JP2017219908A - Checkout system, settlement device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve work efficiency of a clerk.SOLUTION: A checkout system has a registration device and a settlement device. The registration device includes generation means and transmission means. The settlement device includes detection means, request means and settlement means. The generation means registers a settlement object commodity and generates settlement information for settlement. The detection means detects an approach or a contract or a pressing force of an object. The request means requests the registration means to transmit the settlement information under the condition that the detection means detects the approach, contract or pressing force of the object. The transmission means transmits the settlement information to the settlement device under the condition that the request means requests it. The settlement means executes settlement processing on the basis of the settlement information transmitted by the transmission means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a checkout system, a settlement apparatus, and a program.

A semi-self checkout system is known in which a clerk operates a registration device for registering a product, and a shopper operates a payment device for paying the product. In such a checkout system, payment information generated based on product registration by a registration device is transferred from the registration device to the payment device. In the settlement apparatus, settlement processing is performed based on the transferred settlement information.
After the product registration is completed, the clerk performs an operation to instruct transfer of payment information to the payment device using a touch panel provided on the registration device, and then brings the product to a table for the payment device. . In other words, the store clerk performs two operations with different work flow lines, such as the operation of the registration device and the conveyance of the goods toward the settlement device, which lowers the work efficiency.

JP 2013-242839 A

  The problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a checkout system, a settlement apparatus, and a program capable of improving the work efficiency of a store clerk.

  The checkout system of the embodiment includes a registration device and a settlement device. The registration device includes a generation unit and a transmission unit. The settlement apparatus includes a detection unit, a request unit, and a settlement unit. The generation unit registers the product to be settled and generates settlement information for settlement. The detecting means detects the proximity or contact of the object, or pressing by the object. The requesting unit requests the registration apparatus to transmit settlement information on condition that the proximity of the object or contact with the object or pressing by the object is detected by the detection unit. The transmission means transmits the payment information to the payment apparatus on condition of the request by the request means. The settlement unit performs a settlement process based on the settlement information transmitted by the transmission unit.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the checkout system which concerns on embodiment. The block diagram which shows the principal circuit structure of a checkout system. The flowchart of the control processing by CPU of the registration apparatus in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by CPU of the payment apparatus in FIG. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the modification of the checkout system which concerns on embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the modification of the checkout system which concerns on embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a checkout system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an appearance of a checkout system 1 according to the embodiment.
The checkout system 1 is a semi-self system. The checkout system 1 includes a registration device 10 and a payment device 20. FIG. 1 shows a checkout system 1 in which two settlement apparatuses 20 are connected to one registration apparatus as a typical mode, but the number of settlement apparatuses connected to one registration apparatus is: It is not limited to two.

  The registration device 10 is a device for registering a product to be settled. The registration device 10 includes a main body 100, a scanner 110, and a touch panel 120.

  The main body 100 includes various elements to be described later for configuring the registration device 10.

  The scanner 110 reads the barcode displayed on the product and outputs the product code represented by the barcode. In FIG. 1, the scanner 110 is shown as being fixed to a cash register along with the main body 100, but it may be a type of scanner that is used by hand.

  The touch panel 120 functions as a display device that displays a screen for notifying the operator of the registration apparatus 10 of various information. The touch panel 120 functions as an input device that receives a touch operation by the operator.

  The payment apparatus 20 is an apparatus that performs payment for a product to be settled registered by the registration apparatus 10. The settlement apparatus 20 includes a main body 200, a switch 210, a light emitting device 220, and a table 230.

  The main body 200 includes various elements to be described later for configuring the payment apparatus 20.

  The switch 210 is provided for operation by a store clerk who is an operator. The switch 210 detects pressing by the operator's hand. Accordingly, the switch 210 is an example of a detection unit that detects the proximity or contact of an object, or pressing by the object. Here, the object is an operator's hand.

  The light emitting device 220 is a device that can emit light, such as a light emitting diode. The light emitting device 220 can emit light of two or more colors by providing two or more types of light emitting diodes. In the embodiment, it is assumed that light can be emitted in two colors of green and red as an example. Although the light emitting device 220 shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the vicinity of the switch 210, the light emitting device 220 may be provided inside the switch 210 so that the switch 210 emits light.

  When the payment is made by the payment apparatus 20, the table 230 is loaded with a shopping basket containing a product to be paid.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of each of the registration apparatus 10 and the settlement apparatus 20. The main body 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a main memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a communication interface 104, and a bus 105. The scanner 110 and the touch panel 120 are connected to the bus 105.

  The CPU 101 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the registration apparatus 10. The CPU 101 controls each unit to implement various functions of the registration apparatus 10 based on programs such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 102.

  The main memory 102 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 102 stores programs such as the operating system and application software. The main memory 102 also stores data that is referred to when the CPU 101 performs various processes. Further, the main memory 102 is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 101 performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disc drive), or an SSD (solid state drive). The auxiliary storage device 103 stores data used when the CPU 101 performs various processes or data generated by the process in the CPU 101. The auxiliary storage device 103 may store a program such as the above operating system or application. The main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 also stores a product list that is a list of products registered as purchased products.

  The program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the registration apparatus 10 is transferred to a user with the control program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. However, the registration apparatus 10 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written into the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 under the operation of the user or a service person. The transfer of the control program at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

  The communication interface 104 is an interface for the registration apparatus 10 to communicate with the payment apparatus 20.

  The bus 105 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each unit of the main body 100 and the scanner 110 and the touch panel 120 connected to the bus 105.

  The payment apparatus 20 includes a main body 200 and a switch 210. The main body 200 includes a CPU 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203, a communication interface 204, and a bus 205. The switch 210 and the light emitting device 220 are connected to the bus 205.

  The CPU 201 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the settlement apparatus 20. The CPU 201 controls each unit to realize various functions of the settlement apparatus 20 based on programs such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 202.

  The main memory 202 corresponds to the main storage portion of the computer. The main memory 202 stores programs such as the operating system and application software. The main memory 202 also stores data that is referred to when the CPU 201 performs various processes. Further, the main memory 202 is used as a so-called work area that stores data temporarily used when the CPU 201 performs various processes.

  The auxiliary storage device 203 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 203 is, for example, an EEPROM, HDD, or SSD. The auxiliary storage device 203 stores data used when the CPU 201 performs various processes or data generated by the processes in the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 203 may store a program such as the above operating system or application.

  The program stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203 includes a control program described regarding control processing described later. As an example, the settlement apparatus 20 is transferred to the user with the control program stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203. However, the settlement apparatus 20 may be transferred to the user in a state where the control program is not stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203. Then, the control program separately transferred to the user may be written to the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203 under the operation of the user or a service person. The transfer of the control program at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

  The communication interface 204 is an interface for the payment apparatus 20 to communicate with the registration apparatus 10.

  The bus 205 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals transmitted and received by each part of the main body 200 and the switch 210 and the light emitting device 220 connected to the bus 205.

  The operation of the checkout system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 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. In the following description, it is assumed that two settlement apparatuses 20 are connected to one registration apparatus. Further, when it is necessary to distinguish between the two settlement apparatuses 20, reference numerals 20a and 20b are attached and are referred to as a settlement apparatus 20a and a settlement apparatus 20b.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 101 of the registration apparatus 10. The CPU 101 executes this control based on control programs stored in the main memory 102 and the auxiliary storage device 103.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20. The CPU 201 executes this control based on control programs stored in the main memory 202 and the auxiliary storage device 203.

  In Act 1 of FIG. 3, the CPU 101 resets the product list stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. That is, the CPU 101 instructs the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 so that no product is registered in the product list.

  In Act 2, the CPU 101 confirms whether or not the product code has been read. That is, the CPU 101 checks whether or not the barcode attached to the product has been read by the scanner 110. If the product code is not read, the CPU 101 determines No in Act2 and proceeds to Act3.

  In Act 3, the CPU 101 confirms whether or not an operation for ending the registration of the product has been performed. That is, the CPU 101 confirms whether a predetermined operation such as touching a subtotal button displayed on the touch panel 120 has been performed. Note that the operation for instructing the completion of registration is performed after registering one or more products. The operation of the CPU 101 when an operation for instructing the completion of registration in a state where the product is not registered may be determined by the designer of the control program of the CPU 101. For example, the CPU 101 ignores an operation for instructing registration completion. Alternatively, the CPU 101 may be configured not to perform an operation itself for instructing completion of registration in a state where no product is registered. If the operation for instructing the completion of registration is not performed, the CPU 101 determines No in Act3 and returns to Act2. Thus, the CPU 101 repeats Act2 and Act3 until the product code is read or an operation for instructing registration completion is performed. If the product code is read while in the standby state for Act2 and Act3, the CPU 101 determines Yes in Act2 and proceeds to Act4.

  In Act 4, the CPU 101 instructs the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 to add the read product code to the product list.

When the clerk finishes registering the product to be settled for one transaction, the clerk performs an operation for ending the registration of the product.
If an operation for instructing the completion of registration is performed when the CPU 101 is in the standby state for Act2 and Act3, the CPU 101 determines Yes in Act3 and proceeds to Act5.

  In Act 5, the CPU 101 generates payment information including information necessary for the payment device 20 to make a payment for a product registered in the product list, based on the product list. The payment information includes the total price of the products registered in the product list. Alternatively, the payment information includes the amount of each product registered in the product list. Thus, by performing the processing of Act2 to Act5, the computer having the CPU 101 as the center operates as a generating unit that registers the product to be settled and generates settlement information for settlement.

  In Act 6, the CPU 101 instructs the communication interface 104 to transmit a registration completion notification indicating that the registration is completed to the settlement apparatus 20a and the settlement apparatus 20b. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 104 transmits the registration completion notification to the settlement apparatus 20a and the settlement apparatus 20b.

The registration completion notification transmitted by the registration device 10 is received by the communication interface 204 of both the payment device 20a and the payment device 20b. Here, the operation of the payment device 20a will be described as a representative.
In Act 21 of FIG. 4, the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20 a waits for the registration completion notification to be received by the communication interface 204. When the registration completion notification is received, the CPU 201 determines Yes in Act 21 and proceeds to Act 22.

  In Act 22, the CPU 201 checks whether or not the payment apparatus 20a is ready to start payment. Then, the CPU 201 instructs the communication interface 204 to transmit a status notification indicating whether or not the payment device 20a is ready to start payment to the registration device 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 204 transmits the status notification to the registration device 10.

  Note that the CPU 101 waits for the status notification to be received by the communication interface 104 separately from the processing of FIG. When the state notification is received, the CPU 101 instructs the touch panel 120 to display the state of the settlement apparatus 20 that is the transmission source of the state notification indicated by the state notification in a predetermined area of the touch panel 120. Since the state notification is transmitted from the settlement apparatus 20a and the settlement apparatus 20b, both states of the settlement apparatus 20a and the settlement apparatus 20b are displayed on the touch panel. Thereby, the operator can know whether it is in the state which can start a payment about each of the payment apparatus 20a and the payment apparatus 20b by seeing the said display.

  In Act 23 of FIG. 4, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the payment apparatus 20a can start payment. If the payment apparatus 20a is not in a state where payment can be started, the CPU 201 determines No in Act 23 and returns to Act 21. If the payment apparatus 20a is in a state where payment can be started, the CPU 201 determines Yes in Act 23 and proceeds to Act 24.

  In Act 24, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting device 220 to emit green light.

The store clerk operates the switch 210 of the settlement apparatus 20 that performs settlement after performing the operation for ending the registration of the product. Then, the store clerk places the shopping basket containing the product to be settled on the table 230 of the settlement apparatus 20. The store clerk may operate the switch 210 after placing the shopping basket on the table 230. Here, it is assumed that the switch 210 of the settlement apparatus 20a is operated.
In Act 25, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not the switch 210 has been operated. If the switch 210 is not operated, the CPU 201 determines No in Act 25 and proceeds to Act 26.

  In Act 26, the CPU 201 confirms whether or not a selection completion notification described later has been received by the communication interface 204. If the selection completion notification is not received, the CPU 201 determines No in Act 26 and returns to Act 25. Thus, the CPU 101 repeats Act 25 and Act 26 until the switch 210 is operated or a selection completion notification is received. If the product code is read while in the standby state of Act 25 and Act 26, the CPU 201 determines Yes in Act 25 and proceeds to Act 27.

  In Act 27, the CPU 201 instructs the communication interface 204 to transmit to the registration device 10 a request command for requesting transmission of payment information. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 204 transmits a request command to the registration device 10. By performing the processing of Act 27, the computer having the CPU 201 as the center operates as a request unit. The request command is received by the communication interface 104.

  On the other hand, in Act 7 of FIG. 3, the CPU 101 waits for the request command to be received by the communication interface 104. If the request command is received, the CPU 101 determines Yes in Act 7 and proceeds to Act 8.

  In Act 8, the CPU 101 instructs the communication interface 104 to transmit a selection completion notification to the payment apparatus 20 other than the request command transmission source, that is, the payment apparatus 20b. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 104 transmits a selection completion notification to the settlement apparatus 20b. The selection completion notification is received by the communication interface 204.

  On the other hand, if the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20b receives the selection completion notification when it is in the standby state of Act 25 and Act 26 in FIG. 5, it determines Yes in Act 26 and proceeds to Act 33. As a result, after one of the settlement apparatuses 20 transmits a request command, the CPU 201 of the other settlement apparatus 20 exits the standby state of Act 25 and Act 26. That is, the other settlement apparatus 20 enters a state in which a request command is not transmitted even when the switch 210 is operated.

After transmitting the selection completion notification in Act 8 of FIG. 3, the CPU 101 proceeds to Act 9.
In Act 9, the CPU 101 instructs the communication interface 104 to transmit the settlement information generated in Act 5 to the settlement apparatus 20 that is the transmission source of the request command, that is, the settlement apparatus 20a. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 104 transmits settlement information to the settlement apparatus 20a. Thus, the computer and communication interface 104 centered on the CPU 101 operate as transmission means. Note that the payment information is received by the communication interface 204.

On the other hand, after transmitting the request command in Act 27 of FIG. 4, the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20a proceeds to Act 28.
In Act 28, the CPU 201 waits for payment information to be received by the communication interface 204. If the payment information is received, the CPU 201 determines Yes in Act 28 and proceeds to Act 29.

  In Act 29, the CPU 201 instructs the communication interface 204 to transmit a status notification indicating that payment cannot be started to the registration apparatus 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 204 transmits the status notification to the registration device 10. When the state notification is received, the CPU 101 displays the state of the settlement apparatus 20 indicated by the state notification in a predetermined area of the touch panel 120 as in the case described above.

  In Act 30, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting device 220 to emit red light.

  In Act 31, the CPU 201 performs a settlement process using cash, a credit card, a debit card, or the like based on the settlement information received in Act 28. Since a well-known process can be applied to the settlement process, the description is omitted. In the settlement process, the shopper operates the settlement apparatus 20 as an operator. By performing the process of Act31, the computer having the CPU 201 as the center operates as a settlement unit. When the CPU 201 finishes the settlement process, the CPU 201 proceeds to Act 32.

  In Act 32, the CPU 201 instructs the communication interface 204 to transmit a status notification indicating that the payment can be started to the registration device 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 204 transmits the status notification to the registration device 10. When the state notification is received, the CPU 101 displays the state of the settlement apparatus 20 indicated by the state notification in a predetermined area of the touch panel 120 as in the case described above.

  In Act 33, the CPU 201 confirms whether there is settlement information waiting for transmission. That is, the CPU 201 makes an inquiry to the registration device 10 to check whether there is settlement information waiting for transmission. The case where there is settlement information waiting for transmission refers to the case where the registration device 10 is in the standby state of Act7. If there is settlement information waiting for transmission, the CPU 201 determines Yes in Act 33 and proceeds to Act 34.

  In Act 34, the CPU 201 causes the light emitting device 220 to emit green light. After the processing of Act 34, the CPU 201 returns to Act 25.

On the other hand, if there is no settlement information waiting for transmission, the CPU 201 determines No in Act 33 and proceeds to Act 35.
In Act 35, the CPU 201 turns off the light emitting device 220. By the above processing, when the payment apparatus 20 is in a state where payment can be started, the light emitting device 220 included in the payment apparatus emits green light. When the payment apparatus 20 is in a state where payment cannot be started, the light emitting device 220 included in the payment apparatus is turned off or emits red light. Therefore, the computer having the CPU 201 as the center in Act 24, Act 30, Act 34, and Act 35 operates as a changing unit. After the processing of Act 35, the CPU 201 returns to Act 21.

  According to the checkout system 1, the settlement apparatus 20 is provided with a switch 210 that is operated by a store clerk when transmitting settlement information. Therefore, the store clerk can operate the switch 210 provided in the settlement apparatus 20 when placing the shopping basket on the table 230. Therefore, the checkout system 1 can improve the work efficiency of the store clerk.

  Further, according to the checkout system 1, when the payment apparatus 20 is in a state where payment cannot be started, the request command is not transmitted even if the sensor is operated. Further, the registration device 10 does not transmit the payment information to the payment device 20 in a state where payment cannot be started. Therefore, even if the sensor of the payment apparatus 20 in a state where payment cannot be started is erroneously operated by a store clerk or the like, the operation is ignored, so that a human error can be prevented.

  In addition, according to the checkout system 1, the light emitting state of the light emitting device 220 differs between the payment apparatus 20 in a state where payment can be started and a state where payment cannot be started. That is, the appearance of the payment apparatus 20 is different between a state in which payment can be started and a state in which payment cannot be started. Therefore, it is easy for the store clerk to know whether the payment apparatus 20 is ready to start payment or not. Further, in the state in which the settlement apparatus 20 can start settlement, the light emitting state of the light emitting device 220 is different between when there is settlement information waiting for transmission and when there is no settlement information waiting for transmission. Therefore, it is easy for the store clerk to determine whether there is settlement information waiting for transmission.

  The embodiment described above can be modified as follows.

  Instead of the switch 210, various sensors that can be operated by a store clerk who is an operator may be provided. The various sensors are examples of detection means for detecting the proximity or contact of an object or pressing by the object. Here, the object is a part of the body such as an operator's hand or foot.

  Instead of the switch 210, a switch 231 may be provided on the top plate of the base 230 as shown in FIG. The switch 231 is provided so as to detect the shopping basket by being pressed by the shopping basket when the shopping basket is put on the table 230. Therefore, since the switch 231 detects the shopping basket at the same time when the store clerk places the shopping basket on the table 230, the labor of the store clerk is reduced compared with the case where the switch 210 is operated. Further, instead of the switch 210, as shown in FIG. 6, a lever 240 provided on the side surface of the main body 200 may be provided so as to protrude above the table 230. The lever 240 is provided so that when the shopping basket is put on the table 230, the lever 240 is pressed by the shopping basket and rotates around the connection portion with the main body 200. The lever 240 after the rotation is indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, when the shopping basket is removed, the lever 240 returns to the position before the rotation by the action of a spring provided at the connection portion with the main body 200. Further, the lever 240 detects that the lever 240 has been rotated more than a predetermined angle. Accordingly, when the store clerk places the shopping basket on the table 230, the lever 240 is pressed by the shopping basket and rotates. Thereby, since the lever 240 detects a shopping basket, the labor of the store clerk is reduced compared with the case where the switch 210 is operated. The switch 231 and the lever 240 detect pressing by the shopping basket. Accordingly, the switch 231 and the lever 240 are an example of a detection unit that detects the proximity or contact of an object or pressing by the object. Here, the object is a shopping basket. In addition, the switch 231 and the lever 240 may be provided so that it can detect that the goods which are not put into the shopping basket were put on the stand 230. In this case, the object is a product. Further, instead of the switch 231 or the lever 240, it is detected that a shopping basket or a product (hereinafter referred to as “shopping basket or the like”) such as a pressure sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor is placed on the table 230. Various sensors that can be used may be used. Alternatively, it may be detected that a shopping basket or the like is placed on the table 230 by image recognition using a camera. Various sensors and cameras that detect that a shopping basket or the like has been placed on the table 230 detect the proximity or contact of the shopping basket or the like, or pressing by the shopping basket or the like. Therefore, these sensors and cameras are examples of detection means for detecting the proximity or contact of an object or pressing by the object. Here, the object is a shopping basket or the like. When using the sensor or camera as described above, it is preferable that the light emitting device is provided in a place where it can easily be seen by a store clerk when placing a shopping basket or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the light emitting device 232 is provided on the top plate of the table 230.

  In the embodiment, the state where payment can be started using the light emission color of the light emitting device 220 is distinguished from the state where payment cannot be started. However, by providing light emitting devices at a plurality of positions and changing the light emitting devices to emit light, it is possible to distinguish between a state where payment can be started and a state where payment cannot be started depending on which light emitting device is emitting light. You may do it. In addition, a display device may be provided instead of the light emitting device so that a state where payment can be started and a state where payment cannot be started can be distinguished from the display contents. In addition, instead of the light emitting device, a device whose appearance is changed by a mechanical operation may be provided so that a state where payment can be started and a state where payment cannot be started can be distinguished from the appearance. .

  In the embodiment, the registration device 10 transmits a registration completion notification to the settlement device 20. However, the registration device 10 may not transmit a registration completion notification. In this case, the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20 does not perform the processes of Act21, Act33, and Act35, and performs the process of Act34 after the process of Act32. If the CPU 201 determines No in Act 23, it repeats Act 23.

  In the embodiment, the CPU 101 of the registration apparatus 10 is waiting for a request command to be received in Act 7. Then, when the request command is received, the CPU 101 goes through the processes of Act8, Act9, and Act1 to enter the standby state of Act2 and Act3 that can start registration of a product related to a new commercial transaction. However, the CPU 101 may store the payment information in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 in a waiting state for transmission after the processing of Act 6 and return to Act 1. In this case, when settlement information in a transmission waiting state is stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103, the CPU 101 executes a process of waiting for a request command to be received by another thread. In parallel with the processing of FIG. Then, when the request command is received, the CPU 101 performs the same processing as Ac8 and Act9. Here, it is assumed that the settlement information transmitted to the settlement apparatus 20 is the oldest among the settlement information waiting to be transmitted. By doing as described above, the registration device 10 can start registering a product related to a new commercial transaction even when there is unsent settlement information. Moreover, the registration apparatus 10 can transmit the payment information waiting for transmission in the order in which the registration of the products is completed.

  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 1 ... Checkout system, 10 ... Registration apparatus, 20 ... Settlement apparatus, 101, 201 ... CPU, 102, 202 ... Main memory, 103, 203 ... Auxiliary storage device, 104, 204 ... Communication interface, 110 ... Scanner, 120 ... Touch panel, 210, 231 ... switch, 220 ... light emitting device, 230 ... stand, 240 ... lever.

Claims (6)

A checkout system comprising a registration device and a payment device,
A generating means provided in the registration device for registering a product to be settled and generating settlement information for settlement;
A detecting means provided in the settlement apparatus for detecting proximity or contact of an object or pressing by the object;
A requesting unit that is provided in the settlement device, and that requests the registration device to transmit the settlement information on the condition that the detection unit detects proximity or contact of the object or pressing by the object;
A transmission unit provided in the registration device, the transmission unit transmitting the payment information to the payment device on condition of a request by the request unit;
A checkout system, comprising: a payment unit provided in the payment device and performing a payment process based on the payment information transmitted by the transmission unit.   The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein when the car is placed on a table provided for placing a car at the time of settlement, the detecting means detects proximity or contact of the car or pressing by the car.   The checkout system according to claim 1, wherein the request unit does not perform the request when the settlement unit performs the settlement process. The detection means detects proximity or contact of an object or pressing by an object by a sensor provided in the settlement apparatus,
The payment apparatus further includes a changing unit that changes an appearance of at least one of the sensor and the vicinity of the sensor in a state where the payment can be started and a state where the payment cannot be started. The checkout system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A payment device that constitutes a checkout system together with a registration device that includes a generation unit that registers a product to be settled and generates payment information for payment, and a transmission unit that transmits the payment information to the payment device. And
Detecting means for detecting proximity or contact of an object or pressing by the object;
Request means for transmitting the payment information to the registration device on condition that the detection means detects proximity or contact of the object or pressing by the object;
A payment device comprising: payment means for performing payment processing based on the payment information transmitted by the transmission means. Proximity of an object that constitutes a checkout system together with a registration unit that includes a generation unit that registers a product to be settled and generates settlement information for settlement and a transmission unit that transmits the settlement information to the settlement device Alternatively, a computer that controls the settlement apparatus provided with detection means for detecting contact or pressing by an object,
Request means for transmitting the payment information to the registration device on condition that the detection means detects proximity or contact of the object or pressing by the object;
A program for functioning as a payment unit that performs a payment process based on the payment information transmitted by the transmission unit.