JP2018026177A - Settlement device, checkout system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reliably prevent a gift certificate from being illegally used and perform effective checkout.SOLUTION: A settlement device performs settlement processing about transaction in which registration processing is performed by a commodity registration device performing commodity registration of a purchased commodity. The settlement device comprises: reception means for receiving information on the basis of commodity identification information registered by the commodity registration device and gift certificate information as payment information; and settlement means for performing the settlement processing on the basis of the information received by the reception means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

  The present invention relates to a settlement apparatus, a checkout system, and a program.

  In a checkout counter that performs product registration and settlement of purchased products at a store that sells products, settlement may be performed using a gift certificate. In a conventional checkout counter equipped with a register for registering and paying for merchandise purchased by the store clerk, the store clerk receives a gift certificate from the shopper and registers the necessary items such as the amount in the register as well as the merchandise purchased. Registration was performed, and further, a settlement process based on the amount of the registered gift certificate and the purchase amount registered for the product was performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Recently, a self-register has also been proposed from the viewpoint of reducing labor costs and eliminating waiting for cashiers.

JP 2001-143159 A

  However, even if a self-register is introduced to reduce labor costs, if payment is made using a gift certificate, a salesclerk will be called each time to prevent unauthorized use of the gift certificate. The payment used must be done, the checkout work is inefficient, and it has been unpopular with shoppers.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problem, and prevents unauthorized use of gift certificates without increasing labor costs when paying using payment information such as gift certificates and coupons. At the same time, an object is to provide a technique capable of performing a quick and efficient checkout.

  [1] In order to solve the above-described problem, a settlement apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered in a product registration apparatus that registers a product for purchase. Receiving means for receiving information based on product identification information registered by the product registration device and gift certificate information that is payment information; and a settlement means for performing the settlement process based on the information received by the receiving means. .

  [2] The checkout device is inserted when there is a difference between the purchase amount based on the product registered by the product registration device and the amount based on the gift certificate information, and the purchase amount is larger Control means for displaying the amount to be displayed and controlling to display the return amount when the amount based on the gift certificate information is larger may be provided.

  [3] The settlement means may be controlled to discharge change when the purchase amount is larger and money exceeding the amount to be inserted is inserted.

  [4] When the amount based on the gift certificate information is larger, the control means may control to discharge the return amount.

  [5] In order to solve the above-described problem, a checkout system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a product registration device that performs product registration processing of purchased products, and a checkout for the purchased products registered by the product registration device. In a checkout system comprising a checkout device that performs processing, the product registration device includes product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product, and payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information And transmitting means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information as information used for the settlement process, wherein the settlement apparatus receives the information transmitted by the transmission section And a payment means for performing a payment process based on the received information.

  [6] In order to solve the above-described problem, a checkout system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a product registration device that performs product registration processing of a purchased product, and the purchased product registered by the product registration device. In a checkout system comprising a checkout device that performs checkout processing and a computer device that is communicably connected to the product registration device and the checkout device, the product registration device registers product identification information of the purchased product. Product identification information registration means, payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information that is payment information, and information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information as information used in the settlement process Transmitting means for transmitting to the apparatus, wherein the settlement apparatus receives information transmitted from the transmitting means from the computer apparatus. And means, and a settlement means for performing settlement processing based on the received information.

  [7] In order to solve the above-described problem, a program according to another aspect of the present invention functions as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered in a product registration apparatus that registers a purchased product. A receiving means for receiving information based on the product identification information registered in the product registration device and the gift certificate information that is payment information, based on the information received by the receiving means It functions as a settlement means for performing the settlement process.

  [8] In order to solve the above-described problem, a settlement apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process on a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus that registers a purchased product. Receiving means for receiving information based on the product identification information registered in the product registration apparatus and gift certificate information that is payment information; and a checkout means for performing the checkout process based on the information received by the receiving means; Printing means for printing information based on gift certificate information which is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means.

  [9] In order to solve the above-described problem, a program according to another aspect of the present invention functions as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered in a product registration apparatus that registers a purchased product. A receiving means for receiving information based on the product identification information registered in the product registration device and the gift certificate information that is payment information, based on the information received by the receiving means It functions as a settlement means for performing a settlement process, and a printing means for printing information based on the gift certificate information, which is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means.

  According to the present invention, when paying using payment information such as gift certificates and coupons, it is possible to eliminate waiting for cash register without increasing labor costs, and to prevent unauthorized use of gift certificates etc. An efficient checkout can be performed.

It is a perspective view which shows a mode that the checkout system in 1st Embodiment is installed and operating in a store floor. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the goods registration apparatus in the embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the payment apparatus in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the data structure of a goods data file. It is a figure which shows the data internal structure of gift certificate information. It is a figure which shows typically the memory map of the merchandise identification information and gift certificate information which were memorize | stored in RAM (Random Access Memory). In the same embodiment, it is a printing example of a receipt for accounting printed by the printing unit of the product registration device. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the goods registration process which a goods registration apparatus performs. In the same embodiment, it is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the payment process which a payment apparatus performs. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of the accounting menu (a) displayed by the display unit of the settlement apparatus. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of a menu displayed on the display unit of the settlement apparatus. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of a menu displayed on the display unit of the settlement apparatus. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of a menu displayed on the display unit of the settlement apparatus. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of the accounting menu (b) displayed by the display unit of the settlement apparatus. In the same embodiment, it is a display example of the accounting menu (c) displayed by the display unit of the settlement apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the checkout system in 2nd Embodiment. In the same embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows the process sequence between a goods registration apparatus, a payment apparatus, and a store controller.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the checkout system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed and operating on a store floor. As shown in FIG. 1, the checkout system 100 includes five product registration apparatuses 10 and six settlement apparatuses (automatic settlement apparatuses) 20. The merchandise registration apparatus 10 is installed in the merchandise registration counter 11, and the two settlement apparatuses 20 are installed in the settlement counter 21.

  A store controller (not shown) is installed in the backyard of the store where the checkout system 100 is installed. The store controller and each of the five product registration devices 10 and the six checkout devices 20 of the checkout system 100 are communicably connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) not shown. The store controller is a computer device and records a product data file including a data table related to products handled by the store. The store controller updates the product data file on a daily basis, for example, according to the sales status or purchase status of the product, and supplies the updated product data file to each of the 5 product registration devices 10 and 6 checkout devices 20. Details of the product data file will be described later. The store controller may be a part of a POS (Point Of Sales) system or connected to a POS system.

The merchandise registration device 10 stores the merchandise identification information of the merchandise purchased by the shopper C (purchased merchandise) and the voucher information of the voucher when the shopper C wants to settle using the voucher. It is a device that registers in accordance with the operation of the operator S, converts the registered product identification information and gift certificate information into a two-dimensional code, and prints it on an accounting receipt.
The merchandise identification information is information for identifying the merchandise recorded in the barcode attached, pasted, or printed on the merchandise. The merchandise identification information is, for example, a 13-digit JAN (Japan Article Number) code.

The gift certificate is a ticket that has a monetary value and can be used for checkout in the checkout system 100. For example, the gift certificate is a gift certificate, a gift certificate, a coupon ticket, or a service ticket. Gift certificates and gift certificates are common, for example, general-purpose tickets such as gift cards issued by credit card companies, etc., and common gift certificates, book cards, stationery tickets, beer common tickets, etc. that can be used in common throughout the country or specific areas Includes tickets and original tickets issued independently by manufacturers, stores, companies, etc. The coupon ticket is, for example, a ticket describing a discount amount or a discount amount. The service ticket is, for example, a ticket describing that a specific product is provided free of charge for a specific quantity.
In the present embodiment, information relating to the amount of money that can be obtained from a gift certificate in a transaction, the amount of a product subject to service, and the information for identifying the type of gift certificate are referred to as gift certificate information. This is payment information used for payment. In particular, gift certificates, discount coupons, etc., become the payment information of the shopper C because they are all or part of the payment amount.
In addition to the gift certificate, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 may be provided with a payment function with a credit card, and the payment information of the credit card may be two-dimensionally encoded together with the merchandise identification information.

  The product registration device 10 is provided in the product registration counter 11 so that the shopper C and the operator S face each other with the product registration counter 11 in between. Therefore, when the shopper C wants to use the gift certificate, the shopper C and the operator S standing facing each other easily deliver the gift certificate. Similarly, the operator S and the shopper C can easily deliver the accounting receipt printed and output by the merchandise registration apparatus 10.

  The settlement apparatus 20 reads the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt by the operation of the shopper C who has the accounting receipt, and extracts the two-dimensional code recording information recorded in the two-dimensional code. Then, the checkout device 20 is based on the product identification information included in the extracted two-dimensional code record information and the data table of the product data file stored in the checkout device 20 in advance, and the product of the product purchased by the shopper C. The name and sales price are extracted from the data table, and the total purchase price of the extracted sales price is calculated. The total purchase amount is the total sale price of all the products purchased by the shopper C.

  In addition, when the two-dimensional code recording information includes gift certificate information, the settlement apparatus 20 calculates the total gift certificate amount based on the gift certificate information. The total amount of gift certificates is the total amount of money used in the transaction of all gift certificates used by the customer C in the transaction. If the two-dimensional code recording information does not include gift certificate information, the settlement apparatus 20 sets the total gift certificate amount to 0 yen. Further, the settlement apparatus 20 calculates a payment request amount or a return amount based on the calculated total purchase amount and the total amount of gift certificates. The payment request amount is a difference (total purchase amount−total gift certificate amount) when the total gift certificate amount is equal to or less than the total purchase amount. The refund amount is the difference when the total amount of gift certificates is greater than the total purchase amount (total amount of gift certificates minus total purchase amount).

  Then, the checkout device 20 accounts for the product name of the product purchased by the shopper C, the total purchase price, the total price of the gift certificate, the payment request amount or the refund amount, and information prompting the shopper C to perform the checkout operation. Display in the menu. Further, the settlement apparatus 20 includes a change machine, and performs a change process for money inserted by the shopper C. Moreover, the checkout apparatus 20 prints and outputs a receipt (receipt) after the change process.

  The checkout counter 21 is preferably arranged at the destination where the shopper C moves from the product display floor via the product registration counter 11. On the store floor shown in FIG. 1, a merchandise registration counter 11 and a checkout counter 21 are installed so that the shopper C moves from the front left side to the back right hand side in the perspective view. The shopper C who receives the accounting receipt printed by the merchandise registration apparatus 10 from the operator S moves to one of the three settlement counters 21 to a desired settlement counter 21, for example, a vacant settlement counter 21, and settles the settlement. It can be carried out. That is, in the checkout system 100, the usable checkout device 20 is not limited by the product registration device 10 that has printed the accounting receipt.

  Note that the number of product registration devices 10 and the number of checkout devices 20 included in the checkout system 100 are not limited to five and six, but are determined according to, for example, the size and cost of the store. In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the description, a checkout system 100 including one product registration device 10 and a checkout device 20 will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the commodity registration apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the product registration apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and a scanner unit (product identification information registration means) 104. A store clerk display unit 105, a customer display unit 106, a hard disk (product data storage means) 107, a store clerk operation unit 108, a communication unit 109, a buzzer 110, and a printing unit (medium recording unit) 111. Are connected via the bus 112.

  The CPU 101 is a control unit that controls the entire product registration apparatus 10 by reading the product registration program stored in the ROM 102 and developing it in the RAM 103 and executing the steps of the developed product registration program. The CPU 101 executes the product registration program to perform two-dimensional processing based on the product identification information of the purchased product of the shopper C and the gift certificate information when the shopper C wants to use for settlement. Generate code. This two-dimensional code is, for example, a QR code (registered trademark).

  As described above, the ROM 102 stores a product registration program to be executed by the CPU 101 and stores product registration device identification information that is identification information of the product registration device 10. The RAM 103 expands a product registration program read from the ROM 102 by the CPU 101, and stores various variables and data generated by the CPU 101 executing the product registration program, such as product identification information and gift certificate information.

  The scanner unit 104 is a barcode reader that reads a barcode and extracts information recorded in the barcode. When the barcode attached to, pasted on, or printed on the purchased item of the shopper C is positioned so as to be readable in the barcode reading area of the scanner unit 104 by the operation of the operator S itself, the scanner unit 104 displays the barcode. The product identification information read and recorded in the barcode is extracted and stored in the RAM 103.

The salesclerk display unit 105 is a display unit that presents information to the operator S, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. Each time the scanner unit 104 reads the product barcode and stores the product identification information recorded in the barcode in the RAM 103, the CPU 101 stores the product identification information and the data table of the product data file stored in the hard disk 107. Based on the above, the product name and the sales price of the product are extracted from the data table and supplied to the store clerk display unit 105, and the store clerk display unit 105 displays the product name and the sales price.
Further, the store clerk display unit 105 receives and displays the gift certificate information generated by the CPU 101 based on the operation signal supplied from the store clerk operation unit 108 to the CPU 101 in accordance with the operation of the store clerk operation unit 108 by the operator S. To do.

  The customer display unit 106 is a display unit that presents information to the shopper C, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. For example, the customer display unit 106 receives and displays the same information as the store clerk display unit 105 from the CPU 101. The hard disk 107 is a magnetic hard disk device that records a product data file supplied from a store controller connected via the communication unit 109. The hard disk 107 may record a product registration program instead of the ROM 102.

The store clerk operation unit 108 has completed a plurality of gift certificate keys for designating and inputting the type of gift certificate, a number key for designating and inputting a number representing the amount related to the gift certificate, and the registration of the purchased product and the registration of the gift certificate. And a current key for designating and inputting the information. The key is not limited to the current key, and any key may be used as long as it indicates that the registration of the purchased product and the gift certificate information is completed. For example, the key may be used as a print key that instructs the start of printing. That is, the clerk operation unit 108 includes payment information registration means.
Further, the clerk operation unit 108 may include a product designation key registered in advance so as to input product identification information of a specific product. According to this, for the specific product, the product registration device 10 registers the product identification information not by the operation of reading the barcode but by the operation of pressing the product designation key corresponding to the specific product.

  The communication unit 109 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 109 is a network interface unit connected to the store controller via a LAN. The buzzer 110 is a sound generation unit that generates a confirmation sound and a warning sound. For example, when the scanner unit 104 normally reads a bar code or when each key of the clerk operation unit 108 is pressed, the operator S A digital synthesized sound is generated when an incorrect operation is performed by the above. The printing unit 111 prints the two-dimensional code generated by the CPU 101 on a paper medium and outputs it as an accounting receipt.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the settlement apparatus 20. As shown in the figure, the checkout apparatus 20 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a scanner unit (medium reading means) 204, a display unit 205, a customer operation unit 206, a communication unit 207, and a buzzer 208. And a printing unit 209 and a change machine 210 are connected via a bus 211.

  The CPU 201 is a control unit that controls the entire settlement apparatus 20 by reading out the accounting program stored in the ROM 202 and developing it in the RAM 203 and executing the steps of the expanded accounting program. The CPU 201 executes the accounting program, and performs a settlement process based on the two-dimensional code recording information obtained from the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt.

Specifically, the CPU 201 reads out the shopper's C based on the product identification information read from the two-dimensional code by the scanner unit 204 and stored in the RAM 203 and the data table of the product data file stored in the RAM 203 in advance. The product name and sales price of the purchased product are extracted from the data table, and the total purchase price of the extracted sales price is calculated. That is, the CPU 201 includes purchase total amount calculation means.
Further, the CPU 201 calculates the total amount of the gift certificate based on the gift certificate information read from the two-dimensional code by the scanner unit 204 and stored in the RAM 203. Note that if the information read from the two-dimensional code does not include gift certificate information, the CPU 201 sets the total gift certificate amount to 0 yen.

  Further, the CPU 201 calculates a payment request amount or a return amount based on the calculated total purchase amount and total gift certificate amount. Specifically, for example, the CPU 201 calculates a difference between the total purchase amount and the total amount of the gift certificate (total purchase amount−total amount of the gift certificate). If the difference is 0 or a positive integer, the difference is requested to be paid. If the difference is a negative integer, the difference is the return amount. That is, the CPU 201 includes a settlement amount calculation unit.

  As described above, the ROM 202 stores the accounting program to be executed by the CPU 201 and stores the settlement apparatus identification information that is the identification information of the settlement apparatus 20. The RAM 203 stores a product data file supplied from a store controller connected via the communication unit 207. The RAM 203 expands the accounting program read from the ROM 202 by the CPU 201, and various variables and data generated by the CPU 201 executing the process of the checkout record program, for example, the total purchase price, the total price of the gift certificate, the payment request amount, Or remember the refund amount.

  The scanner unit 204 is a two-dimensional code reader that reads a two-dimensional code and extracts two-dimensional code recording information recorded in the two-dimensional code. When the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt is positioned so as to be readable in the two-dimensional code reading area of the scanner unit 204 by the operation of the shopper C itself, the scanner unit 204 reads the two-dimensional code and reads the two-dimensional code. The product identification information recorded in the code or the product identification information and the gift certificate information is extracted and stored in the RAM 203.

  The display unit 205 is a display unit that presents information to the shopper C, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The display unit 205 receives, from the CPU 201, the name of the product purchased by the shopper C, the total purchase price, the total price of the gift certificate, the payment request amount or the return amount, and a character string that prompts the shopper C to perform a checkout operation. In response to the supply of the accounting menu including the information, the accounting menu is displayed. Further, the display unit 205 displays information on the payment amount supplied from the CPU 201. The settlement amount is the amount after settlement that the change machine 210 performs a change process and notifies the CPU 201 of the change.

  The customer operation unit 206 is a touch panel type input device that is provided together with the display unit 205 and generates an operation signal by operating a GUI (Graphical User Interface) operation button displayed on the display unit 205 under the control of the CPU 201. The customer operation unit 206 includes an accounting key for causing the CPU 201 to start a settlement process, and a settlement key for causing the change machine 210 to start a change process. That is, the display unit 205 and the customer operation unit 206 constitute a touch panel type liquid crystal display.

  The communication unit 207 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device. For example, the communication unit 207 is a network interface unit that is connected to the store controller via a LAN. The buzzer 208 is a sound generating unit that generates a confirmation sound and a warning sound. For example, when the scanner unit 204 normally reads a two-dimensional code or when each key of the customer operation unit 206 is pressed, shopping is performed. A digital synthesized sound is generated when an erroneous operation is performed by the customer C.

  The printing unit 209 prints a receipt on a paper medium and outputs it when the CPU 201 finishes the checkout process. The change machine 210 is an automatic change machine provided with a coin and bill input port and a discharge port. The change machine 210 counts the coins and / or bills inserted into the slot by the shopper C and notifies the CPU 201 of the deposit amount. Moreover, the change machine 210 dispenses the money of the return amount based on the return amount notified from the CPU 201 and discharges it to the discharge port.

  Next, the product data file will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a data structure of the product data file. As shown in the figure, the product data file is a file of a data table (product data) including records having items of “product identification information”, “product name”, and “sales price”. is there. The item “product identification information” includes information recorded on a barcode attached, pasted, printed, etc. to the product. In this embodiment, as described above, the product identification information is a 13-digit JAN code. Therefore, the two digits on the upper digit side of the product identification information are information for identifying the country code or the in-store marking. The item “product name” includes a character string representing the product name of the product. The item “sales price” includes a number representing the sales price of the product. The primary key in this data table is the item “product identification information”.

Next, the gift certificate information will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an internal data structure of gift certificate information. As shown in the figure, the gift certificate information is, for example, a 13-digit number. The two-digit number from the upper digit side is “identifier”, the next two digits are “type”, and the next two digits are “reserved”. The remaining 7 digits are expressed as “amount”.
The “identifier” is a fixed number that is commonly applied to the gift certificate information, and is a number that does not match the upper two digits of the product identification information. For example, when the product identification information is a JAN code, the “identifier” is a number that is not included in the country code and the in-store marking (for example, “90”). “Type” is a number indicating the type of gift certificate, for example, gift certificate and gift certificate = “01”, coupon ticket = “02”, service ticket = “03”. “Preliminary” is a number that is not used (referenced) by the merchandise registration apparatus 10 and the checkout apparatus 20 and is “00”. In addition, the number of “type” may be expanded using “reserved” to classify the gift certificate in more detail. The “amount” is a number representing the amount described on the gift certificate or the amount related to the described product name or service content. For example, for a gift certificate described as “XX common gift certificate ¥ 1,000”, “amount” is “0001000”, and for a coupon certificate described as “△△ store coupon ticket 500 yen discount” “Amount” is “0000500”.

  When the CPU 101 of the product registration apparatus 10 executes the product registration program and the product registration of the product purchased by the shopper C and the product certificate information of the product certificate are performed, the product identification information and the product certificate information are stored in the RAM 103. Is done. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a memory map of product identification information and gift certificate information stored in the RAM 103. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 4 together, the memory map shown in FIG. 6 shows that the product name is “XX oil” and the selling price is “650”, and the product name is “△△ meat”. This indicates that a product whose sales price is “850” and a gift certificate whose type is “gift certificate and gift certificate” and whose amount is “1000” are registered.

  Next, the accounting receipt will be described. FIG. 7 is a print example of the accounting receipt printed by the printing unit 111 of the commodity registration apparatus 10. As shown in the figure, the accounting receipt 7 has a printing date and time (“printing date May 06, 2010, 14:30:50”) and a transaction identification number (“shopping” Basket No. 126 ”), the number of items purchased (“ 2 points for purchase ”), and a QR code (registered trademark) as a two-dimensional code are printed.

  In addition, when registering gift certificate information in the commodity registration process, the commodity registration apparatus 10 may print the gift certificate usage information (particularly, the amount of the gift certificate) on the accounting receipt. That is, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 stores, in the RAM 103, a fixed sentence of the gift certificate usage information for each “class” of the gift certificate information, and based on the information of the “class” and “amount” of the gift certificate information. The fixed form text with the money amount information is printed on the accounting receipt 7 by the printing unit 111. Specifically, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 may use, for example, “gift certificates received for ¥ 5,000 minutes” for gift certificate information whose “type” is “01” and “money amount” is “0005000”. It will be used for checkout. ”On the receipt 7 for accounting.

Next, the operation of the checkout system 100 will be described by dividing it into a product registration process executed by the product registration apparatus 10 and a checkout process executed by the checkout apparatus 20.
First, the product registration process by the product registration apparatus 10 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of product registration processing executed by the product registration apparatus 10. When the CPU 101 reads out the product registration program stored in the ROM 102 and expands it in the RAM 103 and starts executing the expanded product registration program, the product registration apparatus 10 starts a product registration process according to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S <b> 1, when the barcode attached to, pasted, or printed on the purchased item of the shopper C is positioned so as to be readable in the barcode reading area of the scanner unit 104 by the operation of the operator S itself, the scanner unit 104 The barcode is read to extract the product identification information recorded in the barcode, and the product identification information is stored in the RAM 103. In addition, when there are a plurality of the same purchased products, when the number of purchases of the purchased product is input by the operator S operating the number keys of the store clerk operation unit 108, the store clerk operation unit 108 displays a key code indicating the number of purchases. Is stored in the RAM 103 based on the supplied key code.

  Next, in step S <b> 2, the CPU 101 determines whether any one of the plurality of gift certificate keys of the clerk operation unit 108 has been pressed. That is, when a gift certificate is presented from a shopper C who wishes to settle using a gift certificate, the operator S receives the gift certificate from the shopper C, determines the type of the gift certificate, A gift certificate key corresponding to the determined type is pressed from a plurality of gift certificate keys corresponding to the type of gift certificate. For example, the operator S who has received the gift certificate described as “XX common gift certificate ¥ 1,000” from the shopper C presses the gift certificate key provided corresponding to the gift certificate and the gift certificate. By this operation, the clerk operation unit 108 supplies the key code of the pressed gift certificate key to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 takes in the supplied key code and provides the gift certificate and the gift certificate corresponding to the gift certificate. It is determined that the ticket key has been pressed. If the CPU 101 determines that the gift certificate key has been pressed (S2: YES), the process proceeds to step S3. If the CPU 101 determines that the gift certificate key has not been pressed (S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S4. Move on to processing.

  In the process of step S3, the CPU 101 determines the identifier of the gift certificate (for example, “90”) determined in advance and the type number (for example, the gift certificate and the predetermined number corresponding to the pressed gift certificate key). Gift certificate information is generated based on “01”) and a numeric code (for example, “1000”) of the amount supplied from the clerk operation unit 108, and the gift certificate information is stored in the RAM 103.

Specifically, when the gift certificate is a gift certificate or gift certificate for 1000 yen, the CPU 101 displays, for example, “90”, which is a predetermined gift certificate identifier, and the pressed gift certificate and gift certificate. Based on “01”, which is a type number determined in advance corresponding to the associated gift certificate key, and “1000”, which is a numeric code of the amount supplied from the clerk operation unit 108, FIG. The gift certificate information “9001000001000” shown is generated and stored in the RAM 103.
When the gift certificate is a 500 yen discount coupon, the CPU 101 corresponds to, for example, “90” which is a predetermined gift certificate identifier and a gift certificate key associated with the pressed coupon certificate. 5 is generated based on “02”, which is the type number determined in advance, and “500”, which is the numeric code of the amount supplied from the clerk operation unit 108. And stored in the RAM 103.

  Next, in step S4, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the current key of the clerk operation unit 108 has been pressed. That is, the operator S completes the product registration of the product purchased by the shopper C, and if there is a gift certificate desired to be used, the registration of the gift certificate is completed, When it is confirmed that there is no application for use, a current key provided in the clerk operation unit 108 is pressed. By this operation, the store clerk operation unit 108 supplies the key code of the pressed current key to the CPU 101, and the CPU 101 takes in the supplied key code and determines that the current key is pressed. If the CPU 101 determines that the current key has been pressed (S4: YES), the CPU 101 generates a two-dimensional code based on the purchased product information and the gift certificate information stored in the RAM 103, and proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines that the current total key has not been pressed (S4: NO), the process proceeds to step S1.

  In step S5, the CPU 101 determines the date and time information of the provided clock, a transaction identification number represented by a number that increases by 1 for each transaction, the number of products purchased as the number of product identification information, a two-dimensional code, Is supplied to the printing unit 111. Then, the printing unit 111 prints the supplied information and outputs it as an accounting receipt.

Next, a settlement process by the settlement apparatus 20 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the settlement process executed by the settlement apparatus 20. When the CPU 201 reads the settlement program stored in the ROM 203 and expands it in the RAM 203 and starts executing the expanded settlement program, the settlement apparatus 20 starts the settlement process according to the flowchart of FIG.
Note that the settlement apparatus 20 stores in advance the product data file supplied from the store controller in the RAM 203 before executing the settlement process.

In step S11, when the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt is positioned so as to be readable in the two-dimensional code reading area of the scanner unit 204 by the operation of the shopper C itself, the scanner unit 204 reads the two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code recording information read and recorded in the two-dimensional code is extracted and stored in the RAM 203.
Specifically, for example, the scanner unit 204 reads a two-dimensional code printed on an accounting receipt, “491234568786” and “491234567980”, which are product identification information recorded in the two-dimensional code, and gift certificate information. “9001000001000” is extracted and stored in the RAM 203. As a result, the memory map shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 201 extracts the product identification information from the two-dimensional code recording information stored in the RAM 203, and uses the extracted product identification information as a search key to store the product name and sales from the data table of the product data file stored in the RAM 203 in advance. Extract with price. As a method for extracting product identification information, for example, the CPU 201 extracts, from the two-dimensional code recording information stored in the RAM 203, only data in which the upper two-digit number indicates the product identification information. Next, the CPU 201 counts the extracted product identification information having the same number (however, if there is no identical product, the count result is “1”), and counts for each product identification information. The result (that is, the number of purchases), the product name, and the sales price are stored in the RAM 203. Then, the CPU 201 calculates the total price of the selling price and stores it in the RAM 203 as the total price for purchase.

Next, in step S12, the CPU 201 searches for the gift certificate information from the two-dimensional code record information stored in the RAM 203, and when the gift certificate information is detected (S12: YES), the amount is extracted from the gift certificate information. To do. As a method for extracting gift certificate information, for example, the CPU 201 extracts, from the two-dimensional code recording information stored in the RAM 203, only data in which the upper two digits indicate the gift certificate information. Next, the CPU 201 calculates the total amount of one or more pieces of gift certificate information, stores it in the RAM 203 as a gift certificate total amount, and proceeds to the process of step S13.
On the other hand, when the CPU 201 does not extract the gift certificate information from the two-dimensional code recording information stored in the RAM 203 (S12: NO), the CPU 201 stores the gift certificate total amount as “0” in the RAM 203, and proceeds to the process of step S24.

  In step S13, the CPU 201 calculates a difference between the total purchase amount stored in the RAM 203 and the total amount of gift certificates (total purchase amount−total amount of gift certificates), and when the difference is “0” or a positive integer (S13). : YES), the difference is stored in the RAM 203 as a payment request amount, and the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the calculated difference is a negative integer (S13: NO), the CPU 201 stores the difference in the RAM 203 as a refund amount, and proceeds to the process of step S22.

In step S <b> 14, the CPU 201 includes information on the product name of the purchased product of the shopper C, the number of purchases, the total purchase price, the total price of the gift certificate, and the payment request amount, which are stored in the RAM 203. The transaction menu (a) including the image of the GUI operation button is supplied to the display unit 205. Then, the display unit 205 displays the accounting menu (a). The accounting key which is a GUI operation button has the function of the customer operation unit 206.
A display example of the accounting menu (a) displayed on the display unit 205 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the process of step S14, the display unit 205 displays a menu 50a. On the left side of the menu 50a, the name of the product purchased by the shopper C and the number of purchases are displayed for each product, and on the right side of the menu 50a, the total purchase amount, the total amount of gift certificates, the payment request amount, Information including the accounting key 51 and information prompting the user to press the accounting key 51 (“Please press the accounting key”) is displayed.

In step S15, when the accounting key 51 is touched by the shopper C, the customer operation unit 206 supplies an operation signal indicating that the accounting key 51 has been touched to the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 receives the operation signal. Then, the process proceeds to step S16.
Next, in step S <b> 16, the CPU 201 supplies a menu including the payment request amount stored in the RAM 203 and the image of the GUI operation button of the settlement key to the display unit 205. Then, the display unit 205 displays the menu. A settlement key that is a GUI operation button has a function of the customer operation unit 206.
A display example of the menu displayed by the display unit 205 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the process of step S16, the display unit 205 displays a menu 60a. The menu 60a displays information including a payment request amount for the shopper C, a settlement key 61, and information prompting the settlement key 61 to be pressed ("Please enter the change machine and press the settlement key"). Is done.

Next, in step S17, when money corresponding to the payment request amount is inserted by the shopper C into the insertion slot of the change machine 210, the change machine 210 deposits the inserted money, and the deposit amount is sent to the CPU 201. Notice. Then, the CPU 201 stores the deposit amount in the RAM 203.
Next, in step S18, the CPU 201 supplies the deposit amount stored in the RAM 203 to the display unit 205, and the display unit displays the deposit amount. Specifically, for example, when the deposit amount is “1000”, the display unit 205 displays the menu 60b shown in FIG.
Next, in step S19, when the settlement key 61 is touched by the shopper C, the customer operation unit 206 supplies an operation signal indicating that the settlement key 61 has been touched to the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 performs the operation. In response to the signal, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20 executed after the processing of step S19, the CPU 201 calculates the difference between the payment request amount stored in the RAM 203 and the payment amount (payment amount−payment request amount), and the difference is “0” or positive. When it is an integer (that is, when the change amount is 0 yen or there is a change amount), the difference is stored in the RAM 203 as the change amount. Next, the CPU 201 notifies the change machine 210 of the change amount. Receiving the change amount notice, the change machine 210 withdraws the change amount and discharges it to the outlet. Then, the change machine 210 supplies a change notification of the change process to the CPU 201. Next, the CPU 201 supplies the change amount stored in the RAM 203 to the display unit 205, and the display unit displays the change amount. Specifically, when the change amount is “500”, the display unit 205 displays a menu 70a shown in FIG.

  In the process of step S20, when the difference calculated by the CPU 201 is a negative integer (that is, when there is an insufficient amount), the difference is not shown in the flowchart of FIG. The request amount is stored in the RAM 203, and the process returns to step S16.

  In step S <b> 21, upon receiving a change processing completion notification from the change machine 210, the CPU 201 stores the product name, the sales price, the number of purchases, the total purchase price, the total purchase price of the shopper C stored in the RAM 203, Receipt description information including information on the deposit amount and change amount is supplied to the printing unit 209. The printing unit 209 prints the receipt description information on a paper medium and outputs it as a receipt, and notifies the CPU 201 of the print completion information. Then, the CPU 201 that has received the supply of the print completion information ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the difference calculated by the CPU 201 in the process of step S13 is a negative integer (S13: NO), in step S22, the CPU 201 stores the product name, the number of purchases, and the purchase of the product purchased by the shopper C stored in the RAM 203. An accounting menu (b) including information on the total amount, the total amount of gift certificates, and the refund amount, and including an image of a GUI operation button of an accounting key is supplied to the display unit 205. Then, the display unit 205 displays the accounting menu (b).
A display example of the accounting menu (b) displayed on the display unit 205 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the process of step S22, the display unit 205 displays a menu 50b. On the left side of the menu 50b, the name of the product purchased by the shopper C and the number of purchases are displayed for each product. On the right side of the menu 50b, the total amount of purchase, the total amount of gift certificates, the refund amount, and accounting Information including the key 51 and information prompting the user to press the accounting key 51 (“Please press the accounting key”) is displayed.

  In step S23, when the accounting key 51 is touched by the shopper C, the customer operation unit 206 supplies an operation signal indicating that the accounting key 51 is touched to the CPU 201, and the CPU 201 receives the operation signal. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20 that is executed after the processing of step S <b> 23, the CPU 201 notifies the change machine 210 of the return amount stored in the RAM 203. The change machine 210 that has received the notification of the refund amount withdraws the money of the return amount and discharges it to the discharge port. Then, the change machine 210 supplies a change notification of the change process to the CPU 201. Next, the CPU 201 supplies the return amount stored in the RAM 203 to the display unit 205 as a change amount, and the display unit displays the change amount.

When the CPU 201 does not extract the gift certificate information from the two-dimensional code record information stored in the RAM 203 in the process of step S12 (S12: NO), the CPU 201 stores the commodity purchased by the shopper C stored in the RAM 203 in step S24. An accounting menu (c) including information on the name, the number of purchases, and the total purchase amount, and including an image of the GUI operation button of the accounting key is supplied to the display unit 205. The display unit 205 displays the transaction menu (c). Then, the process proceeds to step S15.
A display example of the accounting menu (c) displayed on the display unit 205 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the process of step S24, the display unit 205 displays a menu 50c. On the left side of the menu 50c, the name of the product purchased by the shopper C and the number of purchases are displayed for each product. On the right side of the menu 50c, the total amount of purchase, the accounting key 51, and the accounting key 51 are pressed. Information that prompts you ("Please press the check key").

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the operator S is recorded on the barcode attached, pasted, printed, etc. to the purchased product in the product registration of the purchased product of the shopper C by the product registration device 10. Only the product identification information and the gift certificate information used by the shopper C are registered. Then, the shopper C performs checkout by the checkout device 20 using the accounting receipt printed with the product identification information and the gift certificate information two-dimensionally encoded. Therefore, the shopper C who has completed registration by the product registration apparatus 10 moves to the desired settlement apparatus 20 (for example, a vacant settlement apparatus 20) and settles, so that the time spent in the commodity registration apparatus 10 is retained. In the checkout system 100, there is no possibility that a bottleneck (a large waiting time by the shopper) related to the transaction processing by the operator S will occur, and the transaction time can be shortened. Further, since the operator S receives and registers the gift certificate from the shopper C in the product registration apparatus 10, there is no fear of unauthorized use such as reuse of the gift certificate by the shopper C. In addition, since the shopper C does not need to call or meet the operator S at the time of payment using the gift certificate, the check-out work is efficient. Moreover, since the long waiting time by the shopper C does not occur, it is not necessary to increase the lanes of the product registration device 10, and the increase in labor costs can be suppressed.
That is, according to the first embodiment, when paying using the gift certificate information, it is possible to reliably prevent unauthorized use of the gift certificate and perform quick and efficient check-out without increasing labor costs. it can.

Further, according to the first embodiment, since the code printed on the accounting receipt output from the commodity registration apparatus 10 is a two-dimensional code, a large amount of information can be included in the two-dimensional code, so that the settlement apparatus The number of readings at 20 can be set to one, thereby preventing erroneous accounting and performing efficient accounting.
Moreover, according to 1st Embodiment, since the gift certificate information registered in the goods registration apparatus 10 is displayed on the display part 205 of the payment apparatus 20 in the case of payment, the shopper C is the goods which self showed. It is possible to visually confirm that the ticket is surely used in the checkout, and it is possible to perform quick accounting without worrying about reconfirmation for the store clerk.
Further, in the first embodiment, when the product registration device 10 prints the gift certificate usage information (especially, the amount of the gift certificate) on the gift certificate, the shopper C is the product presented by himself / herself. Since it can be confirmed before the settlement process that the desired amount of money is surely used in the settlement, it is possible to perform a quick accounting without worrying about reconfirmation for the clerk.

[Second Embodiment]
In the checkout system 100 in the first embodiment described above, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 converts the merchandise identification information and the gift certificate information into a two-dimensional code, prints it on an accounting receipt, and outputs it. The two-dimensional code printed on the receipt is read, and the settlement process is performed based on the two-dimensional code recording information recorded in the two-dimensional code and the data table of the product data file supplied from the store controller.
The second embodiment of the present invention is an example in which the two-dimensional code recording information included in the two-dimensional code recorded on the accounting receipt is different from the first embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a checkout system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the checkout system 200 has a configuration in which two product registration apparatuses 10a, two settlement apparatuses (automatic settlement apparatuses) 20a, and a store controller 30 are connected via a LAN 40. Have. Since the configuration of the merchandise registration apparatus 10a and the settlement apparatus 20a is the same as the configuration of the merchandise registration apparatus 10 and the settlement apparatus 20 in the first embodiment, description of each specific configuration is omitted.
Note that the number of product registration devices 10a and the number of checkout devices 20a included in the checkout system 200 are not limited to two, but are determined according to, for example, the size and cost of the store.

The operation of the checkout system 200 will be described. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram showing a processing procedure among the merchandise registration apparatus 10a, the checkout apparatus 20a, and the store controller 30. First, in step S <b> 31, the CPU 101 of the product registration apparatus 10 a executes product registration processing in the same manner as the product registration processing in the first embodiment, and stores product identification information and gift certificate information in the RAM 103.
Next, in step S32, the CPU 101 generates a transaction identification number for identifying the transaction by the shopper C, and a registration data file including the transaction identification information, the product identification information stored in the RAM 103, and the gift certificate information. And the file data is stored in the RAM 103. The transaction identification information is, for example, a positive integer that increases for each transaction.
Next, the CPU 101 converts the transaction identification information into a two-dimensional code and supplies it to the printing unit 111. The printing unit 111 prints the two-dimensional code on a paper medium and outputs it as an accounting receipt.

Next, in step S <b> 33, the CPU 101 reads the file data of the registration data file stored in the RAM 103 and supplies the file data from the communication unit 109 to the store controller 30 via the LAN 40.
In step S34, the store controller 30 takes in the registration data file supplied from the product registration device 10a. Next, in step S35, the store controller 30 stores the fetched registration data file in a storage unit such as a magnetic hard disk device. To do.
Next, in step S <b> 36, the store controller 30 distributes the registration data file to all the checkout devices 20 a included in the checkout system 200 via the LAN 40.

In step S <b> 37, all the checkout apparatuses 20 a included in the checkout system 200 receive the registration data file by the communication unit 207 and store it in the RAM 203.
Next, in step S38, the checkout apparatus 20a that causes the scanner unit 204 to read the two-dimensional code using the accounting receipt printed in the process of step S32 is the two-dimensional code recording information recorded in the two-dimensional code. Transaction identification information is extracted from and stored in the RAM 203. Then, the CPU 201 of the settlement apparatus 20a specifies a registration data file using the transaction identification information as a search key for the transaction identification information stored in the RAM 203 and the file data of the registration data file, and stores the product identification information from the registration data file. The gift certificate information is extracted. Next, the CPU 201 executes a settlement process based on the extracted product identification information and gift certificate information in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the operator S is recorded on the barcode attached, pasted, printed, etc. to the purchased product in the product registration of the purchased product of the shopper C by the product registration device 10a. Only the product identification information and the gift certificate information used by the shopper C are registered. Then, the shopper C performs payment by the payment apparatus 20a using a transaction receipt in which transaction identification information is two-dimensionally encoded and printed. Therefore, the shopper C who has completed registration by the product registration apparatus 10a moves to the desired settlement apparatus 20a (for example, a vacant settlement apparatus 20a) and settles, so that the time spent in the product registration apparatus 10a Can be shortened. Therefore, the checkout system 200 can reduce the transaction time without causing a bottleneck (a large waiting time by the shopper) related to the transaction processing by the operator S. Further, since the gift certificate information is received and registered by the operator S from the shopper C, there is no risk of unauthorized use such as the reuse of the gift certificate by the shopper C. In addition, since the shopper C does not need to call or meet the operator S at the time of payment using the gift certificate, the check-out work is efficient. Further, since a long waiting time by the shopper C does not occur, it is not necessary to increase the lane of the product registration device 10a, and an increase in labor costs can be suppressed.
That is, according to the second embodiment, when paying using the gift certificate information, it is possible to reliably prevent unauthorized use of the gift certificate and perform quick and efficient checkout without increasing labor costs. it can.

In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the accounting receipt is a paper medium on which a two-dimensional code is printed has been described. In addition to this, an IC card having a built-in IC chip capable of writing and reading data is used instead of an accounting receipt, and product identification information and gift certificate information are written on the IC card on the product registration device 10 side. The product identification information and the gift certificate information may be read from the IC card and used on the settlement apparatus 20 side.
Similarly, the transaction identification information may be written on the IC card on the product registration device 10a side, and the transaction identification information may be read from the IC card on the settlement device 20 side and used.
When an IC card is used, a collection box for the IC card used for the settlement process is installed beside the settlement apparatus 20.

  In the first embodiment, the product registration device 10 and the checkout device 20 are not connected online, and product identification information and gift certificate information are recorded in the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt 7. An example is shown. In addition to this, for example, all the product registration devices 10 and all the checkout devices 20 in the checkout system 100 are connected by a LAN, and the product registration device 10 stores a transaction identification number, product identification information, and a gift certificate for each transaction. The table information associated with the information may be distributed to all the settlement apparatuses 20. In this case, for each transaction, the printing unit 111 of the merchandise registration apparatus 10 converts the transaction identification number of the transaction into a two-dimensional code or a bar code and prints it on the accounting receipt. Then, the scanner unit 204 of the settlement apparatus 20 acquires a transaction identification number when the code printed on the accounting receipt is read, and the settlement apparatus 20 uses the acquired transaction identification number as a search key from the product registration apparatus 10. Product identification information and gift certificate information are acquired from the supplied table information, and a checkout process is performed.

Further, the scanner unit 104 of the product registration apparatus 10 may be configured to record, for example, product identification information and payment information in addition to directly recording the product identification information and payment information in a two-dimensional code as shown in the first embodiment. May be recorded by encoding key information that can be indirectly specified. In the case of indirectly specifying in this way, for example, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 associates the registered merchandise identification information and payment information with the key information and transmits them to the settlement apparatus 20. The unit 204 reads the key information recorded on the medium, thereby specifying the product identification information and payment information transmitted from the product registration apparatus 10.
Further, for example, the merchandise registration apparatus 10 stores the registered merchandise identification information and payment information in the RAM 103 in association with the key information, and the settlement apparatus 20 reads the key information recorded on the medium by the scanner unit 204, The product identification information and payment information stored in the RAM 103 of the product registration apparatus 10 may be referred to based on the key information.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the example is shown in which the gift certificate information is input by operating the numeric keys of the salesclerk operation unit 108 of the commodity registration device 10 or 10a. In addition, information related to the amount of money and the product to be serviced may be converted into a barcode and printed, and the scanner unit 104 may read the barcode of the gift certificate and register the gift certificate information.

  In the first and second embodiments, the settlement devices 20 and 20a calculate the total purchase amount. However, the product registration devices 10 and 10a calculate the total purchase amount and The total purchase price may be two-dimensionally encoded together with the identification information and the gift certificate information. In this case, the settlement apparatuses 20 and 20a can perform the settlement process by acquiring the product identification information, the gift certificate information, and the total purchase price from the two-dimensional code printed on the accounting receipt.

  Moreover, in 1st and 2nd embodiment, the payment apparatuses 20 and 20a were the examples which are provided with the change machine 210 and perform cash payment. In addition, the settlement apparatuses 20 and 20a may be apparatuses (automatic settlement apparatuses) that perform settlement by electronic money settlement. Further, the settlement apparatus 20, 20a may be configured so that the shopper C can select any settlement method between cash settlement and settlement by electronic money settlement.

  In the second embodiment, when the settlement apparatus 20a reads the identification information from the medium and performs settlement, the CPU 101 refers to the store controller 30 for the product identification information and the payment information specified by the read identification information. You may make it do. Further, when the checkout device 20a reads the identification information from the medium, the checkout device 20a sends a command to the store controller 30 to request that the product identification information and payment information corresponding to the identification information be sent to the checkout device 20a. May be. Then, the settlement apparatus a may perform the settlement process by taking in the product identification information and the payment information transmitted from the store controller 30 based on the command.

  With this configuration, an operator (for example, a clerk) only registers product identification information corresponding to the purchased product and payment information used by the shopper in the product registration of the purchased product. Since the settlement apparatus uses the medium in which the registered product identification information and payment information are recorded, the waiting time of the shopper in the product registration apparatus can be shortened. That is, since the number of shoppers waiting at the product registration device can be reduced, it is not necessary to increase the lane of the cash register, and hence the cash register waiting can be eliminated without increasing the labor cost. In addition, for example, payment information such as gift certificates and coupons is registered by the operator, so there is no risk of unauthorized use by shoppers. Further, since the shopper does not need to call an operator or meet for the processing of the gift certificate or the like at the time of checkout, the checkout work becomes efficient.

  Further, the medium recording means may be configured to directly code and record the product identification information and the payment information, or code key information that can indirectly identify the product identification information and the payment information. It may be recorded. In such a case of specifying indirectly, for example, the merchandise registration apparatus associates the registered merchandise identification information and payment information with the key information and transmits it to the settlement apparatus. The product identification information and the payment information transmitted from the product registration device may be specified by reading the key information recorded on the medium. Further, for example, the merchandise registration apparatus stores the registered merchandise identification information and payment information in association with the key information, and the settlement apparatus reads the key information recorded on the medium by the medium reading means and uses the key information as the key information. The product identification information and payment information stored in the product registration apparatus may be referred to based on the information.

Further, in the checkout system, the medium recording unit converts the registered product identification information and payment information into a two-dimensional code and prints and records it on a medium, and the medium reading unit prints and records the two-dimensional code recorded on the medium. The code is read, and the checkout means performs the checkout process by specifying the product identification information and the payment information from the read two-dimensional code.
With this configuration, the product identification information and the payment information are printed on the medium as a two-dimensional code, and the product identification information and the payment information are extracted and settled by reading the printed two-dimensional code. The Therefore, since a large number of information can be included in one two-dimensional code, the number of readings can be reduced, thereby preventing erroneous accounting and performing efficient accounting.

The computer device stores the product identification information registered in the product registration device, the payment information, and the identification information in association with each other, and the settlement device reads the identification information recorded on the medium and is specified by the identification information. Settlement based on the product identification information and payment information. Therefore, since the information recorded on the medium only needs to be identification information for identifying the transaction, a medium having a small recording capacity can be used.
When the settlement apparatus reads the identification information from the medium and performs settlement, the settlement means may refer to the computer apparatus for the product identification information and payment information specified by the read identification information. Further, when the checkout apparatus reads the identification information from the medium, the checkout means transmits a command requesting to send the merchandise identification information and payment information corresponding to the identification information to the checkout apparatus to the computer apparatus. May be. Then, the settlement apparatus may perform the settlement process by taking in the product identification information and the payment information transmitted from the computer apparatus based on the command.

  In the past, when a cashier is used to make a payment using a register that performs product registration and payment of the purchased product through the operation of the store clerk, the store clerk must register the product for this transaction, register the necessary items for the gift certificate, Since the settlement is performed collectively, the time required for the transaction becomes long. In particular, when a large number of shoppers are concentrated on a specific day or a specific time, such as a department store special sales venue or a supermarket grocery store, the checkout counter becomes crowded. Many shoppers wait for payment, and so-called “waiting for cash register” occurs. In order to solve this problem, it is possible to increase the cashier lanes, but this also increases the number of store clerk, resulting in a labor cost. In addition, there is a self-register that allows the shopper to register and pay for the product in order to reduce labor costs. However, when paying using a gift certificate, each time it is necessary to prevent unauthorized use of the gift certificate. The store clerk had to be called for payment using the gift certificate, so the check-in work was inefficient and unpopular with the shoppers. In this regard, the following additional notes are disclosed.

[Appendix 1]
In a merchandise registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise, merchandise identification information registration means for registering merchandise identification information of the purchased merchandise, payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information, and the registered merchandise An output unit that outputs information based on identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information.

[Appendix 2]
In a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for purchased products, an input unit that inputs information based on product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information; and a settlement unit that performs a settlement process based on the input information. A settlement apparatus characterized by comprising.
Also, the following [1] to [5] may be used.
[1] In a checkout system including a merchandise registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise and a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for the purchased merchandise registered by the merchandise registration apparatus, the merchandise registration apparatus includes the purchase Product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of products, payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information, and information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information And an output means for outputting, wherein the settlement apparatus comprises an input means for inputting information output by the output means, and a settlement means for performing a settlement process based on the input information. .
[2] The checkout system according to [1], wherein the gift certificate information as the payment information is monetary information included in a predetermined gift certificate. Here, the monetary information included in the gift certificate is, for example, money amount information indicating a usable amount of a gift certificate, money amount information indicating a discount amount of a coupon ticket, etc. The amount information included is used reliably and safely in the settlement.
[3] In the checkout system according to any one of [1] and [2], the settlement apparatus further includes a payment information display unit that displays gift certificate information that is payment information specified by the settlement unit. Features.
With this configuration, the payment information registered in the merchandise registration apparatus is displayed on the settlement apparatus at the time of settlement. Therefore, the shopper can visually confirm that the payment information such as the gift certificate presented by the shopper is surely used in the checkout, so that the clerk should make a quick accounting without worrying about reconfirmation to the store clerk. Can do.
[4] In the checkout system according to any one of [1] to [3], the output unit may further output amount information included in gift certificate information that is the registered payment information. Features.
With this configuration, the amount information included in the payment information registered by the product registration device is printed on the medium used for settlement. Can be confirmed before the settlement process, so that it is possible to perform quick accounting without worrying about reconfirmation for the store clerk.
[5] A checkout system comprising a product registration device that performs product registration processing for purchased products and a payment device that performs payment processing for the purchased products registered by the product registration device, wherein the product registration device and the payment device And a product information registration unit for registering product identification information of the purchased product, and payment information registration for registering gift certificate information as payment information. Registration data for generating identification information for each transaction, identification data generation means for generating identification information for each transaction, gift certificate information that is the registered product identification information, payment information, and the generated identification information as registration data Transmission means, and output means for outputting the identification information, wherein the computer device receives the transmitted registration data. Registration data storage means for storing the data, and the settlement apparatus stores in the registration data storage means of the computer device, based on the input means for inputting the identification information output by the output means, and the input identification information. And a checkout means for performing a checkout process by specifying the registered product identification information and the gift certificate information as payment information based on the stored registration data.

[Appendix 3]
Also, the following [6] to [9] may be used.
[6] In a checkout system including a merchandise registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise and a settlement apparatus that performs settlement processing for the purchased merchandise registered by the merchandise registration apparatus, the merchandise registration apparatus includes the purchase Product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of products, payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information, and information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information Transmitting means for transmitting as information used for the settlement process, the settlement apparatus receiving means for receiving information transmitted by the transmission means, a settlement means for performing settlement processing based on the received information, Printing means for printing information based on gift certificate information that is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means.
[7] A commodities registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise, a settlement apparatus that performs settlement processing for the purchased merchandise registered by the merchandise registration apparatus, and the commodities registration apparatus and the settlement apparatus can communicate with each other. In a checkout system comprising a connected computer device, the product registration device includes product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product, and payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information. And transmitting means that transmits information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information to the computer device as information used in the checkout process, wherein the checkout device is transmitted by the transmitting means. Receiving means for receiving the received information from the computer device, settlement means for performing a settlement process based on the received information, and the receiving means And printing means for printing information based on a payment information included in the received information goods ticket information, characterized in that it comprises a.
[8] In the checkout system according to [6] or [7], the payment information registration unit registers a gift certificate type information registration unit for registering a gift certificate type information, and a price information of the gift certificate. The gift certificate information that includes gift certificate amount information registration means and is payment information may be information including at least the registered type information and amount information.
[9] In the checkout system according to any one of [6] to [8], the payment apparatus displays payment information that is payment information included in the information received by the receiving unit. Information display means may be further provided.

[Appendix 4]
Also, the following [10] to [17] may be used.
[10] A program that causes the first computer to function as a product registration device that performs product registration processing of purchased products, and causes the second computer to function as a settlement device that performs settlement processing for the purchased products registered by the product registration device. The first computer includes product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product, payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information, and the registered product identification information and payment information. Information based on certain gift certificate information is made to function as a transmission means for transmitting to the settlement apparatus as information used for the settlement process, and the second computer is a reception means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmission means, and the received information Information based on gift certificate information which is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means; To function as a printing means for printing.
[11] The purchased product registered by the product registration device connected to the computer device so that the first computer functions as a product registration device that is communicably connected to the computer device and performs product registration processing of the purchased product. A program for causing a second computer to function as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process on the product, wherein the first computer has product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product, and gift certificate information that is payment information. Payment information registration means for registering, functioning as transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information to the computer device as information used in the settlement process, and the second computer, Receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmitting means from the computer device; And settlement means for performing settlement processing based on the information, the receiving means to function as a printing means for printing information based on the article deals a payment information is included in the received information.
[12] A merchandise registration apparatus for performing merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise, the merchandise identification information registering means for registering merchandise identification information of the purchased merchandise, and payment information registering means for registering gift certificate information as payment information. And transmitting means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information to the settlement apparatus as information used for the settlement process.
[13] A merchandise registration apparatus that is communicably connected to a computer device and performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise, and merchandise identification information registration means for registering merchandise identification information of the purchased merchandise, and gift certificate information that is payment information Payment information registration means for registering information, and transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information to the computer device as information used in the settlement process.
[14] A program that causes a computer to function as a product registration device that performs product registration processing for purchased products, the computer using the product identification information registration means for registering the product identification information of the purchased product, and a gift certificate that is payment information It functions as a payment information registration means for registering information, and a transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information to the settlement apparatus as information used in the settlement process.
[15] A program for causing a computer to function as a product registration device that is communicably connected to a computer device and performs a product registration process for a purchased product, and registers the product identification information for registering the product identification information of the purchased product. Means for payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information as payment information, and transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information as payment information to the computer device as information used in the settlement process To function as.
[16] A settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus that registers a product for purchase, wherein the gift certificate information is product identification information and payment information registered by the product registration apparatus. Printing means for printing information based on gift certificate information that is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means Means.
[17] A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a commodity registration apparatus that registers a commodity for purchase, and the computer registers the commodity with the commodity registration apparatus Receiving means for receiving gift certificate information as identification information and payment information, payment means for performing the payment process based on information received by the receiving means, and gift certificate being payment information included in the information received by the receiving means It functions as printing means for printing information based on the information.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

10, 10a Product registration device 11 Product registration counter 20, 20a Settlement device (automatic settlement device)
21 Settlement counter 30 Store controller 40 LAN
100, 200 Checkout system 101, 201 CPU
102, 202 ROM
103, 203 RAM
104 Scanner unit (product identification information registration means)
105 Display for store clerk 106 Display for customer 107 Hard disk (product data storage means)
108 Clerk operation unit (payment information registration means)
109,207 Communication unit 110,208 Buzzer 111 Printing unit (medium recording means)
112, 211 Bus 204 Scanner unit (medium reading means)
205 Display Unit 206 Customer Operation Unit 209 Printing Unit 210 Change Machine

Claims (9)

A settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus for registering a product for purchase.
Receiving means for receiving information based on product identification information registered in the product registration device and gift certificate information that is payment information;
A settlement apparatus comprising: a settlement unit that performs the settlement process based on information received by the reception unit. If there is a difference between the purchase amount based on the product registered in the product registration device and the amount based on the gift certificate information, the amount to be inserted when the purchase amount is larger is displayed, 2. The settlement apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling to display a refund amount when the amount based on the gift certificate information is larger. The control means includes
3. The settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the purchase amount is larger and money exceeding the amount to be inserted is inserted, the change is controlled to be discharged. The control means includes
The settlement apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the amount based on the gift certificate information is larger, the payment amount is controlled to be discharged. In a checkout system comprising a merchandise registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise and a settlement apparatus that performs settlement processing for the purchased merchandise registered by the merchandise registration apparatus;
The product registration device
Product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product;
Payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information that is payment information;
Transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information as information used for the checkout process,
The settlement apparatus is
Receiving means for receiving information transmitted by the transmitting means;
A checkout system comprising: a checkout means for performing a checkout process based on the received information. A commodities registration apparatus that performs merchandise registration processing for purchased merchandise, a settlement apparatus that performs settlement processing for the purchased merchandise registered by the merchandise registration apparatus, and the commodities registration apparatus and the settlement apparatus are communicably connected. In a checkout system comprising a computer device,
The product registration device
Product identification information registration means for registering product identification information of the purchased product;
Payment information registration means for registering gift certificate information that is payment information;
Transmission means for transmitting information based on the registered product identification information and gift certificate information that is payment information to the computer device as information used in the settlement process,
The settlement apparatus is
Receiving means for receiving the information transmitted by the transmitting means from the computer device;
A checkout system comprising: a checkout means for performing a checkout process based on the received information. A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus that registers a product for purchase.
The computer,
Receiving means for receiving information based on product identification information registered in the product registration device and gift certificate information that is payment information;
A program that functions as a settlement unit that performs the settlement process based on information received by the reception unit. A settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus for registering a product for purchase.
Receiving means for receiving information based on product identification information registered in the product registration device and gift certificate information that is payment information;
Settlement means for performing the settlement process based on the information received by the reception means;
A payment apparatus comprising: printing means for printing information based on gift certificate information that is payment information included in the information received by the receiving means. A program that causes a computer to function as a settlement apparatus that performs a settlement process for a transaction that has been registered by a product registration apparatus that registers a product for purchase.
The computer,
Receiving means for receiving information based on product identification information registered in the product registration device and gift certificate information that is payment information;
Settlement means for performing the settlement process based on the information received by the reception means;
A program that functions as printing means for printing information based on gift certificate information that is payment information included in information received by the receiving means.

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