to calculate the change amount, and the calculated change amount is displayed on the clerk side display 9 and the customer side display 10 (step S206). The CPU 2 determines the value of the flag F2 stored in the RAM 4 with the change amount displayed on the clerk side display 9 and the customer side display 10 (step S207). When the value of the flag F2 is “0” (“F2 = 0” in step S207), the CPU 2 decreases the brightness of the salesclerk display 9 from the current brightness (step S208). On the other hand, when the value of the flag F2 is “1” (“F2 = 1” in step S207), the brightness of the salesclerk display 9 is not reduced.

Subsequently, the CPU 2 determines the value of the flag F3 stored in the RAM 4 (step S209). When the value of the flag F3 is “0” (“F3 = 0” in step S209), the CPU 2 decreases the luminance of the customer display 10 from the current luminance (step S210). On the other hand, when the value of the flag F3 is “1” (“F3 = 1” in step S209), the luminance of the customer display 10 is not reduced. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 6, and the CPU 2 determines the value of the flag F1 stored in the RAM 4 (step S211).
When the value of the flag F1 is “0” (“F1 = 0” in step S211), the CPU 2 causes the automatic change machine 13 to execute a change discharge process (step S212). In this process, the coin dispensing unit 133 discharges from the change outlet 103 the type and number of coins corresponding to the amount to be paid out in coins out of the change amount calculated in step S206. The banknote dispensing unit 134 discharges from the change outlet 103 the type and number of banknotes corresponding to the amount to be paid out.

  While the change discharge process is being executed, the CPU 2 waits for the completion (No in step S213). When the automatic change machine 13 completes the change discharge, the automatic change machine 13 outputs a signal to that effect to the CPU 2. Receiving this signal, the CPU 2 determines that the change discharge process has been completed (Yes in step S213). Then, the CPU 2 causes the receipt printer 12 to execute a receipt issuing process (step S214). In this process, the receipt printer 12 uses the product information registered in the product registration buffer, the total price calculated in step S203, the payment amount received in step S204, the change amount calculated in step S206, and store information. The information on the person in charge of the operation is printed on a sheet, and the printed sheet is issued as a receipt from the receipt discharge port 12a.

  While the receipt issuing process is being executed, the CPU 2 waits for the completion (No in step S215). When the receipt printer 12 has finished issuing the receipt, it outputs a signal to that effect to the CPU 2. Upon receiving this signal, the CPU 2 determines that the receipt issuance process has been completed (Yes in step S215). On the other hand, if the value of the flag F1 is “1” in step S211 (“F1 = 1” in step S211), the CPU 2 causes the receipt printer 12 to execute a receipt issuance process (step S216). In this process, the receipt printer 12 issues a receipt as in step S214.

  While the receipt issuing process is being executed, the CPU 2 waits for the completion (No in step S217). Then, the CPU 2 determines that the receipt issuance process is completed (Yes in step S217) by receiving a signal notifying the completion of the process from the receipt printer 12, and executes the change discharge process to the automatic change machine 13. (Step S218). In this process, the coin dispensing unit 133 and the banknote dispensing unit 134 discharge coins and banknotes in an amount corresponding to change as in step S212.

  While the change discharge process is being executed, the CPU 2 waits for the completion (No in step S219). And CPU2 determines with the change discharge process having been completed by having received the signal which notifies the completion of a process from the automatic change machine 13 (Yes of step S219). As described above, in the present embodiment, the CPU 2 executes either one of change discharge by the automatic change machine 13 and issue of a receipt by the receipt printer 12 in accordance with the value of the flag F1, and completes the one operation. Wait for the other operation to be executed.

  When it is determined that the receipt issuance process is completed when the flag F1 is “0” (Yes in step S215), and when it is determined that the change discharge process is completed when the flag F1 is “1” ( In step S219, the CPU 2 determines the value of the flag F2 stored in the RAM 4 (step S220). When the value of the flag F2 is “0” (“F2 = 0” in step S220), the CPU 2 increases the luminance of the salesclerk-side display 9 from the current luminance and returns to the state before the decrease in step S208. Return (step S221). On the other hand, when the value of the flag F2 is “1” (“F2 = 1” in step S220), the brightness of the clerk side display 9 is not changed.

  Further, the CPU 2 determines the value of the flag F3 stored in the RAM 4 (step S222). When the value of the flag F3 is “0” (“F3 = 0” in step S222), the CPU 2 increases the luminance of the customer display 10 from the current luminance and returns to the state before the decrease in step S210. Return (step S223).

  On the other hand, when the value of the flag F3 is “1” (“F3 = 1” in step S222), the luminance of the customer display 10 is not changed. This completes the accounting process for one transaction.

  Thus, in the accounting process in this embodiment, the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 are not operated simultaneously. Even when it is necessary to operate the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 in processes other than the accounting process, the CPU 2 determines the automatic change machine 13 according to the value of the flag F1, as in steps S211 to S219. One of discharge of change and issuance of receipt by the receipt printer 12 is executed, and the other operation is executed after completion of the one operation.

  The POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment has a function of shifting to a power saving mode for reducing the power consumption of the entire POS terminal 1 when the accounting process as described above is not performed. In the power saving mode, at least some of the devices included in the POS terminal 1 are operated with lower power than when accounting processing is performed, or at least some of the devices are stopped. Thus, power consumption by each device is reduced. Specifically, when shifting to the power saving mode, the brightness of the clerk-side display 9 and the customer-side display 10 is reduced or turned off, or the remaining heat of the print head of the receipt printer 12 is interrupted. What is necessary is just to reduce power consumption.

  For example, when the hibernation mode is designated by operating the key switch 8a or when the person in charge of operation is not registered in the product registration mode, the power saving mode is entered. Or you may make it transfer to a power saving mode, when operation with respect to the keyboard 8, the salesclerk side display 9, the customer side display 10, etc. is not made for a fixed time.

  As described above, in the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment, the automatic change machine 13 that has been operated by receiving power supply from separate power supply units and the parts of the POS terminal 1 are connected to the same power supply unit 14. The system is configured to operate with power supplied from.

  When the automatic change machine 13 discharges the change and when the receipt printer 12 prints / issues the receipt, a large amount of electric power is required. However, in the present embodiment, since the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 do not operate simultaneously, the maximum power consumption of the POS terminal 1 can be suppressed. As a result, the power supply unit 14 and thus the POS terminal 1 can be downsized.

  In addition, the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment reduces the brightness of the clerk-side display 9 and the customer-side display 10 when the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 are operated when the power saving control is turned on. In this way, the power consumption during the operation of the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 can be further reduced.

  Further, the order in which the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 are operated and the power saving control ON / OFF of the store clerk side display 9 and the customer side display 10 are set by setting the values of the flags F1 to F3 in the setting process. It can be easily changed. Therefore, it is possible to realize a process that matches the operation of the store without requiring maintenance by an operator. Further, since the POS terminal 1 according to the present embodiment shifts to the power saving mode in accordance with the operation of the key switch 8a or the like, the total power consumption during business hours can be saved.

  The configuration disclosed in the above embodiment can be embodied by appropriately modifying each component in the implementation stage. Specific examples of modifications are as follows.

In the above embodiment, a POS terminal of a type operated by a store clerk is exemplified. However, the self-type POS terminal, ECR, etc., in which the customer himself / herself operates the configuration related to the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 disclosed in the above embodiment and the configuration related to the power saving control of the display. You may apply to.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the automatic change machine 13 and the receipt printer 12 are prevented from operating simultaneously has been exemplified. However, when the POS terminal 1 includes not only the receipt printer 12 but also other hardware with relatively large power consumption, the accounting process and the like proceed so that the hardware and the automatic change machine 13 do not operate simultaneously. May be.

  In the configuration of the above embodiment, when the power-saving control of the clerk-side display 9 and the customer-side display 10 is turned on, basically the information required by the clerk and the customer is reduced by reducing the brightness of each display 9, 10. For example, only when the total price or the change amount is calculated, the brightness of each display 9, 10 may be increased so that the information is displayed on each display 9, 10 for a predetermined time. Further, the timing for increasing the luminance of the displays 9 and 10 and the period for increasing the luminance may be set freely by the user in the setting process.

  In the above embodiment, the CPU 2 executes the computer program stored in the memory, thereby realizing setting processing, accounting processing, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the computer program may be downloaded from a predetermined network to the POS terminal 1, or the same function stored in a recording medium may be installed in the POS terminal 1. As a recording medium, any form may be used as long as it can use a CD-ROM, a USB memory, or the like and can be read by a device built in or connected to the POS terminal 1. Further, the function obtained by installing or downloading in advance may be realized in cooperation with the operating system in the POS terminal 1 or the like.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are 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 changes 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 invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

  F1 to F3 ... flag, 1 ... POS terminal, 2 ... CPU, 3 ... ROM, 4 ... RAM, 8a ... key switch, 9 ... clerk side display, 10 ... customer side display, 12 ... receipt printer, 13 ... automatic change machine 14 ... Power supply unit

Claims (6)

A power supply unit that generates operating power;
First hardware that operates by receiving operation power from the power supply unit;
Second hardware different from the first hardware that operates by receiving operation power from the power supply unit;
Control means for operating one of the first hardware and the second hardware and operating the other after completion of the one operation;
An accounting processing apparatus comprising: The first hardware is a change machine that discharges change,
The accounting processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second hardware is a receipt printer that issues a receipt on which information related to a transaction is printed. A setting unit configured to set an operation order of the first hardware and the second hardware;
The control means operates one of the first hardware and the second hardware in the operation order set by the setting means, and operates the other after completion of the one operation. The accounting processing apparatus according to claim 1. A display unit for displaying information on transactions;
The accounting processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit reduces the luminance of the display unit while the change machine is operating.   5. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit shifts to a power saving mode for reducing power consumption of the accounting processing device when processing related to accounting is not performed in the accounting processing device. The accounting processing apparatus according to claim 1. The power supply unit that generates the operating power, the first hardware that operates by receiving the operation power supplied from the power supply unit, and the first hardware that operates by receiving the operation power supplied from the power supply unit. A computer having different second hardware,
A setting function for setting the operation order of the first hardware and the second hardware;
A control function for operating one of the first hardware and the second hardware in the operation order set by the setting function and operating the other after completion of the one operation;
Computer program for realizing.

Images