JP2016146024A - Checkout system, product registration device and control program for the same, settlement device and control program for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to execute settlement based on a plurality of accounting information related to division accounting by the same settlement device without increasing waiting time for transferring settlement information on a product registration device.SOLUTION: A product registration device comprises creation, determination, generation, and notification means. A settlement device comprises settlement means and issuance means. The creation means acquires product codes of purchased products and creates a list of purchased products. The settlement means determines the number of lists transferred collectively prior to the creation of the lists. The generation means generates settlement information including the number of lists in response to the creation of the determined number of lists. The notification means notifies one of settlement devices of settlement information. The settlement means performs settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information. The issuance means issues receipts individually based on the respective lists when the settlement information includes a plurality of lists.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

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

  Semi-self checkout systems are already known. In this type of checkout system, purchase registration and settlement processing in a supermarket or the like are performed by different product registration apparatuses and settlement apparatuses, respectively. Usually, the operation of the merchandise registration apparatus is performed by an employee, and the operation of the settlement apparatus is performed by a shopper.

  In such a system, payment information for payment processing is transferred from the merchandise registration device to a payment device in an empty state. If the same payment apparatus has a plurality of payment information, there is a risk that a shopper who is trying to make a payment will be confused. Therefore, a payment apparatus that has received one piece of payment information does not receive new payment information until the payment based on the payment information is completed.

  By the way, there are cases where a shopper wishes to settle a plurality of products brought to the checkout corner for purchase by dividing them into a plurality of accounts. Such an accounting form is referred to as “split accounting” in this specification.

  When performing split accounting, the merchandise registration apparatus generates settlement information for each of a plurality of accounting. These pieces of payment information are transferred to separate payment devices, and the shopper must make payments by operating each of the payment devices.

  If the payment information for another accounting is transferred to the payment device used for the payment after waiting for the payment for one transaction to be completed, the shopper can use multiple payments for one payment device. Payment can be made. However, in this case, a waiting time for transferring settlement information in the product registration apparatus may occur, which may cause a reduction in processing efficiency in the product registration apparatus.

  For these reasons, it is hoped that settlement based on a plurality of settlement information related to split accounting can be performed in the same settlement apparatus without increasing the waiting time for transferring settlement information in the product registration apparatus. It was rare.

JP 2006-344123 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is a checkout that enables settlement based on a plurality of settlement information related to split accounting in the same settlement apparatus without increasing waiting time for transferring settlement information in the commodity registration apparatus. A system, a commodity registration apparatus and its control program, and a settlement apparatus and its control program are provided.

  The checkout system of the embodiment includes at least one product registration device and at least one settlement device. The product registration apparatus includes a creation unit, a determination unit, a generation unit, and a notification unit. The settlement apparatus includes settlement means and issuing means. The creation means acquires the product code of the purchased product and creates a list of the purchased product. The determining means determines the number of lists to be transferred in a batch prior to the creation of the list by the creating means. The generating means has created the number of lists determined by the determining means by the creating means. Depending on the situation, payment information including a list of numbers is generated. The notifying means notifies the payment information generated by the generating means to one of the payment apparatuses. The settlement unit performs a settlement process based on the settlement information notified by the notification unit. When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, the issuing means issues a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists.

The perspective view of the checkout system concerning one embodiment. The block diagram of the goods registration apparatus and payment apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the goods registration apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the goods registration apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided. The figure which shows the standby screen as an example. The figure which shows the 1st selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the registration screen as an example. The figure which shows the 2nd selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the alerting | reporting screen as an example. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the settlement apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided. The flowchart of the control processing of CPU with which the settlement apparatus in FIG. 2 is provided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The merchandise registration apparatus 11 has functions of purchase registration, generation of payment information, payment processing, and notification of payment information to the payment apparatus 12. The purchase registration is a process for registering a product brought by a shopper who has entered the aisle as a purchased product. The settlement process is a process for settlement of purchased products. The payment information is information necessary for the payment process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The product registration apparatus 11 is generally transferred in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. However, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 11b or the auxiliary storage unit 11d, or may be recorded on a removable recording medium or transferred via a network. In this case, for example, the control program is written in the auxiliary storage unit 11d of the commodity registration apparatus 11 in accordance with an operation by the user. As the removable storage medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As the hardware of the commodity registration device 11, for example, an existing POS terminal can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The application program stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. The transfer of the settlement apparatus 12 is generally performed in a state where the control program is stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. However, the settlement apparatus 12 may be transferred in a state where the control program is not stored in the ROM 12b or the auxiliary storage unit 12d, or may be recorded on a removable recording medium or transferred via a network. In this case, for example, the control program is written in the auxiliary storage unit 12d of the settlement apparatus 12 in accordance with an operation by the user. As the removable recording medium, a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, or the like can be used.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  As the hardware of the settlement apparatus 12, for example, an existing self POS terminal can be used.

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

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

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

  In Act1, the CPU 11a initializes various parameters. That is, the CPU 11a resets both the division flag and the collective flag. Further, the CPU 11a sets “1” to the variable m and the variable n, respectively. The split flag indicates a setting for performing split accounting when in the set state. The collective flag indicates a setting for performing collective settlement when in the set state. Both the division flag and the collective flag are realized as 1-bit data in the RAM 11c, for example. The variable m is used to count the number of accounting information described later. The variable n represents the number to transfer the accounting information at a time.

  In Act 2, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table set in the RAM 11c. The registered product table is a data table for describing information related to products for which purchase registration has been completed.

  In Act 3, the CPU 11a sets a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a standby screen.

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

  The standby screen SC1 represents text T1, T2 and buttons B21, B22, B23.

  The text T1 represents a text message indicating that the employee 21 should start an operation for registering purchased products. The text T2 is a text message to the effect that the employee 21 should touch any of the buttons B21 to B23 before starting the operation for registering the purchased product when performing the split accounting. Represent.

  The buttons B21 to B23 are touched by the employee 21 to designate 2 to 4 as the number of divisions in the split accounting.

  In Act 4, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the division number is designated. If none of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched, the CPU 11a determines No and proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be registered for purchase has been acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act4.

  Thus, in Act4 and Act5, the CPU 11a waits for the number of divisions to be specified or the product code to be acquired. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  When the shopper requests split accounting, the employee 21 determines the number of splits and touches the button corresponding to the split number among the buttons B21 to B23. If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 4 because such an operation is detected by the touch panel 11g, for example, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 6.

  In Act 6, the CPU 11a sets a division flag.

  In Act 7, the CPU 11a sets the designated number of divisions as the value of the variable n. That is, the CPU 11a sets “2” as the value of the variable n when the button B21 is touched, “3” when the button B22 is touched, and “4” when the button B23 is touched. set.

  Note that a customer touch panel with a display surface facing the shopper 22 may be provided separately, and the screen of the customer touch panel may be a screen representing the buttons B21, B22, and B23. In this case, the CPU 11a sets the designated number of divisions as the value of the variable n according to the operation of the customer touch panel by the shopper 22.

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

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

  The first selection screen SC2 represents text T11 and buttons B31 and B32.

  The text T11 represents a text message that prompts the employee 21 to specify a settlement method.

  The button B31 is touched by the employee 21 when the shopper 22 desires to make payment for each of the divided accounts individually. The button B32 is touched by the employee 21 when the shopper 22 desires to perform settlement of payments in a batch.

  The employee 21 confirms the wishes of the shopper 22 and then touches one of the buttons B31 and B32. A customer touch panel with a display surface facing the shopper 22 may be provided separately, and the screen of the customer touch panel may be a screen representing the buttons B31 and B32. In this case, the shopper 22 touches one of the buttons B31 and B32.

  In Act 9, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not collective payment is designated. Specifically, the CPU 11a waits for the touch panel 11g to detect that any of the buttons B31 and B32 is touched. If the CPU 11a determines Yes because the button B32 is touched, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act10.

  In Act 10, the CPU 11a sets a collective flag. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act12.

  If the result of Act 9 is No because the button B31 has been touched, the CPU 11a passes Act 10 and proceeds to Act 12. That is, the collective flag remains in the reset state.

  Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a setting unit.

  By the way, the CPU 11a acquires a product code based on an operation by the employee 21 by a known process different from the control process shown in FIGS. If the process shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 is in the standby state of Act4 and Act5 and the product code is acquired and the result is Yes in Act5, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act11.

  In Act 11, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. Thereafter, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 12. Thus, when an operation for purchase registration is performed without specifying the number of divisions, the variable n remains 1 and the division flag remains in the reset state.

  Thus, the CPU 11a sets the number corresponding to the touched button if any of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched, and sets “1” if none of the buttons B21 to B23 is touched. Is determined as the number of batch transfers. As will be described later, the accounting information includes a list of purchased products. That is, the CPU 11a determines the number of lists to be transferred at once. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part functions as a determination unit.

  In Act 12, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a registration screen. The registration screen represents the contents of the registered product table, and allows the employee 21 to confirm the implementation status of the registration process.

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

  Registration screen SC3 includes regions R1 and R2.

  The area R1 is an area for displaying the product name, the number and the unit price of the product for which purchase registration has been made most recently, and the total number and total price of the purchased product after the product is registered. The region R2 is a region for displaying a list of product names, numbers, unit prices, and amounts regarding products for which purchase registration has been made before the products shown on the registration screen SC3.

  Note that the registration screen SC3 shows a state in which various information related to the product for which purchase registration has been made is displayed. However, when the CPU 11a proceeds from Act 9 or Act 10 to Act 12, the registered merchandise table does not include information regarding the purchased merchandise. For this reason, the registration screen does not represent various information related to the product, and represents only a predetermined basic form. When the CPU 11a proceeds from Act 11 to Act 12, the registered product table includes only information related to one product. For this reason, the registration screen represents information related to the product in the region R1, but does not represent information related to the product in the region R2.

  Further, the CPU 11a displays a product button for the employee 21 to specify a product and various function buttons such as a current button, in addition to the registration screen area of the touch panel 11g. The illustration of is omitted.

  In Act 13, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the current total button displayed on the touch panel 11g is touched. Then, if the CPU 11a determines No because the touch panel 11g does not detect that the current total button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act14.

  In Act 14, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the product code of the product to be purchased and registered is acquired. If the CPU 11a determines No because the product code has not been acquired, the CPU 11a returns to Act 13.

  Thus, in Act 13 and Act 14, the CPU 11a waits for the current button to be touched or the product code to be acquired. Note that the CPU 11a may confirm the occurrence of another event such as another operation being performed in the standby here, and may shift to processing according to the occurrence event.

  If the CPU 11a has determined Yes in Act 14 because the product code has been acquired, the process proceeds to Act 15.

  In Act 15, the CPU 11a updates the registered product table so as to include the acquired product code. In response to this, the CPU 11a updates the registration screen in accordance with the contents of the updated registered product table. Thereafter, the CPU 11a returns to the standby state for Act13 and Act14. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part functions as a creating means.

  If the CPU 11a determines Yes in Act 13 because the touch panel 11g detects that the current button has been touched, the process proceeds to Act 16 in FIG.

  In Act 16, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the division flag is set. If the CPU 11a determines Yes because the division flag is set, the process proceeds to Act17.

  In Act 17, the CPU 11a generates accounting information for settlement related to the registered product as the m-th accounting information based on the contents of the registered product table at this time. The accounting information includes a list of registered products and settlement amount information representing a settlement amount for the purchased products shown in the list. The CPU 11a stores the transaction information in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d.

  In Act 18, the CPU 11a checks whether or not the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n. If the CPU 11a determines No because both variables do not match, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 19.

  In Act 19, the CPU 11a increases the value of the variable m by one.

  In Act 20, the CPU 11a clears the registered product table.

  After that, the CPU 11a returns to Act 12 in FIG. 3 and repeats the processes after Act 12. Thereby, a plurality of accounting information is generated.

  After Act17 is performed n times, the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n. If the CPU 11a determines that the value of the variable m matches the value of the variable n as described above, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 21.

  In Act 21, the CPU 11a checks whether the collective flag is set. If the CPU 11a determines Yes because the collective flag is set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 22.

  In Act 22, the CPU 11a calculates the total settlement amount. Specifically, at this time, n pieces of transaction information generated by the CPU 11a performing Act 17 n times are stored in the RAM 11c or the auxiliary storage unit 11d. Therefore, the CPU 11a calculates the total settlement amount as the sum of the settlement amounts respectively represented by the settlement amount information included in each of the n pieces of accounting information. Then, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 23.

  If the CPU 11a determines No in Act 21 because the collective flag is not set, it passes Act 22 and proceeds to Act 23.

  In Act 23, the CPU 11a generates settlement information. Specifically, if the total settlement amount is calculated in Act 22, the CPU 11a generates settlement information as information including the total settlement amount together with n pieces of accounting information. If Act 22 is passed, the CPU 11a generates settlement information as information including n pieces of accounting information and not including the total settlement amount. Thereafter, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 25.

  If the CPU 11a determines No in Act 16 because the division flag is not set, the CPU 11a proceeds to Act 24.

  In Act 24, the CPU 11a generates accounting information for settlement related to the registered product based on the contents of the registered product table at this time, and generates settlement information including the accounting information.

  Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as the central part functions as a generating unit.

  In Act 25, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as the second selection screen.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second selection screen SC4 as an example.

  Second selection screen SC4 includes display areas AR1, AR2, AR3, AR4, AR5 and buttons B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7.

  The CPU 11a represents the total number and total amount included in the payment information in the display area AR1. The CPU 11a indicates whether or not the payment information can be transferred to each of the four payment apparatuses 12 in the display areas AR2 to AR5. The settlement apparatus 12 does not accept transfer of settlement information during the execution of the settlement process, and the CPU 11a indicates “transfer impossible” in the display area associated with the settlement apparatus 12 in such a state. That is, when the partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g is the second selection screen SC4, only the payment device 12 named “device A” is executing the payment processing. The buttons B3 to B6 are displayed in different forms depending on whether or not the associated payment apparatus 12 accepts transfer of payment information, or the associated payment apparatus 12 accepts transfer of payment information. If not, it may be hidden.

  Buttons B1 and B2 are used by the employee 21 to specify that a discount is applied to the total amount included in the settlement information. Buttons B <b> 3 to B <b> 6 are for the employee 21 to specify the transfer of payment information to each of the four payment apparatuses 12. The button B7 is used by the employee 21 to specify that a part of the screen of the touch panel 11g returns to the registration screen.

  In Act 26, the CPU 11a confirms whether or not the settlement apparatus 12 to which the settlement information is transferred is designated. If the CPU 11a determines No because the payment device 12 is not specified, Act 26 is repeated. Thus, in Act 26, the CPU 11a waits for the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 as the settlement information transfer destination.

  When the payment device 12 is designated by the employee 21 being touched by, for example, any of the buttons B3 to B6 of the second selection screen SC4 when the CPU 11a is in the standby state of Act 26, the CPU 11a operates in Act 26. It determines with Yes and progresses to Act27. Note that the CPU 11a does not determine Yes in Act 26 even if one of the buttons B3 to B6 that is associated with the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information is touched. Thus, the CPU 11a does not accept designation of the settlement apparatus 12 that does not accept transfer of settlement information. The CPU 11a does not wait for the designation of the settlement apparatus 12 in the standby state of Act 26 if all of the settlement apparatuses 12 are in an operation stop state or in an operation state in which transfer of settlement information is not accepted. It will be.

  In Act 27, the CPU 11a transfers the settlement information to the designated settlement apparatus 12. The payment information to be transferred here is the payment information generated in Act 24 when the division flag is not set, and the payment information generated in Act 23 when the division flag is set. It is. Specifically, the CPU 11a controls the communication unit 11j so as to transmit the payment information to the LAN 13 with the designated payment device 12 as a destination. As a result, the payment information is notified to the payment apparatus 12. Thus, when the CPU 11a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 11a as a central part functions as a notification means.

  In Act 28, the CPU 11a sets a partial area of the screen of the touch panel 11g as a notification screen. Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

The notification screen is a screen for causing the employee 21 to recognize that payment information has been transferred to the payment apparatus 12 for semi-self payment. The semi-self-settlement is a settlement form in which settlement processing is executed in the settlement apparatus 12 in response to an operation by the shopper 22.
The notification screen may have the same contents regardless of the state of the division flag, or may have different contents depending on the state of the division flag.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a notification screen SC5 as an example.

  Notification screen SC5 includes display areas AR11 and AR12 and button B11.

  The display area AR11 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize that the semi-self payment has been selected. The display area AR12 represents an image for causing the employee 21 to recognize which of the four payment apparatuses 12 has transferred the payment information for two cases for the split accounting. That is, the notification screen SC5 is a case where different contents are set according to the state of the division flag, and is when the division flag is set.

  The button B11 is for the employee 21 to instruct to close the notification screen SC5.

  Then, the CPU 11a returns to Act1 in FIG. 3 in response to the touch of the button B11, and repeats the subsequent processing as described above.

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

  10 and 11 are flowcharts of the control process of the CPU 12a.

  In Act 31, the CPU 12a sets the screen of the touch panel 12g as a standby screen. The standby screen represents that there is no payment processing status, and what information is represented may be arbitrary. For example, the standby screen is a basic screen that displays an image representing a text message indicating that payment processing cannot be performed, and a screen saver that displays an arbitrary image representing an advertisement or the like. It is assumed that

  In Act 32, the CPU 12a checks whether payment information has been received. If the CPU 12a determines No because the payment information has not been received, the CPU 12a repeats Act32. Thus, in Act 32, the CPU 12a waits for payment information to be received.

  As described above, the communication unit 12j provided in the settlement apparatus 12 that is the destination of the settlement information sent from the communication unit 11j of the commodity registration apparatus 11 to the LAN 13 receives the settlement information, and receives the RAM 12c or Save in the auxiliary storage unit 12d. If the CPU 12a determines Yes in Act 32 because the payment information is received in this way, the process proceeds to Act 33.

  In Act 33, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the received payment information includes a plurality of pieces of accounting information. If the CPU 12a determines No because only one piece of accounting information is included in the settlement information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 34.

In Act 34, the CPU 12a changes the screen of the touch panel 12g to a payment screen.
The payment screen accepts an operation by the shopper 22 for making a payment based on one piece of accounting information included in the received payment information. For example, the settlement screen represents at least the settlement amount indicated in the accounting information. The settlement screen may include a total number and a list of purchased products. Further, if payment by a plurality of payment methods is permitted, the payment screen includes a button for the shopper 22 to select a payment method.

  In Act 35, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not an operation by the shopper 22 for settlement has been performed. Then, if the CPU 12a determines No because the corresponding operation is not performed, Act 35 is repeated. Thus, the CPU 12a waits for an operation for settlement in Act 35.

  By the way, when the employee 21 who operates the commodity registration device 11 touches any of the buttons B3 to B6 on the second selection screen SC4 and transfers the payment information to any of the payment devices 12, the transfer destination The shopper 22 is informed that the settlement apparatus 12 should perform settlement. This notification may be made verbally by the employee 21 or may be made by the employee 21 handing the vote representing the number of the settlement apparatus 12 as the transfer destination to the shopper 22. In the latter case, the CPU 11a may control the printer 11h after any of Act 26 to Act 28, print the number of the designated settlement apparatus 12 on the receipt paper, and issue the above-mentioned vote. Upon receiving the notification, the shopper 22 moves to the designated payment apparatus 12 and performs an operation for payment on the payment screen. If the CPU 12a performs an operation for settlement in this way and this is detected by the touch panel 12g and determines Yes in Act 35, the process proceeds to Act 36.

  In Act 36, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process. The payment process here is a process for paying the payment amount indicated in the transaction information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d in accordance with an operation by the shopper 22. For example, the processing performed at an existing self-POS terminal can be applied as it is to the settlement processing here. Thus, when the CPU 12a executes the control process based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as a central part functions as a settlement means.

  In Act 37, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h, and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the transaction information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d and the result of the settlement process. Thereafter, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31, and performs the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

  If the determination is Yes in Act 33 because the payment information includes a plurality of pieces of transaction information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 38 in FIG.

  In Act 38, the CPU 12a sets “1” as the value of the variable k.

  In Act 39, the CPU 12a confirms whether or not the total payment amount is included in the payment information. If the CPU 12a determines No because the total settlement amount is not included, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 40.

  In Act 40, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settlement of the settlement amount indicated in the kth accounting information.

  In Act 41, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h to issue a receipt representing the information indicated in the kth transaction information and the result of the settlement process.

  In Act 42, the CPU 12a increases the value of the variable k by one.

  In Act 43, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the k-th accounting information exists in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. If the CPU 12a determines Yes because the k-th transaction information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act 40, and performs Act 40 and Act 41 for the transaction information. After completing the execution of Act 40 and Act 41 for all the accounting information included in the payment information, the CPU 12a determines No in Act 43. In this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to a state of waiting for new payment information to be received.

  As described above, when the individual settlement is selected by the shopper 22 in the merchandise registration apparatus 11, the CPU 12a sequentially performs settlement processing based on each of the plurality of pieces of accounting information, and issues a receipt each time.

  If the determination is Yes in Act 39 because the total payment amount is included in the payment information, the CPU 12a proceeds to Act 44.

  In Act 44, the CPU 12a executes a settlement process for settlement of the total settlement amount.

  In Act 45, the CPU 12a controls the printer 12h and issues a receipt representing the information shown in the kth transaction information.

  In Act 46, the CPU 12a increases the value of the variable k by one.

  In Act 47, the CPU 12a checks whether or not the k-th accounting information exists in the settlement information stored in the RAM 12c or the auxiliary storage unit 12d. If the CPU 12a determines Yes because the kth accounting information exists, the CPU 12a returns to Act 45, and performs Act 45 on the accounting information. After completing the Act 45 for all of the plurality of pieces of accounting information included in the settlement information, the CPU 12a determines No in Act 47. In this case, the CPU 12a returns to Act 31 in FIG. That is, the CPU 12a returns to a state of waiting for new payment information to be received.

  Thus, when settlement information including a plurality of pieces of accounting information is received, a plurality of receipts corresponding to each of the plurality of pieces of accounting information in both the processing loops Act 40 to Act 43 and the processing loops Act 45 to Act 47. Will be issued. Therefore, when the CPU 12a executes the above-described control processing based on the control program, the computer having the CPU 12a as a central part functions as an issuing unit.

  As described above, the merchandise registration apparatus 11 determines the number of lists to be transferred at a time prior to the start of purchase registration, and transfers settlement information including the number of lists to one of the settlement apparatuses 12. When the settlement information is transferred, the settlement apparatus 12 issues a receipt based on each of the lists included in the settlement information.

  Thus, according to the checkout system 10, the shopper 22 can use the split accounting, and does not need to operate the plurality of settlement apparatuses 12 for settlement for each of the plurality of transactions.

  In addition, according to the checkout system 10, when performing split accounting, the total price of purchased products for each of a plurality of accounts is calculated by the product registration apparatus 11, and the calculated total price is included in the settlement information for settlement. Transfer to device 12. Accordingly, the settlement apparatus 12 does not need to have a function for calculating the total amount of purchased products.

  Further, according to the checkout system 10, even when split accounting is performed, the shopper 22 can arbitrarily use split settlement and collective settlement. Then, regardless of whether split payment or collective payment is performed, a plurality of receipts corresponding to each of the plurality of payment information are issued. Therefore, the shopper 22 can obtain a receipt that records the result of the split settlement regardless of whether the split settlement or the collective settlement is used.

  This embodiment can be variously modified as follows.

  Instead of the standby screen SC1, when performing split accounting, a standby screen for specifying that split accounting should be performed may be used. In this case, the CPU 11a sets “2” as the value of the variable n when designation is made to perform split accounting.

  Instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen for specifying that the split accounting should not be performed may be used. In this case, the CPU 11a sets “1” as the value of the variable n when designation is made not to perform split accounting.

  Instead of the standby screen SC1, a standby screen in which the button B23 is omitted, or a standby screen in which another button is added in association with an integer of “5” or more may be used. Alternatively, a standby screen including a numeric keypad may be used instead of the standby screen SC1. In this case, the CPU 11a sets the numerical value input with the numeric keypad to the variable n as the division number.

  The accounting information may not include the total amount of purchased products, and the total amount may be calculated by the settlement apparatus 12.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

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

Claims (6)

A checkout system including at least one product registration device and at least one payment device,
The product registration device
A creation means for obtaining a product code of a purchased product and creating a list of purchased products;
A determination means for determining a number of batch transfer of the list prior to the creation of the list by the creation means;
Generating means for generating settlement information including the number of lists in response to the number of the lists determined by the determining means being created by the creating means;
Notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means;
Comprising
The settlement device
Payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, an issuing means for individually issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists;
A checkout system comprising: The product registration device
When the number is two or more, further comprising setting means for setting whether to perform settlement for each of the lists of the number in a batch or division according to an instruction from the operator,
When the setting unit is set to perform collectively by the setting unit, the generation unit includes payment amount information representing the total amount of payment for each of the number of lists in the payment information, and the setting unit If it is set to be performed in a split, the settlement information includes settlement amount information that individually represents the settlement amount for each of the number of the lists,
When the settlement information includes one settlement amount information, the settlement unit performs a settlement process for settlement of the settlement amount represented by the settlement amount information, and the settlement information includes a plurality of settlement amount information. The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein when the payment is made, a payment process for paying a payment amount represented by each of the plurality of payment amount information is performed. A product registration device that constitutes a checkout system together with at least one settlement device,
A creation means for obtaining a product code of a purchased product and creating a list of purchased products;
A determination means for determining a number of batch transfer of the list prior to the creation of the list by the creation means;
Generating means for generating settlement information including the number of lists in response to the number of the lists determined by the determining means being created by the creating means;
Notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means;
A product registration apparatus comprising: A creation means for obtaining a product code of a purchased product and creating a list of purchased products;
A determination means for determining a number of batch transfer of the list prior to the creation of the list by the creation means;
Generating means for generating settlement information including the number of lists in response to the number of the lists determined by the determining means being created by the creating means;
Notification means for notifying one of at least one payment apparatus of the payment information generated by the generation means;
A payment device included in the checkout system as one of the at least one payment device together with at least one product registration device comprising:
Payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, an issuing means for individually issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists;
A settlement apparatus. A computer that controls a commodity registration apparatus that constitutes a checkout system together with at least one settlement apparatus;
A creation means for obtaining a product code of a purchased product and creating a list of purchased products;
A determination means for determining a number of batch transfer of the list prior to the creation of the list by the creation means;
Generating means for generating settlement information including the number of lists in response to the number of the lists determined by the determining means being created by the creating means;
Notification means for notifying one of the payment devices of the payment information generated by the generation means;
Control program to function. A creation means for obtaining a product code of a purchased product and creating a list of purchased products;
A determination means for determining a number of batch transfer of the list prior to the creation of the list by the creation means;
Generating means for generating settlement information including the number of lists in response to the number of the lists determined by the determining means being created by the creating means;
Notification means for notifying one of at least one payment apparatus of the payment information generated by the generation means;
A computer for controlling a settlement apparatus constituting a checkout system together with at least one product registration apparatus comprising:
Payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information notified by the notification means;
When the payment information notified by the notification means includes a plurality of lists, an issuing means for individually issuing a receipt based on each of the plurality of lists;
Control program to function.