JP2016071550A - Checkout system, commodity registration device and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a shopper to easily and reliably grasp a settlement device which executes settlement processing.SOLUTION: A checkout system of an embodiment comprises at least one commodity registration device and a plurality of settlement devices. The commodity registration device includes generation means, selection means, device selection means and notification means. The generation means generates settlement information for settlement of purchased commodities. The selection means selects an object to be displayed on one of the plurality of settlement devices in accordance with generation of the settlement information. The device selection means selects a settlement device for executing settlement processing about the settlement information. The notification means notifies the settlement device selected by the device selection means of the settlement information and the object. The settlement device includes first display means and settlement means. The first display means displays the object notified by the notification means. The settlement means executes settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information notified by the notification means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, a product registration apparatus, and a control program.

  The purchase registration and settlement processes in supermarkets and the like are to be performed by different product registration devices and settlement devices, and the operation of the product registration device is performed by the employee and the settlement device is operated by the shopper. Semi-self type checkout systems are known.

  In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from the merchandise registration device to a payment device in an empty state. For this reason, when a plurality of settlement apparatuses are provided for one commodity registration apparatus, the employee needs to inform the shopper of the settlement apparatus to which the settlement information has been transferred.

JP 2006-344123 A

  Conventionally, an employee verbally informs a shopper of a payment apparatus that has transferred payment information. However, there is a possibility that a shopper cannot easily and reliably grasp a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process only by verbally communicating.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a checkout system, a merchandise registration apparatus, and a control program that enable a shopper to grasp a settlement apparatus that performs settlement processing easily and reliably.

  The checkout system of the embodiment includes at least one product registration device and a plurality of settlement devices. The merchandise registration apparatus includes a generation unit, a selection unit, a device selection unit, and a notification unit. The generation unit generates payment information for payment of the purchased product. The selecting means selects an object to be displayed on one of the plurality of payment devices in accordance with the generation of the payment information. The device selection means selects a payment device that performs a payment process for the payment information. The notifying means notifies the payment information selected by the device selection means of the payment information and the object. The settlement apparatus includes a first display unit and a settlement unit. The first display means displays the object notified by the notification means. The payment means performs a payment process based on the payment information notified by the notification means.

The perspective view of the checkout system concerning this embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus in this embodiment. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU in this embodiment. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU in this embodiment. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the alerting | reporting screen displayed on a display as an example in this embodiment. The figure which shows the alerting | reporting screen as an example in this embodiment. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU in this embodiment.

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a checkout system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  The checkout system 10 includes at least one product registration device 11 and a plurality of settlement devices 12. In FIG. 1, a checkout system 10 including two product registration devices 11 and four payment devices 12 is shown. The number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 included in the checkout system 10 is arbitrary, and the ratio of the number of the product registration device 11 and the payment device 12 is also arbitrary.

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

  In the merchandise registration apparatus 11, the employee 21 of the store who plays a role called a checker is the operator. In the settlement apparatus 12, a shopper 22 who purchases a product for sale at the above store is the operator. However, the payment apparatus 12 may be operated by an employee.

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

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 has functions such as registration of merchandise brought by a shopper entering the aisle as a purchased merchandise, generation of settlement information for settlement of the purchased merchandise, and settlement processing based on the settlement information. The merchandise registration apparatus 11 further has a function of notifying payment information to the payment apparatus 12.

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

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the settlement apparatus 12 in the present embodiment.

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 are both connected to a LAN (local area network) 13. Instead of the LAN 13, another communication network such as the Internet or a wireless LAN can be used. Or it is good also as a structure which transfers information between the goods registration apparatus 11 and the payment apparatus 12 via a server.

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

  The CPU 11a, ROM 11b, RAM 11c and auxiliary storage unit 11d are connected by a transmission system 11k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 11a corresponds to the central part of the computer. CPU11a controls each part in order to implement | achieve various operation | movement as the merchandise registration apparatus 11 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program which were memorize | stored in ROM11b and RAM11c.

  The ROM 11b corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The ROM 11b stores the above operating system. The ROM 11b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 11b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

  The RAM 11c corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The RAM 11c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 11a performs various processes. Further, the RAM 11c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 11a performs various processes.

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transfers the control program without being stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, and records it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the control program may be transferred via a network, and the control program may be written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the separately-registered product registration apparatus 11.

  The drawer opening unit 11e automatically opens a drawer for storing money.

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

  The touch panel 11g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device uses an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen as its display screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device, and sends the position information to the CPU 11a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

  The printer 11h is, for example, a thermal printer or a dot impact printer, and issues a receipt by printing various character strings or images on a receipt sheet.

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

  The communication unit 11j performs communication via the LAN 13.

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

A known device such as a color LCD can be used as the display 11m. The display 11m is used to present information to the shopper 22.
As the hardware of the commodity registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

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

  The CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c and auxiliary storage unit 12d are connected by a transmission system 12k to constitute a computer.

  The CPU 12a corresponds to the central part of the computer. The CPU 12a controls each unit to realize various operations as the settlement apparatus 12 based on the operating system, middleware, and application program stored in the ROM 12b and the RAM 12c.

  The ROM 12b corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The ROM 12b stores the above operating system. The ROM 12b may store the above middleware and application programs. The ROM 12b may store data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

  The RAM 12c corresponds to the main storage portion of the above computer. The RAM 12c stores data that is referred to when the CPU 12a performs various processes. Furthermore, the RAM 12c is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 12a performs various processes.

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

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

  The automatic change machine 12e receives coins and bills that are input. Moreover, the automatic change machine 12e discharge | releases the coin and banknote as change.

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

  The touch panel 12g includes a display device and a touch sensor. The display device makes the screen an arbitrary screen such as a GUI screen. As the display device, for example, a known device such as a color LCD can be used. The touch sensor is disposed so as to overlap the display surface of the display device. The touch sensor detects the touch position of the operator on the display surface of the display device and sends the position information to the CPU 12a. As the touch sensor, a known device can be used.

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

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

  The communication unit 12j performs communication via the LAN 13.

  The transmission system 12k transmits data exchanged among the CPU 12a, ROM 12b, RAM 12c, auxiliary storage unit 12d, automatic change machine 12e, scanner 12f, touch panel 12g, printer 12h, card reader / writer 12i, and communication unit 12j. As the transmission system 12k, a well-known system including various buses such as a system bus and various interface circuits that connect these buses and respective units can be used.

The payment device 12 may be provided with a human sensor or the like that can detect that the shopper 22 has approached.
As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

  Next, the operation of the checkout system 10 configured as described above will be described. Note that the content of the processing described below is an example, and various processing that can obtain the same result can be used as appropriate.

  When the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is activated in a mode for registering purchased merchandise, the CPU 11a starts control processing according to a control program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

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

  In Act1, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c.

  In Act 2, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g. The registration screen represents the contents of the registered product table, and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a registration screen SC1 as an example in the present embodiment.
Registration screen SC1 includes regions R1 and R2.

  The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, the number and the unit price of the product for which purchase registration has been made most recently, and the total number and total price of the purchased product after the product is registered. The region R2 is a region for displaying a list of product names, numbers, unit prices, and amounts regarding products for which purchase registration has been made before the products shown on the registration screen SC1.

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

  Further, the CPU 11a displays various function buttons such as a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and a subtotal button other than the region as the registration screen in the screen of the touch panel 11g. Is omitted.

  In Act 3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the subtotal button displayed on the screen of the touch panel 11g is touched. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the touch panel 11g does not detect that the subtotal button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act4.

  In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act3.

  Thus, in Act3 and Act4, the CPU 11a waits for the subtotal button to be touched or the product code to be acquired. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  The CPU 11a acquires a product code based on an operation by the employee 21 by a known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. And if CPU11a acquires a goods code, it will determine YES in Act4, and will progress to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen in accordance with the contents of the updated registered product table. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state for Act3 and Act4. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a creation unit.

  If the subtotal button is touched, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act3, and proceeds to Act6 in FIG.

  In Act 6, the CPU 11a generates settlement information for settlement related to the registered product described in the registered product table based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The settlement information includes information such as a list of registered products and the total number and total amount of purchased products. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a generation unit.

  In Act 7, the CPU 11a confirms whether the semi-self mode is on. The semi-self mode is an operation mode in which payment processing for a product registered for purchase in the product registration device 11 by an operation of the employee 21 is executed in the payment device 12 by an operation of the shopper 22. The CPU 11a sets the semi-self mode on or off based on an operation by the employee 21 by a process different from the control process shown in FIGS. If the determination is NO because the semi-self mode is off, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 8.

  In Act 8, the CPU 11a displays the first selection screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a first selection screen SC2 as an example in the present embodiment.
First selection screen SC2 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

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

  When transferring the payment information to any of the four payment devices 12, the CPU 11a causes the display area AR6 to display an object to be transferred together with the payment information to the payment device 12 as the transfer destination. The object is displayed on the transferred payment apparatus 12 so that the shopper 22 can easily grasp the payment apparatus 12 to which the payment information is transferred. Moreover, the object can make the shopper 22 confirm the settlement information to be settled by making the type different each time the settlement information is transferred.

  As the object, for example, a shape or color that can be easily identified by the shopper 22 such as a mark, a figure, an illustration, a photograph, or a character is used. Examples of the mark include a heart type, a diamond type, and a spade type. Some illustrations represent animals such as elephants, giraffes, cows and monkeys. The object is created so that it can be easily identified even by a child or an elderly person. In the following description, a case where marks are used will be described as an example.

  The buttons B4 to B7 are displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated settlement apparatus 12 accepts transfer of settlement information, or the associated settlement apparatus 12 accepts transfer of settlement information. If not, it may be hidden.

  Buttons B1 and B2 are used by the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. The button B3 is for the employee 21 to specify that the process proceeds to selection of a payment method for the price of the purchased product. Buttons B <b> 4 to B <b> 7 are used by the employee 21 to specify transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The button B8 is used by the employee 21 to specify that a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g returns to the registration screen.

If YES in Act 7 because the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 9.
In Act 9, the CPU 11a displays the second selection screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC3 as an example in the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, the same elements as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Second selection screen SC3 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5, AR6 and buttons B1, B2, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8.

  That is, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen in which the button B3 is omitted from the first selection screen SC3. Accordingly, the second selection screen SC3 is a screen on which the designation by the employee 21 to shift to the selection of the payment method for the purchased product price cannot be input.

  The CPU 11a displays the first or second selection screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g in Act 8 or Act 9, and then proceeds to Act 10.

  In Act 10, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 11.

  In Act 11, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus 12 that is the transfer destination of the settlement information is designated. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the payment device 12 is not designated, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 12.

  In Act 12, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not a tightening operation has been performed. If the CPU 11a determines NO because the tightening operation is not performed, the CPU 11a returns to Act 10.

  Thus, in Act 10 to Act 12, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be acquired, one of the payment apparatuses 12 to be designated, or a closing operation to be performed. However, the tightening operation is, for example, a touch of the button B3. For this reason, when a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is used as the second selection screen, the button B3 does not exist and the tightening operation is not performed. Therefore, the CPU 11a always determines NO in Act12. It will be. That is, in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, if the semi-self mode is on, the CPU 11a waits for a product code to be acquired or to specify one of the settlement apparatuses 12.

  Although not shown, in this standby state, the CPU 11a also waits for the buttons B1 and B2 to be touched. Then, for example, if any one of the buttons B1 and B2 is touched by the employee 21 and this is detected by the touch panel 11g, the CPU 11a determines the total amount included in the settlement information according to an instruction from the employee 21 thereafter. To change.

  If the product code is acquired, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act 10, and proceeds to Act 13.

  In Act 13, the CPU 11a displays a registration screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g, and thereafter proceeds to Act 5 in FIG. 3 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12, for example, the payment device 12 is designated when one of the buttons B4 to B7 on the first or second selection screen SC2 or SC3 is touched by the employee 21, for example. If it has been made, it is determined YES in Act 11, and the process proceeds to Act 14.

  Note that the CPU 11a does not determine YES in Act 11, even if the button B4 to B7 that is associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that has not accepted the settlement information transfer is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. Note that the CPU 11a specifies the settlement device 12 in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 if all of the settlement devices 12 are in an operation stop state or in an operation state in which transfer of settlement information is not accepted. I will not wait. The CPU 11a may set the cashier mode on or off based on an operation by the employee 21, and may not accept the designation of all the settlement apparatuses 12 when the cashier mode is on.

  When it determines with YES in Act11, CPU11a selects the mark transferred to the payment apparatus 12 designated by operation of the employee 21 in Act14. For example, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is provided with mark types corresponding to the number of settlement apparatuses 12 to which settlement information can be transferred from the merchandise registration apparatus 11. For example, when payment information can be transferred from one product registration device 11 to four payment devices 12, at least four types of marks are recorded in advance. As a result, by selecting the four types of marks in order, the marks transferred to the four settlement apparatuses 12 do not overlap.

  However, if the number of settlement apparatuses 12 that can transfer settlement information from the commodity registration apparatus 11 is the same as the number of prepared marks, the same mark may be transferred to one settlement apparatus 12 in succession. is there. Therefore, it is preferable that at least one mark is provided rather than the number of settlement apparatuses 12 so as not to cause confusion for the shopper 22. Thereby, since the same mark is not continuously transferred to one settlement apparatus 12, a sense of security can be given to the shopper 22.

  In addition, when the two product registration apparatuses 11 can transfer the payment information to the four payment apparatuses 12, respectively, if the same mark is prepared in the two product registration apparatuses 11, the same mark may be used at the same time. There is. Accordingly, the two product registration apparatuses 11 store a plurality of different marks.

  Further, when the number of product registration apparatuses 11 is large, if the marks prepared in the respective product registration apparatuses 11 are different, the types of marks used in the entire system increase. If the number of types of marks increases, it may be difficult for the shopper 22 to identify the marks. Therefore, a plurality of marks used in the plurality of product registration apparatuses 11 may be shared, and the plurality of product registration apparatuses 11 may select the plurality of marks in order. In this case, when one product registration device 11 selects a mark, the selected mark is notified to the other product registration device 11 through the communication unit 11j and the LAN 13. The other product registration device 11 selects the next mark in response to this notification. Thereby, the plurality of merchandise registration apparatuses 11 do not transfer the same mark to the plurality of settlement apparatuses 12.

  Further, in a large-scale supermarket or the like, when the number of product registration devices 11 and payment devices 12 is large, the number of payment devices 12 that can transfer payment information from one product registration device 11 is set nearby, for example. The number of settlement apparatuses 12 that have been made is limited. For example, even if 20 settlement apparatuses 12 are installed, the settlement information can be transferred only to 5 settlement apparatuses 12 installed nearby from one commodity registration apparatus 11. Thereby, the shopper 22 may search for the settlement apparatus 12 that performs the settlement process based on the mark from the five settlement apparatuses 12 installed near the commodity registration apparatus 11 registered for purchase.

  When a mark is selected in Act 14, the CPU 11a displays the selected mark on the touch panel 11g and the display 11m in Act 15. For example, the CPU 11a displays a mark on the display area AR6 of the first selection screen SC2 or the second selection screen displayed on the touch panel 11g. Further, the CPU 11a displays a mark on the display 11m facing the shopper 22.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC5 displayed on the display 11m as an example in the present embodiment. The notification screen SC5 shown in FIG. 8 displays a display area AR21 for displaying the mark and the name of the settlement apparatus 12 (settlement apparatus 12 on which the shopper 22 performs settlement processing) as a transfer destination of settlement information. It includes area AR22.

  The shopper 22 visually and easily confirms the mark displayed on the display 11m, thereby easily and surely grasping the payment device 12 that he / she performs payment processing based on the mark displayed on the payment device 12. can do.

  In Act 16, the CPU 11a transfers the settlement information generated in Act 6 and the mark selected in Act 14 to the settlement apparatus 12 designated by the employee 21. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so that the payment information is transmitted to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. Thereby, the transfer information and the mark are notified to the settlement apparatus 12. Thus, the CPU 11a determines that the settlement apparatus 12 performs the settlement process in response to any of the buttons B4 to B7 being touched. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a determination unit. The CPU 11a accepts that any one of the buttons B4 to B7 is touched as an instruction to end registration, and notifies the settlement apparatus 12 of formation information accordingly. That is, when the CPU 11a executes control processing based on the control program, a function as a notification unit is realized by cooperation between the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part and the communication unit 11j.

  When the transfer of the payment information registration mark is completed, in Act 17, the CPU 11a displays a notification screen in a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC4 as an example in the present embodiment.
The notification screen SC4 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and a button B11. The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC4.

  The CPU 11a represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that semi-self payment has been selected in the display area AR11. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement mode in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 by an operation by the shopper 22.

  In the display area AR12, the CPU 11a displays the total number indicated in the settlement information, the total amount, a message notifying the settlement apparatus 12 that has transmitted the settlement information, and a mark transmitted together with the settlement information. Since the mark is displayed on the notification screen SC4, the employee 21 can verbally inform the shopper 22 of the payment device 12 that performs the payment process. For example, the employee 21 can tell that “please make a payment with the payment device 12 on which the heart mark is displayed”.

  In response to the button B11 being touched by the employee 21, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  When the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act10 to Act12 and, for example, a closing operation such as the button B3 being touched by the employee 21 is performed, the CPU 11a determines YES in Act12 and proceeds to Act16.

  In Act 16, the CPU 11a executes a settlement process. The settlement process here is a process for the employee 21 to settle the total amount shown in the settlement information generated in Act 6 while interacting with the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed in an existing interactive POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement processing here. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part functions as a settlement unit and a first settlement unit.

  In Act 17, the CPU 11a controls the printer 11h and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the settlement information generated in Act 6 and the result of the settlement process. Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  On the other hand, when the settlement apparatus 12 is activated, the CPU 12a starts a control process according to a control program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the control process of the CPU 12a in the present embodiment.
In Act 21, the CPU 12a displays a standby screen on the touch panel 12g. The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what kind of information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, it is assumed that the standby screen displays a message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, or displays an arbitrary image indicating an advertisement or the like as a screen saver.

  In Act 22, the CPU 12a confirms whether payment information has been received. If the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a determines NO and repeats the processing of Act22. Thus, in Act 22, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

  As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 which is the transfer destination of the settlement information and the mark sent from the communication unit 11j of the commodity registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13 receives the settlement information and the mark. And stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. In response to this, the CPU 12a determines YES in Act 22, and proceeds to Act 23.

  In Act 23, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to mark display. For example, the CPU 12a displays in the same form as the notification screen SC5 shown in FIG. 8 displayed on the display 11m of the commodity registration apparatus 11. Therefore, the shopper 22 can easily confirm the settlement apparatus 12 on which the same mark as the mark confirmed on the merchandise registration apparatus 11 is displayed. That is, the shopper 22 can confirm and move the settlement apparatus 12 that he / she needs to perform settlement processing based on the mark. In addition, since the type of mark differs for each piece of payment information, the shopper 22 can reliably identify the payment process (accounting) from the type of mark and can perform the accounting process with peace of mind.

  In Act 24, when the touch panel 12g is touched by the shopper 22 or the shopper 22 is approached by a human sensor or the like, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a settlement screen in Act 25.

  The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on the received payment information. The payment screen represents at least the total amount shown in the payment information, for example. The settlement screen may include a total number and a list of purchased products. Further, if payment by a plurality of payment methods is permitted, the payment screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

  In Act 26, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. If the CPU 12a determines NO because the corresponding operation has not been performed, Act 26 is repeated. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement in Act 26.

  In Act 27, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process. The payment process here is a process for paying the total amount indicated in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed at an existing self-POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement processing here. Thus, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as the central part functions as the second settlement unit.

  In Act 28, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h, and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the payment information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the payment processing. The CPU 12a then returns to Act 21, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  As described above, according to the checkout system 10, after the registration of the purchased product in the product registration device 11 is completed, the employee 21 determines whether the payment processing is performed by the product registration device 11 or the payment device 12. Can be selected. When the payment process is performed by the payment apparatus 12, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 transfers the mark to the payment apparatus 12 together with the payment information. The settlement apparatus 12 can guide the shopper 22 by displaying the mark transferred from the merchandise registration apparatus 11. Accordingly, the shopper 22 can easily and reliably grasp the settlement apparatus that performs the settlement process.

  In addition, it may take a long time for the settlement process by the shopper 22 and all the settlement apparatuses 12 may be under accounting. In this case, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 cannot transfer the payment information to any payment apparatus 12. In such a case, the employee 21 performs a settlement process in the merchandise registration apparatus 11. As a result, the employee 21 does not wait for the shopper 22 whose purchase registration has been completed in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 until the payment apparatus 12 becomes available. That is, an advanced shopper service can be provided by applying the settlement process in the merchandise registration apparatus 11 while the employee 21 interacts with the shopper 22.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, by setting the semi-self mode on, the payment processing can be performed only by the payment device 12.

This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.
In the embodiment, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as both designation of performing the settlement process with the settlement apparatus 12 and designation of the end of registration. The reception period is a period from when the subtotal button is touched to when any of the buttons B3 to B7 is touched. However, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on any of the buttons B4 to B7 as a designation for performing the settlement process in the settlement apparatus 12, and accepts a touch on a separately prepared end button as a designation for the end of registration. May be. In response to the end button being touched after touching any of the buttons B4 to B7, the CPU 11a transfers the settlement information to the settlement apparatus 12 associated with the touched button.

  Alternatively, the CPU 11a accepts a touch on a semi-self button prepared separately for specifying that the payment process is to be performed by the payment apparatus 12 as an instruction to perform the payment process by the payment apparatus 12, and any of the buttons B4 to B7. You may make it accept the touch to as designation | designated of the completion of registration. The CPU 11a transfers the payment information to the payment device 12 associated with the touched button in response to any of the buttons B4 to B7 being touched after the semi-self button is touched. In this case, the acceptance period for accepting the designation of performing the settlement process at the settlement apparatus 12 is the period from the start of purchase registration until the end of registration is designated, or a part of the period. Can do.

  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.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Checkout system, 11 ... Product registration apparatus, 11a ... CPU, 11b ... ROM, 11c ... RAM, 11d ... Auxiliary storage unit, 11e ... Drawer release unit, 11f ... Scanner, 11g ... Touch panel, 11h ... Printer, 11i ... Card reader / writer, 11j ... communication unit, 11k ... transmission system, 11m ... display, 12 ... settlement device, 12a ... CPU, 12b ... ROM, 12c ... RAM, 12d ... auxiliary storage unit, 12e ... automatic change machine, 12f ... scanner , 12g ... touch panel, 12h ... printer, 12i ... card reader / writer, 12j ... communication unit, 12k ... transmission system.

Claims (4)

A checkout system including at least one product registration device and a plurality of payment devices,
The product registration device
Generating means for generating payment information for payment of the purchased product;
Selection means for selecting an object to be displayed on one of the plurality of payment devices in response to generation of the payment information;
Device selection means for selecting a payment device for performing a payment process on the payment information;
A notification means for notifying the payment information and the object to the payment apparatus selected by the apparatus selection means;
The settlement device
First display means for displaying the object notified by the notification means;
A checkout system comprising: payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means.   The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the product registration device further includes a second display unit that displays the object. A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with a payment device,
Generating means for generating payment information for payment of the purchased product;
Selection means for selecting an object to be displayed on one of a plurality of payment devices in response to generation of the payment information;
Device selection means for selecting a payment device for performing a payment process on the payment information;
A product registration apparatus comprising: a notification means for notifying the payment information selected by the apparatus selection means to the payment information and the object. A computer that controls the product registration device that constitutes the checkout system together with the payment device,
Generating means for generating payment information for payment of the purchased product;
Selection means for selecting an object to be displayed on one of a plurality of payment devices in response to generation of the payment information;
Device selection means for selecting a payment device for performing a payment process on the payment information;
A control program for causing the payment apparatus selected by the apparatus selection means to function as a notification means for notifying the payment information and the object.

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