JP2016136440A - POS system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smooth a flow of customers during paying bills in a POS system configured to have a registration device and a settlement device separated.SOLUTION: As a POS system having one or more registration devices registering products, and one or more settlement devices performing settlement processing of the product registered by the registration device in responce to a settlement instruction from the registration, the POS system is configured to comprise: settlement instruction reception means that receives a settlement instruction performed by newly specifying the settlement device in a state where a non-processed settlement processing exists in the settlement device; and settlement processing means that executes settlement processing corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction reception means in the settlement device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a POS system.

  An accounting system in which a product registration terminal (registration device) for registering a product to be purchased and an accounting device (accounting device) for accounting for purchased products registered by the product registration terminal are separated. Is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an accounting system, a customer can make a checkout for a purchased product using an accounting device. Thereby, for example, the commodity price receiving operation is unmanned.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-184959

  The registration device transmits product registration information based on the product registration result to the payment device as a payment instruction, and the payment device performs a payment process based on the received product registration information. For this reason, if the settlement process is not completed in the settlement apparatus, the settlement apparatus cannot accept the next settlement instruction, so that the next settlement instruction cannot be performed from the registration apparatus. Thus, in a state where the next checkout instruction cannot be performed, the product corresponding to the next customer cannot be registered, and the flow of customers during accounting is delayed.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate the flow of customers during accounting in a POS system in which a registration apparatus and a settlement apparatus are separated.

  One aspect of the present invention that solves the above-described problems is one or more registration devices that register a product, and one or more that performs a settlement process for a product registered by the registration device in response to a settlement instruction from the registration device. A payment instruction receiving means for receiving a payment instruction newly specified by specifying the payment apparatus under a state where there is an unsettled payment process in the payment apparatus; In the settlement apparatus, a POS system including a settlement processing unit that executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving unit.

  According to the above configuration, the settlement apparatus can receive a new settlement instruction from the registration apparatus even in a state where there is an unsettled settlement process.

  One aspect of the present invention is the above-described POS system, in which the payment instruction receiving unit is configured to perform registration when the number of outstanding payment processes in the payment apparatus is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum value. It may be prohibited that the apparatus newly designates the settlement apparatus and issues a settlement instruction.

  According to the above configuration, the settlement apparatus is configured not to accept a new settlement instruction as the number of unpaid settlement processes reaches the maximum value. Thereby, the settlement apparatus does not accept an excessive number of settlement instructions.

  Further, one aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein the settlement instruction receiving unit is configured to reduce the number of unpaid settlement processes in the settlement apparatus to a predetermined value less than the maximum value. The registration device may be allowed to newly specify the settlement device and issue a settlement instruction.

  According to the above configuration, the settlement apparatus can be operated so as to accept the settlement instruction again as the number of unpaid settlement processes reaches the maximum value and decreases to a predetermined value smaller than the maximum value. it can.

  One aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, further including a setting operation receiving unit that receives an operation for setting the maximum value.

  According to the above configuration, the maximum value can be set by the operation of the store clerk. As a result, the store clerk can set an appropriate maximum value according to, for example, the store size and the expected number of visitors.

  Another aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein the payment instruction receiving unit receives a new payment instruction from one registration device in a state where there is no outstanding payment processing in the payment apparatus. In response, each of the registration devices other than the one registration device may be notified that the payment instruction given by designating the payment device is prohibited.

  According to the above-described configuration, the registration apparatus that has first issued a settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus in the standby state can exclusively perform the subsequent settlement instructions. As a result, there is no need to give a payment instruction to the above-mentioned payment apparatus so that another registration apparatus interrupts, and the payment apparatus can be used efficiently.

  Further, one aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, wherein the payment instruction receiving unit newly adds all the registration devices to the state in accordance with a state in which there is no outstanding payment processing in the payment device. It may be permitted to designate a settlement apparatus and issue a settlement instruction.

  According to the above configuration, the settlement apparatus is released from the state occupied by one registration apparatus in response to the fact that the unpaid settlement process in one settlement apparatus disappears, so that the settlement instruction can be issued from any registration apparatus. Can be used efficiently.

  One aspect of the present invention is the above-described POS system, in which the registration apparatus is selected as an operation for selecting a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process corresponding to a product registered by the registration apparatus from among a plurality of settlement apparatuses. And a selection operation receiving means for receiving an operation of selecting one of the selection images corresponding to each of the plurality of settlement apparatuses displayed.

  According to the above configuration, it is possible to select a settlement apparatus that is to perform a settlement process corresponding to a product registered by the registration apparatus by the operation of the store clerk. Thereby, according to a store clerk's judgment, for example according to the flow of the customer at that time, the payment apparatus which should perform a payment process is selected appropriately. Further, the store clerk can select a settlement apparatus to be subjected to the settlement process by a simple operation of selecting one selected image from a plurality of selected images displayed on the registration apparatus.

  One aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, further comprising an unsettled settlement process number display control means for displaying a display indicating the number of unsettled settlement processes in the corresponding settlement apparatus in the selected image. You may prepare.

  According to the above configuration, since the number of unsettled settlement processes is displayed in the selected image, the store clerk can easily grasp the settlement process status of each settlement apparatus by viewing the part of the selected image displayed on the registration apparatus. can do.

  Another aspect of the present invention is the POS system described above, which displays a settlement screen corresponding to a settlement process to be performed next when a settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed in the settlement apparatus. Further, a settlement screen display control means may be provided.

  According to the above configuration, in the settlement apparatus, the settlement screen corresponding to the settlement process to be performed next is displayed immediately upon completion of the settlement process. Checkout can be started immediately without waiting for the transition to the checkout screen.

  As described above, according to the present invention, in the POS system having a configuration in which the registration apparatus and the payment apparatus are separated, an effect of facilitating the flow of customers during accounting can be obtained.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the POS system in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance of the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the payment apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an external appearance of the adjustment apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the state by which the registration apparatus and the payment apparatus in this embodiment were arrange | positioned in the shop from a plane direction. It is a figure which shows the example of 1 aspect of the registration operation screen displayed in the registration apparatus in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the adjustment instruction | indication key in the 1st registration apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the adjustment instruction key in the 2nd registration apparatus of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the display of the adjustment instruction | indication key in the 3rd registration apparatus of this embodiment. In the registration device of the present embodiment, a dialog box that displays an error message in response to an operation on a dedicated display adjustment instruction key, and a dialog box that displays an error message in response to a use prohibition adjustment adjustment key. FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of a payment screen corresponding to the next payment instruction | indication displayed in the payment apparatus in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence which the registration apparatus and settlement apparatus in this embodiment perform for the setting of the maximum value of an outstanding settlement process number. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence performed according to operation which the registration apparatus in this embodiment uses as a payment instruction | indication key is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence for permission prohibition setting of the adjustment instruction | indication which the adjustment apparatus in this embodiment performs according to reception of a payment instruction | indication. It is a flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence for permission prohibition setting of the adjustment instruction | indication which the adjustment apparatus in this embodiment performs according to completion | finish of a payment process. It is a figure which shows the example of a process sequence which the registration apparatus in this embodiment performs for the permission setting of a payment instruction | indication, and the display of a payment instruction | indication key. It is a figure which shows the other example of the status notification of the adjustment apparatus by the status notification image in this embodiment.

[POS system configuration example]
Hereinafter, a POS (Point Of Sale) system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a POS system 1 in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the POS system 1 includes a store controller 100, three first registration devices 200-1 to 200-3, and three first payment devices 300-1 to 300. 300-3.

In the following description, the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 will be referred to as the registration device 200 when there is no particular limitation. Moreover, when it does not specifically limit about the 1st payment apparatus 300-1-the 3rd payment apparatus 300-3, it describes as the payment apparatus 300. FIG.
In the figure, the number of registration apparatuses 200 and the number of settlement apparatuses 300 provided in the POS system 1 are not particularly limited. Further, the number of registration apparatuses 200 and the number of settlement apparatuses 300 may be different.

  The store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the checkout device 300 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 2. The LAN 2 may be wired or wireless, and wired and wireless may be used in combination.

The store controller 100 is a computer that controls each device (the registration device 200 and the payment device 300) in the POS system 1, and functions as a server in the POS system 1, for example.
The store controller 100 stores, for example, a product master. The product master is a file that stores product information such as product identification information (for example, JAN code), product name, and sales price of each product. The store controller 100 transmits the latest product master updated according to the sales status and purchase status of the product to other devices (registration device 200, checkout device 300) as appropriate.

  Moreover, the store controller 100 memorize | stores the transaction information which shows the transaction content for every transaction as a log file regarding transaction. The transaction information includes, for example, product registration information generated by the registration device 200 in response to transaction registration corresponding to a breakdown of purchased products, and payment result information generated by the payment device 300 in accordance with payment.

  In the POS system 1 of the present embodiment, the registration device 200 is disposed at a predetermined position in the store. In addition, the settlement apparatus 300 is arranged at a predetermined position on the flow line until a customer who has registered a purchased product with a clerk by the registration apparatus 200 reaches the exit.

The registration device 200 is a device for a store clerk (operator) to register a product for a product (purchased product) purchased by a customer.
The registration device 200 generates product registration information in response to the registration of the purchased product corresponding to one transaction by the operation of the store clerk.
Moreover, the registration apparatus 200 issues an accounting ticket in response to the registration of the purchased product corresponding to one transaction. The bill number is printed on the bill. The bill number is uniquely associated with product registration information corresponding to the corresponding transaction. The bill number is passed from the clerk to the customer according to the corresponding transaction. The customer causes the checkout apparatus 300 to read the bill number printed on the bill. The settlement apparatus 300 performs a settlement process on the product registration information associated with the read bill number. In this way, the customer who performs the settlement by the settlement apparatus 300 and the merchandise registration information to be settled are matched, and it is prevented that a certain customer performs settlement for shopping for different customers.

The product registration information includes, for example, an accounting ticket number, a registration device number, a product code (for each type of purchased product), a quantity (for each type of purchased product), a unit price (for each type of purchased product), a total amount, and a registration completion date and time. Etc.
The bill number is a number assigned to the bill as described above and is uniquely associated with the product registration information. The registration device number is a number that uniquely indicates the registration device 200 in which the corresponding product registration is performed.
The product code is a code assigned to each type of purchased product. The quantity indicates the quantity for each type of purchased product. The unit price indicates the unit price for each type of purchased product. The total price is the total price of the purchased product. The registration completion date / time indicates the date / time when the product registration corresponding to the corresponding transaction is completed in the registration device 200.

The registration device 200 transmits the generated product registration information to the store controller 100 as part of the transaction information. In addition, the registration apparatus 200 transmits product registration information to the payment apparatus 300 when instructing the payment apparatus 300 to perform payment.
The registration device 200 may transmit a product registration information identifier for identifying product registration information to the checkout device 300 instead of the product registration information. In this case, the checkout apparatus 300 can acquire the product registration information by requesting the store controller 100 for the product registration information indicated by the received product registration information identifier, for example.

The settlement apparatus 300 is an apparatus for the customer himself / herself to perform settlement. In the case of the present embodiment, an operation for selecting a settlement apparatus 300 to be settled for a transaction for which the registration of purchased products has been completed is performed by a store clerk for the registration apparatus 200. The registration device 200 issues a payment instruction to the selected payment device 300. Specifically, as the payment instruction, the registration device 200 transmits a payment instruction command to the payment device 300 together with the product registration information.
The settlement apparatus 300 performs a settlement process based on the product registration information received together with the settlement instruction command in accordance with a customer operation.

[Configuration example of registration device]
A configuration example of the registration apparatus 200 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the registration apparatus 200 includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit 204, a store clerk display unit 205, a customer display unit 206, an operation unit 207, a communication unit 208, a buzzer 209, and a printing unit 210. Is provided.

  Each component is connected to each other via a bus and can communicate with each other. The scanner unit 204 may not be integrated with the registration apparatus 200 but may be a separate body (external) that can be attached to and detached from the registration apparatus 200.

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 is a central processing unit, and executes various processes for realizing functions as the registration device 200 by reading and executing a program stored in the storage unit 202.
The CPU 201 has a function as setting operation reception means. The setting operation accepting unit accepts an operation for setting a maximum value allowed for the number of outstanding settlement processes.
The CPU 201 has a function as a selection operation accepting unit. The selection operation accepting unit performs an operation for selecting one of the selection images corresponding to each of the plurality of settlement apparatuses 300 displayed on the registration apparatus 200, and performs a settlement process corresponding to the product registered by the registration apparatus 200. This is accepted as an operation for selecting a settlement apparatus to be performed.
The CPU 201 has a function as an unsettled payment processing number display control means. The unsettled settlement process number display control means displays the number of unsettled settlement processes in the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 together with the settlement instruction key.
The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement apparatus state display control unit. The settlement apparatus state display control means displays a predetermined state in the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 together with the settlement instruction key.
The CPU 201 has a function as a settlement screen display control means. When the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed in the settlement apparatus 300, a settlement screen corresponding to the settlement process to be performed next is displayed.

The storage unit 202 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 201, and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs.
A RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 is a main storage device of the CPU 201, and a calculation result of the CPU 201 is temporarily stored.

  The scanner unit 204 optically reads a barcode (product code) attached to a product. For example, the CPU 201 performs product registration processing using information such as a product name and a price acquired from the product master based on a barcode (product code) read by the scanner unit 204.

The store clerk display unit 205 displays various information for the store clerk. For example, the store clerk display unit 205 displays various information (for example, the name of the product, the price, etc.) about the purchase product to be registered using the information acquired from the product master.
In addition to the display function for the store clerk, the store clerk display unit 205 also has an input reception function from the store clerk. Specifically, the store clerk display unit 205 is configured as a touch panel in which a display device and a touch pad are combined.

The customer display unit 206 displays predetermined information for the customer. For example, the customer display unit 206 displays information related to the registration result of the purchased product, such as the total price of the purchased product. The customer display unit 206 may be configured as a touch panel similarly to the store clerk display unit 205.
For example, the customer display unit 206 may accept an input of confirmation of the content when the customer touches a confirmation button related to certain content (for example, age, total amount).

The operation unit 207 includes operation buttons such as various keys for operating the registration apparatus 200, a subtotal key, a current total key, a numeric key, a correction key, and a preset key.
The communication unit 208 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the other registration device 200, and the payment device 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1).
The buzzer 209 generates a buzzer sound that alerts the store clerk.

The printing unit 210, for example, converts information necessary for the settlement process in the settlement apparatus 300 into a two-dimensional code, prints it on a predetermined print medium, and issues (issues a ticket) as an accounting ticket. Specifically, the two-dimensional code of the bills includes information such as the bill number, the purchased product and its quantity in the corresponding transaction, and the purchase amount (total amount).
As the two-dimensional code, for example, a QR (Quick Response) code (registered trademark) can be adopted. In addition, a one-dimensional barcode may be employed instead of the two-dimensional code.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the registration device 200. In the figure, the registration device 200 is viewed from the standing position side of the store clerk who operates the registration device 200. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG.
The registration apparatus 200 shown in the figure is installed in the counter CT. The registration device 200 is provided with a store clerk display unit 205, an operation unit 207, a scanner unit 204, and a printing unit 210 on the side corresponding to the standing position side of the store clerk.
The store clerk can operate the store clerk display unit 205 and the operation unit 207 while looking at the store clerk display unit 205. In addition, when registering a product, the store clerk holds the product in his hand and holds the barcode printed on the label affixed to the product in front of the scanner unit 204 so that the scanner unit 204 reads the barcode. Can be made. Further, the store clerk picks up the accounting ticket discharged from the printing unit 210 and delivers it to the customer.

  In addition, a customer display unit 206 is provided on the opposite side of the store clerk display unit 205, that is, on the standing position side of a customer who receives registration of purchased products. The customer who has registered the purchased product can check the registered result of the purchased product by looking at the information related to the registered result of the purchased product displayed on the customer display unit 206.

[Configuration example of the checkout device]
With reference to FIG. 4, the structural example of the adjustment apparatus 300 is demonstrated. The payment apparatus 300 shown in the figure includes a CPU 301, a storage unit 302, a RAM 303, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a communication unit 307, a buzzer 308, a printing unit 309, a money transfer unit 310 and a sign pole unit 311. Prepare.

The CPU 301 is a central processing unit, and reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 302, thereby executing various processes for realizing the function as the settlement apparatus 300.
The CPU 301 has a function as a settlement instruction receiving unit. The settlement instruction accepting unit accepts a settlement instruction that is newly performed by designating the settlement apparatus 300 in a state where there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement apparatus 300.
The CPU 301 has a function as a settlement processing unit. The settlement processing unit executes a settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction received by the settlement instruction receiving unit in the settlement apparatus 300.

The storage unit 302 is an auxiliary storage device of the CPU 301 and stores various data used by the CPU 201 in addition to the above programs.
A RAM 303 is a main storage device of the CPU 301, and a calculation result of the CPU 301 is temporarily stored.

  The scanner unit 304 optically reads the bill number printed on the bill as a barcode, for example. The CPU 301 performs a checkout process on the product registration information associated with the bill number read by the scanner unit 304.

  The display unit 305 is configured as a touch panel. The display unit 305 displays various images related to payment and the like according to display control of the CPU 301. In addition, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the CPU 301 with respect to the screen.

The operation unit 306 collectively shows various operation buttons for operating the payment apparatus 300.
The communication unit 307 communicates with other devices (the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the other checkout device 300) via the LAN 2 (FIG. 1). The buzzer 308 emits a buzzer sound for warning or calling a store clerk under the control of the CPU 301.

The printing unit 309 prints, for example, a receipt corresponding to payment.
The money transfer unit 310 accepts the input of money according to the payment of the price of the purchased product, and discharges the change, refund, etc. that the customer should receive.
The sign pole unit 311 includes a light emitting unit that lights or blinks in accordance with the control of the CPU 301. For example, the CPU 301 performs control so that the light emitting unit of the sign pole unit 311 is turned on or blinks in response to an operation that a customer calls a store clerk on the operation unit 306.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of the payment apparatus 300. As shown in the figure, a scanner unit 304, a display unit 305, an operation unit 306, a money transfer unit 310, and a sign pole unit 311 are provided in the case of the settlement apparatus 300.
The customer can hold the accounting ticket over the scanner unit 304 and cause the scanner unit 304 to read the barcode indicating the accounting ticket number. In addition, the customer can perform payment while watching the guidance displayed on the display unit 305, for example. Further, the customer can operate the display unit 305 and the operation unit 306 as necessary.
Further, the customer inserts bills and coins for payment in the bill insertion slot and coin insertion slot in the money transfer unit 310. Further, when there is change, the customer can receive banknotes and coins as change discharged from the banknote discharge port and the coin discharge port in the money transfer unit 310.
Further, a receipt indicating the settlement result is discharged from the paper discharge unit in the printing unit 309. The customer can receive the discharged receipt.

[Outline of operation of registration device and payment device]
Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12, an outline of operations of the registration apparatus 200 and the settlement apparatus 300 in the POS system 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a state in which the first registration device 200-1 to the third registration device 200-3 and the first settlement device 300-1 to the third settlement device 300-3 are arranged in the store from the plane direction.
In the first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3, clerks OP1 to OP3 for performing an operation for registering a customer's purchased product are standing, respectively.
Further, in the figure, a state in which four customers C1, C2, C3, and C4 waiting for registration of purchased products are arranged in order corresponding to the first registration device 200-1.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a registration operation screen displayed on the clerk display unit 205 when a registration operation of a customer's purchased product is performed in the registration device 200.
As shown in the figure, on the registration operation screen, three checkout instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 (an example of a selected image) are arranged.
The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 are used to select a settlement apparatus 300 that performs settlement according to one transaction in response to the completion of registration of the purchased product corresponding to one transaction with the customer. Key.

The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 correspond to the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the second settlement apparatus 300-2, and the third settlement apparatus 300-3, respectively.
That is, the settlement instruction key KY1 is a key operated to select the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus 300 that performs settlement. The settlement instruction key KY2 is a key operated to select the second settlement apparatus 300-2 as the settlement apparatus 300 for executing settlement. The settlement instruction key KY3 is a key operated to select the third settlement apparatus 300-3 as the settlement apparatus 300 that executes settlement.

When the settlement instruction key KY1 is operated, the registration apparatus 200 gives a settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1. That is, the registration device 200 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1.
Similarly, when the settlement instruction key KY2 is operated, the registration apparatus 200 gives a settlement instruction to the second settlement apparatus 300-2. In addition, when the settlement instruction key KY3 is operated, the registration apparatus 200 issues a settlement instruction to the third settlement apparatus 300-3.
In the following description, if there is no particular distinction between the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3, they are also referred to as a settlement instruction key KY.

In addition, the settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 display whether or not a settlement instruction can be made with the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 and the settlement process status of the corresponding settlement apparatus 300, respectively. This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 10.
FIG. 8 shows a display transition example of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the first registration apparatus 200-1. FIG. 9 shows a display transition example of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the second registration device 200-2. FIG. 10 shows a display transition example of the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in the third registration device 200-3.

Here, in the stage where the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C1 in FIG. 6 is not completed in the first registration device 200-1, the first settlement device 300-1, the second settlement device 300-2, the third All the payment apparatuses 300-3 are in a standby state.
Here, the standby state is a state in which there is no unpaid settlement process in the settlement apparatus 300 and a settlement instruction can be received from any registration apparatus 200.

Here, as described above, when any of the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the second settlement apparatus 300-2, and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 is in a standby state, the registration operation of the first registration apparatus 200-1 The settlement instruction key KY1 on the screen P1 displays a standby display indicating that both are in a standby state, as shown as “State 1” in FIG.
The standby display here is a mode in which the characters “standby” are displayed on the status notification image STA in the checkout instruction key KY1.

In addition, when any of the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the second settlement apparatus 300-2, and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 is in a standby state as described above, the registration operation screen of the second registration apparatus 200-2 The settlement instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 in P1 are also displayed as a standby display indicating that they are all in a standby state, as shown as “State 1” in FIG.
Further, when any of the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the second settlement apparatus 300-2, and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 is in a standby state, a settlement instruction on the registration operation screen P1 of the third registration apparatus 200-3. The keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 also display a standby display indicating that they are all in a standby state, as shown as “State 1” in FIG.

Next, in response to the completion of the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C1 in FIG. 6 from the above state in the first registration device 200-1, the clerk OP1 performs a checkout for performing the checkout corresponding to the customer C1. The apparatus is selected from the first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3.
For example, a store clerk tries to select a settlement apparatus 300 that is as close as possible from the registration apparatus 200 that he / she operates from among the settlement apparatuses 300 that can perform the settlement instruction. This is because the closer the settlement apparatus 300 is, the shorter the distance traveled from the registration apparatus 200 to the settlement apparatus 300 is, and the burden on the customer is reduced.

  At this time, any of the first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3 can issue a settlement instruction from the first registration apparatus 200-1. Of the first settlement apparatus 300-1 to the third settlement apparatus 300-3, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is closest to the first registration apparatus 200-1. Therefore, the salesclerk OP1 in this case determines that the first settlement apparatus 300-1 should be selected.

And the salesclerk OP1 who performed the judgment which selects the 1st payment apparatus 300-1 as mentioned above performs the following operation.
That is, the clerk OP1 sets the payment instruction key corresponding to the first payment apparatus 300-1 among the payment instruction keys KY1, KY2, and KY3 arranged on the registration operation screen P1 displayed on the first registration apparatus 200-1. An operation of touching KY1 is performed. The operation of touching the settlement instruction key KY1 in this way is an operation of selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as a settlement apparatus that should perform settlement corresponding to the registration of the purchased product at this time.

  In response to the settlement instruction key KY1 being touched, the first registration device 200-1 issues a settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1. That is, the first registration device 200-1 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the first settlement device 300-1. The first settlement apparatus 300-1 that has been in a standby state until now receives the settlement instruction command together with the product registration information from the first registration apparatus 200-1, that is, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is the first registration apparatus. A settlement instruction from 200-1 is accepted.

In response to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 receiving the settlement instruction from the first registration apparatus 200-1 as described above, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 changes from the standby state to the busy state. The in-use state is a state in which at least one of the payment processes corresponding to the payment instruction received by the payment apparatus 300 has not been completed.
At this time, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is in use, but the other second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 have not yet received a settlement instruction from the registration apparatus 200. Therefore, it remains in a standby state.

  In addition, in the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 in this case, as shown as state 2 in FIG. 8, the adjustment instruction key KY1 is in use indicating that it is in use. The in-use display is a display of the settlement instruction key KY in a state in which a state notification image STA indicating that the in-use state is present. Specifically, the state notification image STA shown in the figure indicates that the state is in use by displaying the characters “in use”.

  In the in-use display, an unsettled settlement processing number image NM is further displayed. The unpaid settlement processing number image NM is an image indicating the number of unpaid settlement processes among the settlement processes corresponding to the settlement instructions received so far in the corresponding settlement apparatus 300. In the case of the first settlement apparatus 300-1 in the state 2, immediately after the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C1 is received from the first registration apparatus 200-1, the settlement process according to the settlement instruction is not completed. Become. Therefore, the unsettled settlement processing number image NM here indicates that the number of unsettled settlement processing number is one by displaying alphanumeric “1”.

  In addition, since the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 at this time remain in a standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration apparatus 200-1 are In the state 2, as in the state 1, the standby display is performed.

As described above, when the first settlement apparatus 300-1 changes from the standby state to the busy state, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 sets the following states. In other words, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 accepts the settlement instruction of only the first registration apparatus 200-1 that has issued the settlement instruction that has been shifted to the in-use state, and the other second registration apparatus 200-2 and third registration. A state in which a settlement instruction from the device 200-3 is not accepted is set.
In this way, the settlement apparatus 300 accepts only the settlement instruction from the registration apparatus 200 that has performed the settlement instruction that caused the use state in response to the use state from the standby state, and the settlement apparatus from other registration apparatuses. Do not accept instructions. In this way, the payment instruction is accepted exclusively by the payment apparatus 300 in use.

Therefore, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 that has transitioned from the standby state to the in-use state as described above has the first settlement apparatus for each of the second registration apparatus 200-2 and the third registration apparatus 200-3. Notification of prohibition of settlement instruction to 300-1 (settlement instruction prohibition notice) is performed.
The second registration apparatus 200-2 and the third registration apparatus 200-3 that have received the payment instruction prohibition notification prohibit the payment instruction of the first payment apparatus 300-1. The setting for prohibiting the payment instruction to the first payment apparatus 300-1 is reflected in the payment instruction key KY1.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second registration device 200-2, the settlement instruction key KY1 in the state 2 becomes the exclusive display indicating the exclusive state.
The exclusive state here means that the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is exclusively used by a registration apparatus other than the second registration apparatus 200-2, and the settlement instruction from the second registration apparatus 200-2 is prohibited. Indicates a state.
Further, as the exclusive display, as shown as the adjustment instruction key KY1 in the state 2 in the figure, the state notification image STA indicates that the state is in use, and is oblique to the image portion of the adjustment instruction key KY1. Is a display in which a strikethrough line LTH is arranged. Further, in the exclusive display, the number of unsettled settlement processes is indicated by the unsettled settlement process number image NM.

By looking at the payment instruction key KY on which the exclusive display is performed as described above, the store clerk is in a state where the payment apparatus 300 corresponding to the payment instruction key KY on which the exclusive display is performed is exclusively used by another registration apparatus 200. It turns out that it is.
Accordingly, even if an operation is performed on the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display is performed, this operation is invalid. Specifically, when an operation for the checkout instruction key KY for which the exclusive display has been performed is erroneously performed, for example, a dialog box DLG1 shown in FIG.

  The dialog box DLG1 displays a message notifying that the settlement instruction cannot be performed because the settlement apparatus 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the exclusive display has been performed is dedicated by another registration apparatus 200. . In the dialog box DLG1 in the same figure, a message for prompting a settlement instruction to another settlement apparatus 300 is also displayed.

  In the state 2 of FIG. 9, since the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 remain in the standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are the same as the state 1 even in the state 2. Similarly, it is a standby display.

  Similarly, in the third registration device 200-3, as shown in state 2 of FIG. 10, the adjustment instruction key KY1 is displayed exclusively, and the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are displayed on standby.

When registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C1 is completed as described above, the clerk OP1 of the first registration device 200-1 next contacts the customer C2 who is waiting for the order of registration of the purchased product next to the customer C1. The operation for registering the corresponding purchased product is performed.
When the registration corresponding to the purchased product corresponding to the customer C2 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is in use as shown as state 2 in FIG. The in-use display of the settlement instruction key KY1 indicates that a settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement apparatus 300-1.
Therefore, the clerk OP1 operates the checkout instruction key KY1 corresponding to the customer C2 as in the case of the customer C1, and sets the first checkout device 300-1 as the checkout device to perform the checkout process corresponding to the customer C2. select.

Here, as described above, when the operation for selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus to perform the settlement process corresponding to the customer C2 is performed, the settlement process corresponding to the customer C1 is still first. When the payment apparatus 300-1 is not finished, the following payment instruction key KY is displayed.
First, in the first registration device 200-1, as shown as state 3 in FIG. 8, the payment instruction key KY1 is kept in use. Further, in the settlement instruction key KY1 in the state 3 in FIG. 9, the number displayed in the unpaid settlement processing number image NM changes from “1” in the state 2 to “2”. This indicates that in accordance with the receipt of the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C2 by the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the unpaid settlement instruction is incremented by one and becomes “2” in total.
In state 3, since the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 remain in the standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are also in standby display in state 3.

As shown in FIG. 9, in state 3, the adjustment instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 is continuously displayed from state 2. However, in the state 3, the number displayed in the unpaid adjustment processing number image NM is changed from “1” in the state 2 to “2”, like the adjustment instruction key KY1 in the state 3 of FIG.
In addition, in the state 3, the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second payment apparatus 300-2 and the third payment apparatus 300-3 are also in standby display.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state 3, the adjustment instruction key KY1 displayed on the third registration device 200-3 is continuously displayed from the state 2, and in the unpaid adjustment processing number image NM. The number displayed is changed from “1” in state 2 to “2”.
In addition, in the state 3, the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second payment apparatus 300-2 and the third payment apparatus 300-3 are also in standby display.

  As can be understood from the description so far, the settlement apparatus 300 in the present embodiment is configured to receive a new settlement instruction even in a situation where there is an unpaid settlement process. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the next settlement instruction can be performed from the registration apparatus 200 even if the settlement apparatus 300 is not in a standby state in which all settlements have been completed. As a result, for example, the queue of customers waiting for registration of purchased merchandise is less likely to stagnate, and the flow of customers during accounting can be made smooth. Here, “under accounting” refers to the period from when a customer is lined up for registration of a purchased product in the registration apparatus 200 until the settlement is completed in the settlement apparatus 300.

However, if new settlement instructions can be received without limitation, the customer queue waiting for settlement in the settlement apparatus 300 may be easily delayed.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the maximum value of the number of outstanding settlement processes permitted in one settlement apparatus 300 is determined. When the number of outstanding settlement processes reaches the maximum value in the settlement apparatus 300, subsequent settlement instructions to the settlement apparatus 300 are prohibited.
As a specific example, when the maximum value is “3”, the checkout apparatus 300 can hold a maximum of three unsettled checkout processes. Then, in a state where the unsettled settlement process held by the settlement apparatus 300 has reached three, even if a new settlement instruction is issued from the registration apparatus 200 to the settlement apparatus 300, the settlement instruction is rejected without being accepted. Is done. Thereby, the payment apparatus 300 does not hold four or more outstanding payment processes.
A specific example of the operation of the POS system according to this embodiment when the maximum value of the number of unsettled payment processes is “3” is as follows.

When the registration of the purchased product corresponding to the customer C2 is completed, the clerk OP1 in the first registration device 200-1 next corresponds to the customer C3 who has been waiting for the order of registration of the purchased product next to the customer C2. Perform operations for registering purchased products.
When the registration corresponding to the purchased product corresponding to the customer C3 is completed, the settlement instruction key KY1 on the registration operation screen P1 of the first registration device 200-1 is in use as shown in the state 3 in FIG. Therefore, it is in a state where a settlement instruction can be given to the first settlement apparatus 300-1.
Therefore, the store clerk OP1 operates the settlement instruction key KY1 for the customer C3 and selects the first settlement apparatus 300-1 in the same manner as the customers C1 and C2.

  Here, as described above, when the operation for selecting the first settlement apparatus 300-1 as the settlement apparatus to be performed for the settlement process corresponding to the customer C3 is performed, it still corresponds to each of the customers C1 and C2. An example will be given of a case where the two settlement processes are not completed in the first settlement apparatus 300-1. In such a situation, the following payment instruction key KY is displayed.

When a settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C3 is newly made in a state where the two settlement processes corresponding to the customers C1 and C2 are not completed in the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 There are three unpaid checkout processes. That is, at this stage, in the first settlement apparatus 300-1, the number of outstanding settlement processes has reached the maximum value.
In response to this state, the checkout instruction key KY1 in the first registration device 200-1 changes from the in-use display to the use-prohibited display as shown as a change from state 3 to state 4 in FIG. And transition.
In the figure, the case where the use prohibition display is the same mode as the exclusive display is taken as an example.
In other words, the use prohibition display in this case is arranged with the state notification image STA indicating that it is in use and the cancellation line LTH with respect to the settlement instruction key KY1. In addition, the number displayed on the unpaid settlement processing number image NM corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY1 of the settlement instruction key KY1 changes from “2” in the state 3 to “3”.

  By looking at the checkout instruction key KY1 whose use is prohibited as described above, the store clerk OP1 has reached the maximum value of the number of unsettled payment processes in the first registration device 200-1, so that the first registration device more than this. It can be recognized that the payment instruction to 200-1 cannot be performed (use prohibited state).

Also, even if the adjustment prohibition instruction key KY1 for use prohibition display is operated, an adjustment instruction corresponding to the operation is not performed and an error occurs. For example, the registration operation screen in the first registration apparatus 200-1 is shown in FIG. The displayed dialog box DLG2 is displayed.
In the dialog box DLG2 shown in the figure, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 cannot perform a new settlement instruction until one settlement process is completed, and if a settlement instruction is issued, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 Guidance for making a payment instruction to the payment apparatus 300 other than −1 is shown.

In the figure, an example in which the use prohibition display and the exclusive display are in the same mode is shown, but there is no particular problem because the payment instruction to the corresponding payment apparatus 300 is prohibited. There is no.
Different display modes may be used for the use prohibition display and the exclusive display. As an example, it is conceivable that the state notification image STA has different modes for use prohibition display and exclusive display.

  In state 4, since the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3 remain in the standby state, the settlement instruction keys KY2 and KY3 are in a standby display.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the exclusive display from the state 3 is continued for the payment instruction key KY1 displayed in the second registration device 200-2 under the state 4. However, in the state 4, the number displayed in the incomplete settlement process number image NM is changed from “2” in the state 3 to “3”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment apparatus 300-2 and the third adjustment apparatus 300-3 are also in standby display in the state 4.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state 4, the adjustment instruction key KY1 displayed in the third registration device 200-3 is continuously displayed from the state 3, and in the unpaid adjustment processing number image NM. The number displayed is changed from “2” in state 3 to “3”.
Further, the adjustment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 corresponding to the second adjustment apparatus 300-2 and the third adjustment apparatus 300-3 are also in standby display in the state 4.

In FIG. 6, the customer C4 waiting for the turn after the customer C3 for registration of the purchased product in the first registration device 200-1 moves to the second registration device 200-2 on the way, A situation is shown in which the second registered device 200-2 has registered the purchased product.
Here, the case where the timing which complete | finished registration of the purchase goods of customer C4 in the 2nd registration apparatus 200-2 respond | corresponds to the state 4 is mentioned as an example. That is, in this case, when the registration of the purchased product of the customer C4 in the second registration device 200-2 is completed, the payment corresponding to each of the customer C1, C2, C3 received by the first payment device 300-1. None of the checkout processes corresponding to the instructions have been completed.

Under the state 4, the checkout instruction key KY1 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 as shown in FIG. 9 indicates the exclusive state in which the first checkout device 300-1 is exclusively used by another registration device. ing. For this reason, the second registration device 200-2 cannot issue a payment instruction to the first payment device 300-1.
On the other hand, the payment instruction keys KY2 and KY3 displayed on the second registration device 200-2 under the state 4 are both in the standby state. Therefore, the second registration apparatus 200-2 can issue a settlement instruction to both the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3.
In this case, among the second settlement apparatus 300-2 and the third settlement apparatus 300-3, the second settlement apparatus 300-2 is disposed closer to the second registration apparatus 200-2. Therefore, the store clerk OP2 operates the settlement instruction key KY2, and selects the second settlement apparatus 300-2 as the settlement apparatus to perform the settlement process corresponding to the customer C4.

In response to the adjustment instruction key KY2 being operated in the second registration apparatus 200-2, an adjustment instruction corresponding to the customer C4 is given to the second adjustment apparatus 300-2, and the second adjustment apparatus 300-2 Accept checkout instructions.
Settlement instruction keys (KY1, KY2, KY3) in the first registration apparatus 200-1, the second registration apparatus 200-2, and the third registration apparatus 200-3) when the second settlement apparatus 300-2 receives the settlement instruction. Is shown as state 5 in FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, in the second registration device 200-2 that has made a payment instruction corresponding to the customer C <b> 4, the payment instruction key KY <b> 2 corresponding to the second payment device 300-2 is in the standby state 4. The display changes from display to busy display. At this time, the second settlement apparatus 300-2 is in a state in which the settlement process corresponding to the settlement instruction corresponding to the customer C4 immediately after reception is incomplete, so the unsettled settlement process number image NM of the settlement instruction key KY2 in the state 5 is “1” is shown.
At this time, the first registration device 200-1 is in a use-prohibited state with respect to the second settlement device 300-2, but the exclusive state is maintained. For this reason, the adjustment instruction key KY1 in the state 5 is kept in the exclusive state as in the state 4.
In addition, since the third payment apparatus 300-3 continues the same standby state as in the state 4, the standby instruction key KY3 in the state 5 continues to be displayed in the same manner as in the state 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, in the state 5 in the first registration device 200-1, the use prohibition display from the state 4 is continued for the checkout instruction key KY1 corresponding to the first checkout device 300-1. .
Further, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement apparatus 300-2 changes from the standby display in the state 4 to the exclusive display in the state 5. Thus, by looking at the payment instruction key KY2 changed in the first registration device 200-1, the clerk OP1 can recognize the following. That is, the store clerk OP1 is in a state where the second settlement apparatus 300-2 is exclusively used by a registration apparatus other than the first registration apparatus 200-1, and the settlement instruction cannot be issued from the first registration apparatus 200-1. I can recognize that.
In addition, the payment instruction key KY3 corresponding to the third payment apparatus 300-3 is kept on standby display as in the state 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, under the state 5 in the third registration device 200-3, the payment instruction key KY <b> 1 corresponding to the first payment device 300-1 continues the exclusive display from the state 4. Is done.
Further, the settlement instruction key KY2 corresponding to the second settlement apparatus 300-2 changes from the standby display in the state 4 to the exclusive display in the state 5.
In addition, the payment instruction key KY3 corresponding to the third payment apparatus 300-3 is kept on standby display as in the state 4.

Further, for example, in the first settlement apparatus 300-1 in which the number of unsettled settlement processes reaches the maximum value as in the state 4 or the state 5, the settlement process corresponding to the customer C1 is completed, and the number of unsettled settlement processes is greater than the maximum value. When it becomes small, the 1st payment apparatus 300-1 transmits the payment instruction | indication permission notification to the effect of permitting a payment instruction with respect to the 1st registration apparatus 200-1 which occupies itself.
The first registration apparatus 200-1 that has received the settlement instruction permission notification sets permission for the settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 that has been set to be prohibited so far.

  The registration apparatus 200 uses a settlement instruction availability flag when setting permission / prohibition of a settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300. For example, if the settlement instruction availability flag is defined as “0” indicating permission and “1” defined as prohibition, the registration apparatus 200 sets the settlement instruction availability flag to “0” to indicate the settlement instruction. By setting permission and setting it to “1”, prohibition of payment instructions can be set.

  Further, the first registration device 200-1 determines that the payment instruction key KY 1 is “2” from the use prohibition display shown in the state 4 or the state 5 in FIG. Change to the in-use display state.

  From here, if the payment process of the customer C2 is complete | finished in the 1st payment apparatus 300-1, and there is no new payment instruction after the customer C3, the 1st registration apparatus 200-1 will be 1st payment apparatus. The state where permission is set for the settlement instruction to 300-1 is maintained. Then, the first registration apparatus 200-1 changes the payment instruction key KY1 from the state shown in the state 3 of FIG. change.

Further, when the customer C3's settlement process is completed by the first settlement apparatus 300-1 without a new settlement instruction being performed after the customer C3, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 performs the unpaid settlement process. There will be no state. Thus, according to the state where there is no outstanding settlement process, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 cancels the state in which the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is exclusively used by one registration apparatus.
Then, the first settlement apparatus 300-1 releases the exclusive status to the effect that the self-exclusive status is released by one registration apparatus for each of the first registration apparatus 200-1 to the third registration apparatus 200-3. Send a notification.

The first registration apparatus 200-1, the second registration apparatus 200-2, and the third registration apparatus 200-3, which have received the exclusive release notification from the first settlement apparatus 300-1, respectively, Recognize that it is in a standby state.
Therefore, the first registration device 200-1 maintains a state in which permission is set for the payment instruction to the first payment device 300-1. In addition, the first registration device 200-1 changes the settlement instruction key KY1 from the in-use state so far to, for example, the standby display shown in the state 1 of FIG.
Further, the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 are each “permitted” from the state where the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement instruction to the first settlement apparatus 300-1 is “prohibited”. Change to Then, each of the second registration device 200-2 and the third registration device 200-3 changes from the exclusive display so far to the standby display.

Here, in a general payment apparatus, when a payment process according to one payment instruction is completed, a standby screen with a predetermined content is displayed on the display unit 305. On the other hand, the settlement apparatus 300 according to the present embodiment, when the settlement process corresponding to one settlement instruction is completed, and when the settlement process to be performed next remains, the display unit is as follows: The display in 305 is performed.
That is, the settlement apparatus 300 responds to the unpaid settlement process to be performed next, instead of displaying the standby screen in response to the completion of the settlement process according to one settlement instruction. The settlement screen used for the settlement operation is displayed.
FIG. 12 shows an example in which a settlement screen P2 displayed corresponding to the unpaid settlement process to be performed next is displayed on the display unit 305 of the settlement apparatus 300.

  By displaying the settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next customer as described above, the customer can perform an operation for settlement without waiting for a time to return from the standby screen to the settlement operation screen, for example. Thereby, the time required for the customer to settle with the settlement apparatus 300 is shortened, and the flow of the customer during accounting is further facilitated.

[Example of processing procedure]
Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration apparatus 200 and the settlement apparatus 300 for setting the maximum value will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As described above, the maximum value is the maximum value of the number of outstanding settlement processes allowed in the settlement apparatus 300.

Step S101: The setting of the maximum value for one settlement apparatus 300 is performed by an operation on the registration apparatus 200. The store clerk designates one settlement apparatus 300 for which a maximum value is to be set by operating the registration apparatus 200, and performs an operation for inputting the maximum value to be set in the designated settlement apparatus 300. The setting of the maximum value for the settlement apparatus 300 may be performed by an operation on each settlement apparatus 300.
In the registration apparatus 200, the CPU 201 designates one settlement apparatus performed as described above, and accepts an operation for inputting a maximum value.

  Step S102: The CPU 201 notifies the settlement apparatus 300 designated by the operation received in the same step S101 of the maximum value input in step S101.

Step S201: In the payment apparatus 300 designated by the operation in step S101, the CPU 301 receives the notification transmitted from the registration apparatus 200 in step S102.
Step S202: The CPU 301 stores the maximum value notified from the registration device 200 in step S201 in the storage unit 302 or the RAM 303.
In this way, the maximum value is stored on the settlement apparatus 300 side, and the maximum value is set in the settlement apparatus 300 in accordance with an operation on the registration apparatus 200.

Next, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration apparatus 200 in response to an operation performed on the settlement instruction key KY will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.
Step S301: In the registration device 200, the CPU 201 waits for an operation to be performed on any one of the settlement instruction keys KY on the registration operation screen displayed on the store clerk display unit 205.
Step S302: In response to an operation on any one of the settlement instruction keys KY, the CPU 201 determines that the state of the settlement apparatus 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY on which the operation has been performed is (1), (2 ) Or (3). That is, the CPU 201 determines whether the state is (1) a standby state or a busy state, (2) a dedicated state, or (3) a use prohibited state.

  Step S303: (1) In the standby state or in use state, the CPU 201 issues a settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the operation has been performed. That is, the CPU 201 transmits a settlement instruction command together with the product registration information to the settlement apparatus 300 corresponding to the settlement instruction key KY for which the operation has been performed.

Step S304: (2) If it is in the exclusive state, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the exclusive state on the clerk display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction. Specifically, the error message corresponding to the exclusive state is displayed, for example, as a dialog box DLG1 shown in FIG.
Step S305: (3) If it is in the use prohibition state, the CPU 201 displays an error message corresponding to the use prohibition state on the store clerk display unit 205 without issuing a settlement instruction.
Specifically, the error message corresponding to the use prohibition state is displayed, for example, as a dialog box DLG2 shown in FIG.

Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 15, a description will be given of an example of a processing procedure for setting permission / prohibition of a payment instruction, which the payment apparatus 300 executes in response to reception of a payment instruction.
Step S401: In an initial state such as immediately after startup, for example, the settlement apparatus 300 has not yet accepted a settlement instruction, and therefore the settlement apparatus 300 is in a standby state.
Therefore, the CPU 301 in the settlement apparatus 300 transmits an exclusive release notification to all the registration apparatuses 200 as one of the initial settings. By transmitting the exclusive release notification in this way, each registration apparatus 200 sets permission for the settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 and sets the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 as a standby display.
Step S402: As one of the initial settings, the CPU 301 substitutes “0”, which is an initial value, into a variable m indicating the number of outstanding settlement processes.

  Step S403: After the initial setting process in step S401 is performed, the CPU 301 waits for the payment instruction issued by the registration apparatus 200 to be accepted. That is, the CPU 301 waits for the payment instruction command transmitted from the registration device 200 together with the product registration information to be received.

Step S404: The transmission source of the payment instruction received in step S403 is the registration device 200 (proprietary registration device) that can transmit the payment instruction exclusively using the payment device 300. In response to the payment instruction being accepted in step S403, the CPU 301 transmits a transmission instruction response to the exclusive registration device.
If the payment instruction received in step S403 is the first time by the exclusive registration device, the payment device 300 has shifted from the standby state until now to the busy state.
In this case, the exclusive registration apparatus changes the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from the standby display to the busy display in response to reception of the transmission instruction response.
If the payment instruction received in step S403 is the second payment instruction by the exclusive registration device, the exclusive registration device displays the busy adjustment instruction key KY in use in response to receiving the transmission instruction response. To maintain. In addition, the exclusive registration apparatus displays the number by the value obtained by incrementing the previous value by 1 in the incomplete settlement processing number image NM.

Step S405: In addition, the CPU 301 increments the incomplete settlement processing number m in response to receipt of the settlement instruction.
Step S406: As the number m of unsettled settlement processes is incremented in step S405, the number m of unsettled settlement processes is updated. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each registration device 200 of the number m of unsettled payment processing after being incremented (updated).

  Step S407: Next, the CPU 301 determines which of m = 1, 1 <m <max, and m ≧ max with respect to the outstanding settlement processing number m after being incremented in step S404. Here, max is the maximum value stored by the settlement apparatus 300 in step S202 of FIG.

  Step S408: When the number of outstanding settlement processes m = 1, the CPU 301 transmits a settlement instruction prohibition notice to a registration apparatus other than the exclusive registration apparatus. The registration device 200 that has received the settlement instruction prohibition notification changes the corresponding settlement instruction key KY from the standby display to the exclusive display. After the process of step S408, the CPU 301 returns the process to step S403.

If the number m of unsettled settlement processing is within the range of 1 <m <max (maximum value), the second and subsequent settlement instructions have been issued by the exclusive registration device. In this case, in the exclusive registration apparatus, a settlement instruction is permitted to the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the process of FIG. On the other hand, in the registration apparatuses other than the exclusive registration apparatus, the settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the processing in the figure is prohibited.
Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case returns the process to step S403 without performing any particular process.

  Step S409: When the number m of unsettled settlement processes is not less than the maximum value (m ≧ max), the settlement apparatus 300 has received the current settlement instruction in step S403, and the number of unsettled settlement processes has reached the maximum value. This is a state in which the above payment instruction cannot be accepted. Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case transmits a use prohibition notification to the exclusive registration device. In response to receiving the use prohibition notification, the exclusive registration apparatus sets “prohibited” for the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the process of FIG. The corresponding checkout instruction key KY is changed to use prohibition display.

Next, with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 16, an example of a processing procedure for setting prohibition / prohibition of a settlement instruction, which is executed by the settlement apparatus 300 when the settlement process ends, will be described.
Step S501: In the payment apparatus 300, the CPU 301 waits for one payment process to be completed.
Step S502: In response to the completion of one settlement process, the CPU 301 decrements the number of outstanding settlement processes m.
Step S503: The unsettled settlement process number m is updated when the unsettled settlement process number m is decremented in step S503. Therefore, the CPU 301 notifies each registration apparatus 200 of the number m of outstanding settlement processing after the update.

  Step S504: Next, the CPU 301 is any of m = max−1, 1 ≦ m <max−1, and m = 0 with respect to the number m of unsettled payment processing after being decremented (updated) in step S503. It is determined whether. Here, max is also a maximum value.

Step S505: When the number of unsettled settlement processes m = max−1, it is indicated that the number of unsettled settlement processes m in the settlement apparatus 300 has become smaller than the maximum value because one settlement process has been completed.
Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case transmits a payment instruction permission notification to the exclusive registration device.
The exclusive registration apparatus that has received the settlement instruction permission notification updates the settlement instruction availability flag for the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the processing in FIG. Further, the exclusive registration device changes the use prohibition display to the use display for the checkout instruction key KY corresponding to the checkout device 300 that executes the process of FIG.

Step S506: In addition, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display a settlement screen P2 corresponding to the next settlement process. The CPU 301 can display the settlement screen P2 based on the corresponding product registration information.
When the number m of unsettled settlement processes is within a range of 1 ≦ m <max−1, in the exclusive registration apparatus, the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the process of FIG. Is set. Therefore, also in this case, the CPU 301 causes the display unit 305 to display the payment screen P2 corresponding to the next payment processing in step S506.

Step S507: When the number of unsettled settlement processes m = 0, the number of unsettled settlement processes m becomes “0” in the settlement apparatus 300 because one settlement process is completed. Therefore, the CPU 301 in this case transmits an exclusive release notification to each registration device including the exclusive registration device.
The exclusive registration apparatus that has received the exclusive release notification maintains the state where the adjustment instruction availability flag corresponding to the adjustment apparatus 300 that executes the process of FIG. In addition, the exclusive registration apparatus changes the in-use display so far to the standby display for the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that executes the processing of FIG.
In addition, the registration device other than the exclusive registration device that has received the exclusive release notification updates the settlement instruction availability flag corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the processing of FIG. In addition, the registration device other than the exclusive registration device changes the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement device 300 that executes the processing of FIG.

Note that the payment instruction permission notification is transmitted in step S505 of FIG. 16 in response to the number m of unsettled payment processing being one smaller than the maximum value. However, for example, the payment instruction permission notification may be transmitted in step S505 in response to the number m of unsettled payment processing being changed from a maximum value to a predetermined value smaller than 2. That is, the payment instruction permission notification transmission in step S505 may be performed in response to the fact that the number m of unsettled payment processing has decreased to a predetermined value below the maximum value.
In the case where the settlement instruction permission notification is transmitted in response to the number m of unsettled settlement processing being reduced from the maximum value to a predetermined value smaller than 2, for example, the following advantages are obtained. In other words, in a situation where customers waiting for payment are congested, there is an opportunity for a wasteful state transition in which the payment apparatus 300 that has returned from the use-prohibited state to the in-use state is immediately disabled. Can be reduced.

Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17, an example of a processing procedure executed by the registration apparatus 200 for setting the availability of the settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 and displaying the settlement instruction key KY will be described.
Step S601: In the registration apparatus 200, as an initial setting, the CPU 201 sets a settlement instruction availability flag associated with each settlement apparatus to “permitted”. Specifically, for example, as described above, the value of the settlement instruction availability flag is set to “0” indicating “permitted”.
In addition, as an initial setting, the CPU 201 displays a standby display for each payment instruction key KY corresponding to each payment apparatus.

  Step S602: After the initial setting in step S601 is performed, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a settlement instruction response transmitted from the settlement apparatus 300 that has accepted the settlement instruction performed in step S303 in FIG. 14 has been received. To do.

  Step S603: When the settlement instruction response is received, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the settlement instruction response received in step S602 is from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been in the standby state so far.

Step S604: If it is a settlement instruction response from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been in a standby state, the registration apparatus 200 newly registers the exclusive settlement apparatus 300 by transmitting a settlement instruction corresponding to the current settlement instruction response. It becomes a device. Therefore, the CPU 201 in this case displays the payment instruction key KY corresponding to the payment apparatus 300 as the transmission source of the payment instruction response in use. After the process of step S604 is completed, the process is returned to step S602.
On the other hand, when it is not a settlement instruction response from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been in a standby state until now, the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction response is a busy state that is already occupied by the registration apparatus 200. In this case, the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction response is already in use.
Therefore, the CPU 201 in this case skips step S604 and returns the process to step S602.

Step S605: If a settlement instruction response has not been received in step S602, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a use prohibition notification has been received. The use prohibition notification is transmitted in step S409 in FIG. 15 from the settlement apparatus 300 that is exclusively used by the registration apparatus 200.
Step S606: When the usage prohibition notification is received, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the usage prohibition notification from “permitted” to “prohibited”.
Step S607: In response to the reception of the use prohibition notification, the CPU 201 displays the use prohibition display for the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the use prohibition notification.
After the process of step S607, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

  Step S608: When the use prohibition notification is not received in step S605, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction permission notification is received. The settlement instruction permission notification is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 300 in a state exclusively used by the registration apparatus 200 in step S505 in FIG.

Step S609: The settlement apparatus 300 dedicated to the registration apparatus 200 transmits a settlement instruction permission notification when the number of outstanding settlement processes has reached the maximum value and becomes smaller than the maximum value. Then, the registration apparatus 200 sets “prohibited” for the payment instruction permission flag of the exclusive payment apparatus 300 until the payment instruction permission notification is received.
Therefore, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction permission notification, the CPU 201 changes the settlement instruction permission flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction permission notification from “prohibited” to “permitted”. Update to
After updating the settlement instruction availability flag in step S609, the CPU 201 sets the corresponding settlement instruction key KY in use in step S604, and then returns the process to step S602.

  Step S610: When the settlement instruction permission notification is not received in step S608, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a settlement instruction prohibition notification is received. The settlement instruction prohibition notice is transmitted in step S408 of FIG. 15 from the settlement apparatus 300 that has been exclusively used by another registration apparatus 200.

Step S611: When the settlement instruction prohibition notification is received in step S610, the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification is in a standby state before being used exclusively by another registration apparatus 200. Correspondingly, “permission” has been set for the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification.
Therefore, in response to the receipt of the settlement instruction prohibition notification in step S610, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification to “prohibited”.

  Step S612: In response to the receipt of the settlement instruction prohibition notification, the CPU 201 displays the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 as the transmission source of the settlement instruction prohibition notification exclusively. After completing the process in step S612, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

  Step S613: When the settlement instruction prohibition notification is not received in step S610, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not an exclusive release notification is received. The exclusive release notification is transmitted in step S507 in FIG. 16 in response to the transition to the standby state due to the fact that the unpaid settlement process has been lost in the settlement apparatus 300 that is dedicated by a certain registration apparatus 200. The

Step S614: In response to the reception of the exclusive release notification, the CPU 201 updates the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive cancellation notification to “permitted”.
However, if the registration apparatus 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has previously occupied the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the registration apparatus 200 that executes the process of FIG. In the attached settlement instruction availability flag, “permitted” is already set. Therefore, when the registration apparatus 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has exclusively used the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the process of step S614 may be omitted.
On the other hand, when the registration apparatus 200 other than the registration apparatus 200 that executes the process of FIG. 10 has occupied the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification, the registration apparatus 200 that executes the process of FIG. “Prohibition” is set in the settlement instruction availability flag associated with the settlement apparatus 300. Therefore, in this case, the process of step S614 should be executed.

  Step S615: Further, in response to the receipt of the exclusive release notification, the CPU 201 sets the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 that is the transmission source of the exclusive release notification as a standby display. After completing the process in step S615, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

  Step S616: If the exclusive release notification is not received in step S613, the CPU 201 further determines whether or not a notification of the number of outstanding settlement processes m is received. The incomplete settlement process number m is notified from the settlement apparatus 300 in step S406 of FIG. 15 in response to the unfinished settlement process number m being updated (incremented) when the settlement apparatus 300 receives a new settlement instruction. In addition, the unsettled settlement process number m is notified from the settlement apparatus 300 in step S503 in FIG. 16 in response to the unsettled settlement process number m being updated (decremented) as one settlement process ends.

Step S617: In response to receiving the notification of the unsettled settlement process number m, the CPU 201 arranges the unsettled settlement process number image arranged in the settlement instruction key KY corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 of the transmission source of the unsettled settlement process number m. About NM, it displays so that the notified number m of outstanding settlement processes may be shown.
As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10, when the received unsettled settlement process number m is 1 or more, the CPU 201 displays a number indicating the unsettled settlement process number m in the unsettled settlement process number image NM. Is displayed. On the other hand, when the received unsettled settlement process number m is 0, the CPU 201 hides the unsettled settlement process number image NM itself.
After completing the process in step S617, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.
Also, when the number m of unsettled payment processing is not notified in step S616, the CPU 201 returns the process to step S602.

[Another example of status notification image]
As described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the state notification image STA arranged in the checkout instruction key KY indicates that it is in a standby state by displaying, for example, a “standby” character, The display indicates that it is in use or prohibited.
However, the state notification image STA may also notify a state related to the settlement apparatus 300 other than the standby state, the in-use state, or the use-prohibited state. Therefore, with reference to FIG. 18, four examples will be described as other examples of the status notification of the settlement apparatus 300 using the status notification image STA.

First, in the checkout instruction key KY of FIG. 18A, the state notification image STA indicating that it is in use or use prohibited is highlighted, for example, with a color (for example, red) different from the normal state. An example is shown.
The status notification image STA shown in the figure is in a state in which the settlement process is not completed in the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 even if a certain period of time elapses after the settlement process is triggered by, for example, reading of a bill. Indicates. Such a state occurs, for example, when a customer is confused because he / she does not know the operation for performing the settlement with the settlement apparatus 300.
The store clerk operating the registration device 200 can know that there is a customer who is confused by the checkout operation in front of the checkout device 300 by looking at the status notification image STA shown in FIG. it can.

In the settlement instruction key KY of FIG. 18B, a state in which “CALL” is displayed for the state notification image STA is shown. The state notification image STA of such a mode indicates that the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 is in a state where the salesclerk call mode is set.
When the customer is paying with the checkout apparatus 300, a failure may occur in the operation related to the checkout process of the checkout apparatus 300 for some reason. In such a case, the customer can perform an operation for calling a clerk to the checkout apparatus 300 (a clerk calling operation).
As the clerk calling operation is performed, the checkout apparatus 300 enters the clerk calling mode. In the store clerk calling mode, for example, the store controller 100 or each registration device 200 is notified that the store clerk is calling. In the clerk calling mode, acceptance of a new payment instruction is prohibited. Accordingly, a cancellation line LTH is arranged in the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that the settlement instruction cannot be performed.

Upon receiving the above notification, the registration device 200 receives a notification from the payment device 300 that the store clerk is calling, and a payment instruction key KY and a status notification corresponding to the payment device 300 of the notification transmission source. The image STA is changed to the mode shown in FIG.
The store clerk operating the registration device 200 knows that the customer who is paying in the corresponding checkout device 300 is calling the store clerk by looking at the status notification image STA shown in FIG. Response can be achieved. In addition, the store clerk who sees the status notification image STA shown in FIG. 6 can also know that it is in a state in which no settlement instruction can be given to the corresponding settlement apparatus 300.

In the settlement instruction key KY of FIG. 18C, a state in which “maintenance” is displayed for the state notification image STA is shown. The status notification image STA in such a mode indicates that the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 is in a maintenance mode.
The maintenance mode is a mode that is set when a store clerk or a maintenance worker of the manufacturer of the payment apparatus 300 performs maintenance or setting change of the payment apparatus 300. In the maintenance mode, acceptance of a payment instruction from the registration apparatus 200 is prohibited. Accordingly, a cancellation line LTH is arranged in the settlement instruction key KY, indicating that the settlement instruction cannot be performed.

In response to the maintenance mode being set, the settlement apparatus 300 notifies the registration apparatus 200 and the like that it is in the maintenance mode. Upon receiving this notification, the registration device 200 changes the payment instruction key KY and the state notification image STA corresponding to the payment device 300 of the notification transmission source to the mode shown in FIG.
The store clerk operating the registration apparatus 200 knows that the maintenance mode is being set in the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 and the settlement instruction cannot be performed by looking at the status notification image STA shown in FIG. Can do.

FIG. 18D shows a mode in which “pause” is displayed in the state notification image STA. The state notification image STA in such a manner indicates that the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 is in a dormant state. For example, when there are few customers, there is a case where it is not necessary to operate all the payment apparatuses 300 installed in the store. Therefore, in such a case, for example, in consideration of a reduction in power consumption, some of the settlement apparatuses 300 are operated, and the remaining settlement apparatuses 300 are set in a dormant state.
The settlement apparatus 300 in a dormant state cannot accept a settlement instruction. Therefore, in the payment instruction key KY in this case, a cancellation line LTH is arranged to indicate that the payment instruction cannot be performed.

In the transition from the operating state to the dormant state, the checkout device 300 notifies the registration device 200 that, for example, the settlement device 300 itself enters the dormant state. Upon receiving this notification, the registration apparatus 200 recognizes that the payment apparatus 300 has been in a dormant state. Alternatively, instead of receiving the notification, for example, the registration device 200 may periodically make an inquiry to each registration device 200 to recognize that the settlement device 300 that cannot obtain a response is in a dormant state.
The registration apparatus 200 that has recognized the settlement apparatus 300 in the dormant state changes the settlement instruction key KY and the state notification image STA corresponding to the settlement apparatus 300 in the dormant state to the mode shown in FIG.
The store clerk operating the registration apparatus 200 can know that the corresponding settlement apparatus 300 is in a suspended state and cannot perform a settlement instruction by looking at the status notification image STA shown in FIG.

The display mode of the settlement instruction key KY and the display mode of the status notification image STA and the unpaid settlement processing number image NM added to the settlement instruction key KY are not limited to those illustrated in FIGS.
For example, regarding the unsettled settlement process number image NM, the number of unsettled settlement processes may be expressed by a meter display or the number of objects symbolizing the unsettled settlement process.

In addition, in the explanation so far, notification regarding status setting such as management of unpaid settlement number m and settlement instruction prohibition, use prohibition, settlement instruction permission, exclusive release based on unfinished settlement process number m 300 is supposed to do.
However, for example, the registration apparatus 200 can be configured to manage the number m of unsettled settlement processes for each settlement apparatus 300 and set the state of the settlement apparatus 300 based on the number of unsettled settlement processes m.
In such a configuration, for example, the registration device 200 receives a notification that the payment instruction has been received from each payment device 300 and a notification of the completion of the payment processing, and based on the received notification, the number of outstanding payment processing This can be realized by managing m.
Further, the management of the number of outstanding settlement processes m by the registration apparatus 200 and the setting of the state of the settlement apparatus 300 may be performed by one registration apparatus 200 serving as a master. In this case, the registration device 200 other than the master may be configured to operate in response to a notification regarding the number of outstanding settlement processes m and the status setting for each settlement device 300 from the master registration device 200.

Further, in the above description, an example is described in which the communication is performed directly between the registration apparatus 200 and the settlement apparatus 300, and the processing related to the limitation of the settlement instruction to the settlement apparatus 300 is executed. Yes.
However, for example, after the store controller 100 is interposed between the registration apparatus 200 and the settlement apparatus 300, control regarding prohibition permission of the settlement instruction may be performed. In this case, the store controller 100 can manage the number m of unsettled settlement processes in each settlement apparatus 300 according to the settlement instruction command transmitted from the registration apparatus 200 and the notification of the settlement process completion from the settlement apparatus 300. . Then, the store controller 100 determines whether or not the settlement instruction can be accepted in each settlement apparatus 300 by managing the number m of unsettled settlement processes, and prohibits the settlement instruction from being issued to each registration apparatus 200 based on the determination result. Notification, use prohibition notification, payment instruction permission notification, exclusive release notification, etc. can be performed.

  It should be noted that a program for realizing the functions of the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the payment device 300 described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into a computer system. The processing of the store controller 100, the registration device 200, and the payment device 300 described above may be performed by executing. Here, “loading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium into a computer system” includes installing the program in the computer system. The “computer system” here includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer system” may include a plurality of computer devices connected via a network including a communication line such as the Internet, WAN, LAN, and dedicated line. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. As described above, the recording medium storing the program may be a non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM. The recording medium also includes a recording medium provided inside or outside that is accessible from the distribution server in order to distribute the program. The code of the program stored in the recording medium of the distribution server may be different from the code of the program that can be executed by the terminal device. That is, the format stored in the distribution server is not limited as long as it can be downloaded from the distribution server and installed in a form that can be executed by the terminal device. Note that the program may be divided into a plurality of parts, downloaded at different timings, and combined in the terminal device, or the distribution server that distributes each of the divided programs may be different. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” holds a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) inside a computer system that becomes a server or a client when the program is transmitted via a network. Including things. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

100 store controller, 200 registration device, 201 CPU, 202 storage unit, 203 RAM, 204 scanner unit, 205 store clerk display unit, 206 customer display unit, 207 operation unit, 208 communication unit, 209 buzzer, 210 printing unit, 300 Payment device, 301 CPU, 302 storage unit, 303 RAM, 304 scanner unit, 305 display unit, 306 operation unit, 307 communication unit, 308 buzzer, 309 printing unit, 310 money transfer unit, 311 sign pole unit

Claims (1)

A POS system having one or more registration devices for registering products and one or more settlement devices for performing a settlement process for products registered by the registration device in response to a settlement instruction from the registration device,
Under the condition that there is an unsettled settlement process in the settlement apparatus, a settlement instruction receiving means for receiving a settlement instruction newly performed by designating the settlement apparatus;
In the payment apparatus, a payment processing means for executing a payment process corresponding to the payment instruction received by the payment instruction receiving means;
POS system with

Images